The plot: Misogynist TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) loathes his annual obligation to cover the emergence of Punxsutawney Phil from its Pennsylvania burrow every Groundhog Day. Unfortunately, the fates decree he'll experience the same Feb. 2 again and again until he gets it right with the help of his news producer Rita (Andie MacDowell).
Why it's worthy: Phil's recurring sidewalk reunion with Ned ("Bing!") Ryerson (Stephen Tobolowsky), his nerdy former high school classmate turned unshakable insurance agent, became a comedy classic.
"'Groundhog Day,' like 'Cedar Rapids,' is sort of Capra-esque in its populism," says Pelecanos, invoking the director Frank Capra of such heartwarming films as "It's a Wonderful Life." "That's why those two movies have weight. That's why we remember 'Groundhog Day.' It's not just the gimmick of the movie, which is obvious; it's this whole community of people that you get to know."
Set notes: Ranked No. 34 on AFI's 100 Funniest Movies, "Groundhog Day" became the phrase that has entered our vocabulary as shorthand for an unpleasant experience that keeps repeating.