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

The Silence of the Lambs is an Academy Award-winning psychological thriller directed by Jonathan Demme. It follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she attempts to track down the notorious serial killer known as Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). In order to solve the case she must seek help from a brilliant and disturbed psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). As the investigation progresses, Clarice finds herself in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with Lecter, who offers her disturbing insight into the twisted mind of a murderer. As Clarice gets closer to locating the killer, she must confront her own demons and make the ultimate sacrifice for justice.

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. The plot follows a group of criminals who are brought together by a mysterious criminal mastermind known as Keyser Söze. When a high-profile drug shipment is lost at sea, the group is then brought in by U.S. Customs Agent Dave Kujan to identify the mysterious criminal. As they recount their experiences they begin to suspect that they may have been used by Söze in a much larger and more convoluted plot. The film stars Kevin Spacey, Chazz Palminteri, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro, Pete Postlethwaite, and Stephen Baldwin. The Usual Suspects was a critical and commercial success and won two Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Spacey.

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 musical comedy film starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor. It tells the story of silent film stars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, whose careers are threatened when talking pictures gain popularity. Don and his best friend, Cosmo, attempt to adapt their films to the new sound-on-film technology, as well as romance Kathy Selden, a chorus girl with a beautiful singing voice. Along the way, they run into a series of misadventures, including studio politics and Lamont's over-the-top attempts to remain a star. Despite these obstacles, the trio triumphs in the end when "Singin' in the Rain" becomes a huge success. The film features a number of iconic musical numbers, including the titular song, "Good Morning," "Moses Supposes," and "Make 'Em Laugh."

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Jessie Royce Landis
Rated Approved

North by Northwest is a classic spy thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film stars Cary Grant as the suave, debonair ad executive Roger Thornhill, who finds himself mistaken for a mysterious agent and pursued by both the police and a group of spies. Forced to go on the run, he finds himself drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, as he is framed for murder and pursued across the country by a mysterious assassin. Along the way, he meets a beautiful woman, Eve Kendall, who helps him out of numerous scrapes and helps him to uncover the secrets of his pursuers. In the end, Thornhill is able to outwit his pursuers and save the day.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

2001: A Space Odyssey is a science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick. It follows the story of a voyage to Jupiter undertaken by a crew of astronauts in a space ship called Discovery One. The voyage is supervised by an artificial intelligence computer called HAL 9000. Along the way, the crew encounters a mysterious black monolith that seems to have a connection to a higher intelligence. The crew struggles to understand the monolith's purpose, but eventually reaches Jupiter and discovers the answer. The final scene shows the main character, an astronaut named Dave Bowman, being transformed into a higher being, a Star Child. The film is noted for its groundbreaking visuals and its philosophical themes, including the advancement of technology and the nature of human evolution.

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Sam Wood, starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell, Barbara O'Neil
Rated Passed

Gone with the Wind is a classic American epic drama film released in 1939, directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, and Sam Wood. It is based on the 1936 novel of the same name by Margaret Mitchell. The story takes place in the American South during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. It follows the growth of a young woman, Scarlett O'Hara, from a carefree Southern belle to a strong and determined woman. The film follows her struggles to survive during the war and its aftermath, as she deals with the deaths of her beloved family, the destruction of her beloved plantation, and her relationships with Rhett Butler and Ashley Wilkes. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about the strength of the human spirit and the power of love. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made, and has become a cultural icon.

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, King Vidor, starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr
Rated PG

The Wizard of Oz is a beloved classic fantasy film released in 1939 and directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, and King Vidor. It follows the story of Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who is swept away to the magical land of Oz by a tornado. There she embarks on a epic journey, accompanied by her three new friends, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, to meet the powerful Wizard of Oz, who they believe will help her get back home. Along the way they must battle the Wicked Witch of the West and her army of winged monkeys. In the end, Dorothy discovers that all she needed to get back home was within her all along. The film is an enduring classic and is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time.

From William Wyler, starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet
Rated G

Ben-Hur is a 1959 epic historical drama film directed by William Wyler, and starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith and Haya Harareet. It is loosely based on the 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace. The film tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jewish prince of Jerusalem who is betrayed by his boyhood friend and sent into slavery. After years of hardship, Ben-Hur is eventually able to reclaim his freedom and seek revenge against those who wronged him. Along the way, he also finds redemption through his encounter with Jesus. Ben-Hur was a massive box office success, grossing nearly $74 million in the U.S. and $86 million worldwide, making it the biggest hit of 1959. It was the second-highest-grossing film of all time, after Gone with the Wind. It won a record 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and launched a franchise with two sequels, a television series, and a remake in 2016.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield
Rated R

The Terminator is a 1984 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron. The film follows a cyborg assassin, the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose son will one day save humanity from the machines of the future. In the present, Sarah is being pursued by the Terminator, but is saved by Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier from the future sent to protect her. Together, Sarah and Kyle must work to find a way to stop the Terminator and save the future of mankind. Along the way, they discover that the fate of the world relies upon them and their actions.

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

Platoon is a 1986 war film written and directed by Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe. It depicts the experiences of a young U.S. Army volunteer who is sent to fight in the Vietnam War. The film follows the journey of a U.S. Army infantryman, Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), as he deals with the harsh realities of the war. Through his experiences, he learns the true cost of war and how it affects those who take part in it. He comes to realize that even in a war as brutal and horrific as the Vietnam War, there is still room for compassion and understanding. Platoon paints a vivid picture of the horrors of the Vietnam War and the effects it had on those who fought in it.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring William H. Macy, Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare
Rated R

Fargo is a 1996 crime comedy-drama film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. It stars Frances McDormand as a pregnant police chief from small-town Minnesota who investigates a series of homicides, including a case involving a desperate car salesman (William H. Macy) who hires two criminals (Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare) to kidnap his wife. The movie follows a twisted plotline that features a multitude of colorful characters and culminates in an unexpected and satisfying ending. The movie is widely considered one of the Coen brothers' finest works and earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall
Rated R

Network is a 1976 satirical drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Paddy Chayefsky. The film stars Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, and Robert Duvall, and tells the story of a fictional television network, UBS, and its struggle with poor ratings. The film follows the journey of television executive, Max Schumacher (William Holden) and his estranged wife, Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway), as they navigate the challenges of the network. The film focuses on the network's desperate attempt to secure higher ratings by introducing a controversial news anchor, Howard Beale (Peter Finch), and his news program, The Howard Beale Show. The film follows Howard's growing popularity among audiences and his eventual breakdown, as well as the network's corporate take-over by the heartless Arthur Jensen (Robert Duvall). Network is a scathing indictment of the television industry and a look at how television can be used to manipulate and control people. The film received ten Academy Award nominations and won four, including Best Actor for Finch's performance as Howard Beale.

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen
Rated R

Rain Man is a 1988 American road comedy-drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass. It tells the story of an abrasive, selfish young wheeler-dealer Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), who discovers that his estranged father has died and bequeathed all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his other son, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), an autistic savant, of whose existence Charlie was unaware. Charlie is left with only his father's car and collection of rose bushes. Initially, Charlie finds Raymond annoying and difficult to deal with, and they barely make it to Los Angeles. However, as they travel cross-country, Charlie learns to appreciate his brother's special gifts. He also discovers that Raymond is very intelligent and has a keen eye for financial investments, which allows them to reap a windfall. Along the way, they form a strong bond and find a new home with Charlie's estranged aunt and uncle in Cincinnati. In the end, Charlie and Raymond work together to save the family business, and Charlie learns to appreciate Raymond's gifts and his own limitations.

From Kevin Costner, starring Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant
Rated PG-13

Dances with Wolves is a 1990 epic Western film directed by, produced by, and starring Kevin Costner. The film tells the story of John Dunbar, a US Army officer who is assigned to a remote western Civil War post, where he befriends a tribe of Native Americans and eventually comes to identify with their culture. Dunbar eventually finds himself torn between the two worlds, forced to make a difficult decision that ultimately shapes the destiny of both peoples. Along the way, the audience is treated to a stunningly beautiful and often heartbreaking journey of a man trying to find his place in a world that is both strange and familiar.

From Martin Campbell, starring Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright
Rated PG-13

Casino Royale is a 2006 spy film and the twenty-first in the James Bond series produced by Eon Productions. Directed by Martin Campbell and written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Paul Haggis, it is the first film to star Daniel Craig as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond, and was produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The story follows Bond through a series of high-stakes casino games and espionage missions as he attempts to take down a mysterious international organization that is funding terrorists. Along the way, Bond meets up with his former lover Vesper Lynd and forms an unlikely bond with another agent, René Mathis. The film also stars Eva Green, Mads Mikkelson, Jeffrey Wright, Giancarlo Giannini, Simon Abkarian and Judi Dench. The film was a financial success, grossing over $594 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Bond film ever at the time of its release. It was also critically acclaimed, with many praising Craig's performance and the action sequences. Casino Royale has since gone on to become one of the most acclaimed films in the series, as well as one of the highest-grossing.

From W.S. Van Dyke, starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan, Nat Pendleton
Rated TV-PG

The Thin Man is a classic crime comedy film directed by W.S. Van Dyke and starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. It follows the adventures of Nick and Nora Charles, a former detective and his wealthy wife. They are persuaded by Nora's ex-father-in-law to help solve a murder case that involves a missing inventor. Along the way, they must deal with a variety of colorful characters, including a nice cop, a disgruntled butler, and a mysterious mobster. The film features witty dialogue, silly humor, and plenty of clever sleuthing. In the end, Nick and Nora prove that the Thin Man is innocent and solve the case.

From George Cukor, starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey
Rated Not Rated

The Philadelphia Story is a 1940 romantic comedy starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart. It follows the story of spoiled Philadelphia socialite, Tracy Lord (Hepburn), who is about to marry for a second time. However, her ex-husband (Grant) and a journalist (Stewart) interfere with her plans. The journalist is sent to cover the wedding for a magazine, but finds himself quickly drawn to Tracy. As the wedding day draws nearer, the ex-husband attempts to win her heart back, and the journalist struggles with his romantic feelings for her. The film is a classic tale of romantic entanglements in high society, and is full of witty humor and charming performances.

From Richard Brooks, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives, Jack Carson
Rated Not Rated

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is a 1958 American drama film directed by Richard Brooks and based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Tennessee Williams. Set in the plantation home of a wealthy, Southern plantation family in the 1950s, the film focuses on the tumultuous relationship between aging patriarch Big Daddy (Burl Ives) and his son, Brick (Paul Newman). Brick is tormented by his troubled past, including his failed marriage to Maggie (Elizabeth Taylor) and a deep-seated alcoholism. As Big Daddy prepares to celebrate his 65th birthday, he and the rest of the family face the difficult truth that he is dying of cancer. As tensions mount between Brick, Maggie, and Big Daddy, the family must confront their past and find a way to move forward.

From David Lean, starring Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Geraldine Chaplin, Rod Steiger
Rated PG-13

Doctor Zhivago is a romantic epic set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution. At the beginning of the film, Doctor Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif) is a young doctor living in Moscow who falls in love with the beautiful Lara (Julie Christie). But when the Revolution threatens his peaceful existence, Zhivago is forced to go on the run, struggling to make it through each day while still managing to remain true to his beliefs and his love for Lara. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, from aristocrats to revolutionaries, and experiences both the joys and sorrows of life in a tumultuous time.

From Bob Clark, starring Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz
Rated PG

"A Christmas Story" is a holiday classic about a young boy named Ralphie Parker who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. With his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus telling him he'll shoot his eye out, Ralphie embarks on a quest to prove them all wrong. With the help of his friends, family, and a mysterious old man, Ralphie discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Along the way, he deals with tongue-on-frozen-flagpole stunts, a crazy neighbor, a lamp shaped like a woman's leg, and the dreaded school bully. Whether Ralphie gets the gun or not, he and his family are sure to have a Christmas they won't soon forget.

From Rob Reiner, starring Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Kimberly Stringer
Rated R

This Is Spinal Tap is a mockumentary about the fictional heavy metal band, Spinal Tap. The film follows the band as they embark on a disastrous tour across the United States and the United Kingdom. The band members, Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), are played as exaggerated versions of themselves and their interactions become increasingly humorous as they attempt to cope with their fading popularity. As the tour progresses, they face a series of bizarre and unfortunate events, and the band's internal relationships become even more strained. Ultimately, the tour proves to be a critical and commercial failure. Throughout the film, the band performs several of their popular songs, including "Big Bottom," "Hell Hole," and "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight." This Is Spinal Tap is widely regarded as one of the greatest mockumentaries ever made.

From George Cukor, starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, May Whitty
Rated Passed

Gaslight is a 1944 psychological thriller directed by George Cukor, starring Ingrid Bergman, Charles Boyer, and Joseph Cotten. The film follows Paula Alquist, a young widow who moves to London with her new husband, Gregory Anton. After moving in, strange occurrences begin to happen, such as Paula hearing strange noises and objects being moved around the house. Gregory manipulates Paula, convincing her she is mentally ill in an attempt to steal her inheritance. As Paula fights to prove her sanity, she discovers dark secrets from Gregory's past and attempts to use them to escape his manipulation. The film received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Ingrid Bergman.

From Sam Mendes, starring Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Judi Dench
Rated PG-13

Skyfall is a 2012 British spy film, and the twenty-third in the James Bond series produced by Eon Productions. The film was directed by Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig as James Bond, with Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, and Judi Dench in supporting roles. The film follows Bond as he is targeted by Raoul Silva, an ex-MI6 agent gone rogue. Silva is determined to embarrass MI6 and Bond's boss, M, by exposing her secrets to the public and destroying her career. Bond must protect M and her secrets while also unraveling Silva's sinister plans. Skyfall is a thrilling, action-packed adventure with a complex story and engaging characters. It has been praised for its cinematography, story, action sequences, and performances, and was a major commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing James Bond film until Spectre in 2015.

From Ron Howard, starring Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, Joel Edgerton, Tom Bateman
Rated PG-13

"Thirteen Lives" is a powerful and inspiring drama directed by Ron Howard, based on the true story of the miraculous cave rescue of the Wild Boars soccer team in Thailand in 2018. The film focuses on the bravery and courage of the rescue team, and the incredible faith, hope, and resilience of the boys and their families. It follows the boys' journey from being trapped in the flooded Tham Luang Nang Non cave for eighteen days, to being rescued in a daring operation involving over a thousand people from around the world. Along the way, the film highlights the power of faith and determination of the Thai people, as well as the importance of human connection in overcoming almost insurmountable odds. "Thirteen Lives" is an uplifting story of hope, courage, and the strength of the human spirit.

From Frank Lloyd, starring Charles Laughton, Clark Gable, Franchot Tone, Herbert Mundin
Rated Passed

Mutiny on the Bounty is a 1935 American drama film directed by Frank Lloyd and starring Charles Laughton and Clark Gable. The film tells the story of a tyrannical British captain of a ship, who is overthrown by his own crew after he mistreats them. The crew, led by First Officer Fletcher Christian, then sets out to sail the ship back to England. Along the way, the crew gets stranded on a tropical island and must survive the elements and each other. In the end, the crew is able to make it back to England, but their journey is filled with danger and excitement.