5. The Game (1997)
The Game is a film that works best the first time, because so much of it is built around an ever escalating puzzle that seems to have no solution until the films end. Knowing the ending, the film is still entertaining, but not nearly as engrossing. A wealthy but morally cold businessman (Michael Douglas) gets an invitation to join an exclusive game as a birthday present. There are no clues as to what this game is, when it will begin, or what it will consist of. But soon strange events start taking place, and Douglas finds his way of life and his own existence under constant threats that may all just be part of the game...or something bigger. Mysteries dont get much better than this on a first go round. Once the game gets going, its nearly impossible to look away from it. Were completely absorbed, guessing every angle, checking off every possibility in our minds, wondering who is or isnt in on it. Half the time, we feel as frustrated as Douglas. Wed probably look as frazzled too, if not for being able to watch from the safety of our homes. The Game isnt a revolutionary film, and the ending will either please or annoy the hell out of you, but its a superbly done thriller. Fincher knows how to play with an audiences expectations and fears; here, he plays them all to the best of his abilities.