The list works to give you ideas on what classic films to watch, and overall the thriller theme gave better yields than the comedy one. There are several quintessential action movies here--Die Hard, Speed, Terminator, Raiders of the Lost Ark, etc-a genre that is really one of American cinema's strongest points. There's also a lot of good Hitchcock stuff (Strangers on a Train) and some mediocre Hitchcock stuff (Rebecca) and a load of Hitchcock imitations. There are a couple odd choices, (does anyone really find E.T. 'heart-pounding' or even thrilling?), but makes up for it by mostly avoiding those worthless gore-fest movies and staying classy.
The China Syndrome was lame, though.
The China Syndrome was lame, though.