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Platoon (1986)
Director: Oliver Stone
Born out of his own experience, Stone’s searing exposé of the Vietnam War remains the most authentic picture to come out of the conflict. "Y'all know about killing? I'd like to hear about it." Read Review

Local Hero (1983)
Director: Bill Forsyth
The theme of capitalism versus community means Forsyth’s flick retains its relevance today, while the talented ensemble cast never let quirks overcome their characters, ensuring this small-town comedy is charming without being twee. Read Review

The Departed (2006)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Remakes are often infernal affairs — this one literally so, smartly casting Jack Nicholson as a mobster Mephistopheles in a picture that finally snagged Scorsese an overdue Oscar. Your votes prove it wasn’t purely a sentiment-driven award, though. Read Review

The Misfits (1961)
Director: John Huston
Perhaps a surprise inclusion, given it’s not generally considered Huston’s best picture, but holds a place in hearts as the final film of both romantic leads: Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable. Read Review

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The Exorcist (1973)
Director: William Friedkin
Obviously here because it’s a brooding meditation on faith, fear and the challenges of child-rearing... Not because of the whole unfortunate onanism-with-a-crucifix incident. Or the extreme profanity. Or the pea soup... No. Read Review

The Addiction (1995)
Director: Abel Ferrara
Christopher Walken is a vampire; vein-draining is a drug metaphor; Abel Ferrara is an art-house and exploitation auteur. Read Review

The Bride Of Frankenstein (1935)
Director: James Whale
Boris Karloff returns as ‘The Monster’ in Whale’s expressionism-inflected horror: as iconic and distinctive as its anti-heroine’s lightning-streaked hair, and way better than the original. Read Review

Life Of Brian (1979)
Director: Terry Jones
The Pythons originally intended to skewer Christianity — until they read the gospels and decided "we have no quarrel with Mr. Christ". Their second feature actually eviscerates religious bigotry and hypocrisy. And is funny as hell. Read Review

The Killer (1989)
Director: John Woo
Action at its most extravagant and impactful, triggering an Eastern influence on Hollywood. Apologies, but Empire is legally obliged to note its spectacular "bullet ballets". Read Review

JFK (1991)
Director: Oliver Stone
Stone’s dissection of the assassination that scarred the 20th century feels nutritious but never didactic. The "magic bullet" monologue — delivered masterfully by Kevin Costner — obliterates the Warren Commission. Conspiracy? You better believe it. Read Review