80 BEST FILMS & TV SHOWS EVER MADE THAT YOU NEVER SAW (short comment/review included)
by gogoschka-1 | created - 17 Jul 2014 | updated - 21 Apr 2023 | Public(Off topic): For nature/animal buffs like me, here's my latest ANIMAL VIDEO (warning: it's a bit shocking): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2-Xszz7FI/ and you can find my 80 BEST NATURE PHOTOS here: https://www.lacerta-bilineata.com/western-green-lizard-lacerta-bilineata-wildlife-of-ticino-in-switzerland/ (the website exists in ESPAÑOL, FRANÇAIS, ITALIANO, ENGLISH, DEUTSCH. With that shameless bit of self-promotion out of the way, let's get to more cinematic matters ;-)
The list below consists of non-mainstream marvels that are - in my humble opinion - a joy for (almost) every film lover and therefore deserve to be wider known. This list is in no particular order and I will keep updating it. Sound off in the Facebook comments below if you feel like letting me know what you think.
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1. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974)
R | 112 min | Action, Crime, Drama
An American barroom pianist and his prostitute girlfriend go on a trip through the Mexican underworld to collect the bounty on the head of a dead gigolo.
Director: Sam Peckinpah | Stars: Warren Oates, Isela Vega, Robert Webber, Gig Young
Votes: 21,523 | Gross: $0.58M
A journey into the heart of darkness - an amazing film full of unexpected turns, totally messed-up characters and fantastic performances. Was way ahead of its time and should be re-discovered by as many film fans as possible. 9 stars out of 10.
2. Control (2003)
R | 111 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
A tale about a strange young man, Bulcsú, the fellow inspectors on his team, all without exception likable characters, a rival ticket inspection team and racing along the tracks - and a tale about love.
Director: Nimród Antal | Stars: Sándor Csányi, Eszter Balla, Zoltán Mucsi, Csaba Pindroch
Votes: 27,069 | Gross: $0.24M
What an unexpected pleasure! It doesn't happen very often to me that I go watch a movie completely in the dark; when I do, it's usually because somebody dragged me to it - as was the case here - and more often than not, I regret it afterwards. This was a very welcome exception. What a find! This movie has simply everything: great characters, superb cinematography, a kick-ass soundtrack; it's a comedy, a mystery thriller, a drama and a romance - and the performances and the direction are flawless. I will not spoil anything here, but what makes me call this film great instead of just very good, is that there is a wide range of different interpretations possible for this marvelous movie, from the fairly straight forward one to the dark and disturbing or even the religious - and they all work beautifully. Great, smart entertainment and outstanding cinema. 10 stars out of 10.
3. Lone Star (1996)
R | 135 min | Drama, Mystery, Western
When the skeleton of his murdered predecessor is found, Sheriff Sam Deeds unearths many other long-buried secrets in his Texas border town.
Director: John Sayles | Stars: Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Peña, Stephen Mendillo, Stephen J. Lang
Votes: 32,324 | Gross: $13.27M
John Sayles' best film: amazing, epic story; beautifully told in elegant flashbacks, featuring Chris Cooper in one of his best roles. A film of stunning beauty and humanity - and also very entertaining. 9 stars out of 10.
4. Elling (2001)
R | 89 min | Comedy, Drama
When his mother, who has sheltered him his entire 40 years, dies, sensitive would-be poet Elling is sent to live in a state institution. There he meets Kjell Bjarne, a gentle giant and ... See full summary »
Director: Petter Næss | Stars: Per Christian Ellefsen, Sven Nordin, Marit Pia Jacobsen, Jørgen Langhelle
Votes: 15,860 | Gross: $0.31M
A comedy masterpiece. Sometimes tragic but more often outrageously funny, this wonderful tale of two mentally challenged outcasts caught me fully unprepared. There wasn't a single face without a wide grin in the audience after this film. An amazing script, fantastic actors: this was the feel-good movie of 2001. 9 stars out of 10.
5. Kilo Two Bravo (2014)
R | 108 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama
Kajaki Dam 2006. A company of young British soldiers encounter an unexpected, terrifying enemy. A dried-out river bed, and under every step the possibility of an anti-personnel mine. A mine that could cost you your leg - or your life.
Director: Paul Katis | Stars: David Elliot, Mark Stanley, Scott Kyle, Benjamin O'Mahony
Votes: 14,363
There's only a handful of so called "war films" I consider to be films about the actual reality of war. HBO's mini-series 'Generation Kill' is probably the most accurate when it comes to the depiction of modern warfare - but 'Kajaki' (also known as 'Kilo Two Bravo') gives it a run for its money: this criminally under-seen masterpiece should be considered a modern classic. The production values are fantastic; the cinematography, the script and and the direction are absolutely flawless - but you won't notice them. What you will notice is the outstanding ensemble of actors, portraying characters in a way you forget you're watching a movie. They will make you cringe, laugh, cry and hold your breath in shocked disbelief and utter horror.
This film had me literally on the edge of my seat the entire time, but what really grabs you by the gut is not just the suspense and the horror; it's the relationships between these soldiers and how they look out for each other. How close men become when their lives depend on each other has probably rarely been depicted on screen with the intensity and no-bullshît, keep-it-real attitude as is the case here. And knowing that what you're seeing actually happened only adds to the experience (for this film IS an experience). Definitely not the kind of war film that you come across very often. Superb. 9 stars out of 10.
6. Down by Law (1986)
R | 107 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Two men are framed and sent to jail, where they meet a murderer who helps them escape and leave the state.
Director: Jim Jarmusch | Stars: Tom Waits, John Lurie, Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi
Votes: 55,280 | Gross: $1.44M
A cult classic - and yet still relatively little known. Jim Jarmush is a master when it comes to creating atmosphere (and nobody uses stretches of silence to better comedic effect than he does). Shot in beautiful black and white, this tale of the prison outbreak of three very unlikely companions is all mood, deadpan humour and practically no action. Don't expect a story - just enjoy the ride, the dialogues (consisting mainly of the word *beep* - unless it's Benigni talking: his chaotic, broken English lines are another highlight of the film) and the fantastic soundtrack by John Lurie and Tom Waits. Perhaps the epitome of a cult movie, this one goes down like a cool beer on a hot summer evening. 9 stars out of 10.
7. Together (2000)
R | 106 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
In 1975, the dynamics of a Swedish commune begin to change upon the arrival of a beaten wife and her two kids.
Director: Lukas Moodysson | Stars: Lisa Lindgren, Michael Nyqvist, Emma Samuelsson, Sam Kessel
Votes: 24,334 | Gross: $1.07M
Funny, tragic, moving, real: life in a commune has never been so entertaining. A true gem of a film and a wonderful experience. 9 stars out of 10.
8. The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (2009)
R | 122 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Terence McDonagh is a drug- and gambling-addled detective in post-Katrina New Orleans investigating the killing of five Senegalese immigrants.
Director: Werner Herzog | Stars: Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Russell M. Haeuser, Val Kilmer
Votes: 80,893 | Gross: $1.70M
I laughed my ass off during this film. Over the top, crazy ride with the best Nic Cage in years. When Cage asked director Werner Herzog for advice on how to best approach his role, Herzog answered: Go with "evil is bliss". Cage obliged and the result is hilarious. This film got a lot of negativity because apparently, people expected a serious, dark drama. Well, Herzog had other plans: This is a wickedly funny black comedy that borders on satire. Fantastic acting by all involved, inventive camera and just one hell of a ride. If you like films in the vein of, say, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' or 'The Big Lebowski' you'll have a blast watching this. Herzog's most entertaining film to date and Cage's best performance in ages. 9 stars out of 10.
9. Blood Simple (1984)
R | 99 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
The owner of a seedy small-town Texas bar discovers that one of his employees is having an affair with his wife. A chaotic chain of misunderstandings, lies, and mischief ensues after he devises a plot to have them murdered.
Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen | Stars: John Getz, Frances McDormand, Dan Hedaya, M. Emmet Walsh
Votes: 105,220 | Gross: $2.15M
This was the Coen's debut and already all the trademarks were there: fantastic characters, very black humor, outstanding camera and acting and a script that's very unconventional. Tight, thrilling - a must for any film fan. 9 stars out of 10.
10. Bound (1996)
R | 109 min | Crime, Thriller
Tough ex-con Corky and her lover Violet concoct a scheme to steal millions of stashed mob money and pin the blame on Violet's crooked boyfriend Caesar.
Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski | Stars: Jennifer Tilly, Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano, John P. Ryan
Votes: 60,736 | Gross: $3.80M
Gripping, violent mobster tale and a very sexy love story. What a stunning debut for the Wachowski's this film was (and I can't for the life of me understand why this film hasn't been seen by a huge audience). Amazing camera, fantastic acting and so tight there's not a single dull moment in it. Edge-of-your-seat stuff. 9 stars out of 10.
11. Once Were Warriors (1994)
R | 102 min | Crime, Drama
A family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts.
Director: Lee Tamahori | Stars: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga
Votes: 36,835 | Gross: $2.20M
A gut punch of a film. One of the best dramas and brutally honest. The acting and the script are amazing - this film will stay with you for a long time. Beautiful. 9 stars out of 10.
12. Night on Earth (1991)
R | 129 min | Comedy, Drama
An anthology of 5 different cab drivers in 5 American and European cities and their remarkable fares on the same eventful night.
Director: Jim Jarmusch | Stars: Winona Ryder, Gena Rowlands, Lisanne Falk, Alan Randolph Scott
Votes: 65,990 | Gross: $2.02M
5 wonderfully acted, tragic-comical stories. Deeply original and, as always with Jarmusch, with a fantastic, laid back soundtrack. Again, a must watch. 9 stars out of 10.
13. The Idiots (1998)
R | 117 min | Comedy, Drama
The group of people gather at the house in Copenhagen suburb to break all the limitations and to bring out the "inner idiot" in themselves.
Director: Lars von Trier | Stars: Bodil Jørgensen, Jens Albinus, Anne Louise Hassing, Troels Lyby
Votes: 33,956 | Gross: $0.01M
Some of the best acting you'll ever see. Let's call this one a hardcore "dramedy" - there are scenes that had me roaring with laughter, others are sad and tender (and there are even some hardcore porn shots). A unique masterpiece by the crazy Danish maestro Lars von Trier. 9 stars out of 10.
14. The Returned (2012–2015)
TV-MA | 418 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
In a small French mountain town where everyone knows each other, the dead begin to inexplicably return as if their death never happened. Forcing the townsfolk to confront their difficult past as they seek to understand this phenomenon.
Stars: Anne Consigny, Clotilde Hesme, Frédéric Pierrot, Céline Sallette
Votes: 21,319
The eerie atmosphere in this strange, beautiful series about returning dead people is absolutely captivating and a unique experience. This ranks among the best I've recently seen on TV or in the cinema. The whole production, from the actors to the setting and the music, is pure art. 9 stars out of 10.
15. Jacob's Ladder (I) (1990)
R | 113 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
Mourning his dead child, a haunted Vietnam War veteran attempts to uncover his past while suffering from a severe case of dissociation. To do so, he must decipher reality and life from his own dreams, delusions, and perceptions of death.
Director: Adrian Lyne | Stars: Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, Danny Aiello, Matt Craven
Votes: 117,849 | Gross: $26.12M
This is simply one of the best films hardly anyone ever saw (OK - it's got 60+ thousand votes on IMDb - but I'm still amazed that it's not 3 times that number). Amazing script, acting, story, visuals; it makes you wonder why Adrian Lyne didn't make more films of that caliber. Don't get frustrated if you don't understand the film at first. It DOES make sense, but it usually takes repeat viewings to figure this one out. 9 stars out of 10.
16. Wild at Heart (1990)
R | 125 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Young lovers Sailor and Lula run from the variety of weirdos that Lula's mom has hired to kill Sailor.
Director: David Lynch | Stars: Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe, J.E. Freeman
Votes: 100,935 | Gross: $14.56M
Typical David Lynch (translate: fantastic visuals, crazy characters and scenes and great music). Yet unlike many of his other movies, this one is easy to follow and not quite as surreal. Cage and Dern are marvelous, but the best performance comes from Willem Dafoe as Bobby Peru. One of the best road movies (and probably the craziest). 9 stars out of 10.
17. Five Corners (1987)
R | 90 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A psychotic young man returns to his old neighborhood after release from prison. He seeks out the woman he previously tried to rape and the man who protected her, with twisted ideas of love for her and hate for him.
Director: Tony Bill | Stars: Jodie Foster, Tim Robbins, Todd Graff, John Turturro
Votes: 3,887 | Gross: $0.97M
The kind of film that doesn't get made anymore in Hollywood. Original story, great atmosphere, wonderful acting. A somewhat quirky but still powerful human drama. Somehow, everything just fits in this film. Given the cast, it's hard to believe it is so little known. One to be re-discovered (hopefully). 8 stars out of 10.
18. Train of Life (1998)
R | 103 min | Comedy, Drama, War
In 1941, the inhabitants of a small Jewish village in Central Europe organize a fake deportation train so that they can escape the Nazis and flee to Palestine.
Director: Radu Mihaileanu | Stars: Lionel Abelanski, Rufus, Clément Harari, Michel Muller
Votes: 9,588 | Gross: $0.15M
The premise for this film is one of the most original I've ever seen - I loved the warm, humanist humor in this and I really hope more people get to see it. 8 stars out of 10.
19. Harrison's Flowers (2000)
R | 121 min | Drama, Romance, War
When a Newsweek photojournalist disappears in war-torn Yugoslavia, his wife travels to Europe to find him.
Director: Élie Chouraqui | Stars: Andie MacDowell, Scott Anton, Elias Koteas, Brendan Gleeson
Votes: 6,768 | Gross: $1.84M
Outstanding war drama. Grim, realistic - and what a fantastic cast. I have no idea why this film isn't more widely known - it certainly deserves to be - or actually, I do have an idea why it tanked. The cheesy title plus the fact that Andie MacDowell - the rom-com queen - is in it, and that the film received next to no marketing are very likely reasons why nobody went to see this. But YOU should. It's worth it. 8 stars out of 10.
20. Unthinkable (2010)
R | 97 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Follows a black-ops interrogator and an F.B.I. agent who try to press a suspect terrorist into divulging the location of three nuclear weapons set to detonate in the U.S.
Director: Gregor Jordan | Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Carrie-Anne Moss, Michael Sheen, Stephen Root
Votes: 93,986
Daring and uncompromising. Stunning performances by all involved. Some questions you can only ask if you are ready to deal with the answers. Compelling stuff. 8 stars out of 10.
21. The Cuckoo (2002)
PG-13 | 99 min | Comedy, Drama, War
In World War II, a Finnish sniper is left chained to a rock by German soldiers, while a captain of the Red Army, en route to his court martial, is almost blown up by Russian planes. A Lapp woman gives shelter to both of them at her farm.
Director: Aleksandr Rogozhkin | Stars: Anni-Kristiina Juuso, Ville Haapasalo, Viktor Bychkov, Mikhail Korobochkin
Votes: 7,981 | Gross: $0.24M
Absolutely heart-warming comedy about two stranded soldiers from opposite lines who get both taken in by a beautiful, child-of-nature like woman in the remote wilderness between Finland and the Soviet-Union. The trio speak three different languages, and on top of all the linguistic chaos, the two men naturally try to continue the warfare against each other. 'Kukushka' plays like an ode to humanity and is just a pure joy to watch. 8 stars out of 10.
22. Dark Blue (2002)
R | 118 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A robbery homicide investigation triggers a series of events that will cause a corrupt LAPD officer to question his tactics.
Director: Ron Shelton | Stars: Kurt Russell, Ving Rhames, Scott Speedman, Michael Michele
Votes: 24,064 | Gross: $9.06M
As far as stories about crooked cops go, this is one of the best I've ever seen. Dark, violent thriller with a script by David Ayer. Kurt Russell gives the performance of a lifetime and should at least have been nominated for an Oscar. Great film. 8 stars out of 10.
23. Tigerland (2000)
R | 101 min | Drama, War
A group of recruits go through Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana's infamous Tigerland, last stop before Vietnam for tens of thousands of young men in 1971.
Director: Joel Schumacher | Stars: Colin Farrell, Matthew Davis, Clifton Collins Jr., Tom Guiry
Votes: 43,350 | Gross: $0.14M
This was the film that put Colin Farrell on the map. Great, character-driven drama about the Vietnam war era and the draft with all its consequences. Farrell shows amazing leading-man charisma and after his performance here it was clear he was going to be a huge star. 8 stars out of 10.
24. Chopper (2000)
R | 94 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
Chopper tells the intense story of Mark "Chopper" Read, a legendary criminal who wrote his autobiography while serving a jail sentence in prison. His book, "From the Inside", upon which the film is based, was a best-seller.
Director: Andrew Dominik | Stars: Eric Bana, Simon Lyndon, Vince Colosimo, Renée Brack
Votes: 41,500 | Gross: $0.23M
One of the best character studies I've ever seen - and certainly the best Eric Bana there ever was. Raw, shocking, sometimes darkly funny portrayal of a sociopath: this film launched Bana's career. 8 stars out of 10.
25. Europa (1991)
R | 112 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Just after World War II, an American takes a railway job in Germany, but finds his position politically sensitive with various people trying to use him.
Director: Lars von Trier | Stars: Barbara Sukowa, Jean-Marc Barr, Udo Kier, Ernst-Hugo Järegård
Votes: 23,197 | Gross: $1.01M
Lars von Trier's portrayal of post-war Germany is an exercise in visual beauty. Think of the infamous Danish "agent provocateur" what you will - his films certainly never fail to leave a lasting impression. This one is perhaps his most accessible effort to date. 8 stars out of 10.
26. The Passenger (1975)
PG-13 | 126 min | Drama, Thriller
Unable to find the war he's been asked to cover, a frustrated war correspondent takes the risky path of co-opting the identity of a dead arms-deal acquaintance.
Director: Michelangelo Antonioni | Stars: Jack Nicholson, Maria Schneider, Jenny Runacre, Ian Hendry
Votes: 26,171 | Gross: $0.62M
A film of such melancholy and quiet beauty, yet never boring or pretentious, and with a Jack Nicholson that shows that his range as an actor goes far beyond his more famous, over-the-top performances. Superb. 8 stars out of 10.
27. Adam's Apples (2005)
R | 94 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
A neo-Nazi sentenced to community service at a church clashes with the blindly devoted minister.
Director: Anders Thomas Jensen | Stars: Ulrich Thomsen, Mads Mikkelsen, Nicolas Bro, Paprika Steen
Votes: 54,612 | Gross: $0.00M
Mean, very funny satire with amazing performances by all - and with an absolutely outstanding Mads Mikkelsen. This is a very black comedy - but also a very smart one - that shows once more that Scandinavian - and especially Danish - cinema had some of the most diverse and creative output in Europe over the last two decades. 8 stars out of 10.
28. Get Carter (1971)
R | 112 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
When his brother dies under mysterious circumstances in a car accident, London gangster Jack Carter travels to Newcastle to investigate.
Director: Mike Hodges | Stars: Michael Caine, Ian Hendry, Britt Ekland, John Osborne
Votes: 36,768 | Gross: $0.39M
If the 'Terminator' were a real person, he would be Carter. This film has a stunning Michael Caine play a cold-blooded gangster on a quest for vengeance. Carter never wavers, he never strays from his path, he is like a surgical instrument that cuts down everything in his way with clinical precision without passion or mercy. Alfred he is not. One of the best British crime flicks ever. 8 stars out of 10.
29. Igby Goes Down (2002)
R | 98 min | Comedy, Drama
A young man's peculiar upbringing renders him unable to competently cope with the struggle of growing up.
Director: Burr Steers | Stars: Kieran Culkin, Susan Sarandon, Jeff Goldblum, Claire Danes
Votes: 35,219 | Gross: $4.68M
Igby caught me by surprise; I hadn't heard much of the film before seeing it and rented it on a hunch. What a beautiful, weird, sad, funny coming-of-age story and what a cast. The performances throughout are amazing. I absolutely adore this film. 8 stars out of 10.
30. Savior (1998)
R | 103 min | Drama, War
A hardened mercenary in the Foreign Legion begins to find his own humanity when confronted with atrocities during the fighting in Bosnia.
Director: Predrag Antonijevic | Stars: Dennis Quaid, Nastassja Kinski, Pascal Rollin, Catlin Foster
Votes: 11,499 | Gross: $0.01M
This is one of the - very - few war films that actually show war for what it really is, and what it means for the civilians caught up in it. There are no impressive explosions, adrenaline-driven missions or brotherly scenes of camaraderie. This film shows humanity's dark side without flinching or looking away. Hard to stomach but highly recommended. 8 stars out of 10.
31. Lenny (1974)
R | 111 min | Biography, Drama
The story of acerbic 1960s comic Lenny Bruce, whose groundbreaking, no-holds-barred style and social commentary was often deemed by the Establishment as too obscene for the public.
Director: Bob Fosse | Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Valerie Perrine, Jan Miner, Stanley Beck
Votes: 17,540 | Gross: $8.43M
A testament to ground-breaking comedian Lenny Bruce and - another - absolutely breathtaking performance by Dustin Hoffman (and, as is typical for that period of film-making, pretty much everyone of the cast). When seventies cinema was good, it was really, really good - and is, at least acting-wise, only rarely rivaled in contemporary productions. As a character study and also a lesson in history, 'Lenny' is essential viewing. 8 stars out of 10.
32. Before the Fall (2004)
110 min | Drama, Sport, Thriller
Friedrich's boxing skills gets him in an elite Nazi high school in a castle in 1942. He enrolls against his dad's wish as it promises a brighter future. It's not what he expected.
Director: Dennis Gansel | Stars: Max Riemelt, Tom Schilling, Devid Striesow, Jonas Jägermeyr
Votes: 17,125 | Gross: $0.14M
Apart form the films of Michael Haneke, this was one of the few German language films in recent years that left a lasting impression on me. Realistic portrayal of what it must have been like to be 'bred' and drilled to meet the Nazi standards of what the 'master-race' should be like. Impressive. 8 stars out of 10.
33. Little Big Man (1970)
PG-13 | 139 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Jack Crabb, looking back from extreme old age, tells of his life being raised by Native Americans and fighting with General Custer.
Director: Arthur Penn | Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Faye Dunaway, Chief Dan George, Martin Balsam
Votes: 37,886 | Gross: $31.56M
This was one of the first revisionist Westerns, and it's a bit of a shame younger audiences mostly don't seem to know it: this is classic seventies gold. Arthur Penn, one of the driving forces behind the so called "New Hollywood" (he directed 'Bonnie and Clyde'), delivered a masterpiece with a fantastic Dustin Hoffman. It's an epic, tragic tale, but one told with an often very funny voice. Part satire, part honest look at America's dark and untold history, the tone and narrative of this film were groundbreaking. And it still looks fresh: the script, the acting, the camera, the music: everything still oozes quality more than 40 years later. A timeless classic. 9 stars out of 10.
34. Man Bites Dog (1992)
NC-17 | 95 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
A film crew follows a ruthless thief and heartless killer as he goes about his daily routine. But complications set in when the film crew lose their objectivity and begin lending a hand.
Directors: Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel, Benoît Poelvoorde | Stars: Benoît Poelvoorde, Jacqueline Poelvoorde-Pappaert, Nelly Pappaert, Hector Pappaert
Votes: 43,722 | Gross: $0.21M
Razor sharp satire or simply one of the blackest comedies of all time - this one has teeth. And timeless quality. The direction and the performances are outstanding; when a friend of mine watched it with me for the first time, he was shaken: he thought he had watched a documentary. 10 stars out of 10.
35. With a Friend Like Harry... (2000)
R | 117 min | Comedy, Drama, Mystery
Harry knew Michel in high school; they meet again by accident, Harry inserts himself in Michel's life... and things take a sinister turn.
Director: Dominik Moll | Stars: Laurent Lucas, Sergi López, Mathilde Seigner, Sophie Guillemin
Votes: 11,955 | Gross: $3.82M
Fantastic psycho-thriller with a lot of very black humor. Hitchcock would have loved this film. Sergi Lopez, who plays the titular role, gives one of my favorite performances ever. Great stuff. 8 stars out of 10.
36. Tampopo (1985)
Not Rated | 114 min | Comedy
A truck driver stops at a small family-run noodle shop and decides to help its fledgling business. The story is intertwined with various vignettes about the relationship of love and food.
Director: Jûzô Itami | Stars: Ken Watanabe, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto, Koji Yakusho
Votes: 22,548 | Gross: $0.22M
A "delicious" masterpiece. Simply the best film about food I've ever seen; peppered with homages and nods to great westerns, this lovely comedy is just a pure joy to watch. Just don't watch it on an empty stomach - you'll be craving noodles within minutes. A timeless Asian classic. 8 stars out of 10.
37. To Be or Not to Be (1942)
Passed | 99 min | Comedy, Romance, War
During the German occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.
Director: Ernst Lubitsch | Stars: Carole Lombard, Jack Benny, Robert Stack, Felix Bressart
Votes: 42,999
Comedies rarely stand the test of time - this one does: one of the funniest films I have ever seen. I don't believe the Nazis have ever been mocked better than in this black comedy (and I only hope Hitler has seen it, too). Mel Brooks' remake is not bad, but the original is simply killer. See it, and then see it again (and again). 10 stars out of 10.
38. Catch-22 (1970)
R | 122 min | Comedy, Drama, War
A man is trying desperately to be certified insane during World War II, so he can stop flying missions.
Director: Mike Nichols | Stars: Alan Arkin, Martin Balsam, Richard Benjamin, Art Garfunkel
Votes: 26,499 | Gross: $24.91M
When I first saw 'Catch-22' I couldn't believe it was made in 1970; the structure of this film is so modern it could have been made yesterday. Frame for frame a masterpiece of storytelling unfolds before your eyes; a satire, a comedy, a tragedy: superb and unforgettable. The surreal humor captures the craziness of war in a way - I think - no other movie does. It was released at around the same time as the somewhat similarly themed 'M*A*S*H', and while Altman's film was a hit, 'Catch-22' bombed at the box office. In retrospect I would say that both movies have aged very well, but 'Catch-22' offers a much more cinematic experience and has a narrative structure that is as modern as anything that's being released today. One of my favorite movies of all time. 10 stars out of 10.
39. Leolo (1992)
Not Rated | 107 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
The story of a young Canadian boy who tries to escape mentally from his disturbed family thanks to his fantasy and imagination.
Director: Jean-Claude Lauzon | Stars: Maxime Collin, Ginette Reno, Gilbert Sicotte, Julien Guiomar
Votes: 7,334 | Gross: $0.61M
To me, 'Léolo' is like a rare gemstone. A unique, surreal fairy tale, which you can look at from many different angles and yet it remains hard to describe. Although there clearly is a structured narrative, I believe this film is more to be felt than understood. While it's often disturbing, it's also very funny and darkly comic. Somehow fitting for a story inspired by childhood memories, reality and fantasy are seamlessly interwoven to create an often dream-like, sometimes nightmarish atmosphere. A beautiful, unforgettable work of art, albeit not one for the easily offended. 10 stars out of 10.
40. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (2003)
Unrated | 74 min | Documentary
In April 2002, an Irish film crew is making a documentary about Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, when a coup from the opposition is made.
Directors: Kim Bartley, Donnacha O'Briain | Stars: Hugo Chávez, Pedro Carmona, Jesse Helms, Colin Powell
Votes: 2,625
Never before and never after has there been a documentary like this. What you get here is the most fascinating and unique look at historical events ever captured on film: you get to be inside a coup d'état in Venezuela while it is actually happening. The footage shown is brutal, but as to what we are actually seeing and what we are led to believe by clever construction - as Chavez' opponents are claiming - has to be decided by the viewer. Yet regardless whether it's the best propaganda film ever made or the most compelling capture of true events on celluloid since the footage of the JFK assassination - this is essential viewing. 10 stars out of 10.
41. No Man's Land (I) (2001)
R | 98 min | Comedy, Drama, War
Bosnia and Herzegovina during 1993 at the time of the heaviest fighting between the two warring sides. Two soldiers from opposing sides in the conflict, Nino and Ciki, become trapped in no man's land, whilst a third soldier becomes a living booby trap.
Director: Danis Tanovic | Stars: Branko Djuric, Rene Bitorajac, Filip Sovagovic, Georges Siatidis
Votes: 48,819 | Gross: $1.06M
In the case of this movie, the Oscar was well deserved. The film was nominated in the wrong category, though (Best Foreign Language Film). It should have been up for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Director - and it should have won all of those. As far as I'm concerned, this may very well be the finest film on the subject of war - or conflict in general - that was ever made. I've never seen anything similar; this film manages to show so many aspects of war, of human nature; it somehow manages to capture the essence of something that is inexplicable. Truly one of a kind and a must-see. And don't think for one second that this is some pretentious drivel or slow Arthouse fare - this is very much the opposite. 10 stars out of 10.
42. Funny Games (1997)
Not Rated | 108 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Two violent young men take a mother, father, and son hostage in their vacation cabin and force them to play sadistic "games" with one another for their own amusement.
Director: Michael Haneke | Stars: Susanne Lothar, Ulrich Mühe, Arno Frisch, Frank Giering
Votes: 84,056
This is one of those I nearly didn't watch (I thought it would be pseudo-intellectual drivel about the evil nature of video games) - I'm very glad I got over myself and finally did watch it one day. What an amazingly done film! I've never seen such great acting in a German language movie (the film is Austrian - just to be precise); the script is full of surprises and the whole film has a tightness that is very rare; every little detail is in the right place. This is one of the most gripping films about the dark side of human nature I have ever seen; pure cinematic entertainment and yet it goes beyond that (and stays with you long after you've finished watching). 10 stars out of 10.
43. Jodorowsky's Dune (2013)
PG-13 | 90 min | Documentary
The story of cult film director Alejandro Jodorowsky's ambitious but ultimately doomed film adaptation of the seminal science fiction novel.
Director: Frank Pavich | Stars: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Michel Seydoux, H.R. Giger, Chris Foss
Votes: 27,552 | Gross: $0.65M
If you love sci-fi films, you have to see this. Or no: If you love films you have to see this. Even better: If you love art in general, you absolutely have to see this. Can you imagine Salvador Dali, Orson Welles and Mick Jagger all starring in a science-fiction film scored by Pink Floyd? Watch this Documentary if you want to know how this - nearly - came about. Or did you know that Dan O'Bannon, Moebius, H.R. Giger and Chris Foss all made fantastic designs for a science-fiction film that was NOT 'Alien'? Watch this documentary If you like to know more. Telling the story of arguably the most influential sci-fi film never made, this documentary is a pleasure to behold and essential viewing for sci-fi geeks, film fans and lovers of art alike. 10 stars out of 10.
44. Generation Kill (2008)
TV-MA | 10 min | Drama, War
A Rolling Stone reporter, embedded with The 1st Recon Marines chronicles his experiences during the first wave of the American-led assault on Baghdad in 2003.
Stars: Alexander Skarsgård, James Ransone, Lee Tergesen, Jon Huertas
Votes: 59,192
This mini-series is as close to a documentary as it gets. The realities of modern warfare are shown honestly with no political agenda and you are left to draw your own conclusions. When I watched this series I had to think of a quote from another film, 'The Siege' from 1998, where Bruce Willis' character, a high ranking army official, says something along the lines of: "The army is a broad sword - not a scalpel. So trust me, you do not want to call the army, unless you have absolutely no other option". From an artistic point of view what stands out the most is the ensemble of actors. Not once during the entire seven episodes did I not believe I was watching the actual characters - the performances and the direction in this series are flawless. I've never seen a series that felt as real as this. This goes beyond mere entertainment - this is simply the best contemporary television has to offer.
45. The Honey Pot (1967)
Not Rated | 150 min | Comedy, Crime, Mystery
In Venice, a millionaire hires an actor to help him prank three greedy ex-girlfriends into thinking he's dying and leaving his fortune to one of them.
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz | Stars: Rex Harrison, Susan Hayward, Cliff Robertson, Capucine
Votes: 2,846
Another great by the director of 'Sleuth', even lesser known. Great acting and just so incredibly well made. Twists you won't see coming and fun by the truck load. 8 stars out of 10.
46. Salvador (1986)
R | 122 min | Drama, History, Thriller
A burnt-out photojournalist becomes involved in a Central American revolution.
Director: Oliver Stone | Stars: James Woods, Jim Belushi, Michael Murphy, John Savage
Votes: 23,144
Compelling civil war drama by Oliver Stone with a great James Woods (as well as great Jim Belushi). Stone's best films have always been his highly political ones, and this is no exception. Brutal, realistic portrayal of the conflict in Salvador and America's implications. 8 stars out of 10.
47. Heaven & Earth (1993)
R | 140 min | Action, Biography, Drama
During the Vietnam War, a Vietnamese woman struggles hustling on the streets, where she comes face to face with those involved in the conflict around her.
Director: Oliver Stone | Stars: Hiep Thi Le, Tommy Lee Jones, Haing S. Ngor, Bussaro Sanruck
Votes: 15,116 | Gross: $5.86M
Oliver Stone again: the last film in his trilogy about the Vietnam war (the other two are 'Platoon' and 'Born on the 4th of July') is the least known. A shame really; not only is it an excellent film, but it is also one of the very few films that show the Vietnam war from the perspective of the Vietnamese (and from a woman, at that - which makes it even rarer). Impressive, shocking, sad and beautiful - and educating. 8 stars out of 10.
48. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005)
R | 121 min | Adventure, Crime, Drama
Ranch foreman Pete Perkins looks to fulfill the promise to his recently deceased best friend by burying him in his hometown in Mexico.
Director: Tommy Lee Jones | Stars: Tommy Lee Jones, Barry Pepper, Dwight Yoakam, January Jones
Votes: 41,881 | Gross: $5.02M
Plays like the melancholic, less violent companion piece to 'Bring me the head of Alfredo Garcia'. Produced by Luc Besson and directed by Tommy Lee Jones. A poetic, unpredictable western. Great performances by Barry Pepper and Tommy Lee Jones and a journey worth taking. Haunting and beautiful. 8 stars out of 10.
49. The Fisher King (1991)
R | 137 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
A former radio DJ, suicidally despondent because of a terrible mistake he made, finds redemption in helping a deranged homeless man who was an unwitting victim of that mistake.
Director: Terry Gilliam | Stars: Jeff Bridges, Robin Williams, Adam Bryant, Paul Lombardi
Votes: 90,858 | Gross: $41.90M
A beautiful fairy tale. Very funny, yet also sad, poetic, melancholic - one of Gilliam's best. Jeff Bridges gives a great performance and Robin Williams an outstanding one. Visually this is pure Gilliam, playful and slightly surreal - a rare treat. 8 stars out of 10.
50. Duck, You Sucker! (1971)
PG | 138 min | Drama, War, Western
A low-life bandit and an I.R.A. explosives expert rebel against the government and become heroes of the Mexican Revolution.
Director: Sergio Leone | Stars: Rod Steiger, James Coburn, Romolo Valli, Maria Monti
Votes: 37,491 | Gross: $0.70M
The great Sergio Leone's least known film. The film is typical Leone; Morricone's music plays a key role, flashbacks are used as a narrative tool, the visuals are breath-taking and opulent - in short: One not to miss for any film fan. 8 stars out of 10.
51. Mifune (1999)
R | 98 min | Romance, Comedy, Drama
Kresten's dad dies and he returns to the farm on Lolland to take care of things, including his developmentaly-challenged brother. He employs a hooker as maid. He loses his wife and job due to lies. The maid's kid brother moves in and they're a family of 4.
Director: Søren Kragh-Jacobsen | Stars: Iben Hjejle, Anders W. Berthelsen, Jesper Asholt, Emil Tarding
Votes: 8,050 | Gross: $0.59M
A movie to fall in love with. Simple as that. A tender, sweet love story that will make your heart melt (I know how terribly cheesy that sounds, but I stand by my words), unless you are out of stone. It's another Danish masterpiece and yet another Dogme movie (but don't worry; once you get used to the shaky cam, these films are all richly rewarding). 8 stars out of 10.
52. My Best Fiend (1999)
Not Rated | 95 min | Documentary, Biography
The love-hate relationship between Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski, the deep trust between the director and the actor, and their independently and simultaneously hatched plans to murder one another.
Director: Werner Herzog | Stars: Werner Herzog, Klaus Kinski, Claudia Cardinale, Eva Mattes
Votes: 12,191 | Gross: $0.10M
Simply one of the most entertaining documentaries ever made and a fascinating portrait of two people who were "obsessed" with their art. Full of anecdotes about film-making and narrated with a lot of humor by Herzog himself, this film is a joy for every film fan. 9 stars out of 10.
53. Citizen X (1995 TV Movie)
R | 105 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
During the 1980s, Soviet authorities hunt for a serial killer who picks his victims in railway stations and commuter trains and lures them into the woods.
Director: Chris Gerolmo | Stars: Stephen Rea, Donald Sutherland, Max von Sydow, Jeffrey DeMunn
Votes: 22,294
One look at the cast is enough to know that this is not "just" a TV-movie. HBO already delivered quality stuff 20 years ago; this is one of the best crime stories about a serial killer I've ever seen. 8 stars out of 10.
54. Strange Days (1995)
R | 145 min | Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi
A former cop turned street-hustler accidentally uncovers a conspiracy in Los Angeles in 1999.
Director: Kathryn Bigelow | Stars: Ralph Fiennes, Angela Bassett, Juliette Lewis, Tom Sizemore
Votes: 78,416 | Gross: $7.92M
Probably one of the best big-budget sci-fi films to never reach a big audience. Written and produced by James Cameron, this film about a police cover-up is more noir than actual sci-fi - although the sci-fi elements are important. With a great cast and an amazing atmosphere throughout, this is one not to miss for fans of thrillers, film noir and sci-fi. 8 stars out of 10.
55. The Siege (1998)
R | 116 min | Action, Thriller
The secret U.S. abduction of a suspected terrorist leads to a wave of terrorist attacks in New York City, which leads to the declaration of martial-law.
Director: Edward Zwick | Stars: Denzel Washington, Bruce Willis, Annette Bening, Tony Shalhoub
Votes: 78,076 | Gross: $40.98M
It might not qualify as a masterpiece, but this film is so criminally underrated I just had to include it on this list. Dark, sadly prophetic, gripping thriller with an amazing cast. For reasons I will never understand this film was accused of having a racist and fascist message (probably by people who hadn't even seen it) although it very clearly has anything but. 8 stars out of 10.
56. After Hours (I) (1985)
R | 97 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
An ordinary word processor has the worst night of his life after he agrees to visit a girl in Soho he met that evening at a coffee shop.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Verna Bloom, Tommy Chong
Votes: 81,329 | Gross: $10.60M
A great black comedy and probably Scorsese's least known movie. Wonderful cast and full of unexpected twists and turns, this surreal comedy nightmare is highly recommended. 8 stars out of 10.
57. Angel Heart (1987)
X | 113 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A private investigator is hired by a man who calls himself Louis Cyphre to track down a singer named Johnny Favorite. But the investigation takes an unexpected and somber turn.
Director: Alan Parker | Stars: Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, Lisa Bonet, Charlotte Rampling
Votes: 95,795 | Gross: $17.19M
Dark voodoo thriller that was rather popular when it came out but seems to have fallen a bit into obscurity over the years. I was surprised this has only 50+ thousand votes on IMDb - it's such a visually splendid film with a great atmosphere and another great turn from Mickey Rourke (and a very special one from De Niro). 8 stars out of 10.
58. Birdy (1984)
R | 120 min | Drama, War
After two friends return home from the Vietnam War one becomes mentally unstable and obsesses with becoming a bird.
Director: Alan Parker | Stars: Matthew Modine, Nicolas Cage, John Harkins, Sandy Baron
Votes: 24,925 | Gross: $1.46M
Another gem from Alan Parker, one of the most interesting directors of the eighties, to rediscover. A sad, weird, funny and beautiful tale about friendship with two great leads, Nic Cage and Matthew Modine. 8 stars out of 10.
59. Wag the Dog (1997)
R | 97 min | Comedy, Drama
Shortly before an election, a spin-doctor and a Hollywood producer join efforts to fabricate a war in order to cover up a Presidential sex scandal.
Director: Barry Levinson | Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne Heche, Woody Harrelson
Votes: 88,463 | Gross: $43.02M
One of the best - and funniest - political satires ever. It's one of very few films here on this list with 60+ thousand votes, but given the film's quality and the A-list cast, I would have expected it to have three times as many. Hilarious. 8 stars out of 10.
60. Arizona Dream (1993)
R | 142 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
A young New Yorker goes to Arizona where he finds freedom to both love and dream.
Director: Emir Kusturica | Stars: Johnny Depp, Jerry Lewis, Faye Dunaway, Lili Taylor
Votes: 45,647 | Gross: $0.11M
Poetry put on film. A film of surreal beauty that feels like a light breeze on a warm summer evening out on the porch; the atmosphere Kusturica creates with his dream-like images and Goran Bregovic's wonderful music is absolutely unique. 8 stars out of 10.
61. The Commitments (1991)
R | 118 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
Jimmy Rabbitte, an unemployed Dublin boy, decides to put together a soul band made up entirely of the Irish working class.
Director: Alan Parker | Stars: Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne, Angeline Ball, Maria Doyle Kennedy
Votes: 38,778 | Gross: $14.92M
One of my favorite feel-good movies ever. Fantastic actors and the best Irish soul music ever put on film. A joy of a film (and it also shows just how versatile a director Alan Parker was). 8 stars out of 10.
62.
Les mercredis de l'histoire (1995– )
Episode:
Opération lune
(2002)
52 min | Documentary
This hard-hitting mockumentary exposes how Stanley Kubrick faked the 1969 moon landing, with seeming-endorsements from many key players in NASA and the US government.
Director: William Karel | Stars: Philippe Faure, Christiane Kubrick, Jan Harlan, Vernon Walters
Votes: 1,933
A one-of-a-kind documentary. An eye-opener and a very clever study on documentaries, conspiracy-theories and just immensely entertaining. Make sure you watch the end credits. If you truly want to enjoy this film the way it was meant to be, don't read anything about it. 9 stars out of 10.
63. More Than Honey (2012)
Unrated | 95 min | Documentary
An in-depth look at honeybee colonies in California, Switzerland, China and Australia.
Director: Markus Imhoof | Stars: Fred Jaggi, Randolf Menzel, John Miller, Liane Singer
Votes: 4,318 | Gross: $0.07M
This film has a very rare 100% rating on 'Rotten Tomatoes' (just for comparison, 'Gravity' has 97%), which is one of the reasons I wanted to check it out. Another reason would be that it was recommended to me by people who are normally more into action films. Now, having seen the movie, I can clearly see why that is. This beautiful documentary has a lot more to offer than just information (as interesting, disturbing and educating said information definitely is); what you get here is also great, cinematic entertainment. And the cinematography - wow! I don't know how they got to film the bees so close; if it was done with CGI or mini-drones, the effects would certainly be Oscar-worthy. As far as I'm concerned, this masterpiece can compete with anything in the blockbuster category that Hollywood has put out recently. 9 stars out of 10.
64. The Knick (2014–2015)
TV-MA | 58 min | Drama, History
A look at the professional and personal lives of the staff at New York's Knickerbocker Hospital during the early part of the twentieth century.
Stars: Clive Owen, André Holland, Jeremy Bobb, Juliet Rylance
Votes: 52,536
Although this comes from Steven Soderbergh's treasure chest and has Clive Owen in the lead, this new series has yet to find its audience. Eventually it will, no doubt; it's simply too good not to. Within the first five minutes of the first episode you will have a very clear picture of what it meant to have to undergo surgery at a time when even today's most common surgical procedures had hardly been tested – let alone successfully. Writers Jack Amiel and Michael Begler have created a fascinating – and gripping – look at the humble beginnings of modern medicine, and frankly: it made me realize just how lucky I am to live today. Shockingly authentic drama produced, directed, photographed and edited by Steven Soderbergh. 9 stars out of 10.
65. Lonesome Dove (1989)
TV-14 | 96 min | Adventure, Drama, Western
Two former Texas Rangers renew their spirit of adventure as they and several other residents of a small Texas town join a cattle drive to the Montana Territory.
Stars: Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Danny Glover, Diane Lane
Votes: 25,907
Beautiful, epic old-school western with an amazing cast. At the time, TV-productions of such outstanding quality were not very common at all, and even though we now live in a golden age of TV-shows, this wonderful mini-series still holds up well. Worth watching for the priceless bickering between Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones alone, this small-screen marvel needs to be rediscovered by film fans. 8 stars out of 10.
66. The Kingdom (1994–2022)
TV-MA | 60 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Doctors at an ultramodern hospital in Denmark become convinced, by way of weird, inexplicable happenings, that the place is haunted.
Stars: Ernst-Hugo Järegård, Kirsten Rolffes, Ghita Nørby, Søren Pilmark
Votes: 20,344 | Gross: $0.09M
Lars von Trier's weird, creepy haunted hospital series with an amazing atmosphere and a great cast. Mixing scares and laughs to great results, this shows that you don't need a budget as long as you've got great actors, good writing and the perfect location. Shot entirely on an ordinary video camera, this is "no budget" Arthouse Cinema. Stephen King was such a big fan of this series that he bought the rights to make a U.S. version (sadly, it didn't turn out very good) There's a second part for this series from 1997 which is just as good (I wish they would have been able to make the planned third part, but some of the lead actors died). 9 out of 10.
67. Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969–1974)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy
The original surreal sketch comedy showcase for the Monty Python troupe.
Stars: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle
Votes: 78,779
While the Python's movies are very well known, I was surprised at how little known their groundbreaking TV-show is. Some of the weirdest, funniest and most inventive sketches ever to be seen, I'm sure any fan of the films will enjoy this firework of creativity as well. Timeless, priceless fun that made TV-history. 9 stars out of 10.
68. Fawlty Towers (1975–1979)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
Hotel owner Basil Fawlty's incompetence, short fuse, and arrogance form a combination that ensures accidents and trouble are never far away.
Stars: John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth
Votes: 100,125
After 'Flying Circus' was over, Python member John Cleese helped create and starred in this hilarious 12 part comedy series about Basil Fawlty - who just so happens to run a hotel with his lovely wife. Problem is, Basil couldn't be more ill suited for the job; he's arrogant, incompetent and has a very short fuse - and to make matters worse, the hotel's cook doesn't speak a word of English. Some of the best comedy ever made, this show is also one to rediscover for film fans. 9 stars out of 10.
69. Utopia (I) (2013–2014)
TV-MA | 50 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
After a group of people, who meet online, discover a bizarre graphic novel which seems to hold mysterious answers, they find themselves being tracked down by a merciless organization known merely as 'The Network'.
Stars: Adeel Akhtar, Paul Higgins, Neil Maskell, Fiona O'Shaughnessy
Votes: 51,120
The visual style of the show, the amazing, crazy soundtrack (which fits the crazy conspiracy story so well), the fantastic characters and the wonderful cast – I could go on and on: it all comes together to create one of the most unique and most original TV shows I’ve seen in a long time. The only thing I know that would be kind of comparable among the current shows is the equally fantastic ‘Orphan Black’ – but ‘Utopia’ is even crazier (and a LOT more violent), has much weirder characters and makes for a more cinematic experience due to its stylish, Technicolor drenched photography. Highly recommended: 9 stars out of 10.
70. The Devil's Backbone (2001)
R | 106 min | Drama, Horror, Thriller
After Carlos - a 12-year-old whose father has died in the Spanish Civil War - arrives at an ominous boys' orphanage, he discovers the school is haunted and has many dark secrets which he must uncover.
Director: Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Marisa Paredes, Eduardo Noriega, Federico Luppi, Fernando Tielve
Votes: 70,994 | Gross: $0.75M
A beautiful, atmospheric story about a haunted orphanage. To date, I think it's Del Toro's most "complete" film, combining his trademark visuals with a very touching story about war, death, guilt and grief - and ultimately hope. Like 'Pan's Labyrinth' the story is set against the backdrop of the Spanish civil war (although here the war serves merely as a background noise). The film is so beautifully shot that I would recommend it even to people who don't normally like ghost stories (it does have some scary moments, mind); this one transcends the horror genre. 8 stars out of 10.
71. Wild Tales (2014)
R | 122 min | Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Six short stories that explore the extremities of human behavior involving people in distress.
Director: Damián Szifron | Stars: Darío Grandinetti, María Marull, Mónica Villa, Diego Starosta
Votes: 216,206 | Gross: $3.11M
Hilarious and very, very black comedy consisting of six episodes about people who get driven to the edge of reason (and a little beyond). The acting and writing in this gem from Argentina are superb, and the beautifully photographed segments keep you thrilled and unable to guess just what crazy turn they will take next. A wonderful joy of a film for film lovers with a rather twisted sense of humor. 8 stars out of 10.
72. The Limey (1999)
R | 89 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
An extremely volatile and dangerous Englishman goes to Los Angeles to find the man he considers responsible for his daughter's death.
Director: Steven Soderbergh | Stars: Terence Stamp, Peter Fonda, Lesley Ann Warren, Luis Guzmán
Votes: 34,820 | Gross: $3.19M
Steven Soderbergh's take on the revenge thriller. An excellent Terence Stamp plays a Man trying to find out what happened to his daughter. The premise doesn't sound very original - and it isn't - but what Sodergbergh does with it, very much is. It's a slow burner, but a very rewarding one. 8 stars out of 10.
73. Sleuth (1972)
PG | 138 min | Mystery, Thriller
A man who loves games and theater invites his wife's lover to meet him, setting up a battle of wits with potentially deadly results.
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz | Stars: Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine, Alec Cawthorne, John Matthews
Votes: 50,156 | Gross: $4.08M
A pure joy of a film. Caine and Olivier give it all - and what more could you want. So clever and funny and with so many unexpected twists and turns. Superb acting, fantastic script: a must see. 9 stars out of 10.
74. Murder on a Sunday Morning (2001)
Not Rated | 111 min | Documentary, Crime
Oscar-winning documentary that documents a murder trial in which a 15-year-old African-American is wrongfully accused of a 2000 murder in Jacksonville, Florida.
Director: Jean-Xavier de Lestrade | Stars: Ann Finnell, Patrick McGuinness, James Williams, Michael Glover
Votes: 4,515
This stunning documentary captures a mesmerizing and deeply touching courtroom drama that will make you shout out in rage as well as cry. And you will cheer at a man who is a real-life hero; an angry, chain-smoking warrior whose commitment and dedication to this case provide a shining example for how EVERY defense attorney should work when there is so much at stake for the accused (alas, in real life, real justice mostly seems to be reserved for Hollywood movies). This film will stay with you long after you finished watching. 9 stars out of 10.
75. O.J.: Made in America (2016)
TV-MA | 467 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
A chronicle of the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, whose high-profile murder trial exposed the extent of American racial tensions, revealing a fractured and divided nation.
Director: Ezra Edelman | Stars: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Mike Albanese, Muhammad Ali, Marcus Allen
Votes: 21,799
This documentary (which to me felt like a seven-and-a-half-hour feature film) is - in my humble opinion - one of the greatest achievements in American filmmaking and utterly captivating from the beginning to the end. Where the equally brilliant but fictional series 'The Wire' took the topic of crime as a means to cast a look at all aspects and social layers of a whole city (Baltimore), 'O.J.: Made in America' examines the life and crimes of a single man (albeit one leading a very public life) to cast a very close look at American society as a whole, and the result is the most comprehensive, in-depth analysis of the divided nation's collective psyche I have ever seen.
The portrait that emerges is so fascinating and so revealing and educational (and believe me: thrillingly entertaining) that I believe this should be recommended viewing in schools and colleges across the country. And if you think: "Meh, I know that story, it's been all over the news - not interested", think again. Trust me, you do not know this story (or better: these stories). And there's a big chance you'll understand a great deal more about America once you've finished watching this masterpiece. I rate it a rare perfect 10 stars out of 10.
76. Stestí (2005)
Not Rated | 102 min | Drama
Three young adults in Most sort out feelings and responsibilities: Monika's boyfriend has left for the States, her mother wants her to join him there, and if the invitation does come, what ... See full summary »
Director: Bohdan Sláma | Stars: Tatiana Dyková, Pavel Liska, Anna Geislerová, Marek Daniel
Votes: 1,552
This is one of those rare movies about life which simply makes you appreciate the human experience. It's funny, warm, sad and touching all at the same time, and something about it just rings true. It's a film about ordinary people who struggle with their lives in the city but find new hope - and new challenges - when they start renovating a run-down farm in the countryside. Beautiful and life-affirming. 8 stars out of 10.
77. Tickling Giants (2016)
TV-14 | 111 min | Documentary
While the Egyptian revolution of 2011 is underway, surgeon turned comedian Bassem Youssef airs a television show that makes him popular to his countrymen but disliked by the government.
Director: Sara Taksler | Stars: Bassem Youssef, Jon Stewart, Shadi Alfons, Injy Abou El So'oud
Votes: 1,686 | Gross: $0.04M
This documentary is more thrilling and touching than any movie I've seen in 2017. It's the story of a charismatic, courageous man who decided to take on the mighty and powerful with humor. If you've ever heard and believed the expression "the pen is mightier than the sword", you'll find it is even more true when you understand the literal (original) meaning of pen is feather. For the sword-bearers in this film seem to be even more afraid of a tickling feather than they are of the written word. Humor and laughter are the most disarming weapons against dictators, but sadly, the times where at least the fool was allowed to speak the truth to the king seem to be long gone. This film tells one of the most captivating stories I've come across in a long time, and I highly recommend it to any film fan, but in particular to fans of political satire and intelligent comedy. 9 stars out of 10.
78. The Vietnam War (2017)
TV-MA | 99 min | Documentary, History, War
A comprehensive history of the United States' involvement in the bitterly divisive armed conflict in Southeast Asia.
Stars: Peter Coyote, Huy Duc, James Willbanks, Duong Van Mai Elliott
Votes: 27,971
I watch many documentaries, but I have only rarely seen such an insightful and comprehensive portrait of a chapter in history. Over the course of 16.5 hours this docu-series takes the viewer from the earliest roots of the conflict in Vietnam and the country's sad colonial history to its modern-day reality after the war. Along the way, it tells a mesmerizing, shocking, appalling, tragic - but most of all: incredibly immersive and informative - story from the perspective of the people who were affected by this man-made tragedy. Unlike most other documentaries on the subject, we also get to hear first hand accounts from North- and South Vietnamese officers, ARVN and Vietcong fighters, civilians from both the South and the North, in addition to learning more about the American experience and about the profound effect the conflict had on US society. What Ken Burns and Lynn Novick have accomplished here can hardly be overstated; this is more than "just" an in-depth look at the Vietnam War: this is nothing less than the portrait of an era. A masterful work. 10 stars out of 10
79. The Brand New Testament (2015)
Not Rated | 114 min | Comedy, Fantasy
Did you know that God is alive and lives in Brussels with his daughter?
Director: Jaco Van Dormael | Stars: Pili Groyne, Benoît Poelvoorde, Catherine Deneuve, François Damiens
Votes: 34,998 | Gross: $0.09M
Ladies, this one is for you. Some of you might have expected it all along, but this film confirms God is a chauvinist pig (well, the clues were all there, come to think of it). Luckily - but unbeknownst to most - God also has a daughter, and she's had enough of her mean-spirited, bad-tempered Father and is about to teach Him a lesson. With the help of her brother (yes, THAT brother) and a somewhat unorthodox band of newly appointed disciples, she's determined to make her own mark on the universe. Needless to say, God's having none of it and tries to do everything in His - considerable - power to stop His rebellious daughter from undoing everything He's worked so hard for. This hilarious satire is a firework of inspired ideas and just a blast from start to finish. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves intelligent, absurdist comedy in the vein of 'Life of Brian' or 'South Park' and doesn't get easily offended. 8 stars out of 10.
80. Zero Days (2016)
PG-13 | 116 min | Documentary
A documentary focused on Stuxnet, a piece of self-replicating computer malware that the U.S. and Israel unleashed to destroy a key part of an Iranian nuclear facility, and which ultimately spread beyond its intended target.
Director: Alex Gibney | Stars: David Sanger, Emad Kiyaei, Eric Chien, Liam O'Murchu
Votes: 10,415 | Gross: $0.10M
This was one of the most enlightening documentaries I've seen in recent years; it was also one of the most disturbing films I've seen in a long time. I had no idea how far into the age of cyberwarfare we already are, and how serious the consequences of this kind of conflict already can be. If you're a conspiracy theorist or otherwise prone to paranoia, don't watch this - but if you want to learn some of the darker secrets most government agencies try to shield our fragile little minds from, and if you want to know some hard truths about what's possible and what's already happening in terms of cyberattacks, I highly recommend this excellent documentary. 9 stars out of 10.
81. Züri Zoo (2011)
60 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
Fed up with their lives among the shady creatures of Zurich's seedy underworld, a brother and a sister risk everything to win it all.
Director: Gregory D. Widmer | Stars: Sandra Zellweger, Lara Wolf, Christian Martin Schäfer, Patricia Sluka
Votes: 87
This delightfully trashy piece of pulp Cinema was an unexpected pleasure! I was lucky enough to attend the premiere, and it was obvious the filmmakers put a lot of heart - and skill - into the film. The plot doesn't make a lick of sense, but it isn't really meant to; the film is mostly an homage to seventies pulp Cinema and doesn't take itself seriously for a second. The acting ranges from great to hilariously bad, but the racy soundtrack is fantastic throughout, and at only an hour long 'Züri Zoo' offers perfectly paced entertainment from Switzerland for fans of weird little genre flicks. Seek it out if you can, this little gem is worth it! 9 Stars out of 10
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