Explained List: My AFI Top 100

In May 2018, the podcast “Unspooled” suggested taking the AFI Top 100 and making your own list. I can’t resist making a list, so I started with the ones I had seen at the time. The original AFI list came out in 1997, and I made it the center of my film education. In 2007, the AFI updated the list, removing and replacing 23 films in the process. 

On October 3, 2024, six years after I originally posted this list, I finally watched all 100 of the 2007 list.

On August 27, 2025, roughly 28 years after the list came out, I watched the last of the films removed from the original 1997 list.

So here it is, my personal ranking of all 123 movies that have ever been included in the AFI Top 100. The ones left off the 2007 list are asterisked. I’m sure I’ll continue adjusting this list the more I think about it, but here it is.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Filling in the Gaps II

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at  Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

I commend the hell out of Kris. Writing about old movies week in, week out is kind of tedious and tiring. Every week, I read his new article and percolate over what I want to say. Then I sit down at my computer and nothing happens. The "Rebel Without a Cause" response I just posted, I actually wrote in December, but it took me four months to muster up the motivation to edit and finally post it.

But here I go, trying to get caught up once again:

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Rebel Without a Cause

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at  Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

I saw this movie last time in the most ideal setting. Cinespia in Los Angeles does movie screenings every summer at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Surrounded by the graves of old Hollywood royalty, the crowd gathers on the lawn while they project the movie on the side of the huge, white mausoleum. It has a way of enhancing the movie experience. It's not just a bunch of people who want to see a movie. It's a group who want to stand in a long line just to sit on the damp grass for hours as the summer night gets chillier by the minute, just to watch this movie. It made "Clockwork Orange" funnier, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" far more exciting, and, to a West Hollywood audience, "Rebel Without a Cause" a thousand times gayer.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Filling in the Gaps

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

I've fallen off writing these responses. It's a combination of a few things, but some of these movies I just don't have an essay's worth to write about. Seeing no reason to just fill space with words unnecessarily, here's a word or two on the films I've skipped. I can't wait to read what Kris has to say about "Rebel Without a Cause" because I already have a jumping off point, but I don't like putting my thoughts together until I read what he has to say.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Forrest Gump

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

I'm sort of glad Kris ripped into this movie (particularly this movie) because it means finally, I get to be the voice of reason. When I was in high school, I made a list of my 30 favorite movies, and periodically I'll update it. "Forrest Gump" has consistently stayed in my top 20. While I can totally understand everyone's problems with this movie, I still love the shit out of it, and I think the haters hate this movie simply because they don't have a healthy relationship with joy. I wonder if people who don't love "Forrest Gump" will ever be able to find happiness in life.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: City Lights

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

Finally, time to cut the bullshit. I lumped as much praise on "Modern Times" as I will ever give a Chaplin film and now it's time to just go negative. The biggest problem with "City Lights" is that it was made by Charlie Chaplin, and not Buster Keaton. Sure, Chaplin was bigger at the time, but if we're talking about 100 examples of classic cinema, the discussion becomes about how to today's audiences, Chaplin moves are boring, cheesy, melo-dramatic, and lame. On the other hand, Keaton's movies reach a level of brilliance that transcends all time. If you have the patience to watch a silent film, Keaton should be your first stop. You'll be hooked.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: American Graffiti

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

"American Graffiti" shows Lucas to be a master of genre. I think if he hadn't tripped and got his head stuck so far up his own ass, he could have churned out a wide variety of films that all tap into a sense of shared experience that make movies popular. He just gets it, at least he used to. This film, though, falls in that category of classics where the influence far out-weighs the film itself.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Rocky

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

Sylvester Stallone may be the single most confusing figure in Hollywood history. He has starred in, directed, and produced some of the most over-the-top, shlocky action films -- a fact of which he is very proud -- yet he is capable of telling these deeply personal, universally human stories. The guy who regrets making "Stop, Or My Mom Will Shoot" but not "Tango and Cash" is introspective, highly philosophical, and way smarter than anyone gives him credit for. That all brings us to "Rocky."

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: The Deer Hunter

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

This movie probably illustrates the biggest divide between how Kris and I watch movies. As you can probably tell from Kris's writing, he cares deeply about a lot of very important issues. When I say care, I mean more than your average person on Facebook who posts a relevant status and feels like he's made a difference. Kris takes the time to research and learn about the causes about which he cares. The perspective that comes from all that seeps into his love of movies, especially those that were made specifically to make the public at large think about big issues, like the effect war has on the soldiers. For me, though, a film is a story first, and its issues and themes a distant second. That is why I think "The Deer Hunter" is one of the most boringest movies ever.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Modern Times

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

I've got two other Chaplin movies on the list, where I can just talk about how much I dislike Charlie Chaplin. My favorite Chaplin movie is actually "Chaplin," where Robert Downey, Jr. makes the man a lot more engaging to me than the real thing ever was. I'll save the rant about how Buster Keaton is way better for another movie. For now, it's time to get into why this, the lowest ranked of 3 Chaplin movies on the list, is by far my favorite.
Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Platoon

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

I've been way too negative lately. It's time to put a positive spin on a movie I'm very eh about.  On one hand, it feels like a shallow '80s version of "Apocalypse Now," right down to the next-gen Sheen casting, but on the other, I enjoyed it a hell of a lot more than Coppola's mind-numbingly arty epic (more on that one when we get to it). What makes this movie great for me is supporting actor spotting. This movie was a gathering spot for what would be the next generation of movies and TV.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Fargo

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

Man, do I love this film. It's a great example of writing, directing, and acting combining so perfectly to the point they all make the others seem better. This movie is unbelievably quotable, but not in an annoying way. None of the lines are so good they become cliche, but the delivery of the lines just burns them all in your brain. I use, "Prowler needs a jump," to describe everything from a situation where a car battery has died to a computer that needs to restart to my own desire to eat something. The characters are great and the story is hilarious and unexpected. I do not, however, think it belongs on this list. Had the movie not come out the year the AFI voted, it wouldn't be anywhere close.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Duck Soup

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

I am with Kris 100% that this is a turning point on the list. Of the previous 15 movies, 7 were removed from the updated list. Now at #85, we get into the real, impossible to argue with, classics. On that updated list, "Duck Soup" jumps 25 slots to #60, and it absolutely deserves to be there. This movie is the closest to tangible comedy the human race will ever achieve. "30 Rock" tries to get as close as possible with its anarchistic mayhem and anything-for-a-laugh philosophy, and "Monty Python" gets as close to funny as British people are capable, but "Duck Soup" simply nails it. It achieves a level of comedy never surpassed and never matched even by other Marx Brothers films.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: My Fair Lady & Patton

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

I held off on "My Fair Lady" two weeks ago, so I could do a compare/contrast this week. As ridiculous as that sounds, I'm going to pull it off. Both these movies are classic pieces that nail a specific period of time. Both are anchored by screen legends. Both are on my Dad's list of best movies of all time, and I find both to be resoundingly eh.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: The Apartment

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

"The Apartment"

I really love this movie. As someone who has had my share of crazy ex-girlfriends and wonders if that means I used to just be a pushover, "The Apartment" is a ray of hope. At first, Jack Lemmon seems to be a weak character who just puts up with this woman's nonsense, but in the end, even once he has come into himself, he realizes he truly loves her. That realization paints him not as a victim of this whole thing but rather a guy who along had the strength to treat this woman with respect while everyone else around them treated her like a fuck puppet.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Goodfellas

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

"Goodfellas"

Speaking of "South Park," a friend of mine in college used to say he stopped liking that show because of the people who liked it. Nothing about the quality of the show, just that douche bags like it; therefore, he hates it. While I think that's a cop out and an excuse to not make opinions for yourself, I think Kris nails the sentiment behind it. Stupid people can ruin anything with their stupidity. On the other hand, every time I see some bro with that iconic "Goodfellas" poster on the wall, I can't help but chuckle because he clearly loves it for all the reasons the movie tells you you're not supposed to like it.

Wow, what the hell does that mean?

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Pulp Fiction

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

"Pulp Fiction"

It's hard to argue with Kris, especially since he's talking about his favorite movie. He pretty much nailed everything great about this film. Despite what I'm about to say, I really do like this movie. Through the magic of basic cable, I've seen this movie many, many times, and I always end up watching it to the end. My biggest problem, though, is Quentin Tarantino.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: The Searchers

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

"The Searchers"

Good God did I hate this movie. When I found out that on the 10th Anniversary list, this shot up 84 places to #12, I pretty much lost my shit. I also pretty much hate Westerns as a genre, so if you're a fan, you can pretty much stop reading now. There's probably something funny over at Cracked.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Bringing Up Baby

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

"Bringing Up Baby"

Before I started watching old movies, I saw AFI's second list, which layed out 25 actors and 25 actresses they considered to be the best of the best. Cary Grant was #3 actor and Katherine Hepburn was #1 actress. I went into a lot of my movie viewing with this in mind. I crossed off these screen legends from my list just as I crossed off the 100 movies. Being the constant skeptic I am, I found myself questioning why these two deserved such high places on the list. It wasn't until I saw "Bringing Up Baby" that I understood.

Keep Reading >>

Kris and Adam Discuss AFI’s Top 100: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Kris Jenson, with whom I've had the best discussions of my life, is an old friend of mine from Boston. We had been talking about the American Film Institute's Top 100 when he got a job at Dig Boston, writing about just that. Instead of letting the conversation end just because he's a big, fancy writer now, I'm going to write responses to his articles. I can't keep up with his movie watching, so I'm only responding to the ones I've seen.

"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"

Brace yourselves, everyone, I'm going to write something resoundingly positive. Not only do I adore this movie, I think Kris's article is spot on. If you haven't read it, here's the link again. Seriously, it's really good.

Keep Reading >>