The popcorn's been popped, the sweatpants are on, and the evening is your oyster. Your next challenge: Figuring out exactly which of the best movies available to you is the one you're going to watch tonight. No matter what you're looking for—a rom-com, a murder mystery, a sad film, a great musical movie—there are plenty of must-watch films in your chosen genre to settle in with for the first (but probably not the last) time.
We movie lovers at Marie Claire know how time-consuming picking a great movie can be, so we did the work for you. We combed through movie rankings, critical reviews, and award nominations, and spoke to fellow pop culture fans to bring you this list of crucial must-watch films. Of course, you can expect to see well-known classic dramas and romance films like Casablanca and The Sound of Music on this list, in addition to movies from iconic directors like Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick, and Alfred Hitchcock. But modern masterpieces like Everything Everywhere All At Once and Get Out stand up just as well and are on this list, too.
The must-watch movies below are modern classics, the best of the best, the essential films that millions of people are probably jealous that you're getting to see for the first time. They span multiple countries, languages, and decades. And because pulling these movies was a hard enough task, we left this list unranked. Feel free to decide for yourself how your favorites stack up to the rest on this list, and if we've left a title off, don't yell at us too harshly. A list as subjective as this is meant to be debated, after all. Without further ado, in no particular order: The best movies of all time.
The Best Romance Movies of All Time
There are a few things you can (almost) always expect from a romance movie: a love story (duh!); attractive protagonists; and a happy ending—usually. Maybe you need to be reminded that true love is out there. Or maybe you need to show your partner what real romance looks like. Some of the movies on this list are funny, and some are the ultimate in sad romance films, but there’s one thing all of these romantic films have in common: They're sure to pull on your heartstrings and make you believe in love all over again.
'Before Sunrise' (1995)
In this swooningly romantic movie from Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke play a pair of travelers—she French, he American—who have a chance meeting in Vienna and decide to spend the evening before his departing flight walking around the city and talking to one another. In 2005, the sequel Before Sunset continues the story, and then in 2015 the trilogy is wrapped up with Before Midnight. All of them are worth watching over and over.
'Casablanca' (1942)
Set in the early years of World War II in Casablanca, Rick Blaine's (Humphrey Bogart) nightclub is an oasis for refugees despite the warnings he gets from local authorities. But things get rocky when an ex-lover (Ingrid Bergman) and her boyfriend (Paul Henreid) show up, bringing with them a challenge that Rick has to face. One of the most famous classic Hollywood romance films of all time, Casablanca is a love story you won't forget.
'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995)
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, the highest-grossing Indian film in 1995, is an absolute delight. The Bollywood rom-com about two young star-crossed lovers (Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan)who fall in love despite their parents' critiques won 10 Filmfare Awards—India’s Academy Award equivalent—and changed the game forever.
'In the Mood for Love' (2000)
The elaborate costumes, the stunning visuals, and the beautiful art direction are all key features of the art-house movie In the Mood for Love, by Chinese director Wong Kar-Wai. And though there's sparse dialogue, sit back and prepare to be enchanted by the slow but captivating scenes of two married neighbors (Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Maggie Cheung) falling in love.
'Like Water for Chocolate' (1992)
This sumptuous story follows the life of a Mexican girl (Lumi Cavazos) subjected to a family custom that demands she stay unmarried and take care of her mother through old age. She ends up pouring her lifetime of unfulfilled passion into her cooking, where her family literally feels her emotions while eating, thanks to a helping of magical realism.
'Love Jones' (1997)
A photographer (Nia Long) and a poet (Larenz Tate) fall in love—and then fall out of love and back in love—in this charming romance. Set against the Chicago arts scene and pulsating with the city's jazz music history, it's a love story that moves and will win over your heart.
'Moulin Rouge' (2001)
A little bit quirky and a little bit extravagant, Baz Luhrmann creates a visual spectacle of a musical that's still so much fun to watch, despite a sad ending. Complete with a perfect soundtrack and fairytale romance, this is a musical you can watch again and again.
'The Notebook' (2004)
Ryan Gosling. Rachel McAdams. An on-screen kiss that's impossible to forget. The Notebook, based on Nicholas Sparks's 1996 novel, is a must-watch for all hopeless romantics out there who believe they'll eventually find their way back to their one true love. "It wasn't over. It still isn't over!"
'Notting Hill' (1999)
Julia Roberts is just a girl—a beret-wearing, world-famous movie star, to be exact—standing in front of a boy—Hugh Grant, as a decidedly non-famous travel bookstore owner—asking him to love her. His response, of course, comes with a supersized dose of that classic, bumblingly awkward Hugh Grant charm.
'Past Lives' (2023)
Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae-sung (Teo Yoo) were childhood sweethearts growing up in Seoul, South Korea, but after Nora's family immigrated to Canada, their lives went down different paths. Celine Song's directorial debut follows the pair as they reunite in N.Y.C. over two decades later, facing questions of lingering feelings, nostalgia, and in-yun, or the Korean concept of fate derived from Buddhism.
'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' (2019)
Set in 18th-century France, a young painter named Marianne (Noémie Merlant) is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse (Adèle Haenel), the daughter of a French countess, only she must keep it in secret. By day, Marianne and Héloïse spend time together and eventually grow a mutual attraction, while Marianne attempts to paint Héloïse at night. Each shot of this rich period piece is like a painting itself, and the love story is so intimate to watch unfold.
'Pride and Prejudice' (2005)
Sure, there have been plenty of Jane Austen adaptations over the years, but not all of them have Matthew Macfadyen dreamily walking across a field at sunrise in a billowing coat. This period piece takes the cake for its beautiful scenery and in-your-face chemistry between Macfadyen and Kiera Knightley.
'The Princess Bride' (1987)
There are many things packed into The Princess Bride: historical fantasy, sweeping romance, laugh-out-loud comedy, subtle satire, Robin Wright, and Mandy Patinkin! If you haven't seen it, just think of every time you've heard, "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die," as little nudges to watch.
'Roman Holiday' (1953)
Breakfast at Tiffany's is terrific, of course, but Audrey Hepburn won the Academy Award for her turn as a princess who ditches her schedule (and her entourage) in favor of exploring Rome, only to fall asleep on a bench and get rescued by a hunky American reporter played by Gregory Peck.
'Silver Linings Playbook' (2012)
What looks from the outset like a typical rom-com delves deeper into the motions of mental illness, as a bipolar man (Bradley Cooper) tries to reconnect with his estranged wife following his release from a psychiatric ward. He meets a recently widowed woman (Jennifer Lawrence) with her own problems, who convinces him to join a dance competition with her to help him win his wife back.
'A Star Is Born' (2018)
If you were alive in 2018, you most definitely heard about Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga's on- and off-screen chemistry thanks to their roles in the hit adaptation of A Star Is Born. The movie centers on rockstar Jackson Maine (Cooper) and struggling artist Ally (Gaga) who fall in love while Maine pushes Ally into the spotlight and confronts his demons. Make sure to have a pack of tissues handy.
'Titanic' (1997)
Need we say more? If you haven't watched James Cameron's Titanic yet (please don't admit this out loud), do yourself a favor and watch it immediately. We're all searching for the feeling of Rose telling Jack she's "flying."
'When Harry Met Sally' (1989)
Director: Rob Reiner
Stars: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
For fans of: fall and friends-to-lovers
If you haven't seen When Harry Met Sally, you probably know it from this famous "I'll have what she's having" scene. But it's worth seeing in full to relive Nora Ephron's groundbreaking screenwriting, plus the easy banter between America's sweetheart Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. It set the stage for modern rom-coms as we know them.
'You've Got Mail' (1998)
Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, this 1998 Nora Ephron romance tells the story of two neighborhood bookstore rivals (Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan) who hate each other in real life. Meeting in a very '90s anonymous AOL chatroom, they fall in love online, and well... we won't spoil the rest for you.
The Best Comedy Movies of All Time
Sometimes, we all need a little cheering up, and what better way to do that than with a feel-good movie that makes you laugh? These comedy films are guaranteed to bring a little levity to your evening, whether it be through jokes or characters in insane situations. With typically universally relatable stories, comedy movies remind us that it's okay to poke fun at ourselves once in a while.
'10 Things I Hate About You' (1999)
Volumes could be written about the sheer brilliance of 10 Things I Hate About You. If you've never seen it, know that it's one of the best teen movies ever made, from the script to the acting (two words: Heath. Ledger.) to the speech-making and wooing. It feels like a modern Shakespearean comedy because it is. (Ever heard of Taming of the Shrew?)
'Barbie' (2023)
The summer of 2023 will forever be remembered for its spectacular displays of female power, between Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s sold-out world tours and, of course, the blockbuster release of Greta Gerwig's Barbie. Come for the nostalgia, the perfectly choreographed dance scenes, and Ryan Gosling’s goofy turn as Ken, stay for the expert skewering of the patriarchy, a celebration of womanhood, and that America Ferrera monologue.
The Breakfast Club' (1985)
John Hughes's catalog of '80s films (with Molly Ringwald often playing the starring role) are all classics, however, this story about unexpected friendships that blossom in the middle of detention hall takes the cake for its iconic scenes, from coordinated dances to beauty makeovers.
'The Devil Wears Prada' (2006)
This movie is filled with iconic moments: There’s the infamous cerulean monologue, the perfect mid-aughts opening montage set to “Suddenly I See,” one of the most satisfying style transformations ever put on film, a grilled cheese sandwich containing $8 worth of Jarlsberg and, yes, the Chanel boots. What more could you ask for?
'Bridesmaids' (2011)
Kristen Wiig wrote and stars in Bridesmaids, a film about a bridal party's hilarious activities leading up to the big day (which should be required viewing every wedding season). We still can't stop quoting it.
'Clueless' (1995)
Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) stole everyone's heart in the '90s as the well-intentioned Valley Girl with an enviable revolving closet who set out to prove she wasn't "just a ditz with a credit card." Inspired by Jane Austen's Emma, Clueless sees her trying to play matchmaker at school until she gets caught up in her own love triangle.
'Coming to America' (1988)
A hilarious comedy with a super-sweet love story, Coming to America is an essential watch for anyone who loves to smile. This film also cemented Eddie Murphy's place as comedy royalty, with him and Arsenio Hall cracking us up through multiple different characters.
'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' (1986)
Every kid in high school dreamed of having a day off like Ferris Bueller's (Matthew Broderick) and, frankly, we can't help but still aspire to have one like his as an adult. Come for each character's hilarious antics, and stay for the inevitable comparisons between Alan Ruck's character, Cameron Frye, and his recent portrayal of Connor Roy on Succession.
'His Girl Friday' (1940)
Carey Grant and Rosalind Russell play a formerly married couple—he an editor, she an investigative reporter—who have to team up for one last assignment. Of course, the fact that he hired her only after finding out she was engaged to someone new might have something to do with it, but Russell is hilarious and their chemistry is bananas in this romance.
'Legally Blonde' (2001)
Heard of the bend and snap? If you can believe Legally Blonde came out over two decades ago, it's time to give this classic feel-good movie a watch if you haven't already (even if to witness the evolution of Reese Witherspoon and her incredible acting). What, like it's hard?
'Mean Girls' (2004)
No movie has ever spoofed high school culture as brilliantly as Mean Girls, whose hilarious script by Tina Fey has become iconic, bringing the phrases "so fetch," "I know, right?" and "cool mom" into our modern language. It lives on in countless memes and GIFs, even though the movie's more than 20 years old at this point.
'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' (1975)
You'll never think of coconuts the same way after watching this silly British slapstick comedy set in the time of King Arthur and the fabled Round Table. God sends a group of knights on a quest to find the Holy Grail, where they encounter several nonsensical obstacles along the way—a classic Monty Python premise.
'My Cousin Vinny' (1992)
Sure, a murder trial doesn't seem like it would be the best place for laughs, but proving that assumption wrong is just one of the surprises that catapulted this '90s comedy into the all-time must-watch category. After a pair of road-tripping New Yorkers are wrongly accused of killing a convenience store clerk, they enlist the help of Cousin Vinny (Joe Pesci) and his fiancée Mona Lisa (Oscar winner Marisa Tomei) to prove their innocence.
'Paddington 2' (2017)
This movie about a talking teddy bear with a big heart shows a heartwarming lesson about empathy and community to kids and adults alike, as Paddington (Ben Whishaw) and the people who love him band together to help when the polite bear is falsely imprisoned.
'Some Like It Hot' (1959)
If you don't know why Miss Marilyn Monroe was and is such a big deal, take a look at this one. The film shows off her vocal chops as the lead singer of an all-girl band who dreams of wooing a millionaire. As her band travels to sunny Florida, she makes friends with two new musicians in the group, who she doesn't realize are men in disguise and on the run.
'Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse' (2018)
If you love superhero movies, this Spider-Man standalone may become your favorite of them all. The Oscar-winning animated film follows Miles Morales' (Shameik Moore) origin story with a multiverse twist that has multiple Spider-Mans (Spiders-Man? Spider-Men?) popping up in his world.
'Step Brothers' (2008)
Don’t let the Rotten Tomatoes score fool you: As any real cinephile can attest, this film is one of the all-time greats. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be inspired to form an entertainment company à la Prestige Worldwide with your rival-turned-best friend-slash-stepsibling and start churning out hit songs (“Boats ’N Hoes,” anyone?)—all the makings of a truly great movie.
'Tangerine' (2015)
Sean Baker was one of the first filmmakers to shoot a feature entirely on an iPhone back in 2015. For the project, he utilized a microbudget, three iPhone 5Ss, and a cast of many untrained actors, finding his leads in two transgender women and real-life friends, Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, whom he discovered outside of an LGBTQ+ center in L.A. The two play sex workers and close friends Sin-Dee Rella (Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Taylor), who set out to find Sin-Dee’s boyfriend and pimp when they find out he cheated on her when she was carrying out a recent prison sentence.
The Best Classic Movies of All Time
Less of a genre and more of a distinction, we define "classic movies" as the kind of film that changed their respective genres forever. Being familiar with the films on this list will set you apart from the casual pop culture fan and put you on the road to becoming a movie buff. For a film to be a classic in our book, it should have some years on it, be universally loved, and have a major cultural impact. The classic movies below, all released over 25 years ago, check those boxes.
'12 Angry Men' (1957)
This classic film is ostensibly about a dozen white men on a jury arguing over whether a young Puerto Rican man killed his father (the class and race dynamics feel unfortunately familiar, 60-plus years later). But it's really about prejudice and stereotypes and the assumptions we carry with us every day without realizing it. If you didn't get to watch this one in school, watch it now.
'Back to the Future' (1985)
This sci-fi film sees Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a time traveler who drives his flying Delorean back into the '50s after an experiment gone wrong. Fun fact: The sequel is set in the far-away future, a.k.a. 2015.
'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' (1969)
Robert Redford! Paul Newman! Really strong facial hair game! What could go wrong? Well, actually, a train robbery does go wrong, leaving outlaws Butch Cassidy (Newman) and The Sundance Kid (Redford) on the run from a seriously dangerous posse as they try to leave rural Wyoming for Bolivia. It's a Western film you can't miss.
'Carmen Jones' (1954)
This underrated musical set at an all-Black army camp follows Carmen (Dorothy Dandridge), who, despite being sought after by every man at the base, has her sights set on the super-married Joe (Harry Belafonte). Dandridge's performance as Carmen Jones got her nominated for an Oscar, making history as the first African American actress in a leading role to be nominated.
'Do the Right Thing' (1989)
Spike Lee acts and directs in a film that marries comedy and drama perfectly. Roger Ebert's review is spot-on, but to summarize: Lee builds a community in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, teeming with life and tension on the hottest day of the year. And then he rips it all apart. But it's so much more compelling than even that description. Lee handles all his characters with love, and no one's truly evil, despite spot-on and heart-wrenching commentary about racism, classism, and poverty.
'The Godfather' (1972)
The three parts of this trilogy might require a night of bingeing. But there's nothing like Francis Ford Coppola's depiction of the mob family of Don Vito Corleone (played in the films by Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro). It's a chilling-to-the-bone, action-packed story that's not one to miss.
'The Graduate' (1967)
Between the Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack and the easy-on-the-eyes love triangle—Dustin Hoffman as a wandering college graduate, his married neighbor Mrs. Robinson, and her daughter—it's hard to not immediately fall in love with this film.
'Jaws' (1975)
When Steven Spielberg made this movie, it's unclear if he knew he'd make a whole generation scared to get in the water. Regardless, this movie about a sheriff (Roy Scheider), marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss), and fisherman (Robert Shaw) hunting down a shark terrorizing their beach town is a must-see.
'The Matrix' (1999)
Many elements of The Matrix have escaped the screen to become mainstays in fashion and internet culture as a whole (for better or worse). Over 25 years after its release, Neo's (Reeves) escape from his simulated reality still has some of the best action scenes and visual effects ever put to film.
'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975)
Jack Nicholson is at his best in this film about a habitual criminal sentenced to time in a mental hospital. There, he threatens the natural order under the watch of cruel Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) and attempts to flee with his fellow patients. The film swept up five Academy Awards in its day, from Best Picture to Best Actor and Best Actress.
'Paris Is Burning' (1990)
Long before RuPaul's Drag Race or the Renaissance World Tour, this landmark documentary brought NYC ballroom culture to the mainstream, and immortalized its Black and brown subjects as icons of queer culture. Over 30 years since its release, it's clearer than ever how the "Golden Age" of ballroom went on to influence countless elements of today's pop culture.
'The Philadelphia Story' (1940)
Over 80 years after its release, this classic still deserves every bit of its perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating. Katharine Hepburn plays the headstrong socialite Tracy Lord, who spends the days leading up to her second wedding trading barbs with her ex-husband Dexter (Cary Grant) and James Stewart’s Mike, a journalist sent to cover the ceremony—leading her to reassess her decision to marry the social-climbing George Kittredge (John Howard). There’s still a wedding at the end, but we won’t spoil who ends up as the groom.
'A Raisin in the Sun' (1961)
A Chicago family, the Youngers, is about to receive a windfall that will change their lives, but they have different ideas on how to use the money. An adaptation of the Lorraine Hansberry play made with the original cast, this film questions who is allowed the American Dream.
'Rebel Without a Cause' (1955)
Two words for you: James! Dean! The old Hollywood icon's second to last film, as teenager Jim Stark, before his untimely death in 1955 ended up being one of his most celebrated. The unlikely bond shared on-screen between him, John "Plato" Crawford (Sal Mineo), and Judy (Natalie Wood) gave American youths at the time a movie where they could finally see themselves on the screen.
'Rocky' (1976)
It’s the classic underdog story that made Sylvester Stallone a household name. The sports movie follows boxer Rocky Balboa (Stallone) on the road to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in a match deemed “a somebody vs. nobody.” The film, written by Stallone, won Best Picture at the Oscars in 1977.
'Rocky Horror Picture Show' (1975)
See for yourself where all the live versions of the cult favorite Rocky Horror Picture Show began with this over-the-top, perfectly cast musical (see: young Susan Sarandon).
'Seven Samurai' (1956)
If you're an action fan and haven't watched Seven Samurai, odds are you've already seen countless references to Akira Kurosawa's 1954 film. This story of a motley crew of samurai gathered to protect a small village from a major threat has inspired generations of filmmakers, including several who appear on this list. Just be sure to carve out enough time to immerse yourself in the three-plus hour runtime.
'Singin’ in the Rain' (1952)
Singin’ in the Rain is still considered by many to be the greatest musical film of all time, more than 70 years later. Rightfully so—the rom-com is full of catchy songs and impressive dance sequences to tell the story of Hollywood’s not-so-smooth transition from silent films to “talkies.”
'The Sound of Music' (1965)
Julie Andrews plays an Austrian nun during World War II in this Academy Award-winning film. When she comes to the villa of retired naval officer Captain Georg von Trapp to be a governess to his seven children, she realizes how much the family means to her. The latter part of the movie has an unexpected twist and displays the unfathomable truth of what it was like living in Nazi Germany.
'To Kill a Mockingbird' (1962)
Scout Finch (Mary Badham) tells the story of how her father, Atticus, a small-town lawyer in the rural South, defended a wrongfully accused black man in this adaptation of Harper Lee's beloved novel. Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch is how most people who've seen this movie think of the character, and you will too when you see it.
'The Wizard of Oz' (1939)
A technical marvel at its time and one of the most influential films ever, this 1937 film is definitely worth a watch for movie buffs, even if you've seen countless iterations of L. Frank Baum's fairy tale.
The Best Scary Movies and Thriller Movies of All Time
Horror and thriller films do something to us that no other film genre does—they terrify us. Some people may think it’s crazy, but feeling a sense of fear, dread, and anticipation via movies is an adrenaline rush like no other. These classic horror movies and thrillers feature some of the most terrifying creatures, killers, jump scares, and unforgettable psychological horror. You’ll want to leave the lights on when you go to bed after watching these.
'2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968)
This movie is trippy and a bit hard to follow, but it's absolutely required viewing. Stanley Kubrick takes us from the dawn of the human species to the dawn of a totally new species in just a few hours, and his view of space and space travel set the standard for a thousand sci-fi films to come. More importantly, it's compelling and totally, totally terrifying. It's aged really well, despite being made over 50 years ago.
'Black Swan' (2010)
Who says ballet can’t be scary? Natalie Portman plays Nina, a professional ballerina who increasingly loses her grip on reality as she’s forced to compete with Mila Kunis’ Lily for the lead role in a production of Swan Lake. This psychological thriller explores the (very) dark side of devotion to one’s art, and it won Portman the Best Actress award at the 2011 Oscars.
'Carrie' (1976)
Sissy Spacek is the one true Carrie—a bullied young woman who develops telekinetic abilities just in time for a prank prom invite to turn into a full-fledged bloodbath. We shouldn't condone violence, but it's hard not to root for poor Carrie after her classmates dump pig blood on her in her prom dress, right?
'The Dark Knight' (2008)
For many, Christopher Nolan's second installment in his superhero trilogy is the best Batman. Equal parts action blockbuster and crime thriller, Nolan expertly combines aspects of both genres into a modern superhero film for the ages. Heath Ledger's go at the Joker is so massive and brilliant that arguably no other actor has topped it.
'Everything Everywhere All At Once' (2022)
This irreverent action comedy movie will have you both laughing at Michelle Yeoh's multiverse adventures and crying at its poignant, universal theme. (Trust us, it's best to go in blind and be pleasantly surprised.)
'The Exorcist' (1973)
The film that prompted so many parodies and remakes, nothing lights a candle to the original from William Friedkin. Rightfully dubbed "one of the best horror films ever made" by many, The Exorcist goes above and beyond to make you terrified. The story about a girl possessed by a demon in need of an exorcism is unsettling, to say the least.
'Free Solo' (2018)
This documentary about Alex Honnold's free solo climb of Yosemite's 3,200-ft mountain El Capitan is just as thrilling as the latest big-budget thriller. The jaw-dropping film goes beyond just following Honnold's hike to exploring why anyone would want to climb the world’s tallest summits without a rope or harness.
'Get Out' (2017)
It's not often that a movie so perfectly taps into the spirit of the times, but released in a year where Trump's presidency sparked tense discussions about police brutality, race, and false liberalism, this was the breakout movie that did the job—in the horror genre, no less. Director Jordan Peele turns the typical horror script on its head with this blend of cultural criticism and horror tropes.
'Heathers' (1988)
Winona Ryder's always in her element in off-beat dark comedies, and this one sets her in the middle of a high school where her character Veronica gets invited to join a popular clique of "Heathers" (literally three girls whose names are Heather) until they betray her. Veronica and her partner-in-crime J.D. Dean (Christian Slater) set out to right all the wrongs made against her, in cruel and unusual ways.
'Jurassic Park' (1993)
It's hard to believe that Steve Spielberg released Schindler's List a mere few months apart from this dino adventure. They could not be more different, but equally impressive—so if you're looking for a film about these prehistoric creatures, stick to the classic. There's so much loving attention paid to the dinosaurs' look—there isn't a ton of CGI, with a greater reliance on practical effects—but more importantly, the human characters are just as interesting. Samuel L. Jackson, in the best cameo of all time.
'Parasite' (2019)
An unemployed family of four slips into the lives of the crazy wealthy Park family. Then, an incident that can’t entirely be cleaned up in a cleaning shift. Long after the credits roll, you’ll question the ending and mull over the tough, important themes.
'Promising Young Woman' (2020)
This very dark comedy juxtaposes one woman's (Carey Mulligan) insatiable quest to avenge her best friend's tragic assault in front of a backdrop of all things frilly, pink, and sweet. That stark contrast only makes the movie's incredibly intense climax that much more shocking. Promising Young Woman was nominated for five Oscars in 2021, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Carey Mulligan, and a history-making Best Director nod for Emerald Fennell.
'Psycho' (1960)
One of the first slasher films (that launched many copycats to come) is Alfred Hitchcock's creepy story of Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) and his hotel on the hill.
'Rear Window' (1954)
This early Hitchcock movie boasts an impressive 98% percent Rotten Tomatoes score, and it's still considered one of the best of its time. Starring Princess Grace Kelly and James Stewart, the film revolves around a man confined to his wheelchair whose pastime involves spying on his neighbors (through the rear window—get it?). Things take a turn for the worse when he believes he's witnessed a murder.
'Seven' (1995)
One of the best crime thrillers of all time has to be David Fincher's Seven. With Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman at the helm, two detectives investigate several grisly murders inspired by the seven deadly sins, and boy, do things get dark. There's plenty of symbolism along the way for you to connect the dots, but bet you'll be shocked by the now-memeable ending.
'The Shining' (1980)
Jack Nicholson is on this list a few times, but this classic horror movie is probably his most well-known role. The Torrance family—husband Jack, wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and son Danny (Danny Lloyd)—stay in the Overlook Hotel during the winter. Then, the hotel comes alive with a terrible, terrifying evil. Stephen King famously hated this adaptation of his iconic novel, because Stanley Kubrick takes out all the empathy from the patriarch (Nicholson, playing unhinged like he was born to do it). But it makes the story even more powerful. Viewed through today's lens, it's also a haunting look at the effects of domestic violence.
'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991)
Anthony Hopkins' performance in this film made Hannibal Lecter the creepiest villain of the past few decades, who isn't even the actual villain of this film. Lecter's influence is felt in many horror baddies who have come after, but there's nothing like hearing the original say "fava beans and a nice Chianti."
'Train to Busan' (2016)
In this legendary Korean thriller, a group of travelers on a bullet train fight off a car full of zombies as a mysterious infection ravages the country. The pulse-pounding film has a stellar cast and a secret heart, with the characters making tough choices to help their families survive.
The Best Drama Movies of All Time
Movies that fall under the drama genre are exactly what the name suggests: dramatic. The list of films that can be considered a drama is long and varied. Anything from period pieces, teen dramas, war movies, movies for girls' night, biopics, etc, fall under the drama category, but what they all have in common is emotionally driven characters and plenty of conflict.
'The Big Sick' (2017)
Kumail Nanjiani wrote and stars in The Big Sick, the real-life story of how Nanjiani met and fell in love with his wife, Emily Gordon. The film feels familiar in its sincerity but brings a twist to the rom-com with clashing cultures.
'Brokeback Mountain' (2005)
Set in 1963 Wyoming, cowboys Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis (Heath Ledger) discover deep feelings for each other while on a sheep herding job on Brokeback Mountain. Over 20 years, the two maintain a secret affair while marrying women and struggle to come to terms with their sexuality. It's a story for the ages that deals with toxic masculinity and homophobia set in a stunning landscape.
'Dead Poets Society' (1989)
Set at a New England private school in 1959, this movie follows an English teacher, played by Robin Williams, and his relationship with his students as he teaches them to live a little more through poetry. The movie gave Williams his second Oscar nomination, and Ethan Hawke said that working on this movie inspired him to continue to be an actor.
'Erin Brockovich' (2001)
Steven Soderbergh turns a true story about an incident of corruption into a riveting legal drama. Julia Roberts stars as the real-life woman Erin Brockovich, a single mom who undercovered an environmental crime and went after the huge corporation involved.
'The Farewell' (2019)
In her Golden Globe-winning role, Awkwafina plays Billi, a woman on a trip to China for a "family wedding" that's actually a final goodbye to her grandmother (Zhao Shu-zhen). While there, Billi struggles to find a deeper connection to the country and tries to understand her family's decision to keep her grandmother's sickness a secret from her.
'Forrest Gump' (1991)
Whether you love or hate it, you can't deny Forrest Gump pulls at your heartstrings. Tom Hanks stars as the titular Gump, a slow-witted man waiting on a bench for the bus that will reunite him with his childhood sweetheart. During his wait, he tells his life story to willing strangers, which includes meeting the president (twice), serving in the Vietnam War, and becoming a millionaire. It's a film full of memorable lines and charming anecdotes.
'Fruitvale Station' (2013)
Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, this heart-wrenching film follows the last day of Oscar Grant, a man who was killed by police at a BART station in San Francisco on New Year's Eve 2009.
'Good Will Hunting' (1997)
Matt Damon stars as Will, a janitor with a hidden genius-level IQ, who runs into trouble and is forced to get treatment from a therapist (Robin Williams). Damon and Ben Affleck's friendship chemistry is a must-watch, but Williams' Oscar-winning performance is the real draw.
'Her' (2013)
Joaquin Phoenix delivers as the sensitive Theodore, a man who writes personal letters for others. After a bitter divorce, he soon develops a friendly (and later romantic) relationship with an intuitive operating system (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). It may be an unusual relationship, but the film shows that love comes in many forms.
'Lady Bird' (2017)
Greta Gerwig dives into the tricky dynamics of mother-daughter relationships in this coming-of-age story. Saoirse Ronan plays the titular Lady Bird, a teen navigating her last year at her Catholic high school. Gerwig paints a portrait of adolescence that's poignant, genuine, and hilarious.
'Life is Beautiful' (1997)
While this Italian film is about the horrors of the Holocaust, it has plenty of comic moments as well—and it works. Roberto Benigni gives a breathtaking performance as a family man who, as a Jew, is sent with his family to a concentration camp in northern Italy, but uses his imaginative powers to convince his young son that it's all a game.
'Little Women' (2019)
Greta Gerwig's adaption of Louisa May Alcott's novel is nothing short of stunning. Each March sister is determined to live their own life and it's fascinating to see how they each carve their own path. Gerwig's autumnal color palette and New England scenery will make you want to curl up on the couch and get cozy while shedding a tear a two.
'Moonlight' (2016)
Yes, you've heard the buzz about this movie. But if you haven't seen it yet make room in your schedule. Moonlight is a beautifully filmed coming-of-age story of a gay Black boy growing up in a housing project in Miami. The multilayered film sheds light on aspects of Black identity rarely spotlighted on film.
'Pulp Fiction' (1994)
Quentin Tarantino's second feature film holds up as one of the best films of the '90s and for good reason. With storylines between two hitmen, gangsters, a mob wife, a boxer, and a pair of nervous robbers, Pulp Fiction is a rollercoaster of a film, in the best way possible.
'Remember the Titans' (2000)
Set in the 1970s and based on a true story of a Southern HS football team's integration, Remember the Titans is (unfortunately) still a relevant story over two decades later. Come for the inspiring tale of teamwork, and stay for Denzel Washington and the cast of future stars who populate the cast (hi young Ryan Gosling!).
'Roma' (2018)
This gorgeous black-and-white Mexican film follows an indigenous domestic worker (Yalitza Aparicio) who has to deal with unexpected changes in her life and that of the family she works for, based on director Alfonso Cuarón's memories of his own nanny from childhood.
'Saving Private Ryan' (1998)
Saving Private Ryan opens with an extremely visceral and violent image: the Allied invasion of Normandy Beachy. This sets the tone for Spielberg's epic war film and sets the standard for the genre moving forward. It tells the story of Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) and his team of men who go behind enemy lines to find Private James Ryan and return him home.
'Schindler's List' (1993)
A movie about the Holocaust is almost guaranteed to be poignant, but under Stephen Spielberg's expert direction, this one surprises with its restraint. That's deliberate—the sadness and symbolism build throughout the film so that you have a full sense of what happened, who did it, and why it matters so much. The movie's in black and white, with the smallest pop of color to offer a moment of hope and then (devastatingly) all possible heartbreak in one unforgettable image.
'The Social Network' (2010)
As the founder of the tech empire now known as Meta, Mark Zuckerberg coined the phrase “move fast and break things,” which soon became a rallying cry for the impossible-to-sustain growth mindset of Silicon Valley startup culture in the aughts and 2010s. That mantra is on stark display in The Social Network, which charts the meteoric rise of Facebook from Zuckerberg’s Harvard dorm room to billions of devices around the world—and the relationships that broke down along the way.
'Spirited Away' (2001)
This celebrated Studio Ghibli film about a young girl traveling through a spirit world is one of the best animated movies of all time. It feels like a fairy tale full of eerie spirits.
'Trainspotting' (1996)
Considered one of the best British films of all time, Trainspotting follows a group of heroin addicts in Edinburgh, Scotland who try and fail to integrate themselves into "normal" society. It's dark, but also an ode to youth and economic insecurity that you won't be able to stop thinking about.
'The Truman Show' (1998)
If you've ever wondered whether your life is just one big sitcom, The Truman Show illustrates what happens when one man, played by Jim Carrey, realizes that his entire life is scripted for television. While that premise seems pretty straightforward, there's a lot of deeper messaging about narcissism, surveillance, media, and what it means to have free will.
'The Shawshank Redemption' (1994)
There's a reason why some critics claim The Shawshank Redemption is the best drama film of all time. The moving story follows Andy (Tim Robbins), a man sentenced to serve two life terms at the high-security prison Shawshank for murdering his wife and her lover. There, he meets friends and enemies and learns a new way of life incarcerated.
'West Side Story' (1961)
If you liked the 2021 Steven Spielberg remake, be sure to also check out the original film adaptation of this Romeo and Juliet-inspired musical, starring Rita Moreno and Natalie Wood.
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