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A movie buff will, however, note that very few movies will get both critics and viewers on the same page. Well, a film which scores well will of course not just be an entertainer story, it has to be some film which can make revolutions, changing trends among people and these films should not be missed by cinephiles.
They run from epic cinema to Hollywood classics, and even more shocking masterpieces in avant-garde. These are so timeless, either because of their storylines, performance, or impact created.
Are your favorites here? Do you want hooking dramas, unforgettable action, or cinematic artistry? You are on the right track.
A countdown of the top 40 highest-rated films ever made
40. City of God (2002)
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- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%
The movie City of God transports its viewers into the harsh slums of Rio de Janeiro, where crime and poverty come to determine the lives of the young residents. This particular film is renowned for its raw, gritty realism and frenzied pace, coupled with unforgettable performances that give an almost documentary-like depth to the screen.
Intense storytelling and authentic portrayals of violence have made it critically acclaimed and ensured it as a sui generis of the world cinema. It is not just survival but an astringent view of a community that is fighting to free itself from the darkest possible corners.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
39. Spirited Away (2001)
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%
A masterpiece of animated storytelling, Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki, shows the magic and mystery of a young girl's journey into a spirit world. This Japanese classic fits themes of courage, resilience, and self-discovery that marry exquisite animation and captivate audiences of all ages.
The place is full of interesting characters: from the weird No-Face to the discerning and old witch Yubaba. Its visual glory and storyline make it one of the most loved animated films to be appreciated for its unique ability to portray whimsy and depth in messages.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
38. Casablanca (1942)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 99%
Casablanca stands out as one of the best films of Hollywood classic, which is a movie that represents romance based on love and sacrifice in the background of World War II. The film represents Rick Blaine, an expatriate jaded between his love for Ilsa and the role he has in helping the resistance.
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman deliver classic performances, and lines like "Here's looking at you, kid" echo through the ages in cinema. As suspense, romance, and moral dilemmas intermingle in an excellent work of literature, this film remains timeless as well as attractive to generation after generation.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube Movies
37. Pulp Fiction (1994)
- IMDb Rating: 8.9
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 92%
Quentin Tarantino redefined the narrative structure for films with a non-linear storyline and colorful characters that take the audience on different escapades, such as two hitmen discussing fast food over a powerful dance sequence.
It is like a mosaic of pop culture, so rich in homages and unforgettable lines from stars John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson. It's such a bold experiment within the art of narrative and genre that changed everything for movies in the '90s, yet continues to have a permanent residence on greatest movie lists.
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime
36. Goodfellas (1990)
- IMDb Rating: 8.7
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96%
Goodfellas is a mobster's story as it would be told by Martin Scorsese, not letting go of how the protagonist rose and then fell. With Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci on board, this biographical crime film explores the insides of the Mafia: all betrayal and ambition.
Scorsese brings to the screen in 'The Life of Crime' stylish camerawork, admirable voice-overs, and a well-directed soundtrack. It is an immersive and raw journey reminding viewers of the darker allure of organized crime, proving as entertaining as revealing.
Where to Watch: Netflix, HBO Max
35. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96%
Jonathan Demme's The Silence of the Lambs is the very apotheosis of psychological thriller, without equal, and boasts Jodie Foster as indefatigable FBI trainee Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as the chilling Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
This tense, lavishly made cat-and-mouse thriller took five Oscars, including Best Picture, and stands as one of the most important examples of suspense filmmaking. This thriller has gained chemistry among Foster and Hopkins; meanwhile, its eerie handling of fear, psychology, and morality makes it one of the most influential films in the genre.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Peacock
34. Schindler’s List (1993)
- IMDb Rating: 9.0
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 98%
This film by Steven Spielberg depicts the haunting reality of the Holocaust as he unfolds the story of the German businessman, Oskar Schindler, who managed to save over a thousand Polish Jews from certain death. The stark black-and-white cinematography, excluding the symbolic "girl in the red coat," elevates the horror and humanity of its story.
It is both historically momentous as well as emotionally overwhelming with the quality of performance on screen from masterpieces of Hollywood in the movies by Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes: a cinematic masterpiece made to honor those victims left behind by the Holocaust.
Where to Watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime
33. The Matrix (1999)
- IMDb Rating: 8.7
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87%
The release of The Matrix was something that brought a new revolution to sci-fi and an action film. That's due to the high-class visual effects and storytelling coupled with philosophical undertones in the movie. This story is about a guy who is a hacker in his world, Neo. Neo discovered the disturbing truth behind his world and the kind of role he played fighting for the machine overlords.
With iconic sequences like the famous bullet-dodging scene and themes of free will and reality, The Matrix is one of the modern classics that broke the boundaries of filmmaking. It still influences today's films, making it one of the high-rated, unforgettable journeys.
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Netflix
32. Back to the Future (1985)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96%
The movie Back to the Future, by Robert Zemeckis, is a science fiction comedy adventure. Michael J. Fox plays the role of Marty McFly, who gets sent back into the past, preventing his parents from ever meeting each other.
The whole movie would have risked the existence of the hero himself. The movie is a perfect comedy, romantic, and adventure film, which remains a favorite of the past till the present and continues to influence pop culture.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
31. Whiplash (2014)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%
Whiplash is a high-octane drama about obsession and ambition from Damien Chazelle, following a young jazz drummer named Andrew, under the brutal tutelage of his teacher, Fletcher.
It's an electric work by Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons as this psychological thriller goes into the cost of greatness. It is a thrilling watch with the shrill edge of editing, primal drumming sequences, and psychological warfare, hence underlining the dark side of artistic pursuit.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu
30. Gladiator (2000)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 77%
Ridley Scott's Gladiator is the tale of betrayed Roman general Maximus who became a gladiator for a revenge quest. The Oscar-winning performance by Russell Crowe and breathtaking battle sequences have made this historical epic by Ridley Scott unforgettable.
It's about themes of loyalty, honor, and revenge; it's an extremely immersive movie, be it in scale or cinematography, which is why it has been such a favorite for ages.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
29. Interstellar (2014)
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 73%
This sci-fi epic, according to Christopher Nolan, seeks the future of humanity into an infinite universe. Set among intricate science and an abounding story of love and sacrifice, this film represents the search of a few astronauts for a new, potentially habitable planet in an infinite universe.
With breathtaking visuals and a strong score, Interstellar encourages viewers to ponder the mysteries of space and time in a way few movies can.
Where to Watch: Paramount+, Amazon Prime
28. The Green Mile (1999)
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 79%
Based on the Stephen King novel, The Green Mile is a drama film as emotions are depicted. It's the storyline of a death row guard and their relationship with an inmate tagged with supernatural capability.
The film is directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan with themes like justice, mercy, and redemption. It is emotionally very deep, and its sensitive story makes it one of the best prison dramas ever.
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime
27. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%
Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan is one of those movies that opens with some of the most intense action scenes ever filmed, really harrowing and heartfelt stories about the sacrifices of people during the war, where these men are sent to save one individual.
It was such a real and potent film in its performances by Tom Hanks and Matt Damon, which actually set the benchmark for war movies.
Where to Watch: Paramount+, Amazon Prime
26. American History X (1998)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%
It's an interesting drama that shows us the world of neo-Nazism through redemption in the story of Derek. He is a former white supremacist trying to prevent his brother from following the same path.
Edward Norton delivers a powerful performance in this film talking frankly on racism and violence. Its moving message and never-to-be-forgotten scenes have made it a favorite among the critics.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu
25. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%
This is a sci-fi action classic where Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role as the Terminator but this time with the task of protecting a young John Connor.
Directed by James Cameron, Terminator 2 has unmatched visual effects and action throughout, which makes this film one of the greatest action films in cinema history. The elements of action and a human story are still acclaimed today.
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime
24. The Pianist (2002)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%
One cannot help but notice how cinematically Roman Polanski brings to the screen his tale: The Pianist. It is the story of Władysław Szpilman's tryst. He was a Jewish pianist who survived the wars in Nazi-occupied Warsaw under the guidance of a different Oscar winner, Adrien Brody.
It's that haunting portrayal of survival amidst one of history's darkest hours that deeply resonates both with the audiences and with the critics.
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime
23. The Departed (2006)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%
The Departed is an intense crime thriller by Martin Scorsese, which takes the audience through two moles (one in the police and the other in the mob) caught in the middle of a deadly cat-and-mouse game.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson shine brightly in this film. Scorsese's masterly direction and sparkling script make it quite the hard ride experience, garnering a slew of awards besides Best Picture at the Oscars.
Where to Watch: Max, Netflix
22. The Shining (1980)
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 84%
The Shining, originally a novel by Stephen King, is a psychological horror movie by Stanley Kubrick in which the story follows a writer's downfall into madness at the ominous Overlook Hotel.
The creepy feel has been created through Jack Nicholson's stellar performance as Jack Torrance and Kubrick's terrifying visuals. This is one of the movies known for its vagueness and surreal scenes.
One of the set standards for horror films is this movie.
Where to Watch: Max, Netflix
21. Seven Samurai (1954)
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%
Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai is an epic Japanese which a samurai group hired to defend a village against bandits creates a film influence on the action genre that cannot be rivaled, given its well-crafted battles and honor and sacrifice themes.
Its folklore, characterization, and new fight choreography have inspired hundreds of movies and set a place within cinematic history.
Where to Watch: Max, Criterion Channel
20. Fight Club (1999)
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 79%
A dark satire, Fight Club tells through the eyes of an underground fight club, directed by David Fincher, about modern masculinities and consumerism. Edward Norton and Brad Pitt deliver very intricate performances, and the cinematic style of the film with its gritty, stylish underlines its anarchistic themes.
Fight Club was controversial initially but became a cult classic that won the recognition of many due to its provocative story and visual flair.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu
19. Inception (2010)
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87%
With director Christopher Nolan, Inception transposes audiences into a world of dreams inside dreams as a visually stunning, action-ridden science fiction thriller blurs what's real and what the human imagination might fashion.
Complexly structured with great storytelling, inventive action scenes, and a plot to wrap one's mind around, this is the true contemporary marvel that continues to fuel the discussion.
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime
18. The Usual Suspects (1995)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%
The Usual Suspects is a tightly woven crime thriller with a legendary twist ending. It's an interesting storyline about a series of events involving criminals engaged in a heist that went awry.
Kevin Spacey received the Oscar for his portrayal of Verbal Kint and Bryan Singer's mastermind direction created a mystery and suspense that keeps one's mind working to guess, and this movie is watched by any fan of detailed crime stories and their shocking finales.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Peacock
17. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%
The Two Towers is the second film from Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Balancing large-scale battles with the wealth of character development, outstanding performances, and innovative uses of CGI, particularly in the portrayal of Gollum, this film manages to balance action with emotions in Tolkien's world.
Such a movie elevates a trilogy and remains one of the high points in the fantasy cinema genre.
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime
16. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%
The gritty narrative of outlaws and a treasure, starring Clint Eastwood, is one of the classic Western movies by Sergio Leone, and it has redefined its genre in terms of narration and direction due to its stylized violence. More importantly, it carries Ennio Morricone's unforgettable score within itself.
It ends with an iconic scene for a film - the climactic Mexican standoff.
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime
15. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- IMDb Rating: 8.7
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%
Probably the greatest Star Wars film, most reckon The Empire Strikes Back explores the dark side of the Force, and it in fact does as Luke Skywalker learns he is having an encounter with Darth Vader.
The saga's myths are deepened through groundbreaking effects, intense battling, and a shocking twist. Its influence on science fiction and blockbuster filmmaking persists to this day.
Where to Watch: Disney+
14. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%
The Fellowship of the Ring brings J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy world to living color, bringing Middle-earth into the screen and exciting adventures of Frodo Baggins.
Its epic scale and heart in Peter Jackson's direction combined with great visuals and Howard Shore's haunting score make this a defining moment for fantasy cinema.
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime
13. Forrest Gump (1994)
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 70%
Having walked through the life of Forrest Gump, who has seen and sensed everything and by whom all history flowed through, it was both painful and heart-wrenchingly touching at the same time.
This classic has gained so much popularity due to the infusion of drama, humor, and social commentary all underlying the poignant message that life is unpredictable.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
12. The Godfather: Part II (1974)
- IMDb Rating: 9.0
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96%
A sequel-prequel that develops on The Godfather, the brutal rise of Michael Corleone is narrated through reflection on the father's ascent, Vito.
Al Pacino and Robert De Niro deliver powerhouse performances, deepening the story's complexity. This is a rare sequel equaling its predecessor and very essential viewing in cinematic history.
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime
11. Citizen Kane (1941)
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 99%
Citizen Kane is one of the greatest films ever made. Citizen Kane is a work directed by Orson Welles, whose story focuses on the newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane, the course of whose life opens with a mysterious death through flashbacks.
The film, through the structure of its narrative and the cinematography, has shown an excellent use of themes like power, loss, and the American Dream.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV
10. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
- IMDb Rating: 9.0
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%
This is the epic end to Tolkien's saga in spectacular fashion, tying together the threads of the trilogy and marking it as one of the greatest achievements in the history of cinema.
This was with its record-breaking Oscar wins, stunning visuals, and emotional magic that was not mainstream at all back in the day.
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime
9. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
- IMDb Rating: 8.7
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%
Milos Forman's film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is the screen version of Ken Kesey's novel of the same name. The starring role goes to Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a man pretending to be insane in order not to do his time inside prison walls.
The movie is essentially a theme of individuality as opposed to conformity, highly critically acclaimed for its remarkable performances and poignant storytelling.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
8. Se7en (1995)
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%
The movie Se7en is a psychological thriller by David Fincher, tracing the tale of two detectives, Morgan Freeman, and Brad Pitt, pursuing a serial killer who killed his victims for motives described as the seven deadly sins.
It may well have a dark atmosphere and conclusion, but it also runs so much of the theme into morality and justice while putting the audience on their toes.
Where to Watch: Philo, Apple TV
7. The Lion King (1994)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 92%
The Lion King is an animated musical film by Walt Disney Feature Animation. It is about Simba, a young lion prince who runs away from his kingdom after the death of his father, Mufasa.
This coming-of-age tale is made memorable by the songs of Elton John and Tim Rice, exploring responsibility, loss, and redemption. Stunning animation and emotional depth have made it one of Disney's most treasured classics.
Where to Watch: Dinsey+
6. The Social Network (2010)
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96%
The Social Network is an acclaimed biographical drama depicting the invention of Facebook as well as the subsequent lawsuits by director David Fincher. Based on the real-life account written by Ben Mezrich titled "The Accidental Billionaires," whose screenplay brought Jesse Eisenberg into character as Mark Zuckerberg.
The film deals with subjects surrounding ambition, betrayal, and the effects of technological advancement on human relationships, and a strong screen play by Aaron Sorkin elevates this into a dramatic level of tension.
Where to Watch: Pluto TV, Hulu
5. Parasite (2019)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 99%
Description Parasite is a South Korean black comedy thriller movie written and directed by Bong Joon-ho on class inequality. The movie has an element of humor and horror infusing it with social commentary over the disparities of wealth distribution.
With multiple awards in its name, such as the Best Picture Oscar at the Academy Awards, this movie is a landmark achievement in cinema.
Where to Watch: Max, Hulu
4. Oldboy (2003)
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 82%
Oldboy is a neo-noir action thriller directed by Park Chan-wook. The movie revolved around Oh Dae-su, who was kept mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years and then just let out.
He proceeds with vengeance against his captor, unveiling some shocking truths about his past. A very action-packed movie with high psychological depth, Oldboy has been one of those cult films, which stands for unique storytelling and morality.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Apple TV
3. The Godfather (1972)
- IMDb Rating: 9.2
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%
Francis Ford Coppola's work, The Godfather, is the epitome of storytelling through the life of the crime family known as the Corleones. This drama of epic proportions by Marlon Brando and Al Pacino on issues of power, loyalty, and betrayal makes for an unforgettable performance.
Using famous quotes, richly developed characters, and being a point of influence over cinema, the movie, The Godfather, will always remain a timeless masterpiece to be considered relevant and respectable as the day the film came out.
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime
2. The Prestige (2006)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 77%
A psychological thriller from master filmmaker Christopher Nolan, this movie, The Prestige traces two rival magicians pursuing each other into a final blow of insanity against the background of Victorian London in the year 1891.
The movie features Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale in leading roles as its protagonists and probes into this world of sacrifice, deception, and the true face of obsession. This will entangle you in twisting turns within the plot with visions to show the drive that causes a being to lose himself in a quest to achieve perfection.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV
1. Amélie (2001)
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%
This is a whimsical French romantic comedy based on the life of Amélie Poulain, who is a shy waitress in Paris who wants to change the lives of people around her for the better, even though she is feeling isolated.
The film was directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and is known for its imaginative storytelling and vibrant cinematography, as well as especially charming performances from Audrey Tautou. A mix of fantasy and reality in such a way that it became a much-loved classic by being explored as threads for love and kindness.
Where to Watch: Max, Hulu
