The American Film Institute proudly curates lists to celebrate excellence in the art form. We believe their greatest impact is to inspire personal, passionate discussions about what makes a great film and why and, also, to chart the evolution of the art form. Since its inception, American film has marginalized the diversity of voices that make our nation and its stories strong – and these lists reflect that intolerable truth. AFI acknowledges its responsibility in curating these lists that has reinforced this marginality and looks forward to releasing new lists that will embrace our modern day and drive culture forward.
Pulp fiction was on the list. Which I think answers the point about citizen Kane, which is that the greatness of a film, like a basketball player I suppose, is a lot about their significance in their time. Though you could make a different list without that as a factor.
I like what Tarantino does, which is list best films by decade or within some time window.