The 2011 movie season is underway, which means comic book fans will have a number of films to choose from. From muscular superheroes wielding enchanted hammers to post-apocalyptic priests hunting down vampires, this list details all the 2011 comic book movies slated to debut this year.

And be sure to check back with Only Good Movies, as the coming months will see us talk more about comic book movies slated for 2012, such as The Avengers and the next film in the Batman franchise. It’s a great time to be a geek.

• The Green Hornet – Seth Rogen stars as Britt Reid, a worthless playboy who spends money just as fast as his newspaper-owning father (Tom Wilkinson) can make it. But when daddy turns up dead, Britt is suddenly forced to grow up. Of course, his idea of “growing up” is different from the average person, as he dons a mask and begins fighting crime alongside his father’s former mechanic (Jay Chou). Christoph Waltz parlays his 2010 Oscar win for Inglourious Basterds into a role as a Russian mobster looking to take over Los Angeles, and Cameron Diaz provides a little sex appeal as Reid’s secretary and love interest. If you’re searching for a comic book movie that plays things straight, then you’ll want to look elsewhere. But if you want plenty of laughs mixed in with your action, be sure to give The Green Hornet a try. Released on January 14th.
• Priest – Set on an alternate Earth where humans and vampires have warred for centuries, this horror film is based on a popular comic book series from Korea. Paul Bettany stars as Priest, a holy warrior who breaks his vows in order to track down the undead who’ve kidnapped his niece (Lily Collins). He’s assisted in his quest by a wasteland sheriff (Cam Gigandet) and a former warrior priestess (Maggie Q). Co-stars include Christopher Plummer, Brad Dourif, Karl Urban, and Stephen Moyer. Directed by Scott Stewart, who also worked with Bettany on the supernatural actioner Legion.

• Thor - One of the most talked about of all the 2011 comic book movies, Thor stars Chris Hemsworth as an Asgardian god who proves himself to be an arrogant pain in the ass. Because of this, he’s banished to Earth by his father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), in an effort to teach him humility. But that’s when things get complicated, as half-brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) decides to make a play for power and send an invasion force to Earth. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the superior supporting cast includes Natalie Portman, Jaimie Alexander, Colm Feore, Stellan Skarsgard, Ray Stevenson, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Rene Russo, and cameos from Stan Lee and J. Michael Straczynski. Scheduled for a May 6th release date.
• X-Men: First Class – A prequel to the other three X-Men movies, this film is set in the 1960s and focuses on the friendship and rivalry between Professor Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender). The origins of their competing groups are also shown, as Xavier forms the heroic X-Men and Magneto counters with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the film co-stars Kevin Bacon, January Jones, Rose Byrne, Ray Wise, Jennifer Lawrence, Lucas Till, and Jason Flemyng. If they get their way, the filmmakers are hoping this will be the first in a new trilogy involving Earth’s most famous super-powered mutants. Releases on June 3rd.

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• Green Lantern – Ryan Reynolds is Hal Jordan, a cocky test pilot who’s selected to be the newest member of the galactic peace-keeping force known as the Green Lantern Corps. But as Hal tries to master his powers and overcome his insecurities, a threat named Parallax threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of the universe. And don’t forget about Hector Hammond (Peter Sarsgaard), a brilliant scientist whose experiments drive him mad while granting him vast psionic powers and an oversized cranium. Also starring Mark Strong, Blake Lively, Angela Bassett, Tim Robbins, and Temuera Morrison. Expect plenty of CGI effects and lots of opportunities for Reynolds to show off his talent for playing cocky smartasses.
• Transformers: Dark of the Moon – The third film in Michael Bay’s Transformers franchise finds the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons in a race to reach a massive alien spacecraft that rests on the surface of the Moon. Shia LaBeouf returns in the role of Sam Witwicky, while Megan Fox is being replaced by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as his love interest. Other returning actors include Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and John Turturro, while John Malkovich shows up for the first time. If you’re a fan of explosions, jerky camerawork, and racially offensive robots, then be sure to get in line on July 1st.

• Captain America: The First Avenger – Scheduled for release on July 22nd, the iconic and patriotic superhero from Marvel finally comes to the big screen (no, I’m not counting that crapfest starring J.D. Salinger’s son). Chris Evans will don the costume and also play Steve Rodgers, the man underneath. Set during World War II, the film will depict Cap’s creation through Project: Rebirth, his friendship with sidekick Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and his rivalry with one of Hitler’s most trusted men, The Red Skull (Hugo Weaving). Members of the supporting cast include Hayley Atwell, Toby Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Stanley Tucci, and Tommy Lee Jones. With a reported budget of $140 million, this sure-fire blockbuster will be continued in 2012’s Avengers movie.
• Cowboys and Aliens – Based on the 2006 graphic novel from Platinum Studios, Cowboys and Aliens stars Daniel Craig as Jake Lonergan, a man who wakes up in the Old West with no memory of his past and a mysterious device attached to his wrist. Wandering into the town of Absolution, he learns that he’s a wanted criminal with enemies around every corner, especially Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford). Then alien spacecraft descend from the sky, and the former enemies must join forces, especially when it’s learned that the device on Jake’s wrist holds the key to defeating the invaders. Directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man 1 and 2), the film also stars Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano, Clancy Brown, Keith Carradine, Abigail Spencer, and Walton Goggins. This weird western releases on July 29th.
• Conan the Barbarian – Scheduled for an August 19th release date, this latest tale of Conan the Cimmerian has nothing to do with the previous films starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Details on the plot are still sketchy at this point, but you can expect Conan (Jason Momoa) to butt heads with a warlord played by Stephen Lang. Rachel Nichols will serve as Conan’s love interest, Ron Perlman plays his father, Rose McGowan is a witch, and MMA fighter Bob Sapp is the villain’s second-in-command. Marcus Nispel (Pathfinder, Friday the 13th) will direct, and he’s referred to the film as his dream project.

That concludes our look at the 2011 comic book movies you can look forward to. Once they’ve been released on DVD or Blu-ray, become a member of Netflix to enjoy them in the privacy of your own home. We do receive a small commission when you sign up, but it doesn’t add anything to your final price.

You get a whopping 30 DVDs, and you’ll save over $50 off the list price by ordering from Amazon. The bulk of the movies are from the last 20 years, although a few earlier classics are also included. From the uproarious guy humor of Caddyshack to the satirical genius of Christopher Guest, there’s a little something for everybody.

Below, I’ve included a list of all the films included in this Ultimate Comedy DVD Collection. Each movie is presented in widescreen, and some even feature extras such as audio commentary, deleted scenes, and trailers. In short, you’ll be in stitches for months.

• Being There (1979) – Comic genius Peter Sellers stars as a naïve gardener forced out into the real world for the first time in his life. Melvyn Douglas won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
• Blazing Saddles (1974) – Director Mel Brooks takes a politically incorrect look at the Old West with black lawmen, drunken gunslingers, and plenty of examples of breaking the fourth wall (literally).
• Dave (1993) – Kevin Kline stars as Dave, a man who looks exactly like the President of the United States. When the nation’s leader suffers a stroke, Dave is hired to impersonate him.

• Grumpy Old Men (1993) – Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau star as a pair of elderly rivals who compete for the affections of their new neighbor (Ann-Margret).
• Grumpier Old Men (1995) – Even though Lemmon and Matthau get along better in this film, there’s plenty of elderly sass to be had when a sexy Italian (Sophia Loren) moves into the area. Ann-Margret co-stars.
• Maverick (1994) – Before he went totally insane, Mel Gibson starred in this good-natured film adaptation of the TV western staring James Garner (who also appears in this movie). Jodi Foster shows off her comedic talents as a sultry con-woman.

Click here to order the Ultimate Comedy DVD Collection from Amazon.

• Joe Versus the Volcano (1990) – The first of three films to pair Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, Joe Versus the Volcano focuses on a man who believes he only has months left to live. Vowing to experience everything life has to offer, he plans to jump into an island volcano when his time is up.
• Practical Magic (1998) – Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock play sisters who carry on a traditional of witchcraft within their family. But they’re both cursed, and any man they fall in love with is doomed to die an early death. But it’s still a comedy, so things aren’t as bleak as they sound.
• You’ve Got Mail (1998) – Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan team up once again in this smash hit romantic comedy. As the duo begin an anonymous online relationship, they have no idea that they know each other in real life (and don’t really get along).
• Analyze This (1999) – Robert De Niro is a mobster in need of therapy, and Billy Crystal is a psychiatrist with personal problems.
• Caddyshack (1980) – Set at a fictional country club, Caddyshack is best-remembered for Bill Murray’s turn as a groundkeeper obsessed with killing a gopher. Meanwhile, guys like Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Ted Knight show off their skills at golf and comedy.

• Little Shop of Horrors (1986) – A neurotic florist’s assistant (Rick Moranis) finds and raises an intelligent plant that feeds on human blood. Filled with musical numbers and co-starring Steve Martin, Ellen Greene, and Vincent Gardenia.
• The Whole Nine Yards (2000) – A depressed Canadian dentist (Matthew Perry) discovers that his new neighbor (Bruce Willis) is actually an infamous hitman for the mafia.
• Waiting for Guffman (1997) – Christopher Guest spoofs community theatre with this tale of eccentric Missouri residents preparing a play for their town’s 150th anniversary.
• Best in Show (2000) – Christopher Guest presents another hilarious documentary. This time, his subject is dog shows. Starring Guest, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Michael McKean, Parker Posey, and many more. Winner of comedy awards in America, Britain, and Canada.
• Miss Congeniality (2000) – Sandra Bullock is a tomboyish FBI agent who must go undercover as a beauty pageant contestant. Michael Caine co-stars.

To order the Ultimate Comedy DVD Collection, just click on this link.

• Ocean’s Eleven (2001) – A gang of likable thieves plan to rob three casinos at the same time. A remake of the 1960 Rat Pack film, Ocean’s Eleven stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Don Cheadle, and many more.
• Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) – Jim Carrey’s comedic film career really exploded with this tale of an eccentric, animal-loving pet detective who sets out to find the person responsible for kidnapping a dolphin.
• Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995) – With two African tribes threatening to kill one another, everyone’s favorite pet detective (Jim Carrey) must head to the fictional land of Nibia and find a sacred albino bat. Ace, by the way, has a phobia about bats.
• The American President (1995) – Michael Douglas portrays President Andrew Shepherd, a lonely widower who becomes enamored with a beautiful Washington lobbyist played by Annette Bening.
• The Mask (1994) – A shy bank clerk (Jim Carrey) finds a magical mask that transforms him into a green-skinned prankster and removes all inhibitions. Cameron Diaz makes her film debut in this hilarious blend of comedy and fantasy.
• Dumb and Dumber (1994) – Two moronic friends (Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels) head to Aspen, Colorado to return a suitcase filled with ransom money. Meanwhile, they’re pursued by a pair of murderous thugs.

• Rush Hour (1998) – When the daughter of a Chinese diplomat is kidnapped, an LAPD detective (Chris Tucker) must team up with a Hong Kong cop (Jackie Chan) to get her back. Winner of Best On-Screen Duo at the 1999 MTV Movie Awards.
• Rush Hour 2 (2001) – LAPD Detective James Carter (Chris Tucker) heads to Hong Kong to visit good friend Chief Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan), but it’s not long before the two men are embroiled in an investigation into counterfeiting activities by the Triads.

Like to laugh? Then click here and order the Ultimate Comedy DVD Collection.

• Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) – Mike Myers plays multiple roles in this spy movie spoof about a British agent who’s frozen in 1967 and revived thirty years later.
• Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) – After arch-enemy Dr. Evil steals his mojo, superspy Austin Powers must travel back in time to retrieve it.
• Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) – The third film in the series features more time travel as Austin Powers and his nemesis Dr. Evil (both played by Mike Myers) time travel to 1975. Myers appears as Fat Bastard and a man named Goldmember (who has a gold-plated penis), and Beyonce makes an early movie appearance as FBI agent Foxxy Cleopatra.
• Wag The Dog (1997) – When the President of the United States gets involved in a sex scandal shortly before an election, a spin doctor (Robert De Niro) tries to create a fake war with Albania to distract the public. To pull it off, he recruits a Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman).
• The Wedding Singer (1998) – Set in 1985, this nostalgic comedy stars Adam Sandler as a wedding singer who falls for a waitress (Drew Barrymore) despite the fact that they’re both engaged.
• Michael (1996) – Not the typical angel, Michael (John Travolta) smokes, drinks, dances, and fixes a few of Earth’s many problems. Co-starring William Hurt and Andie MacDowell.

The Ultimate Comedy DVD Collection includes all your favorites, and you’re just moments away from being able to add it to your Amazon shopping cart. Just click on our link, make a few clicks on Amazon, and this comedy box set will be arriving at your house in a few days. We do get a commission if you make an order, but it adds nothing to your final price.

Also recommended:

• James Bond Box Set
• Masters of Horror Box Set
• 24: The Complete Series
• The Twilight Zone Box Set

There’s no better place to rent these titles than Netflix, the world’s leading online movie rental company. They offer pricing plans suitable for any budget, and there’s never a late fee. I’ve been a member since 2005, and I couldn’t be happier with their business model. Click on the link to join Netflix today.

• The War of the Roses ($161,000,000) – Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner demonstrate the chemistry they exhibited in Romancing the Stone, but this time with a much darker side. Playing a married couple whose relationship has soured over the years, the two resort to increasingly outlandish behavior to get one over on the other. This culminates in an all-out battle for supremacy, while their lawyer (played by Danny DeVito) watches helplessly from outside their barricaded mansion. A delightfully dark comedy for adults.
• The Little Mermaid ($184,200,000) – Based on the charming fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid tells the story of Ariel, a 16-year-old mermaid princess who falls for a handsome prince from the surface world. Can true love conquer all, or will the schemes of Ursula the sea witch prove victorious? Filled with wonderful tunes and spot-on voice acting, the movie is generally credited with beginning what’s known as the Disney Renaissance.

• Ghostbusters II ($215,400,000) – Bill Murray and the rest of the ghostbusting gang are back in this 1989 hit. Sigourney Weaver also returns as Dana Barrett, although she and Peter Venkman (Murray) have split up since the end of the previous film. When her young son becomes the center of a plot by a spirit from the 17th century, she must once again turn to the Ghostbusters–and Peter–for assistance. Ivan Reitman helms the film, and, while it’s not as good as the first, it still manages to deliver plenty of laughs and (for the time) impressive special effects.
• Born on the Fourth of July ($222,700,000) – Oliver Stone once again looks at the Vietnam War, this time through the eyes of Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise), a real-life veteran who came back home in a wheelchair and later wrote the book that gave the film its title. Cruise gets to show off previously unknown acting skills, and the film would be nominated for a total of eight Academy Awards. Willem Dafoe and Kyra Sedgwick co-star.
• Lethal Weapon 2 ($227,900,000) – Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) are back, and this time they’re taking on a racist South African ambassador (Joss Ackland) and his gang of drug-dealing henchmen. Joe Pesci makes his debut as the motormouthed Leo Getz, Patsy Kensit is the doomed love interest, and Derrick O’Connor is an enforcer who obviously uses Hitler’s barber. The original script by Shane Black had Riggs dying at the end, but this was changed so the franchise could continue (which it did for two more films).
• Dead Poets Society ($235,900,000) – Taking place at a boys prep school in 1959, Dead Poets Society follows unorthodox English professor John Keating (Robin Williams) and his students (including Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, and Josh Charles). Directed by Peter Weir (Gallipoli, Master and Commander), the film won an Academy Award for Best Writing and received nominations for Best Directing, Best Actor, and Best Picture.
• Look Who’s Talking ($297,000,000) – What would 1989 blockbusters be without a film about a talking baby (voice by Bruce Willis, no less)? Little Mikey is the infant son of Mollie Jensen (Kirstie Alley), an accountant who’s seduced and impregnated by womanizer Albert (George Segal). While Mikey comes to terms with the big world around him, his mother slowly begins to fall for a good-hearted cabbie played by John Travolta. Two sequels would follow, as well as a TV series.

• Back to the Future Part II ($332,000,000) – The second film of the trilogy finds Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) once again popping through time in their DeLorean. Destinations include a high-tech 2015, a much darker 1985 where Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) controls the town, and back to the school dance in 1955. Co-starring Lea Thompson, Elisabeth Shue, Billy Zane, and Elijah Wood (in his film debut).
• Batman ($411,300,000) – Michael Keaton became the first man to slip on the Batman costume for the Warner Bros. superhero franchise. Prince provided the soundtrack, Tim Burton directed, Jack Nicholson co-starred as The Joker, and Kim Basinger upped the sex appeal as Vicki Vale. The resulting film was one of the top grossing movies 1989, and it radically changed how people viewed the superhero genre, paving the way for more intense films like The Dark Knight and Blade.
• Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade ($474,200,000) – Sean Connery made his mark on the franchise as Henry Jones, Sr., the strict schoolmaster father of Indiana (Harrison Ford). As the two generations of Joneses team up, they must race against the Third Reich to locate the Holy Grail, a legendary cup said to hold the key to immortality. Director Steven Spielberg made up for The Temple of Doom by adopting a lighter tone and throwing in bigger and better action sequences. Familiar faces include Dr. Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), both absent from the previous film. The top-grossing film of 1989, it seems like Citizen Kane when compared with The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

I hope this list of 1989 blockbusters has proven helpful, and don’t forget that Netflix carries all the titles mentioned. We do get a commission if you become a subscriber, but any money we make goes right back into the site (and it doesn’t cost you a penny). For more top grossing movies from various years, check out the following:

• Top Grossing Movies 1999
• Top Grossing Movies 1979
• Top Grossing Movies 1980

On a less positive note, Hollywood would also release the following films in 2000: Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, Scary Movie, Big Momma’s House, Reindeer Games, and the dreaded Battlefield Earth. It once again proved the old adage that nobody’s perfect, although Battlefield Earth may have proved the statement too well.

And for our readers who fancy themselves historians, here are a few of the key events from the year 2000:

• The dreaded Y2K, which some believed would brings technology around the world crashing down, came and went without incident.
• Following the death of creator Charles Schulz, the final original Peanuts comic strip is published.
• Vladimir Putin becomes the President of Russia.
• Elian Gonzalez is seized by federal agents in Miami and returned to his Cuban father.
• The first short film widely distributed on the Internet, 405 The Movie, is released.
• In a controversial finish, Texas Governor George W. Bush defeats Al Gore to become the next President of the United States.

Notable Deaths in 2000:

• Tom Landry – Former coach of the Dallas Cowboys
• Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. – American actor
• Sir John Gielgud – British actor
• Hedy Lamarr – American actress
• Jim Varney – American actor
• Tito Puente – American jazz musician
• Walter Matthau – American actor
• Sir Alec Guinness – British actor
• Richard Mulligan – American actor
• Richard Farnsworth – American actor
• Steve Allen – American composer, comedian, and author
• Billy Barty – American actor
• Victor Borge – Danish-born pianist and comic
• Jason Robards – American actor

Now onto the 10 top grossing movies of 2000. I’ve listed them from #10 to #1, and I’ve even included the worldwide gross along with each entry. If you’d like to add any of the films below to your collection, be sure and visit Amazon. We do get a small commission if you buy something through our links, but it doesn’t cost you one extra cent.

• #10 What Lies Beneath ($291,420,351) – Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford star in this modern-day chiller about a wife who’s suffering memory loss following a car accident. Convinced that her next-door-neighbor is a killer, she exhibits increasingly bizarre behavior, including a ritual that allows a dead college student to possess her. Strong surprise ending.

• #9 X-Men ($296,339,527) – Hugh Jackman shot to stardom after portraying Wolverine in this big-screen adaptation of the hit comic book from Marvel. His mutant teammates include Storm (Halle Berry), Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) and Cyclops (James Marsden), while the bad guys include Magneto (Ian McKellen), Mystique (Rebecca Romijn), and Sabretooth (Tyler Mane). Anna Paquin also appearances as a young mutant named Rogue who’s prevented from making physical contact with those around her. Directed by Bryan Singer.
• #8 The Perfect Storm ($328,718,434) – Based on the non-fiction novel by Sebastian Junger, The Perfect Storm follows the fishing crew (including George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly and William Fichtner) of the Andrea Gail as they undertake a late season expedition and encounter a storm of epic proportions. Co-starring Diane Lane and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.
• #7 Meet the Parents ($330,444,045) – Ben Stiller enjoyed a major comedic hit by teaming up with Robert De Niro. Stiller plays a male nurse who intends to propose to his girlfriend (Teri Polo), but his intentions are disrupted when he meets her disapproving father, a retired CIA operative (De Niro). Also starring Owen Wilson and Blythe Danner.

• #6 How the Grinch Stole Christmas ($345,141,403) – Jim Carrey endured hours of make-up each day in order to portray the title character in this cinematic adaptation of the classic animated television special. Directed by Ron Howard, the film was the first live-action version of a Dr. Seuss story, although more would follow after this one struck box office gold. As you might expect, Clint Howard gets in an appearance, once again proving that he’s the real power in the Howard family.
• #5 Dinosaur ($349,822,765) – This animated Disney film follows the adventures of Aladar, an Iguanodon raised by lemurs, as he and his family try to survive the harsh prehistoric landscape. Featuring the voice talents of D.B. Sweeney, Alfre Woodard, Ossie Davis, Hayden Panettiere, Julianna Margulies, and Della Reese.
• #4 What Women Want ($374,111,707) – Mel Gibson plays a chauvinist ad exec, and Helen Hunt is the new hire who steals his promotion away from him. Then a freak electrocution occurs, giving him the unique ability to hear the thoughts of women (even female dogs). Armed with this knowledge, he seeks to regain his standing in the company and connect with his resentful daughter, but will romantic entanglements get in the way?
• #3 Cast Away ($429,632,142) – Tom Hanks plays Chuck Noland, a FedEx employee who ends up stranded on a South Pacific island, with his only companion being a volleyball dubbed Wilson. As he learns to hunt food and make a fire, Noland dreams of escaping the island and being reunited with his longtime girlfriend (Helen Hunt). A powerful tale of one man’s refusal to give up.

• #2 Gladiator ($457,640,427) – Russell Crowe became an international superstar by playing a Roman general on a quest for revenge. Left for dead and sold into slavery, Maximus Decimus Meridius (Crowe) becomes a gladiator and finds himself back in Rome, fighting for the entertainment of the masses under the nose of Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the very man who ordered the death of he and his family. Director Ridley Scott delivers several exciting (and bloody) sequences in the Colosseum, and Crowe is spot-on as a hardened military man who longs to see his family again.
• #1 Mission: Impossible II ($546,388,105) – Tom Cruise returns as agent Ethan Hunt in the biggest blockbuster of 2000. Director John Woo’s action expertise guarantees plenty of slow-motion moments as Hunt tries to prevent a virus from being released and causing a pandemic. Co-starring Dougray Scott (who had to pass on the role of Wolverine due to production delays), Thandie Newton, Ving Rhames, Brendan Gleeson, and Richard Roxburgh. Damned entertaining action flick, although it’ll fade from your memory within a few days.

If you enjoyed this article about the top grossing films of 2000, you’ll also want to take a look at the following:

• Top Grossing Movies 1979
• Top Grossing Movies 1999
• Top Grossing Movies 1980

• After pleading guilty to having sex with a 13-year-old girl , director Roman Polanski flees to France.
• Serial killer Ted Bundy is captured.
• The comic strip Garfield debuts.
• Porn publisher Larry Flynt is shot and paralyzed.
• Annie Hall wins Best Picture at the 50th Academy Awards.
• The remains of Charlie Chaplin are stolen and later recovered.
• Serial killer David Berkowitz, aka The Son of Sam, receives a prison sentence of 365 years.

• George Lucas purchases the property that would later become Skywalker Ranch.
• Jim Jones leads over 900 of his followers in a mass murder-suicide ritual in Guyana.
• Harvey Milk is assassinated in San Francisco.
• A Lufthansa cargo facility at JFK Airport is robbed by six men. Over $5 million in cash is stolen, along with $875,000 in jewels.
• Serial killer John Wayne Gacy is arrested.

Births in 1978

• James Franco
• Katie Holmes
• Rachel McAdams
• Bill Hader
• Topher Grace
• Katherine Heigl
• Danielle Harris
• Josh Hartnett
• Zoe Saldana

Now that our impromptu history lesson is out of the way, let’s take a look at the top grossing movies of 1978. You may immediately notice that the numbers for the top 10 films are significantly lower than their modern counterparts. The #10 film of 1978, Foul Play, grossed $27,500,000. By way of comparison, the tenth highest grossing film of 2009, Sherlock Holmes, grossed over $200 million in the U.S. and $462,411,216 worldwide.

• Grease ($96,300,000) – Singing, dancing, and John Travolta! He and Olivia Newton-John star in this musical about two teens who meet and fall for one another over the summer, only to later find themselves enrolled in the same high school. Their ensuing courtship is framed by such memorable songs as “Grease,” and “Summer Nights.”
• Superman ($82,800,000) – The late Christopher Reeve starred and Richard Donner directed this first film in the long-running superhero franchise. While moonlighting as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, Superman must foil the nefarious schemes of arch-villain Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman). He also finds time to romance fellow reporter Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and rap with holographic projections of his father, Jor-El (Marlon Brando). If you enjoy today’s modern superhero movies, thank this film for getting the whole phenomenon started.
• An Unmarried Woman ($70,826,000) – Jill Clayburgh stars as Erica, an affluent New Yorker who must face life alone after her husband ditches her for a younger woman. Nominated for three Oscars, the supporting cast includes Alan Bates, Kelly Bishop and Cliff Gorman.

• Jaws 2 ($61,900,000) – Another great white shark pays Amity Island a visit, and it’s once again up to Police Chief Martin Brody to keep the beaches safe. But this time around, he’ll have to do so without the help of Quint or Hooper. Jaws 2 isn’t as good as the original, but it’s a damn sight better than what followed. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…
• Heaven Can Wait ($50,432,000) – Warren Beatty directs and stars in this remake of the 1941 classic, Here Comes Mr. Jordan. This time around, Beatty plays Joe Pendleton, a quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams who’s involved in a car crash and prematurely sent to heaven by an inexperienced guardian angel (Buck Henry). He protests his death and is allowed to return to Earth in the body of a just-murdered millionaire. This surprises his killers (Dyan Cannon and Charles Grodin) to no end, and Joe wastes no time in buying the Rams and announcing himself the starting quarterback. Besides getting into game shape, he must also contend with a new love interest (Julie Christie) and the continued schemes of his would-be killers (his wife and personal secretary).
• Coming Home ($49,400,000) – Jane Fonda stars as Sally Hyde, a woman whose husband (Bruce Dern) has been sent to fight in Vietnam. While volunteering at a veteran’s hospital, Sally reconnects with Luke Martin (Jon Voight), an old friend who’s returned from Vietnam in a wheelchair. The character of Luke was based on paralyzed vet Ron Kovic, whose story would later be told in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July. Both Fonda and Voight would receive an Oscar for their performance.
• Hooper ($34,900,000) – Intended as a tribute to stuntmen (the director, Hal Needham, used to be one), the film stars Burt Reynolds as Sonny Hooper, the greatest stuntman alive. But the years of abuse are catching up with his body, and the addiction to painkillers isn’t exactly helping. That’s when he meets a young stuntman named Delmore “Ski” Shidski (Jan-Michael Vincent). The two develop a friendly rivalry, but their planned jump across a gorge in a rocket car could leave Hooper permanently paralyzed. The film would inspire TV’s The Fall Guy, and actor James Best would parlay his role into that of Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in The Dukes of Hazzard. Co-starring Sally Field, Brian Keith, Robert Klein, Terry Bradshaw and Adam West.
• California Suite ($28,386,000) – Adapted from the hilarious Neil Simon play, California Suite is broken into four distinct stories, each detailing the events transpiring within a single room at an upscale hotel. The all-star cast includes Alan Alda, Jane Fonda, Bill Cosby, Walter Matthau, Richard Pryor, Maggie Smith, Elaine May and Michael Caine. Maggie Smith (yes, the woman from the Harry Potter series) would win an Oscar for her portrayal of a nervous Academy Award nominee.
• Every Which Way But Loose ($28,300,000) – Philo Beddoe (Clint Eastwood) is a truck driver and bare-knuckle fighter with a pet orangutan named Clyde. As he tries to make ends meet and searches for true love, he has to contend with a gang of inept bikers known as The Black Widows. Geoffrey Lewis is Philo’s best pal, Orville Boggs, and Ruth Gordon is a scream as the shotgun-wielding Ma Boggs. This was during Eastwood’s Sandra Locke phase, so you can expect to see more of her than you’d like. The sequel, Any Which Way You Can, would hit theaters two years later.
• Foul Play ($27,500,000) – Goldie Hawn plays a librarian pursued by a murderous albino, and Chevy Chase is the skeptical San Francisco cop who eventually falls for her. Mixing elements of the comedy and thriller genres, the story includes film hidden in a pack of cigarettes, a radical group opposed to organized religion, and a plot to kill the Pope during an opera performance. The strong supporting cast includes Burgess Meredith, Dudley Moore and Brian Dennehy.

Head over to Amazon, as they carry all the films listed above on DVD (and many on Blu-ray). We’ll get a small commission for sending you their way, which allows us to keep bringing you quality movie recommendations.

You may also want to check out the following:

• 15 Good 80’s Movies
• 10 Good Movies to Rent 2008
• Robot Movies of the ‘80s

Now that you’re feeling good and nostalgic, let’s look back at the summer blockbusters 2000. These films are also available on Amazon, and the tiny commission we receive for sending you there helps us stay in business.

• What Lies Beneath – With a number of nods to the films of Alfred Hitchcock, this thriller stars Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer as a couple who’ve just moved to Vermont. Their neighbor (James Remar) is acting suspicious, and Claire (Pfeiffer) begins to suspect that he’s murdered his wife. Falling picture frames and flickering candles seem to indicate a supernatural presence, but is it the spirit of her butchered neighbor or someone else? Audiences loved the twists down the stretch, giving this film a final gross of just over $291 million.
• Big Momma’s House – Martin Lawrence gets plenty of opportunities to show off as an FBI master of disguise who’s posing as an overweight African-American woman. He’s determined to apprehend escaped killer Lester Vesco (Terence Howard), and he needs to get close to his ex-girlfriend (Nia Long) to do so. But will he fall in love along the way? Love it or hate it, Big Momma’s House was an undeniable hit to the tune of over $173 million. Paul Giamatti co-stars.
• The Perfect Storm – George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly and William Fichtner star as crew members of the fishing boat Andrea Gail. Making one last run before fishing season is over, they have the misfortune to encounter an epic storm at sea. The film chronicles their fight for survival. Based on the book by Sebastian Junger, the film grossed over $375 million at the summer box office.
• Mission: Impossible II – Tom Cruise returns as secret agent Ethan Hunt. This time around, he must match wits with Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott), a rogue agent who’s got his hands on a lethal virus known as Chimera. Directed by action guru John Woo, the film grossed over $546 million worldwide, making it the biggest blockbuster of 2000. On a side note, Dougray Scott turned down the role of Wolverine to play the villain in this film. Whoops.
• Chicken Run – A group of chickens plot an escape before they get turned into delicious pies. They’re assisted in their plans by a new arrival, a charismatic rooster voiced by Mel Gibson. Made by the same people responsible for the popular Wallace and Gromit, the stop-motion animated tale grossed over $224 million against a budget of $45 million.
• Gladiator – Russell Crowe unleashes cinematic hell as a Roman general betrayed and reduced to the life of a gladiator slave. Filled with heart-pounding battle sequences, Gladiator marked the first of many collaborations between Crowe and director Ridley Scott. Prior to acting like a madman on national television, Joaquin Phoenix co-starred as the incestuous Emperor Commodus. The film grossed $457 million and won the Oscar for Best Picture.
• Dinosaur - The 39th animated film from Disney, Dinosaur centers on the harsh life of an Iguanodon named Aladar (were there any dinosaurs with normal names?) as he tries to survive in the prehistoric age. Kids who love dinosaurs will be beside themselves, as everything from the Velociraptor to Stygimoloch are one display. D.B. Sweeney heads up the cast of voice actors, but sadly no ice skating is involved. The film was a summer blockbuster for 2000, racking up over $349 million at the global box office.
• Pokemon: The Movie 2000 – Set during the Orange Islands saga, this hit animated film features Misty, Tracy and Ash as they attempt to save three legendary Pokemon from an unscrupulous collector. All your favorites are also featured, including Pikachu, Togepi and Marill. While it wasn’t as financially successful as the first film in the series, it still managed to gross just over $133 million and spawn yet another sequel. I choose you, Pikachu!
• X-Men – In this first entry of the superhero trilogy, Hugh Jackman pops his claws as Wolverine, Halle Berry commands lightning as Storm, and Anna Paquin siphons the powers of others as Rogue. The bad guys are led by Ian McKellen as Magneto, and he’s assisted by the sexy Rebecca Romijn (wearing very little but a coat of blue paint). The film grossed just over $296 million, easily qualifying it for blockbuster status.
• Scary Movie – 2000 was the summer that introduced the successful horror spoof franchise from the Wayans brothers. While this film focuses primarily on Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, everything from Amistad to The Usual Suspects gets the parody treatment. It made over $287 million, and the three sequels would push total box office earnings to $818 million.

If you’ve enjoyed this list of Summer Blockbusters 2000, click on the following links:

• Summer Blockbusters 2008
• 12 Good Movies Featuring the Cast of Lost
• Good Movies Coming in 2011
• Summer Blockbusters 1985

As a service for some of our younger or more forgetful readers, let’s take a quick refresher course on 1999. Here are a few of the major events you might have forgotten:

- The Melissa worm wreaks havoc on the Internet.
- Everyone prepares for Y2K and an impending disaster which never comes.
- Dr. Jack Kevorkian is found guilty of second-degree murder.
- The Columbine High School massacre takes place in Littleton, Colorado.
- Napster makes its debut.
- Texas Governor George W. Bush announces he will run for President of the United States.
- The U.S. women’s team wins the FIFA Women’s World Cup thanks to the winning kick by Brandi Chastain. Her post-kick celebration becomes one of the most well-known in history.
- John F. Kennedy Jr. dies in a plane crash off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard.
- Lance Armstrong wins his first Tour de France.

Here are the Academy Award winners for 1999:

- Best Picture: American Beauty
- Best Director: Sam Mendes – American Beauty
- Best Actor: Kevin Spacey – American Beauty
- Best Actress: Hilary Swank – Boys Don’t Cry
- Best Supporting Actor: Michael Caine – The Cider House Rules
- Best Supporting Actress: Angelina Jolie – Girl, Interrupted
- Best Foreign Language Film: All About My Mother (Todo sobre mi madre), directed by Pedro Almodóvar, Spain / France

And a few film-related deaths to mull over:

- Gene Siskel – 53 – film critic
- Stanley Kubrick- 70 – director
- Oliver Reed – 61 – actor
- DeForest Kelley – 79 – actor
- George C. Scott – 71 – actor
- Madeline Kahn – 57 – actress

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s move ahead and look at the summer blockbusters 1999. Be sure to drop in and voice your opinion on these films in our comments section, or you can head over to our movie forum and start a whole new thread on the subject.

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace – Yes, it sucked. And, yes, we all went to see it, shelling our money over to George Lucas like good little lemmings. What did we get in return? An annoying kid, way too many racial stereotypes, and dialogue that sounded like it had been put together using Mad Libs. And who can forget Jar Jar Binks, the most hated movie character of all time? Now that’s an accomplishment.

The Sixth Sense – Bruce Willis plays a shrink dedicated to helping little Haley Joel Osment learn to deal with his ability to see dead people. The twist at the film’s climax scored big with viewers, and it allowed director M. Night Shyamalan to drive us all nuts in the future with his inability to write a decent ending.

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me – This time around Dr. Evil (Mike Myers) goes back in time to steal the mojo of his nemesis, Austin Powers (also Mike Myers). Heather Graham stars as a sexy spy who gets down and dirty with the disgusting Fat Bastard (Mike Myers yet again) in order to fulfill her mission, and Mini-Me (Verne Troyer) makes his memorable debut. In a nod to Moonraker, a groovy moon base is also thrown into the mix for good measure. Cameos include Jerry Springer, Willie Nelson, Woody Harrelson, Elvis Costello, and Rebecca Romijn.

Tarzan – Another animated homerun from Walt Disney, Tarzan tells the classic tale of an orphaned boy raised in the jungle by gorillas. Celebrity voices abound, including Minnie Driver, Glenn Close, Rosie O’Donnell, Wayne Knight, and the always-badass Lance Henriksen.

Big Daddy – Adam Sandler plays a man-child tasked with taking care of his roommate’s illegitimate son. The two bond, of course, but those dirty bastards from Child Protective Services threaten to spoil the whole thing. In the meantime, Sandler teaches the tyke to urinate on walls and ambush skaters in the part. Rob Schneider makes his 457th appearance in an Adam Sandler movie.

The Mummy – A rollicking adventure starring Brendan Fraser as an American soldier and adventurer who joins the quest of a plucky librarian (Rachel Weisz) to find a lost Egyptian city. Along the way, they encounter treasure-hunting Americans and fierce tribal warriors, all trying to interfere with their quest in one way or another. And when they reach the city, they’ll still have to survive a showdown with the undead Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) and his legion of mummies and flesh-eating scarabs.

Runaway Bride – Julia Roberts flashes her massive grin as Maggie Carpenter, a woman with a habit of leaving men at the altar, thus earning the name “The Runaway Bride.” Richard Gere plays the reporter who starts out looking for a story but slowly falls for the reluctant bride. Hector Elizondo also puts in an appearance, thereby reuniting three of the Pretty Woman cast members. Here’s an odd bit of trivia: Christopher Walken was once considered for the part that eventually went to Gere. I would’ve definitely shelled out money to see a romance between Julia Roberts and Walken (although it’s not as big a stretch as Lyle Lovett).

The Blair Witch Project – Three young filmmakers hike into the woods of Maryland and never return. Their gear is found a year later, and the film is supposed to be comprised of the remaining audio and video recordings. A fine example of independent filmmaking, it’s even more impressive when you consider that The Blair Witch Project cost less than $1 million to make. It also demonstrated the ability of the Internet to successfully market a film.

Notting Hill – William Thacker (Hugh Grant), a bookstore owner in London, has a chance meeting with famous American actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), and a romance begins to bloom. Alec Baldwin puts in an uncredited cameo, and Rhys Ifans is a scream as Spike, the way-out-there roommate of Thacker. The happy ending is never in doubt.

Wild Wild West – Will Smith and Kevin Kline star in this absolute nightmare of a film. Based on the television series with a strong cult following, Wild Wild West ditches all the charm of the original in favor of crappy CGI effects and Kenneth Branagh in a steampunk wheelchair. The only redeeming qualities were an appearance by Musetta Vander, Salma Hayek’s bare ass, and that damned title song by Smith.

The General’s Daughter – I wouldn’t have expected to see this one on a summer blockbusters 1999 list. In fact, I’d forgotten that it even existed. When a general’s daughter is found murdered, it’s up to John Travolta to get to the bottom of things. It doesn’t even matter what character he’s playing; you just know Travolta will get things squared away. The film does boast an excellent cast, including Medeleine Stowe, James Cromwell, Timothy Hutton, and James Woods. Based on a 1992 novel by Nelson DeMille.

American Pie – One of the films responsible for reviving the teen sex comedy genre. It has its moments, sure, but ultimately it’s not nearly as funny as its success would suggest. Still, it has kept Eugene Levy in work for years, so I guess I can cut it a little slack. And Shannon Elizabeth still looks great in her scenes (years before she started specializing in poker-related movies).

Before you go, how about checking out the following articles? I think you’ll like them, and each one’s got a money back guarantee.

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Summer Blockbusters 1985

- Mike Tyson makes his pro debut and scores a knockout in the first round.
- Mikhail Gorbachev becomes the leader of the Soviet Union.
- Coca-Cola changes to New Coke. People unanimously agree that it sucks.
- Mel Gibson is chosen as People’s Sexiest Man Alive.
- The Amiga personal computer is launched by Commodore.
- The original Nintendo is released in the United States.
- Keira Knightley, Michael Phelps, Wayne Rooney, Dwight Howard, and Cristiano Ronaldo are born.

Writing summer blockbuster articles for the post-2000 years are easy, as there are plenty of movies topping the $100 million mark. They have to, because Hollywood movies have become increasingly expensive to make. It seems like only yesterday when a movie with a budget of $100 million was extremely rare. Nowadays, they’re falling out of the sky (case in point, Land of the Lost).

But things look a bit different when you hop in the Wayback Machine and set the dial for 1985. First off, there simply weren’t as many people living in the United States back then. Secondly, the film industry had yet to perfect the summer blockbuster formula like they have in the last 15 years or so. So while movies were still a profitable industry, their gross revenue is almost laughable when compared with their modern counterparts.

For example, the #1 movie in 1985 was Back to the Future, which grossed $381.11 million worldwide. In 2008, the #1 movie (The Dark Knight) grossed $1,001,921,825. At the opposite end of the 1985 top 10, Spies Like Us (WTF!?) grossed $60,088,980. Last year’s #10 movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, grossed $419,651,413. Personally, I find the success of Spies Like Us (and that rockin’ Paul McCartney title track) to be even more jaw-dropping than the difference in dollar amounts.

My point is that a summer blockbusters 1985 list is going to look pretty lackluster when compared to more modern lists, especially when you consider that only two summer movies in 1985 passed the $100 million mark in gross revenue. But just so you don’t feel cheated, I’ve stretched this list out to include any summer film which grossed more than $40 million. The numbers listed below are revenue from the U.S. box office.

So here goes nuthin’…

Back to the Future (grossed $210,609,762) – Michael J. Fox made the transition for TV actor to movie star in this film about a likable kid named Marty McFly who goes hopping through time in a DeLorean. Going back 30 years, he has to fend off the romantic advances of his future mother, help his future father develop more confidence, and still find time to invent Chuck Barry’s famous duck walk during an eye-opening performance at the school dance. You’ve probably already seen it more than once, but this Robert Zemeckis film is certainly worth a look if you haven’t. Fox gives off a major “nice guy” vibe, and it’s one that can be enjoyed by the entire family. It was the top-grossing film of 1985, and it no doubt deserved the recognition. Two sequels would follow, although each was a little less entertaining than the one before. Note: Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty, but he and the filmmakers eventually decided that he was wrong for the part.

Rambo: First Blood Part II (grossed $150,415,432) – First Blood was a psychological study about war’s lingering effects on its participants. First Blood Part II places a greater emphasis on the action, but it still deals with the aftereffects of war in the form of the POW/MIA issue. For some zany reason, Rambo is released from prison in exchange for going to Vietnam and investigating whether or not American POWs are really present (didn’t they have any non-convict commandoes who could do it?). His superiors don’t expect him to find anything, but Rambo discovers a whole mess of trouble, including prisoners-of-war and a close relationship between the Vietnamese and those dirty Soviets (remember, this was while the Cold War was still going on). From there, it’s time for Rambo to do what he does best, including blowing people apart with his special only-in-a-movie explosive arrows. The film had a huge cultural impact, and people all around the world still view America and this character as synonymous. I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether or not that’s a good thing.

Cocoon (grossed $76,113,124) – Ron Howard directs this warm-hearted tale about elderly people running across aliens and gaining immortality. It’s got a who’s who of senior actors, including Don Ameche, Wilford “King Badass” Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, and Maureen Stapleton. And it also features the man who transcends all age groups, Steve Guttenberg. Not exactly a movie for kids who think they’ll live forever, but it’s a great fantasy for anyone starting to consider their own mortality.

The Goonies (grossed $61,389,680) – Directed by Richard Donner (with some help from Steven Spielberg), The Goonies tells the story of a group of kids trying to save their neighborhood from demolition. In order to accomplish this, they set off to find the legendary treasure of a pirate known as One-Eyed Willy. Of course, they’ll have to contend with an Italian crime family along the way, but that also leads to the introduction of the deformed-yet-helpful Sloth. The Goonies can be enjoyed both by kids seeing it for the first time and adults looking for a nostalgia trip. There’s plenty of adventure, the ending is predictably uplifting, and it features a youthful cast including Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, and Martha Plimpton. When it comes to summer blockbuster 1985, this one is a must-see.

Fletch (grossed $50,612,888) – Chevy Chase stars in this film based on the novels by Gregory Mcdonald. The comedic actor plays Irwin M. Fletcher, an undercover reporter who uses a variety of disguises to get his latest story. This time around, he’s looking into drug trafficking on Los Angeles beaches, but what he stumbles across winds up being much bigger than he could’ve imagined. Chase is in full-blown smartass mode in this one, and his use of disguises should delight anyone who’s a fan of the comic actor. If you’re not a fan of Chase, however, I’d advise you to avoid Fletch, as it’s certainly a one-man show. It’s been years since I’ve seen the film, but the moment which stands out in my mind is this: Fletch is thrown into a jail cell with Randall “Tex” Cobb (perhaps best-known as the bounty hunter in Raising Arizona). Cobb leers at him menacingly and tells Fletch, “Bend over.” Undaunted, Fletch extends his hand and replies, “Bend, nice to meet you. Victor Hugo.”

A View to a Kill (grossed $50,327,960) – Roger Moore makes his seventh and final appearance as James Bond. This time around, Bond is pitted against industrialist Max Zorin (Christopher Walken), a psychopath who’s actually the product of Nazi medical experimentation (natch). Tanya Roberts and Grace Jones are the rather mismatched Bond Girls, and much of the action takes place in scenic San Francisco. While it earned $300 million worldwide, A View to a Kill has always been considered something of a disappointment, with the exception of the killer theme song from Duran Duran. Now that I think of it, the movie might’ve been better if Walken played himself. Just imagine James Bond against a tap-dancing actor with the world’s most unusual comic delivery.

National Lampoon’s European Vacation (grossed $49,364,621) – Chevy Chase makes the list again, but this time it’s for a sequel. Following up the adventures of the slapstick Griswold family, the dysfunctional group heads off for a whirlwind vacation throughout Europe. Clark Griswold (Chase) plays the “ugly American,” driving on the wrong side of the road, accidentally insulting locals with his poor French, and even knocking over the Stonehenge pillars without knowing it. Eric Idle pops up repeatedly as a bicyclist who keeps getting run over by Clark, and The Power Station appears to perform their hit single “Some Like It Hot.” Christmas Vacation would hit theaters four years later.

Pale Rider (grossed $41,410,568) – Clint Eastwood made a number of memorable westerns, and he was still seven years away from the masterpiece known as Unforgiven. While I never considered Pale Rider to be among his finest efforts, an average Eastwood flick is still pretty damned entertaining. Playing a mysterious preacher who’s determined to help a group of miners against a ruthless local businessman, Eastwood kicks the usual amount of ass we’ve all come to expect from his characters. In a later interview, our man Clint (who also directed) revealed that his character was an “out and out ghost.” My favorite parts of the film revolved around Preacher and miner Hull Barret’s (Michael Moriarty) efforts to break apart a particularly large rock in the nearby stream, plus the inevitable showdown with the vicious Stockburn (John Rusell) and his hired guns is also a nice little slice of greatness.

Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (grossed $40,940,662) – I saw this movie at my local small-town movie theatre, a one-screen affair that has long since been demolished. Completely unaware of who Paul Reubens or director Tim Burton were, I was totally unprepared for the madcap adventure to follow. When his beloved bike gets stolen, Pee-wee Herman sets off on a bizarre quest to get it back. From searching for the basement of the Alamo to riding with a ghostly trucker named Large Marge, Pee-wee gets into one misadventure after another. The climax of the film takes place at Warner Bros. Studios, where he leads authorities on a zany chase through numerous movie sets and even a Twisted Sister video. The late comic Phil Hartman was one of the film’s writers, and I’d highly recommend this one if you’re looking for something a little different. If nothing else, it’ll give you a chance to see a Tim Burton movie that isn’t all dark, gloomy, or features Helena Bonham Carter looking like death warmed over.

Brewster’s Millions (grossed $40,833,132) – I remember seeing this as a kid, but I had no idea it was such a box office success. I guess you should never underestimate the power of a coked-out Richard Pryor. Based on a novel, six versions had already been made (including one in 1914) before the one starring Pryor and John Candy hit the theaters. In it, a minor league baseball pitcher (Pryor) learns that his long-lost great-uncle has recently died and left a will challenging him to spend $30 million in 30 days. If he can, then Brewster will inherit his great-uncle’s full $300 million. If he fails, he’ll walk away with nothing. He’s also prevented from telling any of his pals what he’s up to. As you can imagine, hilarity ensues in true Pryor fashion (just without all the f-bombs). It’s a real testament to Pryor’s appeal that he could be so wonderfully foul-mouthed in his stand-up performances, but still find success in PG comedies and kid’s shows (anyone remember Pryor’s Place?).

And there you have the 10 most profitable summer blockbusters 1985. If you’ve enjoyed reading this list, why not take a look at some of the other articles we have to offer? Here are a few suggestions for those of you too lazy to generate your own ideas.

• Good Movies Coming in 2012
• Summer Blockbusters 2000
• Good Comedy Movies
• Good Movie Soundtracks