“Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “Paddington 2,” and “Gladiator” are all great weekend movie options. A24, StudioCanal, DreamWorks Pictures In the past century, Hollywood has given us unforgettable stories and characters. Here are 111 movies everyone should watch in their lifetimes.
They’re a mix of movies to see when you’re growing up, recent hits, unforgettable classics, and pop culture touchstones everyone should know. 1. “The Godfather” (1972)”The Godfather.
“Paramount Pictures”The Godfather” (and its sequel) is just one of those perfect movies. The story, casting, and direction all work together to create onscreen magic. You can read more about the movie here.
2. “Do the Right Thing” (1989)”Do the Right Thing. “Universal PicturesWith its carefully built complex narrative, Spike Lee’s is a visceral movie about race in America that lends itself to new interpretations every time you watch it.
You can read more about the movie here. 3. “Citizen Kane” (1941)”Citizen Kane.
“RKO Pictures”Citizen Kane” isn’t just essential viewing because critics often agree it’s the best movie of all time. It’s a timeless story of greed and power. You can read more about the movie here.
4. “Before Sunrise” (1995)”Before Sunrise. “Columbia PicturesRichard Linklater’s “Before Sunrise” — and its sequels, each made nine years apart — are the most romantic movies ever made.
You can read more about the movie here. 5. “Boyhood” (2014)”Boyhood.
“Sundance Institute”Boyhood,” another Linklater film, was filmed over a period of 11 years to capture the life of a character growing up. You can read more about the movie here. 6.
“8½” (1963)”8½. “The Criterion CollectionFredrico Fellini’s “8½,” a classic of arthouse cinema, is a comedy about the messy romantic and professional life of a filmmaker trying to get a movie off the ground. You can read more about the movie here.
7. “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968)”2001: A Space Odyssey. “2001Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” came out in 1968, but its special effects — and its message — are just as brilliant today as they were back then.
You can read more about the movie here. 8. “The Rules of the Game” (1939)”The Rules of the Game.
“The Criterion CollectionFew movies take as sharp a knife to the pettiness of class distinctions as “The Rules of the Game,” Jean Renoir’s hilarious yet moving satire. You can read more about the movie here. 9.
“Toy Story” (1995)”Toy Story. “Disney PixarOf all the Pixar films, “Toy Story” is still the most essential. It’s a moving tale that changed animation forever.
While you’re at it, watch its sequels as well. You can read more about the movie here. 10.
“Psycho” (1960)”Psycho. “Paramount PicturesAlfred Hitchcock was the master of suspense, and “Psycho” is one of his best works. You can read more about the movie here.
11. “Seven Samurai” (1954)”Seven Samurai. “Toho via YouTubeIt’s a toss up between “Seven Samurai,” “Rashomon,” and “Ran” over which is legendary director Akira Kurosawa’s best movie, but there’s no doubt over which is the most influential.
“Seven Samurai” — about a villager who convinces seven samurai to defend his town from bandits — has been the template for everything from “The Magnificent Seven” to “Star Wars: Rogue One. “You can read more about the movie here. 12.
“The Muppet Movie” (1979)”The Muppet Movie”ITC EntertainmentEvery kid should watch “The Muppet Movie,” which helped bring the charms of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang to the world. You can read more about the movie here. 13.
“Bicycle Thieves” (1948)”Bicycle Thieves. “Bicycle Thieves (1948)”Bicycle Thieves” unfolds like a fable, with emotional clarity and a powerful social justice message in a simple story about a father, a son, and a bike. You can read more about the movie here.
14. “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)”Singin’ in the Rain. “MGM”Singin’ in the Rain” is more than a sprightly musical comedy — it doubles as a history lesson for how movies evolved from silent to sound.
You can read more about the movie here. 15. “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)”Beauty and the Beast.
“Disney1991’s adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” is one of Disney Animation’s crown jewels. It was the first animated movie to receive a best picture nomination at the Oscars. You can read more about the movie here.
16. “E. T.
the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)”E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
“Universal PicturesFor kids, “E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is a sweet story as well as a valuable lesson about being skeptical of authority.
You can read more about the movie here. 17. “Jaws” (1975)”Jaws.
“Universal PicturesEvery kid remembers the first movie that terrorizes them. To make it a good one, watch Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” or “Jaws. “You can read more about the movie here.
18. “Groundhog Day” (1993)Bill Murray’s movie feels much more relatable now. Columbia Pictures”Groundhog Day” is a classic not just because it’s horrifyingly good at capturing the repetitive nature of adult life, but because it knows how to shake you out of accepting it.
You can read more about the movie here. 19. “Goodfellas” (1990)”Goodfellas.
“Warner Bros. Of all of Martin Scorsese’s films, “Goodfellas” is his most masterful. It shows what can go wrong in the life of a promising young person, and how it can go spiraling down — all while being hilarious.
You can read more about the movie here. 20. “The Shining” (1980)Here’s Johnny!Warner Bros.
“Red Rum. Red Rum. ” Before today’s horror thrillers, there was nothing scarier than the adaptation of Stephen King’s 1977 novel about a couple staying at a hotel as the husband grows more and more delusional and violent while trying to write a book of his own.
It’s one of Jack Nicholson’s best and most terrifying performances. You can read more about the movie here. 21.
“Moonlight” (2016)”Moonlight. “A24Barry Jenkins’s “Moonlight” may be new but — in its portrayal of neglected lives and their pitiable turns — it’s already essential. You can read more about the movie here.
22. “Some Like it Hot” (1959)”Some Like it Hot. “United ArtistsBilly Wilder has made about a dozen classics.
“Some Like it Hot” stands out as having not only one of Marilyn Monroe’s finest roles, but a surprisingly progressive commentary on gender politics. You can read more about the movie here. 23.
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)”Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. “Focus Features”Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” combines the best elements of a mind-bending psychological thriller and an epic, unforgettable romance. You can read more about the movie here.
24. “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)”The Shawshank Redemption. “Columbia Pictures”The Shawshank Redemption” was somewhat overlooked upon its release in 1994, but it’s since cemented itself as a universal favorite — and it’s guaranteed to make you cry.
You can read more about the movie here. 25. “Die Hard” (1988)Bruce Willis in “Die Hard.
“20th Century FoxJohn McClane (Bruce Willis) is just an off-duty cop trying to save a bunch of hostages from a terrorist named Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) at a Christmas party. Once you view it, you too will be able to weigh in on one of the hottest debates in pop culture: Whether or not “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie. You can read more about the movie here.
26. “Blazing Saddles” (1974)”Blazing Saddles. “Warner Bros.
“Blazing Saddles” is Mel Brooks’ boldest work, a searing satire of racism in America and the western genre starring Gene Wilder. You can read more about the movie here. 27.
“The Lion King” (1994)”The Lion King. “DisneyAdapting “Hamlet” as a musical would be hard, but “The Lion King” succeeds wonderfully by turning all the characters into animals. You can read more about the movie here.
28. “Mulholland Drive” (2001)”Mulholland Drive. “Universal PicturesThere are no other movies like “Mulholland Drive,” which has a dreamlike aesthetic, cryptic narrative, and dark humor that pushes the possibilities of cinema itself.
You can read more about the movie here. 29. “The Dark Knight” (2008)Heath Ledger’s the Joker in “The Dark Knight.
“Warner Bros. Christopher Nolan’s second Batman film elevated the genre to new, darker heights and made it worth taking seriously. Heath Ledger gave the performance of a lifetime as the iconic Joker villain, earning an Oscar posthumously.
You can read more about the movie here. 30. “Pulp Fiction” (1994)John Travolta and Samuel L.
Jackson in “Pulp Fiction. “MiramaxQuentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” helped change the way audiences thought about cinema, putting dozens of references and genres into a blender and turning it into something effortlessly cool. You can read more about the movie here.
31. “Apocalypse Now” (1979)Martin Sheen in “Apocalypse Now. “Youtube/Encom7Francis Coppola’s iconic movie is a haunting depiction of what war can do to a man.
The film is a difficult one to watch — and an even more difficult one to make — with career performances from Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen, and Marlon Brando. You can read more about the movie here. 32.
“Gladiator” (2000)Russell Crowe in “Gladiator. “DreamWorks PicturesIt’s heartbreaking to watch Maximus’ (Russell Crowe) journey throughout the film from slave to gladiator as he seeks to gain vengeance against a power-hungry ruler (Joaquin Phoenix) who killed his family and ruined his chances at ruling Rome. Hans Zimmer’s score is a must-listen as well.
You can read more about the movie here. 33. “Tokyo Story” (1953)”Tokyo Story.
“The Criterion CollectionYasujiro Ozu’s masterpiece “Tokyo Story” follows an aging couple and their generational conflict with their children. It’s unforgettable. You can read more about the movie here.
34. “12 Years a Slave” (2013)Chiwetel Ejiofor in “12 Years a Slave. “Fox SearchlightNo other film recreates the horrors of slavery with as much visceral pain and empathy as Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave.
“You can read more about the movie here. 35. “Titanic” (1997)Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in “Titanic.
“20th Century FoxYou can’t go your entire life without seeing one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. The story of two ill-fated lovers meeting on a doomed ship set to sink is a classic romance spoiled by the buoyancy of a floating door. You can read more about the movie here.
36. “Within Our Gates” (1920)”Within Our Gates. “Public DomainSkip “The Birth of a Nation.
” “Within Our Gates” — the 1920 drama about the lynching of a black man and the challenges of mixed racial heritage by the prolific black director Oscar Micheaux — is another historically significant landmark film. You can read more about the movie here. 37.
“The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” (1966)”The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. “”The Good, the Bad and The Ugly”/Produzioni Europee AssociatiThe best American westerns were made by Italians. Sergio Leone’s “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” helped turn Clint Eastwood into a star and turned its camera to the epic landscape of the west in the middle of the Civil War.
You can read more about the movie here. 38. “Fargo” (1996)”Fargo.
“Gramercy PicturesThe Coen Brothers’ precisely crafted style, fish-out-of-water characters, and dark sense of humor have made almost all of their movies masterpieces. “Fargo” might be the most beloved. You can read more about the movie here.
39. “Forrest Gump” (1994)Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump. “Paramount PicturesRobert Zemeckis’ endearing story of a young man (Tom Hanks) with a low IQ, but a big heart.
If you don’t know the line about life being like a box of chocolates, you should watch this stat. You can read more about the movie here. 40.
“The Piano” (1993)”The Piano. “MiramaxJane Campion’s “The Piano” is as exhilarating a drama about love and sex as has ever been made. You can read more about the movie here.
41. “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope” (1977)Luke Skywalker looks off into the distance. LucasfilmUnless you plan to be a pop culture luddite for the rest of your life, you need to watch the original “Star Wars.
“You can read more about the movie here. 42. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)”Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
“RKO Radio PicturesEvery animated movie owes a debt to 1937’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the first full-length one ever and the beginning of Walt Disney’s princess movies. You can read more about the movie here. 43.
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)Jack Nicholson in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. “United ArtistsMiloš Forman’s adaptation of the 1962 novel starring Jack Nicholson won all five major Academy Awards for best picture, lead actors, director, and screenplay. You can read more about the movie here.
44. “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)”The Wizard of Oz. “MGM via YouTubeVictor Fleming managed to direct two of the most important movies of all time that were released in 1939.
But between “The Wizard of Oz” and “Gone with the Wind,” most people will agree that it’s “Oz” which has aged better. You can read more about the movie here. 45.
“Close-Up” (1990)”Close-Up. “The Criterion Collection”Close-Up,” the knotty docu-fiction drama about a man who impersonates a filmmaker, asks hard questions about identity and whether images are ever trustworthy in the first place. You can read more about the movie here.
46. “Casablanca” (1942)”Casablanca. “Casablanca/IMDB”Casablanca” — with its star turns from Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman — is emblematic of the best of classical Hollywood cinema.
You can read more about the movie here. 47. “Children of Men” (2006)”Children of Men.
“Universal Pictures”Children of Men” didn’t make much of an impact upon its release in 2006. But in the past ten years, it’s gained a reputation as a profoundly thoughtful science-fiction movie and one of the most brilliantly crafted films of the century. You can read more about the movie here.
48. “Selma” (2014)”Selma. “Paramount PicturesIt took decades to get Martin Luther King Jr.
‘s story on the big screen, and Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” retells it with a riveting star performance by David Oyelowo. You can read more about the movie here. 49.
“The Terminator” (1984)Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a murderous robot in the first “Terminator. “Orion PicturesThere have been many movies in the “Terminator” franchise. If you’re going to watch one, make it the original which scared everyone into what could happen if robots in the future were ever able to go bad.
Plus, it gave us iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger lines like “Hasta la vista, baby” and “I’ll be back. ” You can read more about the movie here. 50.
“Meshes of the Afternoon” (1946)”Meshes of the Afternoon. “Mystic Fire VideoMaya Deren and Alexander Hammid’s “Meshes of the Afternoon” is a landmark of experimental film, putting its characters and viewers in a dreamlike trance. You can read more about the movie here.
51. “Lost in Translation” (2004)Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray in “Lost in Translation. “Focus Features”Lost in Translation” remains one of the best movies ever made about feeling lonely in your surroundings, as well as the indescribable feeling of alienation between different people.
You can read more about the movie here. 52. “Things to Come” (2016)”Things to Come.
“Les Films du Losange”Things to Come,” about the life of a French philosopher going through a period of societal change, further establishes Isabelle Huppert as one of the all-time greatest actresses. You can read more about the movie here. 53.
“Schindler’s List” (1993)Liam Neeson in “Schindler’s List. “Universal via MovieClipsSteven Spielberg’s story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saved the lives of hundreds of Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust is both powerful and heartbreaking. It won seven Oscars including best picture.
You can read more about the movie here. 54. “Grease” (1978)”Grease.
“Paramount PicturesIf you’ve never seen Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta’s sing and dance through a high school graduation fair, you’re missing out. You’ll be singing along to “You’re the One That I Want” long after the movie is over. Pro tip: Skip the sequel.
You can read more about the movie here. 55. “Dead Poets Society” (1989)”Dead Poets Society.
“Touchstone PicturesRobin Williams’ English teacher John Keating will leave you wanting to seize the day and live your life to the fullest. Carpe diem, indeed. You can read more about the movie here.
56. “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (2002)”Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. “Warner Bros.
It’s tough to pick just one “Lord of the Rings” movie to watch. You should really invest in the entire trilogy about the young hobbit embarking on a perilous journey to destroy an all-powerful ring. If you only have time to watch one, go with the second movie that won two Oscars and is the best-reviewed of the trilogy.
You can read more about the movie here. 57. “Home Alone” (1990)”Home Alone.
“Movieclips/YouTubeKevin McCallister (McCauley Culkin) lived out every kid’s dream of getting the house to himself after his family forgot him on the way to the airport for Christmas vacation. His ensuing adventure of sabotaging two wannabe burglars in the neighborhood with pranks like hot tar and feathers is a holiday staple. You can read more about the movie here.
58. “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West” (1991)”Fievel Goes West. “UniversalSp you’ve watched the Disney classics? Why not switch things up with the story of a different mouse leaving NYC for the west with his family.
Still not convinced? It was produced by Steven Spielberg and has a beautiful rendition of the song “Dreams to Dream” by Cathy Cavadini. You can read more about the movie here. 59.
“Selena” (1997)”Selena. “Warner Bros. Before she was J.
Lo, Jennifer Lopez’s break-out role was as the up-and-coming Mexican singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez who was murdered at the age of 23 by the president of her fan club. You can read more about the movie here. 60.
“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988)It also introduced us to Jessica Rabbit. Buena Vista PicturesThere aren’t too many movies which combine live-action and animation seamlessly like the 1988 murder-mystery. It’s probably the only movie where you’ll see Disney characters like Mickey and Donald Duck alongside Warner Bros.
‘ beloved Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig. You can read more about the movie here. 61.
“Coco” (2017)”Coco. “Disney/PixarAfter a few less-than-stellar releases, Pixar nails it with a heartwarming story about the importance of family during the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). The story follows a young boy, Miguel, who wants to be a musician even though it goes against his family’s wishes.
He winds up in search of his great-great-grandfather who he believes to be a famous guitar player in a stunningly vibrant-colored Land of the Dead. If you thought the first 15 minutes of “Up” made you cry, you’re going to want a box of tissues for this one. You can read our review here.
62. “The Matrix” (1999)”The Matrix. “The MatrixIf you don’t know about Neo and the search for “The One,” you have to watch the Wachowski’s sci-fi adventure starring Keanu Reeves for its visuals alone.
The film received four Oscars. You can read more about the movie here. 63.
“John Wick” (2014)Don’t mess with a man and his dog. LionsgateNot done with your Keanu Reeves fix? Us neither. The unexpected Lionsgate hit is a nonstop 101-minute rush of adrenaline of Reeves taking names as he seeks revenge on the men who killed his puppy.
You read that right. You can read more about the movie here. 64.
“Gremlins” (1984)”Gremlins. “Warner Bros. The horror/comedy with the little terrorizing creatures made you never want to feed your pets after midnight.
It also made us fall in love with the adorable mogwai, Gizmo. You can read more about the movie here. 65.
“M” (1931)”M. “Paramount PicturesFritz Lang’s thriller is about the manhunt of a serial killer who murders children. Other people hate him so much that even criminals try to catch him, teaming up with police to do so.
You can read more about the movie here. 66. “Heathers” (1988)”Heathers.
“”Heathers”/New World PicturesBefore Rachel McAdams was leading a high school clique in “Mean Girls,” Winona Ryder was running with a group of popular girls all named Heather. The major difference is Ryder’s character Veronica teams up with a badboy, J. D.
(Christian Slater), to take down the group and she eventually gets in over her head. You can read more about the movie here. 67.
“Sweet Home Alabama” (2002)”Sweet Home Alabama. “Touchstone PicturesIf you’re looking for another good rom-com, look no further. Melanie Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon) is set to marry Andrew (Patrick Dempsey), the son of the New York City mayor.
There’s just one catch — she has to get a divorce from her high school sweetheart in Alabama finalized first. It’s a bit easier said than done when she starts falling for him again. You can read more about the movie here.
68. “Train to Busan” (2016)”Train to Busan. “Next Entertainment WorldYou wouldn’t think that a movie about zombies on a train could be equally funny and heartbreaking, but the South Korean apocalypse thriller is just that.
For the squeamish, this movie isn’t scary. Think the setting of “Snowpiercer” with the fast-moving zombies from “World War Z. “You can read more about the movie here.
69. “The Seventh Seal” (1957)Criterion Collection”The Seventh Seal. “You’ve probably seem the image parodied somewhere: Max von Sydow, playing a knight, challenges Death himself to a chess match on the beach.
The entirety of Ingmar Bergman’s “The Seventh Seal” is loaded with allegorical, beautifully composed images like these that will haunt you with questions about death and life. You can read more about the movie here. 70.
“13 Going on 30” (2004)”13 Going on 30. “Sony Pictures Home EntertainmentThe Jennifer Garner movie about going from a teen to an adult overnight is essentially Tom Hanks’ “Big” for young women. You can read more about the movie here.
71. “The Parent Trap” (1961)”The Parent Trap. “DisneyWe’re not talking about the Lindsay Lohan one.
If you’re going to watch one movie about separated identical twins trying to get their divorced parents back together, make it the original Disney movie that was nominated for two Oscars. You can read more about the movie here. 72.
“Fast Five” (2011)Vin Diesel and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson getting mad at each other in the fictional movie “Fast Five. “Universal StudiosIf you’re going to watch any of the “Fast and Furious” movies, we recommend watching the fifth installment which course-corrected the franchise. It united Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, and more cast members from previous movies for a giant “Ocean’s 11”-like heist.
And let’s not forget a massive brawl between Diesel and the Rock. You can read our ranking of the “Fast and Furious” movies here. 73.
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)”Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. “”Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory”/Paramount PicturesGene Wilder made every child want to win a golden ticket to visit a magical candy factory and ride down a chocolate river. You can read more about the movie here.
74. “I Am Sam” (2001)”I Am Sam. “New Line CinemaSean Penn’s performance as a father with a developmental disability fighting for custody of his daughter, who’s played by a young Dakota Fanning, is both heartbreaking and warming.
You can read more about the movie here. 75. “Catch Me If You Can” (2002)”Catch Me If You Can.
“Dreamworks via YouTubeLeonardo DiCaprio’s chemistry with Tom Hanks as a youngster con man trying to evade the law is electric. It’s one of those movies you can always watch when it’s on TV. You can read more about the movie here.
76. “My Girl” (1991)”My Girl. “Columbia PicturesThe first time you watch this movie, you think you’re in for a sweet movie about two young friends who are falling in love.
One of them is played by McCauley Culkin. Then the rug is ripped up from under you. Have some tissues on standby.
You can read more about the movie here, but don’t spoil the surprise. 77. “The Notebook” (2004)”The Notebook.
“New Line Cinema”If I’m a bird, you’re a bird. “If you haven’t seen Nicholas Sparks’ greatest love story starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling as soul mates then set this one aside for date night. You can read more about the movie here.
78. “The Little Rascals” (1994)”The Little Rascals. “UniversalIt’s adorable watching the “He-Man-Woman-Hating” friends try to sabotage Alfalfa as he attempts to court his crush Darla.
You can read more about the movie here. 79. “Lady Bird” (2017)Saoirse Ronan and Lucas Hedges in “Lady Bird.
“A24Movies about growing up are always difficult, but with “Lady Bird,” director Greta Gerwig nailed it. Saoirse Ronan plays an unforgettable woman trying to find her place in the world, and it’s now the best-reviewed movie in the history of Rotten Tomatoes. You can read more about the movie here.
80. “The Night of the Hunter” (1955)Robert Mitchum in “The Night of the Hunter. “United Artists “The Night of the Hunter” is one of those unique works of art that doesn’t resemble anything else out there.
The lone directorial effort from the legendary actor Charles Laughton and written by James Agee is about a couple of children who flee a corrupt minister when he hatches a plot to marry their mother and steal their dad’s money. It’s scary, sure, but it’s shot more like an elegiac fairy tale. You can read more about the movie here.
81. “The Verdict” (1982)Paul Newman in “The Verdict. “20th Century FoxWith a remarkable performance by Paul Newman, “The Verdict” is one of Sidney Lumet’s finest and most overlooked films.
It doesn’t have the same actorly fireworks as “12 Angry Men” or “Dog Day Afternoon,” but it has someone everyone can root for. Newman plays an alcoholic lawyer trying to redeem his career by taking a medical malpractice case that fights against the entrenched health system. You’ll find scenes that inspired everything from “Michael Clayton” to “Spotlight.
“You can read more about the movie here. 82. “Blow Out” (1981)John Travolta in “Blow Out.
“Criterion CollectionA spin on the 1966 movie “Blow-Up,” where a photographer discovers he accidentally captured a murder scene in the background of his photos, “Blow Out” does that with sound. It’s about a movie sound effect technician, played by John Travolta in his prime, who discovers he found audio of a would-be political assassin while recording sounds in the park. It’s an inventive thriller and a thrill to watch — especially if you have good speakers.
You can read more about the movie here. 83. “Margaret” (2011)Anna Paquin in “Margaret.
“Fox Searchlight Pictures”Margaret” had a drawn-out legal battle surrounding its production that shamefully led to it getting a small release with almost no marketing six years after it was shot. It’s definitely worth seeking out. It’s about a young woman — beautifully played by Anna Paquin — who witnesses a bus accident and the consequences of it spiral through her life and to the people around her.
You’ll definitely cry. You can read more about the movie here. 84.
“Roger & Me” (1989)”Roger & Me. “Warner Bros. The first of Michael Moore’s scathing documentaries, “Roger & Me” is about Moore’s attempt to interview General Motors CEO Roger B.
Smith about the effect he had on Moore’s hometown of Flint, Michigan, after closing down several factories. Moore never gets the interview, but we learn a lot about America along the way. You can read more about the movie here.
85. “A Face in the Crowd” (1957)Andy Griffith in “A Face in the Crowd. “Warner BrosStarring Andy Griffith, “A Face in the Crowd” is about a small-town drifter who gets a radio show and, eventually, climbs the ladder to the top of the media world.
On the way, he develops a taste for ruthlessness, power, and deceit. It’s impossible not to see parallels in today’s world. You can read more about the movie here.
86. “Toni Erdmann” (2016)Sandra Hüller and Peter Simonischek in “Toni Erdmann. “Sony Pictures Classics”Toni Erdmann” sounds like a corny family comedy that even Adam Sandler would turn down, but it’s miraculously great.
It’s about a father with a knack for practical jokes who tries to reconnect with his young professional daughter by wearing a hideous wig, adopting an alter ego, and pretending to be a life coach for her CEO. You can read more about the movie here. 87.
“Get Out” (2017)Daniel Kaluuya in “Get Out. “Universal PicturesNo movie stormed America’s consciousness in 2017 like “Get Out. ” A perfectly crafted horror movie and provocative racial parable, it immediately cemented comedian Jordan Peele as a major director and launched a bevy of memes.
Welcome to the sunken place. You can read more about the movie here. 88.
“American Psycho” (2000)Christian Bale in “American Psycho. “Lionsgate via YouTubeNever has a bloody movie about a serial killer been so funny. Christian Bale plays Wall Street yuppie Patrick Bateman with the perfect amount of roboticism and vanity, and Mary Harron’s script and direction gives the movie countless lines that are delivered perfectly.
You can read more about the movie here. 89. “Punch-Drunk Love”(2002)Adam Sandler and Luis Guzmán in “Punch-Drunk Love.
“Columbia PicturesSome die-hard Paul Thomas Anderson fans might pick one of the director’s grander efforts, like “There Will Be Blood” or “Boogie Nights. “But “Punch-Drunk Love” — about a shy man trying to strike up a romance while he’s being “extorted by a phone-sex line run by a crooked mattress salesman, and purchasing stunning amounts of pudding,” in the words of IMDb — is one of the most incisive movies about introversion you’ll ever see. It’s also really funny and has one of Adam Sandler’s rare great performances.
You can read more about the movie here. 90. “Suspiria” (1977)”Suspiria.
“Produzioni Atlas ConsorziateA classic bloody horror film, “Suspiria” is a rollicking movie about a young woman who joins a prestigious ballet school only to discover that something much more sinister is going on. You can read more about the movie here. 91.
“Carol” (2015)Cate Blanchett in “Carol. “The Weinstein CompanyAbout an affair between a young salesgirl and an older woman, “Carol” is a lushly shot period piece set in 1950s New York with deeply intimate performances from Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett. You can read more about the movie here.
92. “No” (2012)Gael García Bernal in “No. “Sony Pictures ClassicsBased on a true story, Pablo Larraín’s “No” stars Gael García Bernal as an advertising manager in Chile.
He takes a job leading the advertisements for the “No” campaign in the country’s 1988 plebiscite, a referendum that effectively ended the country’s dictatorship. It’s a bizarre historical situation that feels like a dystopia, but Larraín makes it feel like you’re actually there. You can read more about the movie here.
93. “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962)Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird. “Universal International PicturesA close adaptation of Harper Lee’s seminal novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a clear-eyed movie about race and justice in Alabama, and how adults teach us about the moral values that make up our lives.
You can read more about the movie here. 94. “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)Anthony Hopkins in “Silence of the Lambs.
“Orion PicturesA cultural touchstone since its release, “Silence of the Lambs” is about an F. B. I.
agent who teams up with a a manipulative cannibal killer to understand and help catch a serial killer. You can read more about the movie here. 95.
“Grizzly Man” (2005)”Grizzly Man. “LionsgateWerner Herzog’s documentary tries to answer a seldom-asked but essential question: Why would someone try to befriend grizzly bears?The more the movie looks into the life and soul of Timothy Treadwell — a man who did just that, before he was eaten by a bear — the more fascinating and horrifying the answers become. You can read more about the movie here.
96. “Z” (1969)”Z. “Cinema VA thinly fictionalized drama based on the assassination of Greece’s politician Grigoris Lambrakis in 1963, “Z” is a political conspiracy thriller about the killing of a prominent political activist and the government cover-up that follows.
The movie, directed by Costa-Gavras, has a knotty plot, but it also has a dark sense of humor and delivers a satire of the military dictatorship of Greece that resonated through Europe at the time. You can read more about the movie here. 97.
“Clueless” (1995)Alicia Silverstone in “Clueless. “ParamountHigh school movies have a long tradition of updating classic British literature. “10 Things I Hate About You” updates Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” “She’s the Man” is a take on “Twelfth Night,” and “Clueless” — perhaps the most influential of them all — is an adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma.
” It’s about a wealthy high-schooler who tries to make a new student popular, but love gets in the way. You can read more about the movie here. 98.
“Rebel Without a Cause” (1955)James Dean in “Rebel Without a Cause. “Warner Bros. Aside from making James Dean the coolest person of the 1950s, “Rebel Without a Cause” struck a chord about the struggles and contradictions of suburbia in a time when they were exploding in growth.
Few movies have shown how sharply different generations can be. You can read more about the movie here. 99.
“The Tree of Life” (2011)Jessica Chastain in “The Tree of Life. “Fox Searchlight PicturesMore of a visual poem than a narrative film, “The Tree of Life” starts at the beginning of the universe and traverses over to a young boy growing up in 1950s Texas. Director Terrence Malick intersperses ideas about faith and one’s role in the world while grappling with the conflicting teachings of different parents.
But most importantly: It’s just beautiful to look at. You can read more about the movie here. 100: “Black Panther” (2018)Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, the hero of “Black Panther.
“Disney”Black Panther” represents the pinnacle of superhero movies. Its hero has an impossible moral quandary. The villain dominates each scene he’s in.
And the action scenes are just really freaking cool. But most importantly, “Black Panther” transcends the genre by being about something deeper than just the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the movie creates a vision of an African nation untouched by colonialism, grappling with its own history instead of the problems other countries foisted upon it.
It’s a clear-eyed, fully fledged world that you could only see at the movies. You can read more about the movie here. 101.
“The Room” (2003)”The Room” is this generation’s “The Rocky Horror Picture Show. “Wiseau-Films/TPW FilmsWe’re not saying “The Room” is a good movie, and that’s exactly why you need to watch it. It may be the best worst movie that was ever made with some of the most quotable lines of dialogue around.
It inspired midnight showings across the country where millennials throw plastic spoons at the screen and yell out quotes such as “You are tearing me apart. ” There’s nothing else like it. You can read more about the movie here.
102. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)Sony’s clever “Spider-Man” movie introduced the world to a universe of webslingers. Sony PicturesThe animation in “Spider-Verse” feels like a comic book come to life.
It’s one of the best animated pictures of the past decade. It also won best animated picture at the Oscars. You can read our review here.
103. “Parasite” (2019)The South Korean film garnered a lot of buzz in late 2019. CJ EntertainmentBong Joon-Ho’s “Parasite” is one of the best thrillers you can watch right now and you should go into it knowing next to nothing if possible.
It became the first film in history to win both best picture and best international film at the Oscars in February. You can read Insider’s review here. 104.
“Us” (2019)Jordan Peele’s “Us. “Universal PicturesAfter “Get Out,” Jordan Peele returned to the director’s chair to deliver another chilling look at society that will make you sit and ponder long after your first viewing. You’ll immediately want to watch this one again.
It’s one of those rare movies that is completely different upon a second viewing. You can read our review here. 105.
“Queen & Slim” (2019)”Queen & Slim. “UniversalThe Bonnie and Clyde-like thriller will leave you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Its heartwrenching ending will render you speechless.
Lena Waithe delivers an emotionally-charged story about the strength of community and the pitfalls of the justice system against African Americans. You can read our review here. 106.
“Booksmart” (2019)Olivia Wilde delivered a relatable coming-of-age tale with “Booksmart. “Booksmart / United Artists Releasing”Booksmart” is this generation’s “Ferris Bueller” and “The Breakfast Club. “Anyone who has ever chosen studying over partying can relate to Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein), two overachievers who panic once they realize their presumably average peers also got into great colleges while partying their way through school.
They think they can make up for lost time in one incredible night of debauchery. You can read Business Insider’s review here. 107/108.
“Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame” (2018/2019)”Infinity War” and “Endgame” should be watched together. Just make sure to bring some tissues. Disney/MarvelThe largest pop-culture milestone of the past decade, Marvel’s two-part finale became the biggest films in history.
“Avengers: Endgame” is currently the highest-grossing movie of all time and changed the way people see the number 3,000. Robert Downey Jr. ‘s comeback role as Tony Stark/Iron Man is worth watching to see how his journey ends.
You can read our review for “Infinity War” here and for “Endgame” here. 109. “Crazy Stupid Love” (2011)Ryan Gosling plays Steve Carrell’s wingman.
Warner Bros. PicturesIf you’re looking for a light-hearted rom-com with an unexpected twist, “Crazy Stupid Love” has you covered. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Steve Carrell and then Gosling and Emma Stone makes this a film you can easily watch over and over again.
It’s the perfect date-night movie. 110. “Paddington 2” (2018)We should all aspire to be more like the little bear from Peru.
StudioCanalIf we were all a little bit more like Paddington, the world would be a much kinder place. The rare sequel that may be better than it’s predecessor, “Paddington 2,” will give you hope during a bleak time and restore your faith in mankind. That sounds like a tall order, but it’s the best-reviewed movie of 2018.
As soon as you finish this film, you’ll want to watch the first one. (It’s OK if you watch them out of order. )111.
“Everything Everywhere All At Once”A24’s highest-grossing movie worldwide, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is the multiverse movie “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” wanted to be. A24Directors Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert effortlessly shift through different parallel universes in this sci-fi martial arts epic to tell an incredible story about acceptance, being seen, and being true to yourself. Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu give Oscar-worthy performances in a beautiful mother-and-daughter story across time and space.
Hilarious and heartwarming — you’ll never look at hotdogs or googly eyes the same way again — you’re better off going into this movie blind or knowing as little about it as possible. Read the original article on Insider.
From: insider
URL: https://www.insider.com/best-movies-to-watch-2017-4
