Also, I would like to give a special mention to Big Trouble in Little China. While hardly the best film ever made, it is special in its own rite. If you are looking for a film that defines a genre, it really is the quintesential "B-movie". It's funny, incredibly original, has great writing and directing (I like how Carpenter's score matches what's going on onscreen to a 'T') all while not taking itself too seriously. It just executes on the highest level for what it's trying to do, so I'd call it an essential.
Also, I would like to give a special mention to Big Trouble in Little China. While hardly the best film ever made, it is special in its own rite. If you are looking for a film that defines a genre, it really is the quintesential "B-movie". It's funny, incredibly original, has great writing and directing (I like how Carpenter's score matches what's going on onscreen to a 'T') all while not taking itself too seriously. It just executes on the highest level for what it's trying to do, so I'd call it an essential.