The Great Movies

He has a great list, I am not even part way through. He also always supported our artists - huge huge loss.

I had no idea of the hell he was going through having lost his lower jaw.

Derek, Thank you so much for sharing this list.
Yes, he'll certainly be missed!

Cool list; an honor roll, then; for the movies, the essays and Roger Ebert. Thx a bunch Derek!

Thanks for this, Derek. I was very sad to hear the news of Roger's death too, and two of my coworkers came over to tell me the news yesterday. He was a brilliant, courageous person and will be missed. I had the chance to interview him at the first or second US Film and Video Festival in Park City Utah. (It eventually morphed into the Sundance Film Festival.) He was gracious in the interview, and in fact I was an extra interview that wasn't on his schedule and he still did it. At the time I was working for KRCL in Salt Lake City and doing a reggae radio show, and he said he had happened to hear some of it on his way from the airport up to Park City for the festival. A few weeks later I sent him a Rita Marley extended single, and he sent a letter back thanking me. I still have the letter. At the festival I attended a showing of Citizen Kane, with Roger doing the commentary. He had a projector that he could slow down, or stop, or advance frame by frame. It was wonderful.
I will miss him. What I loved most about him was his willingness to suspend disbelief long enough to give a film a chance. I felt that he had a basic kindness in him, underlying all his intelligence and ability to be quite cutting in his commentary at times.

Cheers, Marjorie
Cool! Wow. Great story. Thank you. — Derek

When I lived in Chicago he was something of a local icon. Loved watching his show with Siskel - they were also able to get great clips from upcoming films in a pre-internet age when only carefully prepped previews were available to most on TV or at theaters. But I would also smile when Siskel would get excited and start gesticulating wildly when he and Ebert disagreed on something. (Ebert was more placid).

Thank you for sharing this, Derek.
I'll explore the movies and his essays.
Steven

Wow! Thanks!
I'm ignorant and do not know about Ebert. I've saved up all the info and links and will have a lot to do in my free time. Thanks again!

I'm really sad too D. He was the movies to me. We used to wait on Saturdays for Siskel and Ebert and with rapt attention sit and digest their take on the movies. What a tremendous list of films ! Yeah, Roger got it, having worked with Corman was a plus, he knew everything about film. And a list that shows that I liked almost every film on the list. Double Indemnity ! Wow.
In my top five, Laura, Being There. Roger was the BEST.

I can see from what you have posted here that the resource Ebert is now (as his body rests forever) is his immortalized library. Thanks for sharing. And for continually adding to your own library. Your wife doesn't miss a beat, Derek and that's a huge gift to you.

Well I'll try.

Sometimes you are so human.

Thanks for your essay, Derek. As a lifelong film fan, I have been a fan of Roger Ebert's since I could watch the original 'At the Movies' back when it was on PBS, and I was a kid just discovering the magic of film. I have seen most of the films, as well as read most of Roger's reviews (via his books, only recently online). I felt the same way with his passing. But as a movie fan, he was the best critic to have...he taught. He taught the movie going public about the power of film, and he taught Hollywood what worked in the films they made and what didn't. He would praise that which was praiseworthy, and savage what didn't with the eye of taste, and love for a medium that a lot of filmmakers don't fully understand even though it is their livelihood. His is a voice that we still have through what he wrote, but now that it no longer rings with new words put together in the right order somehow diminishes us. No film critic is as important right now, and that is the tragedy.
Roger was more than a critic, he was an example of how to live fully as well. With his cancer, he became an example of a B.A.M.F.
I'm sure you've seen the cartoons of Ebert joining Siskel in Heaven...that's what I think has happened in my heart (even though my sense of spirituality is beyond anything resembling this type of 'Heaven'). The two of them have a lot of catching up to do, and a lot of fighting about which movies deserved thumbs up and thumbs down.
Take care of yourself, Derek...Thanks for letting me say my piece.

Looks like I have some movies to watch.

Can someone explain to me why Full Metal Jacket did not make this list. OK just found his review with Siskel. http://bit.ly/YYCBip Ebert was a great guy, but he definitely missed this one.

This was very thoughtful of you.A very valuable piece of information to have.
Peace,Jason

Amadeus! That's funny! They still treat composers like that today!

By the end, Ebert wielded tremendous earned authority. He didn't start out with it -- he earned it. If you want to know how it's done, just study Ebert. Authority is earned day by day, article by article, by being brave enough to say what you think after giving the matter a great deal of educated thought, and respectfully disagreeing with others, being consistent. Curating, leading others through the fog and noise to an enlightened understanding of an experience, is also an art. This list is a great legacy and I vow to work my way through it.

I'm a little surprised Ordinary People is not there. ( happened to be watching that tonight which is why I'm mentioning it). I'm going to be checking out these movies regardless

Its always sad when someone as well known by the general public as Roger Ebert passes. I remember watching him and Siskel go at it back in the 80's. They certainly brought a certain authority to what was mostly an undisciplined art prior to their show. Those were some great times. I'm sorry that many of the new generation won't be able to experience that.

I think to a large extent, famous people like Ebert, almost represent in our hearts and minds, someone close, a family member. At least that's what it feels like when a person, even a person whom you've never met, has been in you life for so long. With so much of his thoughts and feelings transferred to his fans every week, it's difficult not feeling like you're connected in some way even though that relationship is completely one sided. That's why our sense of loss is as profound as it is. Our avuncular friend has passed away.

More importantly, and perhaps selfishly, we'll never know what he
thinks of another movie ever again. The silence is deafening.

I have seen many of these and agree with all the ones I have seen. The one I would never recommend, though, was Seven. I truly wish I'd never seen that movie and wish I didn't have those images in my head. It's one of the few horror films that got to me in a really terrible way and I wouldn't wish anyone to have to have those images in their heads either. Otherwise, great list... watch with caution I guess.

Hey Derek,

you are such a quality person in sharing your personal thoughts and dedication of loyalty to Roger's work. May he forever RIP and just keep doing what you do. No matter what it may be now or next, its always worth sharing and for this as I bet I speak for many of your followers, you are appreciated:)!

I've watched 32 of them. Lot to look forward to. Thanks, Derek.

Derek,

Your offerings are always thoughtful. This one offers a combination of intrigue, entertainment, and the probability of having one's horizons broadened enjoyably.

Many thanks

I’m so happy you shared your thoughts about Roger. I echo everything you just mentioned. I only have a several lists that I try to follow and keep up on, one being Roger Ebert’s film list, your reading list and one other. It felt reassuring to read your post. I was on the train here in Tokyo and I gasped as I read the news on my iphone yesterday morning. I felt like crying as I was headed to work. He has been a part of my life for the longest time and I will miss the conversations that my mom and I can no longer have over Roger’s movie reviews. I deeply admired Roger and was always excited each time he mentioned my favorite film Hoop Dreams over the years, the documentary that Roger voted the best film of the 90’s. I heard that his final film review will come out next week and it will be on my favorite American film director Terrence Malick’s “To The Wonder”. I can’t wait to read it. He’ll be missed and yet I think you’ll agree his affect on us will live on in our movie going experiences.

Best,
Matt

Great list of fins. My FACS are in there. Magnolia, AI...very cool. Thanks for the eye opener!

Robert Ebert will be missed.

He was quite the film buff, and I have become one myself over the years, although I do like to indulge in the guilty pleasure of "so bad, it's good."

Derek we have lost so many icons within this decade I don't know where to begin saying who all I miss, watching on T.V. or inside of the movie theater I too was a Movie Buff as well, I am a Record collector. There's certain album covers that I love like the rolling stones album cover they did in the shape of a hexagon . I sometimes sit back and say Mick soon will be gone, and Aretha, than where would music be and how would I feel when they are gone? I am so glad I was born just to see them perform, they were placed here to lift up our spirits in music. Just like Ebert made us go to the movies to see why he liked or didn't like the movie. He made viewers form a opinion and he grossed the movie industry millions through his critique. Most of the movies he chose as being the best movies made. However Jaws, I hated this movie, you could see the shark wasn't real I laughed straight through the movie. I was also into musical The Unsinkable Molly Brown Starring Debbie Reynolds is still one of my favorite movies and The Sound Of Music with Julie Andrews. Now I wonder why he left these two movies out Ebert you will be missed. Derek thank you for sharing this with me.

That's quite a legacy he left, I never thought of movies as an art form. I thought of them more as entertainment. Thanks for posting the list, I look forward to finding a few new favorites.

Thanks, Derek for this post and these links! I was sad to hear the news as well, but am not near as dedicated Ebertologist as you.

If Roger Ebert liked a movie you could be assured that was either a good or a great one.
Maybe the best film critic ever. He must have loved his job immensely.
Thanks Derek.

This was an awesome blog Derek and thanks for posting more cool info about Roger! I'm gonna check out all these unique films soon and noticed he didn't have Rushmore on the list. I wonder if he liked that one at all. Thanks again for posting this list of great movies!!

Thanks for sharing Derek. While Ebert is known in Australia he's not the icon that he is in the states. I've been looking for a good movie list for a while!!! Cheers
BTW I didn't know you studied jazz at Berklee - what's your instrument? I dont know how i missed that point! I'm launching a new jazz album next week!
Cool! About Berklee, see sive.rs/berklee (I played guitar, piano, and vocals.) — Derek

Thank you, Derek. A Friend of ours, who was effectively raised on the 300 greats, made a very thoughtful post on the topic as well: http://esotericfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/the-wonderment-of-lifes-experience.html

A very nice tribute, to someone who touched you, Derek. This was more then just about the films. It was about "seeing", and then "seeing again".

Great men leave the treasure map for those who remain.

Great stuff, I'd never heard of these essays. I just picked one that stood out (planes trains & automobiles). Classic essay for a classic movie. Now I know where to look when we're looking to rent a movie. Thanks for sharing Derek.

Thanks again Derek

I did not know him at all,
But this list tells it all.

This is such a beautiful send-off of a great man. I'm sure you saw his movie "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls". We were sharing stories of the great show he and Siskell did and someone said that the last thing he wrote was was, "And I'll see you at the movies."? Which is fitting. and I was really missing his great and absolute strength in supporting his argument when he and Siskell would disagree.I am bookmarking this as I see a number of my favorites in here;) Thanks my friend.

It is also amazing that someone would take up the challenge of explaining Mulholland drive. You got to give such a person credit.

Wow I love this-"“The Great Movies” was his collection of films he felt were the best. Years after his initial review, he’d go back and watch it at least once more, then write a deeper essay about it":
About a week ago I celebrated my 50 birthday by furfilling a dream I had since watching Easy Rider (on Roger Ebert's list). I've seen this film many times. Everytime they are riding while The Weight of The Band is on the sountrack, I said I want to do that too. So I found an Harlist woman here in Israel who took me on that day to a ride while I had The Weight on my earphones. It was breathtaking.
But I have another 50 birthday coming in 3 days. (Lucky me...the previous one was according the hebrew calander) . I think I will on Tuesday what Ebert did, and go back to some old favorites in my life list, the ones that haven't changed (just like movies) to see what's changed in me...It worked with Easy Rider...(:

thanks Derek for link

best regards
Jan

I had a related event happen to me at a Picasso exhibition. I wasn't supposed to be there and got talking to a guy who had me transfixed with a the story behind Picassos bronze skull sculpture.

I've been a huge fan of art ever since

Derek, thanks for sharing! I'll be busy now with all these tabs open.

I met Mr. Ebert years ago in line at a coffee shop in Chicago during blues fest. A very charming and humble guy. He will of course be missed by many...

What! No "brown bunny?" ;) Ebert will definitely be missed, Thank you for such an insightful article Derek!

Thank you for sharing this Derek. I tend to avoid reviews like the plague before I've seen the movie, because I don't like having the experience coloured in advance by someone else's thoughts, but I love reading them afterwards. I've never read much of Roger Ebert, but from all the outpouring it sounds like I've missing out on something great. Thanks again!

Derek you commented, "The Cubs fan sees inevitable tragedy unfolding.” My comment: There should be a Movie about this! And, my song should be in it!!!


WILL THE WORLD END BEFORE THE CUBS WIN IT ALL?

CHORUS

WILL THE WORLD END BEFORE THE CUBS WIN IT ALL?
WILL THE SKY OPEN? WILL ALL THE STARS FALL ?
MANY MILLIONS THINK THE CUBS WILL NEVER WIN
SAINTLY CUB FANS BELIEVE! TO NOT BELIEVE'S A SIN!


HIGH IN THE CLOUDS WE GODS OF BASEBALL THUNDER
A MERCY RULE FOR THE CUBS WILL BRING WONDER
THE CUBS WON THE WORLD SERIES IN NINETEEN O EIGHT
THEY HAVEN'T WON IT SINCE THAT LONG AGO DATE

A MERCY RULE OF MIRACLES FOR THE CUBS,
WILL BANISH THEIR DOUBTS AND THEIR FLUBS
INCLUDING THE CURSE OF THE GOAT FOREVER
NEVER TO CURSE THE CHICAGO CUBS EVER

REPEAT CHORUS

WE'LL HELP THEM WIN THE N.L. PENNANT THIS FALL
NEXT FOE THE WHITE SOX IN A WORLD SERIES TAKE ALL
OF COURSE, THE CUBBIE MERCY RULE MUST APPLY
THE SOX MUST PLAY WITH BLINDERS ON EACH EYE

WE'LL RAISE WRIGLEY FIELD UP TO THE TOP OF THE SKY
WHERE THE CUBS AND HEAVEN MIGHT PLAY TO A TIE
WE'LL TELL THE CUBS DON'T PLAY THE TEAM FROM HELL
TOO MANY GREAT PLAYERS WHO PLAY DIRTY AND WELL

REPEAT CHORUS

Joe Pickering Jr. Songwriter King of the Road Music Roger Eydenberg Producer and Singer All rights to the song owned by Joe Pickering Jr. C 2012

So sad to see talent leave this world....now what? There are many movies on your list I haven't seen and many I have...netflix will be busy in my home for quite awhile...thank you!

What a gift for Sunday mornings. I had forgotten how much I love his reviews--RIP Ebert Thanks, Derek

I apologize if someone here already mentioned this, but I recently heard a statement he once made -- something to the effect that great movies are those that you can see over and over again, yet seem to be new every time you watch. (I'm sure he said it more eloquently than I am doing here). Same seems to apply to music and written material as well. Brilliant!

I have your same habit of reading reviews of Ebert after each movie. I felt real bad about his death, am sure I will watch less films now...
I have created a few months back a list of Ebert's favorite recent films (collected them from his recents posts)
http://www.imdb.com/list/9g1UP-vGM4c/

Roger Ebert is the only film critic (or critic of ANY medium) I 100% connected with. With a limited amount of time to enjoy films, I always checked his opinions first--he warded me off of several dogs! (Only thing I ever took issue with was his initial review of ACE VENTURA, which I guess he later retracted?!?!) What a passionate, reliable source. And a man with depth to spare. But I never though about reading his commentary AFTER enjoying one of these fine films. Thanks for this list! BTW, there are some great OUTTAKE videos of he and Siskel on YouTube, by the way--hysterical!! A MUST SEE, haha!

Thanks Derek, I remember when it had his partner and it was a duo I forgot the other guys name Driscal , or Fiscal and Ebert. I will check some of them out. Thanks for the list.
Hadassah

Brilliant as always, my friend. May God rest his soul. I wish he could know how many lives he touched!
Wishing you continued inspiration,
denise

Thank you for sharing this ... I have thoroughly enjoyed Roger's reviews over the last few decades ... but I was not aware of this list ... Now my fun 'to-do' list has grown significantly as I'll try to watch the films I didn't see and check out his reviews. Could take a while ...

funny, i watched Babel this afternoon.

The Great JeanPaul Belmondo is 80 this week,
i'd like to see him in there..also the amazing
french/italian films of the 70s.
been watching SO many films in the past couple
of years(keeping classics and cult movies in wallets)
that i'm starting to think
a/ about Hollywood output (generic script types/do
you go for certain actors/how deep is the well)
b/ do films have a sell-by date? all the old black+
whites? > saw 'The Innocents' on tv a few weeks
ago, by chance..worth seeing, for example. 80s
movies that seem dated but nice to watch
c/ does the film industry have to keep up production/
output targets, in order to produce so much side-dross?!!(and keep everyone working)
ah: time to write a script?

2nd post, soz.. thought i'd throw in a suggestion,
of the top of me head: (oddball, but)
The Devils by Ken Russell, with Oliver Reed and...
whassrname..? Vanessa Redgrave. that's a mad film...

i don't see (A)Clockwork Orange on here, seen again
the other day. has style, form, subversion/meme.

This is so amazing. Thank you.

Okay, I just read his article on Top Hat. That was my test, because I LOOOOVE that movie and no one else I know sees the value. Ebert's essay on it tore me up. Perfection. Vindication. I can't wait to dig into the rest of this list.....Thanks, again.

Gone is a trusted voice, I like that you would see the movie first and then read his review. :) Proves you cannot be influenced even by those you respect most, the mind of a great independent thinker! Keep shining, awesome list, thank you!

His inclusion of "Birth of a Nation" invalidates any opinion he may have had. I sat through that piece of shit because so many people list it among the greats. Those people clearly didn't watch it. The fact that he watched it and lists it among the greatest films shows a disconnect, a complete lack of taste that I cannot reconcile.

I'm sorry for your loss, but I do not share it.

Sad he is gone. But he left us this GREAT list. Thanks for sharing it.

He has a few of my favorites: Cool Hand Luke, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane, Shawshank Redemption.

What an amazing treasure trove! Thanks for sharing Ebert's legacy in this special way.

I didn't know anything about Roger Ebert until today. Now I've read 25 or more of his essays.

I use to cry a lot watching movies. I didn't know, that I'd cry the same way or even more reading movie critics. I do.

Thanks for posting this list! I have the three "Great Movies" books and also Ebert's book of collected four star reviews and they all make wonderful reading. My question is, who do we turn to now for movie review? Is there anyone else out there who can fill Roger's shoes?

Cool list and all but where is Friday? J/K but I wonder what he thought about the movie.

I think I'll start with the m's and work my way up, the go n and down from there. Netflix...here we come

Thanks for posting all of these film titles. I'm amazed at how many of them I had the pleasure of seeing. I started watching Roger Ebert when he and Gene Siskel had their show together and it was bar none the most intelligent exchange of film criticism that I had seen on television. He was influential like the best teachers in spotlighting films that made you want to go out and see them. Thanks, Roger

Thanks for sharing the list of movies and the links to Ebert's reviews Derek. I've been a fan of your book list... seems like this move list is next. I have seen only some of them, and now I am reading Ebert's reviews of them: detailed, historical, and based on multi-perspectives. Now I appreciate why he is missed by many.

Thanks a million for that list! I've been looking for that for ages! Love Meg

An eclectic and interesting selection. Many I've seen and many yet to see. One not there which would be high my list is "The Unbearable Lightness of Being".

Some of these, like 3 Women and Le Chein Andalu are so esoteric that I thought only I knew about them! Others like Grounhog Day are noblese oblige. But he has missed so many that I would have added to the list, like Rumblefish and all of Lena Wurtmiller's films but namely Swept Away and Seven Beauties. And he missed some classic rom coms such as Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail. Just of good measure, I would have also added The Women... Thanks for sharing the Derek. Hubbie and I have a new tradition (thanks to IPad and Apple TV) of watching a movie in bed on Sunday mornings. I had never paid attention to Roger Ebert before but now surely your loss will become my gain...

Thank you Derek. wow.

If we fan to someone, and we have a perspective about something.
At further we find out that our fan perspective is the opposite with ours.
What would you think slightly? Would you doubt your perspective at first? or doubt your fan perspective?
I am always questioning it many times at past.

Have you ever had the thoughts that the opposite to Seth Godin, or Derek Sivers, or your teacher, or anyone you admire? Did you feel their thoughts always right and your thoughts are dubiety (not worth enough)?

Your thoughts shape your living, your history, and your wants.
If 2 years passed away, what would you tell to others?
Would you tell others how fan you are toward someone and your fan perspectives? or your perspectives about something and what you do about it?

Admiring someone is good, but please don't say that your thoughts are suck. Maybe it just different.

Wow! Great memories. I followed Siskel and Ebert reviews and loved their interplay. Seen most of these movies since I'm a movie junky. We have a vast DAD collection that has probably a hundered of these. We've seen all of the AFI top one hundred. THanks for the wonderful reminder. His death choked us up too...Jack Walker Santa Monica

Brilliant contribution-and suggestion! I can imagine adding this screening- review activity to my " how to stay engaged while aging" lol!! I can already think of some key people in my life that would enjoy this. Thanks for sharing more of you, here. I feel your loss.

Great list! Thank you for sharing. One more Being graced our world. We are blessed. RIP, Mr Ebert.

Thanks a lot Derek for the list. So badly wanted this list organised this way from which I could refer and watch!

This is a touching note. I think for people who are more artistic, part of them will be preserved in their writings, musics and films.

Thanks for the share, Derek.

Is there any easy way to add the movies to the Netflix queue or is it a one by one proposition?
One by one. Labor of love. — Derek

I had never heard of Roger Ebert before receiving your mail, but now I've read a few of the reviews I'm a (rather too late) fan.
I particularly like the review of Withnail & I, a film I can relate to on many levels, even though I have never seen monsters in the kitchen sink.
Friends wonder at the size of my DVD collection and I own about two thirds of these films, but I'm reminded by the list of more I must buy.
Thanks for this,
Mike.

Hey Derek,
Movies are my life too. They say much more than music. Saying that though, watch the art of my new signing STILLS in their new video up on Recreation. It is filmic!!
Andy

Thank you, Roger! And thank you, Derek! What a generous gift.

Thank you Derek....sharing this...
hugs and fishes.....

I am so happy that Avatar and Titanic are not on that list.

Thanks for this reminder Derek. A great tribute to the man!

Derek, I was also a huge Roger Ebert fan, and was so saddened to learn of his death, shortly after his new cancer diagnosis. He entertained me for many years, and I am so happy to have this list in one place, where I can refer back to it. I have seen many, but not all and will look forward to checking out those I had forgotten about.

I am grateful that Roger is now out of pain, and at peace. He enriched my life forever, and I am happy to see that I was not the only one! Have a wonderful week!

Sitting here in amazement that you were thoughtful enough to share these essays. Wow, how grateful I am right now.

I, too, mourn the loss of Ebert. Also, Maurice Sendak, and Jim Henson. Three of our age's best.

Your tale of putting Ebert's list on Netflix is a familiar one. My grandson, Max did the same after receiving several must-see list books from his granddad. Trouble was, it was his parent's account and he didn't ask first. My daughter kept getting titles she hadn't ordered and wondered if someone had hacked her account. They had, sort of. Max got off with a mild reprimand. He's in college now, studying cinema. His sister just finished a documentary video for school on her grandfather, called "The Ed Project." Couldn't ask for a better gift.
Ed Sholty

Derek,

Thank you so much for sharing that!! Just read this (found it via Facebook) and just love the story!
Roger Ebert is a treasure here in Chicago, and will be so missed!!!
:D
Robin

Thank you.

When we lost Roger we lost a classic. Amazing list of videos. His legacy will live on through this blog.

Because he viewed each movie through the lens of movie history he had the most unique and educated perspective about movies. While I didn't always agree with his reviews I did always respect his love for movies.

Derek, our experiences with Ebert's reviews were remarkably similar. He was virtually unknown in my country (Poland), but I somehow stumbled on his Sun-Times page in the early days of the Web. I immediately became a fan. I used to print lists of movies that he gave 4 stars to, and rent them one by one from my local video store. I always consulted his reviews before selecting movies to see at festivals. I used to joke that I can't tell if I liked a movie until I've read Ebert's review. :) He was my guide to the world of film.

For me, the greatest thing about Ebert was that he could write about movies without sinking into pretentious academic jargon. He was able to appreciate not just Antonioni, but also more accessible movies like Star Wars or Gattaca. He did not believe, as many academic critics seem to believe, that if a movie is entertaining, it cannot be worthwhile.

When cancer took his ability to speak, he didn't give up -- he started to write even more. His blog was one of the most popular (and well-written) in the world. Everybody should read his post "New Seasons With New Names":
http://www.rogerebert.com/rogers-journal/new-seasons-with-new-names

Now where the hell do I go for smart movie reviews?

Bookmarked! Thanks Derek. Thanks Roger.

Hi Derek, Just read your book and was very inspired. Then I found your website and this page in particular. I am a huge Ebert fan going all the way back to the Siskel and Ebert days. The perspective from which he reviewed a movie was the best and he will be missed. Thanks and good luck in your future adventures. Joe.

Thank you for compiling this list in this convenient format. I was trying to find a list online, but all I saw were lists with no documentation saying where the information was from. From your passion in talking about Roger Ebert, I trust that your list is reliable. I TRIED to copy the list from his page, http://www.rogerebert.com/great-movies, and make my own spreadsheet, but your list is so much better. Thanks bunches from a fellow fan of great movies and Roger Ebert.

I don't know if you already know this or not, but I went googling and found out that Hulu.com has a special category for Roger Ebert Great Movies. This will make it easier for me to start watching them in a fat hurry. Thanks again for compiling your list!

http://www.hulu.com/browse/picks/eberts-great-movies

Thank you for that. I appreciate your generosity in providing so much useful information and links.

Thanks a million for putting this list up.!!! I know from the few that I have seen already that I will be entertained and challenged by them.

In Ebert's writing was the man.

I remember when I saw Tom Cruise playing a bearded bad guy in Collateral Damage. This was when Cruise was at the hight of his unpopularity. The first two professional reviewers I found were against the movie, and so catty against Cruise it was as if they were living out he stereotype of catty Hollywood drag queens.

So I went to Ebert's review. Such a gentleman. He agreed with me that it was a good movie, and he validated my opinion that Cruise acted well in the movie.

As a gentleman, Ebert's "journal" (blog) had no trolls. Lots of people commented with civilized attention spans. I missed his journal when he died, I still miss his reviews.

Great list. I've seen 245 of them as of today, leaving 119 to look forward to, and several to revisit.

Thanks for this list Derek,
I am just taking a break from the day job - raising money for technology companies (any that are within the 4th Industrial Revolution) to write a film based on the life of an 18 year old French Resistance teenager who was immortalised by Robert Capa in Life Magazine.

Doing a deep dive into all things resistance I have been constantly nagged by a bestie (You have to read Ebert's essays you have to read Ebert) - finally I did and saw what he meant.

Thanks for this list and your life - you are an inspiration on how life can be lived if you accept your current comfort zone as only a lunch pad to discover what lies in the great unknown beyond it.

best,

BB

This list never gets old!

It looks like it inspired someone to create an IMDb watchlist - www.imdb.com/list/ls051203792 - really useful for checking which movies from the list are available on Amazon Prime.

I also found a website that can scan IMDb watchlists and check Netflix availabilities, here is the result:
vidchuck.com/the-great-movies-by-roger-ebert-on-netflix

I hope it's useful for someone!

Thank you so much for this convenient list that I scoured the internet to find. I, too, was so sad when my favorite movie critic passed away. Rest assured, he has the best seat in the best of theaters now, where he can watch all his beloved movies to his heart's content.

In Tamil, though I have watched 1000s of movies in the last 46 years, I can tell three movies are the best and mind changing -
1. Unnal Mudiyum Thambi (You can do it brother)
2. Nammavar (Our Man)
3. Anbe Shivam (Love is God)
Incidentally all these three are acted by the actor who I do not like - Kamal Hassan

In Hindi, with the help of my friends I watched few movies and the below touched my heart and made me sleepless for days as I was forced to think about the contents and philosophy the movie sowed
1. 3 Idiots
2. Swadesh
3. Tamasha
4. Tare Zameen Par

You can add these 7 Movies to your list and definitely you would enjoy them with Sub Titles.
Yours
VN