Top 100 Movies of All Time

Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 59 Like its protagonist, this film’s road to glory endured one grueling trial after another. Russell Crowe proved difficult to work with, the script was rewritten so many times that shooting started before its completion, and actor Oliver Reed died mid-production. “Gladiator” ultimately prevailed, though, becoming a box office sensation and a Best Picture victor. Director Ridley Scott harkens back to the days of historical epics, complete with a commanding hero, a calculating villain, and set pieces that still have crowds cheering. The blending of practical effects with CGI, in particular, has held up remarkably well more than two decades later. “Gladiator” breathed new life into the swords and sandals genre, although none of the films that followed in its footsteps were nearly as influential or entertaining.

Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 62 The “best” movies aren’t always the thought-provoking dramas that studios push come awards season. To rank among the all-time greats, a film just needs to keep audiences coming back. Few films have inspired more rewatches than “Anchorman,” so much so that we practically know it line for line. As such, we can’t help but regularly work the news team’s one-liners into our conversations. In addition to being one of the funniest and more quotable movies ever made, “Anchorman” is smarter than it seems. Behind the jazz flutes, sex panthers, and spontaneous battles, the film makes sharp commentary on 1970s culture and the changes that the era signified. It may not be “thought-provoking,” but “Anchorman” does have much more to say than some may give it credit.

#98: “Rocky” (1976)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 62 Before Sylvester Stallone was an action star, he rose from the humble roots of Rocky Balboa. Just as Rocky is a down on his luck boxer, Stallone had primarily worked as a background and supporting player up until this point. Stallone took matters into his own hands by writing “Rocky,” but even then, he had to fight for the lead role. It’s incredible just how much Stallone’s real-life journey mirrors his career-defining role. While Rocky goes the distance in the rousing final act, the film went even further with a Best Picture Oscar. Since then, we’ve followed Mr. Balboa through his highs, and his lows. It’s the original underdog story, however, that inspires us the most.

In an era where many argued that originality was dead, writer Charlie Kaufman responded with what might be his best work. Directed by Michel Gondry, “Eternal Sunshine” is difficult to define. Is it a romantic comedy, a psychological thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, or a little bit of everything? Likewise, relationships can’t always be summed up so easily. There are memories we’d like to forget, but there are also ones that should be cherished forever. Good or bad, it’s the journey that makes us complete. Jim Carrey’s Joel and Kate Winslet’s Clementine learn this lesson in an unconventional case of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy… well, we won’t go into spoilers. Let’s just say that their final destination triggers the mind and heart.

#96: “Scream” (1996)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 65 “Scream” is often credited for reinventing horror when the genre was on life support. This Wes Craven film was perhaps an even bigger game-changer in the realm of metafiction. After “Scream” came out, audiences not only started to notice the overused tropes in horror movies, but romantic comedies, teen movies, and numerous other genres. While “Scream” wasn’t the first film to critique Hollywood, it remains among the cleverest. As tongue in cheek as Kevin Williamson’s screenplay is, it still functions as a compelling mystery and slasher flick, reminding fans why they love the genre. It’s carried by a courageous performance from Neve Campbell, who adds layers to the final girl archetype. Featured on over 30 WatchMojo lists, there’s plenty to rave and scream about.

#95: “Some Like It Hot” (1959)

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Men dressing as ladies generally isn’t viewed as smart comedy, but when executed with wit, charm, and sincerity, the setup can not only be funny but also say insightful something about sex and gender. “Some Like It Hot” remains the gold standard. Seen as risque and even shocking upon release, this film demonstrated that the best comedies are usually the ones that take the most chances. The movie had audiences rolling in the aisles, helping to eradicate the Hays Code in the process. Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Marilyn Monroe have never been funnier than in this winning ensemble piece. Masterfully crafted by director Billy Wilder, it’s screwball comedy at its finest. Nobody’s perfect, but “Some Like It Hot” is close enough.

#93: “Get Out” (2017)

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#91: “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975)

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#90: “Lost in Translation” (2003)

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Sometimes the stars align as the right people come together at the right time to produce something truly special. In the early 2000s, Scarlett Johansson was a promising ingenue on the verge of stardom, Bill Murray was an aging comedian ready for more mature roles, and Sofia Coppola was a blossoming filmmaker with a voice to share. Once these talents intersected, their lives were forever changed. The same can be said about Bob and Charlotte, two Americans who meet in Tokyo. The unlikely duo has more than loneliness in common, amounting to a meaningful love story, as well as a story about self-discovery. What Bob and Charlotte share can only last for so long, but “Lost in Translation” captures it like lightning in a bottle.

#88: “Airplane!” (1980)

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#85: “King Kong” (1933)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 60 WatchMojo videos featuring King Kong have been viewed over 10 million times! We’re all familiar with the giant ape and this is the masterpiece that made him a star. “King Kong” is essential viewing, especially for anyone pursuing a career in special effects. Technology has come a long way since 1933, as seen in the various remakes and reboots. However, this film’s stop-motion and other game-changing techniques haven’t lost their mysterious allure. It’s a film that’ll have any cinephile asking, “how did they do that in a pre-digital era?” Effects aside, it’s the tragic story, the unearthly atmosphere, and fabled dialogue that make “King Kong” a bewitching beauty. Every subsequent monster movie owes something to “Kong,” although few others have as much passion or soul.

#80: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 61 For years, “Spider-Man 2” was the web-slinger’s definitive cinematic outing. “Into the Spider-Verse” didn’t just surpass that film. It entered a league of its own, making us reevaluate what a superhero movie can be and what animation is capable of. While other animated features at the time were starting to blend together with similar CGI visuals, “Into the Spider-Verse” took a stylized approach, finding the missing link between comic books and computer-animation. It may’ve been the medium’s greatest breakthrough since the first fully computer-animated movie. What’s more, the diverse ensemble, inventive action, self-aware humor, and powerful coming-of-age story made this film a cultural moment. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a kid from Brooklyn, Miles Morales will inspire you to take a leap of faith.

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#77: “Moonlight” (2016)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 61 Whenever Hollywood becomes over-reliant on explosions and tired IPs, a unique film comes along that reminds us that blockbusters can challenge people. Entering the 2010s, “Inception” provided a beacon of imagination. A heist movie draped in sci-fi and psychological drama, the film worked on multiple levels. Christopher Nolan’s fan base could appreciate the layered plot and complex philosophies. Even if you didn’t entirely understand the story, mainstream audiences were nonetheless blown away by the ambitious set pieces and practical effects. Either way, it’s a film that is a treat to revisit. With each viewing, you find something new to admire, be it the narrative or the craft. Further proving its staying power, “Inception” has appeared on 50 WatchMojo lists with more than 10 million views across them all.

#74: “The Sound of Music” (1965)

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#71: “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962)

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#70: “West Side Story” (1961)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 66 The best cinematic version of “Romeo & Juliet” is technically a modern reimagining. Based on the stage musical, “West Side Story” trades in the Montagues for Jets, the Capulets for Sharks, and Verona for an urban playground. While the issue of prejudice remains at its center, the story expands upon this theme by exploring immigration, racial tensions, and what it means to be an American. This isn’t just communicated through song, but through dance as well. Where Jerome Robbins brings out the romanticized fantasy, Robert Wise captures the gritty realism. The directing duo strikes the ideal balance between these two moods with New York serving as a fitting backdrop. Featured on 28 WatchMojo lists, “West Side Story” is as tragic, romantic, and Shakespearean as musicals get.

#67: “The Breakfast Club” (1985)

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#65: “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 65 “Pan’s Labyrinth” isn’t just one of cinema’s most absorbing fantasies, but one of the most haunting films about the loss of innocence. Childhood can be a bleak period, especially for a young girl confronted by fascism and family drama. Ofelia’s only escape is into a whimsical yet threatening fairy tale world that may or may not be in her head. For all the strange creatures Ofelia comes across, none is more monstrous than the human Captain Vidal. WatchMojo lists featuring “Pan’s Labyrinth” have been viewed over 11 million times. There’s a reason why, as this is Guillermo del Toro’s magnum opus. For all the familiar elements del Toro borrows, he creates a world unlike any other with a story bound to go down as legendary.

#62: “The Avengers” (2012)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 65 Appearing on 23 WatchMojo lists, this Coen brother’s film encourages the audience to reevaluate the medium. We’re used to seeing movies that follow a formula where everything works out. “Fargo” breaks free from the chains of convention. Our heroine doesn’t even show up until roughly 30 minutes in. Characters who seem inconsequential at first turn out to be integral while elements that drive the plot forward don’t really matter in the end. You rarely know where the narrative is going, making the experience all the more exhilarating, twistedly funny, and surprisingly thoughtful. The harsh winter landscape encompasses the frustration that drives people to take desperate measures, but the warmth of Frances McDormand’s Oscar-winning performance gives this icy story a heart.

#58: “Godzilla” (1954)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 60 In typical David Lynch fashion, “Mulholland Drive” is a strange beast from the get-go, but it transforms into something even more peculiar and alluring by the end. We’ve all had a weird dream that slowly deteriorated into a surreal nightmare. Upon abruptly waking up, we’re not sure what we just experienced. Nevertheless, we’d like to go back and analyze what that was all about. We might not be able to record our dreams, but we can revisit “Mulholland Drive” for a deeper dive. No matter how closely you study the film, however, you’re unlikely to find logic. You may find deep-seated commentary on Hollywood, sexuality, and reality vs. fantasy, but it’s what we don’t understand about the film that makes it a masterstroke.

#54: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)

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#50: “The Social Network” (2010)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 61 On our suggestion page, WatchMojo viewers have brought up this David Fincher film over 341 times. That passion is unlikely to waiver. “The Social Network” was in the zeitgeist upon premiering in 2010. Looking back over a decade later, this wasn’t merely a movie of the moment. It encapsulated a turning point in society that’s still unfolding. We can imagine a future where Facebook isn’t the all-powerful entity it is now. However, the society that Facebook shaped may be a mainstay. It’s a society where tech giants reign supreme, a million dollars isn’t even a fraction of what’s considered cool, and people connect through screens rather than in-person. Whether you think social media is bringing us closer or driving us apart, this film definitely started a conversation.

#48: “Titanic” (1997)

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#45: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)

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Being Hollywood’s foray into feature animation, “Snow White” would always hold a significant place in history. What’s amazing is how well-produced it is for a first feature. Take this scene, for example, where the dwarfs march around a corner with their shadows casting across the mountain as the sun sets. The animators didn’t need to throw such artistry into such a brief shot, but they went the extra mile. Every frame of the film has that level of detail and care. Walt Disney knew that “Snow White” couldn’t simply be a trial run. With so much skepticism surrounding Disney’s quote-unquote “folly,” the film had to wow audiences with its craft and prove that animation could resonate with us emotionally. Safe to say, Disney succeeded.

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#43: “The Shining” (1980)

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#40: “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 67 Is “Silence of the Lambs” a thriller or horror movie? Either way, it’s not the Academy’s usual cup of tea. This made it all the more surprising when it became one of three films to win the Big Five Oscars. Each accolade was well-deserved. As shocking as Ted Tally’s screenplay is, it’s also an intricate analysis of trauma and how dangerous one person’s mind can be. Jonathan Demme’s direction is graphic when it needs to be, but he knows when to let the audience fill in the blanks. Anthony Hopkins is the embodiment of evil as Lecter, but Jodie Foster holds her own against him and the other monsters. It’s no wonder it won Best Picture and has since appeared on 39 WatchMojo lists.

#35: “Do the Right Thing” (1989)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 72 Stylistically, Spike Lee’s tour de force captures that precise point in time when the 80s were ending and the 90s were on the way. Thematically, “Do the Right Thing” is so unnervingly relevant that it could’ve come out today. Conversations about representation, needless excessive force, and racial unrest are still being had with no foreseeable end on the horizon. Upon release, many audiences asked why Mookie threw that garbage can in the film’s unforgettable climax. As the years go by, more and more people are getting it. Our videos featuring “Do the Right Thing” have a 94.58% like ratio, showing how much its message resonates with modern audiences. Now more than ever, we recognize how a normal day can escalate into an infamous one.

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#30: “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 72 This adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel explores a serious subject from a child’s perspective. Although Scout Finch doesn’t comprehend everything about her father’s case, she gradually comes to see that the world isn’t as innocent as she assumed. Gregory Peck gives a legendary performance as Atticus, a white lawyer who defends a Black man, knowing that he’ll likely lose. Prejudice is so deep-rooted in the time and location that the outcome seems inevitable. By setting an example for Scout, though, there may be hope for a better future. Recommended across our suggestion pages 280 times, “To Kill a Mockingbird” has touched generations. For every child coming of age, it’s a rite of passage. For every adult, it’s a trip back to that moment when childhood ended.

#28: “The Exorcist” (1973)

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#27: “Alien” (1979)

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#25: “Jurassic Park” (1993)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 62 Whether you were a 90s kid watching their first PG-13 movie or a baby boomer who thought technology couldn’t grow more sophisticated, we all remember seeing the brontosaurus’ arrival in “Jurassic Park.” It’s just one of the numerous moments etched in our minds, from the T-Rex’s escape, to the raptors in the kitchen, to the lawyer’s satisfying fate. Just as memorable are the film’s lines, sounds, and characters, not to mention its commentary on tampering with the laws of nature. Dinosaurs have never appeared more menacing or majestic with visual effects that have ironically held up better than the ones in any of the sequels. We’ve included the film in over 59 videos and as long as dinosaurs are awesome, expect to see it on more.

#24: “Seven Samurai” (1954)

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#22: “Back to the Future” (1985)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 90 With “Princess Mononoke,” a lot of people thought Hayao Miyazaki reached the summit of his esteemed career. Miyazaki was ready to go out on top until one fateful vacation inspired him to make a film aimed at 10-year-old girls. That sounds simple enough and at its core, “Spirited Away” is a simple story about a young girl’s journey home. That story is layered, however, with eye-popping visuals, breathtaking atmosphere, and rich coming-of-age themes. Every character is so distinctive that you could imagine them being the focus of another movie. “Spirited Away” never forgets that this is Chihiro’s story, though, and it’s one that’ll resonate with anyone who’s ever had to adapt to a strange new place. Suggested to WatchMojo 524 times, this is the apex of Japanese animation.

#19: “Apocalypse Now” (1979)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 61 Many epics have conveyed the horrors of war, although there isn’t another like “Apocalypse Now.” With a sun that almost always seems to be setting, the film is shot in a practically otherworldly way. That’s what war does to a soldier. It makes them feel as if they’re in another world and everything they knew before no longer applies. We also imagine it’s what the apocalypse might look like if that ill-fated day ever comes. Francis Ford Coppola turns the setting into hell on earth. As our characters head downriver, we’re left to wonder if they’ll find salvation or come face to face with the devil. When Marlon Brando finally appears, he only adds to the enigma. It’s where no man’s land and wonderland intersect.

#18: “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 69 Be it a Mexican standoff or two men eating across a table, the Old West has rarely appeared more ruthless than in Sergio Leone’s career-defining achievement. Even the titular “good” character isn’t the most clean-cut fellow. After all, to survive such an unforgiving environment, you need to be at least a little bad and a little ugly. This doesn’t mean that compassion can’t occasionally beat out cruelty, however. The third entry in Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy,” this film made his previous Spaghetti Westerns look like dress rehearsals. “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” is composed of several sections that could have functioned as standalone short films. Together, they make up the most expertly shot, impeccably scored, and iconic western to grace the silver screen.

#17: “12 Angry Men” (1957)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 64 Most courtroom dramas put an emphasis on the defense and prosecution, but what happens in the jury room is usually a footnote. In “12 Angry Men,” it’s the other way around. Most of the runtime takes place in the sweatbox as the jury attempts to reach a unanimous verdict. Although we know nothing about these 12 men as they gather around the table, we quickly get an idea of who each juror is based on their body language and carefully crafted dialogue. It’s a testament to the brilliant cast, Reginald Rose’s script, and Sidney Lumet’s staging. While we never see the alleged crime either, it’s just as engaging listening to the characters discuss the case, working through their doubts and personal biases along the way.

#16: “There Will Be Blood” (2007)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 65 “There Will Be Blood,” it’s a title that can be taken literally and figuratively. Daniel Day-Lewis’ Oscar-winning performance as Daniel Plainview is like an oil well. The deeper he drills, the more Plainview becomes consumed by greed, obsession, and his own madness. When an oil rig explodes, it’s like Plainview has opened a gateway to the underworld, as signified by the raging fire bursting into the heavens above. The true blowout comes in the jaw-dropping finale, though, as a false prophet is judged by a man who’s sold his soul, assuming he ever had a soul to sell. Suggested 290 times to WatchMojo, the film finds director Paul Thomas Anderson at his most poetic, uncompromising, and riveting. Simply put, it’s his masterpiece.

#15: “The Lion King” (1994)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 67 Disney initially viewed “The Lion King” as more of an “experiment” than a guaranteed hit. As the production moved forward, however, the film grew more mature, epic in scale, and reflective of the company’s own history. Just as the Pride Lands enter a dark age following Mufasa’s death, the same can be said about Disney’s animation studio after Walt passed. With the Disney Renaissance, the studio remembered what it once stood for and reclaimed its place among animation royalty. “The Lion King” was not only the Renaissance’s crowning achievement, but quite possibly the pinnacle of feature animation. We’ve discussed the film in 110 videos, which speaks to its perennial nature. Just as the circle of life continues, so does our admiration for this triumph.

#14: “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 64 Like “Snow White” and “King Kong” before it, this timeless fantasy ignites the imagination. When Dorothy opens her door and we transition from sepia-tone to Technicolor, she doesn’t just enter Munchkinland. She enters a world of limitless possibilities where scarecrows spring to life, monkeys fly, and horses come in various different colors. “The Wizard of Oz” demonstrates that anything can be done in film. All it takes is a little bit of inspiration and a lot of perspiration. Even in a land as extraordinary as Oz, Dorothy longs to return home. After all, home is where the heart is and this film has heart in spades. The film serves as a reminder that movies are a nice escape, but we shouldn’t take reality for granted.

#13: “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 66 The road to redemption and freedom can be arduous. Similarly, “The Shawshank Redemption” had to tunnel its way to a happy ending. The film underperformed at the box office upon release and even after the Oscars raised its profile with seven nominations, “Shawshank” lived in the shadow of other 1994 releases. As time passed, more people discovered this deeply moving story about friendship. From this friendship, Andy Dufresne summons the will to survive the direst circumstances. The film has since topped various greatest of all time lists, was preserved by the Library of Congress, and has been singled out 617 times on our suggestion pages. The film overflows with humanity, unearthing its ugliest side, its most hopeful side, and the countless nuances in between.

Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 67 Featured on 26 WatchMojo videos, “Casablanca” premiered just over a year after the U.S. joined World War II. In many respects, Humphrey Bogart’s Rick reflected America at the time. As war rages in the background, Rick drowns out the sounds of injustice with music and booze. When Ingrid Bergman’s Ilsa arrives at his gin joint, Rick is compelled to stick his neck out for the woman he once loved… and may still have feelings for. As the film progresses, Rick becomes less motivated by his own personal gain and more by the greater good. Like the U.S., Rick can no longer claim to be neutral and chooses a side. Although the war has since ended, Rick’s internal struggle can connect with all generations.

#11: “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 72 There isn’t a movie musical as beloved as “Singin’ in the Rain,” although it’d be several years until the film achieved this status. While the film performed admirably in 1952, that was only a drizzle compared to the tidal wave of praise that would eventually rain upon it. So, what is it about this musical that stands out above all the rest? It’s a combination of the choreography, the comedy, the commentary, the performances, the romance, and, naturally, the singin’. The key ingredient is joy. Have you ever felt so overjoyed that you couldn’t stand still? “Singin’ in the Rain” is that feeling incarnate and when somebody is overcome with such positivity, they have to express themselves through song. What a glorious feeling, indeed.

#10: “The Dark Knight” (2008)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 71 Superhero movies weren’t always taken seriously and even today, they’re still fighting for respect among certain cynics. “The Dark Knight” was a turning point that changed everything, however. Yes, it has Batman, yes, it has the Joker, and both represent what their comic book counterparts did. The line between the comics and the real world is no longer present, though. Likewise, the line between good and evil isn’t as straightforward as Golden Age superheroes made it seem. Christopher Nolan reveals how much Gotham mirrors our society, from the merchants of chaos to the symbols that keep hope alive. Showcased on 78 WatchMojo videos and 4040 suggest pages, this superhero movie is just as much a crime drama with one of the greatest performances across all genres.

#9: “Goodfellas” (1990)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 63 By the early 90s, Martin Scorsese wasn’t sure if he could bring anything else to the gangster genre. That is until he read Nicholas Pileggi’s non-fiction book about Henry Hill. Scorsese felt “Wiseguy” tapped into something fresh, namely the day-to-day life of being a gangster. While the film explores the glamor of being wealthy, respected, and seemingly untouchable, it also pulls back the curtain. Going into great detail, we see how this world operates, from the merciless actions these men commit to the more monotonous aspects of organized crime. Of course, when you’re in such a violent profession, burying a body becomes routine. Scorsese makes the audience feel as if they’ve walked a mile in a gangster’s shoes, leaving a trail of bloody footprints behind.

Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 76 If you randomly selected any two Stanley Kubrick films, you’d see his versatility. “Dr. Strangelove” is one of the most well-crafted comedies ever made, balancing grim Cold War commentary with almost immature moments. You’d never think such a dialogue-heavy film came from the same director as “2001,” which tells much of its story through visuals. Then again, these two films do share a disturbing parallel. In “Dr. Strangelove,” Doomsday is commenced by humanity’s incompetence. In “2001,” humanity is almost destroyed by its pursuit of knowledge. HAL 9000 is more efficient than even his creators realized, becoming a threat rather than an asset. Featured in 50 WatchMojo videos, “2001” continues to spark discussions about how far our species has come and how far we should go.

#7: “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 53 There was a time when “The Lord of the Rings” and the word “unfilmable” went together like first and second breakfast. Technically, Ralph Bakshi’s mostly rotoscoped version showed that Tolkien’s books could be realized on film, but he only got to tell a fraction of the story. Peter Jackson gave us the whole tale told over the course of three epic films. We’re not sure what’s more amazing, that this trilogy got made at all, that it so authentically brought Middle-earth to life, or that each film improved upon the last. “The Return of the King” was as stimulating, satisfying, and culturally significant as finales get, bringing the franchise an overdue Best Picture Oscar and an additional 10 wins. It’s a milestone in every sense.

Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 63 Is “Inglourious Basterds” Quentin Tarantino’s “masterpiece?” It comes close, but we’d give that distinction to “Pulp Fiction.” Some may describe Tarantino’s second directorial outing as a gangster film. On the surface it is. Looking at the bigger picture, though, it’s about people who just so happen to be hitmen, crime bosses, and those who get on their bad side. More time is spent talking about $5 milkshakes and Royale with Cheese than mob life. This makes the characters surprisingly relatable, but at the same time, they’re the kind of figures we only see in the movies. That’s what Tarantino does best, making stylized pulp feel natural. None of his films did this better than “Pulp Fiction,” which our users have mentioned on 1,438 suggest pages.

Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 84 Throughout his early mainstream career, Steven Spielberg was known for films that evoke childlike wonder. It wasn’t until the early 90s, several years after becoming a father, that Spielberg felt capable of approaching “Schindler’s List.” Watching this Best Picture winner, we see Spielberg mature as a director and as a person as well. For a period in this life, Spielberg struggled to accept his Jewish background. Spielberg made “Schindler’s List” for himself, his family, the generations lost to these violent times, the generations saved thanks to Oskar Schindler, and members of the Jewish community who are still searching for acceptance, both internally and externally. It’s a film that arguably made the world a better place by exploring humanity at its worst and best.

#4: “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 71 Whereas the original “Star Wars” embraced the light side of the Force, “The Empire Strikes Back” tapped into the dark side. Not just aesthetically, but on a character level as well. When we first met Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, they appeared as far apart as two characters could be. In the sequel, our hero and villain are revealed to be closer than initially thought… and we’re not only talking about that twist. Through visual storytelling and philosophical discussions, the “Star Wars” mythos became less black and white. Just as the film’s darker tone surprised some, nothing is what it seems. An X-wing can be no heavier than a stone, an old friend can be a backstabber, and the hero can be tempted by evil.

#3: “Psycho” (1960)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 73 The suspense in many Hitchcock films stems from vulnerable yet relatable situations. James Stewart being laid up with a broken leg comes to mind, but few situations are more commonplace than taking a shower. That’s one reason the notorious shower sequence in “Psycho” sticks with us. Although synonymous with the film now, this scene was only hinted at in the original trailer. It’s obvious why, as it would’ve given away one of the numerous twists. What speaks to the film’s strengths is that no spoiler can take away from the experience. Even if you know what happens in “Psycho,” you’re so enamored by the performances, cinematography, and atmosphere that you’ll get lost in the story regardless. Hence why it’s been featured on 51 WatchMojo lists.

Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 73 Orson Welles delivered several opuses, including “Touch of Evil.” When your first feature is “Citizen Kane,” however, it’s hard to top oneself. Highlighted on 588 suggestion pages, “Citizen Kane” progressed cinema with its narrative and technical breakthroughs. While those techniques are standard issue now, “Citizen Kane” nonetheless remains a revelation of showing vs telling. This isn’t to say the dialogue isn’t masterful, but the film also demonstrates how one person’s life can be epitomized with one image. Charles Foster Kane is based in part on William Randolph Hearst, although we can’t help but see much of Welles in the character as well. Part of that’s because Welles plays Kane, but both men were mysterious, controversial, and fascinating, although the public may never fully understand either. Before we get to our top pick, here are another 100 honorable mentions… haha, just kidding, but there are definitely some worthy contenders.

#1: “The Godfather” (1972)

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Graphic: MojoMeter Score - 68 “The Godfather” has been mentioned 1,630 times on our suggestion pages, which is an offer we couldn’t refuse. But what makes this Francis Ford Coppola film the absolute greatest? There’s the immortal dialogue, arresting direction, and unparalleled cast, but every film on this list is exceptionally made. “The Godfather” was a turning point unlike any other, though. The film came out after the Classical Hollywood era ended and New Hollywood emerged. With this changing tide came a shift towards realism and antiheroes. “The Godfather” signified this with its brutal depiction of crime, family, and the American Dream’s dark side. While not the first film to accomplish this, no movie before or since has done it with more gravitas… although “The Godfather: Part II” came close. TRIVIA: Which of the following franchises won Best Picture twice? The Godfather (Correct) The Lord of the Rings Star Wars The Thin Man Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Picture What film topped the AFI’s 100 greatest American movies twice? Casablanca Citizen Kane (Correct) Gone with the Wind The Godfather Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFI%27s_100_Years...100_Movies Duck, You Sucker! is part of Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time trilogy. [TRUE] Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck,_You_Sucker!