4. The Fountain
Darren Aronofsky's massive, gorgeously flawed epic was hugely divisive upon its release in 2006 and to this day, reactions range from mockery to adulation. It is not a perfect movie but somehow, all the flaws add to the films impact, resulting in one of the most unique movies in film history. Originally a 70 million dollar star vehicle for Brad Pitt, the budget was cut nearly in half when he dropped out before filming began. To save money, the special effects team brilliantly concocted a CGI free orgy of sights, resulting of some of the most glorious visuals ever put on film. Aided by Clint Mansell's magnetic score, The Fountain is a near unprecedented experience of sights and sounds that generate most of the acclaim for the movie. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie is disappointingly unfocused. Much of this can be attributed to the tortured production that the creative team went through but the overall product remains undeniably impressive. The Fountain is extremely ambitious as it attempts to tell three story-lines separated by thousands of years, telling a classic love story in the midst of ruminations on life, death, and the quest for immortality. The Fountain flopped at the time but has since developed a large cult following. A flawed film no doubt and one that doesn't quite measure up to its ambition. Nevertheless, it's an absolute treat for the senses and the fact that it even attempted its massive story is something it deserved to be praised for.