Best Movies of All Time
This list is a 50-50 combination of what I personally like and which of these movies are the "best" in terms of being a film. I could be convinced to switch some films around slightly, but the placements are pretty solid. I have also not seen ever film ever so if you're wondering what movies I have seen you can check my page.
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- DirectorFrank DarabontStarsTim RobbinsMorgan FreemanBob GuntonOver the course of several years, two convicts form a friendship, seeking consolation and, eventually, redemption through basic compassion.I thought this was the greatest movie ever right after I saw it. (Which I had never once before considered any movie to be the greatest) Only afterwards I found out it was the IMDb #1. Hey, if that many people think so highly of it there's got to be something pretty awesome here. Like I said, I love depressing stories, and the payoff for the ending is unrivaled.
- DirectorJonathan DemmeStarsJodie FosterAnthony HopkinsScott GlennA young F.B.I. cadet must receive the help of an incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer to help catch another serial killer, a madman who skins his victims.Rarely is it so effortless to call a movie a masterpiece. It hits every note of this story better than I thought possible. Hannibal Lector is more than a character, he's a symbol of intelligent insanity. Like geez movie, I already thought you were 10/10 two thirds of the way through and then...
- DirectorJaco Van DormaelStarsJared LetoSarah PolleyDiane KrugerA boy stands on a station platform as a train is about to leave. Should he go with his mother or stay with his father? Infinite possibilities arise from this decision. As long as he doesn't choose, anything is possible.Please watch this movie. There is so much genius in it I can't begin to explain. Plenty of the ideas have been seen before in things like Doctor Who, but they were done so well I don't care. It's almost like a dream when you're watching it, with its absurdly nonlinear story. I always love a movie with old classic songs (and a German song). Astounding cinematography as well. I could see other people not liking it, and I can understand, but I just eat this sort of thing up. Some think it's too confusing, but I find that as all the more reason to rewatch it.
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodViggo MortensenIan McKellenGandalf and Aragorn lead the World of Men against Sauron's army to draw his gaze from Frodo and Sam as they approach Mount Doom with the One Ring.How could any fantasy film top this? I would love to see it.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsGuy PearceCarrie-Anne MossJoe PantolianoA man with short-term memory loss attempts to track down his wife's murderer.You really have to pay attention when watching this. The mystery surrounding the events of the movie are fascinating to see revealed. Love the out of order madness, simply jaw dropping in complexity and pacing. Plus: That Ending.
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodIan McKellenOrlando BloomA meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.Having read this book, it's a wonder how such an amazing film came out of it. (It's a good book, but boy is it boring and not as epic.)
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodIan McKellenViggo MortensenWhile Frodo and Sam edge closer to Mordor with the help of the shifty Gollum, the divided fellowship makes a stand against Sauron's new ally, Saruman, and his hordes of Isengard.I basically see the Lord of the Rings movies as all one film. That said, if they were all one giant 558 minute movie then it would be number 1.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsMatthew McConaugheyAnne HathawayJessica ChastainWhen Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future, a farmer and ex-NASA pilot, Joseph Cooper, is tasked to pilot a spacecraft, along with a team of researchers, to find a new planet for humans.A true space opera. Which is funny, because when I say that it sounds boring, but it really isn't. It's a movie that keeps topping itself with immensely immersive elements that keep accelerating though the whole movie. It's a trip. And not at all like a drug one.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksRobin WrightGary SiniseThe history of the United States from the 1950s to the '70s unfolds from the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75, who yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart.It's simply incredible how much stuff happens in this movie.
- DirectorTerry GilliamTerry JonesStarsGraham ChapmanJohn CleeseEric IdleKing Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.My favorite movie. Mainly the reason why it's up here. The entire movie is so quotable it's hard to believe the film ever came into existence.
- DirectorMichel GondryStarsJim CarreyKate WinsletTom WilkinsonWhen their relationship turns sour, a couple undergoes a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories forever.It's arguably that this movie got me obsessed with films. A wonderfully abstract romance.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsBrad PittEdward NortonMeat LoafAn insomniac office worker and a devil-may-care soap maker form an underground fight club that evolves into much more.I had only seen the ending of this movie for awhile, but even with that small chunk I knew it was amazing.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsCary ElwesMandy PatinkinRobin WrightA bedridden boy's grandfather reads him the story of a farmboy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love.I don't see how you couldn't laugh at something in this movie. (Also the most misleading title ever, I thought it would be girly and stupid)
- DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry, Ron, and Hermione search for Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts.I love Harry Potter and this movie was just ... epic. But a sort of epic where I actually care what happens, not mindless battling.
- DirectorGarth JenningsStarsMartin FreemanYasiin BeySam RockwellMere seconds before the Earth is to be demolished by an alien construction crew, journeyman Arthur Dent is swept off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher penning a new edition of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."For some reason a lot of people think this movie is a poor representation of the book. I have no idea what they're talking about.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydLea ThompsonAfter visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip.It's my own weird personal taste, but yes I do like Part II better than Part I. I love them both obviously, but the 2015 scenes are just too interesting.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydLea ThompsonMarty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.It's funny, when I saw this movie I thought it was amazing, but that there were lots of better films. But after rating all the movies I've seen I thought, "Oh, I guess there aren't many better films".
- DirectorRobert SchwentkeStarsEric BanaRachel McAdamsRon LivingstonHenry DeTamble, a librarian, possesses a unique gene that lets him involuntarily travel through time. His wife, Claire Abshire, finds it difficult to cope with it.Just comprehending this story is difficult and leads to fascinating thoughts. Very emotional as well.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsMorgan FreemanBrad PittKevin SpaceyTwo detectives, a rookie and a veteran, hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives.It's scary how well everything plays together at the end.
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsSimon PeggNick FrostMartin FreemanAn overachieving London police sergeant is transferred to a village where the easygoing officers object to his fervor for regulations, all while a string of grisly murders strikes the town.The least boring movie in history. Like three movies in one. It goes all the way with everything. You know humor? It's got you covered. Plus everything comes back into play later in the movie.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordSean ConneryAlison DoodyIn 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers.In regards to this being higher than "Raiders", I feel like more is going on in this movie.
- DirectorIrvin KershnerStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter the Rebel Alliance are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett."Luke, I am your Otter."
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordKaren AllenPaul FreemanIn 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain its awesome powers.My dad's favorite film. Good choice.
- DirectorHayao MiyazakiStarsSumi ShimamotoMahito TsujimuraHisako KyôdaWarrior and pacifist Princess Nausicaä desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet.Such a deep and unique world with an incredible protagonist.
- DirectorPeter WeirStarsJim CarreyEd HarrisLaura LinneyAn insurance salesman discovers his whole life is actually a reality TV show.How could you fail with such a great premise? (Okay, I guess you could)
- DirectorRichard MarquandStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.Ewoks were fine. Yub Nub.
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherLuke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.If I have to explain myself here, well...
- DirectorSergio LeoneStarsClint EastwoodEli WallachLee Van CleefA bounty hunting scam joins two men in an uneasy alliance against a third in a race to find a fortune in gold buried in a remote cemetery.Oldest film on here, and I do like plenty of older films. None of them happen to make the cut here though.
- DirectorPete DocterRonnie Del CarmenStarsAmy PoehlerBill HaderLewis BlackAfter young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.A children's movie getting deep into why it's alright to be sad. I mean, dang. And it's entertaining and creative besides that.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsLeonardo DiCaprioJoseph Gordon-LevittElliot PageA thief who steals corporate secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O., but his tragic past may doom the project and his team to disaster.One of those films that requires multiple viewings so that you can appreciate it all the more.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsBrad PittCate BlanchettTilda SwintonTells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with consequences.I just love the concept of aging backwards, and its done so well.
- DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsChris PrattWill FerrellElizabeth BanksAn ordinary LEGO construction worker, thought to be the prophesied as "special", is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the LEGO universe into eternal stasis.I thought this film was over-rated before I saw it. It's very easy to write it off as a kids film and be done with it. But the sheer ENERGY crammed into every minute of this film won me over.
- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsChoi Min-sikYoo Ji-taeKang Hye-jeongAfter being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must track down his captor in five days.I wasn't sure if I could get this invested in a subtitled film until I saw this.
- DirectorRichard KellyStarsJake GyllenhaalJena MaloneMary McDonnellAfter narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.Not even quite sure what it was all about, but boy was it intriguing.
- DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsEllen BurstynJared LetoJennifer ConnellyThe drug-induced utopias of four Coney Island people are shattered when their addictions run deep..No better way to show that drugs are bad. It may sound weird, but I love depressing stories like this.
- DirectorRoberto BenigniStarsRoberto BenigniNicoletta BraschiGiorgio CantariniWhen an open-minded Jewish waiter and his son become victims of the Holocaust, he uses a perfect mixture of will, humor and imagination to protect his son from the dangers around their camp.A strangely delightful story that wraps together beautifully. Concentration camp? Nah. He got a tank.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsJohn TravoltaUma ThurmanSamuel L. JacksonThe lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.I know its weird to say in a best movies list, but I'm not sure if it's as good as people say. (Keep in mind of course that only 31 films are better)
- DirectorAlfonso CuarónStarsSandra BullockGeorge ClooneyEd HarrisDr Ryan Stone, an engineer on her first time on a space mission, and Matt Kowalski, an astronaut on his final expedition, have to survive in space after they are hit by debris while spacewalking.Nitpicking has ruined this film for many people. But it's a really great story. Just accept the unlikely premise and run with it.
- DirectorSean PennStarsEmile HirschVince VaughnCatherine KeenerAfter graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.It's of course a hypocritical thing to love a get-away-from-society movie like this while being in an air conditioned room on the internet. It's great though.
- DirectorFrank DarabontStarsTom HanksMichael Clarke DuncanDavid MorseA tale set on death row, where gentle giant John Coffey possesses the mysterious power to heal people's ailments. When the lead guard, Paul Edgecombe, recognizes John's gift, he tries to help stave off the condemned man's execution.It's a strange story for certain, but it's got an intriguing edge to it.
- DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattVin DieselBradley CooperA group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe.Doesn't mess around and gives you straight up fun.
- DirectorMamoru HosodaStarsRiisa NakaTakuya IshidaMitsutaka ItakuraA high-school girl named Makoto acquires the power to travel back in time, and decides to use it for her own personal benefits. Little does she know that she is affecting the lives of others just as much as she is her own.Well crap, this is some of the best time-travel stuff I've ever seen. And what once seemed fairly simple turned out to be awesomely complex. One of those movies I felt like re-watching before I even finished it.
- DirectorTom HooperStarsHugh JackmanRussell CroweAnne HathawayIn 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.It probably helps that I didn't mind Russell Crowe's singing.
- DirectorDavid O. RussellStarsBradley CooperJennifer LawrenceRobert De NiroAfter a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.This film tackles big life issues with supreme confidence. What is the silver lining to all this crap in life?
- DirectorJuan SolanasStarsJim SturgessKirsten DunstTimothy SpallAdam and Eden fell in love as teens despite the fact that they live on twinned worlds with gravities that pull in opposite directions. Ten years after a forced separation, Adam sets out on a dangerous quest to reconnect with his love.Wildly creative and thought provoking. I mean, the character development is a little lacking, but who really cares? Freakin' upside down worlds!
- DirectorStanley KubrickStarsKeir DulleaGary LockwoodWilliam SylvesterAfter uncovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, a spacecraft is sent to Jupiter to find its origins: a spacecraft manned by two men and the supercomputer HAL 9000.Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
But really, so much atmosphere and obvious influence on space movies, interstellar, gravity and more. Truly it takes full advantage of this visual media. - DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsUma ThurmanDavid CarradineDaryl HannahAfter awakening from a four-year coma, a former assassin wreaks vengeance on the team of assassins who betrayed her.I know this film is really about style over substance, but the style is just so good. For example, the simple act of Uma Thurman moving her toe is made epic.
- DirectorLuc BessonStarsJean RenoGary OldmanNatalie Portman12-year-old Mathilda is reluctantly taken in by Léon, a professional assassin, after her family is murdered. An unusual relationship forms as she becomes his protégée and learns the assassin's trade.A harden man and a troubled girl figuring things out.