THE REWATCHABLES FIELD GUIDE · VOL. 01
APEX
MOUNTAIN
The point when a career, a performance, or a cultural moment reached its absolute peak—mapped from the podcast’s own category conversations.
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FIELD NOTES
The summit register
- 01Law Abiding Citizen · 2009Del Frisco's SteakhouseLaw Abiding CitizenSep 22, 2026Episode ↗
They called this the apex for Del Frisco's Steakhouse, while locating Butler's and Foxx's career peaks in other movies.
- 02Rambo: First Blood Part II · 1985Sylvester Stallone, Ronald Reagan / the United States, Julia Nickson, and the Cold WarRambo: First Blood Part IISep 15, 2026Episode ↗
They endorse several 1985 peaks, while placing Vietnam films, Martin Kove, and movie knives elsewhere.
- 03Apollo 13 · 1995American ingenuityApollo 13Aug 24, 2026Episode ↗
They frame the movie as an Apex Mountain for American ingenuity.
- 04Speed ("The Re-Speed") · 1994speedSpeed ("The Re-Speed")Aug 17, 2026Episode ↗
They treat the movie itself as the apex example of the die-hard-ripoff wave rather than an apex for Keanu or Sandra Bullock.
- 05The Italian Job · 2003Seth GreenThe Italian JobAug 10, 2026Episode ↗
They suggest this may be the peak of Seth Green's run, though the movie itself is also discussed as a Mini Cooper showcase.
- 06The Karate Kid Part II · 1986Macho for the movie’s successThe Karate Kid Part IIAug 3, 2026Episode ↗
They treat this film as an apex-mountain boost for Macho Man Randy Savage and also note the movie’s broader cast-and-location peak moments.
- 07Obsession · 2025Indie horror moviesObsessionJul 27, 2026Episode ↗
They treat the film’s success as a peak moment for indie horror and similar microbudget genre films.
- 08Hitch · 2005Will SmithHitchJul 20, 2026Episode ↗
They place Will Smith’s peak elsewhere, while Eva Mendes and Kevin James get discussed as possible peak candidates for this movie.
- 09She's the One · 1996Edward BurnsShe's the OneJul 13, 2026Episode ↗
Burns is treated as the clear Apex Mountain answer for the movie and the moment in his career.
- 10Pacific Heights · 1990Michael KeatonPacific HeightsJun 29, 2026Episode ↗
They agree this is Keaton's apex, while noting it's a slightly poisoned apex because of the movie itself.
- 11The Hand That Rocks the Cradle · 1992Seattle in 1992-93The Hand That Rocks the CradleJun 14, 2026Episode ↗
Across the Apex Mountain chatter, Seattle's pop-culture moment and De Mornay's peak both come up, with Seattle treated as the broader winner.
- 12Single White Female · 1992Bridget FondaSingle White FemaleJun 8, 2026Episode ↗
They explicitly declare Bridget Fonda's 1992 moment the peak for her career and screen image.
- 132001: A Space Odyssey · 1968Stanley Kubrick, with 2001 as his apex movie2001: A Space OdysseyMay 31, 2026Episode ↗
They agree this is the movie that made Kubrick famous to the public and represents the peak of his power as a director.
- 14Animal House · 1978john-beluishiAnimal HouseMay 25, 2026Episode ↗
They treat Belushi as the clearest apex-mountain winner, while also saying the film pushed Tim Matheson to a peak.
- 15Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan · 2006Sacha Baron CohenBorat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of KazakhstanMay 18, 2026Episode ↗
They agree this was Sacha Baron Cohen’s biggest peak, with the movie making him huge and untouchable afterward.
- 16Tropic Thunder · 2008Robert Downey Jr.Tropic ThunderMay 11, 2026Episode ↗
They treat Downey as the strongest Apex Mountain candidate, while Cruise is also discussed as a possible peak.
- 17There's Something About Mary · 1998The Farrelly brothersThere's Something About MaryMay 4, 2026Episode ↗
Across the various Apex Mountain side discussions, they decide the Farrelly brothers as a duo are at their peak here.
- 18Ghostbusters · 1984GhostbustersGhostbustersApr 27, 2026Episode ↗
They decide Ghostbusters has the best ghost-fighting combat, edging out Ghost.
- 19Kindergarten Cop · 1990Arnold SchwarzeneggerKindergarten CopApr 20, 2026Episode ↗
They say Arnold is at Apex Mountain here, while also giving Richard Tyson his best showing and noting the hybrid kids-action genre’s peak.
- 20Basic Instinct: Live from SF · 1992Sharon StoneBasic Instinct: Live from SFApr 13, 2026Episode ↗
The hosts call Sharon Stone's performance the peak of the film's star power in this category run.
- 21L.A. Confidential · 1997Russell CroweL.A. ConfidentialMar 30, 2026Episode ↗
They pick Crowe as the film’s Apex Mountain because this breakout firmly launches him into star status.
- 22The Nice Guys · 2016Ryan GoslingThe Nice GuysMar 23, 2026Episode ↗
They give the movie-era apex nod to Gosling, while also debating Shane Black's broader career peak separately.
- 23A CR Month Mailbag!Matt Damon in The MartianA CR Month Mailbag!Mar 18, 2026Episode ↗
They settle on the idea of a post-prime peak and cite Damon in The Martian as a strong example, with Steph Curry and others as alternates.
- 24To Live And Die In L.A. · 1985William PetersenTo Live And Die In L.A.Mar 16, 2026Episode ↗
They treated Petersen as the movie’s Apex Mountain because the role kicked off his career peak trajectory.
- 25Fargo · 1996Fargo for Minnesota / the Coen Brothers’ depiction of MinnesotaFargoMar 9, 2026Episode ↗
They most clearly frame the movie itself as the apex of the Minnesota depiction, with some side talk about Macy and Buscemi also peaking here.
- 26Sicario (Live) · 2015Benicio Del ToroSicario (Live)Mar 2, 2026Episode ↗
They land on Del Toro as the apex choice, while also debating Brolin's broader peak in Marvel terms.
- 27Crazy, Stupid, Love · 2011Ryan GoslingCrazy, Stupid, LoveFeb 23, 2026Episode ↗
They land on Ryan Gosling as the apex choice, though they note Emma Stone and the film’s era as part of the case.
- 28GoldenEye · 1995Pierce BrosnanGoldenEyeFeb 16, 2026Episode ↗
They decide this is Brosnan’s peak Bond moment and also note Isabella Scorupco as an apex candidate for her own career.
- 29Ace Ventura: Pet Detective · 1994Jim Carrey in 1994Ace Ventura: Pet DetectiveFeb 9, 2026Episode ↗
They agree Carrey's 1994 run is the clearest apex, with the Dolphins' Marino era also mentioned as a team-specific peak.
- 30Wild Things · 1998Denise RichardsWild ThingsFeb 2, 2026Episode ↗
They call Denise Richards' performance the apex for the movie, with Neve Campbell also in the conversation.
- 31Another 48 Hrs. · 1990Eddie MurphyAnother 48 Hrs.Jan 21, 2026Episode ↗
They treat this as an Eddie Murphy Apex Mountain discussion, with Nolte also mentioned as rising but not the focus.
- 32Just One of the Guys · 1985the cast and director overallJust One of the GuysJan 19, 2026Episode ↗
They describe the film as Apex Mountain for most of the cast and the director, though not Sherilyn Fenn specifically.
- 33F1 · 2025Joe KosinskiF1Dec 22, 2025Episode ↗
They treat this as Kosinski’s apex because it follows Top Gun: Maverick and now adds F1 as a second giant hit.
- 34The Sure Thing · 1985Daphne ZunigaThe Sure ThingDec 17, 2025Episode ↗
They explicitly pick Zuniga as the apex-mountain winner, noting the next year's Spaceballs as part of the case.
- 35High Fidelity · 2000John CusackHigh FidelityDec 15, 2025Episode ↗
After debating whether Cusack ever truly peaked, the hosts settle on his late-90s-to-2000 run as his apex.
- 36Shampoo · 1975Warren BeattyShampooDec 8, 2025Episode ↗
Bill says Shampoo represents Beatty at the top of his powers because he owned the movie and could do anything afterward.
- 37Rocky II · 1979Carl WeathersRocky IIDec 1, 2025Episode ↗
They lean toward Carl Weathers as the apex discussion, with Stallone and the Philadelphia setting also mentioned as contenders in the broader debate.
- 38Two for the Money · 2005Piven, for the Entourage-era riseTwo for the MoneyNov 24, 2025Episode ↗
They settle on Piven's career peak around Entourage as the most convincing Apex Mountain choice, with USFL-footage movies also mentioned.
- 39Weird Science · 1985Chet turning into a toadWeird ScienceNov 17, 2025Episode ↗
They treat Chet’s monstrous toad transformation as the high-water mark for that kind of movie gag.
- 40Snake Eyes · 1998boxing matches in non-boxing moviesSnake EyesNov 10, 2025Episode ↗
Rather than giving a person or movie the award, they land on the idea of a boxing match inside a non-boxing movie as the category’s target.
- 41The Truman Show · 1998Jim CarreyThe Truman ShowNov 3, 2025Episode ↗
They agreed this sits at or near Carrey’s peak, with strong cases also made for Weir, Laura Linney, Ed Harris, and Noah Emmerich.
- 42Quiz Show · 1994Robert Redford as a directorQuiz ShowOct 20, 2025Episode ↗
They treated Redford’s directing run as the peak, with Ordinary People mentioned as the strongest competing high point.
- 43Sneakers · 1992Tom HanksSneakersOct 13, 2025Episode ↗
They choose Hanks as the best fit for the role, with Cruise floated only as a hypothetical alternate version.
- 44Jeremiah Johnson · 1972the mountains in moviesJeremiah JohnsonOct 6, 2025Episode ↗
They treated the movie as Apex Mountain for mountains in movies, with a side note that Pollack's director Apex is probably Tootsie.
- 45The Sting · 1973RedfordThe StingSep 29, 2025Episode ↗
They treated this film as Redford’s apex and also made a strong case for George Roy Hill’s peak because of Butch Cassidy and The Sting.
- 46Airplane! · 1980Kareem Abdul-JabbarAirplane!Sep 22, 2025Episode ↗
They treat Kareem’s cameo as his peak cultural moment and also discuss the movie as a peak for the filmmakers.
- 47Tin Cup · 1996Don Johnson as Roy McAvoy / Miami Vice-era Don JohnsonTin CupSep 15, 2025Episode ↗
Among the various candidates, Don Johnson's Miami Vice peak gets the strongest endorsement.
- 48The Legend of Billie Jean · 1985Helen SlaterThe Legend of Billie JeanSep 8, 2025Episode ↗
They cycled through a few candidates, but Helen Slater emerged as the main Apex Mountain answer.
- 49American Gangster · 2007disjointed gangster moviesAmerican GangsterSep 1, 2025Episode ↗
They called this film the peak for sprawling, fragmented gangster movies and also argued the dope-kingpin biopic subgenre is up there.
- 50Witness · 1985Harrison FordWitnessAug 25, 2025Episode ↗
They debate Ford's career peak here versus his Star Wars/Indiana Jones run, with Ford ultimately treated as the big winner of the discussion.
- 51Sinners · 2025Ryan CooglerSinnersAug 17, 2025Episode ↗
They treat this as Coogler's peak of leverage and power, while also saying Jordan's star status is at an apex too.
- 52Rollerball · 1975James CaanRollerballAug 11, 2025Episode ↗
They place James Caan’s career apex around this era, with Godfather and other 70s work keeping him at peak juice.
- 53Robocop · 1987Paul VerhoevenRobocopAug 4, 2025Episode ↗
Across the Apex Mountain chatter, Verhoeven is treated as the clear peak of the film's creative forces.
- 54Brokeback Mountain · 2005Heath LedgerBrokeback MountainJul 28, 2025Episode ↗
Ledger was chosen as the apex pick, with Ang Lee also receiving strong support in the same stretch.
- 55Species · 1995Natasha HenstridgeSpeciesJul 21, 2025Episode ↗
They agreed Henstridge's breakthrough performance was the apex, while Madsen's could be debated against Reservoir Dogs-era fame.
- 56Jaws 2 · 1978the water-skiing murder scene / water-skiing as a pop-culture apexJaws 2Jul 7, 2025Episode ↗
They call the water-skiing murder scene the Apex Mountain for water-skiing/pop-culture imagery, with the kids' summer hangout era also floated.
- 57After Hours · 1985Griffin DunneAfter HoursJun 30, 2025Episode ↗
They call Griffin Dunne’s performance and career moment apex mountain, and separately give Rosanna Arquette a yes as well.
- 58Die Hard with a Vengeance · 1995Die Hard sequels / John McClane sidekicksDie Hard with a VengeanceJun 23, 2025Episode ↗
They treat the film as an apex moment for the Die Hard sequel run and for McClane’s sidekick setup, while also floating several other apex candidates.
- 59Working Girl · 1988Melanie GriffithWorking GirlJun 9, 2025Episode ↗
They settle on Melanie Griffith as the clearest apex-mountain candidate, while noting strong cases for others.
- 60Out for Justice · 1991Under SiegeOut for JusticeJun 2, 2025Episode ↗
They decide Seagal’s true peak is his next movie, Under Siege, though this film leads directly into it.
- 61Heaven Can Wait · 1978Warren Beatty for ShampooHeaven Can WaitMay 26, 2025Episode ↗
The hosts place Beatty's peak somewhere in the Shampoo/Reds run, with Shampoo getting the nod in the discussion.
- 62Close Encounters of the Third Kind · 1977DreyfussClose Encounters of the Third KindMay 19, 2025Episode ↗
They say the Apex Mountain choice goes to Richard Dreyfuss because of the film's scale and his star turn.
- 63Death Wish · 1974Charles BronsonDeath WishMay 12, 2025Episode ↗
They treat this as Bronson's Apex Mountain because the film made him a much bigger star and helped define the vigilante-movie wave.
- 64Star Wars: A New Hope · 1977George LucasStar Wars: A New HopeMay 5, 2025Episode ↗
They identify Lucas as the clear Apex Mountain holder, then broaden it into a case that the film is the Apex Mountain of Apex Mountains.
- 65Someone to Watch Over Me · 1987Mimi RogersSomeone to Watch Over MeApr 28, 2025Episode ↗
They decide this is Mimi Rogers' apex because the movie showcases her as the full version of the star she could have been.
- 66Minority Report · 2002Minority Report as apex mountain for 'Nokia wave' techno-paranoia moviesMinority ReportApr 21, 2025Episode ↗
Van argues the film is the peak of that tactile, surveillance-heavy early-2000s techno-thriller style.
- 67Can't Hardly Wait · 1998Jennifer Love HewittCan't Hardly WaitApr 14, 2025Episode ↗
They agree the movie represents Jennifer Love Hewitt's peak moment, with Embry also discussed as a peak-era figure.
- 68The Saint · 1997Cold fusion as a pop-culture conceptThe SaintApr 4, 2025Episode ↗
They treat the movie’s cold-fusion premise as the peak moment for that 90s sci-fi idea, while also noting Kilmer’s larger career apex discussion.
- 69Days of Thunder · 1990Tom CruiseDays of ThunderMar 17, 2025Episode ↗
They treat Cruise as being in the Apex range and also note this is a huge Don Simpson excess moment.
- 70Best in Show · 2000Christopher GuestBest in ShowMar 10, 2025Episode ↗
They treated this as Guest's peak and also discussed strong apex cases for several cast members.
- 71Rocky · 1976Sylvester StalloneRockyMar 3, 2025Episode ↗
They identify Stallone’s peak as Rocky III/Rambo-era Stallone and also give Talia Shire an Apex-style nod.
- 72Crash · 2004Paul HaggisCrashFeb 24, 2025Episode ↗
They mostly treat Crash as Paul Haggis’s apex, while also noting Terrence Howard’s huge year makes a case.
- 73The Blues Brothers · 1980BelushiThe Blues BrothersFeb 10, 2025Episode ↗
They conclude John Belushi’s peak is around Animal House/SNL/this film era, with Aykroyd’s peak landing later around Ghostbusters.
- 74Before Sunset · 2004Julie Delpy (for this film and this phase of her career)Before SunsetFeb 3, 2025Episode ↗
The hosts land on Delpy as the film’s Apex Mountain, while noting Hawke and the film itself are also strong contenders.
- 75Den of Thieves (Live from L.A.) · 2018Boogie Nights for the donut shopDen of Thieves (Live from L.A.)Jan 6, 2025Episode ↗
They used the donut-shop discussion to place the donut-shop scene’s apex among comparable movie examples, with Boogie Nights coming up as the benchmark.
- 76Friday Night Lights · 2004Landman for Billy Bob ThorntonFriday Night LightsDec 30, 2024Episode ↗
They reject Friday Night Lights and instead declare Landman the peak Billy Bob Thornton property.
- 77Home Alone 2: Lost in New York · 1992Macaulay CulkinHome Alone 2: Lost in New YorkDec 23, 2024Episode ↗
They say Culkin is at his peak here because the film is a huge hit and leads into another major run.
- 78Disclosure · 1994Demi MooreDisclosureDec 9, 2024Episode ↗
They land on Demi Moore as the peak performance for this era, with Sutherland and others discussed but not chosen.
- 79Running Scared · 1986Key WestRunning ScaredNov 25, 2024Episode ↗
In the later Apex Mountain discussion, Key West emerges as the hosts' favorite answer for the film's peak aspirational vibe.
- 80The Replacements · 2000movies about scabsThe ReplacementsNov 18, 2024Episode ↗
They decide the film is the apex of movies about scabs, then broaden into football-movie comparisons.
- 81Meet The Parents · 2000Nicky Recum/Nicorette in a movieMeet The ParentsNov 11, 2024Episode ↗
They joke through several candidates but land on Nicorette as the clear apex-style winner in the discussion.
- 82Body Double · 1984Melanie GriffithBody DoubleNov 4, 2024Episode ↗
They settle on Melanie Griffith as the biggest beneficiary of the movie's afterlife, with De Palma also discussed as a contender.
- 83Halloween 4 · 1988cops do it by the book T-shirtsHalloween 4Oct 28, 2024Episode ↗
They pick the sheriff’s daughter’s ‘cops do it by the book’ T-shirt as the likely apex object in the movie.
- 84Hereditary · 2018Toni ColletteHereditaryOct 21, 2024Episode ↗
The conversation concluded that Toni Collette’s performance was the likely Apex Mountain, with some side chatter about the movie’s child-death extremes.
- 85The Silence of the Lambs (Live from New York) · 1991Jonathan Demme for PhiladelphiaThe Silence of the Lambs (Live from New York)Oct 15, 2024Episode ↗
They split Apex Mountain across several subjects, but named Philadelphia as Demme's peak and discussed a string of other possible peaks by role or object.
- 86Poltergeist · 1982Steven SpielbergPoltergeistOct 7, 2024Episode ↗
They treat Poltergeist as part of Spielberg's peak run and effectively his apex period.
- 87The Blair Witch Project · 1999Sundance / viral marketing / found-footage horrorThe Blair Witch ProjectOct 1, 2024Episode ↗
They discuss several Apex Mountain candidates, but the clearest consensus is that the movie is Apex Mountain for Sundance-driven viral marketing and found-footage horror.
- 88Over The Top · 1987arm wrestlingOver The TopSep 24, 2024Episode ↗
They say the movie is the apex of arm-wrestling cinema, and separately place Golan and Globus near their own peak era.
- 89John Wick · 2014Keanu Reeves for The MatrixJohn WickSep 17, 2024Episode ↗
They agreed Reeves's Apex Mountain remains The Matrix, not John Wick.
- 90The Sixth Sense · 1999M. Night ShyamalanThe Sixth SenseSep 10, 2024Episode ↗
They identify The Sixth Sense as Shyamalan’s peak and note that Osment also reached his own apex here.
- 91Night Shift · 1982Michael KeatonNight ShiftSep 3, 2024Episode ↗
They made Michael Keaton the clear apex-Mountain pick, while noting Shelley Long was close.
- 92Purple Rain · 1984PrincePurple RainAug 27, 2024Episode ↗
They call Prince the clearest Apex Mountain case, while also tagging several supporting elements and moments as apex-level too.
- 93Rudy · 1993Sean AstinRudyAug 22, 2024Episode ↗
They say Rudy is Sean Astin's defining role and likely his Apex Mountain.
- 94The Grand Budapest Hotel · 2014Ralph FiennesThe Grand Budapest HotelAug 13, 2024Episode ↗
After debating several candidates, they gave the apex-mountain win to Ralph Fiennes for the movie's career peak.
- 95Dodgeball · 2004Ben StillerDodgeballAug 6, 2024Episode ↗
They decide this stretch is essentially Ben Stiller's peak in terms of clout and output.
- 96Pulp Fiction (Part 1 and 2) · 1994TarantinoPulp Fiction (Part 1 and 2)Jul 29, 2024Episode ↗
They said this was Tarantino’s Apex Mountain because the movie let him do almost anything he wanted afterward.
- 97Notting Hill · 1999Hugh GrantNotting HillJul 19, 2024Episode ↗
The hosts explicitly agree that this is Hugh Grant’s Apex Mountain because it defines his rom-com run and is his peak performance here.
- 98True Lies · 1994Arnold standalone moviesTrue LiesJul 15, 2024Episode ↗
They define the category narrowly and agree this is the peak of Arnold’s standalone action run.
- 99For Love of the Game · 1999Vin ScullyFor Love of the GameJul 12, 2024Episode ↗
Mallory argues Vin Scully’s work here is effectively his Apex Mountain, and Bill pushes back but ends up accepting Don Larsen as the baseball peak instead of another winner.
- 100Twister · 1996Bill PaxtonTwisterJul 9, 2024Episode ↗
They initially toy with the tornadoes and other candidates, but Bill Paxton is treated as the apex-mountain answer by the end of the discussion.
- 101Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me · 1999Heather GrahamAustin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged MeJul 4, 2024Episode ↗
They settled on Heather Graham as the apex-mountain pick, with Myers and a few broader cultural candidates discussed along the way.
- 102The Naked Gun · 1988Leslie NielsenThe Naked GunJul 2, 2024Episode ↗
They chose Leslie Nielsen's success here as his apex, with the film launching his big late-career movie run.
- 103Big Daddy · 1999Adam SandlerBig DaddyJun 27, 2024Episode ↗
They settle on Adam Sandler, citing Big Daddy as a career peak that helped launch his own production empire.
- 104The Bad News Bears · 1976Tatum O'Neal in The Bad News BearsThe Bad News BearsJun 25, 2024Episode ↗
After some back-and-forth, they lean toward this movie as Tatum O'Neal's peak Rewatchables-era moment.
- 105The Longest Yard · 1974Smokey and the Bandit for Burt ReynoldsThe Longest YardJun 18, 2024Episode ↗
They decide Reynolds’ peak remains Smokey and the Bandit rather than this movie.
- 106Breaking Away · 1979Dennis ChristopherBreaking AwayJun 11, 2024Episode ↗
They explicitly call Dennis Christopher’s career peak here, with Indiana’s 1979 sports moment also heavily discussed as a separate contender.
- 107Slap Shot · 1977Paul NewmanSlap ShotJun 4, 2024Episode ↗
They decide this is Newman’s apex, though they also discuss Onkian's stronger claim as a later pop-culture peak.
- 108Fast Times at Ridgemont High · 1982Sean PennFast Times at Ridgemont HighMay 28, 2024Episode ↗
They treat this as Sean Penn's apex, while also crediting Phoebe Cates as a major peak of the movie's legacy.
- 109Back to the Future Part II · 1989The sports almanacBack to the Future Part IIMay 21, 2024Episode ↗
They declare the sports almanac the movie’s apex, while also crediting Tom Wilson’s multi-character performance and the year 2015 as notable candidates in side discussion.
- 110Jerry Maguire · 1996Tom CruiseJerry MaguireMay 13, 2024Episode ↗
They debate several candidates, but ultimately treat Cruise's performance and star power in Jerry Maguire as the movie's top apex answer.
- 111Along Came Polly · 2004Ben StillerAlong Came PollyMay 7, 2024Episode ↗
They identify this period as Ben Stiller’s peak and point to Meet the Parents as the bigger apex nearby.
- 112The Running Man · 1987Jesse VenturaThe Running ManApr 30, 2024Episode ↗
They treat Ventura’s wrestling/announcing year as his peak while acknowledging Arnold is still climbing toward his own apex.
- 113Hardcore · 1979Seedy late-70s San Diego on screenHardcoreApr 23, 2024Episode ↗
They jokingly gave the apex to the movie’s seedy late-1970s San Diego atmosphere, with a side nod to Calvinism.
- 114Magnolia · 1999Amy MannMagnoliaApr 16, 2024Episode ↗
The hosts agree Amy Mann’s work on Magnolia is her Apex Mountain.
- 115The War of the Roses · 1989Michael DouglasThe War of the RosesApr 9, 2024Episode ↗
They judge Douglas to be at his peak here, with Turner also discussed as a possible peak-era candidate.
- 116Shot Caller · 2017UberShot CallerApr 2, 2024Episode ↗
They choose Uber as the thing most boosted by the movie's drunk-driving plot, because it makes the risks of driving buzzed feel obvious.
- 117Manchester By The Sea · 2016The TownManchester By The SeaMar 26, 2024Episode ↗
They explicitly say The Town is the apex mountain for the movie and discuss the film's place in North Shore cinema.
- 118Internal Affairs · 1990Richard GereInternal AffairsMar 19, 2024Episode ↗
Richard Gere is declared the clear apex pick, with the Valley also discussed as a plausible location-based contender.
- 119Risky Business · 1983Risky Business for high-quality 80s teen moviesRisky BusinessMar 12, 2024Episode ↗
Bill chooses the movie as the apex of the 1980s teen-comedy lane, beating out Fast Times in his view.
- 120Creed (Live from Philadelphia) · 2015Ryan CooglerCreed (Live from Philadelphia)Feb 20, 2024Episode ↗
Coogler is chosen as the main Apex Mountain winner, with the others treated as plausible alternatives or sub-winners in their own lanes.
- 121Forrest Gump (Live from D.C.) · 1994Tom HanksForrest Gump (Live from D.C.)Feb 13, 2024Episode ↗
Tom Hanks is treated as having hit Apex Mountain here, with Robin Wright and others discussed in the same stretch.
- 122The Fugitive (Live from Chicago) · 1993Harrison Ford for Dr. Richard KimbleThe Fugitive (Live from Chicago)Feb 6, 2024Episode ↗
They treat this as a strong Apex Mountain case for Harrison Ford in the role of Richard Kimble.
- 123The Insider · 1999Michael MannThe InsiderJan 30, 2024Episode ↗
They conclude the movie is a big career achievement for Michael Mann, even while noting Pacino, Crowe, and Plummer were all in strong stretches.
- 124Philadelphia · 1993Denzel WashingtonPhiladelphiaJan 23, 2024Episode ↗
The discussion is broad, but Denzel is treated as the clearest apex answer for the movie itself.
- 125Searching for Bobby Fischer · 1993Kids/live-action movies in 1993Searching for Bobby FischerJan 2, 2024Episode ↗
They argue 1993 was the apex year for this kind of children's live-action movie, with Fishburne also discussed as a near-peak candidate.
- 126Under Siege · 1992Steven Seagal for Under SiegeUnder SiegeDec 26, 2023Episode ↗
They declare this Seagal’s peak and also note Busey’s peak-era run in the early 90s.
- 127National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation · 1989Christmas lights / Chicago Christmas as a settingNational Lampoon’s Christmas VacationDec 19, 2023Episode ↗
They frame the film as a peak Christmas-lights movie and also as part of a broader Chicago holiday cultural high point.
- 128Sea of Love · 1989Ellen BarkinSea of LoveDec 5, 2023Episode ↗
They say Barkin's performance is probably at her peak here, with this era also being an apex for Pacino's Frank-type characters.
- 129American Pie · 1999The Weitz brothersAmerican PieNov 28, 2023Episode ↗
They conclude the Weitz brothers come out best overall, while noting Sean William Scott and Eugene Levy had major career peaks elsewhere.
- 130Mr. and Mrs. Smith · 2005Brad Pitt and Angelina JolieMr. and Mrs. SmithNov 21, 2023Episode ↗
They treated the film as Apex Mountain for Pitt and Jolie and for the peak of on-set-romance celebrity culture.
- 131An Officer and a Gentleman · 1982Richard GereAn Officer and a GentlemanNov 14, 2023Episode ↗
The hosts decide Gere is at his apex here, with Winger and Gossett also discussed as apex candidates for their roles and the film's military-trainer genre.
- 132Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves · 1991Kevin Costner in 1991Robin Hood: Prince of ThievesNov 7, 2023Episode ↗
They decide Costner’s apex is his Oscar-winning 1991 stretch around Dances with Wolves and Robin Hood, while Rickman is also considered as a candidate.
- 133In The Line of Fire · 1993John Malkovich for Being John MalkovichIn The Line of FireOct 24, 2023Episode ↗
They land on Being John Malkovich as Malkovich’s career peak rather than this film or Rounders.
- 134So I Married An Axe Murderer · 1993Scotland in the 1990sSo I Married An Axe MurdererOct 17, 2023Episode ↗
They treat the 1990s as an apex run for Scotland, while also suggesting early-90s San Francisco may be in its own apex era.
- 135They Live (Live from L.A.) · 1988Roddy PiperThey Live (Live from L.A.)Oct 10, 2023Episode ↗
They agree Piper is at his peak as a movie-and-wrestling crossover star, though Carpenter is also discussed.
- 136Toy Soldiers · 1991cool-ass teachers/educators in moviesToy SoldiersOct 3, 2023Episode ↗
They decide the movie represents the peak of cool teachers in movies, with Lou Gossett Jr. as the standout example.
- 137The Big Chill · 1983Lawrence KasdanThe Big ChillSep 26, 2023Episode ↗
They give Kasdan the strongest Apex Mountain case, while also floating wins for other cast members in their own lanes.
- 138A Bronx Tale · 2003Chazz PalminteriA Bronx TaleSep 19, 2023Episode ↗
They treat this as Palminteri’s peak pop-culture moment, with De Niro’s involvement also acknowledged but not chosen.
- 139Lost In Translation · 2003Sofia CoppolaLost In TranslationSep 5, 2023Episode ↗
They discuss several possible apexes, but the discussion lands most firmly on Sofia Coppola’s career peak with this film and its Oscar.
- 140The Equalizer · 2014fake Home Depot as a killing fieldThe EqualizerAug 29, 2023Episode ↗
They decide the movie gives the fake hardware store its apex-mountain moment as a murder set piece.
- 141Cruel Intentions · 1999Sarah Michelle GellarCruel IntentionsAug 22, 2023Episode ↗
The room settles on Sarah Michelle Gellar's 1999 as her peak, with Buffy and SNL cited as evidence.
- 142Eyes Wide Shut · 1999The Eyes Wide Shut party / orgies in generalEyes Wide ShutAug 15, 2023Episode ↗
They treat the film's masked orgy sequence as the apex version of that kind of scene and joke about the whole concept of the party itself.
- 143National Lampoon’s Vacation · 1983Chevy ChaseNational Lampoon’s VacationAug 8, 2023Episode ↗
They debate several Chevy Chase peaks, but the conversation lands on Chevy himself as the apex choice for the era and the character.
- 144A Few Good Men: Live from L.A. ("A Few Good (Re)Men") · 1992Tom CruiseA Few Good Men: Live from L.A. ("A Few Good (Re)Men")Jul 31, 2023Episode ↗
They debate several candidates, but Cruise is treated as the Apex Mountain answer for this movie.
- 145The Devil's Advocate · 1997Satan on filmThe Devil's AdvocateJul 25, 2023Episode ↗
They declared this movie Apex Mountain for Satan on film, while briefly entertaining other candidates.
- 146And Justice For All · 1979Al Pacino in The Godfather Part IIAnd Justice For AllJul 20, 2023Episode ↗
They name The Godfather Part II as Pacino's Apex Mountain, with other cast members' peaks discussed separately.
- 147A Time To Kill · 1996Matthew McConaugheyA Time To KillJul 11, 2023Episode ↗
They land on McConaughey as the career peak here, with Bullock and Jackson discussed as nearby alternatives in the broader period.
- 148This Is The End · 2013This Is the End for Seth RogenThis Is The EndJun 27, 2023Episode ↗
They land on this film as Seth Rogen’s apex, with Neighbors offered as the main alternative.
- 149Blood Diamond · 2006Titanic for Leonardo DiCaprioBlood DiamondJun 13, 2023Episode ↗
They call Titanic Leo’s apex mountain, while noting Blood Diamond as part of a second peak period.
- 150Dumb and Dumber · 1994Jim CarreyDumb and DumberJun 8, 2023Episode ↗
They treat Jim Carrey as the likely apex-mountain winner, while noting Jeff Daniels also had a strong year with Speed.
- 151Casino Royale · 2006Daniel CraigCasino RoyaleJun 2, 2023Episode ↗
They agreed Casino Royale marked Craig’s apex, and also noted Eva Green’s as her biggest moment.
- 152The Last Days of Disco · 1998Chloë SevignyThe Last Days of DiscoMay 23, 2023Episode ↗
They agree Sevigny's profile is at its peak here, with some side discussion of other candidates.
- 153Trading Places · 1983Beverly Hills Cop for Eddie MurphyTrading PlacesMay 16, 2023Episode ↗
They land on Beverly Hills Cop as Eddie Murphy's Apex Mountain, while also debating other possible peaks for Landis and the film itself.
- 154Chef · 2014Chef for chefsChefMay 9, 2023Episode ↗
They say chefs as a profession hit their peak with this movie, with South Beach also discussed as an apex locale.
- 155Iron Man · 2008Robert Downey Jr.Iron ManMay 2, 2023Episode ↗
They say this movie is Downey's apex, while also recognizing Favreau's career jump from it.
- 156Sudden Death · 1995Jean-Claude Van Damme, with Bloodsport as the apex titleSudden DeathApr 25, 2023Episode ↗
They conclude Van Damme's apex is Bloodsport, while also acknowledging Powers Booth and a few other candidates.
- 157Alien · 1979Sigourney Weaver for AliensAlienApr 18, 2023Episode ↗
They treat Sigourney’s jump to Aliens as her apex, while also joking about Harry Dean Stanton’s perpetual apex-status life arc.
- 158Indecent Proposal · 1993Demi MooreIndecent ProposalApr 11, 2023Episode ↗
They declare Demi Moore's career peak here, with Woody Harrelson also getting an Apex Mountain nod.
- 159He Got Game · 1998Ray Allen's greatest-shot legacyHe Got GameApr 4, 2023Episode ↗
They place Ray Allen’s apex at the Finals shot and discuss Denzel’s apex as a separate debate.
- 160Adventureland · 2009Bill Hader’s SNL yearAdventurelandMar 21, 2023Episode ↗
They hit several Apex Mountain candidates, but the clearest room consensus is that 2009 was a peak year for Bill Hader on SNL.
- 161The Purge · 2013Ethan HawkeThe PurgeMar 7, 2023Episode ↗
They argue this is part of Hawke’s 2013 peak run and a strong home-invasion benchmark.
- 162Catch Me If You Can · 2002Leonardo DiCaprio for TitanicCatch Me If You CanFeb 28, 2023Episode ↗
They agree DiCaprio’s apex is Titanic because it made him the biggest star in the world.
- 163Whiplash · 2014J.K. SimmonsWhiplashFeb 21, 2023Episode ↗
They give J.K. Simmons Apex Mountain for the performance, while saying Teller still has room for a bigger peak.
- 164Sleepless In Seattle · 1993Meg RyanSleepless In SeattleFeb 14, 2023Episode ↗
Meg Ryan is named the clear Apex Mountain pick, with Rosie O'Donnell and Seattle also discussed as strong cases.
- 165The Vanishing · 1993full-service awesome gas stationsThe VanishingFeb 7, 2023Episode ↗
They say the movie may represent the peak of full-service gas stations, with a shout-out to Seattle as well.
- 166Deliverance · 1972Burt ReynoldsDeliveranceJan 31, 2023Episode ↗
They treat the film as a major Burt Reynolds summit while also acknowledging its broader cultural reach.
- 167Big · 1988Tom HanksBigJan 24, 2023Episode ↗
The hosts call this Tom Hanks’ apex mountain, with Elizabeth Perkins also mentioned as having her own peak here.
- 168Alive · 1993plane crashesAliveJan 17, 2023Episode ↗
They place plane crashes at or near the top of the category while also talking through related apex debates.
- 169Sideways · 2004Alexander PayneSidewaysJan 10, 2023Episode ↗
They debate several candidates but ultimately land on Payne as the main apex-mountain winner for the film's impact on his career.
- 170Cliffhanger · 1993Stallone and mountainsCliffhangerJan 3, 2023Episode ↗
They point to Stallone's mountain movies and especially this era of his career as the apex, with Janine Turner also getting a mention for the role.
- 171Mission: Impossible - Fallout · 2018Mission: Impossible franchise / Tom Cruise’s insane-action peakMission: Impossible - FalloutDec 27, 2022Episode ↗
They debate several possible peaks, but the conversation centers on the franchise and Cruise’s action-movie apex.
- 172I Am Legend · 2007hitchI Am LegendDec 20, 2022Episode ↗
They decide this is not Will Smith's Apex Mountain and instead name Hitch as the peak.
- 173The Verdict · 1982Good Will Hunting for Boston movie apex mountainThe VerdictDec 13, 2022Episode ↗
They settle on Good Will Hunting for Boston movies, while also debating courtroom and actor-specific apexes.
- 174Man On Fire · 2004Dakota FanningMan On FireDec 6, 2022Episode ↗
They treated Dakota Fanning’s performance as the only plausible Apex Mountain candidate, even if the category remained somewhat debatable.
- 175Planes, Trains and Automobiles · 1987John Candy as Del Griffith in Uncle BuckPlanes, Trains and AutomobilesNov 29, 2022Episode ↗
They decide Candy's Apex Mountain is Uncle Buck, while Martin's is less clear and debated.
- 176Body Heat · 1981Kathleen Turner: Romancing the StoneBody HeatNov 22, 2022Episode ↗
They decide Turner’s apex is Romancing the Stone and Kasdan’s is The Big Chill.
- 177Blow Out · 1981Dress to KillBlow OutNov 15, 2022Episode ↗
For De Palma, the group favors Dress to Kill as the point where he could do almost anything he wanted.
- 178Cruising · 1980The S&M leather scene in moviesCruisingNov 8, 2022Episode ↗
They decide the movie represents the peak of the leather/S&M aesthetic in film rather than any individual career apex.
- 179American Gigolo · 1980Richard GereAmerican GigoloNov 1, 2022Episode ↗
They settle on Gere's performance as his apex, while noting Armani also benefited enormously from the movie.
- 180The Edge · 1997Bart the Bear for bear moviesThe EdgeOct 25, 2022Episode ↗
They decide Bart the Bear is at Apex Mountain for bear movies, while noting Perrineau’s career peak separately.
- 181Pineapple Express · 2008The Daewoo LanosPineapple ExpressOct 18, 2022Episode ↗
They reject the human contenders and land on the Daewoo Lanos as the movie’s clearest Apex Mountain winner.
- 182Glengarry Glen Ross · 1992Al Pacino in 1992Glengarry Glen RossOct 11, 2022Episode ↗
They frame Pacino's 1992 run, capped by this role, as his apex-mountain candidate.
- 183Pitch Perfect · 2012Anna KendrickPitch PerfectOct 4, 2022Episode ↗
They agree Anna Kendrick was at her career peak around this film, with Elizabeth Banks and Rebel Wilson also receiving peak-era mentions.
- 184Boogie Nights (Part 1 and 2) · 1997Burt Reynolds in this movieBoogie Nights (Part 1 and 2)Sep 27, 2022Episode ↗
They treated Burt Reynolds’s performance here as his career peak, while acknowledging other cast members and elements as apex-worthy too.
- 185Margin Call · 2011JC ChandorMargin CallSep 20, 2022Episode ↗
They ultimately settle on JC Chandor as the biggest apex-mountain winner because the movie launched his career.
- 186Saving Private Ryan · 1998Saving Private Ryan is apex mountain for World War II moviesSaving Private RyanSep 6, 2022Episode ↗
After debating a few candidates, they decide the movie is the peak World War II film and maybe the peak for combat filmmaking too.
- 187Scent of a Woman · 1992The 1989 Ferrari Mondial T CabrioletScent of a WomanAug 22, 2022Episode ↗
They name Slade's Ferrari as the movie's clearest Apex Mountain pick.
- 188Grease · 1978John TravoltaGreaseAug 15, 2022Episode ↗
They agree Travolta hit Apex Mountain here, while Olivia Newton-John's peak is debated but not chosen over his.
- 189School Ties · 1992Brendan Fraser in The MummySchool TiesAug 8, 2022Episode ↗
They treated The Mummy as Fraser’s apex, while also joking that Eastern Promises remains the benchmark for naked shower fights.
- 190Can't Buy Me Love · 1987Amanda PetersonCan't Buy Me LoveAug 4, 2022Episode ↗
They said Peterson is the movie’s apex mountain, with Dempsey as a separate maybe-no candidate.
- 191Unforgiven · 1992UnforgivenUnforgivenAug 1, 2022Episode ↗
They call Unforgiven Clint Eastwood’s post-prime apex, over titles like In the Line of Fire and Perfect World.
- 192There Will Be Blood · 2007Daniel Day-LewisThere Will Be BloodJul 26, 2022Episode ↗
They identify this as DDL’s apex, while also saying it is probably PTA’s apex as well.
- 193Above The Rim · 1994Above the RimAbove The RimJul 19, 2022Episode ↗
The room leans to Above the Rim as the apex of 1990s basketball movies, though Blue Chips is the main rival.
- 194Top Gun: Maverick · 2022Jennifer ConnellyTop Gun: MaverickJul 12, 2022Episode ↗
They treated this film as Connelly’s apex, arguing the role gives her the biggest mainstream surge and best showcase in years.
- 195Misery · 1990Kathy BatesMiseryJul 5, 2022Episode ↗
They explicitly make Kathy Bates the apex for crazy obsessed fans, while noting King of Comedy as the all-time benchmark for the type.
- 196Project X · 2012Movie partiesProject XJun 28, 2022Episode ↗
They decide the film is an apex for movie parties, with North Pasadena and the cast’s careers also mentioned as possible peaks.
- 197The Untouchables · 1987Ferris Bueller's Chicago run for Chicago moviesThe UntouchablesJun 23, 2022Episode ↗
They agree Ferris Bueller is the Chicago-movie apex, while De Palma's apex case for this film is discussed but not chosen.
- 198Hard to Kill · 1990Under Siege for SeagalHard to KillJun 15, 2022Episode ↗
They say Seagal’s overall Apex Mountain is Under Siege, though the movie’s acupuncture/coma recovery and Ojai stunt work are singled out as peak Seagal absurdity here.
- 199Knocked Up · 2007Katherine HeiglKnocked UpJun 7, 2022Episode ↗
They decide Heigl’s celebrity peak is here, with Rogen also discussed as a possible peak candidate.
- 200Rocky III · 1982StalloneRocky IIIMay 25, 2022Episode ↗
Stallone was identified as being at or near his peak here, with a separate case made for Burt Young as well.
- 201E.T. the Extra Terrestrial · 1982Star Wars for merchandiseE.T. the Extra TerrestrialMay 17, 2022Episode ↗
They decide Star Wars remains the merch apex, while also debating adjacent categories like friendly aliens and kids movies.
- 202Beverly Hills Cop 2 · 1987Eddie Murphy (from Beverly Hills Cop 1, not this movie)Beverly Hills Cop 2May 10, 2022Episode ↗
They reject this film as Eddie Murphy’s apex and instead say the first Beverly Hills Cop remains the peak, while Brigitte Nielsen is judged to be at her peak here.
- 203Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery · 1997Mike MyersAustin Powers: International Man of MysteryMay 3, 2022Episode ↗
They debate the exact timing, but all agree this era represents Mike Myers’s peak cultural power.
- 204A League of their Own · 1992Geena DavisA League of their OwnApr 26, 2022Episode ↗
They treated Davis’s run through Thelma & Louise and this film as the peak, while also briefly nodding to Marshall’s success.
- 205Spider-Man (2002) · 2002Kirsten DunstSpider-Man (2002)Apr 19, 2022Episode ↗
They decide Dunst's Mary Jane era is her career peak, while also treating this film as part of Spider-Man's apex run.
- 206The Player · 1992Robert AltmanThe PlayerApr 12, 2022Episode ↗
After rejecting individual cast members, they declare Robert Altman the clear apex mountain winner for the movie and the comeback it represented.
- 207Panic Room · 2002Panic Room as a conceptPanic RoomMar 29, 2022Episode ↗
They treat the panic room itself as the clear apex-mountain answer, with propane-related mayhem as a secondary joke candidate.
- 208Shooter · 2007Wahlberg's run around The Departed and ShooterShooterMar 22, 2022Episode ↗
They debate Mark Wahlberg's peak and land on this era as a strong Apex Mountain candidate, though Ted is also suggested.
- 209Titanic · 1997Leonardo DiCaprioTitanicMar 15, 2022Episode ↗
They debate a few candidates, but settle on Leo as the clearest apex-mountain winner for becoming the biggest star in the world.
- 210Batman (1989) · 1989Michael KeatonBatman (1989)Mar 8, 2022Episode ↗
They conclude this is Keaton's peak-juice movie, while also debating whether Basinger or Burton might qualify in other ways.
- 211The Ice Storm · 1997Joan AllenThe Ice StormMar 1, 2022Episode ↗
After debating several candidates, they declare Joan Allen's career apex to be this movie.
- 212Kramer vs. Kramer · 1979Dustin HoffmanKramer vs. KramerFeb 21, 2022Episode ↗
They mostly land on Dustin Hoffman for the movie’s apex moment in his career, while also naming strong cases for Streep, Justin Henry, Benton, Entenmann’s, and even French toast.
- 213Parenthood · 1989Mary SteenburgenParenthoodFeb 15, 2022Episode ↗
Mary Steenburgen is treated as the likeliest apex call, while Ron Howard's directing peak and several other nominees are debated.
- 214Rachel Getting Married · 2008Anne HathawayRachel Getting MarriedFeb 8, 2022Episode ↗
They agree that Anne Hathaway is at her Apex Mountain here, with Rosemarie DeWitt also acknowledged as peaking in the film.
- 215Ordinary People · 1980Robert RedfordOrdinary PeopleFeb 1, 2022Episode ↗
They name Redford as the peak beneficiary of the film’s success, though Hirsch also gets enthusiastic support as having his own career apex here.
- 216Miracle · 2004Kurt RussellMiracleJan 18, 2022Episode ↗
They settle on Kurt Russell as the movie's apex, while noting other possible peaks like Olympic hockey and the PNE Agrodome as a setting.
- 217Juice · 1992Ernest DickersonJuiceJan 11, 2022Episode ↗
They treat this as Dickerson’s peak as a filmmaker, while also jokingly giving Cindy Herron a peak-year nod for this movie and En Vogue.
- 218Limitless · 2011Bradley Cooper’s action-movie apex is American SniperLimitlessJan 4, 2022Episode ↗
They debate several candidates and land on American Sniper as Cooper’s apex, while also praising the film’s financial performance for Relativity.
- 219Father of the Bride · 1991Steve MartinFather of the BrideDec 22, 2021Episode ↗
They explicitly frame this as Steve Martin’s mainstream Apex Mountain, with the broader wedding-movie boom also mentioned.
- 220The Last Boy Scout · 1991Bruce WillisThe Last Boy ScoutDec 14, 2021Episode ↗
Bruce Willis is chosen as the apex, with the Wayans brothers, early-90s Halle Berry, Tony Scott, Joel Silver, and other items discussed as secondary candidates.
- 221Saturday Night Fever · 1977John Travolta (overall)Saturday Night FeverDec 7, 2021Episode ↗
They say Travolta's overall peak is really Grease, while also noting disco and the Brooklyn imagery as major apexes of the era.
- 222JFK · 1991Oliver StoneJFKDec 2, 2021Episode ↗
They land on Oliver Stone as the apex pick, with Costner and the JFK-conspiracy moment also discussed as strong cases.
- 223Hoosiers · 1986Indiana / Keith SmartHoosiersNov 26, 2021Episode ↗
They end up calling Indiana the apex and land on Keith Smart as the specific answer.
- 224Ransom · 1996Mel Gibson (Braveheart)RansomNov 9, 2021Episode ↗
Bill names Braveheart-era Mel Gibson as the apex, while Van argues Rene Russo's 1996 run may be her peak.
- 225Heat ("The Three-Heat") · 1995Michael Mann on HeatHeat ("The Three-Heat")Nov 2, 2021Episode ↗
Mann describes Heat as one of the moments when his planning, training, and execution all came together at the highest level.
- 226Halloween · 1978HalloweenHalloweenOct 26, 2021Episode ↗
They conclude the movie itself is the apex for Halloween as a holiday movie and for the character's cultural reach.
- 227The Color of Money · 1986Mary Elizabeth MastrantonioThe Color of MoneyOct 19, 2021Episode ↗
They decide this is Mastrantonio’s Apex Mountain because the movie makes her feel like a major star in the making.
- 228Cobra · 1986the knifeCobraOct 12, 2021Episode ↗
After several candidates came up, they explicitly settled on the knife as the movie's apex-item winner.
- 229The Re-Departed · 2006Leonardo DiCaprioThe Re-DepartedOct 5, 2021Episode ↗
They frame this as DiCaprio’s breakout apex, while also acknowledging a strong case for Damon and a few other adjacent candidates.
- 230Trainspotting · 1996Born Slippy as the greatest needle drop of all timeTrainspottingSep 28, 2021Episode ↗
They decide the song's use at the end is the movie's apex, with one host also briefly nominating Robert Carlyle's career peak.
- 231Dirty Work · 1998Norm MacdonaldDirty WorkSep 21, 2021Episode ↗
Bill declares Norm Macdonald’s 1998-era stardom and Grantland debut his apex, and Sean agrees the movie itself was nobody else’s career peak.
- 232Warrior · 2011Gavin O'ConnorWarriorSep 14, 2021Episode ↗
They call the film O'Connor's artistic apex while acknowledging Hardy and Edgerton as possible alternatives.
- 233The ‘Miami Vice’ Two-Part Episode “Calderone’s Return” · 1984Russ BallardThe ‘Miami Vice’ Two-Part Episode “Calderone’s Return”Sep 7, 2021Episode ↗
They consider several candidates, but conclude that Russ Ballard is the standout apex winner because his songs anchor both parts of the episode.
- 234Hardball · 2001Sammy SosaHardballAug 31, 2021Episode ↗
They reject most candidates and land on Sammy Sosa as the apex-mountain winner for the era and cameo.
- 235Rain Man · 1988Tom Cruise (1988)Rain ManAug 24, 2021Episode ↗
They lean toward Cruise's 1988 run as his peak, while separately noting Hoffman’s peak in Kramer vs. Kramer.
- 236Argo · 2012Ben AffleckArgoAug 16, 2021Episode ↗
They say Argo is Affleck’s apex because the Oscar win and comeback peak his career.
- 237Superbad · 2007Jonah HillSuperbadAug 9, 2021Episode ↗
They identify Jonah Hill as a major career peak candidate, while also noting Michael Cera’s peak-era placement.
- 238Victory · 1981Ipswich TownVictoryAug 3, 2021Episode ↗
Ipswich Town gets the clearest Apex Mountain nod, while a few other candidates are dismissed or joked about.
- 239The Bodyguard · 1992The camera rifleThe BodyguardJul 27, 2021Episode ↗
They call the camera rifle the clearest Apex Mountain, while also arguing Whitney’s career peak is effectively the national anthem performance rather than this film.
- 240Fight Club · 1999Brad PittFight ClubJul 20, 2021Episode ↗
They decide Pitt's performance and career boost here make him the clearest Apex Mountain pick over Norton.
- 241Legally Blonde · 2001Reese Witherspoon's Oscar winLegally BlondeJul 13, 2021Episode ↗
Reese's career apex is identified as her Oscar, while Matthew Davis's apex is said to be Blue Crush.
- 242Independence Day · 1996Will SmithIndependence DayJul 5, 2021Episode ↗
The conversation settles on Will Smith as the peak usage of his movie-star persona, with Bill Pullman and Harry Connick Jr. discussed in related Apex tangents.
- 243Boyz n the Hood · 1991John SingletonBoyz n the HoodJun 29, 2021Episode ↗
The room settled on John Singleton as the film’s Apex Mountain, with Ice Cube also receiving a serious case.
- 244Stripes · 1981Warren OatesStripesJun 22, 2021Episode ↗
They decide Oates is at his apex here, while Murray’s apex is identified as Ghostbusters.
- 245City Slickers · 1991Billy CrystalCity SlickersJun 15, 2021Episode ↗
They say Billy Crystal is at his apex here, while Daniel Stern also gets a yes and Jack Palance gets Shane as his peak reference.
- 246Raiders of the Lost Ark · 1981Harrison FordRaiders of the Lost ArkJun 8, 2021Episode ↗
They declare Harrison Ford at Apex Mountain, with Karen Allen also getting an Apex Mountain mention.
- 247Memento · 2000Guy PearceMementoJun 1, 2021Episode ↗
They call this Guy Pearce’s peak, while also arguing that Carrie-Anne Moss is at her best around this stretch.
- 248The Rock · 1996Nicolas CageThe RockMay 25, 2021Episode ↗
They explicitly call Cage's post-Oscar, big-lead moment his peak, while also treating the movie itself and Alcatraz as other apex candidates.
- 249Goodfellas · 1990Martin ScorseseGoodfellasMay 18, 2021Episode ↗
They agree Scorsese himself is at his apex because Goodfellas resets his career and launches his later run.
- 250Lethal Weapon 2 · 1989South African villainsLethal Weapon 2May 11, 2021Episode ↗
They call this film the apex mountain for South African villains, with separate praise also given to several other category candidates.
- 251What About Bob? · 1991Charlie KorsmoWhat About Bob?May 4, 2021Episode ↗
They explicitly reject most of the obvious candidates and land on Charlie Korsmo as the apex pick.
- 252Predator · 1987Arnold Schwarzenegger moviesPredatorApr 27, 2021Episode ↗
They ultimately frame it as Apex Mountain for Schwarzenegger’s movies rather than for Schwarzenegger himself, while also giving strong cases for several other people.
- 253Mrs. Doubtfire · 1993Robin WilliamsMrs. DoubtfireApr 20, 2021Episode ↗
They make the case that Robin Williams' 1993 run around Mrs. Doubtfire marks his apex, with Brosnan and Sally Field rejected for the category.
- 254Manhunter · 1986CSI for William PetersonManhunterApr 13, 2021Episode ↗
They applied Apex Mountain to several targets, with CSI as Peterson's career peak and Silence of the Lambs as the stronger larger-franchise apex case.
- 255Lethal Weapon · 1987Mel Gibson / Riggs's jumps into an inflatable cushionLethal WeaponApr 6, 2021Episode ↗
They discuss several Apex possibilities, but the inflatable-trampoline-style building jump is treated as the clear top example for that stunt type, while Donner is also noted as peaking here as a director.
- 256Thief · 1981Robert ProskyThiefApr 1, 2021Episode ↗
They reject most candidates and conclude Prosky is the clearest Apex Mountain choice, with Chicago diners also jokingly invoked.
- 257Commando · 1985Vernon WellsCommandoMar 28, 2021Episode ↗
They decide Vernon Wells' Bennett role is the performance most associated with his peak visibility and recognition.
- 258Insidious · 2010James WanInsidiousMar 22, 2021Episode ↗
They decide this is James Wan’s apex because it breaks him out of Saw and launches his bigger career path.
- 259Inside Man · 2006Clive OwenInside ManMar 14, 2021Episode ↗
They agree this is Clive Owen’s apex, while also giving Foster an apex nod and debating other category-specific apexes.
- 260New Jack City · 1991Wesley SnipesNew Jack CityMar 8, 2021Episode ↗
They give Wesley Snipes the apex mountain nod, while also debating whether the movie or New Jack Swing itself qualifies as the peak of the era.
- 261The Doors · 1991Val KilmerThe DoorsMar 1, 2021Episode ↗
Val Kilmer is declared to be at his career peak for the role of Jim Morrison.
- 262Neighbors · 2014Animal HouseNeighborsFeb 23, 2021Episode ↗
For frat movies they pick Animal House, while separately arguing Seth Rogen's career peak depends on whether you value this film or his earlier run more.
- 263Coming To America · 1988Arsenio HallComing To AmericaFeb 18, 2021Episode ↗
They decide Arsenio Hall is at Apex here, while James Earl Jones is discussed as a harder-to-place, career-spanning case.
- 264Sleeping With The Enemy · 1991fake Cape Cod housesSleeping With The EnemyFeb 16, 2021Episode ↗
They agree the movie is the peak example of the fake Cape Cod house and also argue Roberts may be at her apex here.
- 265Terminator 2 · 1991Arnold SchwarzeneggerTerminator 2Jan 26, 2021Episode ↗
The hosts agree this is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Apex Mountain, with Cameron discussed but not chosen.
- 266Terminator · 198480s Los AngelesTerminatorJan 21, 2021Episode ↗
Rather than awarding the film itself, they treat 80s Los Angeles as the strongest Apex candidate, while also noting Titanic as Cameron’s true apex under a stricter reading.
- 267First Blood · 1982Richard Crenna for Colonel TroutmanFirst BloodJan 19, 2021Episode ↗
They treat Crenna’s Troutman as the clearest Apex Mountain case, while also tossing out several looser Apex candidates and categories.
- 268The Royal Tenenbaums · 2001Gwyneth PaltrowThe Royal TenenbaumsJan 12, 2021Episode ↗
They identify Gwyneth Paltrow as Apex Mountain, with the Wilson brothers discussed as another possible apex-level element of the film.
- 269Bridesmaids · 2011Melissa McCarthyBridesmaidsJan 5, 2021Episode ↗
They ultimately chose Melissa McCarthy as the peak beneficiary of the film, while also giving strong cases to Hamm, Wiig, Byrne, Wilson Phillips, and the movie itself in different mini-categories.
- 270Mr. Holland's Opus · 1995Richard Dreyfuss’s trying-not-to-cry faceMr. Holland's OpusDec 29, 2020Episode ↗
They explicitly call Dreyfuss’s trying-not-to-cry face his apex mountain, with the song-use as a secondary contender.
- 271The Bourne Identity · 2002Matt DamonThe Bourne IdentityDec 23, 2020Episode ↗
They treat this as a strong case for Damon's apex as a global action star, while briefly mentioning Potente and amnesia as other possibilities.
- 272Country Strong · 2010Leighton MeesterCountry StrongDec 15, 2020Episode ↗
They decide Leighton Meester is the clearest Apex Mountain choice, with some argument that Hedlund's profile also peaked here.
- 273The Program · 1993Omar EppsThe ProgramDec 8, 2020Episode ↗
They name Omar Epps as the Apex Mountain pick for this movie and his early-90s run.
- 274Wall Street · 1987Michael DouglasWall StreetDec 1, 2020Episode ↗
They choose Douglas as the episode’s apex performer, with Stone also getting a strong case for his 1987 run.
- 2758MM · 1999snuff-film movies8MMNov 24, 2020Episode ↗
They decide the movie is the high-water mark for Hollywood snuff-film stories, with the fabricated LA underworld also in contention.
- 276Home Alone · 1990Macaulay CulkinHome AloneNov 17, 2020Episode ↗
The hosts briefly consider Christmas movies and international flight-making, but ultimately land on Macaulay Culkin as the clear Apex Mountain pick.
- 277Toy Story · 1995Tom Hanks in 1995Toy StoryNov 10, 2020Episode ↗
The room agrees Hanks's 1995 run is the Apex Mountain, while Jobs is discussed but not chosen.
- 278The American President · 1995the film as a president-movie catalystThe American PresidentNov 3, 2020Episode ↗
They decide the movie itself helped launch the late-90s wave of president-centered Hollywood stories, while Reiner is mentioned as a possible runner-up case.
- 279The Exorcist · 1973William FriedkinThe ExorcistOct 29, 2020Episode ↗
They agree that The Exorcist is William Friedkin’s apex mountain because of the movie’s enormous cultural impact and success.
- 280Rocky IV · 1985Sly StalloneRocky IVOct 27, 2020Episode ↗
The hosts agree Stallone's mid-1980s run around Rocky IV is an apex-mountain peak for his career.
- 281Spotlight · 2015The Boston GlobeSpotlightOct 20, 2020Episode ↗
They discussed several candidates, but settled on the Globe itself as the movie's apex mountain in real-life newsroom power.
- 282The Martian · 2015The Bourne IdentityThe MartianOct 13, 2020Episode ↗
The hosts decide this is not Matt Damon’s Apex Mountain and settle on the first Bourne film as the better answer.
- 283Kicking and Screaming · 1995Jason WilesKicking and ScreamingOct 6, 2020Episode ↗
Jason Wiles is treated as having the strongest apex case, with Josh Hamilton also discussed as a serious contender.
- 284The Game · 1997Deborah Kara UngerThe GameSep 29, 2020Episode ↗
They briefly assign Apex Mountain to Deborah Kara Unger, while also joking about the film's use of Johnny's Coffee Shop and San Francisco locations.
- 285Se7en · 1995Morgan FreemanSe7enSep 22, 2020Episode ↗
They argue Freeman’s post-Shawshank run plus Seven gives him the strongest Apex Mountain case.
- 286Easy A · 2010Emma Stone's performance in Easy AEasy ASep 17, 2020Episode ↗
They agreed this movie launched Emma Stone’s rise, but argued her later Oscar win means Easy A is not technically her peak.
- 287Unfaithful · 2002Diane LaneUnfaithfulSep 15, 2020Episode ↗
They explicitly called Diane Lane's performance her apex, while also mentioning Olivier Martinez as a possible apex for his role.
- 288The Usual Suspects · 1995turkish piss streamsThe Usual SuspectsSep 8, 2020Episode ↗
They jokingly declare Verbal’s huge urine stream an apex-level movie image.
- 289Dangerous Minds · 1995white savior complex school teacher moviesDangerous MindsSep 3, 2020Episode ↗
They decide Dangerous Minds is the all-time apex for the white-savior school-teacher movie subgenre.
- 290Cocktail · 1988Tom CruiseCocktailSep 1, 2020Episode ↗
The hosts explicitly crowned Tom Cruise's late-80s star run as the movie's Apex Mountain, while also discussing other possible candidates.
- 291The 40-Year-Old Virgin · 2005steve carellThe 40-Year-Old VirginAug 25, 2020Episode ↗
Steve Carell is the clear Apex Mountain pick, while they also discuss strong cases for Apatow, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, and the tech-store setting.
- 292Pump Up the Volume · 1990Christian SlaterPump Up the VolumeAug 20, 2020Episode ↗
They agreed Christian Slater’s career peak was here, while also noting the Pixies and the pre-grunge college-rock era as peak moments in the movie’s ecosystem.
- 293Caddyshack · 1980Caddyshack for Bill MurrayCaddyshackAug 18, 2020Episode ↗
They broadly treat the movie as Bill Murray's apex, while also giving strong cases for Rodney Dangerfield and even Ted Knight in other career contexts.
- 294Bad Boys · 1995Will SmithBad BoysAug 13, 2020Episode ↗
They debate a few candidates, but ultimately settle on Will Smith as the movie's Apex Mountain winner.
- 295The Last of the Mohicans · 1992Daniel Day-LewisThe Last of the MohicansAug 11, 2020Episode ↗
They ultimately call this DDL's apex era entry and also praise Studi, Stowe, and the film's waterfall jump as peak moments.
- 296Teen Wolf · 1985werewolvesTeen WolfAug 6, 2020Episode ↗
They conclude the movie is more plausibly Apex Mountain for werewolves than for Michael J. Fox himself.
- 297The Sandlot · 1993every kid in the movieThe SandlotAug 4, 2020Episode ↗
They explicitly say Apex Mountain goes to every kid in the movie, with the director mentioned as a secondary pick.
- 298Ghost · 1990Patrick SwayzeGhostJul 28, 2020Episode ↗
They largely land on Swayze as the peak of his run, while acknowledging Demi Moore and others have a case too.
- 299The Conjuring · 2013Patrick WilsonThe ConjuringJul 21, 2020Episode ↗
They argue Patrick Wilson's 2013 was his peak because of this movie and Girls, while also noting Lily Taylor's lead role as a career resurgence.
- 30025th Hour · 2002Fight Club for Edward Norton25th HourJul 16, 2020Episode ↗
They conclude Edward Norton’s Apex Mountain is Fight Club, while noting American History X as an early peak and Birdman as a later showcase.
- 301Swingers · 1996Jon FavreauSwingersJul 9, 2020Episode ↗
Within the category they declare multiple apexes, but the strongest single consensus is Jon Favreau, with Vaughn also cited as the movie’s on-screen spark.
- 302St. Elmo's Fire · 1985the 1982 Jeep CJ7St. Elmo's FireJul 7, 2020Episode ↗
They explicitly crown the 1982 Jeep CJ7 as peak car-dork status in the movie.
- 303The Perfect Storm · 2000GloucesterThe Perfect StormJul 2, 2020Episode ↗
They decide Gloucester itself is the best-case apex from the movie, while treating any character-specific apex as debatable.
- 304Say Anything · 1989Ione SkyeSay AnythingJun 10, 2020Episode ↗
They call this the peak role for Ione Skye and also make a case that Cusack's broader career peak comes in two separate eras.
- 305Boomerang · 1992Boyz II MenBoomerangMay 26, 2020Episode ↗
In the retroactive catch-up, they explicitly crown Boyz II Men and also mark several other elements as apex-worthy.
- 306Armageddon · 1998Michael BayArmageddonMay 21, 2020Episode ↗
The hosts ultimately declare this the Bay apex, while also making a case that Billy Bob Thornton peaks here.
- 307Back to the Future · 1985Michael J. FoxBack to the FutureMay 19, 2020Episode ↗
They use Apex Mountain to argue that Fox's combination of TV fame and movie stardom marks the peak, while also elevating Zemeckis and others.
- 308Draft Day · 2014the 21st-century BrownsDraft DayMay 14, 2020Episode ↗
They argue this could qualify as the Browns’ apex mountain of the 21st century because even the movie’s happy ending is rare team success for them.
- 309Crimson Tide · 1995Tony ScottCrimson TideMay 12, 2020Episode ↗
Bill ultimately landed on Tony Scott as the apex pick, though the group also floated Robards’ cameo as its own mini-peak.
- 310Groundhog Day · 1993Groundhog DayGroundhog DayMay 7, 2020Episode ↗
They settle on the movie itself as the apex for the Groundhog Day concept, while also noting a strong case for Harold Ramis’s career peak.
- 311Gladiator · 2000Russell CroweGladiatorMay 5, 2020Episode ↗
Russell Crowe is chosen as the apex-mountain winner, with Hans Zimmer and others also discussed as possible peaks.
- 312Ronin · 1998Stellan SkarsgårdRoninApr 23, 2020Episode ↗
Stellan Skarsgård is picked for his peak late-90s run, while Frankenheimer is separately credited with his own apex as a director.
- 313Ferris Bueller's Day Off · 1986John HughesFerris Bueller's Day OffApr 21, 2020Episode ↗
They land on John Hughes as the clear apex-mountain figure, with other possibilities mentioned but not chosen.
- 314Love and Basketball · 2000Sanaa LathanLove and BasketballApr 16, 2020Episode ↗
They explicitly call Sanaa Lathan’s performance an Apex Mountain case and then debate whether Omar Epps qualifies as well.
- 315Basic Instinct · 1992Sharon Stone's performanceBasic InstinctApr 14, 2020Episode ↗
They explicitly name Sharon Stone's performance as the Apex Mountain of the movie.
- 316Enemy of the State · 1998Lisa BonetEnemy of the StateApr 9, 2020Episode ↗
They effectively rename the category around Lisa Bonet’s peak rather than any single career milestone from the movie.
- 317Total Recall · 1990Arnold SchwarzeneggerTotal RecallApr 7, 2020Episode ↗
They treat this stretch as part of Arnold’s peak era, with some discussion of Verhoeven and other supporting candidates but Arnold as the clear center of gravity.
- 318Tommy Boy · 1995Chris FarleyTommy BoyApr 3, 2020Episode ↗
They explicitly call Chris Farley an Apex Mountain selection, with David Spade also receiving a yes and the Midwest and brake pads discussed as context rather than winners.
- 319Furious 7 · 2015Michelle RodriguezFurious 7Mar 30, 2020Episode ↗
They crown Michelle Rodriguez as the key Apex Mountain pick and also extend the award to Abu Dhabi and the movie's bald-star lineup.
- 320The Karate Kid · 1984Ralph MacchioThe Karate KidMar 26, 2020Episode ↗
They ran through several people and places, but Macchio was the clearest Apex Mountain winner.
- 321Edge of Tomorrow · 2014Emily BluntEdge of TomorrowMar 23, 2020Episode ↗
They choose Blunt as the apex point here, while acknowledging Liman as another contender in the discussion.
- 322Cast Away · 2000volleyballsCast AwayMar 19, 2020Episode ↗
He says the movie is apex mountain for volleyballs, with Fiji and Chris Noth also mentioned as possible candidates.
- 323The Godfather Part III · 1990Andy GarciaThe Godfather Part IIIMar 17, 2020Episode ↗
They pick Andy Garcia as the clear Apex Mountain winner, while also joking that Donald Donnelly and Sofia Coppola have their own odd peaks.
- 324Oceans 12 · 2004Brad PittOceans 12Mar 5, 2020Episode ↗
They ultimately land on Brad Pitt as the strongest Apex Mountain candidate, though the discussion ranges widely over other possibilities.
- 325Vision Quest · 1985John Waite / his 1985 momentVision QuestFeb 27, 2020Episode ↗
They treat John Waite's 1985 pop-culture peak as the main apex conversation, while also noting the movie as a high point for Spokane.
- 326Higher Learning · 1995John SingletonHigher LearningFeb 19, 2020Episode ↗
They debate a few candidates but end up treating Singleton as the peak-name choice in the category.
- 327The Breakfast Club · 1985Molly RingwaldThe Breakfast ClubFeb 13, 2020Episode ↗
They explicitly name Molly Ringwald as the film’s Apex Mountain, while also discussing strong cases for Judd Nelson and Anthony Michael Hall.
- 328Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood · 2019Brad PittOnce Upon a Time…in HollywoodFeb 6, 2020Episode ↗
They settled on Brad Pitt as the most plausible Apex Mountain answer, with some discussion of his broader career peak.
- 329Heat ("The Re-Heat") · 1995character actor John VoightHeat ("The Re-Heat")Jan 24, 2020Episode ↗
In the Apex Mountain roundup, they ultimately pick character-actor John Voight as the standout winner.
- 330King of New York · 1990Christopher WalkenKing of New YorkJan 16, 2020Episode ↗
They choose Walken as the movie’s apex, with Fishburne also strongly considered for the honor.
- 331Unstoppable · 2010Chris PineUnstoppableJan 9, 2020Episode ↗
They conclude Chris Pine is the best Apex Mountain pick because this is the movie that most fully establishes him as a movie star.
- 332The Talented Mr. Ripley · 1999Jude LawThe Talented Mr. RipleyDec 23, 2019Episode ↗
They decide this is Jude Law’s Apex Mountain, with Gwyneth Paltrow also getting a case but not winning out.
- 333Dunkirk · 2017Christopher NolanDunkirkDec 20, 2019Episode ↗
They ultimately treat Dunkirk as the movie that confirms Nolan at the top of his powers, even with one dissenting view.
- 334The Godfather Part II · 1974MoviesThe Godfather Part IIDec 16, 2019Episode ↗
After considering Coppola, Pacino, De Niro, Paramount, and mafia movies, they give Apex Mountain to movies overall.
- 335Happy Gilmore · 1996Christopher McDonaldHappy GilmoreDec 10, 2019Episode ↗
They settled on Christopher McDonald, with Vern Lundquist and the TV-sportscast angle discussed as notable alternatives.
- 336The Wolf of Wall Street · 2013Jonah HillThe Wolf of Wall StreetDec 3, 2019Episode ↗
After debating Leo, Scorsese, and Bernthal, the conversation lands on Jonah Hill’s Donnie as the most plausible apex-mountain pick.
- 337Skyfall · 2012Daniel CraigSkyfallNov 20, 2019Episode ↗
They decide Skyfall is Daniel Craig's Apex Mountain, while Bardem's peak is treated as a separate debate and not the final choice here.
- 338Den of Thieves · 2018Gerard ButlerDen of ThievesOct 14, 2019Episode ↗
The room ultimately calls this Butler’s Apex Mountain, even though Schreiber gets a strong competing argument.
- 339Mr. Mom · 1983Terry GarrMr. MomOct 11, 2019Episode ↗
They pick Terry Garr’s career peak as the apex, while also saying the concept of Mr. Mom itself is the movie’s apex.
- 340Remember The Titans · 2000the height of sappy Disney sports moviesRemember The TitansOct 7, 2019Episode ↗
They agree this film represents the peak of the formula for glossy Disney sports dramas.
- 341The Shawshank Redemption · 1994Morgan FreemanThe Shawshank RedemptionSep 25, 2019Episode ↗
They agree that Morgan Freeman's career peak here is his apex mountain.
- 342Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid · 1969Paul NewmanButch Cassidy and the Sundance KidSep 1, 2019Episode ↗
They decide Newman is at his career peak after this movie, with Hill also mentioned as a strong alternative in a broader sense.
- 343Do The Right Thing · 1989Spike LeeDo The Right ThingAug 26, 2019Episode ↗
They conclude the movie marks Spike Lee’s filmmaking peak, especially for his fiction work.
- 344Fatal Attraction · 1987Michael DouglasFatal AttractionAug 20, 2019Episode ↗
Michael Douglas is named the peak of his career here, with Glenn Close and Adrian Lyne also discussed as Apex candidates in their own lanes.
- 345Gone Girl · 2014Rosamund PikeGone GirlAug 13, 2019Episode ↗
They explicitly name Rosamund Pike as the apex choice, while also reaffirming that Fincher's apex remains The Social Network.
- 346Bloodsport · 1988Donald Gibb for Revenge of the NerdsBloodsportAug 8, 2019Episode ↗
They settle on Revenge of the Nerds as Donald Gibb's apex, with Bloodsport discussed as a possible but second-best option.
- 347The Town · 2010Iron Man 3The TownAug 1, 2019Episode ↗
Bill identifies Iron Man 3 as Rebecca Hall's apex, while the others mainly agree she is well cast here.
- 348Reservoir Dogs · 1992Michael MadsenReservoir DogsJul 25, 2019Episode ↗
Madsen is ultimately treated as the Apex Mountain pick, with Roth also mentioned as a possible case.
- 349Top Gun · 1986The NavyTop GunJul 23, 2019Episode ↗
They land on the Navy as the biggest winner from the film, with Bruckheimer and Simpson mentioned as another possible peak.
- 350Inglourious Basterds · 2009quentin tarantinoInglourious BasterdsJul 15, 2019Episode ↗
They ultimately treat Tarantino as a strong maybe, but Brad Pitt and several others are discussed as clear Apex Mountain candidates.
- 351When Harry Met Sally... · 1989Billy CrystalWhen Harry Met Sally...Jul 8, 2019Episode ↗
After considering Crystal, Reiner, and even New York as possibilities, they land on Billy Crystal as the Apex Mountain winner.
- 352No Country for Old Men · 2007Javier BardemNo Country for Old MenJul 3, 2019Episode ↗
They treat Bardem’s Chigurh as the apex of his career, while also noting Brolin’s film as a career-changing moment.
- 353The Notebook · 2004Rachel McAdamsThe NotebookJun 24, 2019Episode ↗
The room settles on Rachel McAdams as the career peak pick, with Wedding Crashers and The Notebook both discussed as contenders.
- 354Dead Poets Society · 1989Robin WilliamsDead Poets SocietyJun 11, 2019Episode ↗
They make the case that this film marks Robin Williams' peak as a movie star and major dramatic actor.
- 355Fast Five · 2011Vin DieselFast FiveMay 31, 2019Episode ↗
They call this Vin Diesel's Apex Mountain and also agree it is a peak Fast Five moment for Paul Walker.
- 356The Hangover · 2009todd phillipsThe HangoverMay 26, 2019Episode ↗
They agree this is Todd Phillips's peak moment, while also noting Galifianakis and even Vegas as contenders in related ways.
- 357Mean Girls · 2004Lindsay LohanMean GirlsApr 29, 2019Episode ↗
Lindsay Lohan was treated as the obvious Apex Mountain winner, with Tina Fey mentioned as a strong secondary case.
- 358Field of Dreams · 1989Kevin CostnerField of DreamsApr 19, 2019Episode ↗
They settle on Kevin Costner as the apex pick, with Iowa and the baseball movie era also discussed as strong alternatives.
- 359Pretty Woman · 1990Richard GerePretty WomanMar 25, 2019Episode ↗
They agree Pretty Woman is Apex Mountain for Richard Gere.
- 360The Natural · 1984Wilford Brimley's chest hairThe NaturalMar 18, 2019Episode ↗
After rejecting most human candidates, they land on Brimley's chest hair as the undeniable apex of the movie's mountain-level achievement.
- 361Broadcast News · 1987Jim BrooksBroadcast NewsMar 11, 2019Episode ↗
They clearly named Jim Brooks as the Apex Mountain pick, while noting the movie also made a strong case for several others.
- 362Forgetting Sarah Marshall · 2008Jason Segel's dickForgetting Sarah MarshallMar 4, 2019Episode ↗
They joke that Segel's full-frontal scene is the apex for his on-screen anatomy, then broaden the discussion to Segel's career peak.
- 363Reality Bites · 1994Ethan HawkeReality BitesFeb 26, 2019Episode ↗
After some back-and-forth, they allow Ethan Hawke to take Apex Mountain because of the career leverage he gained after Training Day.
- 364Dave · 1993Kevin KlineDaveFeb 18, 2019Episode ↗
They debate it, but Kevin Kline gets the nod as the best apex-mountain candidate for the film.
- 365A Star Is Born · 2018Bradley CooperA Star Is BornFeb 11, 2019Episode ↗
They agree Cooper's overall career peak is the clearest fit, while Gaga's peak is discussed more tentatively.
- 366The Warriors · 1979Walter HillThe WarriorsFeb 4, 2019Episode ↗
Bill lands on Walter Hill as the peak presence, crediting him with setting the template for action movies.
- 367Proof of Life · 2000David MorseProof of LifeJan 28, 2019Episode ↗
They identify David Morse as the clear Apex Mountain pick for this movie.
- 368The Fast and the Furious · 2001Neil MoritzThe Fast and the FuriousJan 21, 2019Episode ↗
They decide Neil Moritz's creation of the franchise is the clearest Apex Mountain, even though Fast Five is discussed as a later peak for the cast.
- 369Old School · 2003Todd PhillipsOld SchoolJan 14, 2019Episode ↗
They give Todd Phillips the apex mountain for the movie's success and its place in his rise, while Vince Vaughn is also considered.
- 370The Godfather · 1972Francis Ford CoppolaThe GodfatherJan 7, 2019Episode ↗
They ultimately agree Coppola is the clearest Apex Mountain choice because the film defines his career and the New Hollywood moment.
- 371Tombstone · 1993Kurt RussellTombstoneDec 24, 2018Episode ↗
They debate several contenders, but Kurt Russell is ultimately identified as the peak of the movie's star power discussion.
- 372Con Air · 1997Nicolas CageCon AirDec 18, 2018Episode ↗
Cage is declared the Apex Mountain pick, with other names discussed but not chosen.
- 373The Firm · 1993Wilford BrimleyThe FirmDec 11, 2018Episode ↗
They choose Brimley's performance here as his Apex Mountain, arguing it is the most iconic and most fully Brimley version of Brimley.
- 374All the Presidents Men · 1976Jason RobardsAll the Presidents MenNov 8, 2018Episode ↗
Although Redford and Hoffman are discussed, the room lands on Jason Robards as the film’s clearest Apex Mountain performance.
- 375Dazed and Confused · 1993Jason O. Smith as MelDazed and ConfusedOct 2, 2018Episode ↗
They treat the category as best suited to lesser-known cast members and ultimately single out Mel’s actor because his role is the clearest career peak discussed.
- 376True Romance · 1993Tony ScottTrue RomanceSep 20, 2018Episode ↗
They debate a few candidates, but Tony Scott is chosen as the person at the peak of his powers for this movie.
- 377Rounders · 1998Johnny ChanRoundersSep 11, 2018Episode ↗
The room agrees Johnny Chan is the apex because the movie immortalizes him as the legendary poker figure in the key showdown.
- 378Taken · 2008Liam NeesonTakenSep 3, 2018Episode ↗
They explicitly name Liam Neeson’s performance in Taken as his Apex Mountain.
- 379Mad Max: Fury Road · 2015George MillerMad Max: Fury RoadAug 23, 2018Episode ↗
The room explicitly treats Fury Road as George Miller’s apex, while Charlize Theron’s apex is pushed to Monster and Tom Hardy’s to Warrior.
- 380Wedding Crashers · 2005Vince VaughnWedding CrashersAug 16, 2018Episode ↗
By the end of the discussion, they treat Vince Vaughn as the movie's peak star and performance level.
- 381My Best Friends Wedding · 1997Rupert EverettMy Best Friends WeddingAug 9, 2018Episode ↗
The room settles on Rupert Everett as the apex-mountain winner, though Julia Roberts is also argued as a strong case.
- 382Die Hard · 1988Bruce WillisDie HardAug 1, 2018Episode ↗
They debate several possibilities, but Willis is ultimately named the Apex Mountain winner for the movie.
- 383Mission: Impossible · 1996Stephen BurumMission: ImpossibleJul 26, 2018Episode ↗
After rejecting most candidates, they agree Stephen Burum's Apex Mountain is The Untouchables.
- 384Midnight Run · 1988Charles GrodinMidnight RunJul 20, 2018Episode ↗
They call Grodin's performance an Apex Mountain and discuss several possible apexes for De Niro before giving the overall win to De Niro for the movie.
- 385Step Brothers · 2008Catherine HahnStep BrothersJul 13, 2018Episode ↗
They explicitly name Catherine Hahn's work here as her apex in the film's comedic context.
- 386Jaws · 1975Roy ScheiderJawsJul 4, 2018Episode ↗
After some back-and-forth, the room settles on Roy Scheider rather than Robert Shaw as the best career peak among the main players discussed.
- 387The Devil Wears Prada · 2006Anne HathawayThe Devil Wears PradaJun 28, 2018Episode ↗
They agree this movie is Hathaway’s Apex Mountain because it cemented her as a mainstream A-list star.
- 388Forrest Gump · 1994Tom HanksForrest GumpJun 21, 2018Episode ↗
They choose Tom Hanks as the film’s apex, while briefly debating and rejecting Zemeckis as the better career peak answer.
- 389Jurassic Park · 1993Jeff GoldblumJurassic ParkJun 14, 2018Episode ↗
Jeff Goldblum is named the Apex Mountain choice, with Spielberg and the T-Rex discussed as alternate answers.
- 390Oceans 11 · 2001Brad PittOceans 11Jun 7, 2018Episode ↗
Brad Pitt is agreed to be at his peak here, with Rusty Ryan described as his most charming and effortless mode.
- 391The Social Network · 2010Aaron SorkinThe Social NetworkMay 24, 2018Episode ↗
In the formal Apex Mountain discussion, the group settles on Sorkin as the best peak pick, with Fincher debated as the main alternative.
- 392Michael Clayton · 2007Tony GilroyMichael ClaytonMar 29, 2018Episode ↗
They decide this is Tony Gilroy's peak, and then separately argue that it is also one of George Clooney's best performances.
- 393Inception · 2010Wally PfisterInceptionMar 22, 2018Episode ↗
Sean explicitly picked Wally Pfister as the peak performer for the film, while Andrew backed JGL.
- 394The Big Lebowski · 1998John GoodmanThe Big LebowskiMar 9, 2018Episode ↗
The conversation strongly lands on John Goodman as the performance peak of the movie's cast.
- 395Get Out · 2017Jordan PeeleGet OutFeb 27, 2018Episode ↗
They agree that the movie itself is Peele's apex moment so far, while noting it is too early to judge his long-term peak.
- 396Miami Vice · 2006Colin FarrellMiami ViceFeb 7, 2018Episode ↗
They treat Farrell’s performance here as a serious apex candidate and ultimately name him the winner.
- 397Varsity Blues · 1999James Van Der BeekVarsity BluesFeb 3, 2018Episode ↗
They treat James Van Der Beek’s Dawson's Creek/Varsity Blues period as his career peak.
- 39810 Things I Hate About You · 1999Andrew Keegan10 Things I Hate About YouJan 9, 2018Episode ↗
They settle on Andrew Keegan as the movie’s apex, with Julia Stiles briefly discussed as an alternative.
- 399Zodiac · 2007not ZodiacZodiacDec 14, 2017Episode ↗
They reject Zodiac as Gyllenhaal’s Apex Mountain and lean instead toward later titles like Enemy and Prisoners.
- 40048 Hrs. · 1982Eddie Murphy48 Hrs.Dec 7, 2017Episode ↗
They call Eddie Murphy the apex pick for the movie, while also separately noting strong apex cases for several other cast and crew members.
- 401Friday · 1995Ice CubeFridayNov 30, 2017Episode ↗
The conversation lands on Ice Cube as the movie's apex, though they note Chris Tucker and John Witherspoon as strong alternatives in the broader discussion.
- 402The Dark Knight · 2008Heath LedgerThe Dark KnightNov 16, 2017Episode ↗
They discuss several candidates, but the conversation clearly lands on Heath Ledger as the film's Apex Mountain winner.
- 403The Fugitive · 1993Derwin CrabbThe FugitiveNov 2, 2017Episode ↗
They agree this movie is Apex Mountain for the actor they jokingly call Derwin Crabb.
- 404Scream · 1996Party of Five intervention sceneScreamOct 12, 2017Episode ↗
They agree Nev Campbell’s peak is the intervention scene on Party of Five rather than this movie.
- 405Clueless · 1995paul ruddCluelessOct 5, 2017Episode ↗
Paul Rudd is identified as being at his best in the film.
- 406Titanic · 1997James CameronTitanicSep 28, 2017Episode ↗
They agree that James Cameron reaches his apex here, with Billy Zane mentioned as a secondary case.
- 407Speed · 1994Sandra BullockSpeedSep 21, 2017Episode ↗
Sandra Bullock gets the strongest support as the movie’s apex, with Keanu discussed as still having more climb left.
- 408The Silence of the Lambs · 1991Anthony HopkinsThe Silence of the LambsSep 14, 2017Episode ↗
They directly choose Hopkins as the film’s Apex Mountain, while acknowledging Demme’s broader career peak separately.
- 409Point Break · 1991Patrick SwayzePoint BreakAug 24, 2017Episode ↗
The discussion treats Swayze as the clearest apex, while Keanu gets a serious but secondary case and the others are dismissed or debated more lightly.
- 410A Few Good Men · 1992Tom CruiseA Few Good MenAug 10, 2017Episode ↗
The room explicitly crowns Tom Cruise's performance and career peak as the film's Apex Mountain.