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I know this is only a 40-item list, but I was really shocked not to find the wonderful adaptation of Jean Shepherd's books on it. When I first saw this one in 1985, I knew it was an instant classic. The cast is brilliant, the story is genius, the writing is pitch-perfect, and Shepherd's narration conveys just the right mix of enthusiasm and glee.
Who could ever forget the Red Ryder BB gun, Little Orphan Annie's Secret Decoder Ring, or Ralphie's poor little brother so muffled under winter coats and scarves that he "looked like a tick about to pop"? Peter Billingsley did such a magnificent job in the role of Ralphie, the daydreaming, put-upon young would-be hero, it's amazing that he never did another film. I don't think I'll ever get the sight of him reluctantly showing himself in that pink bunny suit ("He looks like a deranged Easter Bunny!" "He does not!" "Yes, he does. He looks like a pink nightmare!") out of my head.
