Afi's Top 100 Movies

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, and based on the Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film follows Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker who is wrongly convicted of double murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary. During his time in prison, Andy befriends Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), a fellow inmate, and finds himself protected by the guards after he is able to help them with various financial matters. His skills also make him a valuable asset to the prison warden, Norton (Bob Gunton). Despite the harsh realities of prison life, Andy is determined to keep hope alive, and continually looks for ways to escape the prison. With the help of Red and his own ingenuity, he eventually succeeds in his quest for freedom. The film focuses on themes of hope, justice, and friendship, and shows the resilience of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won a number of accolades, including the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film has since become a

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

"The Godfather" is a classic crime drama set in the 1940s and 1950s that follows the fortunes of the powerful Corleone Mafia family. The movie chronicles the rise of Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) as the head of the family, as well as his son Michael (Al Pacino) as he steps up to take control of the business. The family is embroiled in a power struggle between rival Mafia families, and Michael must make tough decisions to keep the Corleones safe. The movie also follows the lives of Vito's sons Sonny (James Caan), Fredo (John Cazale), and Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), as well as the lives of the other characters in the family. As the movie progresses, the audience sees the extent of the power of the Mafia and how it affects the family. In the end, Michael takes control of the family and sets himself up to be the godfather of the Corleones.

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 produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. Set during the Holocaust in World War II, it is the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees by employing them in his factories. The film follows Schindler's interactions with the Nazi regime and his struggle to protect his Jewish workforce. The film stars Liam Neeson in the title role as Schindler, with Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagall, Embeth Davidtz and others. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards, including seven Academy Awards. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made.

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

The Godfather Part II is a legendary American crime film, and a sequel to the 1972 film The Godfather, both directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It follows the life of Michael Corleone, the son of the titular character from the first film and the Don of the Corleone crime family. While Michael struggles to keep his family legitimate and in power, flashbacks to his father's youth depict the events that made him the powerful figure he is. The two stories are intercut and contrasted, focusing on the personal costs of power, loyalty, and family ties. The film stars Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and many others. The Godfather Part II was a major success, winning six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, becoming the first sequel to win the Best Picture honor.

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

12 Angry Men is a classic courtroom drama that follows the story of 12 jurors tasked with deciding the fate of an 18-year-old boy accused of murdering his father. The majority of the jurors initially believe the defendant is guilty, but the lone holdout, Juror #8 (Henry Fonda) casts enough doubt to force the other jurors to reconsider their positions. Through a series of heated debates and thoughtful deliberation, the jurors grapple with the evidence and their own prejudices, ultimately deciding to acquit the defendant. Despite the intense subject matter, the film is ultimately a story of justice and the power of reason.

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

Pulp Fiction is a 1994 American neo-noir black comedy crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It follows the lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner bandits who intersect in four tales of violence and redemption. Along with its much-praised storytelling, the film is known for its rich, eclectic dialogue, ironic mix of humor and violence, nonlinear storyline, and host of cinematic allusions and pop culture references. Pulp Fiction won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for seven other awards, including Best Picture. It was later selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

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 a 2001 epic fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson, based on the first volume of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The film tells the story of a diminutive hobbit named Frodo Baggins who inherits a mysterious ring. He is joined by eight companions, including Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, and Gimli, who must journey across Middle-earth to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. The Fellowship of the Ring must battle powerful forces both evil and good to accomplish their quest and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters and creatures, as well as a series of perilous challenges. The Fellowship of the Ring is a powerful and emotionally charged journey that captivates audiences from start to finish.

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

Forrest Gump is an epic and heartwarming story of an Alabama man with a low IQ and a remarkable story to tell. Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) has a talent for running that takes him from humble beginnings to national fame. Along the way, he encounters the love of his life (Robin Wright Penn), serves in the military in Vietnam, meets three presidents, and plays a role in some of the most iconic moments of the 20th century. Despite the hardships life throws at him, Forrest has the courage and faith to always keep going and never give up, inspiring those around him with his simple truth: "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

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

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 comedy-drama directed by Milos Forman, based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. The plot follows Randle P. McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a criminal who is transferred from prison to a mental institution. He attempts to challenge the oppressive rule of the head nurse, Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), and rallies the other patients to rebel against her. In the process, McMurphy's rebellious attitude causes a ripple of positive change in the institution and the lives of the patients.

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

Goodfellas is a 1990 crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese which tells the story of Henry Hill, an Italian-American mobster in New York City during the 1950s and 1960s. It follows Henry from the age of twelve to his eventual arrest at the age of fifty-five. The movie chronicles Henry's rise in the criminal underworld, as well as his friendship and relationships with his associates in the mafia. Along the way, the film presents a gritty and realistic look at organized crime, from the petty thefts to the drug deals, and the eventual downfall of Henry's criminal career. The film stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta in the lead roles, with Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, and Frank Vincent in supporting roles. The film won numerous awards and is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

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

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope tells the story of Luke Skywalker and his journey with the Rebel Alliance to defeat the Galactic Empire. After discovering that his aunt and uncle have been killed by the Empire and receiving the plans to the Death Star, Luke joins the Rebel Alliance and begins his training as a Jedi Knight. He then joins forces with Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia to rescue the plans and ultimately destroy the Death Star. Along the way, Luke learns the ways of the Force and must face his destiny to help the Rebel Alliance defeat the Empire.

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

It's a Wonderful Life is a classic holiday comedy-drama directed by Frank Capra, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. The film follows George Bailey, an ordinary man from a small town who is given the chance to see what the world would have been like if he had never been born. Through a series of events, he discovers that his life has had a positive impact on the people around him, and learns to appreciate the life he has. The film is a testament to the power of kindness and selflessness in the face of adversity, and it's message has resonated with millions over the decades.

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

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 World War II film directed by Steven Spielberg. The story is set in the summer of 1944, during the Normandy landings and follows a group of United States Army Rangers as they search for a paratrooper, Private James Ryan, who is the last surviving brother of four servicemen. Led by Captain John Miller, the Rangers are tasked with finding and safely returning Ryan to his mother in the United States The film follows the Rangers as they fight their way through German-occupied France, confronting a relentless enemy and struggling to remain alive in the face of overwhelming odds. Along the way, the Rangers must come to terms with the horrors of war, the costs of their mission, and the bonds that form between soldiers in the heat of battle. In the end, the Rangers are successful in their mission and Private Ryan is able to return home safely.

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

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological horror-thriller directed by Jonathan Demme. The story follows FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she attempts to apprehend serial killer “Buffalo Bill”. In order to do so, Clarice must enlist the help of the incarcerated Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant and psychologically disturbed cannibal, to gain insight into the killer’s mind. As the film unfolds, Clarice puts her life in danger as she gets closer to uncovering the truth behind the serial murders. The Silence of the Lambs was critically acclaimed and went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress.

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

Casablanca is a classic World War II drama set in unoccupied French Morocco. It follows the story of Rick Blaine, an American expatriate and owner of the nightclub/gambling den, "Rick's Café Américain". When his former lover Ilsa Lund arrives with her husband Victor Laszlo, a Czech Resistance leader in search of letters of transit, a tense game of cat-and-mouse ensues. Rick must ultimately choose between his love for Ilsa and his commitment to the Resistance. Along the way, Rick and Ilsa's relationship is tested and their loyalties are questioned as they struggle to find a way out of Casablanca. With a memorable cast of characters and a classic ending, Casablanca is one of the most beloved films of all time.

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

City Lights is a 1931 romantic comedy silent film written, produced, and directed by Charles Chaplin. It follows a tramp, played by Chaplin in his iconic character, as he befriends a blind flower girl and tries to help her gain sight. Through a series of comedic scenarios, Chaplin's tramp attempts to find the money necessary to pay for the girl's operation. The film was a huge success, and is considered one of the greatest films of all time. The film is known for its combination of comedy and pathos, with Chaplin's signature blend of slapstick and sentimentality. The film also features a memorable score composed by Chaplin himself.

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

Psycho is a 1960 horror-thriller film by director Alfred Hitchcock. The film stars Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, a troubled motel owner with an unhealthy attachment to his domineering mother. When Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) checks into the Bates Motel, Norman is immediately drawn to her and eventually takes her life. Marion’s sister, Lila (Vera Miles), and boyfriend, Sam (John Gavin), investigate her disappearance, leading them to the Bates Motel. Norman’s dark secret is eventually revealed and a shocking truth is uncovered. Psycho is a classic example of Hitchcock’s signature style, blending suspense, horror, and psychological suspense with a memorable score by Bernard Herrmann.

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

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 epic war film directed, produced, and co-written by Francis Ford Coppola. The film follows a U.S. Army officer (Martin Sheen) sent on a mission to assassinate a renegade Green Beret colonel (Marlon Brando) in the midst of the Vietnam War. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, from Vietnamese civilians to American soldiers to a surreal French plantation owner. The film explores the madness of war, as well as its effects on individuals and entire societies. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is considered one of the greatest films of all time.

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

Rear Window is a 1954 Alfred Hitchcock thriller starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly. Stewart plays a professional photographer who is confined to his wheelchair after breaking his leg. To pass the time he starts to spy on his neighbours across the courtyard. He soon begins to suspect that one of them has committed murder. With the help of his girlfriend, played by Kelly, he works to uncover the truth. The film is a classic example of Hitchcock's mastery of suspense and thrillers, as well as an exploration of voyeurism and morality.

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

Modern Times is a 1936 comedy film written and directed by Charlie Chaplin. It was Chaplin’s last "silent" film, and he stars as the iconic Little Tramp character. The film follows the Tramp’s misadventures as he struggles to survive in a chaotic, industrializing world. Along the way, he meets a young orphan woman and falls in love with her. As the two try to make a life for themselves in a world that constantly tries to oppress them, they learn to find solace in a world of poverty and chaos. The film is considered a classic of both comedy and social commentary, as it provides insight into the struggles of the working class during the Great Depression.

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 dark comedy from 1964 directed by Stanley Kubrick in which an insane United States Air Force general launches an unprovoked nuclear attack on the Soviet Union, prompting a desperate attempt by the President of the United States, his advisors, and an eccentric nuclear scientist to recall the bombers and prevent a nuclear holocaust. The film satirically examines the dangers of nuclear war and the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. In addition to its humorous elements, the film features a strong anti-war message and a deep exploration of the human capacity for self-destruction.

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 movie directed by Steven Spielberg. Set in 1936, it stars Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, an archaeologist and professor of archaeology, who is tasked with finding the lost Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain it. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles, including Nazis, snakes, and booby traps. With help from his friend, Sallah, and love interest, Marion Ravenwood, Indiana succeeds in his mission and obtains the Ark. The movie has become a classic and has spawned several sequels.

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

Citizen Kane is a classic 1941 American drama film directed, co-written, and produced by Orson Welles. The film follows the life and legacy of Charles Foster Kane, a powerful newspaper magnate whose life is examined in a flashback narrative after his death. The film is noted for its innovative cinematography, music and narrative structure, which have influenced many later films. Kane is portrayed by Welles himself, whose performance earned him an Academy Award nomination. The story of Kane's life is told through the recollections of a reporter (William Alland) tasked with investigating the meaning of Kane's dying word, "Rosebud." Through these interviews and flashbacks, the viewer is taken on a journey through Kane's life, including his humble beginnings as an orphan, his rise to wealth and power, his abandonment of his first wife, and his eventual downfall. Citizen Kane is widely recognized as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made.

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

Singin' in the Rain is a 1952 American musical comedy film directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. The film is a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s, with the three stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to talkies. The title of the film is taken from the song of the same name, originally performed by Gene Kelly in the movie. The film centers around the on-screen and off-screen romance between Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly), a popular silent film star, and Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), a chorus dancer. The film follows the three as they try to make the transition to sound film, and deals with the issues of celebrity, romance, and the impact of technology on the film industry. The film's climactic scene, in which Kelly sings and dances in the rain, is widely considered to be one of the greatest musical sequences in film history.

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

Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 British epic historical drama film based on the life of T. E. Lawrence. It was directed by David Lean and produced by Sam Spiegel and starred Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, Jack Hawkins and José Ferrer. Set during the First World War, the film tells the story of Lawrence, a young British officer who is sent to Arabia to find and unite the Bedouin people in the Middle East in order to fight the Turks. After he succeeds in his mission, Lawrence becomes a legendary figure among the Arab people. The film is renowned for its stunning cinematography (which won multiple awards for its director) and panoramic landscapes of the Arabian desert. It also explores themes of war, loyalty, betrayal, and power. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential films ever made.