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The Ten Movies That No One Has Mentioned on Any End of Decade List

By Dustin Rowles | Posted Under Seriously Random Lists | Comments (60)

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I’m sure by now that most of you are probably sick to death of end-of-decade lists, which have not only invaded movie sites like ours, but news magazines, tabloids, and gadget mags. We’re all suckers for lists (and repurposed content), even knowing that most will inspire little but passionate disagreement (site runners should know by now that end-of-decade lists are no way to elicit approval from readers — find me one Best of the Decade Movies list with more than ten comments that doesn’t have at least one person quibbling).

Well, last night, I went on a little world-wide web journey. I read hundreds of End of Decade movie lists, covering everything from best and worst movies overall, by genre, by individual year, by running time, box-office gross, user-approval rating, guilty pleasure rating, underappreciated status, or biggest bust. And after scouring the web, I found the ten movies — the only ten, in fact — that weren’t mentioned in any decade-end list of any sort. It wasn’t easy, but I wanted to make sure that no film that came out between 2000 and 2009 wasn’t mentioned somewhere. That’s what we’re here for: To fill the gaps.

The Ten Movies That No Has Mentioned on Any End of Decade List (aka, the Ten Most Forgettable Movies of the Decade):

10. The Score (2001) — An aging thief (Robert DeNiro) hopes to retire and live off his ill-gotten wealth when a young kid convinces him into doing one last heist. Directed by Frank Oz.

9. Changing Lanes (2002) — The story of what happens one day in New York when a young lawyer (Ben Affleck) and a businessman (Sam Jackson) share a small automobile accident on F.D.R. Drive and their mutual road rage escalates into a feud. Directed by Roger Michell.

8. 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002) — After a brutal breakup, a young man (Josh Hartnett) vows to stay celibate during the 40 days of Lent, but finds the girl of his dreams and is unable to do anything about it. Directed by Michael Lehmann.

7. The Rundown (2003) — A tough aspiring chef (The Rock) is hired to bring home a mobster’s son from the Amazon but becomes involved in the fight against an oppressive town operator and the search for a legendary treasure. Directed by Peter Berg.

6. The Hunted (2003) — An FBI deep-woods tracker (Tommy Lee Jones) captures a trained assassin (Benicio Del Toro) who has made a sport of hunting humans. Directed by William Friedkin.

5. In Good Company (2004) — Dennis Quaid plays a middle-aged ad exec faced with a new boss (Topher Grace) who’s nearly half his age … and who also happens to be sleeping with his daughter (Scarlett Johansson). Directed by Paul Weitz.

4. King Arthur (2004) — A demystified take on the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table starring Clive Owen and Keira Knightley. Directed by Antoine Fuqua.

3. 16 Blocks (2006) — An aging cop (Bruce Willis) is assigned the ordinary task of escorting a fast-talking witness (Mos Def) from police custody to a courthouse. There are however forces at work trying to stop prevent them from making it. Directed by Richard Donner.

2. Premonition (2007) — A depressed housewife (Sandra Bullock) learns her husband (Julian McMahon) was killed in a car accident the day previously, awakens the next morning to find him alive and well at home, and then awakens the next day after to a world in which he is still dead. Directed by Mennan Yapo.

1. Body of Lies (2008) — Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) uncovers a lead on a major terrorist leader suspected to be operating out of Jordan. Also starring Russell Crowe. Directed by Ridley Scott.









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Comments

I cannot turn off 40 Days and 40 Nights whenever I come across it on cable. Can't. It's terrible, and I can't help but watch it. I must have seen it like 14 times by now, because it's ALWAYS on.

And that is the ONLY one of these movies that I've seen.

Posted by: Anna von Beaverpuppet at December 29, 2009 2:16 PM

Wait! I might have seen In Good Company too. I can't really remember, though. huh.

Posted by: Anna von Beaverpuppet at December 29, 2009 2:16 PM

"deception" by marcel langenegger with hugh jackman , ewan mcgregor and michelle williams.
An accountant(McGregor)is introduced in a mysterious sex club by his lawyer friend(jackman)but he becomes the suspect in a woman's disapearance(Williams) and millions heist.

every thing is awful except Dante Spinotti's light

Posted by: carrie at December 29, 2009 2:18 PM

Dude I LOVE The Rundown. I'm putting that on my "Top Ten Movies of the Decade Featuring Sweaty, Heaving Rosario Dawson Boob." Well in front of Rent but behind Death Proof.

Posted by: coveredinbees at December 29, 2009 2:21 PM

I did like "16 Blocks", only one of those I saw.

Posted by: Jay at December 29, 2009 2:21 PM

I've seen 5 out of 10. I really liked In Good Company. The rest: utterly forgettable.

Posted by: MM at December 29, 2009 2:22 PM

Changing Lanes was actually the number one on David Wain's list... of the "neither best nor worst" movies of the decade. So.

Posted by: Maxwell at December 29, 2009 2:22 PM

I liked Fuqua's Arthur and Body of Lies. I think it has to do with my love of Clive, Leo and Russell.

I've seen 6 out of 10.

And I always reference 40 Days and 40 Nights when I try to explain Lent to non-Catholic students when we read A Modest Proposal.

Posted by: Goddess at December 29, 2009 2:25 PM

I loved In Good Company. Topher Grace needs to come out of hiding.

Posted by: Julie at December 29, 2009 2:35 PM

Ummm...The Rundown was awesome, but it was kind of forgettable since it didn't really have a plot. But c'mon! The Rock, Christopher Walken, and Rosario Dawson? So good...

Posted by: Trouble at December 29, 2009 2:35 PM

In Good Company was the only one on this list that I've seen and I enjoyed it. But, I admit that I think Topher Grace is cute and I was seduced by the trailer that used the song Solsbury Hill in it.

Posted by: elsie at December 29, 2009 2:35 PM

I think this is why I don't feel qualified to comment on most of the lists posted. I've never been any better than 5 out of 10.

On this list however, I can boast that I've seen 9 out of 10 (sole exception The Rundown).

What's more, I actually have a pretty good recollection of all of them.

I was trying to figure out what that said about me... I agree entirely that none were either particularly good, nor particularly bad. They all sit pleasantly in the midst of mediocrity for me.

I think this must say something about compromise in my selection of which movie to go and see, and means I can take a nice, middle of the road position on the merits of the movie; neither scathing nor glowing. I'll have to be careful not to accidentally see anything challenging or memorable in the next decade or I might ruin my easy going, middle of the road reputation...

Is Blindside still playing?

Posted by: Gentleman Farmer at December 29, 2009 2:37 PM

What about The Upside of Anger ? I haven't seen that one mentioned anywhere. I thought it was pretty good - it's always fun to see some drunk, overweight Costner.

Posted by: Codeman at December 29, 2009 2:41 PM

Actually, I thought "Changing Lanes" was great, but then I don't have the irrational hatred for Ben Affleck that seems to have infected most of the rest of the internet movie bloggers.

-Ralphie

Posted by: Ralphie at December 29, 2009 2:42 PM

I haven't seen any of these. I've only heard of one! (The 40 Days and 40 Nights one, but at first I thought it was that awful Chanukah movie Adam Sandler made a while back.)

Posted by: Snuggiepants the Deathbringer at December 29, 2009 2:44 PM

I have seen every single one of these and more than once. But, all that says about me is that I have TNT and routinely find myself hungover in front of the television with no remote within reach.

Posted by: jM at December 29, 2009 2:58 PM

YAY FOR ME!
I haven't seen any of these!!!

Posted by: Courtney at December 29, 2009 3:01 PM

I've only seen 2 movies on this list. One I remember and 1 that I don't remember at all. The Rundown I remember as being a lot of fun. But, King Arthur left nothing behind for me to remember except painted Keira Knightly breast. So, basically, flat busted. I got nothing.

Posted by: Peanut_Butter_And_James at December 29, 2009 3:05 PM

Pajerfect.

Posted by: Cindy at December 29, 2009 3:07 PM

I will admit that The Rundown has a trifecta of awesome in The Rock, Christopher Walken, and Rosario Dawson('s heaving bosom), but it was still a pretty generic, forgettable movie.

Posted by: MM at December 29, 2009 3:09 PM

What was I going to say? It was either that this list sucked or didn't suck. I can't remember now.

Posted by: branded at December 29, 2009 3:12 PM

The Score is a a pretty competent heist movie starring Robert De Niro, Ed Norton, and Marlon Brando. It may not have been a cultural touchstone but it's definitely worth checking out.

Posted by: Mike at December 29, 2009 3:14 PM

The plot synopsis for The Rundown is perhaps one of the most inspired I have ever seen.

Posted by: J. K. Barlow at December 29, 2009 3:16 PM

40 Days and 40 Nights has that scene where the blonde coworker tries to seduce Hartnett's character and get a cut of the winnings from the bet. Yowza! That woman was put together.

Which reminds me: there is some nice boobage in this list. Scarlett, Rosario, Blonde Coworker, Russell Crowe . . . and not Keira Knightley. She has negative boobies :(

Posted by: Kballs at December 29, 2009 3:17 PM

I feel kind of sorry for The Rundown. It was supposed to be the start of a franchise for the Rock. They had the Governator say good luck, they gave him al sorts of quirks and catchphrases, a wacky sidekick and tons and tons of hinted at backstory for future installments. It's a shame no one really gave a damn. I still like "A little thunder?...A little lightning?..." though. and the opening fight scene is great. Maybe they can get Vin Diesel for part II. Then Ice Cube for part III.

Posted by: Mrcreosote at December 29, 2009 3:17 PM

Snuggiepants,

You haven't heard of "King Arthur?"

Bad Marketing Department! Bad!!! No! Now get outside! Get out from under that table, damnit!

Posted by: Kballs at December 29, 2009 3:20 PM

Swept Away
The Whole Nine/Ten Yards
Last Chance Harvey
Driven
Hollywood Homicide
Any Wesley Snipes after The Art of War
My Mom's New Boyfriend

And that is just a starter list..... The Aughts were a thoroughly forgettable decade in so many ways

Posted by: jaf at December 29, 2009 3:20 PM

Well, fuckety fucking fucksickles. I've seen every single one of these.

Body of Lies and The Rundown are the only ones worth a damn, though.

Posted by: TK at December 29, 2009 3:23 PM

I've seen King Arthur (DAMN my Clive Owen obsession!), part of In Good Company, and part of 16 Blocks....

Can tell you one thing about each:

KA--Keira had Braveheart face paint (and no titties)

IGC--Once again, ScarJo was utterly forgettable

16B--Mos Def was really funny in Hitchhiker's Guide, wasn't he?

Posted by: dammitjanet at December 29, 2009 3:37 PM

My Middle Ages professor actually likes the Clive Owen version of King Arthur. He said that at least it tried for historical accuracy, which is better than most of them.

Posted by: Claire at December 29, 2009 3:42 PM

He said that at least it tried for historical accuracy, which is better than most of them.

Though it's kinda shitballs, in the parlance, to make the "true" story of a fucking myth.

BOORMAN!!

Posted by: Jay at December 29, 2009 3:49 PM

Mr. Supercomfy and I LOVED In Good Company. Topher Grace is adorable and hilarious and we keep waiting for him to get the career he deserves.

Posted by: Supercomfypampertimefloatythrone at December 29, 2009 3:53 PM

If I were to make an end-of-decade worst movie list, "Premonition" would be on it. It's not forgettable. It's just terrible.

Posted by: Abby Holmes at December 29, 2009 4:21 PM

I HATED Changing Lanes. I think it had to do with my step dad trying to convince me that it was good and should watch it. Turns out its shit, and what made it worst was my step dad watched it with me and was laughing really hard for some reason as if its a comedy. What the fuck man?

Posted by: Sad Rockstar at December 29, 2009 4:28 PM

I actually really liked 'In Good Company' as well. 'The Score' I thought was decent, although whenever someone brings it up we have to follow the title with "You know, the one where Ed Norton pretended to be the retardsed janitor."

As for '40 Days and 40 Nights', I was 16 when that came out, and my girlfriends and I went NUTS over that scene where Josh Hartnett makes Shannyn Sossamon orgasm using just that orchid or lily or whatever the fuck it was. None of us had had actual sex yet, by the by.

Posted by: Mimi at December 29, 2009 4:32 PM

There was a webcomic that compared 40 days 40 nights to a normal rom-com, but used rape as a plot device. Because it happened to a man, it was shrugged off.

The Rundown: just a guy movie. No plot, Rosario Dawson, Christopher Walken. Better then anything Michael Bay has done.

Premonition: Horrible movie that tries with a plot twist that is a huge plot hole. Don't waste your time.

Seen 7/10. Rundown the best of them.

Posted by: mtgcolorpie at December 29, 2009 4:34 PM

Body of Lies is a good film for people who are interested in the "minutiae" of American foreign policy and how agencies don't usually have a "uniform" approach to intelligence collection/collation and how it is or isn't used for political ends or for its purported purpose of protecting the citizenry.

In other words, an engrossing film for policy wonks who like to engage in theory versus boots-on-the-ground scenarios. And people who like to discuss gov't/politics. This site's reception of it was "meh" because it was on the ass-end of a conflict most people were tired of hearing about.

Just because YOU are feeling ennui toward a certain subject doesn't mean it has been exhausted. Maybe you need to work on that train-of-thought elongation and soldier on in the face of a "black and white" treatment of things not-hip to a more enlightened perspective at the end of the douchebag tunnel.

Damn I love/hate Faulkner.

Posted by: Recondite at December 29, 2009 4:35 PM

TK

I came in here to say the exact same thing. I really enjoyed both The Rundown and Body of Lies. I was even at a media preview for Body of Lies and have a sweet t-shirt that they threw into the audience before hand to prove it.

I know they aren't the height of intelligent cinema, but dammit, they're entertaining and do their job of "shutup, sitdown, watch this for 2 hours and don't you DARE fucking think about anything" remarkably well.

I watch pretty much every damn movie I come across, good or bad, simply because I love me some movies. I've taken film classes and can recognize art when I see it, the same way that I can recognize shlocky shit that was simply made to fill the empty space where your brain is supposed to be working. I firmly believe that living too much on either type of film is a bad thing.

Too much high minded artistic fare and you become a pompous asshole who nobody listens to because you won't shut the fuck up about how Gondry's use of imagery is revolutionary, or that Wes Anderson is misunderstood because his use of mis-en-scene falls in line with traditional cinema as opposed to contemporary cinema. Too much mindless bullshit, and you start to think that John Cena has actual acting chops and bitching about how Tyler Perry's brand of comedy is misunderstood and, gosh, Two and a Half Men is actually not that bad.

All things in moderation people. Everyone needs to shut their brain off at some point and watch movies like these. It doesn't make them worse movies, or not worthy of being talked about, it just means that they serve a different purpose.

Posted by: Roaddog at December 29, 2009 4:51 PM

The Rundown, aka Welcome to the Jungle is a brilliantly fun movie. I don't know that I'd put it on a list, but I certainly watch it if it pops up on TV.

Posted by: Chugga at December 29, 2009 5:26 PM

Well raise my rent! Add me to the list of the people that have seen 10/10. Have to go with The Rundown being my favorite on the list, if only because of Christopher Walken's "Woah,woah, woooah!" when he is getting shot at near the end. Cracks me up everytime.

Posted by: ashes at December 29, 2009 5:29 PM

Except for King Arthur, the rest of them haven't been listed anywhere because they are clunkers.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at December 29, 2009 6:13 PM

I loved the Rundown...especially the beginning and Walken's Tooth Fairy speech. Mrcreosote, the bit where Schwartzenegger said good luck to the Rock was because he was going to "pass the torch" of leading action man to the Rock, not necessarily this movie. Apparently it didn't work, but I enjoy that movie a heck of a bunch.

In Good Company was a fine little film. 40 Days and 40 nights got me some of the cookie, so I like it, and the one moment where Josh Hartnett showed emotion in a film, when he comes up with the idea runs out, then comes back and gives the double finger point to the J man.

If I had a vote, although I never saw it, I'd say The Lake House, it just seems forgettable.

Posted by: Rubble44 at December 29, 2009 6:17 PM

I agree that The Rundown is forgettable, but it's still a great action/buddy flick.

Also liked In Good Company. I watch it whenever it's on.

Posted by: Brie at December 29, 2009 6:24 PM

I think 40 days and 40 nights would be on the top of my "The most overlooked rape scenes in comedies of the Aughts"

Posted by: Lex at December 29, 2009 6:26 PM

I want to see the list that May or Santa Clause 2 - The Mrs. Clause is on. I have to believe there is more than just these 10 movies that are missing from lists.

Also, I own The Rundown. Whatever. It makes me laugh and I like watching The Rock beat people up.

Posted by: Heather at December 29, 2009 6:41 PM

this list could be "Action/thriller airplane movies that everyone sort of liked, but that was about it"

Posted by: jackk at December 29, 2009 8:54 PM

I have a much better "forgettable movies" list, but I can't remember what's on it.

Posted by: BWeaves at December 29, 2009 9:01 PM

The Rundown was arguably one of the top 10 action movies of the decade and is probably on a list somewhere as such. It's a solid Hollywood production that could have been better but also could have been much much worse.

Premonition was terrible and would belong on a worst of list if there weren't so many terrible movies around.

I think The Score is probably the best movie on the list if only because it has a dream cast (De Niro, Norton, Brandon, Bassett) and manages mediocrity. Given the stories about Brando that came out of that set it should have been either a triumph or a total failure, but it's neither.

16 blocks is another good one for sheer mehness, but it had to conquer fewer obstacles in its pursuit of being watchable but not memorable.

The Score didn't just feature the final performance of a screen legend, but had him acting alongside another screen legend who built his reputation in part by playing a character originated by the first legend. Then you mix in Ed Norton, coming off Rounders, American History X, and Fight Club, (and one misfire), and you have a recipe for...a solid B-?

That's a hard won meh.

Posted by: Gimpenstein at December 29, 2009 9:29 PM

Not so much 10 most forgettable but more like a good weekend for TBS

Posted by: MarcusArilius at December 29, 2009 10:43 PM

I've watched like 7.5/10 of these (the .5 being about one quarter of The Rundown and one quarter King Arthur). You got this pretty spot on, all in all a very 'meh' list...

except 40 days and 40 nights. you know how some people hate Kate Hudson and Jennifer Aniston? Well that's me with Shannyn. fucking. Sossamon. I, for no good reason, cannot stand that bitch and hate even looking at that fugly face. Good thing for me her career didn't go too far. Man, now I'm all revved up about her. See what you did!

Posted by: Even Stevens at December 30, 2009 12:22 AM

A perfectly cromulent list.

Posted by: Jo 'Mama' Besser at December 30, 2009 12:51 AM

What?

Nobody watched the Hunted?
Greatest knife-fight movie I ever saw.

I think it's a great 'small' movie.

Posted by: Magiel at December 30, 2009 5:07 AM

I feel like Insomnia should be on this list.

Posted by: michaelxny at December 30, 2009 8:39 AM

8. Hahaha, this movie was so delightfully shit-tastic.
5. I am of the (apparently large) camp that loves and owns this movie. It always seems like it is going to be boring, but it alwasy draws me in.
4. HA! This movie was so bad! I was acting in a production of the Arthur story, so the whole cast went, and we just laughed.

Posted by: Patty O'Green at December 30, 2009 9:52 AM

The rundown is fantastic.

Not fantastic cinema. Or fantastic acting. Or fantastic story. Or fantastic in any actual important thing in the grand scheme of movies... yet, it manages to be fantastic.

Probably because of the Walken.

Tooth Fairy > Fridge > pretty much the rest of the movie.

Fun movie, I just wish that Dwayne Johnson would get more of these rolls. Not that they'll progress american movies in any way shape or form... they're just fun.

Posted by: hamtastic at December 30, 2009 11:47 AM

"40 Days and 40 Nights" should be number one on the list titled "Worst Movies to use Rape as a Generic Plot Device".

But I agree. Utterly forgettable, on all counts...I've seen a few of these, but agree that they made no impression great enough to warrant continued existence in my head. >.>

Posted by: DaftSteampunk at December 30, 2009 10:10 PM

I have all 10 of those movies,but I've only seen The Rundown,In Good Company, and 16 Blocks.All great movies.

Posted by: Jeron at December 31, 2009 5:26 PM

My friends and I used to play a game. The object was to come up with the most inane, passive, forgettable movie ever to name as your "favorite movie" next time you were asked. The consistent winner, across the board:

The Legend of Baggar Vance (2000)

Just the name almost cripples me with bored laughter. Think about it. I think you know it belongs.

Posted by: sheshakes at December 31, 2009 9:12 PM

I liked 16 blocks also! Enough to buy it, yet I haven't seen it since. Go figure

Posted by: Munchkitten at January 2, 2010 10:35 PM

You must have overlooked my Top 50 Movies of the Decade list (which is an easy thing to do) because I have In Good Company as one of my favorite films of last decade.

Posted by: Supercords at January 4, 2010 2:27 AM