So we’ve all heard people say “Ah, you just have to watch this movie, it’s amazing!”, and then you do and it’s not what you expected. This is all based on perspective and interpretation obviously. However, there do tend to be a few movies or shows that everyone can agree on. Some will be utter nonsense all-round, and then you will get those that are amazing in anyone’s opinion. Although there are not huge amounts of the last type of movie, they do go to show that with the right team, passion, and manifestation of the same amazing visions, a real cinematic gem can appear and enrich our lives.
Timeless Films That Are Near Perfection
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
So here we have director, Michel Gondry, joining forces with screenwriter, Charlie Kaufman, taking on board actors Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, and we have perfection! With the storyline of a romance that starts going sour and they need to undergo a procedure to forget each other. Naturally, with such a story it seems inevitable that they will undergo troubles, trials, and tribulations. A beautiful film with a great cast and an inventive storyline, all ensuring that the film comes out top-notch.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Boasting Wes Anderson’s highest-grossing film and his first film to get him an Academy Award nomination, we have The Grand Budapest Hotel. The film follows a lobby boy who begins working at the hotel, and his story to becoming the hotel owner, and all sorts of hilarious and dramatic events on the way.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Silence
If there a thing that is certainly difficult to write about or portray through a movie without it backfiring and receiving countless amounts of criticism, it’s the meaning of life and morality. Luckily for Martin Scorsese, he managed to pull it off. The storyline is about two priests sneaking into Japan, only to discover a rather odd and unexpected turn of events. Great plot and phenomenal camerawork.
Silence
Jaws
Although graphics might not be that wonderful compared to movies these days, Jaws certainly made an impact on its audience back then. It certainly made everyone aware that sharks are a force to be reckoned with and let’s be honest with ourselves here – how many of us do not mimic or even recognize the Jaws warning sounds when thinking of sharks or danger?
Jaws
Unforgiven
Where we normally have Western movies making gore and violence look almost “macho and glamorous” or even “cool”, if we may, with Clint Eastwood as the brainchild, directing and acting in this film, we get to experience the ugly truth behind Western violence and the “cowboy” lifestyle. The story portrays a father being a true hero at the end of the day but shows the journey on his way to don that role.
Unforgiven
There Will Be Blood
This film is your typical exposure to capitalism and greed within the 1900s surrounding the oil trade and how everybody wants a piece of the pie. Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Daniel Plainview, a wealthy and pompous oil capitalist, and Paul Dano as his adopted son. This film has a whole range of emotions to make you feel and think.
There Will Be Blood
John Wick
When you think of Keanu Reeves, you probably make the connection to the mind-boggling Matrix, however, this film is also something of a different sort. The film was so successful this was just the first of a few John Wick movies that followed. Keanu had to train for four months to look the part of a retired hitman, whose dog, the last thing linking him to his deceased wife, was murdered, triggering the beginning of a deadly feud. The perception and emotional rollercoaster are for the viewer to decide once watched.
John Wick
You Were Never Really Here
Yet again, an age-old plot, that can either be hit right out the park or flop miserably. The film is about a senator who hires a hitman, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, to rescue his daughter from human trafficker kidnappers. However, what makes this movie come together is the way the role was projected and the storyline was executed. Pheonix portrays the traumatized mercenary named Joe who is instructed to destroy anyone who comes in his way by any violent means and delivers a stunning performance.
You Were Never Really Here
The Witch
A film dating back further than most movie settings dare to, Robert Eggers, the director of this intriguing film, spent years researching the realism and facts about the era and working hard in order to try and make the film as realistic as possible. The film follows a family that was banished from their religious community and tries to start a farm of their own in a forest and their encounters with morality and witches.
The Witch
Manchester By The Sea
Here we have Casey Affleck as Lee Chandler, a man returning home after his brother’s passing, a gains guardianship of his teenage nephew while struggling with his own battles of guilt and shame from his past. It’s certainly heart wrenching, but possibly not in the way one would expect.
Manchester By The Sea
Mad Max: Fury Road
Where in this movie the plot is actually intriguing, it is actually solely the visual effects – the action and graphics that make this movie a winner. And across the board, most stunts performed throughout are real!
Mad Max Fury Road
Mulholland Drive
If BBC names David Lynch’s work of art “The Greatest Film Of The 21st Century”, that should mean something right? Not the first, last, nor the only film to dabble in surrealism, however, it certainly is one of the greatest. This film bases itself in between dreams and reality – the “grey area” if we may and will have you possibly disturbed or mind boggled, but whichever, hooked.
Mulholland Drive
Her
So we were won over by the fact that Joaquin Phoenix plays the lead role here, right? Well, yes, take that and throw it into a genre of sci-fi romance, bringing all amazing features and effects to life, and you have yourself a hit! The story follows a divorcee who ends up falling in love with an operating system, erm, what?
Her
The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
We’d just like to open this write up by saying Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck are the leading roles in this film. There we go, now that we have your attention, don’t switch off at the idea that it’s a Western. It’s anything but your violent shooting and fighting story. This movie has in fact been dubbed one the most underrated of all time.
The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
The Lord Of The Rings: Return of the King
We don’t think that there is a person in this world who has not read or seen The Lord of the Rings. All were superb and loved by fans, however, it was the last movie in the series that brought everything together, making sense of it all. The movie that time went on to win eleven Oscars and became the second highest-grossing film of all time – legendary accomplishments? We think so.
The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King
The Thing
When this movie was first released, it might have been a case of touch and go for many, with very confused feelings about the film and not knowing how to perceive it. However as time went on, many fans grew to like and appreciate this film about a group of researchers in Antarctica that discover a life-sized parasite. As if that isn’t strange enough, the parasite can morph into almost anything, including humans, making the association and trust levels between the group of colleagues very interesting indeed.
The Thing
Pulp Fiction
So you’re Quentin Tarantino and you are directing a film starring the likes of Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and John Travolta, you would imagine that it would be a serious hit, right? Right! A series of a whole lot of little plots that eventually tie together in the end, this thriller, with amazing acting and a great soundtrack, is bound to be so extremely iconic to most movie lovers!
Pulp Fiction
2001: A Space Odyssey
This movie was a follow-up or spin-off of “The Sentinel”. Just like many films before it in its genre, this movie plays with evolution and existentialism, however, this team hit the ball out of the park. The creators tried to make it as visual and real as possible, making viewers feel like they were really traveling through space.
2001 A Space Odyssey
The Big Lebowski
This movie seriously became a cult classic, and although it isn’t complicated as a storyline there is so much going on. With the movie starting with a man buying a rug, you really wouldn’t be able to guess where it would all end up. The light-hearted campiness and comical relief of this film would probably have viewers quoting their witty and hilarious lines, while still leaving you with food for thought.
The Big Lebowski
Pan’s Labyrinth
Set in time five years after the Spanish Civil War, this movie created an interesting genre of its own, combining history with the mythical world. Is this possible? Apparently so. Follow Ofelia and her new friends and their journey through emotion and occasional violence, yet still appealing. This movie has received phenomenal reviews.
Pans Labyrinth
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2
Many will have debates and some even heated arguments about what the best Marvel movie is or will be, but we think this one deserves a spot on the shortlist at least. The movie goes back into the histories of the characters to show how they got to where they are today and why. A key element especially if generally characterizing does not make sense, this kind of sequel is necessary.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2
Hot Fuzz
So here we have a movie about two policemen determined to do their job and solve mysterious deaths. That might sound boring, right? Wrong. The way the movie was put together combining both horror and comedy, with a touch of mystery, many movie critics will tell you that this is on their favorites list.
Hot Fuzz
Spider-Man 2
Another sequel hailed by even one of the harshest movie critics known, Roger Ebert. He says “the best superhero movie since the modern genre was launched with Superman”. Now that should give us something to think about. It gives insight into Peter Parker’s personal life, from a light and airy point of view though, while obviously doing his thing that superheroes do. Enough to keep die-hard fans coming back for more.
Spider Man 2
Evil Dead II
If ever there was a hysterical horror movie to make you both laugh and scream, it’s this one. Yes, apparently we have another horror-comedy genre – did this become a thing when nobody was watching? Well, regardless, this film is a must-see.
Evil Dead II
Titanic
With James Cameron as the director, writer,co-producer and co-editor of Titanic, it was safe to say it was literally his way or the highway in the making of this film. Which was not a very unfortunate circumstance anyways? Titanic is probably a favorite of almost all movie lovers. And to top it off, cast the protagonists with two up and coming young actors, who are also very easy on the eye, to grab the attention of even the female audience. Clever move. Great movie. Definitely a legend!
Titanic
West Side Story
This classic movie needs to be watched. Ten to one, you will not regret it. This musical will take you back in time and make you feel like you are living in Manhattan in 1957! Keep in mind that the director had no musical background, so turning this story into one could have easily flopped. That’s where music and dance director Jerome Robbins came in and brought this masterpiece together. With an amazing cast of all-round, talented actors, stunning dancing, and unforgettable songs, as well as the classic Romeo and Julia storyline, this is an unforgettable movie.
West Side Story
The English Patient
Winning nine out of 12 Academy Awards and two out of seven Golden Globes, need we say more? The story follows four people who find themselves in northern Italy in an abandoned villa at the end of the second world war. This is a film that will not only take you back in time to World War ll, but it’ll also stir up those emotions, as cold as you may think you are, it has a way of making us all feel compassion through deep, dark trials and tribulations that people alive in that era went through.
The English Patient
Slumdog Millionaire
Just that time when we think we know it all, know what’s going on, boom – along comes a film like this and hits us in the face! In a good way though! The film is about an 18-year-old fromt he slums of Mumbai, who goes on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? And all that transpires after (and before) that. Receiving an Academy Award for Best Picture and raking in $377 million, we suggest this on your must-see list!
Slumdog Millionaire
Schindler’s List
Certainly one of the most famous movies of all time, this novel came to life on a big screen, through the likes of Steven Spielberg. The film documents the mission of Oskar Schindler to rescue thousands of Polish-Jews from the traumatic fate that they would have met through the Holocaust. This movie certainly sets the bar high for firstly, bringing novels to life and secondly portraying true-life drama.
Schindlers List
Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks took home the award for this won for Best Actor in a Leading Role, as well as the movie winning an Academy Award for Best Picture pretty much says it all. This heart-wrenching film about restoring faith in humanity tugged at almost everyone’s heartstrings. If it didn’t, maybe it just wasn’t the viewer’s cup of tea, or maybe the viewer had a traumatic life and couldn’t tap into their level of emotional maturity. Regardless, Forrest Gump is a winner all round!
Forrest Gump
The Godfather Part II
With a director like Francis Ford Coppola, and a lead cast consisting of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, you’re bound to have a winner! Despite the age-old fear in the industry of sequels not gaining as much success as the previous movie in the series, they knew what they were doing with this one. Also, the first movie had such great success, it was inevitable.
The Godfather Part II
Get Out
We wouldn’t quite call this a classic, as it is one of our newer picks, but rightfully so. This film deals with the racist issues black Americans are faced with. The story is about Chris and his encounters and journey with his girlfriend’s family who come across as racist. There is more to the story of course, but this movie brings to light topics that are as relevant as ever today and need discussing, and could very well bring people together in understanding.
Get Out
Creed
Just when you thought Rocky didn’t need a follow-up, along comes this movie. Released in 2015, this follows up the sequel to the 1976 original series was not an easy task, however, they made it work. It wasn’t a sequel per se, it was about a new character with a new storyline but still belonged to the Rocky family.
Creed
Shaun Of The Dead
Who would have thought that you can combine horror and comedy? Just when you thought that everything possible out there has already been done, you find yourself watching a film like this. The story is about Shaun, a delinquent, who is forced to grow up when he is catapulted into a zombie apocalypse. However, as we mentioned, despite all the gore, the film does create comedy relief as well.
Shaun Of The Dead
Fight Club
When Brad Pitt and Edward Norton came together to execute this mind-boggling film, I don’t think anyone was ready for what was coming. It appeared to be a movie about an odd pairing of friends, punching each other’s lights out in an underground society. Fun fun fun, but just when we thought we’d seen it all, the verdict comes to light having left people all over the planet gobsmacked!
Fight Club
The Incredibles
If you find yourself a Disney fan, you will understand what we mean when we say this is unlike much of Disney’s work – with Princesses and animals. It’s a story about your average family who tries and keeps their superpowers and heroic acts secret from society. No matter adult or child, this film has a little something for everybody.
The Incredibles
Whiplash
This is one film which could garner many different opinions and perspectives, however, according to many, it does deserve its spot on this list. The story follows a young jazz drumming student and his somewhat abusive but inspiring teacher. Whether it be the amazing acting, script, or musical input, or whatever, this film pulls viewers in.
Whiplash
Vertigo
Let’s just say for a moment you’re writing a script about a retired policeman who got a phobia of heights as well as vertigo (a false sense of rotational movement) from a trauma caused on the job, you would think how you’re going to make this exciting, right? Not if you’re Alfred Hitchcock! With its mysterious vibe and dolly zoom effects, this film will probably make you feel as if you have Vertigo yourself (not too much you can’t enjoy this classic though!).
Vertigo
The Shawshank Redemption
This movie was certainly a masterpiece, however very misunderstood and had its ups and downs earning its rightful credits. It took a total of 21 years to actually secure its well-deserved spot. Our guess is that this movie was far ahead of its time and needed a generation of open-minded viewers with various tastes in order to appreciate it.
The Shawshank Redemption
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
One of the only movies in history to sweep all major awards at The Academy Awards, and ranked 33 on the American Film Institute’s list of “100 movies, 100 years”. Certainly well deserved, Jack Nicholson leading the cast with his phenomenal performance, with the rest of the cast all bringing their all to the screen, creating this masterpiece.
One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest
The Sound Of Music
We think many people have made reference to the lyrics from this timeless, heartwarming musical. The story goes about a nanny for the Von Trapp family, Maria, who brings her love for music into the family and uses the music to connect with the children, showing them that change and sadness can be overcome with the right attitude.
The Sound Of Music
The Wizard Of Oz
With a young Judy Garland paving the way (excuse the pun – referring to the Yellow Brick Road) for this type of fantasy movie, even if she did nothing else with her career, this movie would’ve been enough. The story follows Garland’s character, Dorothy, and her dog, Toto, who gets swept away by a Kansas tornado and find themselves in a magical city called Oz. This is a timeless classic with numerous iconic pieces in.
The Wizard Of Oz
The Breakfast Club
A classic high school film about five teens from totally different backgrounds and their opposing personalities, who actually end up becoming friends in the long run. This just goes to show that opposites really do attract. The story shows how they overcome and oversee their differences and see each other as individuals and can actually work together.
The Breakfast Club
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
“E.T. go home” is certainly one of the most famous movie quotes across the board. One of most famous alien movies to this day. The story is about 10-year-old Elliot befriending an alien and their adventure together.
ET The Extra Terrestrial
Back To The Future
With no doubt, one of the best classics of all time goes about a teenage boy who is transported back to the ’50s by means of a time machine. He faces numerous obstacles and adventures getting back to the present day, however, has to make sure that things in the ’50s are as they were meant to be, for example ensuring his parents actually meet, as if they didn’t, his current existence would obviously cease to be. That being his major adventure, he faces many other turbulent obstacles along the way.
Back To The Future
Up
This was definitely one of Disney’s finest hours. Taking a rather sad story and turning it into something beautiful through the means of animation. The story goes about an old widowed man who befriends a young boy and together the pair set out on a journey to conquer the world.
Up
Gone With The Wind
One of the first films pushing the envelope on social expectations and limits, this story was released in 1939 and goes about a Southern girl with a rather different outlook on her family’s life and empire. A drama set in the Civil War time.
Gone With The Wind
Braveheart
Here we have yet another classic. The story is about William Wallace and the love of his life who was murdered. He is then catapulted into the Scottish war against the English, throwing his life on the line.
Braveheart
Beauty And The Beast
A movie that was created simply portraying true love and non-judgment probably didn’t intend on making it so big, however, this 1991 Disney classic was the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture.
Beauty And The Beast
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
So while we are sure that there is not one high school student out there that has not skipped class, this movie focuses on the events that transpire when Ferris Bueller and his friends skip class together and have an adventure. The film is a classic and is based in Chicago.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Inception
With Leonardo DiCaprio and his leading role in this film as a character running through people’s dreams and stealing their deepest, darkest secrets, this is a sci-fi movie that should appear on your “must watch” list, even if you’re not into the sci-fi genre itself. This film is packed with talent and a great storyline that can keep you thinking for days.
Inception
Toy Story
We all know Andy, Woody, and friends in the series of Toy Story films, but also another film the following suit, putting together ideas of child’s toys being their best friends, and how these best friends come to life and conquer the world one adventure after the next. Even anyone who thinks they won’t enjoy these films, probably will.
Toy Story
To Kill A Mockingbird
A story based on a novel based in the ’60s with the Great Depression, it follows the life and time of a widowed successful lawyer and his family living in Alabama. Dealing with serious issues, mainly pertaining to race and discrimination, as well as stereotypes, it also has warmth and humor, and is also a story about morality, a flawed system, courage, family, and compassion. The Harper Lee novel is also a favorite in school studies.
To Kill A Mockingbird
The Silence Of The Lambs
Another old favorite, we have Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster as the protagonists. Foster’s character is the only one who is able to retrieve required information about some other brutal crimes, from a man serving life in prison for a string of various violent crimes himself.
The Silence Of The Lambs
It’s A Wonderful Life
During the holiday season, if you find yourself and your family watching a series of Christmas movies, you’ve probably seen this one. The film follows a man in despair, contemplating suicide, who is enlightened by angels who show him how much he has touched the lives of others.
Its A Wonderful Life
A Separation
Boasting much controversy in its time, this film is a storyline about an Iranian couple’s divorce, which all takes place during Iran’s voting crisis. Despite the film recieving much criticism from the Iranian regime, it went on to win an Oscar for Best Film In A Foreign Language. The film makes way for viewers to connect with the family and their dramas, as well as giving an insight into an aspect of Iranian culture and families.
A Separation
Robot And Frank
We recommend this one – if you are in for a comical and sarcastic vibe. The film tells the journey of an ex-burglar and his robot caretaker. The story takes you through the pair’s mischievous adventures, with a plot that will have you waiting in anticipation for more.
Robot And Frank
Avatar
Before Avatar, when someone referred to that movie with the “blue people”, one would automatically think of The Smurfs. Then we have James Cameron, writer, and producer, take us into a completely different land. Whoever watched this in its original 3D version can tell you how insanely stunning the depictions of nature are in the movie, but even at home, this alien-like movie has a heart-wrenching love story of an ex-marine, sure to have you watching it multiple times.
Avatar
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Using all difficult technical aspects, this movie was certainly one of the first of its kind, paving the way for many future genres. Seems James Cameron was certainly one step ahead of his game, giving us a glimpse into the future.
Terminator 2 Judgement Day
Jurassic Park
If ever there is anyone out there wondering what the world was like with dinosaurs, although we don’t know 100% for sure, we are sure Steven Spielberg’s depiction gives a good insight. A classic and a legendary film, he certainly hit the ball out the park with this one!
Jurassic Park
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone
Our favorite child wizard and his two sidekicks on all their adventures is certainly an all-time favorite to binge-watch. However, can we take a moment to enjoy and take about the CGI and amazing effects shown in this movie in particular?
Harry Potter And The Sorcerers Stone
The Notebook
This is probably one of the most well known and legendary films of it’s kind, it’s even made grown men cry! The story is told from the perspective of an old man in a nursing home, recalling his life in the 1940s in South Carolina. It is a timeless film that brings to light the social and familial pressures when in a relationship, but how at the end of the day love prevails.
The Notebook
Tremors
Compared to our movies, graphics and effects these days, the majority of people would not say anything from the pre-digital era is their favourite. However, some of them, based on resources that were available to them, were not half that bad.
Tremors
Life Of Pi
They were challenged when making this film, based on the novel, saying that they would never achieve the effect they wanted on viewers and fans. However, yet again, this film goes to show, if you just have the right team, actors, effects, and set, you’re able to reach success. Based on a book of the same name, this was indeed a sad movie, however, all we can say is we would most definitely follow that journey again!
Life Of Pi
Interstellar
Written by brothers Christopher and Jonathan Nolan, this futuristic, sci-fi, apocalyptic film covers many topics relevant to today, set in a post-truth society. The effects, the set, you name it, it was all on point, They even had Kip Thorne, the Nobel laureate in physics and Caltech theoretical physicist, as executive producer and scientific consultant to make sure they got the science right.
Interstellar
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
From a shallow perspective, we suppose one could say taking Brad Pitt and portraying him as an aged toddler is a recipe for disaster, however, with the tremendous storyline and perfect acting, this film is sure to tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a lot of thoughts to consider.
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Pirates Of The Caribbean The Curse Of The Black Pearl
This end of the series film, starring Jack Sparrow, produced by Disney of course, exuded humor as well as topping the surveys as a legendary hit. It even had it’s a freaky side with realistic graphics and animation, bringing skeletons to life.
Pirates Of The Caribbean The Curse Of The Black Pearl
Black Panther
The 18th Marvel to be released had the world at its feet like never before. First, superhero-themed movie to win Best Picture Nomination as well as giving much-needed representation to black actors and the world of those of African heritage, which not many films have done, especially amidst such struggling racial issues worldwide.
Black Panther