43-39

43. [REC]
Some horror films give you jump-uppy thrills and some give you a creepy feeling that stays with you long after the film. [REC] manages to do both. It uses the Blair Witch approach of psuedo-'found' footage, in this case from a Spanish TV programme that never aired because the goings on were too darn spooky. This means that you get that pure claustrophobic feeling, because you're stuck with the cameraman, who is himself at risk. When done well this technique really draws you into the film, and [REC] is definitely done well. The tension ramps up as they move higher and higher up the building, the pay-off at the end is fucking terrifying, and, ooh, I'm shivering just thinking about it. The big question: will this be the highest ranked horror film? Stay tuned to find out fright fans.

42. The Beat My Heart Skipped
Wow, what a stylish film. So cool, these French guys, eh? This is all about being carried away by delusions about your life's potential. Poor old Thomas thinks he can be a concert pianist despite his technical limitations and the constant encroachment of his gangster family upon his plans. So many films tell you, 'Hang on to your dreams'. This film tells you, 'Pull yourself together, your dreams are fucking preposterous'.

41. Jonestown: The Life and Death of the Peoples Temple
An unfussy, uncomplicated documentary that tells its story in a no-frills way. It's such a compelling story that this is enough to make it a cracking film. Guy sets up cult, does a bit of brainwashing, speeds its members to a South American compound, and, well it's not going to have a happy ending is it? What really elevates the film is the use of the audio footage of, literally, the cult's dying moments. It's horrifying. You're simultaneously appalled by the loss of life and angered by the depths of evil that humans can sink to.

40. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father
Whereas Jonestown is a simple documentary that lets the story tell itself, Dear Zachary just tries too hard. Sentimental narration, melodramatic music, cheesy graphics, and an all-round amateurish feel; there's a lot to dislike about this film. But the story is so tragic, and the protagonists are so likable that it's horribly effective. It's about the murder of Andrew Bagby and the subsequent custody battle over the son he never knew. Key to the film's success is the presence of Andrew's parents, who are incredibly brave, dignified, loving, and just so, so admirable. I cried like a fucking baby.

39, The Room
Hello doggie! The Room is not a great film. It's not even close to being a good film. But this isn't a list of the best films of the 00s, it's a list of my favourite films - look at the top of the page if you don't believe me, dick. The Room deserves to be here because few recent films have given me as much pure joy. Generally I'm not into the whole 'so bad, it's good' thing, but the level of ineptitude here makes this film impossible to resist. It's supposed to be a human drama, but it bears absolutely no resemblance to the lives of humans. I've seen the dialogue described as how goats would imagine humans would interact, which seems pretty astute. It's just baffling, and completely hilarious. My favourite bits? Possibly the two football scenes - the first, where the guys pass to each other while standing less than a metre apart, and the one where they're wearing tuxedos for reasons that are never divulged. As I said, pure joy.