Sjogren’s Top Tens — Movies (Worth Seeing)

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Top Tens – Movies (Worth Seeing)

DISCLAIMER: The movies listed below are not necessarily movies that I can scene-for-scene recommend. When I view a film that has a disturbing scene or two I tend to walk away and forget the specifics that offended me and capture its essence more than the particular specifics. You may view one of these movies and find it somewhat offensive and if I were with you I might agree with your assessment. I offer you this list as an adult to other adults. Honestly I don’t know what each of their ratings are. I have viewed films rated PG that offended me and I have seen others rated R that didn’t bother me. (Perhaps the film rating system is imperfect?)

I offer this list because I am frequently asked what movies I have enjoyed. Here’s a shot at such a list. Sorry in advance for ones the I left out or included that you don’t approve.


It’s a Wonderful Life
This film is in a class by itself on this list. I have seen this movie at least one hundred times and don’t consider a minute of viewing time wasted. It is a classic because it captures the notion that all of us are significant beyond what we realize. I’m not an overly emotional person, but I cry at several points each time I view this movie.

Wizard of Oz
How could someone from Kansas not have this near the top of his movie pick list? I’ve watched it at least once a year. The music is great. The choreography is lively. Best of all, the Wicked Witch of the West no longer scares me.

Citizen Kane
I know, it looks corny to have this on the list, but I seriously like it. Get past the Rosebud stuff . Pay no attention to the scoffers and you will enjoy this one – trust me.

Buckaroo Banzai – Across the Eighth Dimension
A funny, off the wall sci-fi flick that I find hilarious. If you are like me you probably won’t get it the first time through. I recommend you watch it at least twice before passing judgment. In addition to a great story line, it is filled with actors who made their debut here and went on to fame in other movies. This film may be hard to find because it is currently out of print. My hope is that it comes out on DVD before long.

Rear Window
The Birds is for the birds compared to this one. Undoubtedly Hitchcock’s best flick. The casting is outstanding. The story line is Alfred’s greatest. To top it off it was recently redone with Dolby sound and the color touched up.

Glory
I watch and have watched a lot of movies in my humble opinion this is one of the most powerful films ever made. I can’t watch it without being moved by the courage of the African-American soldiers depicted in this true story from the American Civil War.

Pay it Forward
This is the best servant evangelism recruiting film ever made. It didn’t get great reviews, but since when have reviewers recognized a redemptive movie when one was staring them in the face. I’m downright evangelistic about this one.

Gladiator
This academy award winning film is a powerful story of redemption. There is some violence, but that follows with the theme of the Roman soldiers. I think this movie could be used as a recruiting film for budding leaders because it so wonderfully captures the idea of the servant-doing leader.

Raising Arizona
This is one of the funniest movies of all time. It’s done by the Cohen brothers, so it’s definitely a dark comedy. Don’t take offense at it, laugh and have a good time. I don’t necessarily recommend all of the Cohen brothers films, but this is their wittiest and most profitable to date.

Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?
Another Cohen brothers film so, of course, it’s a dark comedy. There’s a story of human will and the desire to overcome the powers of the lower human nature that runs throughout the movie that make this movie hilarious.

Blade Runner
This dark, futuristic film is loaded with actors who were previously unknowns, but went on to big roles in Hollywood. It’s intense, but the music is great and the story is riveting.

Apocalypse Now
Do not watch this one if you are in a funk. Most film reviewers regard this as the “Best Viet Nam Movie” I agree. This infamously dark flick powerfully captures the plight of humankind who face life without a personal relationship with God, at least that’s how I interpret it.

Steve has spoken, mentored and modeled to churches and leaders around the world with the simple message that anyone – regardless of their gifting or experience – can be involved in bringing God’s loving kindness to others. His first book, Conspiracy of Kindness has been translated into several languages with more in the works. His first book has sold over 300,000 copies. Altogether his books have sold over 500,000 copies.