1
War of the Worlds
A $600m spectacle opened worldwide on his name alone. His 1996, when Jerry Maguire and Mission: Impossible made him a star-producer, is the year the lattice actually wants.
The Last Samurai03Collateral04War of the Worlds05Elizabethtown05Mission: Impossible III06
28,380 ftThe Summit+380
2
Raiders of the Lost Ark
The film that made Indiana Jones, released while he was also Han Solo. Nobody else has held two properties like that at once.
More American Graffiti79The Empire Strikes Back80Raiders of the Lost Ark81Blade Runner82Return of the Jedi83
28,190 ftThe Summit-310judgment
3
Titanic
The highest-grossing film ever made, at twenty-two, with almost no career underneath it. The Wolf of Wall Street is the plateau.
Romeo + Juliet96Marvin's Room96Titanic97The Man in the Iron Mask98Celebrity98
28,080 ftThe Summit+580
4
Forrest Gump
A second consecutive Best Actor, then Apollo 13 and Toy Story by choice. Big built the launch pad.
Philadelphia93Sleepless in Seattle93Forrest Gump94Apollo 1395Toy Story95
27,470 ftThe Death Zone-1,230
5
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
A supporting turn that revived the biggest franchise in cinema, at fifty-nine. Bond is the larger career; this is the higher moment.
The Untouchables87The Presidio88Indiana Jones and the L…89Family Business89The Hunt for Red October90
27,440 ftThe Death Zone
6
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Turned a theme-park ride into a franchise on a performance the studio wanted cut. Dead Man's Chest grossed more.
Blow01From Hell01Pirates of the Caribbea…03Once Upon a Time in Mex…03Finding Neverland04
27,340 ftThe Death Zone
7
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Best Picture, and the second time he and Redford owned the box office. Butch Cassidy came first and earned less.
The Secret War of Harry…68Rachel, Rachel68Butch Cassidy and the S…69Winning69WUSA70
27,240 ftThe Death Zone+2,740
8
Iron Man 3
A billion dollars on the third solo outing, the point the deal was renegotiated. Endgame was bigger and shared.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game…11The Avengers12Iron Man 313The Judge14Chef14
27,120 ftThe Death Zone+220
9
Mrs. Doubtfire
The biggest comedy star alive with the biggest comedy of the year, edging Dead Poets Society.
Aladdin92FernGully: The Last Rai…92Mrs. Doubtfire93Being Human94Jumanji95
27,050 ftThe Death Zone
10
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
The most expensive film ever made, built entirely around him. Twins proved the range, T2 proved the price.
Total Recall90Kindergarten Cop90Terminator 2: Judgment …91Christmas in Connecticut92Last Action Hero93
26,890 ftThe Death Zone+90
11
The Matrix Reloaded
Two sequels shot back to back on the strength of the first. The Matrix is the better film.
Sweet November01Hardball01The Matrix Reloaded03The Matrix Revolutions03Something's Gotta Give03
26,870 ftThe Death Zone
12
Dances with Wolves
Best Picture and Best Director for a film he also starred in, clear of The Bodyguard.
Bull Durham88Field of Dreams89Dances with Wolves90Revenge90Robin Hood: Prince of T…91
26,750 ftThe Death Zone
13
A Beautiful Mind
Best Picture a year after Gladiator won him Best Actor. Gladiator is louder, this is the peak.
Gladiator00Proof of Life00A Beautiful Mind01Master and Commander: T…03Cinderella Man05
26,480 ftThe Death Zone+1,480
14
The Odyssey
A modest spy film that became a franchise and rewrote screen action for a decade. The Martian is the bigger solo carry.
Small Things Like These24Drive-Away Dolls24The Odyssey26The Rip26
26,470 ftThe Death Zone
15
Batman
Only the second film ever to sweep the big five Oscars. Batman paid him more.
Ironweed87Broadcast News87Batman89The Two Jakes90A Few Good Men92
26,440 ftThe Death Zone-60
16
Driving Miss Daisy
Best Picture, and the year he stopped being a character actor. Lean On Me came out the same year.
Street Smart87Clean and Sober88Driving Miss Daisy89Lean On Me89Glory89
26,380 ftThe Death Zone
17
The Sting
A quiet western that outgrossed all expectation. The Sting and All the President's Men, which follow, are the real run.
The Hot Rock72The Candidate72The Sting73The Way We Were73The Great Gatsby74
26,260 ftThe Death Zone-790
18
Rambo: First Blood Part II
Rambo and Rocky IV inside twelve months, the biggest year any action star has had. Rocky IV is the twin.
Staying Alive83Rhinestone84Rambo: First Blood Part…85Rocky IV85Cobra86
26,120 ftCamp III+620
19
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
A troubled $540m production he produced himself and rescued, above Troy.
Troy04Ocean's Twelve04Mr. & Mrs. Smith05Babel06The Departed06
26,080 ftCamp III
20
Fatal Attraction
A thriller that became a national argument, in the same year he won for Wall Street. Basic Instinct repeated the trick.
The Jewel of the Nile85A Chorus Line85Fatal Attraction87Wall Street87Black Rain89
26,030 ftCamp III
21
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
A $480m action comedy, and the year she became the most photographed person on earth. Tomb Raider made her a global name first.
Sky Captain and the Wor…04Shark Tale04Mr. & Mrs. Smith05The Good Shepherd06A Mighty Heart07
25,950 ftCamp III
22
Joker
The first R-rated film past a billion dollars, and Best Actor with it. Walk the Line was the earlier peak.
The Sisters Brothers18Mary Magdalene18Joker19C'mon C'mon21Napoleon23
25,870 ftCamp III
23
Beverly Hills Cop II
The sequel to the film that made him the biggest star in the world, and it outgrossed nearly everything. The first one is better.
Best Defense84The Golden Child86Beverly Hills Cop II87Coming to America88Harlem Nights89
25,860 ftCamp III-1,940
24
Out of Africa
The performance that ended the argument, and her first Best Actress. The Devil Wears Prada is the second summit, twenty-four years on.
Silkwood83Falling in Love84Out of Africa85Plenty85Heartburn86
25,820 ftCamp III-180
25
American Sniper
A $550m war film he produced, the highest-grossing of its year. A Star Is Born, which he directed, is the fuller summit.
The Hangover Part III13The Place Beyond the Pi…13American Sniper14Guardians of the Galaxy14Serena14
25,790 ftCamp III
26
Chicago
Best Picture, and a musical that ran on her, just past Bridget Jones's Diary.
Nurse Betty00Bridget Jones's Diary01Chicago02White Oleander02Cold Mountain03
25,790 ftCamp III
27
Midnight Cowboy
The only X-rated film to win Best Picture, two years after The Graduate announced him.
The Graduate67Midnight Cowboy69John and Mary69Little Big Man70
25,720 ftCamp III
28
I Am Legend
An original science-fiction film opened worldwide on his name, which only he could do. Independence Day was the ignition.
The Pursuit of Happyness06ATL06I Am Legend07Hancock08Seven Pounds08
25,710 ftCamp III-1,690
29
Gravity
Ninety minutes alone on screen and $720m worldwide. The Blind Side won her the Oscar.
All About Steve09Extremely Loud & Incred…11Gravity13The Heat13Minions15
25,700 ftCamp III
30
Unforgiven
The disaster film that made him bankable, a year after The French Connection made him respected.
Class Action91Company Business91Unforgiven92The Firm93Geronimo: An American L…93
25,670 ftCamp III
31
The Godfather Part II
A year after The Godfather, the film that proved the range was his and not Coppola's.
Serpico73Scarecrow73The Godfather Part II74Dog Day Afternoon75Bobby Deerfield77
25,660 ftCamp III-940
32
Collateral
Best Actor and a supporting nomination in the same year, a convergence almost nobody manages. Django Unchained grossed more.
Ali01Shade03Collateral04Ray04Redemption: The Stan To…04
25,650 ftCamp III+2,150
33
The Sixth Sense
A $670m ghost story with no action beat in it, well clear of Die Hard.
Mercury Rising98The Siege98The Sixth Sense99The Story of Us99Breakfast of Champions99
25,610 ftCamp III
34
Avengers: Endgame
Handed the biggest franchise in cinema and opened it, above Black Widow.
Avengers: Infinity War18Isle of Dogs18Avengers: Endgame19Marriage Story19Jojo Rabbit19
25,590 ftCamp III
35
Bruce Almighty
The year the biggest comedy star alive proved he could hold a straight film, edging The Mask.
Me, Myself & Irene00The Majestic01Bruce Almighty03Lemony Snicket's A Seri…04Eternal Sunshine of the…04
25,540 ftCamp III
36
Moulin Rouge!
A ghost story she carried to $210m in the same year as Moulin Rouge!, which is the louder film.
Practical Magic98Eyes Wide Shut99Moulin Rouge!01The Others01Birthday Girl01
25,520 ftCamp III
37
Pretty Woman
The first woman to command twenty million dollars, with an Oscar to go with it. Pretty Woman made her famous, not powerful.
Satisfaction88Steel Magnolias89Pretty Woman90Flatliners90Sleeping with the Enemy91
25,450 ftCamp III-1,550
38
Dune: Part Two
A $630m musical opened on him, months before Dune: Part Two did it again.
Entergalactic22Wonka23Dune: Part Two24A Complete Unknown24Marty Supreme25
25,390 ftCamp III-110
39
Venom
An $850m franchise carried on a performance critics disliked. Mad Max: Fury Road is the better film by some distance.
London Road15Dunkirk17Venom18Capone20Venom: Let There Be Car…21
25,360 ftCamp III
40
Titanic
A fifth nomination before she was thirty-two. Titanic is the bigger film by an order of magnitude.
Jude96Hamlet96Titanic97Hideous Kinky99Holy Smoke99
25,340 ftCamp III
41
Cape Fear
His biggest commercial hit with Scorsese. Raging Bull is the greater film and the smaller opening.
GoodFellas90Stanley & Iris90Cape Fear91Guilty by Suspicion91Backdraft91
25,290 ftCamp III-410
42
Grease
A cultural event and a Best Actor nomination at twenty-three. Grease made more money the year after.
Carrie76Saturday Night Fever77Grease78Urban Cowboy80Blow Out81
25,280 ftCamp III+1,280
43
Hannibal
The sequel that proved the character was his and not the film's. The Father won him a second Oscar twenty years later.
Titus99Mission: Impossible II00Hannibal01Hearts in Atlantis01Bad Company02
25,250 ftCamp III
44
Logan
A $300m monster picture at his most bankable, which is not the same as his best. Logan is the film that closed seventeen years in one role.
Eddie the Eagle16X-Men: Apocalypse16Logan17The Greatest Showman17The Front Runner18
25,230 ftCamp III
45
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
A franchise lead and an Oscar inside twelve months, at twenty-two. Catching Fire made more money and less history.
Silver Linings Playbook12House at the End of the…12The Hunger Games: Catch…13American Hustle13The Devil You Know13
25,230 ftCamp III-770
46
Braveheart
The sequel that turned a hit into a franchise. Braveheart, which he directed, is the real summit.
The Man Without a Face93Maverick94Braveheart95Pocahontas95Casper95
25,180 ftCamp III
47
Brokeback Mountain
A $336m attempt to make him a franchise lead. The Day After Tomorrow was the bigger hit.
Lovely & Amazing02The Day After Tomorrow04Brokeback Mountain05Jarhead05Proof05
25,120 ftCamp III
48
Fatal Attraction
A $320m family hit built on a villain. Dangerous Liaisons is the better film by a wide margin.
Greystoke: The Legend o…84Jagged Edge85Fatal Attraction87Dangerous Liaisons88Immediate Family89
25,090 ftCamp III
49
Project Hail Mary
Six Oscars and very nearly Best Picture, past Drive, which built the persona.
Barbie23The Fall Guy24Project Hail Mary26
25,060 ftCamp III
50
Deadpool
An R-rated superhero film he spent eleven years forcing into production, and it took $780m. The sequels are bigger and easier.
Woman in Gold15Mississippi Grind15Deadpool16Criminal16The Hitman's Bodyguard17
25,030 ftCamp III
51
The Dark Knight
A billion-dollar comic-book film that was taken seriously, a clear step up from Batman Begins.
I'm Not There073:10 to Yuma07The Dark Knight08Public Enemies09Terminator Salvation09
25,000 ftCamp III
52
Training Day
Best Actor for playing the villain, and the start of the run that gave him the greenlight. Malcolm X is the acclaim peak, not the apex.
The Bone Collector99Remember the Titans00Training Day01John Q02Antwone Fisher02
25,000 ftCamp III-1,400
53
Avengers: Endgame
The film that saved the character by letting him be funny, far above The Dark World.
12 Strong18Bad Times at the El Roy…18Avengers: Endgame19Men in Black: Internati…19Extraction20
24,840 ftCamp III
54
Ocean's Eleven
The film that proved television's biggest star could open a blockbuster. Ocean's Eleven, a year later, is the more durable hit.
The Perfect Storm00Fail Safe00Ocean's Eleven01Spy Kids01Solaris02
24,840 ftCamp III
55
Interstellar
A year after Dallas Buyers Club won him the Oscar, Nolan built a $700m film around him.
Mud13The Wolf of Wall Street13Interstellar14Free State of Jones16Gold16
24,810 ftCamp III+810
56
Walk the Line
A $180m romantic comedy opened entirely on her, a year after Legally Blonde made that possible.
Legally Blonde 2: Red, …03Vanity Fair04Walk the Line05Just Like Heaven05Rendition07
24,790 ftCamp III
57
Black Panther
A $1.3bn film in which the villain is the argument. Creed III he also directed.
Creed15Fantastic Four15Black Panther18Creed II18Fahrenheit 45118
24,750 ftCamp III
58
The Silence of the Lambs
Best Picture, Best Actress, and the second of two Oscars before she was thirty. The Accused was the first.
Stealing Home88Catchfire90The Silence of the Lambs91Little Man Tate91Shadows and Fog91
24,730 ftCamp III
59
National Treasure
A $350m family franchise built on him, a long way from Leaving Las Vegas, which won him the Oscar.
Matchstick Men03The Life of David Gale03National Treasure04Lord of War05The Weather Man05
24,710 ftCamp III
60
Papillon
The biggest hit of the era's biggest star, past Bullitt, which is the film everyone remembers.
The Getaway72Junior Bonner72Papillon73The Towering Inferno74Tom Horn80
24,670 ftCamp III
61
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
A $370m thriller carried on the audience distrusting him. Argo, which he directed, won Best Picture and is the better year.
Gone Girl14The Leisure Class15Batman v Superman: Dawn…16The Accountant16Live by Night16
24,600 ftCamp III
62
Aliens
An action sequel that got its lead a Best Actress nomination, which had not happened before. Avatar grossed ten times as much.
Deal of the Century83Ghostbusters84Aliens86Half Moon Street86Gorillas in the Mist88
24,540 ftCamp III
63
Barbie
She produced it as well as starred in it, and it took $1.4bn. I, Tonya is where she proved she could.
Babylon22Amsterdam22Barbie23Saltburn23Asteroid City23
24,520 ftCamp III
64
Monster
Best Actress for a transformation that changed what she was offered, clear of Atomic Blonde.
Trapped02Waking Up in Reno02Monster03The Italian Job03Head in the Clouds04
24,510 ftCamp III
65
The Outlaw Josey Wales
A domestic hit made at the height of five straight years as the biggest draw alive. Dirty Harry is louder; Unforgiven, which he directed, is the prestige second summit.
Thunderbolt and Lightfo…74The Eiger Sanction75The Outlaw Josey Wales76The Enforcer76The Gauntlet77
24,470 ftCamp III-1,030judgment
66
Network
Best Actress in the film that predicted television, and nothing after came close. Mommie Dearest is the fall.
The Four Musketeers74Three Days of the Condor75Network76Voyage of the Damned76Eyes of Laura Mars78
24,460 ftCamp III
67
The China Syndrome
Best Actress for a film she developed herself, above Nine to Five.
California Suite78Comes a Horseman78The China Syndrome79The Electric Horseman79Nine to Five80
24,460 ftCamp III
68
Darkest Hour
Best Actor at fifty-nine, after three decades of being the best thing in other people's films. Dracula is the more enjoyable performance.
Criminal16Man Down16Darkest Hour17The Hitman's Bodyguard17The Space Between Us17
24,410 ftCamp III
69
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
A quiet Jarmusch lead, made while he was the villain of a Star Wars trilogy that counts for more.
This Is Where I Leave Y…14Bluebird14Star Wars: The Force Aw…15Hungry Hearts15While We're Young15
24,360 ftCamp III
70
Starman
A blockbuster remake at his most bankable. Crazy Heart, thirty-three years later, is the one that won.
Kiss Me Goodbye82The Last Unicorn82Starman84Against All Odds84Jagged Edge85
24,290 ftCamp III
71
American Hustle
A cerebral science-fiction film carried entirely by her, above Enchanted.
Trouble with the Curve12On the Road12American Hustle13Man of Steel13Her13
24,230 ftCamp III
72
Smokey and the Bandit
The second-biggest film of 1977, behind only Star Wars, at the peak of five straight years as America's top draw. The Longest Yard is the better film.
Nickelodeon76Silent Movie76Smokey and the Bandit77Semi-Tough77Hooper78
24,210 ftCamp III
73
La La Land
A supporting nomination in a film that let her be strange, above Easy A.
Irrational Man15Aloha15La La Land16Popstar: Never Stop Nev…16Battle of the Sexes17
24,200 ftCamp III
74
Still Alice
Best Actress after four previous nominations, above Far from Heaven.
Carrie13Don Jon13Still Alice14Maps to the Stars14Non-Stop14
24,120 ftCamp III
75
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
She produced it and carried it, past the Spider-Man films that made her famous.
Dune: Part Two24Challengers24Spider-Man: Brand New D…26The Drama26The Odyssey26
24,100 ftCamp III
76
Black Swan
Best Actress for a $330m art film, well clear of V for Vendetta.
The Other Boleyn Girl08Brothers09Black Swan10The Other Woman10Hesher10
24,080 ftCamp III
77
Skyscraper
Nearly a billion dollars on a reboot nobody asked for, clear of San Andreas.
Jumanji: Welcome to the…17The Fate of the Furious17Skyscraper18Rampage18Fast & Furious Presents…19
24,060 ftCamp III
78
Spider-Man
A film that drew protests worldwide, which is its own kind of altitude. Spider-Man reached more people.
Pavilion of Women01Edges of the Lord01Spider-Man02Auto Focus02Finding Nemo03
24,060 ftCamp III
79
Avengers: Endgame
An Avengers film in all but name, carried on his character. The Winter Soldier is the better film.
Spider-Man: Homecoming17Avengers: Infinity War18Avengers: Endgame19The Red Sea Diving Reso…19Knives Out19
24,010 ftCamp III
80
In the Heat of the Night
One of three landmark films he released in 1967, the year he was the biggest draw in America. In the Heat of the Night won Best Picture.
The Greatest Story Ever…65Duel at Diablo66In the Heat of the Night67Guess Who's Coming to D…67To Sir, with Love67
23,970 ftCamp III+1,970
81
Captain Marvel
A $200m action hit in the middle of the busiest decade any actor has worked. The Negotiator is the better showcase.
Incredibles 218Avengers: Infinity War18Captain Marvel19Shaft19Spider-Man: Far From Ho…19
23,900 ftCamp III
82
The Sound of Music
The highest-grossing film ever made at the time, a year after Mary Poppins won her the Oscar.
The Sound of Music65Hawaii66Torn Curtain66
23,890 ftCamp III-2,110
83
Annie Hall
The darker half of her 1977, the year Annie Hall won her Best Actress. Baby Boom is the later peak.
Love and Death75Harry and Walter Go to …76Annie Hall77Looking for Mr. Goodbar77Interiors78
23,880 ftCamp III
84
Carol
A second nomination for the same character, nine years apart. Blue Jasmine is the one that won.
The Hobbit: The Battle …14The Monuments Men14Carol15Cinderella15Truth15
23,840 ftCamp III
85
The Devil Wears Prada 2
A modest hit the year before Les Miserables won her the Oscar. The Princess Diaries is the bigger cultural moment.
The Idea of You24Mothers' Instinct24The Devil Wears Prada 226The End of Oak Street26The Odyssey26
23,750 ftCamp III
86
Big Daddy
The peak of the Happy Madison machine, when he could open anything. Big Daddy is the better film.
The Wedding Singer98Dirty Work98Big Daddy99Deuce Bigalow: Male Gig…99Little Nicky00
23,700 ftCamp III
87
Bugsy
He wrote it and produced it and it was his biggest hit. Reds, which he directed, is the summit.
Ishtar87Dick Tracy90Bugsy91Love Affair94Bulworth98
23,620 ftCamp III+1,620
88
Ghostbusters
The highest-grossing comedy ever made at the time, and he improvised most of it. Stripes was the audition.
Stripes81Tootsie82Ghostbusters84The Razor's Edge84Nothing Lasts Forever84
23,540 ftCamp III
89
The Quiet American
A beloved Scrooge, and nowhere near his summit. Educating Rita and the two Oscars sit far above it.
Get Carter00Last Orders01The Quiet American02Austin Powers in Goldme…02The Statement03
23,480 ftCamp II
90
The Fabulous Baker Boys
A $180m hit built entirely on her, above Married to the Mob.
Married to the Mob88Tequila Sunrise88The Fabulous Baker Boys89The Russia House90Frankie and Johnny91
23,450 ftCamp II
91
Monster's Ball
A famous failure two years after she became the first Black woman to win Best Actress. Die Another Day is the higher point here.
Introducing Dorothy Dan…99X-Men00Monster's Ball01Swordfish01Die Another Day02
23,400 ftCamp II
92
Deep Impact
An enduring, oft-rewatched summit, edging The Apostle.
Sling Blade96The Apostle97Deep Impact98A Civil Action98The Gingerbread Man98
23,370 ftCamp II
93
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Snake Plissken, the role that turned a Disney child actor into a cult lead. The Thing followed and flopped.
Furious 715Deepwater Horizon16Guardians of the Galaxy…17The Fate of the Furious17The Christmas Chronicles18
23,360 ftCamp II
94
Indecent Proposal
The highest-grossing film of 1990. The Substance, thirty-four years later, is the performance.
Nothing but Trouble91A Few Good Men92Indecent Proposal93Disclosure94The Scarlet Letter95
23,320 ftCamp II
95
Elf
A Christmas perennial that still earns every December, just past Anchorman.
I Spy02Boat Trip02Elf03Old School03Anchorman: The Legend o…04
23,260 ftCamp II
96
American History X
A sleeper hit at his most bankable. American History X is the performance that defines him.
The People vs. Larry Fl…96Everyone Says I Love You96American History X98Rounders98Keeping the Faith00
23,180 ftCamp II
97
In the Name of the Father
A Best Actor nomination and the height of his Irish period. There Will Be Blood, which won, is the greater performance.
My Left Foot: The Story…89The Last of the Mohicans92In the Name of the Fath…93The Age of Innocence93The Crucible96
23,170 ftCamp II
98
Coal Miner's Daughter
Best Actress for a performance in which she did her own singing, above Carrie.
Carrie763 Women77Coal Miner's Daughter80Raggedy Man81Missing82
23,150 ftCamp II
99
Nomadland
The second of three Best Actress wins, and the loudest. Fargo was the first.
Three Billboards Outsid…17Isle of Dogs18Nomadland21The Tragedy of Macbeth21The French Dispatch of …21
23,110 ftCamp II
100
Capote
Best Actor for a lead role after a decade of definitive supporting ones. Synecdoche, New York is the more ambitious film.
Cold Mountain03Along Came Polly04Capote05Mission: Impossible III06Strangers with Candy06
23,040 ftCamp II
101
Father of the Bride
A $190m family hit at his most commercial. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is the film that lasts.
Parenthood89My Blue Heaven90Father of the Bride91L.A. Story91Grand Canyon91
22,970 ftCamp II
102
Little Women
An ensemble curio at the start of her best decade. Heathers is the film that made her.
The Age of Innocence93The House of the Spirits93Little Women94Reality Bites94How to Make an American…95
22,930 ftCamp II
103
The Lion in Winter
An enduring, oft-rewatched summit, edging Man of La Mancha.
The Night of the Genera…67Casino Royale67The Lion in Winter68Goodbye, Mr. Chips69Murphy's War71
22,860 ftCamp II
104
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
A role written for her, split across two films. Volume 2 is the better half.
Chelsea Walls01Hysterical Blindness02Kill Bill: Vol. 103Paycheck03Kill Bill: Vol. 204
22,800 ftCamp II
105
Batman Forever
A leading-man vehicle at the end of his run at the top. The Doors is the performance that mattered.
The Real McCoy93True Romance93Batman Forever95Heat95The Ghost and the Darkn…96
22,720 ftCamp II
106
Philomena
An enduring, oft-rewatched summit, edging Skyfall.
Skyfall12The Best Exotic Marigol…12Philomena13The Second Best Exotic …15Roald Dahl's Esio Trot15
22,650 ftCamp II
107
Forrest Gump
A science-fiction lead that went nowhere. Forrest Gump, at sixth billing, is his actual summit.
A Midnight Clear92Jack the Bear93Forrest Gump94Apollo 1395The Quick and the Dead95
22,540 ftCamp II-1,560
108
The Thomas Crown Affair
A gorilla comedy that flopped, and not her summit. The Thomas Crown Affair and the Lethal Weapon films are.
Buddy97Lethal Weapon 498The Thomas Crown Affair99The Adventures of Rocky…00Big Trouble02
22,420 ftCamp II+2,420

The Oracle · Article One

The 10 Highest Apex Mountains EverSpielberg’s 1993 is the ceiling. Nine more summits, each ruled on with the ridge it beats.