By Peter Skrzypczak, Film Critic.
1. Army of Darkness, Dir. Sam Raimi, Rated R, 1h 36m
In the final installment of the “Evil Dead” series, we see Ashley Williams (Bruce Campbell) stuck in the past and hunted by an army of Deadites—and boy is it wacky. The series starts out as horror but with each entry, they not only slightly redo the backstory but they progressively get less serious and trust me, it’s perfect.
“Groovy.”
2. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Dir. Peter Jackson, Rated PG-13, 3h 21m
Based on final book of the “Lord of the Rings” series, and thanks to Peter Jackson, it is one of the greatest movies of all time. Really though, it’s one of the best series of all time too.
“I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!”
3. M*A*S*H: Goodbye, Farewell and Amen, Dir. Alan Alda
It’s the the highest rated finale and most watched broadcast in American television history. In it we are shown a tearful but hopeful close to a funny, dark, profound and touching show.
“Well, boys, it would be hard to call what we’ve been through fun, but I’m sure glad we went through it together.”
4. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Dir. Sergio Leone, Rated R, 3h 6m
Technically, this is the prequel in the “Man With No Name” trilogy. But it was the last one released and man is it intense. Though, this is definitely not for someone who isn’t already into westerns.
“You see, in this world there’s two kinds of people, my friend: those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig.”
5. Breaking Bad: Felina, Dir. Vince Gilligan
While “Ozymandias” is the true peak of the show, “Felina” and the previous episode are a great send off to a great series. Odds are if you haven’t seen “Breaking Bad,” someone’s probably talked your ear off already. Seriously though, check it out.
“I want this.”
6. Dinosaurs: Changing Nature, Dir. Tom Trbovich
“Dinosaurs” is one of my favorite shows from my childhood. First, I love dinosaurs and second, I love Jim Henson. It is a delightful series capped off with one of the darkest finales ever in a family show.
“I always knew he’d screw up, but I never thought he’d screw up this bad!”
7. Cowboy Bebop: The Real Folks Blues Part II, Dir. Shinchiro Watanabe
As a kid I was super into “Gundam” and “Dragonball Z.” Beyond that I didn’t watch too much anime; it all seemed too dark or cheesy. Eventually, a friend suggested “Cowboy Bebop” and it’s a ride. Cowboy Bebop is a show that follows Spike Speigel, an intergalactic bounty hunter.
“And you will shed tears of scarlet.”
8. The Sopranos: Made In America, Dir. David Chase
This is a finale that easily fits into both best and worst finale lists, and the less you know about this one the better. Just remember that you may be left unsatisfied in the end.
“Focus on the good times.”
9. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Dir. Steven Spielberg, Rated PG-13, 2h 7m
Let’s all agree that this is the last one, okay? At least until Steven Spielberg makes another one without George Lucas involved. We get to see all our favorite characters and some great new ones in what has been one of the greatest film trilogies ever made.
“X never, ever marks the spot.”
10. The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult, Dir. Peter Segal, Rated PG-13, 1h 23m
‘Out of nowhere’ is the best way to describe every single one of these movies. Fair warning, there isn’t actually 33 of these.
“Cheer up, Ed. This isn’t goodbye. It’s just I won’t ever see you again.”
