Godfather Wins Again
Best-ever lists are always contentious—especially when it comes to things with such emotional attachment as the movies. Usually, readers have little recourse but to grumble to themselves. However, when we published June’s Cigar Aficionado as “The Movie Issue,” replete with several lists compiled by writers and celebrities, we invited a small number of readers to weigh in. When we printed the results, we asked our full readership to respond online. Nearly 1,000 of you chimed in. The results were surprisingly consistent, but for a few new favorites that emerged.
Once again, The Godfather (1972) effortlessly reigned, taking in 16.7 percent of all votes. The consensus second favorite, 1942’s legendary Casablanca (7.8 percent), also retained its position. The next two spots swapped places with the 1994 prison movie The Shawshank Redemption (3.9 percent) overtaking 1990’s gangster drama Goodfellas (2.4 percent).
The Godfather: Part II (1974) leapt three spots to No. 5, earning 2.1 percent of the votes, barely ahead of the star-studded (1993) western Tombstone at 2 percent.
Three new entrants made the cut. The quirky crime film Pulp Fiction (1994, the decade is apparently a fan favorite) broke in at No. 7, tying with sci-fi blockbuster Star Wars (1977) with 1.9 percent of votes. Coming in at No. 10 with 1.2 percent, Blazing Saddles (1974) holds the distinction of being the only comedy on the list.
The sole 21st century selection, the epic Gladiator, dropped from No. 6 to ninth (1.3 percent). A few military classics fell just behind, perhaps taking votes from one another, as Saving Private Ryan, Top Gun and Patton all sit on the outside looking in.
Reader Favorites
1 - The Godfather (16.7%)
2 - Casablanca (7.8%)
3 - The Shawshank Redemption (3.9%)
4 - Goodfellas (2.4%)
5 - The Godfather: Part II (2.1%)
6 - Tombstone (2.0%)
7 - Pulp Fiction (1.9%)
7 - Star Wars (1.9%)
9 - Gladiator (1.3%)
10 - Blazing Saddles (1.2%)
Honorable Mentions: Saving Private Ryan, Top Gun, Patton
