4. Easy Rider - Dennis Hopper
A counterculture classic and one of the films (along with Bonnie and Clyde) that truly helped New Hollywood on its way, Easy Rider is a quintessential film, both for this list and just in general, with star Dennis Hopper truly announcing himself as one of the unique actors of the time, a man who just so happened to direct the goddamn thing as well - not bad for your first credit behind the camera. And though his directing career never quite took off (thanks in large part to the disaster that was The Last Movie, which Hopper directed immediately after Easy Rider), it remains that Hopper's one key contribution to the craft is a timeless, untouchable one. Sharing top-billing with co-star and friend, Peter Fonda, Hopper directs himself in what is one of the influential films, with the duo starring as a pair of counter-culture bikers who travel to New Orleans (from LA) in search of the ultimate trip: America. Brimming with classic moments - the Born to Be Wild introductory credit roll and the campfire scene, which introduced us to one Jack Nicholson, immediately jump to mind - Easy Rider's status is yet to really slip; it doubtful ever will.