I've discussed the ten best movies of the 1990s. Now, as a tribute to Slapdash City, are the ten best movies that start with 'R'.

10. Raging Bull (1980)

Technically I don't know if this belongs on this list or not, and if it does, technically I don't know where it would go. I haven't seen it yet -- it's one of a few movies film enthusiasts need to see that I haven't seen yet. Anyhow, it's revered extraordinarily highly, and I don't have a tenth 'R' movie to put on the list, so I might as well put this one on it with this disclaimer.

9. Rocky (1976)

Stallone isn't generally considered a high-minded filmmaker, but once upon a time he wrote an uncommonly bright script and fleshed it out with a wholly convincing performance.

8. Red (1994)

Third and best in Krzysztof Kieslowski's Three Colors trilogy, "Red" is a remarkable character film whose realism is practically a challenge to the artifice of standard formulas. By itself, it is thought-provoking enough, but much that this film has to offer is how it provides a thematic conclusion to the otherwise independent stories told in the prior two films, "Blue" and "White."

7. The Red Violin (1998)

"The Red Violin" is a comedy, a drama, a romance, a tragedy, an adventure, a horror movie, and a heist. It's in English. It's in French. It's in Italian. It's in German. It's in Mandarin. It takes place in the 17th century, the 18th century, the 19th century, and the 20th century. The main character is an inanimate object.

6. Roman Holiday (1953)

"Roman Holiday" was Audrey Hepburn's first film. Originally, she would be billed after the title, but established actor Gregory Peck sensed her potential for instant stardom and felt he'd wind up a laughingstock if he did not share pre-title credit with her. The move was prophetic; Hepburn won an Oscar for her performance, and her uncommonly long popularity began. The movie is an enchanting modern day fairy tale, humorous and moving.

5. Return of the Jedi (1983)

It's difficult to underestimate the impact George Lucas's "Star Wars" had, and continues to have, on pop culture and movies in general. "Return of the Jedi" concludes the saga with the same level of quality, energy, and excitement as it began two episodes before. Luke's climactic confrontation with Darth Vader and the Emperor is the high point.

4. Red River (1948)

The greatest films in many genres are credited to director Howard Hawks. There are a few contenders for the best western ever made; this is one. The story about a difficult cattle drive is only a mechanism for throwing two explosive characters, played by John Wayne and Montgomery Clift, together. The results say much about manhood, fatherhood, friendship, and trust. But this isn't any teary-eyed weeper: there's too much grit and guns for hokey sentiment.

3. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Indiana Jones came about because Spielberg and Lucas wanted to make a James Bond film. But what they came up with bears more resemblance to the dime novels of the 1930s. Indiana Jones is the definitive action hero, and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is the definitive action film.

2. Rebecca (1940)

Alfred Hitchcock's moody, noir-like adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's novel is one of the director's best works. His cold, elegant portrait of Manderlay, Maxim de Winter's Cornwall estate, is like a character in and of itself, and the mystery, a labyrinthine web of secrets, is revealed piece by enticing piece with impeccable timing. The production is accompanied by an unforgettable score, one of the genre's most definitive and characteristic, by Bernard Herrmann.

1. Red Sonja (1985)

Brigitte Neilsen's performance as the title character resonated powerfully with audiences of the day, and, if anything, acclaim for her performance has only heightened-- aww, heck. Nope, I can't even praise this putridly scummy thing in jest.

1. Rear Window (1954)

"Rear Window" *is* Alfred Hitchcock's best work, although some would make a fine case for "Vertigo" or any of a handful of others. The film is a suspense thriller that winds up unbelievable tension, peppered with sensuality and dark humor. It's also a wry, wickedly clever study of voyeurism. This would be one of Grace Kelly's last roles. Kelly was one of Hitchcock's favorite actresses, but, ironically, he was instrumental in her retirement from acting. While making Hitch's "To Catch a Thief" on location in Monaco the following year, Grace Kelly met and fell in love with the Prince of Monaco. She became the tiny nation's Princess soon after and all but disappeared from the entertainment world.