10) 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)Frankly, it takes a lot of patience to watch this film, there being many a long scene of soundless space flight to bear, but not only was '2001' a step forward in terms of special effects, it presented an unerringly realistic representation of space travel, sinister and lonely, 'personified' memorably by HAL the cycloptic, super computer.
Based on Arthur C Clarke's novel, themes include humanity's place in the galaxy, the possible existence of alien life, the existence of God and man's relationship with technology, culminating in a mind-bending sequence of kaleidoscopic colour that ends with the birth of the 'Star Child'. If you think that sounds crazy, just try watching it!
9) Apocalypse Now (1979)The ultimate statement on the madness of war. Adapted from Joseph Conrad's novel 'Heart of Darkness', its atmospheric, dream like quality is evident from the opening scene as helicopter rotor blades poetically mirror the ceiling fan in our hero's Saigon hotel room, and all set to Jim Morrison's aching lilt from 'The End'.
As we follow Captain Williard on his quest to assassinate the rogue Colonel Kurtz, we begin to question, as does Williard, the sanity of the mission. Is Kurtz, worshipped like a God by his legion of followers, really the mad one in this scenario? Marlon Brando is mesmeric in one of his last film roles.
8) Return of the Jedi (1980)The final installment in the original Star Wars trilogy, this was the film that truly cemented the saga's legacy.
Elaborating on the previous installments good versus evil theme, uniquely for a sci-fi blockbuster, we see inner conflict not only in lead character Luke Skywalker but also iconic villain Darth Vader, a battle of wills culminating in eventual enlightenment for both.
Add to the melting pot a thrillingly conceived spaceship attack inside a space station, plus a gold bikini clad Carrie Fisher and you have a fabulous conclusion to the most successful movie trilogy of all time.
7) One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (1975)Impossibly charming, life-affirming and poignant, this is a film for which the phrase 'a joy to watch' should have been coined. Starring many a soon to be 'household' name, a group of patients in a mental institution have their world turned upside down by the arrival of Jack Nicholson's, 'R P McMurphy'.
As he rages against the authoritarian regime enforced by Nurse Ratched, we're graced with a tale of oppression, mans fight against 'the machine', and the perrenial lure of institutionalisation. "I tried though goddamit", spits McMurphy, "at least I did that much."
6) Star Wars (1977)It was in 1977's 'Star Wars' that we were first treated to the sight of a lightsabre, grown men weakening at the knees on hearing that wonderful electric crackling and throbbing.
Alec Guinness, as the wise old Jedi Master, was perfectly cast as the mysterious harbinger of magical forces, tipping just the right amount of knowing looks to leave us debating Jedi powers for decades to come, "If you strike me down Darth, I become more powerful than you can possibly imagine." - Quite simply, brilliant!
With the film culminating in the now famous 'trench run' on the 'Death Star', millions left the cinema elated, their imaginations running wild with images of space battles, light sword fights and the words of Obi Wan Kenobi still ringing in their ears.
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