2. Dogma (1999)
Despite its overlong runtime, sharp tonal shifts, and poor pacing, Dogma remains one of Kevin Smith’s smartest, boldest, most inspired films, particularly following its Catholic church controversy. With its all-star ensemble, including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Chris Rock, Alan Rickman, and Selma Hayek, and its ultimately more-devout-than-not look at religion (despite its constant irreverence otherwise), Dogma blends Smith’s lowbrow comedy with his clever, unsuspecting intellectualism to produce an entertaining, involving portrait of faith in a corrupt world.
If you weren’t already on board with the View Askewniverse, this isn’t the place to start. But it’s one of Smith’s most impressive, commendable works, finding ways to balance heady conversations about one’s place in the universe with an extended fight sequence involving a poop monster. Plus, Alanis Morissette plays God herself. What more could anyone want?