No matter who you are and what you’re into, there are certain movies that have become cemented in pop culture and have become classics in the minds of movie fans worldwide. From the glitziest blockbusters to the hidden gems tucked away in the archives, these are the movies that will rank high in any conversation about the best of the best. Read on to learn all about the top movies of all time.
The Classics
When it comes to the best movies of all time, consider the timeless classics. Whether they’re your favorites, or you’ve still never seen them, these are the iconic works that confirm that the art of filmmaking really has the power to stand the test of time.
• The Godfather (1972): The landmark 1972 crime epic directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this three-part masterpiece about the Corleone family stands as one of the greatest movies ever made. Marlon Brando stars as the patriarch Don Vito Corleone and the film won three Academy Awards.
• Casablanca (1942):
This classic romantic drama from director Michael Curtiz stars Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman as a pair of former lovers in wartime Casablanca. The film won three Oscars and has become perhaps the single most quoted movie in modern culture.
• Lawrence of Arabia (1962):
This massive two-and-a-half-hour epic from director David Lean tells the story of World War I-era British colonel T.E. Lawrence. The film won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, and continues to be praised as a masterful epic.
• It’s a Wonderful Life (1946):
This beloved Christmas classic stars James Stewart as George Bailey, who gets a glimpse of how the world would be wrong in the absence of him. Directed by Frank Capra, this film has grown from a commercial flop to a beloved holiday staple.
• Gone With The Wind (1939):
Based on Margaret Mitchell’s iconic novel, this epic romance has become an enduring classic. Director Victor Fleming’s film adaptation of Gone With The Wind was an enormous hit, winning eight Oscars and consistently ranking among the greatest films of all time.
Blockbusters
In the age of the summer blockbuster, no list of the best films of all time would be complete without mentioning a few of the highest grossing movies in history. Here are a few of the biggest films of all time and why they resonated so powerfully with audiences around the globe.
• Avatar (2009):
James Cameron’s sci-fi smash hit Avatar shattered box-office records, becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time. The tale of a paraplegic soldier sent on a distant planet to forge an Alliance with the residents features stunning visuals and emotionally powerful moments.
• Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope (1977):
George Lucas’ original Star Wars movie is the gold standard among blockbusters. The beloved space opera introduces the Skywalker saga and is packed with thrilling dogfight scenes and iconic characters.
• The Lion King (1994):
Disney’s 1994 film The Lion King became an instant classic and the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. It tells a moving tale of a young lion cub faced with the challenge of reclaiming his father’s throne.
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982):
Steven Spielberg’s science-fiction adventure follows a young boy who forms a strong bond with an alien being lost on Earth. The movie was a huge success, become the second highest-grossing film of all time.
• Jurassic Park (1993): Steven Spielberg’s dinosaur movie brings us to an ill-fated theme park and showcases state-of-the-art visual effects. The movie became a massive hit and boasts the iconic line, “You pay your money and you take your chance.”
Hidden Gems
While the first two categories on this list highlight some of the biggest and most important films of all time, it’s time to dive into the hidden gems worthy of wider recognition. These are the movies for which a strong cult following has developed, and for many of them, a deserved wider audience.
• Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1975):
This classic comedy follows the Knights of the Round Table on their quest for the Holy Grail and is a cornerstone of the Monty Python canon. Uproarious and wildly inventive, the movie parodies the fantastical stories of the Middle Ages.
• Brazil (1985):
Terry Gilliam’s 1985 sci-fi dystopia follows a civil servant stuck in a cubical job in a nightmarish bureaucracy. It’s a poignant story of conformity vs. individualism, featuring Gilliam’s signature surrealism.
• The Princess bride (1984):
Rob Reiner’s beloved fantasy adventure follows Buttercup (Robin Wright) through a classic hero’s journey to find her true love, Westley (Cary Elwes). This movie is a spectacular blend of romance, comedy, adventure, and even heart-warming messages about true love.
• Times Square (1980):
This cult classic follows two teenage runaways as they try to make it on the streets of Times Square. This movie perfectly captures the culture of punk rock in the late 70s and early 80s.
• Withnail and I (1987):
This cult classic revolves around two unemployed actors in London during the 60s and their adventures in the English countryside. It’s a timeless odd-couple buddy comedy with a genuinely hilarious dialogue and clever writing.
From The Godfather to Avatar, these are the movies that will stand the test of time as classic examples of exceptional filmmaking. In addition to the iconic blockbusters and renowned classics, be sure to check out some of the hidden gems listed above. These are the movies that are beloved by passionate fans and that deserve a more widespread appreciation. No matter what your taste in movies is, this list is sure to send you on a fun cinematic journey.
