Do you think you really have good taste in movies?

At first, I wanted to share my thoughts about the cinematic preferences of the general public. But after giving it a thought or two, I realized I don’t want to judge, generalize and pin labels. Especially, given that I consider myself a part of the general public, an occasional movie goer. Instead, I decided to look into a movie game audience — something that truly interests me. So, I dug up some statistics to make a popular movies list. Feel free to compare it to yours!

So, the stats are from Filmillion, a movie guessing game that we did for fun (and because we can!). It’s not exclusively for movie buffs, but I thought they could be the audience.

By the way, I’d ask you to think of any movie and then reply with that movie title in the comments. Be sure to mention if it’s one of your favorites.

Finally, let’s get down to movie titles and numbers. I didn’t bother to sort them and choose the winner, so they go in a pretty much random order.

Surprisingly, The Godfather is among the most popular titles out there, though not a leader. I suspect that sometimes Filmillion players do not discriminate between the three parts of the grand saga, but still. We’ll take it as the reference value (100%). By the way, the epic trilogy is definitely on my personal favorites dramas list (thought I like the 3rd movie not so much as the first two).

Titanic — 158%. Not surprising to me, as it’s a masterpiece in many aspects, uniting multiple genres and an epic storyline, with meticulous attention to detail. And it’s been (and still is) one of the best movies for a date night. Also, can’t help but appreciate the many jokes about Canadian music industry spurred by Celine Dion’s fabulous “My heart will go on” (it’s somewhat hard to admit myself to it, but I really like the song!).

The Shawshenk Redemption (122%). To me, it stands in line with Slum Dog Millionaire, Apocalypto, The Revenant and other great movies of human spirit triumph. I love this movie and it’s one of my personal favorites of all time.

Lord of the Rings — Fellowship of the Ring (162%). It’s a spectacular and well-executed product. Hardcore Tolkien fans may spill gigatons of whine over it (and sometimes rightly so!). Still, it’s epic, it’s beautiful and it features the most talented actors of our time. But if you really want to get what Middle-earth is all about — read the books.

The Matrix (166%). The iconic cyber punk title that gave world “bullet time”. Started as an indie project, it has become a symbol of the new millennium to me: post-modern, noire, cutting-edge CGI.

Back to the Future (125%) — an all-time classic. Many grew up on this. If only I could travel to the past and watch it again for the first time. Each time I stumble upon an Internet meme with Marty or Doc, I get a fierce fit of nostalgia. One that might end up in watching the movie again.

The Dark Knight (134%). Obviously, I watched this for Heath Ledger’s Joker. I’m not a big fan of Batman movies, but Heath is absolutely genius. One of the biggest losses in the movie industry ever.

Fight Club — 135%. Again, one of my favorites. Controversial and bold. It’s since that movie that Helena Bonham Carter is one of my favorite actresses.

Inception (110%). Great story, music by Zimmer, directed by Nolan.

So, what do we actually get from these stats? My observations about that list:

1. Different genres, but dramas are dominating.
2. Largely different release dates, from the 1970s and into the 2010s.
3. Some of my favorite genres missing (e.g. horror movies, space operas).
4. The Matrix beat ’em all, but by a thin margin.

I can tell for myself that my personal favorites somewhat overlap with the Filmillion’s often played list. This is really inspiring! And, frankly, I don’t care whether someone would call Filmillion players (including myself) movie enthusiasts, movie buffs or just occasional movie goers. We’re having fun here and we love movies. And I’m pretty sure that list includes some of your favorites, too.

By the way, be sure to post your favorite movies in the comments, and I will dig up the stats on those and put it here.