Good Movies You Forgot About

From Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef, Aldo Giuffrè
Rated R

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a classic 1966 spaghetti western directed by Sergio Leone. It follows three men, all with different goals and motivations, during the American Civil War. The Good is Blondie (Clint Eastwood), a professional gunslinger who's in it for the money. The Bad is Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), a ruthless mercenary who's out for revenge. The Ugly is Tuco (Eli Wallach), a conniving and desperate outlaw out to save his own skin. As the trio embark on a quest to uncover a hidden Confederate gold fortune, they must cross paths with one another and learn to trust each other in order to succeed. Along the way, they encounter colorful characters, dramatic showdowns, and a classic Morricone score. In the end, only one of the three can prevail, setting the stage for a thrilling, unexpected finale.

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

Goodfellas is a 1990 crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci. The film follows the life of Henry Hill, a mobster in the Italian-American Mafia. Set in the 1950s and 1960s, the film follows Hill's rise through the criminal underworld and details his involvement in drug trafficking and racketeering. Along the way, Hill befriends Tommy DeVito, Jimmy Conway, and Tommy's girlfriend Karen, and the four of them become a gang. Hill's life becomes increasingly more dangerous and complicated, until his eventual downfall. The film highlights the violence, loyalty, and camaraderie involved in the Mafia lifestyle and explores themes of morality, greed, and corruption.

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a 1995 American neo-noir psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker. It stars Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey and John C. McGinley. The film follows two homicide detectives, David Mills (Pitt) and William Somerset (Freeman), who are on a mission to catch a serial killer who has been murdering people in accordance with the seven deadly sins. Their investigation leads them to a mysterious, diabolical figure — John Doe (Spacey) — who orchestrates a series of gruesome murders to prove a point about the emptiness of modern life. In the end, the detectives are forced to confront their own inner demons in order to solve the case and bring the killer to justice. Se7en is acclaimed for its bleak tone, shocking ending, and the performances of its lead actors. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Film Editing and was ranked the second-best film of the 1990s by the American Film Institute.

From Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello
Rated R

"Léon: The Professional" is a 1994 crime thriller directed by Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno and Natalie Portman. The story follows Leon, an Italian immigrant and professional hitman living in New York City, as he reluctantly takes in Mathilda, a 12-year-old girl whose family has been killed. Mathilda seeks revenge on the corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent who is responsible for their deaths, and Leon agrees to help her. The two form an unlikely bond as they embark on a mission to take down the drug lord and avenge Mathilda’s family. Along the way, Mathilda discovers that there is more to Leon than meets the eye and he, in turn, learns to care for someone other than himself.

From Ridley Scott, starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright
Rated R

Alien is a science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1979. It follows the story of the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo, who encounter a deadly and aggressive extraterrestrial lifeform while returning from a mission to a distant planet. The crew soon realizes that their only hope of survival is to destroy the creature before it kills them all. As the tension rises, the crew members battle for their lives against the terrifying alien, but ultimately only one survivor is left standing. The film has become a cult classic and is considered one of the greatest science fiction films of all time.

From Bryan Singer, starring Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, Stephen Baldwin
Rated R

The Usual Suspects is a 1995 American neo-noir mystery film directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie. It stars Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro, Kevin Spacey, Chazz Palminteri, Pete Postlethwaite, and Kevin Pollak. The Usual Suspects follows the interrogation of Roger "Verbal" Kint, a small-time con man, who is one of only two survivors of a massacre and fire on a ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles. Kint tries to convince the authorities that a mythical crime lord, Keyser Söze, is responsible but his credibility is questioned as he is a known criminal. Kint's story becomes more complex as agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and other law enforcement agencies become involved. The film follows Kint's story as he and the authorities uncover the truth and the identity of Keyser Söze. The film was critically acclaimed and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Kevin Spacey. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest crime films of all time.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 psychological thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. The film follows two rival stage magicians, Alfred Borden (Jackman) and Robert Angier (Bale), who become obsessed with creating the best stage illusion. As the pair vie for supremacy, their rivalry becomes increasingly personal and destructive, eventually leading them to turn to unethical means to gain the upper hand. In a series of escalating threats, the two magicians attempt to outdo each other, ultimately leading to a shocking and deadly climax. The film explores themes of obsession, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to achieve success.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers
Rated R

The Shining is a psychological horror film, directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980. It follows the story of Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic, who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. He is accompanied by his wife Wendy and son Danny. While the family settles in, the hotel’s supernatural forces begin to influence Jack’s sanity, while Danny has psychic premonitions of the future. As the months pass, Jack’s mental state deteriorates, leading him to unleash his inner demons to terrifying and deadly results. The Shining offers a suspenseful, gripping and often surreal exploration of one family’s descent into madness.

From James Cameron, starring Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Aliens is a science fiction action horror movie directed by James Cameron and released in 1986. It is the sequel to Ridley Scott's 1979 film Alien, and stars Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, reprising her role as the lone survivor of the previous film. The film follows a group of space marines who investigate a distress call on the moon LV-426 and discover a nest of alien creatures. As they battle to protect themselves and the colony, Ripley discovers a connection between the aliens and her own past. The film also stars Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn, Bill Paxton, and Paul Reiser. Aliens is widely regarded as one of the best science fiction movies of all time, with its thrilling action set pieces and compelling story.

From Michael Mann, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight
Rated R

Heat is a crime drama directed by Michael Mann and starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. The movie follows two men on opposite sides of the law: a master thief and a veteran cop. The thief, Neil McCauley (De Niro) is a professional criminal whose crew includes Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer) and Michael Cheritto (Tom Sizemore). The cop, Lt. Vincent Hanna (Pacino) is a hardened veteran who lives only for his job and will do anything to catch McCauley. The film follows these two men on a collision course as they chase each other through the streets of Los Angeles, culminating in an intense and violent showdown. Along the way, there are small glimpses into the lives of the characters, giving the audience a deeper understanding of their motivations and desires. Heat is a gripping and intense crime drama that highlights the moral ambiguity of its characters and paints a vivid picture of the Los Angeles underworld.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Martin Stringer
Rated R

There Will Be Blood is a 2007 drama film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Daniel Day-Lewis as a ruthless oil prospector in the early 20th century. It follows his quest for wealth and power as he builds an oil empire in the Southern California desert. As his power and wealth grow, his relationships with those around him—including an evangelical pastor—become increasingly strained, leading to violence and tragedy. The film also covers themes of religion, family, and morality. The film was an overwhelming critical success and won two Academy Awards.

From Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson
Rated R

No Country for Old Men is a 2007 neo-western crime thriller film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, based on Cormac McCarthy's 2005 novel of the same name. The film tells the story of a hunter, Llewelyn Moss, who stumbles on a drug deal gone wrong and takes home a briefcase full of money, only to be pursued by a relentless, psychopathic assassin, Anton Chigurh, hired to retrieve it. Sheriff Ed Tom Bell is also on the hunt for the pair, and along the way, meets many questionable characters. The film ends without a clear resolution, leaving viewers to ponder the fate of the characters.

From David Lean, starring William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa
Rated PG

The Bridge on the River Kwai is a 1957 British-American epic war film directed by David Lean, based on the novel written by Pierre Boulle. Set during World War II, the film tells the story of a British colonel, played by Alec Guinness, who is in charge of overseeing the construction of a bridge on the River Kwai. As the prisoners of war from the British Army are forced to labor on the bridge, Colonel Nicholson finds himself in a moral struggle between following orders and his own sense of personal honor. Along the way, he must also contend with Japanese commander Saito, who is determined to complete the bridge as a symbol of Japanese military might. As the bridge nears completion, an Allied mission, led by American soldier Shears, is sent in to destroy it. The film culminates in an intense and thrilling showdown between the British and Japanese forces. The Bridge on the River Kwai was the winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor (Guinness).

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind is a biographical drama directed by Ron Howard and starring Russell Crowe. It tells the true story of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who suffers from a debilitating mental illness. Nash is a genius, but his mental illness, schizophrenia, prevents him from connecting with the world around him. He struggles with paranoia and delusions, leading him to seclude himself from society. With the help of his wife, Alicia, and his doctor, Nash eventually learns to control his illness and goes on to become a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician. The film follows his struggles over the course of several decades, demonstrating the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

From John Sturges, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson
Rated Approved

The Great Escape is a classic World War II adventure film from 1963, directed by John Sturges. The film stars Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, and Charles Bronson, among others. The film follows a large group of Allied prisoners of war (POWs) who plan and execute a daring escape from the notorious Nazi stalag, Stalag Luft III. Led by Roger Bartlett (Richard Attenborough) and his right-hand man, Hilts (Steve McQueen), the prisoners come up with a plan to dig a tunnel out of the camp. With the help of numerous other prisoners, they build an intricate tunnel system to elude their German captors. In the end, only three of them make it to safety, while the rest are recaptured or killed. The Great Escape is an iconic film that has inspired countless imitations and homages. It is widely regarded as a classic, and is a must-see for any fan of war movies, or for anyone interested in a great tale of ingenuity, courage and friendship.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary
Rated PG

Jaws is a 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg. The story follows a police chief, a marine scientist, and a grizzled fisherman who join forces to track down a great white shark terrorizing the beachgoers of Amity Island. After multiple attacks and a series of mounting complications, the trio must work together and find a way to rid the island of the dangerous beast before it takes any more lives. Along the way, we learn about how fear can overtake common sense and the strength of teamwork. The film is noted for its iconic score, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and its groundbreaking special effects that revolutionized the movie industry.

From Rob Reiner, starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell
Rated R

Stand by Me is a coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner and based on the novella The Body by Stephen King. Set in rural Oregon in the summer of 1959, four friends–Gordie LaChance (Wil Wheaton), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix), Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman), and Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell)–embark on an adventure to find the body of a missing boy, Ray Brower, and become close friends in the process. After an altercation with a local gang, the boys set out on a two-day journey on foot, relying on their wits and courage to survive. Along the way, they encounter a variety of obstacles and experiences that teach them valuable life lessons and shape their futures. The film is a beautiful ode to the power of friendship and the importance of growing up.

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Pete Postlethwaite, Alison Crosbie, Philip King
Rated R

In the Name of the Father is a 1993 biographical drama directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Daniel Day-Lewis. The film tells the story of Gerry Conlon, an Irishman wrongly convicted of a 1974 bombing in London. After being arrested and tortured, Gerry's father Giuseppe confesses to the crime, even though he had nothing to do with it. The two are jailed for life and struggle to survive. They eventually prove their innocence with the help of a lawyer, Gareth Peirce, and are released from prison. Gerry's story becomes an international cause célèbre, and he is ultimately exonerated of the charges. The film ends with a triumphant celebration of his freedom.

From Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Keith David
Rated R

Platoon (1986) is an American war drama film directed by Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, and Forest Whitaker. The story is set during the Vietnam War and follows a platoon of young U.S. Army soldiers as they struggle to survive during the conflict. Through their experiences, the soldiers come to terms with the horrors of war and the harsh realities of life and death. The film is filled with intense battle scenes, raw emotion, and philosophical musings on the nature of war and man's inhumanity. The film is considered one of the greatest of its kind, and was the first to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Emmy Rossum
Rated R

Mystic River is a 2003 drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane. The story follows three childhood friends living in the same Boston neighborhood who are reunited after the murder of one of their daughters. Sean Devine (Kevin Bacon) is a homicide detective assigned to the case. Jimmy Markum (Sean Penn) is the father of the murdered girl and Dave Boyle (Tim Robbins) is a suspect in the case who was kidnapped as a child. As the case progresses, secrets from the trio's past resurface and threaten to tear their lives apart. The film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and revenge as the friends are forced to confront their own inner demons and come to terms with the tragedy that has befallen them.

From Taylor Hackford, starring Damian Chapa, Jesse Borrego, Benjamin Bratt, Enrique Castillo
Rated R

Blood In, Blood Out is a 1993 crime drama film directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Damian Chapa, Jesse Borrego, Benjamin Bratt, Enrique Castillo, and Ving Rhames. Set in East Los Angeles, the film follows the intertwining lives of three Chicano brothers: Paco (Chapa), Cruz (Borrego), and Miklo (Bratt). Paco and Cruz are gang members, while Miklo is an artist and writer. When Miklo is arrested for a gang-related crime, his world is turned upside down. He is sent to prison, where he learns to fight, and eventually joins a powerful prison gang. When he is released, the brothers must contend with their differences and the violent world they live in. Through the ups and downs of their lives, they remain loyal to each other and their heritage. Ultimately, they must fight to survive in a world filled with violence and danger.

From Lee Tamahori, starring Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga
Rated R

Once Were Warriors is a powerful 1994 New Zealand drama directed by Lee Tamahori. Set in Auckland, the film follows the story of the Heke family, a family of Maori descent. The main character, Beth, is a strong-willed, intelligent and independent woman who is trying to keep her family together in the face of poverty, abuse, and alcoholism. Her husband, Jake, is an unemployed former boxer who spends his days drinking and fighting. Their eldest son, Nig, gets involved in gang violence, and their two younger children, Grace and Boo, try to stay out of trouble. Throughout the film, Beth’s resilience and strength are tested as she struggles to keep her family from drifting apart. In the end, Beth and Jake must confront the truth of their lives and make the difficult decision to break the cycle of violence and start anew.

From Ridley Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin
Rated R

American Gangster is an American crime drama directed by Ridley Scott. The film follows the life of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a Harlem drug kingpin who smuggles heroin into the United States by using the coffins of dead American servicemen. His business and wealth quickly skyrocket, creating a wave of violence and corruption that causes the city to unravel. Meanwhile, the NYPD's Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) is determined to bring down Lucas and his drug empire. Through a determined pursuit of justice, Roberts and Lucas eventually face off in a battle of wits, and the stakes become much higher than either of them had originally imagined. Ultimately, Lucas must decide between his newfound wealth and power, or justice and honor.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers
Rated PG

Empire of the Sun is a 1987 coming-of-age war drama directed by Steven Spielberg. Set in Shanghai, China during World War II, it stars a young Christian Bale as Jim Graham, a privileged young British boy who is separated from his parents when the Japanese army invades the city. Alone and fending for himself, Jim is eventually interned in a Japanese concentration camp, where he struggles to survive while dreaming of escaping and returning home. Along the way, he must learn to adjust to the harsh realities of war and find a way to survive in a changed world.

From John Boorman, starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox
Rated R

Deliverance is a 1972 American thriller film directed by John Boorman and based on the novel of the same name by James Dickey. It tells the story of four city dwellers (Ronny Cox, Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, and Burt Reynolds) who take a weekend canoeing trip down a backwoods river in Georgia, only to encounter hostile locals and a harrowing series of events that test their survival skills. Along the way, the men face danger, violence, and an exploration of the human psyche as they contend with the moral implications of their situation. Ultimately, the men must rely on each other to survive the journey and overcome the obstacles in their path.