Lists are incredibly difficult to come up with. Why one film made it higher on the list over another I cannot give a proper explanation. Does it matter? I guess it does when you put numbers to it. You could move around all of the films in my top twenty in any form and it would not really matter because they're all extraordinary. Therefore, I ranked them in the order that they stayed with me, remained in my thoughts, made me want to call an old friend, forced me to reexamine my life, made me miss a lost love and simply stayed close to my heart weeks after viewing it. In picking the top films, I thought back on what the late Gene Siskel would do each and every year; he would pick the film, which he felt, showed the greatest joy and love of filmmaking and that was usually his number one movie. Looking back on this decade, I kept that in mind and created the list below. I don't expect everyone to love each and every one of them, but maybe have an appreciation for them. I am grateful to those creative forces behind them who hope that the world will take their art to heart. I hope you each can find one film on the list below that shook your soul the same way it did mine.

100. ‘10 Items or Less' (2006)

Morgan Freeman is beyond charming in this little slice of life film that no one knows about. Playing a distant image of himself researching a role that lands him in a grocery store, the film made me smile and is incredibly charming in ways I never could have imagined.

99. Shaun of the Dead (2004)/Hot Fuzz (2007)

Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg made two side splitting comedies that are drenched in pop culture references. ‘Dead' is an homage to zombie movies while ‘Fuzz' stole from over eighty different action films about a pair of cops in a quaint British village. Repeat viewings are essential and besides the laughs, these films are fully engaging with notable characters and charming stories.

98. Star Wars: Episode III-Revenge of the Sith (2005)

I have enjoyed all of Lucas' ‘Star Wars' prequels, but here if where he hit one out of the park. While all of them have been entertaining, this is the one where big questions were answered and the story becomes complete. I believe that all of the prequel films will be viewed in a much more positive light in the future, however, ‘Sith' ranks up there with ‘A New Hope' and ‘The Empire Strikes Back'.

97. No Country For Old Men (2007)

The Coen Brothers films often leave me with my head scratching and it's only on the second or third viewing that I truly "get" the film. Despite this, ‘No Country' delivers on every account and crawls under your skin. The anxiousness of all of the characters seeps into your mind, body and soul…and if it doesn't then the final scene of the film is lost on you; a perfect crime thriller.

96. Together (2002)

I have always remembered this underrated and incredibly heartbreaking and poignant film from the director of ‘Farewell, My Concubine'. It's an unpretentious story of a father who makes extreme sacrifices for his son, a world-class violin player, by moving to Beijing so they can find the finest teachers for the child's talent. The back-story is not revealed until the end of the movie, but it's worth the wait as it proves this is more than just your ordinary "father knows best" film. Watching this film you witness firsthand the sacrifices people make for those they love.

95. Avatar (2009)

Not being a James Cameron fan, I couldn't help but wish this film would bomb to check Cameron's ego. That being said, this is an event movie that must be seen to be believed. The political and environmental undertones are subtle enough that you can swallow and the look of the film is astonishing. James Cameron can deliver big budget action fare better than anyone on the planet and there is a reason that despite sky high budgets, his films have always turned a significant profit. The twelve years between ‘Titanic' and ‘Avatar' may seem extreme, but one viewing of this film in 3D and you'll understand why.

94. Kissing Jessica Stein (2001)

The film at its core is a comedy, but as it peels away its layers, it is much deeper than that. Jennifer Westfeldt and Heather Juergensen wrote the screenplay from a play they had done off of Broadway. One woman is fed up with the dating scene and finds a woman with whom she has a genuine connection. The most poignant moment of the film involves Westfeldt (Jessica Stein) sitting on the porch of her house having a discussion in which her mother ( Tovah Feldshuh ) turns a basic conversation into a moment that is unforgettable and poignant. It's not a film about sex so much as it is about coming to terms with those we love and their flaws and accepting them. I found myself continuing to think about this film in the months after I saw it. It's sweet, melancholy and has more to do with human relationships than sexual preferences.

93. Casino Royale (2006)

The genre of action films will never get the credit they deserve, but this Bond film may take the cake as a definitive one. This was the film Pierce Brosnan wanted to make but they fought him for over a decade before he handed the keys over to his Aston Martin. Daniel Craig breathes life into the character and most importantly, the story of how James Bond became 007 is something I'm not sure if anyone thought they would ever see. Sadly one can only tell this story once so its unlikely future installments will be as good as this one.

92. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

People tend to love it or hate it. I lost myself in it completely. It didn't appear too long or too short, but a film where as good as the special effects are, I feel it takes a back seat to the characters, their journeys and the underlying themes of the story. I'm a sucker for films where it leaves you with a message to not just dream big but to make sure you live life to the fullest because the clock never stops ticking. This one is no different.

91. The Notorious Betty Page (2005)

Gretchen Mol gives a career defining performance as the first superstar pin-up girl. The film looks deep into her psyche. Instead of some twisted sex tale, the film is more of an exploration of one's soul and how she comes to reconcile her image. Mol was determined a "has been" by Hollywood before her career even took off and she owns this role and sadly, come award time, it was overlooked. She isn't just playing Betty Page, she exudes her sexuality and her goody too shoes innocence at the same time.

90. Before Sunset (2004) / Return To Me (2000)

Richard Linklater may be the most effective filmmaker working today as he balances Hollywood films like ‘School of Rock' with his independent films like this one and ‘Tape'. ‘Before Sunrise' and its sequel, ‘Before Sunset' are two of the great romances of the past quarter century. It's all dialogue, but we inhabit these characters from the second the film starts until it ends. The sequel is a decade down the line with new issues and challenges in front of them in their now complicated lives. It's rare in life you find someone you can connect so deeply with and talk about anything with. Films about these subjects are even rarer.

‘Return To Me" is the great romantic comedy of the decade. Directed by Bonnie Hunt and the lead performances by David Duchovny and Minnie Driver are marvelous. I always get pulled in by the genuine truth these characters yield on the screen. Filmed in Chicago, embracing the nooks and crannies of the city and a heartwarming story all add up to something more than standard romantic fare. If you haven't seen this film, you're in for a true treat.

89. The Bourne Trilogy (2002-2004-2007)

All three of Matt Damon's spy thrillers are delicately driven films are all filled with complex action scenes and an engaging plots. Besides innovative direction and a smart script, it is Matt Damon who wins us over as he inhabits this character completely. In a film like this, casting is as important as the script. While watching the film, we are always aware that we are watching Jason Bourne, never do we think we're watching Matt Damon.

88. Thank You For Smoking (2006)

A most wicked comedy. Aaron Eckhart is one of the finest actors of his generation and I can honestly say I will watch him in anything. Of all the Oscar snubs this year, this is the biggest, as his performance was electrifying as he delivered every line in this film with a crocodile smile. We know we can't trust a word he says, but he wins you over nevertheless. Eckhart plays a brash and cocky representative for the tobacco industry who can spin almost anyone on his head. His performance alone almost guaranteed this film would be on my top-ten list. Credit must be given to writer/director Jason Reitman who balanced the tone for the film beautifully while spraying it with elements of witty and comedic dialogue.

87. Inglorious Basterds (2009)

A film about Jews killing Nazi's with a subplot involving revenge at a movie premiere directed by Quentin Tarantino. Nuff said.

86. The Mist (2007)

One of the most awe inspiring horror films ever done. A complete throwback to the monster films of the 1950's and 1960's, director Frank Darabont (‘The Shawshank Redemption') once again adapts Stephen King is a riveting film that will never leave your mind.

85. Juno (2007)

Too much has been written about this film by now but it's so incredibly charming I dare someone not to love it. Another one of those films that makes you smile endlessly.

84. Kinsey (2004)

Liam Neeson delivers a tender, yet complex performance, of a man who changed American society simply by studying them. Liam Neeson brings great humanity to an intricate and faulted man, but one whose heart was sincere and one who forever changed American culture with his studies of sexuality. The film balances the ‘how' and ‘why' of love better than anything I have seen put on film.

83. X-Men 2(2003)/ Spider Man 2 (2004)

‘X-Men 2' is the rare sequel that surpasses the original in almost every aspect. The original ‘X-Men' looked like it was going to be a disaster from the lousy trailers to the recasting of an integral character (Wolverine) to a studio that would not fork over enough money to make the film more than one hundred minutes. However, director Bryan Singer (‘The Usual Suspects') somehow made it work. With the second one, the cast was all back and the studio gave Singer whatever he wanted. What you have is a fully realized action masterpiece.

No film exceeded its predecessor like ‘Spider Man 2'. Sam Rami is a master storyteller. With this sequel he peeled off extra layers to the complexity of Peter Parker and those closest to him. While I enjoyed the original, the sequel will one day be looked upon in the same light as ‘The Empire Strikes Back', as a sequel that almost eclipses the original from your memory.

82. The Fog of War (2003)

Errol Morris may be the greatest living documentary filmmaker alive today. Most people give all they have to give on one great documentary never reaching those heights again. Morris proves he can handle any subject and make it into a spellbinding documentary. Former Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara, who served under JFK and LBJ, gives several history lessons, eleven of them to be exact, about how countries find themselves at war and what they should do in the future to stop themselves from going to war. The film also has archival phone conversations between McNamara and the presidents debating the war. These conversations are gripping and spine chilling because of the events that followed (most specifically the Vietnam War). In the time we are living, this is an eerie piece of art that one could only wish political leaders would watch.

81. Bloody Sunday (2002)

Paul Greengrass has made a film that for all intended purposes future generations may mistake for a documentary. Many people may not realize that they know this story, but anyone who has heard the U2 song of the same name knows what happened. In January 1972, British soldiers killed 13 passive civilians during a protest. The film is largely shot on hand held cameras to give the documentary-like feeling. I felt numb and dizzy after walking out of the theater seeing this film. A stunning and realistic film that portrays Ireland's struggles in the late 20th Century better than any other film ever made.

80. Ponyo (2009)

Hayao Miyazaki's films are entrancing on the eyes but it's the endearing plots that pull us in. This simple story about a young boy who loves a goldfish princess will warm your heart while gripping your senses as well. Weaved with a moral tale yet a sense of wonderment, Miyazaki is one of the best storytellers and filmmakers on the planet.

79. Garden State (2004)

Who would have thought the star of the NBC sitcom ‘Scrubs' would be able to write, direct and star in this wonderfully eccentric film of a late twenty-something looking for significance and purpose in his life? The film delivers uproarious and compassionate scenes along with performances that make you feel like you are experiencing it right there with them. Zach Braff's direction is just right and he takes us on an inner journey through the swamps of New Jersey, while romanticizing it with its celebrated soundtrack. This film has so many superb qualities, not even a 5,000 word essay could do it justice. Look for this film to become a cult classic, ‘The Graduate' of my generation.

78. Zodiac (2007)

David Fincher is a master storyteller, and this period piece mystery is downright haunting. More terrifying than any horror film released this past decade. The story about the real life Zodiac killer isn't just chilling but it's impossible to take your eyes off of it. If you haven't seen it, seek out the Criterion Collection edition, the bonus features are as enthralling as the film.

77. The Lives of Others (2006)

The film is a spider-web of trickery and deceit, but ultimately one of renewal and reward. Like ‘Persepolis', it is based on real life events and will leave an indelible impression.

76. Capturing the Friedmans (2003)

Have you ever been driving on an expressway only to slow down to watch the wreckage from an accident? This is what watching this movie is like. I remember the first time I saw it. I left the theater disturbed. I felt filthy. The second time I saw it (on a beautifully constructed DVD) I came to the realization that this may be one of the paramount documentaries of all time. What makes it so unbelievable is how it came to be. Andrew Jarecki was simply set to make a film about child entertainers. One of them, David Friedman, had a brother and father convicted of child molestation in the late 1980's. Even more mesmerizing was the family's decision to videotape their lives after the events of the accusations. I sat there in the theater thinking "What normal family would do this? Who would video tape their entire lives, the good and bad parts and then keep the tapes?" Forget reality television, this is the real thing. By interviewing people who worked on the case and showing these old home movies, Jarecki simply puts the audience in awe. Even if you feel uncomfortable watching this film, it is one of the most astonishing documentaries you will ever lay eyes on.