"A Bug’s Life" (1998) vs. "Antz" (1998)
The Case: Ant colonies attempting to defeat evil dictators that take form as larger insects. Both boast endearing animations, funny microscopic bug adventures and, of course, a dash of romance. The Verdict: Though both are excellent films, “A Bug’s Life” definitely takes the childhood classic vote.
"No Strings Attached" (2011) vs. "Friends With Benefits" (2011)
The Case: Male and female are friends. Male and female become friends.... who have sex. Male and female develop more feelings but keep them to themselves because they don’t want things “to get complicated.” The Verdict: Go with "Friends With Benefits." Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman do not make a good pairing. In the competition of the Swans, Mila comes out on top.
"The Vow" (2012) vs. "A Walk to Remember" (2002)
The Case: Honestly, this goes for all Nicholas Sparks movies: they both center around some damsel who gets sick and the guy tries to take care of her. This is literally all that Sparks writes about.
The Verdict: Take “A Walk to Remember.” Channing Tatum is not an actor in any sense of the word.
"Finding Nemo" (2003) vs. "Shark Tale" (2004)
The Case: Colorful marine wonderlands! Little fish with big ideas! Fun for the whole family! Except... WILL SMITH FISH. WILL SMITH FISH IS TERRIFYING. The Verdict: Duh, “Finding Nemo.” Not only is it a modern classic, containing a father-son relationship as complex and moving as anything a “real” film has to offer, but it DOES NOT HAVE WILL SMITH FISH.
"Capote" (2005) vs. "Infamous" (2006)
The Case: That awkward moment when there are two movies about the writer Truman Capote. What’s worse is only one of them got any praise, recognition or awards (sorry, “Infamous”). Sometimes one Capote is enough.
The Verdict: Unexpected choice, but “Infamous” is better. “Capote” may be more true to the actual story of Truman Capote, but would you rather have that or a movie with a sexy bisexual Daniel Craig? Also, Toby Jones (who also plays Alfred Hitchcock in this year’s completely forgotten “The Girl”) is incredibly underrated.
"The Illusionist" (2006) vs. "The Prestige" (2006)
The Case: Two movies that explore the dark reality behind magic shows. Truly, 2006 was out to destroy our childhoods.
The Verdict: "The Prestige" wins, but only by a little. Christopher Nolan’s movies are best when they’re high on intrigue and low on self–indulgence—"The Prestige" is just that. Plus, Edward Norton is great, but David Bowie as Nicola Tesla? Game, set, match.
"The Hunger Games" (2012) vs. "Battle Royale" (2000)
The Case: There’s something compelling about a dystopian society sending a bunch of kids out into the wild to fight to the death. It’s kinda like "Lord of the Flies," but here they’re supposed to kill each other.
The Verdict: Tie. The two movies are surprisingly similar: both were based on books, both skewer the over–saturation of violence and entertainment in the media, and both are excellent.
"The Lion King" (1994) vs. "Kimba the White Lion" (1967)
The Case: Disney claims that “The Lion King” is actually an adaptation of “Hamlet,” but multiple sources say otherwise. Compare the two movies shot–by–shot and brace yourself—“The Lion King” is a complete rip off.
The Verdict: Try “Kimba the White Lion.” We know Simba is a treasured part of your life, but try to give the original its due.
"Lincoln" (2012) vs. "Saving Lincoln" (2013)
The Case: Abraham Lincoln is having a moment. While Speilberg’s drama details the rough passage of the 13th Amendment, "Saving Lincoln" will focus more on the president’s relationship with his bodyguard.
The Verdict: Clearly, "Lincoln." It’s the frontrunner for the Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Picture Oscars, and somehow convinced us that the great Lincoln’s voice was as high–pitched as a newly bar–mitzvah’d boy. Sorry, "Saving Lincoln." Oh, and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" too, we guess.
