Over the last few weeks I’ve been finding myself surprised at the movie that people declare to be their “favorite”. I myself have the same problem. Generally people are surprised that I have even sifted through all the movies that I’ve seen and have declared one my “favorite”, but also at the movie that it is. I find so very often that people are usually incongruent with the movies they call their favorites that I made a list of my own just to see what’s on it. It’s a pretty dismal list, actually.

So here, for all the world to see, is my list of favorite movies. Some of these movies may surprise you, but I urge you to keep and open mind. I am not some kind of movie hack… just look at my 10!

Pretty Woman – One of my favorite romantic comedies because Vivian sold her body and still came out on top. Classic ‘hooker with a heart of gold’ and Edward seemed like a nice guy… you know for a rich jerk. It seems so strange that this movie still remains one of my favorites after so many years, even though it’s got a pretty crappy message about women’s rights. I dunno. I just love it. “Can I call you Eddie?”

Iron Man – A more recent addition to this list, it’s not just because it’s a super hero movie (although that helps) and it’s not just because it’s hilarious (although that helps too) and it’s not just because it brought RDJ back from the dead (but that’s super too, non?) it’s because it’s one damn fine package. Bottom line? It’s a great story and all that other stuff is icing. Also, it has a man who flies around in a suit fighting for justice, peace and the, er, American way. “This is the fun-vee. The hum-drum-vee is back there.”

Hellboy – Yeah well, I can’t help myself. I love Guillermo and the big red guy – put them together and it’s magic (no pun intended!). Yes, I’m aware that it’s a pretty crappy movie and that it’s really short, but I still can’t help myself. The first incarnation of HB, Abe, Liz and the Professor on screen was a pretty big deal for me. Sad about HB II and their stupid Golden Army just encouraging them to make more…. John: “Did you ever lose track of him?”, HB: “Well let’s see – there was that moment, when I had the train on top of my head…”

Mystery Men – Well this one shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. It’s really an awesome movie with awesome characters, memorable lines and a gang that dresses for the Disco. What’s not to love? I don’t think I need to dwell too hard on this one, I’m pretty sure you all agree this movie was awesome, non? “We are number one. All others are number two, or lower.”

Office Space – The first time I saw this movie I loved it, but my true, unending passion for it did not occur until I worked in an office. Everything you see in this movie is true, with the possible exception of the… no, it’s really true. I have met every single one of these people, I have worked with all of them and it has taken years off my life. I have TPS cover sheets in my cubicle along with my Initech mug and my flare. Somehow Mike Judge found a way to make all of that funny and to him I am forever grateful. “I used to be over by the window, and I could see the squirrels, and they were married, but then, they switched from the Swingline to the Boston stapler, but I kept my Swingline stapler because it didn’t bind up as much, and I kept the staples for the Swingline stapler and it’s not okay because if they take my stapler then I’ll set the building on fire…”

Batman Begins – I hope that this needs no explanation. It was the Batman movie you didn’t know you were waiting for. And it rocked. And then so did its sequel. Chris Nolan is my hero. “Men fear most what they cannot see.”

Sahara – Yes, I can hear you groan. But what was so bad about this movie? It’s hilarious! Great buddy comedy with some action and a girl mixed in. Sure it makes a lousy attempt at politics, but so did the books it was based on. It’s so fun, in fact, that I often put it on when I’m doing laundry so I have something fun to watch. I just really, really love it.  “No. African war zone. Ship of death!”

The Italian Job – This is the new one. It’s not that I don’t like the old, it’s just that I really love this movie. Again, it’s just got good pieces and, to be frank, I just really love Seth Green. I thought that it was smart, well written, well put together and had an awesome cast that did a good job. It’s not high art, but it’s good for a Friday night or a sick day. “He said he named it Napster because it was his nickname because of the nappy hair under the hat. But he, It’s because I was NAPPING when he STOLE it from me. He didn’t even graduate.”

Shaun of the Dead – To be honest, the movie itself isn’t what pleases me (although it IS awesome) but rather the memories associated with it. I saw it at and advance screening and I was lucky enough to meet Edgar, Nick and Simon and the seat beside us was saved for George Romero. It’s a fun horror movie to pop in when you’re looking for something that has zombies, but don’t have the time to dedicate to getting scared. “I’m sorry Shaun.”

Garden State – To be honest, this is my favorite movie (yes, of all time). It’s the movie that feels the most like coming home. It’s my favorite movie for a lot of reasons, many of them you do not care to know, but in short it was simply the right movie to see at the right time in my life and it stuck with me. “Don’t tease me about my hobbies, I don’t tease you about being an asshole.”

What are some of your favorite movies? Do you think they reflect your movie tastes in general, or are they a different breed of movie? Tell me in the comments.