If you’re an avid movie-goer, then no doubt you’ve seen some of Hollywood’s best offerings throughout the decades. This list looks at some of cinema’s greatest and most iconic movies of all time, taking into consideration a variety of factors like impact, technical ability, and entertainment value. In compiling this list, we sought out the opinions of film experts and loyal movie fans, resulting in a comprehensive guide sure to please all kinds of movie-lovers. So, without further ado, here is our top 10 list of the best movies of all time.
Top 10 List of the Best Movies of All Time
- The Godfather (1972)
This classic mafia movie starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino is considered one of the greatest films of all time. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather tells the story of the Corleones, an Italian-American crime family in the 1940s. The movie delves into themes of organized crime and the power struggle between generations in a fascinating way, and was a major influence on movie culture from then until now.
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
This beloved prison drama starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman was a huge success upon its release. After landing onto the top 10 list of the American Film Institute’s 100 greatest American movies of all time, The Shawshank Redemption has become an iconic movie and is now considered by many to be the greatest movie of all time.
- Casablanca (1942)
This World War II romantic drama was a huge hit both at the box office and with critics. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, Casablanca tells the story of an American expatriate who must decide between his love for a woman and helping her and her husband escape from the Nazis. It is considered a classic and its final scene is one of the most iconic in movie history.
- Citizen Kane (1941)
Widely considered Orson Welles’ masterpiece, Citizen Kane was revolutionary for its day and still remains one of the most innovative and influential films ever made. It tells the story of a publishing magnate who, at the end of his life, reflects on his success, failure, and strained relationships. A highly sophisticated narrative and technical mastery makes Citizen Kane the undisputed king of movies.
- Jurassic Park (1993)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Jurassic Park is one of the most beloved movies of all time. This groundbreaking adventure movie features groundbreaking special effects and dinosaur animatronics, and explores themes of genetic engineering, human hubris, and the dangers of playing God. It is also one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, and its incredible CGI revolutionized Hollywood filmmaking for years afterwards.
- Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks has had many amazing performances throughout his career, but his portrayal of Forrest Gump in Robert Zemeckis’ movie of the same name is perhaps his most iconic work. Not only is Forrest Gump a funny and heartwarming story, but it also tackles deep issues like innocence in a complex world, the power of love, and the impact the past has on the present.
- Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
George Lucas’ science-fiction epic starring Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford changed the way movies were made forever. It is considered one of the most influential franchises of all time and A New Hope was the beginning of something special. Its iconic soundtrack and characters, coupled with exciting action sequences make this movie an incredible journey to experience.
- The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring (2001)
Set in the mythical world of Middle-Earth, this movie adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic book series is an epic fantasy journey with stunning visuals and powerful performances from the likes of Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen. The Fellowship of The Ring was the first installment in The Lord of The Rings trilogy and was a massive success, winning numerous awards upon its release.
- Avatar (2009)
James Cameron’s biggest success to date, Avatar showed audiences how far special effects could really go. This sci-fi epic follows a human, who inhabits an alien body and infiltrates the native population of an alien planet. It is an adrenaline-filled ride and its groundbreaking special effects make it an incredible cinematic experience.
- The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan’s second and final installment in The Dark Knight trilogy, The Dark Knight is a thrilling and thought-provoking ride. This Batman movie features an iconic performance by Heath Ledger as The Joker, as well as dark themes of justice and heroism. It is widely considered one of the greatest superhero movies of all time and is a must-see for any comic book fans.
Honorable Mentions
The movies below didn’t quite make it on our top 10 list, but are still worth mentioning:
• Schindler’s List (1993)
• Inception (2010)
• 12 Angry Men (1957)
• The Wizard of Oz (1939)
• Psycho (1960)
• Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
• Pulp Fiction (1994)
• Taxi Driver (1976)
• American Beauty (1999)
• Goodfellas (1990)
There have been countless movies since the motion picture medium was invented. While it’s impossible to frame them all in one list, the ones above are some of the greatest and most memorable of all time. From masterpieces like The Godfather and Citizen Kane to innovative titles like Avatar and The Dark Knight, these movies have captivated audiences and critics alike, and their influence will continue to shape the way we watch movies for years to come.
