No matter which way you look at it, Boyhood is an achievement unlike any other. 12 years in the making, Richard Linklater's epic, beautiful and timely chronicle of one boy's journey from childhood to adulthood - shot in stages with the same actors, years apart - felt like an instant classic the moment that arrived. If it doesn't win Best Picture at the Oscars come February, then there is no cinematic God. Boyhood might be near enough three hours long, but that doesn't make it any less rewatchable than the other movies on this list; indeed, Boyhood feels like the filmic equivalent of a time capsule - the kind you discover and then rediscover over and over again, whenever the mood is right. There's so much to appreciate - so many intricate aspects to behold - that it almost feels unparalleled in its rewatchability. This is a special movie of the highest order, and there's no debate as to whether or not it will mark out a special in cinematic history. And yet, truly, you haven't seen Boyhood properly unless you've seen it at least twice. Do yourself a favour: relive the magic of those wonderful 12 years again. You won't regret it.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
