'Magnolia' Declared Best Film of 1999

In an exciting announcement this week, Rolling Stone has declared Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterful ensemble drama, “Magnolia,” as the best film of 1999 in the magazine's latest feature, ranking the 99 Best Movies of that year. This critically acclaimed film, known for its intricate storytelling and stellar cast, has triumphed over some of the era's most iconic works, including The Wachowskis' groundbreaking sci-fi thriller, “The Matrix,” which snagged the second-place spot.

The Top Five Films

The top five films in the ranking showcase the vibrant cinematic landscape of 1999. Following Anderson's “Magnolia” and “The Matrix,” we find Spike Jonze’s innovative comedy-drama, “Being John Malkovich,” at third place. Michael Mann's gripping biopic, “The Insider,” secured the fourth position, while Sofia Coppola’s hauntingly beautiful debut, “The Virgin Suicides,” rounded out the top five, demonstrating the varied storytelling that marked that year.

Remarkable Range in the Top Ten

The list continues to impress with a remarkable range of titles in the bottom half of the top ten, including Claire Denis' visually stunning film, “Beau Travail,” Alexander Payne’s sharp and satirical “Election,” David Lynch's poignant road film, “The Straight Story,” the cult classic “Fight Club” by David Fincher, and Wes Anderson's quirky gem, “Rushmore.”

Surprising Rankings

However, fans might find it surprising that some films that received critical acclaim and Oscar nominations were not as highly ranked. Notably, “American Beauty,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, landed a lowly #87 on the list, raising eyebrows among cinephiles. Similarly, Lasse Hallstrom's “The Cider House Rules” barely made it to #82, and Frank Darabont's poignant “The Green Mile” didn’t appear on the list at all.

Other Noteworthy Mentions

Among other noteworthy mentions, Kubrick's enigmatic “Eyes Wide Shut” finds itself at #15, while the animated classic “Toy Story 2” enjoys a respectable #22 ranking. Not to be overlooked, 'South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut' provokes laughter and discussions, sitting at #17. Meanwhile, 'Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,' though a highly anticipated release, is ranked surprisingly at #37, especially coming in ahead of more well-received titles like “The Mummy” at #42.

Celebrating Cinematic Achievements

As 1999 marked an exceptional year in film, with an array of distinct voices and stories, Rolling Stone’s top rankings not only celebrate these cinematic achievements but also spark debates about the diverse tastes of audiences and critics alike.

Your Thoughts?

What are your thoughts on the rankings? Do you agree with “Magnolia” taking the crown, or do you believe another film deserved the top spot?