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THE REWATCHABLES FIELD GUIDE · VOL. 02
THE CATEGORY
CABINET
Every recurring ritual, one-off fever dream, winner, and open debate we could responsibly pull from the podcast transcripts.
Every mention stays traceable
6,494 transcript-supported picks
Reviewed regulars + preserved oddities
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Search a category, movie, episode, or logged winner.The essentialsApex MountainThe moment a career, performance, or cultural force reached its absolute peak.449episodes90% resolved
- Calls logged
- 483
- Declared
- 298
- Apparent
- 139
- Left open
- 46
- First logged
- Aug 10, 2017
- Latest logged
- Sep 22, 2026
THE TRANSCRIPT REGISTER
437 winners on file
- DeclaredSep 22, 2026 · ~1:12:00Law Abiding Citizen · 2009Del Frisco's SteakhouseEpisode
They called this the apex for Del Frisco's Steakhouse, while locating Butler's and Foxx's career peaks in other movies.
- DeclaredSep 15, 2026 · ~1:12:00Rambo: First Blood Part II · 1985Sylvester Stallone, Ronald Reagan / the United States, Julia Nickson, and the Cold WarEpisode
They endorse several 1985 peaks, while placing Vietnam films, Martin Kove, and movie knives elsewhere.
- Left openSep 8, 2026 · ~1:40:00Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby · 2006No clear winner recordedEpisode
They place Ferrell near his 2004–08 peak, make a case for Reilly, and discuss Cohen’s Borat year, NASCAR movies, and other individual peaks. There is no single category winner.
- DeclaredAug 24, 2026 · ~1:12:00Apollo 13 · 1995American ingenuityEpisode
They frame the movie as an Apex Mountain for American ingenuity.
Runner-up · American idealism - Apparent consensusAug 17, 2026 · ~1:44:00Speed ("The Re-Speed") · 1994speedEpisode
They treat the movie itself as the apex example of the die-hard-ripoff wave rather than an apex for Keanu or Sandra Bullock.
Runner-up · die-hard-ripoffs - Apparent consensusAug 10, 2026 · ~1:20:00The Italian Job · 2003Seth GreenEpisode
They suggest this may be the peak of Seth Green's run, though the movie itself is also discussed as a Mini Cooper showcase.
Runner-up · the Mini Coopers - Apparent consensusAug 3, 2026 · ~1:04:00The Karate Kid Part II · 1986Macho for the movie’s successEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Marita / Hawaii pretending to be Okinawa - DeclaredJul 27, 2026 · ~1:18:00Obsession · 2025Indie horror moviesEpisode
They treat the film’s success as a peak moment for indie horror and similar microbudget genre films.
Runner-up · make-a-wish-backfires movies - DeclaredJul 20, 2026 · ~1:28:00Hitch · 2005Will SmithEpisode
They place Will Smith’s peak elsewhere, while Eva Mendes and Kevin James get discussed as possible peak candidates for this movie.
Runner-up · Eva Mendes - DeclaredJul 13, 2026 · ~1:38:00She's the One · 1996Edward BurnsEpisode
Burns is treated as the clear Apex Mountain answer for the movie and the moment in his career.
Runner-up · Amanda Peet - Left openJul 6, 2026 · ~1:20:00Ali · 2001No clear winner recordedEpisode
The hosts debate several candidates and never fully agree whether Mann's peak is Ali, The Insider, or another late-90s/early-2000s run.
Runner-up · Will Smith - DeclaredJun 29, 2026 · ~1:28:00Pacific Heights · 1990Michael KeatonEpisode
They agree this is Keaton's apex, while noting it's a slightly poisoned apex because of the movie itself.
- Left openJun 22, 2026 · ~1:20:00Domestic Disturbance · 2001No clear winner recordedEpisode
They run through the usual Apex Mountain check and conclude nobody here reaches an apex.
- Apparent consensusJun 14, 2026 · ~1:18:00The Hand That Rocks the Cradle · 1992Seattle in 1992-93Episode
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.
Runner-up · Rebecca De Mornay - DeclaredJun 8, 2026 · ~1:24:00Single White Female · 1992Bridget FondaEpisode
They explicitly declare Bridget Fonda's 1992 moment the peak for her career and screen image.
- DeclaredMay 31, 2026 · ~1:40:002001: A Space Odyssey · 1968Stanley Kubrick, with 2001 as his apex movieEpisode
They agree this is the movie that made Kubrick famous to the public and represents the peak of his power as a director.
- Apparent consensusMay 25, 2026 · ~1:04:00Animal House · 1978john-beluishiEpisode
They treat Belushi as the clearest apex-mountain winner, while also saying the film pushed Tim Matheson to a peak.
Runner-up · tim-matheson - DeclaredMay 18, 2026 · ~56:00Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan · 2006Sacha Baron CohenEpisode
They agree this was Sacha Baron Cohen’s biggest peak, with the movie making him huge and untouchable afterward.
- Apparent consensusMay 11, 2026 · ~1:32:00Tropic Thunder · 2008Robert Downey Jr.Episode
They treat Downey as the strongest Apex Mountain candidate, while Cruise is also discussed as a possible peak.
Runner-up · Tom Cruise - DeclaredMay 4, 2026 · ~1:18:00There's Something About Mary · 1998The Farrelly brothersEpisode
Across the various Apex Mountain side discussions, they decide the Farrelly brothers as a duo are at their peak here.
Runner-up · Cameron Diaz - Apparent consensusApr 27, 2026 · ~1:28:00Ghostbusters · 1984GhostbustersEpisode
They decide Ghostbusters has the best ghost-fighting combat, edging out Ghost.
Runner-up · Ghost - DeclaredApr 20, 2026 · ~1:08:00Kindergarten Cop · 1990Arnold SchwarzeneggerEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Richard Tyson - DeclaredApr 13, 2026 · ~1:20:00Basic Instinct: Live from SF · 1992Sharon StoneEpisode
The hosts call Sharon Stone's performance the peak of the film's star power in this category run.
Runner-up · Joe Eszterhaus - DeclaredMar 30, 2026 · ~1:41:00L.A. Confidential · 1997Russell CroweEpisode
They pick Crowe as the film’s Apex Mountain because this breakout firmly launches him into star status.
Runner-up · Kim Basinger - DeclaredMar 23, 2026 · ~1:04:00The Nice Guys · 2016Ryan GoslingEpisode
They give the movie-era apex nod to Gosling, while also debating Shane Black's broader career peak separately.
Runner-up · Shane Black for Lethal Weapon 1 - Apparent consensusMar 18, 2026 · ~40:00A CR Month Mailbag!Matt Damon in The MartianEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Steph Curry in 2022 - Apparent consensusMar 16, 2026 · ~1:44:00To Live And Die In L.A. · 1985William PetersenEpisode
They treated Petersen as the movie’s Apex Mountain because the role kicked off his career peak trajectory.
Runner-up · Willem Dafoe - Apparent consensusMar 9, 2026 · ~1:20:00Fargo · 1996Fargo for Minnesota / the Coen Brothers’ depiction of MinnesotaEpisode
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.
Runner-up · William H. Macy - DeclaredMar 2, 2026 · ~1:20:00Sicario (Live) · 2015Benicio Del ToroEpisode
They land on Del Toro as the apex choice, while also debating Brolin's broader peak in Marvel terms.
Runner-up · Josh Brolin - Apparent consensusFeb 23, 2026 · ~1:20:00Crazy, Stupid, Love · 2011Ryan GoslingEpisode
They land on Ryan Gosling as the apex choice, though they note Emma Stone and the film’s era as part of the case.
Runner-up · Emma Stone - DeclaredFeb 16, 2026 · ~1:44:00GoldenEye · 1995Pierce BrosnanEpisode
They decide this is Brosnan’s peak Bond moment and also note Isabella Scorupco as an apex candidate for her own career.
Runner-up · Isabella Scorupco - DeclaredFeb 9, 2026 · ~1:20:00Ace Ventura: Pet Detective · 1994Jim Carrey in 1994Episode
They agree Carrey's 1994 run is the clearest apex, with the Dolphins' Marino era also mentioned as a team-specific peak.
Runner-up · the Miami Dolphins in the mid-1980s - Apparent consensusFeb 2, 2026 · ~1:36:00Wild Things · 1998Denise RichardsEpisode
They call Denise Richards' performance the apex for the movie, with Neve Campbell also in the conversation.
Runner-up · Neve Campbell - Left openJan 26, 2026 · ~1:36:00Zodiac ("The Re-Zodiac") · 2007No clear winner recordedEpisode
They debate whether Zodiac or The Social Network is Fincher’s peak, with no full consensus, though Zodiac is strongly defended as his best movie.
Runner-up · Social Network - Apparent consensusJan 21, 2026 · ~1:36:00Another 48 Hrs. · 1990Eddie MurphyEpisode
They treat this as an Eddie Murphy Apex Mountain discussion, with Nolte also mentioned as rising but not the focus.
Runner-up · Nick Nolte - Apparent consensusJan 19, 2026 · ~1:12:00Just One of the Guys · 1985the cast and director overallEpisode
They describe the film as Apex Mountain for most of the cast and the director, though not Sherilyn Fenn specifically.
Runner-up · 80s high school movies / funny teenage-boy performances - Left openJan 13, 2026 · ~1:44:00What Lies Beneath · 2000No clear winner recordedEpisode
They run through several possible Apex Mountain candidates and reject them rather than landing on one clear winner.
- Apparent consensusDec 22, 2025 · ~1:20:00F1 · 2025Joe KosinskiEpisode
They treat this as Kosinski’s apex because it follows Top Gun: Maverick and now adds F1 as a second giant hit.
Runner-up · Brad Pitt - DeclaredDec 17, 2025 · ~56:00The Sure Thing · 1985Daphne ZunigaEpisode
They explicitly pick Zuniga as the apex-mountain winner, noting the next year's Spaceballs as part of the case.
Runner-up · Anthony Edwards - Apparent consensusDec 15, 2025 · ~1:20:00High Fidelity · 2000John CusackEpisode
After debating whether Cusack ever truly peaked, the hosts settle on his late-90s-to-2000 run as his apex.
- DeclaredDec 8, 2025 · ~1:20:00Shampoo · 1975Warren BeattyEpisode
Bill says Shampoo represents Beatty at the top of his powers because he owned the movie and could do anything afterward.
Runner-up · Robert Towne - Apparent consensusDec 1, 2025 · ~1:52:00Rocky II · 1979Carl WeathersEpisode
They lean toward Carl Weathers as the apex discussion, with Stallone and the Philadelphia setting also mentioned as contenders in the broader debate.
Runner-up · Stallone - Apparent consensusDec 1, 2025 · ~1:52:00Rocky II · 1979StalloneEpisode
In the later apex discussion, Stallone is the clear center of gravity while Bert Young and others are mentioned as side candidates.
Runner-up · Burt Young - Apparent consensusNov 24, 2025 · ~56:00Two for the Money · 2005Piven, for the Entourage-era riseEpisode
They settle on Piven's career peak around Entourage as the most convincing Apex Mountain choice, with USFL-footage movies also mentioned.
Runner-up · Movies with USFL footage - DeclaredNov 17, 2025 · ~48:00Weird Science · 1985Chet turning into a toadEpisode
They treat Chet’s monstrous toad transformation as the high-water mark for that kind of movie gag.
- Apparent consensusNov 10, 2025 · ~1:36:00Snake Eyes · 1998boxing matches in non-boxing moviesEpisode
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.
Runner-up · none clearly established - Apparent consensusNov 3, 2025 · ~1:20:00The Truman Show · 1998Jim CarreyEpisode
They agreed this sits at or near Carrey’s peak, with strong cases also made for Weir, Laura Linney, Ed Harris, and Noah Emmerich.
Runner-up · Peter Weir - Left openOct 27, 2025 · ~1:20:00Halloween II · 1981No clear winner recordedEpisode
They broadly reject every obvious candidate and do not settle on a single Apex Mountain winner.
- Apparent consensusOct 20, 2025 · ~1:20:00Quiz Show · 1994Robert Redford as a directorEpisode
They treated Redford’s directing run as the peak, with Ordinary People mentioned as the strongest competing high point.
Runner-up · Ralph Fiennes / Paul Schofield / Chris McDonald / Geritol depending on the sub-pick - DeclaredOct 13, 2025 · ~1:28:00Sneakers · 1992Tom HanksEpisode
They choose Hanks as the best fit for the role, with Cruise floated only as a hypothetical alternate version.
Runner-up · possibly Tom Cruise in a later version - Apparent consensusOct 6, 2025 · ~1:04:00Jeremiah Johnson · 1972the mountains in moviesEpisode
They treated the movie as Apex Mountain for mountains in movies, with a side note that Pollack's director Apex is probably Tootsie.
Runner-up · Sydney Pollack (via Tootsie) - DeclaredSep 29, 2025 · ~1:12:00The Sting · 1973RedfordEpisode
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.
Runner-up · George Roy Hill - DeclaredSep 22, 2025 · ~1:12:00Airplane! · 1980Kareem Abdul-JabbarEpisode
They treat Kareem’s cameo as his peak cultural moment and also discuss the movie as a peak for the filmmakers.
Runner-up · the Zuckers and Jim Abrahams as a combo - Apparent consensusSep 15, 2025 · ~1:28:00Tin Cup · 1996Don Johnson as Roy McAvoy / Miami Vice-era Don JohnsonEpisode
Among the various candidates, Don Johnson's Miami Vice peak gets the strongest endorsement.
Runner-up · Kevin Costner - Apparent consensusSep 8, 2025 · ~1:04:00The Legend of Billie Jean · 1985Helen SlaterEpisode
They cycled through a few candidates, but Helen Slater emerged as the main Apex Mountain answer.
Runner-up · Peter Coyote / the song "Billie Jean" / the film itself for Billie Jean-related peaks - Left openSep 8, 2025 · ~1:04:00The Legend of Billie Jean · 1985No clear winner recordedEpisode
They bounced between a couple of Peter Coyote peak candidates without a firm consensus.
Runner-up · Narrating Ken Burns’ Civil War - Apparent consensusSep 8, 2025 · ~1:04:00The Legend of Billie Jean · 1985The name Billie Jean across the song, movie, and Billie Jean King referencesEpisode
They treated the Billie Jean name as culturally huge because of the song and the movie’s title connection.
- Left openSep 8, 2025 · ~1:04:00The Legend of Billie Jean · 1985No clear winner recordedEpisode
They reminisced about the era’s short-hair aesthetic and named several representative examples.
Runner-up · Veronica Cartwright in Aliens - DeclaredSep 1, 2025 · ~1:36:00American Gangster · 2007disjointed gangster moviesEpisode
They called this film the peak for sprawling, fragmented gangster movies and also argued the dope-kingpin biopic subgenre is up there.
Runner-up · dope kingpin biopics - Apparent consensusAug 25, 2025 · ~1:36:00Witness · 1985Harrison FordEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Kelly McGillis - Apparent consensusAug 17, 2025 · ~1:36:00Sinners · 2025Ryan CooglerEpisode
They treat this as Coogler's peak of leverage and power, while also saying Jordan's star status is at an apex too.
Runner-up · Michael B. Jordan - Apparent consensusAug 11, 2025 · ~1:20:00Rollerball · 1975James CaanEpisode
They place James Caan’s career apex around this era, with Godfather and other 70s work keeping him at peak juice.
- Apparent consensusAug 4, 2025 · ~1:20:00Robocop · 1987Paul VerhoevenEpisode
Across the Apex Mountain chatter, Verhoeven is treated as the clear peak of the film's creative forces.
Runner-up · Ronny Cox - Apparent consensusJul 28, 2025 · ~1:36:00Brokeback Mountain · 2005Heath LedgerEpisode
Ledger was chosen as the apex pick, with Ang Lee also receiving strong support in the same stretch.
Runner-up · Ang Lee - Apparent consensusJul 21, 2025 · ~56:00Species · 1995Natasha HenstridgeEpisode
They agreed Henstridge's breakthrough performance was the apex, while Madsen's could be debated against Reservoir Dogs-era fame.
Runner-up · Michael Madsen - DeclaredJul 7, 2025 · ~1:04:00Jaws 2 · 1978the water-skiing murder scene / water-skiing as a pop-culture apexEpisode
They call the water-skiing murder scene the Apex Mountain for water-skiing/pop-culture imagery, with the kids' summer hangout era also floated.
Runner-up · every kid except Keith Gordon - DeclaredJun 30, 2025 · ~1:20:00After Hours · 1985Griffin DunneEpisode
They call Griffin Dunne’s performance and career moment apex mountain, and separately give Rosanna Arquette a yes as well.
Runner-up · Rosanna Arquette - Apparent consensusJun 23, 2025 · ~2:08:00Die Hard with a Vengeance · 1995Die Hard sequels / John McClane sidekicksEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Bruce Willis / Sam Jackson / Gold reserve / Bonwit Teller / Colleen Camp / Cruiser Hanks - Apparent consensusJun 9, 2025 · ~1:28:00Working Girl · 1988Melanie GriffithEpisode
They settle on Melanie Griffith as the clearest apex-mountain candidate, while noting strong cases for others.
Runner-up · Sigourney Weaver - Apparent consensusJun 2, 2025 · ~1:44:00Out for Justice · 1991Under SiegeEpisode
They decide Seagal’s true peak is his next movie, Under Siege, though this film leads directly into it.
Runner-up · Out for Justice - DeclaredJun 2, 2025 · ~1:44:00Out for Justice · 1991Doris BurkeEpisode
In the fantasy recast game, they settle on Doris Burke as the best add for scene-setting and commentary.
Runner-up · Daniel Plainview - DeclaredMay 26, 2025 · ~1:20:00Heaven Can Wait · 1978Warren Beatty for ShampooEpisode
The hosts place Beatty's peak somewhere in the Shampoo/Reds run, with Shampoo getting the nod in the discussion.
Runner-up · Warren Beatty for Reds - DeclaredMay 19, 2025 · ~1:28:00Close Encounters of the Third Kind · 1977DreyfussEpisode
They say the Apex Mountain choice goes to Richard Dreyfuss because of the film's scale and his star turn.
Runner-up · the film itself as an essential UFO movie - Apparent consensusMay 12, 2025 · ~1:04:00Death Wish · 1974Charles BronsonEpisode
They treat this as Bronson's Apex Mountain because the film made him a much bigger star and helped define the vigilante-movie wave.
Runner-up · vigilante movies - DeclaredMay 5, 2025 · ~2:48:00Star Wars: A New Hope · 1977George LucasEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Star Wars as a franchise / Apex Mountain of Apex Mountains - Apparent consensusApr 28, 2025 · ~1:12:00Someone to Watch Over Me · 1987Mimi RogersEpisode
They decide this is Mimi Rogers' apex because the movie showcases her as the full version of the star she could have been.
Runner-up · Berenger - DeclaredApr 21, 2025 · ~1:20:00Minority Report · 2002Minority Report as apex mountain for 'Nokia wave' techno-paranoia moviesEpisode
Van argues the film is the peak of that tactile, surveillance-heavy early-2000s techno-thriller style.
- Apparent consensusApr 14, 2025 · ~56:00Can't Hardly Wait · 1998Jennifer Love HewittEpisode
They agree the movie represents Jennifer Love Hewitt's peak moment, with Embry also discussed as a peak-era figure.
Runner-up · Ethan Embry - Apparent consensusApr 4, 2025 · ~1:20:00The Saint · 1997Cold fusion as a pop-culture conceptEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Val Kilmer's broader star run - Left openMar 31, 2025 · ~1:10:00Good Will Hunting (Live from Boston) · 1997No clear winner recordedEpisode
The conversation ranges across several possible apex candidates, but no single winner is firmly locked in.
Runner-up · Miramax / Boston as a movie city - Left openMar 24, 2025 · ~1:20:00Blue Chips · 1994No clear winner recordedEpisode
They talk through several candidates and eras, but no single Apex Mountain winner is firmly established in the exchange.
- Apparent consensusMar 17, 2025 · ~1:28:00Days of Thunder · 1990Tom CruiseEpisode
They treat Cruise as being in the Apex range and also note this is a huge Don Simpson excess moment.
Runner-up · Don Simpson - DeclaredMar 10, 2025 · ~1:04:00Best in Show · 2000Christopher GuestEpisode
They treated this as Guest's peak and also discussed strong apex cases for several cast members.
Runner-up · John Michael Higgins - DeclaredMar 3, 2025 · ~1:12:00Rocky · 1976Sylvester StalloneEpisode
They identify Stallone’s peak as Rocky III/Rambo-era Stallone and also give Talia Shire an Apex-style nod.
Runner-up · Talia Shire - Apparent consensusFeb 24, 2025 · ~1:12:00Crash · 2004Paul HaggisEpisode
They mostly treat Crash as Paul Haggis’s apex, while also noting Terrence Howard’s huge year makes a case.
Runner-up · Terrence Howard - DeclaredFeb 10, 2025 · ~56:00The Blues Brothers · 1980BelushiEpisode
They conclude John Belushi’s peak is around Animal House/SNL/this film era, with Aykroyd’s peak landing later around Ghostbusters.
Runner-up · Ghostbusters era Aykroyd - Apparent consensusFeb 3, 2025 · ~1:36:00Before Sunset · 2004Julie Delpy (for this film and this phase of her career)Episode
The hosts land on Delpy as the film’s Apex Mountain, while noting Hawke and the film itself are also strong contenders.
Runner-up · Ethan Hawke - Left openJan 27, 2025 · ~1:28:00Before Sunrise · 1995No clear winner recordedEpisode
They treated the movie as a possible Linklater apex and debated whether Hawke's apex was really this film, Reality Bites, or Training Day.
Runner-up · Ethan Hawke's Reality Bites or Training Day - Apparent consensusJan 6, 2025 · ~1:04:00Den of Thieves (Live from L.A.) · 2018Boogie Nights for the donut shopEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Anchorman for drinking milk from the carton - DeclaredDec 30, 2024 · ~1:52:00Friday Night Lights · 2004Landman for Billy Bob ThorntonEpisode
They reject Friday Night Lights and instead declare Landman the peak Billy Bob Thornton property.
- Apparent consensusDec 23, 2024 · ~1:44:00Home Alone 2: Lost in New York · 1992Macaulay CulkinEpisode
They say Culkin is at his peak here because the film is a huge hit and leads into another major run.
Runner-up · Brenda Fricker - DeclaredDec 23, 2024 · ~1:44:00Home Alone 2: Lost in New York · 1992Macaulay CulkinEpisode
They agree Culkin is at apex mountain because the sequel was huge and completed his run of hits.
- Left openDec 16, 2024 · ~1:20:00The Gambler · 2014No clear winner recordedEpisode
They joke about several Apex Mountain possibilities, but only clearly settle on cereal conversation as the joke winner and leave the others open.
Runner-up · omega watches in film - DeclaredDec 9, 2024 · ~1:20:00Disclosure · 1994Demi MooreEpisode
They land on Demi Moore as the peak performance for this era, with Sutherland and others discussed but not chosen.
Runner-up · Donald Sutherland - Apparent consensusNov 25, 2024 · ~48:00Running Scared · 1986Key WestEpisode
In the later Apex Mountain discussion, Key West emerges as the hosts' favorite answer for the film's peak aspirational vibe.
Runner-up · Chicago / Gregory Hines / Dan Hedaya / Michael McDonald - DeclaredNov 18, 2024 · ~1:20:00The Replacements · 2000movies about scabsEpisode
They decide the film is the apex of movies about scabs, then broaden into football-movie comparisons.
Runner-up · Friday Night Lights / Remember the Titans for 21st-century football movies - DeclaredNov 11, 2024 · ~1:28:00Meet The Parents · 2000Nicky Recum/Nicorette in a movieEpisode
They joke through several candidates but land on Nicorette as the clear apex-style winner in the discussion.
Runner-up · Little Kim posters / male-nurse jokes / cats in movies - DeclaredNov 4, 2024 · ~1:20:00Body Double · 1984Melanie GriffithEpisode
They settle on Melanie Griffith as the biggest beneficiary of the movie's afterlife, with De Palma also discussed as a contender.
Runner-up · Brian De Palma - DeclaredOct 28, 2024 · ~1:12:00Halloween 4 · 1988cops do it by the book T-shirtsEpisode
They pick the sheriff’s daughter’s ‘cops do it by the book’ T-shirt as the likely apex object in the movie.
- Apparent consensusOct 21, 2024 · ~1:28:00Hereditary · 2018Toni ColletteEpisode
The conversation concluded that Toni Collette’s performance was the likely Apex Mountain, with some side chatter about the movie’s child-death extremes.
Runner-up · The telephone pole decapitation as a child-movie-death peak - DeclaredOct 15, 2024 · ~1:12:00The Silence of the Lambs (Live from New York) · 1991Jonathan Demme for PhiladelphiaEpisode
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.
Runner-up · the film itself for Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, Q Lazarus, the tuck dance, and other subcategories - DeclaredOct 7, 2024 · ~1:04:00Poltergeist · 1982Steven SpielbergEpisode
They treat Poltergeist as part of Spielberg's peak run and effectively his apex period.
- DeclaredOct 1, 2024 · ~1:12:00The Blair Witch Project · 1999Sundance / viral marketing / found-footage horrorEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Artisan Entertainment - DeclaredSep 24, 2024 · ~1:20:00Over The Top · 1987arm wrestlingEpisode
They say the movie is the apex of arm-wrestling cinema, and separately place Golan and Globus near their own peak era.
Runner-up · Golan and Globus - DeclaredSep 17, 2024 · ~1:20:00John Wick · 2014Keanu Reeves for The MatrixEpisode
They agreed Reeves's Apex Mountain remains The Matrix, not John Wick.
Runner-up · Adrian Palicki for Friday Night Lights season 1/2 - DeclaredSep 10, 2024 · ~56:00The Sixth Sense · 1999M. Night ShyamalanEpisode
They identify The Sixth Sense as Shyamalan’s peak and note that Osment also reached his own apex here.
Runner-up · Haley Joel Osment - Apparent consensusSep 3, 2024 · ~48:00Night Shift · 1982Michael KeatonEpisode
They made Michael Keaton the clear apex-Mountain pick, while noting Shelley Long was close.
Runner-up · Shelley Long - Apparent consensusAug 27, 2024 · ~2:00:00Purple Rain · 1984PrinceEpisode
They call Prince the clearest Apex Mountain case, while also tagging several supporting elements and moments as apex-level too.
Runner-up · Apollonia / The Time / Lake Minnetonka - DeclaredAug 22, 2024 · ~1:20:00Rudy · 1993Sean AstinEpisode
They say Rudy is Sean Astin's defining role and likely his Apex Mountain.
Runner-up · null - DeclaredAug 22, 2024 · ~1:20:00Rudy · 1993Pauly from RockyEpisode
They hold Pauly up as the standard for obnoxious sports-movie family members, with Frank as another example.
Runner-up · Rudy's brother Frank - DeclaredAug 13, 2024 · ~1:36:00The Grand Budapest Hotel · 2014Ralph FiennesEpisode
After debating several candidates, they gave the apex-mountain win to Ralph Fiennes for the movie's career peak.
Runner-up · Wes Anderson - Apparent consensusAug 6, 2024 · ~1:12:00Dodgeball · 2004Ben StillerEpisode
They decide this stretch is essentially Ben Stiller's peak in terms of clout and output.
Runner-up · Vince Vaughn - DeclaredJul 29, 2024 · ~3:04:00Pulp Fiction (Part 1 and 2) · 1994TarantinoEpisode
They said this was Tarantino’s Apex Mountain because the movie let him do almost anything he wanted afterward.
Runner-up · Samuel L. Jackson - Left openJul 29, 2024 · ~3:04:00Pulp Fiction (Part 1 and 2) · 1994No clear winner recordedEpisode
They briefly floated Amsterdam as a recurring cultural reference, but did not land on a firm winner in the category sense.
- DeclaredJul 29, 2024 · ~3:04:00Pulp Fiction (Part 1 and 2) · 1994Jimmy's coffeeEpisode
They concluded the movie is probably the apex of coffee in pop culture because of how iconic Jimmy’s coffee is.
- DeclaredJul 29, 2024 · ~3:04:00Pulp Fiction (Part 1 and 2) · 1994Ving RhamesEpisode
They treated this as a clear Ving Rhames apex because the film helped launch his next big run.
- DeclaredJul 29, 2024 · ~3:04:00Pulp Fiction (Part 1 and 2) · 1994Kill BillEpisode
They said Uma’s apex is Kill Bill, not Pulp Fiction.
Runner-up · Pulp Fiction - DeclaredJul 29, 2024 · ~3:04:00Pulp Fiction (Part 1 and 2) · 1994Tom CruiseEpisode
They agreed Cruise is the stronger apex-mountain star for a Vincent-or-Butch type role, not Hanks.
Runner-up · Tom Hanks - Left openJul 23, 2024 · ~1:28:00No Way Out · 1987No clear winner recordedEpisode
They kicked around several possibilities for the all-time movie-mistress peak but did not settle the question on mic.
Runner-up · Sean Young / Sharon Stone / Mrs. Robinson - DeclaredJul 19, 2024 · ~48:00Notting Hill · 1999Hugh GrantEpisode
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.
- DeclaredJul 15, 2024 · ~1:36:00True Lies · 1994Arnold standalone moviesEpisode
They define the category narrowly and agree this is the peak of Arnold’s standalone action run.
- DeclaredJul 15, 2024 · ~1:36:00True Lies · 1994True LiesEpisode
The hosts treat this film as Tom Arnold’s clear career peak.
- DeclaredJul 12, 2024 · ~1:12:00For Love of the Game · 1999Vin ScullyEpisode
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.
Runner-up · null - DeclaredJul 9, 2024 · ~1:12:00Twister · 1996Bill PaxtonEpisode
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.
Runner-up · The tornadoes - DeclaredJul 4, 2024 · ~48:00Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me · 1999Heather GrahamEpisode
They settled on Heather Graham as the apex-mountain pick, with Myers and a few broader cultural candidates discussed along the way.
Runner-up · Mike Myers - DeclaredJul 2, 2024 · ~1:12:00The Naked Gun · 1988Leslie NielsenEpisode
They chose Leslie Nielsen's success here as his apex, with the film launching his big late-career movie run.
Runner-up · The Naked Gun franchise for Leslie Nielsen - DeclaredJun 27, 2024 · ~40:00Big Daddy · 1999Adam SandlerEpisode
They settle on Adam Sandler, citing Big Daddy as a career peak that helped launch his own production empire.
Runner-up · the Sprouse twins - Apparent consensusJun 25, 2024 · ~1:20:00The Bad News Bears · 1976Tatum O'Neal in The Bad News BearsEpisode
After some back-and-forth, they lean toward this movie as Tatum O'Neal's peak Rewatchables-era moment.
Runner-up · Paper Moon - DeclaredJun 18, 2024 · ~1:12:00The Longest Yard · 1974Smokey and the Bandit for Burt ReynoldsEpisode
They decide Reynolds’ peak remains Smokey and the Bandit rather than this movie.
Runner-up · The Longest Yard - DeclaredJun 11, 2024 · ~1:52:00Breaking Away · 1979Dennis ChristopherEpisode
They explicitly call Dennis Christopher’s career peak here, with Indiana’s 1979 sports moment also heavily discussed as a separate contender.
Runner-up · Indiana - DeclaredJun 4, 2024 · ~1:20:00Slap Shot · 1977Paul NewmanEpisode
They decide this is Newman’s apex, though they also discuss Onkian's stronger claim as a later pop-culture peak.
Runner-up · Michael Onkian for Twin Peaks - Apparent consensusMay 28, 2024 · ~1:36:00Fast Times at Ridgemont High · 1982Sean PennEpisode
They treat this as Sean Penn's apex, while also crediting Phoebe Cates as a major peak of the movie's legacy.
Runner-up · Phoebe Cates - DeclaredMay 21, 2024 · ~1:20:00Back to the Future Part II · 1989The sports almanacEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Tom Wilson / Griff Tannen - DeclaredMay 13, 2024 · ~2:00:00Jerry Maguire · 1996Tom CruiseEpisode
They debate several candidates, but ultimately treat Cruise's performance and star power in Jerry Maguire as the movie's top apex answer.
Runner-up · Cameron Crowe - Apparent consensusMay 7, 2024 · ~1:20:00Along Came Polly · 2004Ben StillerEpisode
They identify this period as Ben Stiller’s peak and point to Meet the Parents as the bigger apex nearby.
- DeclaredApr 30, 2024 · ~1:04:00The Running Man · 1987Jesse VenturaEpisode
They treat Ventura’s wrestling/announcing year as his peak while acknowledging Arnold is still climbing toward his own apex.
Runner-up · Arnold Schwarzenegger - Apparent consensusApr 23, 2024 · ~1:12:00Hardcore · 1979Seedy late-70s San Diego on screenEpisode
They jokingly gave the apex to the movie’s seedy late-1970s San Diego atmosphere, with a side nod to Calvinism.
Runner-up · Calvinism - DeclaredApr 16, 2024 · ~56:00Magnolia · 1999Amy MannEpisode
The hosts agree Amy Mann’s work on Magnolia is her Apex Mountain.
- Apparent consensusApr 9, 2024 · ~1:36:00The War of the Roses · 1989Michael DouglasEpisode
They judge Douglas to be at his peak here, with Turner also discussed as a possible peak-era candidate.
Runner-up · Kathleen Turner - DeclaredApr 2, 2024 · ~1:04:00Shot Caller · 2017UberEpisode
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.
- DeclaredMar 26, 2024 · ~1:20:00Manchester By The Sea · 2016The TownEpisode
They explicitly say The Town is the apex mountain for the movie and discuss the film's place in North Shore cinema.
Runner-up · Manchester by the Sea - Apparent consensusMar 19, 2024 · ~1:12:00Internal Affairs · 1990Richard GereEpisode
Richard Gere is declared the clear apex pick, with the Valley also discussed as a plausible location-based contender.
Runner-up · the Valley - DeclaredMar 12, 2024 · ~1:20:00Risky Business · 1983Risky Business for high-quality 80s teen moviesEpisode
Bill chooses the movie as the apex of the 1980s teen-comedy lane, beating out Fast Times in his view.
Runner-up · Fast Times at Ridgemont High - Left openMar 5, 2024 · ~1:36:00Road House · 1989No clear winner recordedEpisode
They stack up many possible apexes — Swayze, Sam Elliott, Jeff Healy, Terry Funk, Ben Gazzara, the throat-rip, prison threats, and more — without selecting just one.
- Left openFeb 27, 2024 · ~1:12:00Rounders (Live from New York) · 1998No clear winner recordedEpisode
They consider multiple apex candidates for Damon, Norton, Famke Janssen, and John Tortoro, but do not settle on a single shared winner in the excerpt.
Runner-up · Edward Norton: Fight Club - DeclaredFeb 20, 2024 · ~1:28:00Creed (Live from Philadelphia) · 2015Ryan CooglerEpisode
Coogler is chosen as the main Apex Mountain winner, with the others treated as plausible alternatives or sub-winners in their own lanes.
Runner-up · Michael B. Jordan - Apparent consensusFeb 13, 2024 · ~1:20:00Forrest Gump (Live from D.C.) · 1994Tom HanksEpisode
Tom Hanks is treated as having hit Apex Mountain here, with Robin Wright and others discussed in the same stretch.
Runner-up · Robin Wright - Apparent consensusFeb 6, 2024 · ~1:12:00The Fugitive (Live from Chicago) · 1993Harrison Ford for Dr. Richard KimbleEpisode
They treat this as a strong Apex Mountain case for Harrison Ford in the role of Richard Kimble.
- Apparent consensusJan 30, 2024 · ~1:28:00The Insider · 1999Michael MannEpisode
They conclude the movie is a big career achievement for Michael Mann, even while noting Pacino, Crowe, and Plummer were all in strong stretches.
Runner-up · Al Pacino - Apparent consensusJan 23, 2024 · ~1:20:00Philadelphia · 1993Denzel WashingtonEpisode
The discussion is broad, but Denzel is treated as the clearest apex answer for the movie itself.
Runner-up · Tom Hanks / Jonathan Demme / 1995-era Philadelphia-era cultural impact - Left openJan 9, 2024 · ~1:20:00Flight · 2012No clear winner recordedEpisode
They mention Apex Mountain possibilities for Denzel, Nadine Velasquez, Kelly Reilly, and Zemeckis plane crashes without landing on one clear winner.
- DeclaredJan 2, 2024 · ~1:44:00Searching for Bobby Fischer · 1993Kids/live-action movies in 1993Episode
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.
Runner-up · Lawrence Fishburne - DeclaredDec 26, 2023 · ~1:20:00Under Siege · 1992Steven Seagal for Under SiegeEpisode
They declare this Seagal’s peak and also note Busey’s peak-era run in the early 90s.
Runner-up · Gary Busey - Apparent consensusDec 19, 2023 · ~1:20:00National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation · 1989Christmas lights / Chicago Christmas as a settingEpisode
They frame the film as a peak Christmas-lights movie and also as part of a broader Chicago holiday cultural high point.
Runner-up · the cast’s peak Christmas-movie status overall - Left openDec 12, 2023 · ~1:20:00The Pelican Brief · 1993No clear winner recordedEpisode
The category was joked around as a Tulane or career apex question, but no single clean winner emerged.
Runner-up · John Grisham - DeclaredDec 5, 2023 · ~1:20:00Sea of Love · 1989Ellen BarkinEpisode
They say Barkin's performance is probably at her peak here, with this era also being an apex for Pacino's Frank-type characters.
Runner-up · Pacino's Frank character - Apparent consensusNov 28, 2023 · ~1:04:00American Pie · 1999The Weitz brothersEpisode
They conclude the Weitz brothers come out best overall, while noting Sean William Scott and Eugene Levy had major career peaks elsewhere.
Runner-up · Sean William Scott - Apparent consensusNov 21, 2023 · ~1:04:00Mr. and Mrs. Smith · 2005Brad Pitt and Angelina JolieEpisode
They treated the film as Apex Mountain for Pitt and Jolie and for the peak of on-set-romance celebrity culture.
Runner-up · Doug Liman - DeclaredNov 14, 2023 · ~1:04:00An Officer and a Gentleman · 1982Richard GereEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Lou Gossett Jr. / Debra Winger - Apparent consensusNov 7, 2023 · ~1:12:00Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves · 1991Kevin Costner in 1991Episode
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.
Runner-up · Alan Rickman in this movie - DeclaredOct 24, 2023 · ~56:00In The Line of Fire · 1993John Malkovich for Being John MalkovichEpisode
They land on Being John Malkovich as Malkovich’s career peak rather than this film or Rounders.
Runner-up · In the Line of Fire - Apparent consensusOct 17, 2023 · ~1:28:00So I Married An Axe Murderer · 1993Scotland in the 1990sEpisode
They treat the 1990s as an apex run for Scotland, while also suggesting early-90s San Francisco may be in its own apex era.
Runner-up · San Francisco in the early 90s - DeclaredOct 10, 2023 · ~56:00They Live (Live from L.A.) · 1988Roddy PiperEpisode
They agree Piper is at his peak as a movie-and-wrestling crossover star, though Carpenter is also discussed.
Runner-up · John Carpenter - DeclaredOct 3, 2023 · ~56:00Toy Soldiers · 1991cool-ass teachers/educators in moviesEpisode
They decide the movie represents the peak of cool teachers in movies, with Lou Gossett Jr. as the standout example.
Runner-up · Lou Gossett Jr. specifically - Apparent consensusSep 26, 2023 · ~1:20:00The Big Chill · 1983Lawrence KasdanEpisode
They give Kasdan the strongest Apex Mountain case, while also floating wins for other cast members in their own lanes.
Runner-up · Tom Berenger - Apparent consensusSep 19, 2023 · ~1:20:00A Bronx Tale · 2003Chazz PalminteriEpisode
They treat this as Palminteri’s peak pop-culture moment, with De Niro’s involvement also acknowledged but not chosen.
Runner-up · De Niro as a director - Apparent consensusSep 5, 2023 · ~56:00Lost In Translation · 2003Sofia CoppolaEpisode
They discuss several possible apexes, but the discussion lands most firmly on Sofia Coppola’s career peak with this film and its Oscar.
Runner-up · Bill Murray / Scarlett Johansson / Tokyo as a movie location - DeclaredAug 29, 2023 · ~1:04:00The Equalizer · 2014fake Home Depot as a killing fieldEpisode
They decide the movie gives the fake hardware store its apex-mountain moment as a murder set piece.
Runner-up · East Boston as a movie location - DeclaredAug 22, 2023 · ~56:00Cruel Intentions · 1999Sarah Michelle GellarEpisode
The room settles on Sarah Michelle Gellar's 1999 as her peak, with Buffy and SNL cited as evidence.
Runner-up · Ryan Phillippe - Apparent consensusAug 15, 2023 · ~1:12:00Eyes Wide Shut · 1999The Eyes Wide Shut party / orgies in generalEpisode
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.
- Apparent consensusAug 8, 2023 · ~1:20:00National Lampoon’s Vacation · 1983Chevy ChaseEpisode
They debate several Chevy Chase peaks, but the conversation lands on Chevy himself as the apex choice for the era and the character.
Runner-up · Fletch - Apparent consensusJul 31, 2023 · ~1:20:00A Few Good Men: Live from L.A. ("A Few Good (Re)Men") · 1992Tom CruiseEpisode
They debate several candidates, but Cruise is treated as the Apex Mountain answer for this movie.
Runner-up · Jack Nicholson - DeclaredJul 25, 2023 · ~1:12:00The Devil's Advocate · 1997Satan on filmEpisode
They declared this movie Apex Mountain for Satan on film, while briefly entertaining other candidates.
Runner-up · Roy Jones Jr. - DeclaredJul 20, 2023 · ~1:52:00And Justice For All · 1979Al Pacino in The Godfather Part IIEpisode
They name The Godfather Part II as Pacino's Apex Mountain, with other cast members' peaks discussed separately.
Runner-up · Jack Warden in the mid-to-late 1970s - DeclaredJul 11, 2023 · ~1:20:00A Time To Kill · 1996Matthew McConaugheyEpisode
They land on McConaughey as the career peak here, with Bullock and Jackson discussed as nearby alternatives in the broader period.
Runner-up · Sandra Bullock - Apparent consensusJun 27, 2023 · ~1:12:00This Is The End · 2013This Is the End for Seth RogenEpisode
They land on this film as Seth Rogen’s apex, with Neighbors offered as the main alternative.
Runner-up · Neighbors - Left openJun 20, 2023 · ~1:20:00Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade · 1989No clear winner recordedEpisode
They bounce around possible Apex cases for Harrison Ford, the Holy Grail, blimps, and other elements, but do not land on one clean winner.
- DeclaredJun 13, 2023 · ~40:00Blood Diamond · 2006Titanic for Leonardo DiCaprioEpisode
They call Titanic Leo’s apex mountain, while noting Blood Diamond as part of a second peak period.
Runner-up · Blood Diamond as a second apex run - DeclaredJun 8, 2023 · ~1:04:00Dumb and Dumber · 1994Jim CarreyEpisode
They treat Jim Carrey as the likely apex-mountain winner, while noting Jeff Daniels also had a strong year with Speed.
Runner-up · Jeff Daniels - DeclaredJun 2, 2023 · ~1:28:00Casino Royale · 2006Daniel CraigEpisode
They agreed Casino Royale marked Craig’s apex, and also noted Eva Green’s as her biggest moment.
Runner-up · Eva Green - Apparent consensusMay 23, 2023 · ~1:28:00The Last Days of Disco · 1998Chloë SevignyEpisode
They agree Sevigny's profile is at its peak here, with some side discussion of other candidates.
Runner-up · Chris Eigeman / possibly the film itself for studio-54-type nightclub movies - Apparent consensusMay 16, 2023 · ~1:12:00Trading Places · 1983Beverly Hills Cop for Eddie MurphyEpisode
They land on Beverly Hills Cop as Eddie Murphy's Apex Mountain, while also debating other possible peaks for Landis and the film itself.
Runner-up · Coming to America - DeclaredMay 9, 2023 · ~1:12:00Chef · 2014Chef for chefsEpisode
They say chefs as a profession hit their peak with this movie, with South Beach also discussed as an apex locale.
Runner-up · South Beach - DeclaredMay 2, 2023 · ~1:20:00Iron Man · 2008Robert Downey Jr.Episode
They say this movie is Downey's apex, while also recognizing Favreau's career jump from it.
Runner-up · Jon Favreau - DeclaredApr 25, 2023 · ~56:00Sudden Death · 1995Jean-Claude Van Damme, with Bloodsport as the apex titleEpisode
They conclude Van Damme's apex is Bloodsport, while also acknowledging Powers Booth and a few other candidates.
Runner-up · Powers Booth in Tombstone - Apparent consensusApr 18, 2023 · ~1:20:00Alien · 1979Sigourney Weaver for AliensEpisode
They treat Sigourney’s jump to Aliens as her apex, while also joking about Harry Dean Stanton’s perpetual apex-status life arc.
Runner-up · Harry Dean Stanton’s long run of cool supporting roles - DeclaredApr 11, 2023 · ~1:04:00Indecent Proposal · 1993Demi MooreEpisode
They declare Demi Moore's career peak here, with Woody Harrelson also getting an Apex Mountain nod.
Runner-up · Woody Harrelson - Apparent consensusApr 4, 2023 · ~2:08:00He Got Game · 1998Ray Allen's greatest-shot legacyEpisode
They place Ray Allen’s apex at the Finals shot and discuss Denzel’s apex as a separate debate.
Runner-up · Denzel's Training Day peak - Apparent consensusMar 21, 2023 · ~56:00Adventureland · 2009Bill Hader’s SNL yearEpisode
They hit several Apex Mountain candidates, but the clearest room consensus is that 2009 was a peak year for Bill Hader on SNL.
Runner-up · Greg Mottola / Adventureland for amusement park movies / Falco and "Rock Me Amadeus" - Left openMar 14, 2023 · ~56:00Bad Boys · 1983No clear winner recordedEpisode
They debate several contenders, but do not lock one winner cleanly, though Sean Penn is the main candidate and Esai Morales is discussed for his own peak elsewhere.
Runner-up · esai-morales - Apparent consensusMar 7, 2023 · ~48:00The Purge · 2013Ethan HawkeEpisode
They argue this is part of Hawke’s 2013 peak run and a strong home-invasion benchmark.
Runner-up · The Purge for home-invasion movies - DeclaredFeb 28, 2023 · ~1:20:00Catch Me If You Can · 2002Leonardo DiCaprio for TitanicEpisode
They agree DiCaprio’s apex is Titanic because it made him the biggest star in the world.
- DeclaredFeb 21, 2023 · ~1:04:00Whiplash · 2014J.K. SimmonsEpisode
They give J.K. Simmons Apex Mountain for the performance, while saying Teller still has room for a bigger peak.
Runner-up · Miles Teller - DeclaredFeb 14, 2023 · ~1:12:00Sleepless In Seattle · 1993Meg RyanEpisode
Meg Ryan is named the clear Apex Mountain pick, with Rosie O'Donnell and Seattle also discussed as strong cases.
Runner-up · Rosie O'Donnell - DeclaredFeb 7, 2023 · ~48:00The Vanishing · 1993full-service awesome gas stationsEpisode
They say the movie may represent the peak of full-service gas stations, with a shout-out to Seattle as well.
Runner-up · Seattle - DeclaredJan 31, 2023 · ~56:00Deliverance · 1972Burt ReynoldsEpisode
They treat the film as a major Burt Reynolds summit while also acknowledging its broader cultural reach.
Runner-up · the river / banjos / canoeing as a cultural category - DeclaredJan 24, 2023 · ~1:12:00Big · 1988Tom HanksEpisode
The hosts call this Tom Hanks’ apex mountain, with Elizabeth Perkins also mentioned as having her own peak here.
Runner-up · Elizabeth Perkins - Apparent consensusJan 17, 2023 · ~1:04:00Alive · 1993plane crashesEpisode
They place plane crashes at or near the top of the category while also talking through related apex debates.
Runner-up · survival movies / cigarette-smoking in filmed entertainment - DeclaredJan 10, 2023 · ~1:20:00Sideways · 2004Alexander PayneEpisode
They debate several candidates but ultimately land on Payne as the main apex-mountain winner for the film's impact on his career.
Runner-up · Paul Giamatti - Apparent consensusJan 3, 2023 · ~1:20:00Cliffhanger · 1993Stallone and mountainsEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Janine Turner - Apparent consensusDec 27, 2022 · ~1:04:00Mission: Impossible - Fallout · 2018Mission: Impossible franchise / Tom Cruise’s insane-action peakEpisode
They debate several possible peaks, but the conversation centers on the franchise and Cruise’s action-movie apex.
Runner-up · Mission: Impossible (the first film) - DeclaredDec 20, 2022 · ~1:12:00I Am Legend · 2007hitchEpisode
They decide this is not Will Smith's Apex Mountain and instead name Hitch as the peak.
Runner-up · i am legend - DeclaredDec 13, 2022 · ~1:52:00The Verdict · 1982Good Will Hunting for Boston movie apex mountainEpisode
They settle on Good Will Hunting for Boston movies, while also debating courtroom and actor-specific apexes.
Runner-up · The Verdict for trial movies apex mountain - Apparent consensusDec 6, 2022 · ~56:00Man On Fire · 2004Dakota FanningEpisode
They treated Dakota Fanning’s performance as the only plausible Apex Mountain candidate, even if the category remained somewhat debatable.
- DeclaredNov 29, 2022 · ~1:20:00Planes, Trains and Automobiles · 1987John Candy as Del Griffith in Uncle BuckEpisode
They decide Candy's Apex Mountain is Uncle Buck, while Martin's is less clear and debated.
Runner-up · Steve Martin in the late-70s/early-80s comedy run - DeclaredNov 22, 2022 · ~1:20:00Body Heat · 1981Kathleen Turner: Romancing the StoneEpisode
They decide Turner’s apex is Romancing the Stone and Kasdan’s is The Big Chill.
Runner-up · Lawrence Kasdan: The Big Chill - Left openNov 22, 2022 · ~1:20:00Body Heat · 1981No clear winner recordedEpisode
They debate whether the chimes qualify as an apex-mountain prop but never settle it cleanly.
- Apparent consensusNov 15, 2022 · ~1:36:00Blow Out · 1981Dress to KillEpisode
For De Palma, the group favors Dress to Kill as the point where he could do almost anything he wanted.
Runner-up · Scarface - DeclaredNov 8, 2022 · ~1:52:00Cruising · 1980The S&M leather scene in moviesEpisode
They decide the movie represents the peak of the leather/S&M aesthetic in film rather than any individual career apex.
- Apparent consensusNov 1, 2022 · ~1:20:00American Gigolo · 1980Richard GereEpisode
They settle on Gere's performance as his apex, while noting Armani also benefited enormously from the movie.
Runner-up · Armani - DeclaredOct 25, 2022 · ~1:20:00The Edge · 1997Bart the Bear for bear moviesEpisode
They decide Bart the Bear is at Apex Mountain for bear movies, while noting Perrineau’s career peak separately.
Runner-up · Harold Perrineau for TV/movies career peak - DeclaredOct 18, 2022 · ~1:20:00Pineapple Express · 2008The Daewoo LanosEpisode
They reject the human contenders and land on the Daewoo Lanos as the movie’s clearest Apex Mountain winner.
Runner-up · Gary Cole - DeclaredOct 11, 2022 · ~1:28:00Glengarry Glen Ross · 1992Al Pacino in 1992Episode
They frame Pacino's 1992 run, capped by this role, as his apex-mountain candidate.
- DeclaredOct 4, 2022 · ~1:12:00Pitch Perfect · 2012Anna KendrickEpisode
They agree Anna Kendrick was at her career peak around this film, with Elizabeth Banks and Rebel Wilson also receiving peak-era mentions.
Runner-up · Elizabeth Banks - Apparent consensusSep 27, 2022 · ~2:24:00Boogie Nights (Part 1 and 2) · 1997Burt Reynolds in this movieEpisode
They treated Burt Reynolds’s performance here as his career peak, while acknowledging other cast members and elements as apex-worthy too.
Runner-up · Julianne Moore / Robert Ridgely as close contenders - Apparent consensusSep 20, 2022 · ~1:20:00Margin Call · 2011JC ChandorEpisode
They ultimately settle on JC Chandor as the biggest apex-mountain winner because the movie launched his career.
Runner-up · Paul Bettany - Left openSep 13, 2022 · ~1:20:00Singles · 1992No clear winner recordedEpisode
They mention several possible Apex Mountain candidates, but never narrow it to one definitive choice.
- DeclaredSep 6, 2022 · ~1:20:00Saving Private Ryan · 1998Saving Private Ryan is apex mountain for World War II moviesEpisode
After debating a few candidates, they decide the movie is the peak World War II film and maybe the peak for combat filmmaking too.
Runner-up · The Great Escape - Left openAug 30, 2022 · ~1:12:00Tango and Cash · 1989No clear winner recordedEpisode
They decide the movie is not Apex Mountain for Stallone or Russell, then toss out a few other non-definitive candidates.
Runner-up · Buddy-cop movies in general / the Los Angeles Chronicle's front page output - DeclaredAug 22, 2022 · ~56:00Scent of a Woman · 1992The 1989 Ferrari Mondial T CabrioletEpisode
They name Slade's Ferrari as the movie's clearest Apex Mountain pick.
- DeclaredAug 15, 2022 · ~1:20:00Grease · 1978John TravoltaEpisode
They agree Travolta hit Apex Mountain here, while Olivia Newton-John's peak is debated but not chosen over his.
Runner-up · Olivia Newton-John - DeclaredAug 8, 2022 · ~1:28:00School Ties · 1992Brendan Fraser in The MummyEpisode
They treated The Mummy as Fraser’s apex, while also joking that Eastern Promises remains the benchmark for naked shower fights.
Runner-up · Eastern Promises for naked shower fights - Apparent consensusAug 4, 2022 · ~56:00Can't Buy Me Love · 1987Amanda PetersonEpisode
They said Peterson is the movie’s apex mountain, with Dempsey as a separate maybe-no candidate.
Runner-up · Patrick Dempsey - DeclaredAug 1, 2022 · ~1:44:00Unforgiven · 1992UnforgivenEpisode
They call Unforgiven Clint Eastwood’s post-prime apex, over titles like In the Line of Fire and Perfect World.
Runner-up · In the Line of Fire - Left openAug 1, 2022 · ~1:44:00Unforgiven · 1992No clear winner recordedEpisode
They debate the genre’s apex among several classic western eras but do not land on a single answer.
- DeclaredJul 26, 2022 · ~1:32:00There Will Be Blood · 2007Daniel Day-LewisEpisode
They identify this as DDL’s apex, while also saying it is probably PTA’s apex as well.
Runner-up · Paul Thomas Anderson - Apparent consensusJul 19, 2022 · ~1:28:00Above The Rim · 1994Above the RimEpisode
The room leans to Above the Rim as the apex of 1990s basketball movies, though Blue Chips is the main rival.
Runner-up · Blue Chips - DeclaredJul 19, 2022 · ~1:28:00Above The Rim · 1994Above the RimEpisode
They say the movie's shadow-hooping obsession is the unquestioned peak of basketball-without-a-basketball scenes.
- Apparent consensusJul 19, 2022 · ~1:28:00Above The Rim · 1994Above the Rim / the 1994 Knicks eraEpisode
They connect the movie to the broader early-90s New York basketball moment and treat it as the high-water mark.
- DeclaredJul 12, 2022 · ~1:28:00Top Gun: Maverick · 2022Jennifer ConnellyEpisode
They treated this film as Connelly’s apex, arguing the role gives her the biggest mainstream surge and best showcase in years.
- DeclaredJul 5, 2022 · ~1:20:00Misery · 1990Kathy BatesEpisode
They explicitly make Kathy Bates the apex for crazy obsessed fans, while noting King of Comedy as the all-time benchmark for the type.
Runner-up · King of Comedy - Apparent consensusJun 28, 2022 · ~1:28:00Project X · 2012Movie partiesEpisode
They decide the film is an apex for movie parties, with North Pasadena and the cast’s careers also mentioned as possible peaks.
Runner-up · North Pasadena - DeclaredJun 23, 2022 · ~1:20:00The Untouchables · 1987Ferris Bueller's Chicago run for Chicago moviesEpisode
They agree Ferris Bueller is the Chicago-movie apex, while De Palma's apex case for this film is discussed but not chosen.
Runner-up · The Untouchables for De Palma - DeclaredJun 15, 2022 · ~1:20:00Hard to Kill · 1990Under Siege for SeagalEpisode
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.
Runner-up · the coma-recovery training sequence - DeclaredJun 7, 2022 · ~1:04:00Knocked Up · 2007Katherine HeiglEpisode
They decide Heigl’s celebrity peak is here, with Rogen also discussed as a possible peak candidate.
Runner-up · Seth Rogen - DeclaredJun 7, 2022 · ~1:04:00Knocked Up · 2007Knocked UpEpisode
They agree this is the peak movie in the unplanned-pregnancy subgenre.
Runner-up · Juno - Left openJun 2, 2022 · ~1:04:00Cop Land · 1997No clear winner recordedEpisode
They talk through several possible apex candidates and mostly frame it as a broader career-era discussion rather than a single clean winner.
Runner-up · James Mangold / Jersey cop scumbags conceptually - Apparent consensusMay 31, 2022 · ~56:00The New Categories Selection ShowE.T. for SpielbergEpisode
They revisit Apex Mountain as the peak of a career and use E.T. as the kind of example the category is meant to capture.
- Left openMay 31, 2022 · ~40:00The New Categories Selection ShowNo clear winner recordedEpisode
They discuss the theme-month idea but do not adopt it as a finalized award in this transcript window.
- DeclaredMay 25, 2022 · ~1:04:00Rocky III · 1982StalloneEpisode
Stallone was identified as being at or near his peak here, with a separate case made for Burt Young as well.
Runner-up · Burt Young - DeclaredMay 17, 2022 · ~1:20:00E.T. the Extra Terrestrial · 1982Star Wars for merchandiseEpisode
They decide Star Wars remains the merch apex, while also debating adjacent categories like friendly aliens and kids movies.
Runner-up · E.T. for friendly aliens / kids-movie imagination - DeclaredMay 10, 2022 · ~1:04:00Beverly Hills Cop 2 · 1987Eddie Murphy (from Beverly Hills Cop 1, not this movie)Episode
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.
Runner-up · Brigitte Nielsen - Apparent consensusMay 3, 2022 · ~56:00Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery · 1997Mike MyersEpisode
They debate the exact timing, but all agree this era represents Mike Myers’s peak cultural power.
Runner-up · Austin Powers 2 / Shrek era - DeclaredApr 26, 2022 · ~1:12:00A League of their Own · 1992Geena DavisEpisode
They treated Davis’s run through Thelma & Louise and this film as the peak, while also briefly nodding to Marshall’s success.
Runner-up · Penny Marshall - DeclaredApr 19, 2022 · ~1:12:00Spider-Man (2002) · 2002Kirsten DunstEpisode
They decide Dunst's Mary Jane era is her career peak, while also treating this film as part of Spider-Man's apex run.
Runner-up · Tobey Maguire / Spider-Man franchise - DeclaredApr 12, 2022 · ~1:20:00The Player · 1992Robert AltmanEpisode
After rejecting individual cast members, they declare Robert Altman the clear apex mountain winner for the movie and the comeback it represented.
Runner-up · Whoopi Goldberg - Left openApr 5, 2022 · ~1:04:00Die Hard 2 · 1990No clear winner recordedEpisode
They bounce around several Apex Mountain candidates, including Val Verde, Bruce Willis, Rennie Harlan, airport movies, and naked Tai Chi, without settling on one.
- Apparent consensusMar 29, 2022 · ~1:28:00Panic Room · 2002Panic Room as a conceptEpisode
They treat the panic room itself as the clear apex-mountain answer, with propane-related mayhem as a secondary joke candidate.
Runner-up · propane tanks / explosions - Apparent consensusMar 22, 2022 · ~1:04:00Shooter · 2007Wahlberg's run around The Departed and ShooterEpisode
They debate Mark Wahlberg's peak and land on this era as a strong Apex Mountain candidate, though Ted is also suggested.
Runner-up · Ted - DeclaredMar 15, 2022 · ~1:20:00Titanic · 1997Leonardo DiCaprioEpisode
They debate a few candidates, but settle on Leo as the clearest apex-mountain winner for becoming the biggest star in the world.
Runner-up · James Cameron - DeclaredMar 8, 2022 · ~1:12:00Batman (1989) · 1989Michael KeatonEpisode
They conclude this is Keaton's peak-juice movie, while also debating whether Basinger or Burton might qualify in other ways.
Runner-up · Kim Basinger - DeclaredMar 1, 2022 · ~1:12:00The Ice Storm · 1997Joan AllenEpisode
After debating several candidates, they declare Joan Allen's career apex to be this movie.
Runner-up · Ang Lee - Apparent consensusFeb 21, 2022 · ~2:08:00Kramer vs. Kramer · 1979Dustin HoffmanEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Meryl Streep - DeclaredFeb 15, 2022 · ~1:20:00Parenthood · 1989Mary SteenburgenEpisode
Mary Steenburgen is treated as the likeliest apex call, while Ron Howard's directing peak and several other nominees are debated.
Runner-up · Ron Howard - Left openFeb 15, 2022 · ~1:20:00Parenthood · 1989No clear winner recordedEpisode
The hosts briefly broaden the category into a discussion of parent-comedy movies and never land on a firm consensus beyond the film itself.
- DeclaredFeb 15, 2022 · ~1:20:00Parenthood · 1989Grandma in ParenthoodEpisode
The grandmother character is singled out as an unusually successful funny old-grandparent role.
- DeclaredFeb 8, 2022 · ~1:20:00Rachel Getting Married · 2008Anne HathawayEpisode
They agree that Anne Hathaway is at her Apex Mountain here, with Rosemarie DeWitt also acknowledged as peaking in the film.
Runner-up · Rosemarie DeWitt - DeclaredFeb 1, 2022 · ~1:20:00Ordinary People · 1980Robert RedfordEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Judd Hirsch - Left openJan 25, 2022 · ~2:00:00Casino · 1995No clear winner recordedEpisode
They discuss De Niro and Pesci's career peaks but don't lock a single clean Apex Mountain winner for the movie.
Runner-up · Goodfellas - DeclaredJan 18, 2022 · ~56:00Miracle · 2004Kurt RussellEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Olympic hockey - DeclaredJan 11, 2022 · ~1:20:00Juice · 1992Ernest DickersonEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Cindy Herron - DeclaredJan 4, 2022 · ~1:04:00Limitless · 2011Bradley Cooper’s action-movie apex is American SniperEpisode
They debate several candidates and land on American Sniper as Cooper’s apex, while also praising the film’s financial performance for Relativity.
Runner-up · Relativity Media / Ryan Kavanaugh for the movie’s box-office success - DeclaredDec 22, 2021 · ~1:04:00Father of the Bride · 1991Steve MartinEpisode
They explicitly frame this as Steve Martin’s mainstream Apex Mountain, with the broader wedding-movie boom also mentioned.
Runner-up · wedding movies - DeclaredDec 14, 2021 · ~1:04:00The Last Boy Scout · 1991Bruce WillisEpisode
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.
Runner-up · the Wayans brothers - DeclaredDec 7, 2021 · ~1:12:00Saturday Night Fever · 1977John Travolta (overall)Episode
They say Travolta's overall peak is really Grease, while also noting disco and the Brooklyn imagery as major apexes of the era.
Runner-up · Disco - DeclaredDec 2, 2021 · ~1:36:00JFK · 1991Oliver StoneEpisode
They land on Oliver Stone as the apex pick, with Costner and the JFK-conspiracy moment also discussed as strong cases.
Runner-up · Kevin Costner - DeclaredNov 26, 2021 · ~1:20:00Hoosiers · 1986Indiana / Keith SmartEpisode
They end up calling Indiana the apex and land on Keith Smart as the specific answer.
Runner-up · sports movies more broadly - Left openNov 16, 2021 · ~1:12:00Focus · 2015No clear winner recordedEpisode
They rule out Will Smith, BD Wong and even Margot Robbie for this movie's Apex Mountain spot, leaving it effectively open.
Runner-up · Margot Robbie - DeclaredNov 9, 2021 · ~1:20:00Ransom · 1996Mel Gibson (Braveheart)Episode
Bill names Braveheart-era Mel Gibson as the apex, while Van argues Rene Russo's 1996 run may be her peak.
Runner-up · Rene Russo (the combo of Ransom and Tin Cup) - Apparent consensusNov 2, 2021 · ~1:20:00Heat ("The Three-Heat") · 1995Michael Mann on HeatEpisode
Mann describes Heat as one of the moments when his planning, training, and execution all came together at the highest level.
- DeclaredOct 26, 2021 · ~1:04:00Halloween · 1978HalloweenEpisode
They conclude the movie itself is the apex for Halloween as a holiday movie and for the character's cultural reach.
Runner-up · John Carpenter / Jamie Lee Curtis / Michael Myers - DeclaredOct 19, 2021 · ~1:04:00The Color of Money · 1986Mary Elizabeth MastrantonioEpisode
They decide this is Mastrantonio’s Apex Mountain because the movie makes her feel like a major star in the making.
Runner-up · Paul Newman - DeclaredOct 12, 2021 · ~1:04:00Cobra · 1986the knifeEpisode
After several candidates came up, they explicitly settled on the knife as the movie's apex-item winner.
Runner-up · the 1950 Mercury Monterey - Apparent consensusOct 5, 2021 · ~1:28:00The Re-Departed · 2006Leonardo DiCaprioEpisode
They frame this as DiCaprio’s breakout apex, while also acknowledging a strong case for Damon and a few other adjacent candidates.
Runner-up · Matt Damon - DeclaredSep 28, 2021 · ~1:28:00Trainspotting · 1996Born Slippy as the greatest needle drop of all timeEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Robert Carlyle - DeclaredSep 21, 2021 · ~1:04:00Dirty Work · 1998Norm MacdonaldEpisode
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.
- DeclaredSep 14, 2021 · ~56:00Warrior · 2011Gavin O'ConnorEpisode
They call the film O'Connor's artistic apex while acknowledging Hardy and Edgerton as possible alternatives.
Runner-up · Tom Hardy - Apparent consensusSep 7, 2021 · ~1:12:00The ‘Miami Vice’ Two-Part Episode “Calderone’s Return” · 1984Russ BallardEpisode
They consider several candidates, but conclude that Russ Ballard is the standout apex winner because his songs anchor both parts of the episode.
Runner-up · Don Johnson - DeclaredAug 31, 2021 · ~1:04:00Hardball · 2001Sammy SosaEpisode
They reject most candidates and land on Sammy Sosa as the apex-mountain winner for the era and cameo.
- Apparent consensusAug 24, 2021 · ~1:12:00Rain Man · 1988Tom Cruise (1988)Episode
They lean toward Cruise's 1988 run as his peak, while separately noting Hoffman’s peak in Kramer vs. Kramer.
Runner-up · Hoffman in Kramer vs. Kramer - DeclaredAug 16, 2021 · ~1:12:00Argo · 2012Ben AffleckEpisode
They say Argo is Affleck’s apex because the Oscar win and comeback peak his career.
Runner-up · Scoot McNary - DeclaredAug 9, 2021 · ~1:04:00Superbad · 2007Jonah HillEpisode
They identify Jonah Hill as a major career peak candidate, while also noting Michael Cera’s peak-era placement.
Runner-up · Michael Cera - DeclaredAug 3, 2021 · ~1:20:00Victory · 1981Ipswich TownEpisode
Ipswich Town gets the clearest Apex Mountain nod, while a few other candidates are dismissed or joked about.
Runner-up · the Dobermans - DeclaredJul 27, 2021 · ~1:12:00The Bodyguard · 1992The camera rifleEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Whitney Houston - DeclaredJul 20, 2021 · ~1:20:00Fight Club · 1999Brad PittEpisode
They decide Pitt's performance and career boost here make him the clearest Apex Mountain pick over Norton.
Runner-up · Edward Norton - Apparent consensusJul 13, 2021 · ~1:12:00Legally Blonde · 2001Reese Witherspoon's Oscar winEpisode
Reese's career apex is identified as her Oscar, while Matthew Davis's apex is said to be Blue Crush.
Runner-up · Matthew Davis in Blue Crush - DeclaredJul 5, 2021 · ~1:04:00Independence Day · 1996Will SmithEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Bill Pullman - DeclaredJun 29, 2021 · ~1:28:00Boyz n the Hood · 1991John SingletonEpisode
The room settled on John Singleton as the film’s Apex Mountain, with Ice Cube also receiving a serious case.
Runner-up · Ice Cube - DeclaredJun 22, 2021 · ~56:00Stripes · 1981Warren OatesEpisode
They decide Oates is at his apex here, while Murray’s apex is identified as Ghostbusters.
Runner-up · Bill Murray - DeclaredJun 15, 2021 · ~56:00City Slickers · 1991Billy CrystalEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Daniel Stern - DeclaredJun 8, 2021 · ~1:28:00Raiders of the Lost Ark · 1981Harrison FordEpisode
They declare Harrison Ford at Apex Mountain, with Karen Allen also getting an Apex Mountain mention.
Runner-up · Karen Allen - DeclaredJun 1, 2021 · ~40:00Memento · 2000Guy PearceEpisode
They call this Guy Pearce’s peak, while also arguing that Carrie-Anne Moss is at her best around this stretch.
Runner-up · Carrie-Anne Moss - DeclaredMay 25, 2021 · ~1:20:00The Rock · 1996Nicolas CageEpisode
They explicitly call Cage's post-Oscar, big-lead moment his peak, while also treating the movie itself and Alcatraz as other apex candidates.
Runner-up · Alcatraz movies - DeclaredMay 18, 2021 · ~2:08:00Goodfellas · 1990GoodfellasEpisode
They treat the movie as the apex of pistol whipping on film, especially the Billy Bats beating.
- DeclaredMay 18, 2021 · ~2:04:00Goodfellas · 1990Martin ScorseseEpisode
They agree Scorsese himself is at his apex because Goodfellas resets his career and launches his later run.
Runner-up · Robert De Niro - DeclaredMay 11, 2021 · ~1:20:00Lethal Weapon 2 · 1989South African villainsEpisode
They call this film the apex mountain for South African villains, with separate praise also given to several other category candidates.
Runner-up · Mel Gibson - DeclaredMay 4, 2021 · ~1:04:00What About Bob? · 1991Charlie KorsmoEpisode
They explicitly reject most of the obvious candidates and land on Charlie Korsmo as the apex pick.
Runner-up · Bill Murray - DeclaredApr 27, 2021 · ~56:00Predator · 1987Arnold Schwarzenegger moviesEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Sunny Landham - DeclaredApr 20, 2021 · ~1:12:00Mrs. Doubtfire · 1993Robin WilliamsEpisode
They make the case that Robin Williams' 1993 run around Mrs. Doubtfire marks his apex, with Brosnan and Sally Field rejected for the category.
Runner-up · Pierce Brosnan - DeclaredApr 13, 2021 · ~1:36:00Manhunter · 1986CSI for William PetersonEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Silence of the Lambs for Hannibal Lecter myth-making - DeclaredApr 6, 2021 · ~1:12:00Lethal Weapon · 1987Mel Gibson / Riggs's jumps into an inflatable cushionEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Richard Donner - DeclaredApr 1, 2021 · ~1:12:00Thief · 1981Robert ProskyEpisode
They reject most candidates and conclude Prosky is the clearest Apex Mountain choice, with Chicago diners also jokingly invoked.
Runner-up · Chicago diners - DeclaredMar 28, 2021 · ~1:00:00Commando · 1985Vernon WellsEpisode
They decide Vernon Wells' Bennett role is the performance most associated with his peak visibility and recognition.
Runner-up · Radon Chong - DeclaredMar 22, 2021 · ~48:00Insidious · 2010James WanEpisode
They decide this is James Wan’s apex because it breaks him out of Saw and launches his bigger career path.
Runner-up · Joseph Bishara - DeclaredMar 14, 2021 · ~1:04:00Inside Man · 2006Clive OwenEpisode
They agree this is Clive Owen’s apex, while also giving Foster an apex nod and debating other category-specific apexes.
Runner-up · Jodie Foster - DeclaredMar 8, 2021 · ~1:12:00New Jack City · 1991Wesley SnipesEpisode
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.
Runner-up · New Jack Swing - DeclaredMar 1, 2021 · ~1:20:00The Doors · 1991Val KilmerEpisode
Val Kilmer is declared to be at his career peak for the role of Jim Morrison.
Runner-up · the desert drug scenes - DeclaredFeb 23, 2021 · ~1:04:00Neighbors · 2014Animal HouseEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Pineapple Express for Seth Rogen's clout - DeclaredFeb 18, 2021 · ~1:52:00Coming To America · 1988Arsenio HallEpisode
They decide Arsenio Hall is at Apex here, while James Earl Jones is discussed as a harder-to-place, career-spanning case.
Runner-up · James Earl Jones - Apparent consensusFeb 16, 2021 · ~1:04:00Sleeping With The Enemy · 1991fake Cape Cod housesEpisode
They agree the movie is the peak example of the fake Cape Cod house and also argue Roberts may be at her apex here.
Runner-up · Julia Roberts - Left openFeb 9, 2021 · ~1:20:00Taxi Driver · 1976No clear winner recordedEpisode
They bounce around possible apexes for Scorsese, De Niro, the mid-70s New York look, and even clap pushups, but never choose one.
- Left openFeb 2, 2021 · ~1:12:00Out Of Sight · 1998No clear winner recordedEpisode
They float several Apex Mountain candidates, including Clooney, J.Lo, Ving Rhames, Elmore Leonard, and Detroit, without settling on one.
- DeclaredJan 26, 2021 · ~1:12:00Terminator 2 · 1991Arnold SchwarzeneggerEpisode
The hosts agree this is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Apex Mountain, with Cameron discussed but not chosen.
Runner-up · James Cameron - DeclaredJan 21, 2021 · ~1:20:00Terminator · 198480s Los AngelesEpisode
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.
Runner-up · James Cameron for Titanic - Apparent consensusJan 19, 2021 · ~1:04:00First Blood · 1982Richard Crenna for Colonel TroutmanEpisode
They treat Crenna’s Troutman as the clearest Apex Mountain case, while also tossing out several looser Apex candidates and categories.
Runner-up · Sylvester Stallone's broader 1985 peak / Vietnam action movies / hunting knives / early-80s movie graphics - DeclaredJan 12, 2021 · ~56:00The Royal Tenenbaums · 2001Gwyneth PaltrowEpisode
They identify Gwyneth Paltrow as Apex Mountain, with the Wilson brothers discussed as another possible apex-level element of the film.
Runner-up · the Wilson brothers - DeclaredJan 5, 2021 · ~1:20:00Bridesmaids · 2011Melissa McCarthyEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Jon Hamm - DeclaredDec 29, 2020 · ~1:04:00Mr. Holland's Opus · 1995Richard Dreyfuss’s trying-not-to-cry faceEpisode
They explicitly call Dreyfuss’s trying-not-to-cry face his apex mountain, with the song-use as a secondary contender.
Runner-up · the song “Someone to Watch Over Me” in a movie - Apparent consensusDec 23, 2020 · ~1:12:00The Bourne Identity · 2002Matt DamonEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Franka Potente - Apparent consensusDec 15, 2020 · ~1:36:00Country Strong · 2010Leighton MeesterEpisode
They decide Leighton Meester is the clearest Apex Mountain choice, with some argument that Hedlund's profile also peaked here.
Runner-up · Garrett Hedlund - DeclaredDec 8, 2020 · ~1:12:00The Program · 1993Omar EppsEpisode
They name Omar Epps as the Apex Mountain pick for this movie and his early-90s run.
- DeclaredDec 1, 2020 · ~1:28:00Wall Street · 1987Michael DouglasEpisode
They choose Douglas as the episode’s apex performer, with Stone also getting a strong case for his 1987 run.
Runner-up · Oliver Stone - DeclaredNov 24, 2020 · ~1:28:008MM · 1999snuff-film moviesEpisode
They decide the movie is the high-water mark for Hollywood snuff-film stories, with the fabricated LA underworld also in contention.
Runner-up · the movie’s fake red-light-district version of Los Angeles - Apparent consensusNov 17, 2020 · ~48:00Home Alone · 1990Macaulay CulkinEpisode
The hosts briefly consider Christmas movies and international flight-making, but ultimately land on Macaulay Culkin as the clear Apex Mountain pick.
Runner-up · Christmas movies - DeclaredNov 10, 2020 · ~1:28:00Toy Story · 1995Tom Hanks in 1995Episode
The room agrees Hanks's 1995 run is the Apex Mountain, while Jobs is discussed but not chosen.
Runner-up · Steve Jobs in the Pixar era - Apparent consensusNov 3, 2020 · ~1:04:00The American President · 1995the film as a president-movie catalystEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Rob Reiner - DeclaredOct 29, 2020 · ~1:04:00The Exorcist · 1973William FriedkinEpisode
They agree that The Exorcist is William Friedkin’s apex mountain because of the movie’s enormous cultural impact and success.
Runner-up · Jason Miller - Apparent consensusOct 27, 2020 · ~56:00Rocky IV · 1985Sly StalloneEpisode
The hosts agree Stallone's mid-1980s run around Rocky IV is an apex-mountain peak for his career.
- Apparent consensusOct 27, 2020 · ~56:00Rocky IV · 1985Sylvester StalloneEpisode
They treat Stallone's hanging sit-ups and related training feats as the high-water mark for that specific skill.
- DeclaredOct 20, 2020 · ~1:20:00Spotlight · 2015The Boston GlobeEpisode
They discussed several candidates, but settled on the Globe itself as the movie's apex mountain in real-life newsroom power.
Runner-up · Mark Ruffalo - DeclaredOct 13, 2020 · ~1:12:00The Martian · 2015The Bourne IdentityEpisode
The hosts decide this is not Matt Damon’s Apex Mountain and settle on the first Bourne film as the better answer.
Runner-up · The Martian is rejected as Matt Damon’s apex - Apparent consensusOct 6, 2020 · ~1:12:00Kicking and Screaming · 1995Jason WilesEpisode
Jason Wiles is treated as having the strongest apex case, with Josh Hamilton also discussed as a serious contender.
Runner-up · Josh Hamilton - DeclaredSep 29, 2020 · ~40:00The Game · 1997Deborah Kara UngerEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Johnny's Coffee Shop - DeclaredSep 22, 2020 · ~1:04:00Se7en · 1995Morgan FreemanEpisode
They argue Freeman’s post-Shawshank run plus Seven gives him the strongest Apex Mountain case.
- Apparent consensusSep 17, 2020 · ~1:28:00Easy A · 2010Emma Stone's performance in Easy AEpisode
They agreed this movie launched Emma Stone’s rise, but argued her later Oscar win means Easy A is not technically her peak.
Runner-up · La La Land as her broader career apex - DeclaredSep 15, 2020 · ~1:04:00Unfaithful · 2002Diane LaneEpisode
They explicitly called Diane Lane's performance her apex, while also mentioning Olivier Martinez as a possible apex for his role.
Runner-up · Olivier Martinez - DeclaredSep 8, 2020 · ~56:00The Usual Suspects · 1995turkish piss streamsEpisode
They jokingly declare Verbal’s huge urine stream an apex-level movie image.
- DeclaredSep 3, 2020 · ~1:12:00Dangerous Minds · 1995white savior complex school teacher moviesEpisode
They decide Dangerous Minds is the all-time apex for the white-savior school-teacher movie subgenre.
Runner-up · Coolio and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Dangerous Minds marketing moment - DeclaredSep 1, 2020 · ~1:07:00Cocktail · 1988Tom CruiseEpisode
The hosts explicitly crowned Tom Cruise's late-80s star run as the movie's Apex Mountain, while also discussing other possible candidates.
Runner-up · Brian Brown - DeclaredAug 25, 2020 · ~1:04:00The 40-Year-Old Virgin · 2005steve carellEpisode
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.
Runner-up · judd apatow - DeclaredAug 20, 2020 · ~1:12:00Pump Up the Volume · 1990Christian SlaterEpisode
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.
Runner-up · the Pixies / early-90s college rock - DeclaredAug 18, 2020 · ~1:36:00Caddyshack · 1980Caddyshack for Bill MurrayEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Rodney Dangerfield's run - DeclaredAug 13, 2020 · ~1:20:00Bad Boys · 1995Will SmithEpisode
They debate a few candidates, but ultimately settle on Will Smith as the movie's Apex Mountain winner.
Runner-up · Martin Lawrence - DeclaredAug 11, 2020 · ~56:00The Last of the Mohicans · 1992Daniel Day-LewisEpisode
They ultimately call this DDL's apex era entry and also praise Studi, Stowe, and the film's waterfall jump as peak moments.
Runner-up · Wes Studi - DeclaredAug 6, 2020 · ~56:00Teen Wolf · 1985werewolvesEpisode
They conclude the movie is more plausibly Apex Mountain for werewolves than for Michael J. Fox himself.
Runner-up · michael j. fox - DeclaredAug 4, 2020 · ~56:00The Sandlot · 1993every kid in the movieEpisode
They explicitly say Apex Mountain goes to every kid in the movie, with the director mentioned as a secondary pick.
Runner-up · the director - Apparent consensusJul 28, 2020 · ~56:00Ghost · 1990Patrick SwayzeEpisode
They largely land on Swayze as the peak of his run, while acknowledging Demi Moore and others have a case too.
Runner-up · Demi Moore - Apparent consensusJul 21, 2020 · ~1:20:00The Conjuring · 2013Patrick WilsonEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Lily Taylor - DeclaredJul 16, 2020 · ~1:28:0025th Hour · 2002Fight Club for Edward NortonEpisode
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.
Runner-up · American History X - Left openJul 14, 2020 · ~1:12:00Stand By Me · 1986No clear winner recordedEpisode
The conversation wanders between Rob Reiner’s career peak and the film’s own peak expressions of childhood mischief, without a single clean consensus.
Runner-up · Rob Reiner - Apparent consensusJul 9, 2020 · ~1:04:00Swingers · 1996Jon FavreauEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Vince Vaughn - DeclaredJul 7, 2020 · ~1:04:00St. Elmo's Fire · 1985the 1982 Jeep CJ7Episode
They explicitly crown the 1982 Jeep CJ7 as peak car-dork status in the movie.
- Apparent consensusJul 7, 2020 · ~1:04:00St. Elmo's Fire · 1985Georgetown in 1985Episode
They treat Georgetown's 1985 cultural moment as apex-level because the movie overlaps with Patrick Ewing's title run and the campus setting.
Runner-up · Patrick Ewing / Georgetown basketball - DeclaredJul 2, 2020 · ~1:04:00The Perfect Storm · 2000GloucesterEpisode
They decide Gloucester itself is the best-case apex from the movie, while treating any character-specific apex as debatable.
Runner-up · George Clooney as bearded movie-star Clooney - Left openJun 16, 2020 · ~1:04:00Fletch · 1985No clear winner recordedEpisode
They debate several apex candidates, including Chevy Chase, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Chick Hearn, and Harold Faltermeyer, without one clear consensus.
- DeclaredJun 10, 2020 · ~1:12:00Say Anything · 1989Ione SkyeEpisode
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.
Runner-up · John Cusack - DeclaredMay 26, 2020 · ~2:00:00Boomerang · 1992Boyz II MenEpisode
In the retroactive catch-up, they explicitly crown Boyz II Men and also mark several other elements as apex-worthy.
Runner-up · Reginald Hudlin - DeclaredMay 21, 2020 · ~1:04:00Armageddon · 1998Michael BayEpisode
The hosts ultimately declare this the Bay apex, while also making a case that Billy Bob Thornton peaks here.
Runner-up · Billy Bob Thornton - Apparent consensusMay 19, 2020 · ~1:04:00Back to the Future · 1985Michael J. FoxEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Robert Zemeckis - Apparent consensusMay 14, 2020 · ~1:20:00Draft Day · 2014the 21st-century BrownsEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Roger Goodell during the quarantine draft - DeclaredMay 12, 2020 · ~1:20:00Crimson Tide · 1995Tony ScottEpisode
Bill ultimately landed on Tony Scott as the apex pick, though the group also floated Robards’ cameo as its own mini-peak.
Runner-up · Jason Robards - Apparent consensusMay 7, 2020 · ~56:00Groundhog Day · 1993Groundhog DayEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Harold Ramis - DeclaredMay 5, 2020 · ~1:12:00Gladiator · 2000Russell CroweEpisode
Russell Crowe is chosen as the apex-mountain winner, with Hans Zimmer and others also discussed as possible peaks.
Runner-up · Hans Zimmer - Left openMay 1, 2020 · ~1:20:00While You Were Sleeping · 1995No clear winner recordedEpisode
They decide this is not Apex Mountain for anyone, though Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman both get hypothetical cases.
Runner-up · Sandra Bullock’s Oscar win / Gravity - Left openApr 29, 2020 · ~56:00Escape From New York · 1981No clear winner recordedEpisode
The group debates several possible peaks, but settles on Russell as the most defensible choice while acknowledging there is no clean single answer.
Runner-up · John Carpenter / Adrian Barbeau / John Carpenter - DeclaredApr 23, 2020 · ~48:00Ronin · 1998Stellan SkarsgårdEpisode
Stellan Skarsgård is picked for his peak late-90s run, while Frankenheimer is separately credited with his own apex as a director.
Runner-up · John Frankenheimer - DeclaredApr 21, 2020 · ~1:20:00Ferris Bueller's Day Off · 1986John HughesEpisode
They land on John Hughes as the clear apex-mountain figure, with other possibilities mentioned but not chosen.
Runner-up · Mia Sara / the Ferrari corporation / Shermer High School - DeclaredApr 16, 2020 · ~1:36:00Love and Basketball · 2000Sanaa LathanEpisode
They explicitly call Sanaa Lathan’s performance an Apex Mountain case and then debate whether Omar Epps qualifies as well.
Runner-up · Omar Epps - DeclaredApr 14, 2020 · ~1:36:00Basic Instinct · 1992Sharon Stone's performanceEpisode
They explicitly name Sharon Stone's performance as the Apex Mountain of the movie.
Runner-up · bad cunnilingus in movie history - DeclaredApr 9, 2020 · ~1:04:00Enemy of the State · 1998Lisa BonetEpisode
They effectively rename the category around Lisa Bonet’s peak rather than any single career milestone from the movie.
Runner-up · The DMV on film - Apparent consensusApr 7, 2020 · ~1:12:00Total Recall · 1990Arnold SchwarzeneggerEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Paul Verhoeven - DeclaredApr 3, 2020 · ~1:20:00Tommy Boy · 1995Chris FarleyEpisode
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.
Runner-up · David Spade - DeclaredMar 30, 2020 · ~1:20:00Furious 7 · 2015Michelle RodriguezEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Abu Dhabi - DeclaredMar 26, 2020 · ~1:44:00The Karate Kid · 1984Ralph MacchioEpisode
They ran through several people and places, but Macchio was the clearest Apex Mountain winner.
Runner-up · Pat Morita - DeclaredMar 23, 2020 · ~1:20:00Edge of Tomorrow · 2014Emily BluntEpisode
They choose Blunt as the apex point here, while acknowledging Liman as another contender in the discussion.
Runner-up · Doug Liman - DeclaredMar 19, 2020 · ~48:00Cast Away · 2000volleyballsEpisode
He says the movie is apex mountain for volleyballs, with Fiji and Chris Noth also mentioned as possible candidates.
Runner-up · Fiji - DeclaredMar 17, 2020 · ~1:28:00The Godfather Part III · 1990Andy GarciaEpisode
They pick Andy Garcia as the clear Apex Mountain winner, while also joking that Donald Donnelly and Sofia Coppola have their own odd peaks.
Runner-up · Donald Donnelly - DeclaredMar 5, 2020 · ~48:00Oceans 12 · 2004Brad PittEpisode
They ultimately land on Brad Pitt as the strongest Apex Mountain candidate, though the discussion ranges widely over other possibilities.
Runner-up · Soderbergh, Amsterdam, or Damon depending on the argument - Apparent consensusFeb 27, 2020 · ~1:04:00Vision Quest · 1985John Waite / his 1985 momentEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Spokane via this movie - DeclaredFeb 19, 2020 · ~1:20:00Higher Learning · 1995John SingletonEpisode
They debate a few candidates but end up treating Singleton as the peak-name choice in the category.
Runner-up · Ice Cube - DeclaredFeb 13, 2020 · ~1:12:00The Breakfast Club · 1985Molly RingwaldEpisode
They explicitly name Molly Ringwald as the film’s Apex Mountain, while also discussing strong cases for Judd Nelson and Anthony Michael Hall.
Runner-up · Judd Nelson - Apparent consensusFeb 6, 2020 · ~1:20:00Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood · 2019Brad PittEpisode
They settled on Brad Pitt as the most plausible Apex Mountain answer, with some discussion of his broader career peak.
Runner-up · none clear - DeclaredJan 24, 2020 · ~1:17:00Heat ("The Re-Heat") · 1995character actor John VoightEpisode
In the Apex Mountain roundup, they ultimately pick character-actor John Voight as the standout winner.
Runner-up · Michael Mann - DeclaredJan 16, 2020 · ~56:00King of New York · 1990Christopher WalkenEpisode
They choose Walken as the movie’s apex, with Fishburne also strongly considered for the honor.
Runner-up · Laurence Fishburne - DeclaredJan 9, 2020 · ~1:04:00Unstoppable · 2010Chris PineEpisode
They conclude Chris Pine is the best Apex Mountain pick because this is the movie that most fully establishes him as a movie star.
Runner-up · Hooters - DeclaredDec 23, 2019 · ~1:12:00The Talented Mr. Ripley · 1999Jude LawEpisode
They decide this is Jude Law’s Apex Mountain, with Gwyneth Paltrow also getting a case but not winning out.
Runner-up · Gwyneth Paltrow - Apparent consensusDec 20, 2019 · ~1:12:00Dunkirk · 2017Christopher NolanEpisode
They ultimately treat Dunkirk as the movie that confirms Nolan at the top of his powers, even with one dissenting view.
Runner-up · The Dark Knight - DeclaredDec 16, 2019 · ~1:58:00The Godfather Part II · 1974MoviesEpisode
After considering Coppola, Pacino, De Niro, Paramount, and mafia movies, they give Apex Mountain to movies overall.
Runner-up · Mafia movies - DeclaredDec 10, 2019 · ~1:04:00Happy Gilmore · 1996Christopher McDonaldEpisode
They settled on Christopher McDonald, with Vern Lundquist and the TV-sportscast angle discussed as notable alternatives.
Runner-up · Vern Lundquist - Apparent consensusDec 3, 2019 · ~2:08:00The Wolf of Wall Street · 2013Jonah HillEpisode
After debating Leo, Scorsese, and Bernthal, the conversation lands on Jonah Hill’s Donnie as the most plausible apex-mountain pick.
Runner-up · Leonardo DiCaprio - DeclaredNov 20, 2019 · ~1:00:00Skyfall · 2012Daniel CraigEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Javier Bardem - Left openNov 13, 2019 · ~48:00The Holiday · 2006No clear winner recordedEpisode
They separately argued for different people across the cast and Nancy Meyers without settling on one overall apex.
Runner-up · jude-law - Left openOct 30, 2019 · ~1:24:00The Shining · 1980No clear winner recordedEpisode
The hosts float several candidates for Shelley Duvall but never settle on a definitive Apex Mountain pick.
- DeclaredOct 14, 2019 · ~1:20:00Den of Thieves · 2018Gerard ButlerEpisode
The room ultimately calls this Butler’s Apex Mountain, even though Schreiber gets a strong competing argument.
Runner-up · Pablo Schreiber - DeclaredOct 11, 2019 · ~48:00Mr. Mom · 1983Terry GarrEpisode
They pick Terry Garr’s career peak as the apex, while also saying the concept of Mr. Mom itself is the movie’s apex.
Runner-up · Michael Keaton - Apparent consensusOct 7, 2019 · ~1:12:00Remember The Titans · 2000the height of sappy Disney sports moviesEpisode
They agree this film represents the peak of the formula for glossy Disney sports dramas.
- DeclaredSep 25, 2019 · ~1:20:00The Shawshank Redemption · 1994Morgan FreemanEpisode
They agree that Morgan Freeman's career peak here is his apex mountain.
Runner-up · Tim Robbins - Left openSep 16, 2019 · ~1:12:00Beverly Hills Cop · 1984No clear winner recordedEpisode
They toss around several candidates, including Eddie Murphy, Lisa Eilbacher, and the film's institutions, without a final consensus.
- DeclaredSep 1, 2019 · ~1:20:00Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid · 1969Paul NewmanEpisode
They decide Newman is at his career peak after this movie, with Hill also mentioned as a strong alternative in a broader sense.
Runner-up · George Roy Hill - DeclaredAug 26, 2019 · ~1:12:00Do The Right Thing · 1989Spike LeeEpisode
They conclude the movie marks Spike Lee’s filmmaking peak, especially for his fiction work.
Runner-up · Do the Right Thing as Spike’s peak fiction film - DeclaredAug 20, 2019 · ~1:20:00Fatal Attraction · 1987Michael DouglasEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Glenn Close - DeclaredAug 13, 2019 · ~1:12:00Gone Girl · 2014Rosamund PikeEpisode
They explicitly name Rosamund Pike as the apex choice, while also reaffirming that Fincher's apex remains The Social Network.
Runner-up · David Fincher's Social Network era - Apparent consensusAug 8, 2019 · ~56:00Bloodsport · 1988Donald Gibb for Revenge of the NerdsEpisode
They settle on Revenge of the Nerds as Donald Gibb's apex, with Bloodsport discussed as a possible but second-best option.
Runner-up · Bloodsport - DeclaredAug 1, 2019 · ~1:06:00The Town · 2010Iron Man 3Episode
Bill identifies Iron Man 3 as Rebecca Hall's apex, while the others mainly agree she is well cast here.
Runner-up · The Town - Apparent consensusJul 25, 2019 · ~1:12:00Reservoir Dogs · 1992Michael MadsenEpisode
Madsen is ultimately treated as the Apex Mountain pick, with Roth also mentioned as a possible case.
Runner-up · Tim Roth - DeclaredJul 23, 2019 · ~1:20:00Top Gun · 1986The NavyEpisode
They land on the Navy as the biggest winner from the film, with Bruckheimer and Simpson mentioned as another possible peak.
Runner-up · Bruckheimer and Simpson - Apparent consensusJul 15, 2019 · ~1:03:00Inglourious Basterds · 2009quentin tarantinoEpisode
They ultimately treat Tarantino as a strong maybe, but Brad Pitt and several others are discussed as clear Apex Mountain candidates.
Runner-up · brad pitt - DeclaredJul 8, 2019 · ~1:04:00When Harry Met Sally... · 1989Billy CrystalEpisode
After considering Crystal, Reiner, and even New York as possibilities, they land on Billy Crystal as the Apex Mountain winner.
Runner-up · Rob Reiner - DeclaredJul 3, 2019 · ~52:00No Country for Old Men · 2007Javier BardemEpisode
They treat Bardem’s Chigurh as the apex of his career, while also noting Brolin’s film as a career-changing moment.
Runner-up · Josh Brolin - DeclaredJun 24, 2019 · ~48:00The Notebook · 2004Rachel McAdamsEpisode
The room settles on Rachel McAdams as the career peak pick, with Wedding Crashers and The Notebook both discussed as contenders.
Runner-up · Ryan Gosling - Apparent consensusJun 11, 2019 · ~54:00Dead Poets Society · 1989Robin WilliamsEpisode
They make the case that this film marks Robin Williams' peak as a movie star and major dramatic actor.
Runner-up · Robert Sean Leonard - DeclaredMay 31, 2019 · ~1:04:00Fast Five · 2011Vin DieselEpisode
They call this Vin Diesel's Apex Mountain and also agree it is a peak Fast Five moment for Paul Walker.
Runner-up · Paul Walker - DeclaredMay 26, 2019 · ~56:00The Hangover · 2009todd phillipsEpisode
They agree this is Todd Phillips's peak moment, while also noting Galifianakis and even Vegas as contenders in related ways.
Runner-up · zach galifianakis - Left openMay 13, 2019 · ~48:00John Wick: Chapter 2 · 2017No clear winner recordedEpisode
They debate Keanu’s apex at length, mention Speed and The Matrix, and never land on a clean consensus.
Runner-up · Jean-Claude Van Damme? - DeclaredApr 29, 2019 · ~1:04:00Mean Girls · 2004Lindsay LohanEpisode
Lindsay Lohan was treated as the obvious Apex Mountain winner, with Tina Fey mentioned as a strong secondary case.
Runner-up · Tina Fey - DeclaredApr 19, 2019 · ~1:12:00Field of Dreams · 1989Kevin CostnerEpisode
They settle on Kevin Costner as the apex pick, with Iowa and the baseball movie era also discussed as strong alternatives.
Runner-up · Iowa - Left openApr 10, 2019 · ~1:04:00Major League · 1989No clear winner recordedEpisode
They debate several possible peaks, including Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Dennis Haysbert, Margaret Whitton, and James Gammon, but do not settle on one definitive Apex Mountain winner.
- DeclaredMar 25, 2019 · ~40:00Pretty Woman · 1990Richard GereEpisode
They agree Pretty Woman is Apex Mountain for Richard Gere.
- Apparent consensusMar 18, 2019 · ~1:12:00The Natural · 1984Wilford Brimley's chest hairEpisode
After rejecting most human candidates, they land on Brimley's chest hair as the undeniable apex of the movie's mountain-level achievement.
Runner-up · Wilford Brimley - DeclaredMar 11, 2019 · ~1:04:00Broadcast News · 1987Jim BrooksEpisode
They clearly named Jim Brooks as the Apex Mountain pick, while noting the movie also made a strong case for several others.
Runner-up · Holly Hunter - DeclaredMar 4, 2019 · ~48:00Forgetting Sarah Marshall · 2008Jason Segel's dickEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Jason Segel - DeclaredFeb 26, 2019 · ~1:04:00Reality Bites · 1994Ethan HawkeEpisode
After some back-and-forth, they allow Ethan Hawke to take Apex Mountain because of the career leverage he gained after Training Day.
Runner-up · Winona Ryder - DeclaredFeb 18, 2019 · ~48:00Dave · 1993Kevin KlineEpisode
They debate it, but Kevin Kline gets the nod as the best apex-mountain candidate for the film.
Runner-up · Frank Langella - DeclaredFeb 11, 2019 · ~56:00A Star Is Born · 2018Bradley CooperEpisode
They agree Cooper's overall career peak is the clearest fit, while Gaga's peak is discussed more tentatively.
Runner-up · Lady Gaga - Apparent consensusFeb 4, 2019 · ~56:00The Warriors · 1979Walter HillEpisode
Bill lands on Walter Hill as the peak presence, crediting him with setting the template for action movies.
Runner-up · New York - DeclaredJan 28, 2019 · ~56:00Proof of Life · 2000David MorseEpisode
They identify David Morse as the clear Apex Mountain pick for this movie.
Runner-up · David Caruso - DeclaredJan 21, 2019 · ~48:00The Fast and the Furious · 2001Neil MoritzEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Vin Diesel / Paul Walker / the Fast Five era - DeclaredJan 14, 2019 · ~48:00Old School · 2003Todd PhillipsEpisode
They give Todd Phillips the apex mountain for the movie's success and its place in his rise, while Vince Vaughn is also considered.
Runner-up · Vince Vaughn - DeclaredJan 7, 2019 · ~1:20:00The Godfather · 1972Francis Ford CoppolaEpisode
They ultimately agree Coppola is the clearest Apex Mountain choice because the film defines his career and the New Hollywood moment.
- DeclaredDec 24, 2018 · ~48:00Tombstone · 1993Kurt RussellEpisode
They debate several contenders, but Kurt Russell is ultimately identified as the peak of the movie's star power discussion.
Runner-up · Val Kilmer - DeclaredDec 24, 2018 · ~48:00Tombstone · 1993Val KilmerEpisode
The discussion shifts to Kilmer, and the room treats his Tombstone/Heat run as his best career peak.
Runner-up · Kurt Russell - DeclaredDec 24, 2018 · ~48:00Tombstone · 1993Jason PriestleyEpisode
They agree this is Jason Priestley's career peak because of the combo of 90210 fame and a big movie role.
- DeclaredDec 18, 2018 · ~48:00Con Air · 1997Nicolas CageEpisode
Cage is declared the Apex Mountain pick, with other names discussed but not chosen.
Runner-up · John Malkovich - DeclaredDec 11, 2018 · ~1:08:00The Firm · 1993Wilford BrimleyEpisode
They choose Brimley's performance here as his Apex Mountain, arguing it is the most iconic and most fully Brimley version of Brimley.
Runner-up · Holly Hunter - Apparent consensusNov 8, 2018 · ~1:04:00All the Presidents Men · 1976Jason RobardsEpisode
Although Redford and Hoffman are discussed, the room lands on Jason Robards as the film’s clearest Apex Mountain performance.
Runner-up · Robert Redford - Apparent consensusOct 2, 2018 · ~56:00Dazed and Confused · 1993Jason O. Smith as MelEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Michelle Burke, Sean Andrews, Rory Cochran, and Wiley Wiggins all get mentioned as possible smaller-scale winners - DeclaredSep 20, 2018 · ~1:08:00True Romance · 1993Tony ScottEpisode
They debate a few candidates, but Tony Scott is chosen as the person at the peak of his powers for this movie.
Runner-up · Quentin Tarantino - DeclaredSep 11, 2018 · ~48:00Rounders · 1998Johnny ChanEpisode
The room agrees Johnny Chan is the apex because the movie immortalizes him as the legendary poker figure in the key showdown.
- DeclaredSep 3, 2018 · ~48:00Taken · 2008Liam NeesonEpisode
They explicitly name Liam Neeson’s performance in Taken as his Apex Mountain.
- DeclaredAug 23, 2018 · ~40:00Mad Max: Fury Road · 2015George MillerEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Charlize Theron - Apparent consensusAug 16, 2018 · ~1:12:00Wedding Crashers · 2005Vince VaughnEpisode
By the end of the discussion, they treat Vince Vaughn as the movie's peak star and performance level.
Runner-up · Owen Wilson - DeclaredAug 9, 2018 · ~56:00My Best Friends Wedding · 1997Rupert EverettEpisode
The room settles on Rupert Everett as the apex-mountain winner, though Julia Roberts is also argued as a strong case.
Runner-up · Julia Roberts - DeclaredAug 1, 2018 · ~1:04:00Die Hard · 1988Bruce WillisEpisode
They debate several possibilities, but Willis is ultimately named the Apex Mountain winner for the movie.
Runner-up · Alan Rickman - DeclaredJul 26, 2018 · ~56:00Mission: Impossible · 1996Stephen BurumEpisode
After rejecting most candidates, they agree Stephen Burum's Apex Mountain is The Untouchables.
- DeclaredJul 20, 2018 · ~56:00Midnight Run · 1988Charles GrodinEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Robert De Niro - DeclaredJul 13, 2018 · ~32:00Step Brothers · 2008Catherine HahnEpisode
They explicitly name Catherine Hahn's work here as her apex in the film's comedic context.
- DeclaredJul 4, 2018 · ~1:08:00Jaws · 1975Roy ScheiderEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Robert Shaw - DeclaredJun 28, 2018 · ~1:04:00The Devil Wears Prada · 2006The Tucci TableEpisode
They identify Tucci’s cookbook-era prominence, with the movie role serving as a strong second peak.
- Apparent consensusJun 28, 2018 · ~1:04:00The Devil Wears Prada · 2006The MentalistEpisode
His later network-TV success is treated as Baker’s peak rather than this film role.
- DeclaredJun 28, 2018 · ~1:04:00The Devil Wears Prada · 2006EntourageEpisode
They agree Grenier’s real apex was Entourage, not this movie.
- DeclaredJun 28, 2018 · ~56:00The Devil Wears Prada · 2006Anne HathawayEpisode
They agree this movie is Hathaway’s Apex Mountain because it cemented her as a mainstream A-list star.
- Apparent consensusJun 28, 2018 · ~56:00The Devil Wears Prada · 2006Mary PoppinsEpisode
The room treats her run into Mary Poppins as Blunt’s apex-era stretch.
- DeclaredJun 28, 2018 · ~56:00The Devil Wears Prada · 2006Meryl StreepEpisode
They conclude Streep’s overall career peak makes her the Apex Mountain winner here, even while acknowledging other landmark roles.
Runner-up · Sophie's Choice - DeclaredJun 21, 2018 · ~40:00Forrest Gump · 1994Tom HanksEpisode
They choose Tom Hanks as the film’s apex, while briefly debating and rejecting Zemeckis as the better career peak answer.
Runner-up · Robert Zemeckis - DeclaredJun 14, 2018 · ~48:00Jurassic Park · 1993Jeff GoldblumEpisode
Jeff Goldblum is named the Apex Mountain choice, with Spielberg and the T-Rex discussed as alternate answers.
Runner-up · Tyrannosaurus rex - DeclaredJun 7, 2018 · ~40:00Oceans 11 · 2001Brad PittEpisode
Brad Pitt is agreed to be at his peak here, with Rusty Ryan described as his most charming and effortless mode.
- Left openMay 31, 2018 · ~48:00Training Day · 2001No clear winner recordedEpisode
They debate several possible apexes and end without a single clear consensus, though Denzel's Training Day era carries the room.
Runner-up · Malcolm X - DeclaredMay 24, 2018 · ~48:00The Social Network · 2010Aaron SorkinEpisode
In the formal Apex Mountain discussion, the group settles on Sorkin as the best peak pick, with Fincher debated as the main alternative.
Runner-up · David Fincher - DeclaredMar 29, 2018 · ~56:00Michael Clayton · 2007Tony GilroyEpisode
They decide this is Tony Gilroy's peak, and then separately argue that it is also one of George Clooney's best performances.
Runner-up · George Clooney - DeclaredMar 22, 2018 · ~40:00Inception · 2010Wally PfisterEpisode
Sean explicitly picked Wally Pfister as the peak performer for the film, while Andrew backed JGL.
Runner-up · Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Left openMar 14, 2018 · ~56:00Creed · 2015No clear winner recordedEpisode
They debate Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler but explicitly say the choice is too tough to call.
- Apparent consensusMar 9, 2018 · ~56:00The Big Lebowski · 1998John GoodmanEpisode
The conversation strongly lands on John Goodman as the performance peak of the movie's cast.
Runner-up · Jeff Bridges - Apparent consensusFeb 27, 2018 · ~1:12:00Get Out · 2017Jordan PeeleEpisode
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.
- DeclaredFeb 7, 2018 · ~56:00Miami Vice · 2006Colin FarrellEpisode
They treat Farrell’s performance here as a serious apex candidate and ultimately name him the winner.
Runner-up · Michael Mann - Apparent consensusFeb 3, 2018 · ~32:00Varsity Blues · 1999James Van Der BeekEpisode
They treat James Van Der Beek’s Dawson's Creek/Varsity Blues period as his career peak.
Runner-up · John Voight - DeclaredJan 9, 2018 · ~32:0010 Things I Hate About You · 1999Andrew KeeganEpisode
They settle on Andrew Keegan as the movie’s apex, with Julia Stiles briefly discussed as an alternative.
Runner-up · Julia Stiles - DeclaredDec 14, 2017 · ~40:00Zodiac · 2007not ZodiacEpisode
They reject Zodiac as Gyllenhaal’s Apex Mountain and lean instead toward later titles like Enemy and Prisoners.
Runner-up · Enemy - DeclaredDec 14, 2017 · ~40:00Zodiac · 2007not ZodiacEpisode
They say Zodiac is a major turning point for Downey but not his peak, with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and later fame stronger contenders.
Runner-up · Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - DeclaredDec 7, 2017 · ~48:0048 Hrs. · 1982Eddie MurphyEpisode
They call Eddie Murphy the apex pick for the movie, while also separately noting strong apex cases for several other cast and crew members.
- Apparent consensusNov 30, 2017 · ~40:00Friday · 1995Ice CubeEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Chris Tucker - DeclaredNov 16, 2017 · ~56:00The Dark Knight · 2008Heath LedgerEpisode
They discuss several candidates, but the conversation clearly lands on Heath Ledger as the film's Apex Mountain winner.
Runner-up · Christian Bale - DeclaredNov 2, 2017 · ~32:00The Fugitive · 1993Derwin CrabbEpisode
They agree this movie is Apex Mountain for the actor they jokingly call Derwin Crabb.
- Left openOct 26, 2017 · ~48:00Face/Off · 1997No clear winner recordedEpisode
The panel quickly rejects the candidates they name and does not land on a definitive Apex Mountain choice.
- DeclaredOct 12, 2017 · ~48:00Scream · 1996Party of Five intervention sceneEpisode
They agree Nev Campbell’s peak is the intervention scene on Party of Five rather than this movie.
Runner-up · Scream - DeclaredOct 5, 2017 · ~32:00Clueless · 1995paul ruddEpisode
Paul Rudd is identified as being at his best in the film.
- DeclaredSep 28, 2017 · ~40:00Titanic · 1997James CameronEpisode
They agree that James Cameron reaches his apex here, with Billy Zane mentioned as a secondary case.
Runner-up · Billy Zane - Apparent consensusSep 21, 2017 · ~40:00Speed · 1994Sandra BullockEpisode
Sandra Bullock gets the strongest support as the movie’s apex, with Keanu discussed as still having more climb left.
Runner-up · Keanu Reeves - DeclaredSep 14, 2017 · ~48:00The Silence of the Lambs · 1991Anthony HopkinsEpisode
They directly choose Hopkins as the film’s Apex Mountain, while acknowledging Demme’s broader career peak separately.
Runner-up · Jonathan Demme - Left openAug 31, 2017 · ~40:00You've Got Mail · 1998No clear winner recordedEpisode
They agree this is a great Hanks performance but explicitly say it is not his Apex Mountain.
- DeclaredAug 31, 2017 · ~40:00You've Got Mail · 1998When Harry Met SallyEpisode
They conclude that When Harry Met Sally is Nora Ephron's peak over You've Got Mail.
Runner-up · You've Got Mail - Left openAug 31, 2017 · ~40:00You've Got Mail · 1998No clear winner recordedEpisode
They debate whether this is Meg Ryan's peak but do not reach a shared answer, with When Harry Met Sally offered as the strongest alternative.
Runner-up · When Harry Met Sally - Apparent consensusAug 24, 2017 · ~32:00Point Break · 1991Patrick SwayzeEpisode
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.
Runner-up · Keanu Reeves - DeclaredAug 10, 2017 · ~24:00A Few Good Men · 1992Tom CruiseEpisode
The room explicitly crowns Tom Cruise's performance and career peak as the film's Apex Mountain.
Runner-up · Jack Nicholson