The American Film Institute released its original top 100 list when I was 15 years old. I took it as a personal challenge, starting with A Clockwork Orange for whatever reason. I proudly told my dad who was shocked I’d watched that film, let alone enjoyed it; but he promptly put on 2001: A Space Odyssey to properly set me on the rest of my journey. I kept watching and he kept encouraging, and my love of film kept growing. 

I’ll make a ranking for the updated list as well, but for me, this original list will always have a special place as the blueprint that helped me discover great movies.