Consider for a moment, the letter “G.” So many words begin with this versatile consonant: “Glitch” or “Gornisht” or “Gehackte Leber.” (see definitions below)
But none of those are as important as the 18 films on my Top Ten list that start with the letter “G” that have wiggled their way into my heart. How did I fit 18 into a top ten list, you ask? When it comes to the movies, it’s like a good pie crust — it’s all about making room for a little extra filling.
So grab your popcorn and settle in for a journey through The 18 Films On My Top 10 List That Begin With the Letter G.
A motley crew of space misfits comes together to save the universe. It’s like Star Wars on a sugar high, with a soundtrack that’ll make you want to bust a move in your living room. Groot says it’s a must-watch.
A hotel concierge and his lobby boy get mixed up in a zany plot involving a stolen painting and family fortune. It’s Wes Anderson at his quirkiest, like a perfectly balanced cocktail of whimsy and dry humor. Cheers!
Buster Keaton pulls off jaw-dropping stunts as a train engineer in this Civil War-era comedy. It’s a rollercoaster of laughs and gasps, proving that some things are timelessly hilarious, even in black and white...and silent.
A luxurious Berlin hotel hosts guests whose lives intertwine dramatically and unexpectedly. Think of it as the original reality show, with more glamour and fewer embarrassing confessionals.
A southern belle tries to keep her plantation and love life afloat during the Civil War. It’s the ultimate drama with more costume changes than a Beyoncé concert — and certainly more problematic — and enough melodrama to make your family Thanksgiving look tame.
Who you gonna call? Four eccentric scientists who turn ghostbusting into a business, that’s who! This supernatural comedy is funnier than trying to explain your job to your grandma, with more ectoplasm than a slime factory.
This laugh-out-loud sci-fi comedy stars a bunch of washed-up TV actors who get abducted by real aliens who think their show is a documentary. It’s like Star Trek meets your high school reunion—awkward, hilarious, and surprisingly heroic.
Charlie Chaplin tackles tyranny with slapstick and satire in this bold political comedy. It’s a must-see, proving that even dictators can’t withstand a well-timed pratfall. Watch to the end: That final speech will blow your socks off.
A young Black man visits his white girlfriend’s eerie family estate and uncovers secrets scarier than running out of gas on a deserted road at midnight. It’s a horror movie that’ll make you rethink accepting party invitations from overly friendly suburbanites.
A recent college grad gets seduced by an older woman and then falls for her daughter. It’s a love triangle that’s more awkward than running into your ex at the grocery store: Cue Simon & Garfunkel and existential dread.
Real estate salesmen fighting over leads like seagulls over french fries. This intense drama is filled with dialogue sharper than your boss’s critique at a Monday morning meeting. Coffee’s for closers, and his watch costs more than your car.
Follow Henry Hill’s wild ride through the mob world, from petty crime to big-time heists. It’s like watching a how-to guide on organized crime, with tips on making pasta sauce and burying bodies. Just don’t try this at home.
What if every day was the worst Monday of your life? This comedy gem has Bill Murray reliving the same day until he gets it right. It’s like the universe’s most extended practical joke, with a surprisingly sweet moral about self-improvement.
A mobster finds his true calling in Hollywood, proving that producing movies is like running a crime ring—only with fewer bullets and more Botox. It’s a sharp, funny take on Tinseltown’s shady side.
It is an epic portrayal of Gandhi’s life that is as inspiring as it is long. Think of it as the ultimate lesson in peaceful protest, complete with a side of homemade salt. Warning: It may cause spontaneous urges to lead a revolution.
Imagine being the most badass general in Rome, only to end up fighting for your life in the arena. This epic is like watching a historical soap opera with swords, sandals, and one seriously vengeful Russell Crowe. Are you not entertained?
The Civil War gets the Hollywood treatment in this moving story of the first African-American regiment. Think epic battles, stirring speeches, and more bravery than asking for a raise during budget cuts. Pass the tissues.
This saga has more family drama, betrayal, and mafia dealings than your average family reunion—if your family were criminal masterminds. It’s an offer you can’t refuse, unless you want to sleep with the fishes.
Notes on Yiddish Words:
Gornisht (גּוּרְנִישְׁט) - Nothing or nothingness. It was often used humorously to describe a worthless thing or effort.
Glitch (תקלה) - A slip or minor problem. This word has entered common English usage but originates from Yiddish.
Gehackte Leber (געהאַקטע לעבער) - Chopped liver. Used humorously in the phrase “What am I, chopped liver?” to express feeling overlooked.
#8 yes!! Had to be sure you included that one. And #5 has one of the best soundtracks ever, so good that Chris and I headed directly to the record store (the last big chain, named?) on leaving the theater. Still big fans of Medeski, Martin and Wood.