Movies have the power to unite us. From fantasy to romance to war dramas, movies provide us with a place to imagine, dream, and explore- all without ever leaving the comfort of our own couch. Some movies simply stand out above the rest. These may be themes with powerful emotions and themes, or simply incredibly technology or animation. It’s hard to say exactly what makes a movie incredible, and it is likely a magical combination of actors, script, cinematography, effects, and more. Here are some of those movies that comprise the best of the best lists that you should not miss.
An Action Movie for the Ages: John Wick
The talented Keanu Reeves spent a massive amount of time training and preparing for his role in John Wick. In fact, he trained for months on end for eight hours a day- now that is some serious dedication! No doubt, his hard work paid off as the film is a stunning display of action sequences.
The special effects alone in John Wick will leave you stunned. The film has a deep storyline that captures audiences into the life of a grieving man. Thanks to this depth, the story is given meaning, emotion, and a touch of humanity that is impossible to look away from.
John Wick
Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel
Filmmaker Wes Anderson is known for his quirky films that feature a certain style that is distinctly all his own. Another calling card of this director? Quick dialogue, smart plots, and gorgeous sets.
The Grand Budapest hotel was so great it earned Wes Anderson a nomination for Best Director, and it went on to become his highest-grossing film yet. This film also features homerun performances from top actors like Edward Norton. If you like witty dialogue and complicated pots, you will not want to miss this movie.
The Godfather Part II
Silence Stuns With an Allstar Cast
What movie would not be good with a cast including Adam Driver, Liam Neeson, and Andrew Garfield? What if you knew it was also directed by Martin Scorsese? Silence is just that movie, and it sure does not disappoint. Gorgeous scenery and an intense plotline will captivate your attention.
Following the story of two Jesuit priests who illegally have to enter Japan to rescue their mentor, this movie is full of surprising twists and turns. This movie closely examines how a familiar human struggle: how do we handle religious faith and our doubts about that faith? Hardship, pain, love, struggle, and perseverance are all major themes you’ll love to explore alongside these timeless characters.
Silence Stuns
Jaws: A Timeless Classic
There are not many movies that have had such a major cultural impact quite like Jaws. Released over forty-five years ago, Jaws continue to be a prevalent part of our lives. This spooky flick was created by the expert filmmaker, Steven Spielberg.
Part of what makes this film so great is its ability to build anticipation and terror for its audience. A well-known musical score from Jaws has become widely associated with building tension and inspiring fear. For all of those still a little scared in the ocean of what lies below, you can both blame and thank this movie for that.
Jaws
Eastwood Stuns in Unforgiven
Clint Eastwood is synonymous with westerns. This actor is the epitome of cowboys and wild west movies. That is what makes his role in Unforgiven so powerful. In this film, the lifestyle of cowboys is not idealized or romanticized, rather the opposite. Through Eastwood’s excellent portrayal of his character, we come to understand the deep complexities of violence, morality, and death.
In this film, which is also directed by Clint Eastwood, his character is a former bad-guy turned good. However, in order to get money for his family, he is forced to return to his bad ways. This theme is a classic philosophical question- is it ok to do bad things to protect or save your family? With such deep questions pushing this movie along, it’s no wonder it’s at the top of the list.
Eastwood
There Will Be Blood: The Problem with Oil
Daniel Day-Lewis stars in a dark film about money, greed in power in There Will Be Blood. The film takes place at the end of the 19th century, as the hunt for oil and control intensifies in America. Those who made it big were often ruthless, dangerous, and money-hungry.
This film will captivate you with its story as it builds throughout the movie. Day-Lewis’ performance is human and stunning and is only enhanced by the film’s incredible script and cinematography. This film is a must-watch as it will pull you into the inner workings of a mind struggling between capitalism in American society and his own personal and moral limits.
There Will Be Blood
Love in The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Minds is a film that focuses on the question: what can we learn from a great love turned bad? The two main characters, played by Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey, decide to have their memories of one another erased after their relationship turns sour.
As the two go through the procedure, they are forced to confront many issues regarding memory, love, emotions, and what lessons can be learned from them. It is human nature to want to forget what is painful to us. But this film tackles that issue, bringing to light what beautiful lessons can be gathered from pain if we are brave enough to face them.
Love In The Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Joaquin Phoenix in You Were Never Really Here
Is there anything that Joaquin Phoenix can’t do? From his role in the Joker to Walk the Line, it seems that every movie this great actor touches turns to gold. The thriller, You Were Never Really Here, is no exception.
Joaquin Phoenix’s character is a hitman struggling between his job as a killer to being a good son. Admittedly, that is a complicated issue, given his weapon of choice is a hammer. As his character tries to rescue a girl from an alleged sex trafficking ring, he realizes the situation is much more intense than he realized. You will not be able to look away as this movie’s plot twists and turns.
Joaquin Phoenix
Gripping Horror in The Witch
In Robert Eggers’ directorial debut, The Witch follows the tale of a family living in a Puritan community in the 1630s. Back when witch hunts were common, and rumors spread like wildfire, the movie follows the story of the family when their young son mysteriously disappears, and they become tempted by evil spirits in the nearby forest.
So why is this film a must-see? The historical accuracy in the movie was studied down to the very last detail. This important feature, combined with the movie’s constant sense of doom, will leave viewers nervous and their eyes unable to be peeled from the screen. If you are feeling brave, try watching The Witch.
Gripping Horror In The Witch
Manchester By the Sea: A Beautiful Tale
Manchester By the Sea takes you on an emotional journey through heartache, connection, and love. Loner Lee Chandler is played by Casey Affleck flawlessly. His character must come to grips with his brother’s death and his surprise at his brother’s request for him to be his son’s guardian.
This emotional story is a tale of a family dealing with grief and heartache and trying to navigate those incredibly murky waters together. It is no wonder this film earned Casey Affleck a Best Actor Oscar. His portrayal of vulnerability, grief, and perseverance is both inspiring and human.
Manchester By The Sea
The Power of CGI in Mad Max
The power of this movie lies in its CGI and special effects, more so than the plot. As technology rapidly develops within cinema, we have seen our fair share of movies that feature CGI-enhanced scenes. These are sometimes too fake or unbelievable. Mad Max, however, takes CGI to the next level in the best possible way.
This film takes you on a visual journey in a post-apocalyptic world. Interesting characters, incredible car chasing scenes, and stunning cinematography brings to life this dark world, which is full of brutality and efforts to survive. Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron help bring the movie’s acting to the next level.
The Power Of CGI In Mad Max
Mulholland Drive
Mulholland Drive is an example of surrealism at its very best. The entire movie is full of twists and turns, and you are never quite sure what is a dream and what is reality. Thanks to this, audiences are suspended into a different state of mind as the movie’s surrealism takes over and makes them forget what is up and what is down.
This movie is full of classic scenes that are referred to over and over again in pop culture. This film has even been hailed as the best of the 21st century by the BBC. With such high praise, what are you waiting for?
Mulholland Drive
Her: Joaquin Phoenix Strikes Again
Making another appearance on this list, Joaquin Phoenix stars in Her. This movie seeks to answer all our questions about the future, artificial intelligence, and what love will look like. As Phoenix’s character, Theodore Twombly, begins to fall in love with his A.I. assistant, the movie takes a different turn.
The artificial intelligence “woman” is played by Scarlet Johansson. Though we never see her, her calming voice is a strong force throughout the movie as their relationship progresses. This movie forces us to look at our world filled with social media, and Alexa, this movie forces us to take a harsh look at our future.
Joaquin Phoenix Strikes Again
The New Western: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Westerns have captivated American audiences for years. Tales of cowboys, gunfights, and exploration are often inspiring and deeply rooted in American culture and myth. What is so great about The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is that it takes the western genre and turns it on its head.
Instead of focusing on the violence, this film takes an in-depth look at its characters and their motivations. This adds a layer depth and meaning to the already beloved genre. Of course, with performances from the likes of Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck, this film is not to be missed
The New Western
A Trilogy is Complete: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is a fantasy favorite among book lovers everywhere. The world he created and the journey of the characters as they go through their journeys, battles, and quests, was eventually translated into cinematic form.
The last in the trilogy, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, may just be the best yet. Breathtaking cinematography and a gorgeous musical score bring the performances of top actors to life. In fact, this movie is so good it won 11 Oscars.
The Lord Of The Rings
The Thing: Your Worst Nightmare Come True
What is your worst nightmare? How does being stuck as a researcher in Antarctica as you discover an organism that can transform into any living thing? Pretty bad, huh? How about if that “thing” can transform into your fellow researchers, leaving everyone paranoid, alone, and untrusting.
That is exactly the plot of The Thing. The suspense carries on throughout the movie and has earned it the title of one of the best horror movies of all time. For those who love unexpected plot twists and science fiction, you certainly need to put this film at the top of your list.
The Thing
Everyone’s Favorite: Pulp Fiction
In the early 20th century, crime novels rose in popularity. These novels often featured a complicated and despondent main character who was trying to find justice in an unjust world. Taking a cue from these novels, Quentin Tarantino wrote and directed a film starring Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Travolta.
As with Tarantino’s movies, it is the storyline and its twists that make this film so magical. The story is told in a non-linear manner, which means you only fully understand what is going on toward the end of the movie. Watch this movie; you are in for a wild ride!
Pulp Fiction
A Space Odyssey Investigates Our Future
The last frontier for humankind to discover is outer space. We love to dream and imagine what is out there, especially since we are so far away from knowing. Legendary director Stanley Kubrick takes us on a fantastical journey in one man’s experience in outer space.
Kubrick uses this film to dig deeper into the themes of evolution, artificial intelligence, travel, and loneliness. In order to create a feeling of the incredible emptiness of space, the film is often quiet. Little dialogue or music is used. Rather, this silence conveys must of the movie’s powerful messages.
A Space Odyssey Investigates Our
Cult Classic: The Big Lebowski
Do you love witty dialogue and the Coen brothers? Well, here is a film for you. The story of a character referred to simply as “The Dude” is played expertly by Jeff Bridges. The movie creates a world of its own as the plotline mimics the messy and non-linear structure of the main character himself.
The hilarious and entertaining storyline is peppered with fast-talking and witty humor. Once you watch this movie, you will likely recognize many of its one-liners as they are often repeated amongst fans of the show. Find out the appeal of The Dude, and watch this asap!
The Big Lebowski
Reality and Fantasy in Pan’s Labyrinth
A young girl is wrapped up in a legend about the lost soul of a princess from another world. This lost princess, legend has it, would one day be reborn and would be summoned to return to the other world. She would have access to secrets about her destiny, an epic journey would ensure. This is the story of Pan’s Labyrinth.
This film weaves in and out between fantasy and reality in expert fashion. Taking place during a grim post Civil War Spain, this movie calls upon its main character, Ofelia, to listen to the fantastical signs around her and to find her destiny. The ensuing plot of both magical and twisted.
Reality And Fantasy In Pan’s Labyrinth
Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2: Marvel’s Best
With Marvel producing so many movies these days, it is hard to get lost within the mix. Unless that movie is Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2, which clearly stands out above the rest. It is not often that the second in a line of movies is the best, but it seems that with Guardians, it only gets better with time.
Our heroes must fight to overcome their traumatic pasts that they are trying to escape. By facing their abusers and their painful memories, they are forced to grow in new ways. For an action-packed, yet thoughtful movie, you won’t want to miss this one.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol
Hot Fuzz: Horror, Action, and Comedy
Sometimes great films focus on one genre, like action or drama. However, truly amazing movies are able to combine several genres seamlessly to make an even bigger and better impact. Hot Fuzz does just that. Weaving flawlessly between action, comedy, and horror, this movie has something in it for everyone.
Pay careful attention to how carefully the screenplay is executed and written. Each joke is thoughtfully set up and carried out, making this a more complex movie than meets the eye. Add in twists and turns in the plot, and you’ll be fully entertained by this amazing movie.
Hot Fuzz
Spider-Man 2: The Best Superhero Movie
From Batman to the Avengers, it is hard to escape the superhero genre today in cinemas. Sure, many of the films are well made, but many have turned into money-machines as studios produce poor quality movies just to capitalize on the superhero trend. There is one exception, however, and that is Spider-Man 2.
Toby McGuire brings incredible acting to this film, which helps to elevate it above the rest. His portrayal of Spider-Man is vulnerable, tough, and human. True Spider-Man lovers will be impressed with how well this film tells the Spider-Man story.
Spider Man 2
Incredible Acting in Evil Dead II
Bruce Campbell stars in the incredibly crude, yet good, Evil Dead II. Despite being covered in blood throughout the majority of the film, he gives an incredible performance. In fact, many have likened his acting in Evil Dead II to superstar actors like Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin.
Many critics believe this movie is too gory to be considered one of the great. But what about those who happen to love this particular genre? The movie expertly keeps its audience both laughing and screaming, which is no easy task! Definitely check out this masterpiece if you are into trying something different.
Incredible Acting In Evil Dead II
A Masterpiece: Titanic
Titanic made a major splash when it first hit theatres back in 1997. Titanic received 14 Academy Award nominations that year and won 11 Oscars. The film even tied with Ben-Hur as one of the best performing films of all time. In fact, Titanic was the first film to pass the billion-dollar mark.
So what is all the fuss about? Titanic takes the story we all know from the history books and brings it to life in a touching, romantic, and human manner. We all know what is going to happen to the great ship, and the film builds up the anticipation throughout the film. Superstar performances from Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet ensure this is a movie you must watch.
Titanic
A Classic to End All Classics: West Side Story
West Side Story made its debut way back in 1961 and has kept its place in popular culture ever since. The incredible dancing, singing, and plot are hard to forget and have become legends themselves. West Side Story truly sets the standard for what a film masterpiece is.
Based on the well-known story of Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story follows two star-crossed lovers that hail from different cultures. Despite their families not wanting them to be together, the couple falls in love. What ensues is an emotional rollercoaster complete with violence, romance, and of course, a lot of dancing.
West Side Story
The English Patient: Excellent War Drama
The English Patient takes one of the twenty-first century’s most difficult subjects, World War II, and examines the pain, death, and hardship associated with it. War is an immensely complicated subject to tackle, but this film does it expertly.
The English Patient earned twelve Academy Award nominations and won nine of them. It also received other praise, accolades, and two Golden Globes. Serving as a voice of those who survived the war, this film does a beautiful job of opening people’s eyes to the horror that war brings with it.
The English Patient
A Must Watch: Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire was released in 2008, and with it, many Americans got their first look into the infamous slums in India. Taking place in Mumbai’s slums, this is the tale of two brothers trying to survive and find their way in the world.
This film was so successful that is made around $377 million, and won several Academy Awards. Part of the success is thanks to the screenwriter- who immersed himself in India’s slums in order to more accurately portray the reality there. Definitely add this movie to the top of your list.
Slumdog Millionaire
The Best: Schindler’s List
Granted, this is not an easy film to watch. Schindler’s List follows the true story of Oskar Schindler, who worked hard to save the lives of many Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. In order to help them, he hires them to work in his factory. Due to the brutality of the Nazi regime, he is not able to save them all- and many deep and dark, philosophical questions arise.
Steven Spielberg directed Schindler’s List and brought it to life in a masterful manner. The movie is paired with the music of Itzhak Perlman, and every detail in between is nearly perfect. This movie masterfully shows the heartache and pain of what happened in Poland during World War II. A must watch for everyone.
Schindler’s List
The Classic: Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks has wowed audiences throughout his career, but Forrest Gump is a film that seems to rise above all the rest. The film focuses on his character, Forrest, as he tries to do the world some good by bringing out the humanity within it.
The movie won Oscars for Best Actor and Best Picture. It’s depth, humor, and honesty has kept audiences entertained for decades. This movie is one of the rare few that truly sets the standard for other films that come after it.
Forrest Gump
The Godfather II: As Good as the First
Is there another movie out there as iconic as The Godfather? Yes, and it’s the Godfather II! The original Godfather captivated audiences in such an intense manner that a sequel was inevitable. Thanks to its incredible accuracy and excellent storyline, and superstar performances from Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro.
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this movie was meant for great things. Or so it seems. In reality, after reading the script for the sequel, Al Pacino was deeply dissatisfied. He reached out to Coppola, who then rewrote the script within an incredible 24 hours. From there, the rest is history.
The Godfather Part II
Get Out: A Nightmare Come True
Get Out tackles the difficult theme of racism and its place in American culture. The film focuses on Chris, who is played by Daniel Kaluuya. Chris is a black man dating a white woman who eventually goes to visit his girlfriend’s family. What ensues from there is unimaginable.
Racism is strong from the start as Chris meets his girlfriend’s family. But it quickly spirals out of control into something more- a unique horror all its own. This movie takes a sharp look at the horrors that can easily be found within American society. This is a great masterpiece, not to be missed!
Get Out
Creed: Yes, the Seventh Movie Can Be Great
Many people were deeply skeptical about the Rocky series continuing with another movie. The series, many believed, had already gone everywhere it could and needed to die. That is until the 2015 movie Creed took on the new challenge. Many even deem the best of the seven-part Rocky series.
Superstar Michael B. Jordan plays the role of Adonis Creed. Adonis gets help from Rock Balboa to prove himself with the boxing world. What makes this film truly great? We still have the Rocky we know and love, but we are able to examine him and understand him more fully in a totally new light. For any Rocky lovers out there, you are going to want to see this.
Creed
Zombie Gore: Shaun of the Dead
When most movie-lovers think of zombie movies, their eyes glaze over, and they move on. In fact, end-of-the-world zombie films have earned a bad reputation as low-budget and unrealistic. That’s what makes Shaun of the Dead so great. It takes the genre of zombie gore and makes it interesting and human.
Through the combination of drama and comedy, the movie follows a man called Shuan, who needs to come to terms with life and mature quickly as a zombie apocalypse hits the earth. If you are willing to give this genre another shot, you will not be disappointed with Shaun of the Dead.
Shaun Of The Dead
Cult Classic: Fight Club
Would you believe that in 1999, FIght Club debuted to mixed reviews? Hard to believe due to this film’s cult classic status these days. Based on a novel with the same name, Brad Pitt and Edward Norton teamed up to bring this film to life.
Following the creation of an underground fight club, this movie is full of twists and turns that keeps the audience on its feet. In fact, you will find yourself surprised by one of the biggest plot twists. Of course, we won’t tell you when that happens; you just need to watch it for yourself!
Fight Club
Superheroes Gone Animation: The Incredibles
Another superhero movie graces this list, but this one has a little something different about it. The Incredibles is a cartoon movie that debuted in 2004. The film focuses on a family who tries, and often fails, to keep their superhero identity under wraps.
The movie is a departure from the usual Disney princesses and princes. This movie focuses on incredible computer animation and a sweet, yet action-packed plot. This movie is not just for kids, either. With deeper themes and hilarious dialogue aimed at adults, you will want to add The Incredibles to your list.
The Incredibles
In Need of Inspiration? Try Whiplash
You do not need to be a music lover to fall in love with Whiplash. Miles Teller plays the character of Andrew Neiman, a jazz drumming student, who is pushed, and at times abused, by his teacher Terence Fletcher (who is played by J.K. Simmons).
This movie is about pushing the limits of dedication and what people are willing to do to follow a dream. The music carries throughout the film, transporting viewers into the world of jazz. You will be cheering for the main character throughout the twists and turns. This movie will undoubtedly leave you feeling totally inspired.
Whiplash
Vertigo: Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece
What would a best-movie list be without the incredible Alfred Hitchcock? Few people could inspire terror and horror into the film quite like the talented Hitchcock. Vertigo is no exception. This film is in black and white and was released in 1958, but it definitely stands up to the test of time.
Following the story of a retired police officer who is afraid of heights, this film plays with camera angles to give the illusion of vertigo. Though this may be easy to do today, Hitchcock was a pioneer in experimenting with new ways of filming.
Vertigo
The Shawshank Redemption: A True Masterpiece
The Shawshank Redemption is originally based on a story by the well-known writer, Stephen King. Frank Darabont wrote and directed the film, which won many awards and accolades. Surprisingly, however, the film did not do so well at the box office.
Despite its performance in theatres, you need to add this touching and beautifully filmed movie to your list, asap. Morgan Freeman shines brilliantly in this film while giving the performance of a lifetime. The ending of this film will stick with you years after you finish watching it.
The Shawshank Redemption
The Best of All Time: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest has earned the title of one of the best films in history. In fact, it enjoys the rank of number 33 on the American Film Institute’s list of the ‘100 Years… 100 Movies’ list.
Jack Nicholson gives the performance of his career as a patient in a mental institute. The film takes a harsh look at the world of mental illness, institutions, and how we may misunderstand people along the way. With some superstar performances, this movie will remain at the top of your list for years to come.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest