the-wizard-of-ozSure, anyone can choose the top 20 movies of all time, or even whittle it down, begrudgingly, to 10. But how about 3?

Put your game face on. Sink or swim. Back’s against the wall. This is the definitive, best, absolute classic, uncontested, incredibly great—for eternity—top three movies of all time.

But will you agree?

#3.The Godfather (1972)

Grainy, New York bars and streets will never feel the same. Not to mention, larger than life Italian weddings. And, oh, this it the film that first taught me how to hide a revolver in the men’s room. It comes in handy when I need to make a hit on the local constabulary. Godfather Part 2 also, perhaps even usurping the original, can be considered a member of this elite class.

#2. Star Wars (1977)

What?! Robots. Space. Planets. Darth Vader… a classic movie? Yes! No doubt!

1977 might be pushing the definition of “classic,” but it paved the way for modern cinema. It was defining, futuristic, cataclysmic. And, commercial.

Without Star Wars, we might not even have a space station. Okay, a bit of a stretch. Still, it’s the first space movie that made us sympathetic to large, sasquatch-like, furry animals.

#1. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Okay, I’m ready, let the emails flood in. What about: Gone With the Wind, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Casablanca, Goodfellas, Ben-Hur, Citizen Kane, and Vertigo? Well, I ask, did any of them feature singing scarecrows, and color, waaaay before its time? Plus: time travel, a cute dog, shoe clicking dance numbers, and the most clunky Tin man to ever grace the screen.

It’s the most time-worn and tested story of all time. Want the adult version? Grab Pink Floyd’s The Wall, hit up Google, and enjoy the ride. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder that life, family, friends, are special.

So: what say you?

Contributor to Stark Insider for tech, the arts and All Things West Coast for over 10 years.