15. Adventures in Babysitting (1987) Chris Columbus’s first effort as a director,Adventures in Babysitting, is set in Chicago. The film is familiar territory after he wroteThe Goonies: a ragtag group of kids, led by a persistent leader kid, navigating an unfamiliar plot and making their way back home. Like any movie with kid shenanigans, trouble follows the teens—but it ultimately ends in a fun way. And Chicago does show up, especially in one of the best scenes where the kids are singing in a blues club with legendary guitarist Albert Collins....

15. Star Trek (2009) If you’re a hardcore Trekkie, you might demand thatStar Trekbe awarded first place—then again, you also couldn’t deny that the movie remakes don’t hold a candle to the original TV series. Modernizing the 1960s franchise, the firstStar Trekreboot film is still a must-watch, even if only to understand all the pop culture references that have arisen from its success. Chris Pine takes the captain’s chair of the USS Enterprise, alongside Zachary Quinto as his emotionless, humanoid alien buddy Spock....

15. Big Fan (2009) In one of his rare occasions as the lead,Big Fanfeatures Patton Oswalt as a huge New York Giants fan named Paul, whose life turns upside down when he stumbles upon his idol in the unlikeliest of places. Part of the movie involves Paul traveling to Philadelphia to confront his rival “Philadelphia Phil” (played by Michael Rapaport) after he humiliated him. The New York Giants fan realizes that Philadelphia Eagles fans aren’t so different from himself, even if they’re still obnoxious....

15. Water for Elephants (2011) If you enjoy soppy, escapist romances, then you’ll love the book-to-movie adaptation ofWater for Elephants, which is grounded by its gritty performances and a villainous Christoph Waltz (as usual). Robert Pattinson stars as the pretty boy Jacob, who joins the circus and falls in love with a showgirl (played by Reese Witherspoon). Of course, things aren’t quite so simple for them. Prepare to be swept away to this old-school, road-traveling carnival that will even please readers of the original book!...

15. The Grey (2011) If you enjoy classic survival films like 1993’sAlive, thenThe Greyis definitely for you! At first glance, it might appear to be an entertaining but forgettable film (like every other Liam Neeson action flick). But this one stands out for its visceral moments. The brutality ofThe Greystays with you long after the credits roll, even making renowned film critic Roger Ebert walk out of a different same-day movie screening because he couldn’t getThe Greyout of his head!...