Afi Top 100 Movies Of All Time

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. During his time at the prison, he befriends a fellow inmate, Ellis Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. With the help of Red and a variety of other characters he meets along the way, Andy is eventually able to escape from Shawshank and starts a new life. The film explores themes of hope, justice, and redemption as Andy and Red struggle to maintain their friendship and their sense of self-worth amidst the harsh prison conditions.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is an iconic crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1972. It follows the story of the aging patriarch of the Corleone mafia family, Don Vito, who must pass on his legacy and position as the Godfather to his youngest son, Michael. As the story progresses, Michael rises to power and finds himself embroiled in a power struggle between rival families, with violent consequences. The movie stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, and Robert Duvall. This classic film is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and won three Academy Awards in 1973.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a 1993 American epic historical drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg. The film is about Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as SS officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler's Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern. Set in Poland during World War II, it is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. The story begins in Kraków, in 1939. Oskar Schindler, a German businessman, arrives in the city hoping to make his fortune from the war. He befriends a number of Jewish business owners, and employs Jewish workers in his factory. When the Nazi oppression begins to take its toll on the Jews in town, Schindler uses his power and influence to protect them, hiring more and more Jews to his factory, and defying the orders of the Nazi officers. As the war progresses, the conditions for the Jews in Kraków worsen, and Schindler is determined to save as

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is the 1974 sequel to the first The Godfather film. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film follows the story of Michael Corleone, the son of Don Vito Corleone. Set in the 1950s, Michael is now the head of the Corleone crime family and is struggling to maintain control while facing increasing pressure from the other mob families. The film also follows the story of his father, Don Vito Corleone, through flashbacks, which reveal his rise to power in New York's Little Italy during the early years of the 20th century. The film earned 11 Academy Award nominations, winning six, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Al Pacino), Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. The Godfather Part II is considered one of the greatest sequels ever made, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, John Fiedler
Rated Approved

12 Angry Men is a classic 1957 American courtroom drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, with a veteran cast that includes Henry Fonda, Jack Warden, Jack Klugman, and Lee J. Cobb. The story follows the deliberations of a jury of twelve men as they deliberated the fate of an 18-year-old defendant accused of murdering his father. At the beginning of the film, each juror is convinced of the boy's guilt. However, as the story progresses, the jurors are forced to confront their own prejudices and preconceived notions. In the end, each juror learns the importance of rational and honest deliberations and the power of a single voice in a society where people are quick to judge and render verdicts without fully understanding the facts. The film powerfully illustrates the fragility of justice and the importance of examining all of the evidence before coming to a conclusion.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
Rated R

Pulp Fiction is a cult classic crime film directed by Quentin Tarantino and released in 1994. The film follows the lives of two Los Angeles hitmen, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, as they embark on a series of misadventures involving gangsters, criminals, and a mysterious suitcase. Along the way, they encounter a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of armed robbers. The story is told out of sequence, offering a nonlinear narrative structure. Pulp Fiction won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film has gained a reputation as one of the greatest American films of all time, with its unique approach to storytelling, its stylized violence, and its pitch-perfect dialogue.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is the first part of Peter Jackson's film trilogy based on the epic books written by J.R.R. Tolkien. The story centers around Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who is entrusted with a magical ring that holds the key to the destruction of Middle-earth. Alongside his loyal friends, he embarks on a dangerous quest to take the ring to the only place it can be destroyed - the fires of Mount Doom. Along the way, they must face the evil forces of Sauron and his minions, the Ringwraiths, to protect Middle-earth and its inhabitants from destruction. The Fellowship of the Ring is an epic journey of courage, adventure and friendship that will ultimately determine the fate of the world.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a heartwarming and inspirational story of a man who despite his mental handicap and the obstacles he faces, manages to achieve extraordinary success in life. Forrest is a simple man from Alabama with a low IQ who, with the help of his best friend Jenny, embarks on a journey through his life. Along the way, he influences several important historical events, such as the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, as well as meeting a variety of interesting people. Despite experiencing pain and loss, Forrest's optimism and unwavering faith help him through life's twists and turns. He finds true love and friendship, and in the end, lives a fulfilling life.

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Miloš Forman, based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal who fakes insanity to serve his sentence in a mental institution instead of a prison. While there, he clashes with the oppressive Nurse Ratched and rallies the patients around him to challenge the oppressive authority of the hospital. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Nicholson), Best Actress (Louise Fletcher), and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is a crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi. It follows the story of New York City mobsters Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his friends over three decades, from 1955 to 1980. Henry is initially seduced by the lifestyle of the Mafia and the power it provides, but soon finds out that this life comes at a high price. Along with his friends Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci), Henry is involved in criminal activities - from robbery and drug-trafficking, to violence and murder. As the years pass, Henry finds himself increasingly cut off from the normal world and trapped in a life of crime and danger. In the end, his loyalty and greed bring him to the brink of tragedy.

From George Lucas, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, directed by George Lucas, is the fourth episode of the Star Wars franchise. It follows the story of Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy who discovers a droid carrying a secret message from a princess in need of help. Luke joins forces with a renegade Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the princess from the Empire’s world-destroying battle station, the Death Star. Along the way, Luke discovers the power of the Force and survives a thrilling battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire. In the end, the Rebellion is successful and the Empire is defeated.

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell
Rated PG

It's a Wonderful Life is a classic Christmas film directed by Frank Capra and starring Jimmy Stewart. The film tells the story of George Bailey, a good-hearted small town man who has done nothing but make sacrifices for the people he loves. When a crisis arises, George realizes he has nothing to show for his life and wishes he had never been born. An angel appears and shows George what life would be like without him in it. George learns to appreciate what he has and is given a second chance at life. The film ends happily with George and his family celebrating Christmas. It's a Wonderful Life is a heartwarming story that shows the power of love and the importance of family.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
Rated R

Saving Private Ryan is an American war film directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1998. Set during World War II, the film follows a group of U.S. Army Rangers led by Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) on a mission to rescue Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), who is the last surviving brother of four servicemen. The team, which includes Sergeant Horvath (Tom Sizemore) and Private Reiben (Edward Burns), embark on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines to find Ryan. Along the way, they face immense danger and struggle with the moral complexities of the war. The team eventually reaches the small French town where Ryan is stationed, but their mission is jeopardized when the town is attacked by German forces. The film ends with a bloody battle scene as the Rangers attempt to rescue Ryan and escape. Despite heavy casualties, Ryan is eventually rescued and the Rangers return safely. The film is a powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in World War II.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller directed by Jonathan Demme. It follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she attempts to apprehend the serial killer “Buffalo Bill” (Ted Levine). In order to gain insight into the killer’s psyche, Clarice seeks the counsel of a brilliant but imprisoned serial killer, Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). As she delves into the disturbing world of the killer, Clarice must overcome her fears to confront the mastermind and apprehend Buffalo Bill before he claims his next victim. The film won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Jodie Foster, Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Rated PG

Casablanca is a classic romantic drama set in Morocco during World War II. The story follows Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a cynical American expatriate who owns an upscale café in the city. When Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), an old flame of Rick's, walks into the café, Rick finds himself in the middle of a political and romantic drama. Ilsa is married to a Czech resistance leader, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), who needs Rick's help to secure two letters of transit so they can escape to America. Rick is forced to choose between his love for Ilsa and his commitment to the Allied cause. The film culminates in a heartwarming and bittersweet ending that has become one of the most beloved in Hollywood history. Directed by Michael Curtiz, Casablanca won three Academy Awards and has become a timeless classic.

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee, Harry Myers
Rated G

City Lights is a classic silent comedy film directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, released in 1931. The movie tells the story of a Tramp (Chaplin) who falls in love with a blind flower girl. He tries to earn enough money to pay for an operation to restore her sight, but his attempts to make money are met with failure, leading to a series of comedic misadventures. Throughout the film, the Tramp displays his trademark humor and the humanity of his character, winning the audience’s sympathy. Ultimately, the Tramp is successful, and the flower girl regains her sight. The film is widely praised for its timeless humor, Chaplin’s skillful direction, and its emotional ending.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a 1960 American psychological horror film directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock. The film follows Marion Crane, a young secretary who is on the run after stealing money from her employer. She decides to stay in the isolated Bates Motel, owned by the strange and mysterious Norman Bates. The events that follow become increasingly suspenseful and shocking as secrets from Norman's past start to unravel, revealing a twisted and disturbed mind. Psycho is widely considered to be one of the most iconic films of all time and is famous for its groundbreaking use of suspense, tension, and twist ending.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest
Rated R

Apocalypse Now (1979) is a Vietnam War epic directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film follows Army Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen) on a mission to assassinate Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a renegade U.S. Army Special Forces officer who has gone rogue and is leading a guerrilla army deep in the Cambodian jungle. As Willard and his crew journey up the Nung River, they battle the forces of nature, their own demons, and the enemy. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters, from crazed U.S. soldiers to surly Vietnamese boat people, all struggling to survive in a war-ravaged landscape. With its surreal setting and powerful psychological undercurrents, Apocalypse Now is a darkly poetic exploration of the madness of war and the horror and heroism of man.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter
Rated PG

Rear Window is a 1954 American thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on the short story "It Had to Be Murder" by Cornell Woolrich. The film stars James Stewart as a professional photographer confined to a wheelchair due to a broken leg, who becomes obsessed with spying on his neighbors in the apartment building across the courtyard. He begins to suspect that one of his neighbors has committed murder, and the resulting investigation becomes increasingly dangerous. The film also stars Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter, and Raymond Burr. The film is widely acclaimed and is regularly cited as one of Hitchcock's best works.

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Henry Bergman, Tiny Sandford
Rated G

Modern Times is a comedy film directed by and starring Charles Chaplin. The film is a comment on the struggles of the working class during the Great Depression. Chaplin plays a factory worker (the "Little Tramp") struggling to make ends meet in a modern, industrialized world. He gets into comedic misadventures while trying to do his job and deal with the struggles of society. Throughout the film, he encounters a variety of characters, including a young orphan girl, a factory owner, a wealthy woman, and a police officer. The film is both humorous and poignant, as Chaplin tackles themes of economic hardship, labor struggles, and the human spirit.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn
Rated PG

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a black comedy film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie follows the accidental, imminent destruction of the world after a rogue US Air Force General orders a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. It stars Peter Sellers in three roles, in addition to George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, and Slim Pickens. The plot follows the madcap efforts of the US President, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a Royal Air Force exchange officer to stop the attack. The film's satire of the Cold War and nuclear anxiety was influential in the 1960s, and is still seen as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Rhys-Davies
Rated PG

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is an action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1981. It follows the adventures of American archaeologist Indiana Jones as he attempts to retrieve the ancient and powerful artifact known as the Ark of the Covenant. With the help of his former lover Marion Ravenwood, they must battle a group of Nazis who are also in pursuit of the artifact. Along the way, Indy faces a variety of obstacles including booby traps, dangerous snakes, treacherous villains, and the supernatural power of the Ark itself. The story culminates in an epic climax with Indy emerging triumphant and safe with the Ark in his possession.

From Orson Welles, starring Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore, Agnes Moorehead
Rated PG

Citizen Kane is an American drama film directed, co-written, produced, and starring Orson Welles. The story follows the life and career of newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane. The film follows Kane from his childhood to his death, as it examines his rise to power, his growing isolation from those around him, and his ultimate demise. As the story unfolds, a mysterious “Rosebud” is revealed to be the key to Kane’s innermost secrets. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning only for Best Original Screenplay, making it the only film in Academy history to be nominated for Best Picture, and yet not win. Citizen Kane is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen
Rated G

Singin’ in the Rain is a classic musical comedy set in Hollywood during the transition from silent films to "talkies" in the late 1920s. It stars Gene Kelly as a silent film star, Don Lockwood, who is trying to make the transition with his on-screen partner, Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen). After teaming up with an aspiring actress and singer, Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), Don and his friends must find a way to make Lina's grating voice acceptable for the talkies. Through a series of musical numbers, the three of them navigate their way to success. Meanwhile, Don falls in love with Kathy, and must win her heart despite Lina's interference. In the end, Don and Kathy's love for each other triumphs, and the talkies arrive with a splash.

From David Lean, starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins
Rated Approved

Lawrence of Arabia is an epic war film directed by David Lean and released in 1962, starring Peter O'Toole as T. E. Lawrence. It is set in the Middle East during World War I and tells the story of British army officer T. E. Lawrence and his remarkable journey to help the Arab people revolt against their Ottoman Turkish rulers. After his initial success in helping to unite the Arab tribes, Lawrence is given the task of leading the Arabs to Damascus, which will secure their independence. Along the way, he faces numerous perils, both from the enemy and from his own men. The film features stunning cinematography and a classic score by Maurice Jarre, as well as Oscar-winning performances by O'Toole and Omar Sharif. The film was a commercial and critical success and is now regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.