Plot: A FedEx systems analyst is stranded on a desert island after surviving a plane crash.

Main adversaries: The mental anguish of extreme isolation, an infected molar, drowning

Why it's good: "Cast Away" is a blatantly saccharine, overlong weep-fest, sure, but it's also a very effective study of the effects that extreme isolation can have on the human psyche. Though there are some sentimental missteps in the last few scenes depicting the reunion of Hanks' character with his former girlfriend (Helen Hunt), director Robert Zemeckis overall does a superb job with some very ambitious material. Anyone who maintains they didn't feel even a hint of ugly-cry coming on during the final Wilson scene is a damn liar. Right Kristen Wiig? - Chris Eggertsen