Netflix Top 100 Movies

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

Pulp Fiction is a 1994 American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It follows several interrelated stories of Los Angeles mobsters, fringe players, small-time criminals, and a mysterious briefcase. The film stars John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis in the lead roles. The stories include a diner hold-up staged by two desperate robbers, a pair of hired killers who carry out a contract killing, a boxer who's paid by mobsters to take a dive, and a pair of gangsters who are trying to retrieve a suitcase stolen from their employer. The film follows these seemingly disparate stories as the characters' lives intertwine in unexpected and often violent ways. In the end, each of the stories culminates in a twist involving the mysterious briefcase.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
Rated R

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a 1991 American science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, and Edward Furlong. In the film, a cyborg assassin known as the T-800 (Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 to protect John Connor (Furlong), the future leader of the human resistance against the machines, from a more advanced Terminator, the T-1000 (Patrick). Together with John's mother Sarah (Hamilton), the T-800 must stop the T-1000 from assassinating John and ensure that Skynet, an artificial intelligence system that triggered a nuclear holocaust in 1997, is never created. The film was a critical and commercial success and won four Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Effects Editing. The film was also a box office success and grossed $520.8 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 1991 and the highest-grossing movie of the Terminator franchise.

From Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Emilia Fox
Rated R

The Pianist is a 2002 biographical drama film directed by Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody. It is an adaptation of the autobiography of the same name by Jewish-Polish musician Władysław Szpilman. The film tells the story of Szpilman's experiences during World War II as he struggles to survive the destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto. In 1939, Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist, is playing live on the radio in Warsaw when the station is bombed during Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland. He is forced into the Warsaw Ghetto with his family and experiences great hardship, witnessing the cruel treatment of the Jewish population by the Nazis. After his family is sent to Treblinka extermination camp, Szpilman hides in the ruins of Warsaw and is aided by a series of Polish friends. Finally the Soviets liberate the city in 1945 and Szpilman at last resumes his career as a pianist. The Pianist won the Palme d'Or at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, as well as three Academy Awards, including Best Director for Roman Polanski, Best Actor for Adrien Brody, and Best Adapted

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento follows Leonard (Guy Pearce), an amnesiac seeking revenge for the murder of his wife. After a head injury, Leonard can no longer form new memories, and must rely on notes, photographs and tattoos to keep track of the people and events in his life. He meets with Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss), a bartender who helps him piece together the facts of the crime, and eventually confronts the man responsible. Along the way, Leonard discovers the truth about himself and his past. The film is told in two distinct halves—one in chronological order, and the other in reverse—creating a unique, mind-bending experience.

From Mel Gibson, starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen
Rated R

Braveheart is an epic historical drama directed by Mel Gibson and released in 1995. The film follows the life of William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish warrior who leads the Scots in their fight for independence from England. Wallace rallies his countrymen to rise up against the tyrannical rule of King Edward I and the oppressive English army. Through his passionate speeches and heroic deeds, Wallace soon becomes a symbol of freedom and leads a legendary battle against the English at Stirling Bridge. Despite being outnumbered, Wallace and the Scots emerge victorious. However, their joy is short-lived as the English quickly regroup and launch a massive counter-attack. Wallace is eventually captured and put to death, but his legacy lives on as his countrymen continue to fight for their independence.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. The story follows Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably kidnapped and imprisoned in a lonely hotel room for 15 years without any clue as to his captor's motives. Dae-su eventually escapes, and, with the help of a young woman named Mi-do, embarks on a quest to discover who held him captive, why, and for how long. Along the way, Dae-su learns of the intense and dark past of his tormentor and the reason for his imprisonment. The film is noted for its violence, dramatic twists, dark humor, and exploration of revenge and its consequences.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn
Rated R

Reservoir Dogs is a 1992 American crime thriller film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino in his feature-length debut. The film follows the events of a botched diamond heist, told from the perspective of the criminals involved. It stars Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, Chris Penn, Lawrence Tierney, and Michael Madsen. The film follows the criminals as they try to figure out who among them is an undercover cop, while dealing with the aftermath of their failed heist. The film is noted for its nonlinear storyline, off-beat soundtrack, and its brutal violence. The film was a commercial success and won several awards, including the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

Good Will Hunting is a 1997 American drama film starring Matt Damon and Robin Williams, directed by Gus Van Sant. The film follows the story of Will Hunting (Damon), a genius-level math prodigy, who works as a janitor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). After a run-in with the law, Will is offered a chance to avoid jail time if he agrees to work with a therapist (Williams) and an MIT professor (Stellan Skarsgård) to his full potential. As Will confronts his past and struggles to accept help, he develops a unique bond with his mentor and finds himself facing his biggest challenge yet: falling in love with a young woman (Minnie Driver). With the help of his therapists, friends and newfound love, Will discovers his true purpose in life and embarks on a path toward personal growth and fulfillment.

From Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a romantic science fiction comedy-drama film directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman. It stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as a couple who have their memories of each other erased. The story follows the two protagonists, Joel Barish and Clementine Kruczynski, as they meet and develop a romantic relationship after a chance encounter on a Long Island Rail Road train from Montauk. After a painful breakup, they both undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories. As Joel goes through the process, he attempts to evade the erasing of their relationship by hiding his memories of Clementine in his subconscious. The film examines the nature of memory and relationships, as Joel discovers how deeply he has come to care for Clementine. Ultimately, the film finds that memories, both happy and sad, are integral to a lasting relationship, and Joel decides against erasing his memories of Clementine.

From Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Stephen Graham, Vinnie Jones
Rated R

Snatch, is a British crime comedy directed by Guy Ritchie. The film follows the story of a small-time boxing promoter, Turkish (Jason Statham), and his misfit friends, as they get involved with various criminals, hustlers, and international jewel thieves. The group is then thrown into a series of comical and dangerous situations, as they attempt to make a living from a series of shady deals. Along the way they are pursued by a notorious criminal, Brick Top (Alan Ford), and hired enforcer, Bullet Tooth Tony (Vinnie Jones). In the end, the group must use their wits, and street smarts, in order to make it out alive.

From Gavin O'Connor, starring Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Morrison
Rated PG-13

Warrior is a 2011 drama directed by Gavin O'Connor, starring Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton, and Jennifer Morrison. The film follows the story of two estranged brothers, Tommy (Hardy) and Brendan (Edgerton), who reunite in order to compete against each other in an MMA tournament, the Sparta. Both brothers are forced to confront their long-held resentments and personal demons, both in and out of the ring. Tommy, a former Marine, uses his military discipline to train for the tournament, while Brendan is a high school teacher who turns to his longtime friend, Frank (Nolte), for help in training. Along the way, they both discover what is truly important in life—family, friends, and the courage to do what is right. As they face off against each other in the final match, they learn the true meaning of brotherhood, respect, and compassion.

From Oliver Hirschbiegel, starring Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Köhler
Rated R

Downfall is a 2004 German-Austrian-Italian historical war drama film directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, depicting the final days of Adolf Hitler's Third Reich. The film focuses on Hitler's last days in the Führerbunker, as the Red Army closes in on Berlin and Nazi Germany faces defeat in World War II. The plot follows Hitler, his henchmen, and his inner circle as they attempt to stave off defeat, while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the turmoil. The film explores themes of loyalty, fear, denial, and power dynamics in a rapidly deteriorating situation. It is seen from multiple perspectives, from Hitler's inner circle to ordinary German citizens, as well as from the perspective of a young German woman who joins the Nazi Party. Downfall was a critical and commercial success, and has been praised for its accurate and realistic depiction of the events. The film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 77th Academy Awards.

From Danny Boyle, starring Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd
Rated R

Trainspotting is a 1996 British black comedy-drama film directed by Danny Boyle and starring Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Jonny Lee Miller, Ewan Bremner and Kelly Macdonald. The film follows the lives of a group of heroin addicts living in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is based on the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh. The film depicts the daily lives of the addicts and their struggles to stay alive and deal with the temptations and consequences of drug-taking. The film follows the life of protagonist Mark Renton, who is determined to leave his drug habit behind but finds himself drawn back in. It also follows his friends, who also struggle with their day-to-day lives, amidst poverty and other social problems. Trainspotting is a darkly humorous look at the world of addiction and its effects on those caught up in it. The film was a huge success, receiving critical acclaim and earning an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

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

"In the Name of the Father" (1993) is a biographical drama directed by Jim Sheridan that tells the story of an innocent man's fight against the British justice system. Gerry Conlon (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his friends are wrongly convicted of an IRA bombing in 1974 and sent to prison. His father (Pete Postlethwaite) also refuses to accept the false charges and stands by his son. Despite the odds, Gerry and his father strive for justice, and eventually the truth is revealed. The film follows Gerry's journey to clear his name and reveals the struggles of an innocent family trying to survive in a broken system.

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

Platoon is a 1986 American war film written and directed by Oliver Stone and starring Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe and Charlie Sheen. The story is told through the eyes of a young US soldier (Sheen) who serves in Vietnam, and follows the members of his platoon as they fight the enemy and deal with the issues of morality, camaraderie and survival. The film conveys the horrors of war and the chaos of combat, but also focuses on the individual's struggle to find meaning in the seemingly random violence of the battlefield. It is considered to be one of the greatest war films ever made and is credited with helping to redefine the genre.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Ben Kingsley, John Gielgud, Rohini Hattangadi, Roshan Seth
Rated PG

Gandhi is a 1982 British biographical historical drama film directed by Richard Attenborough and written by John Briley. The film depicts the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the leader of India's non-violent, non-cooperation independence movement against the British Raj during the 20th century. The film follows Gandhi's life from a defining moment in 1893, as he is thrown off a South African train for being in a whites-only compartment, and concludes with his assassination and funeral in 1948. The film stars Ben Kingsley as the title character, with Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, John Gielgud, Trevor Howard, John Mills, Martin Sheen, and Om Puri in supporting roles. Made on a budget of $22 million, the film was released in India on October 30, 1982 and went on to win eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Attenborough.

From Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange
Rated PG-13

Big Fish is a 2003 fantasy-drama directed by Tim Burton and starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, and Helena Bonham Carter. The film follows the story of Edward Bloom, a man whose life is filled with tall tales and exaggeration, and his son, Will, who is determined to uncover the truth behind his father's stories. Along the way, Will discovers that Edward's life is much more extraordinary than he had ever imagined and learns to appreciate his father's tall tales. Along the journey, Edward and Will cross paths with many strange and wonderful characters, from a witch to a giant, before ultimately discovering the truth of Edward's extraordinary life. Big Fish is a heartfelt, magical celebration of life and the power of storytelling.

From Wilson Yip, starring Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Siu-Wong Fan, Ka-Tung Lam
Rated R

Ip Man is a 2008 Hong Kong biographical martial arts film based on the life of the Wing Chun master of the same name, and this film centers around Ip Man's life in Foshan during the Sino-Japanese War. The film follows Ip Man as he faces a series of adversaries in order to protect his city and its people. Ip Man rises to the challenge and eventually becomes a master of the martial art Wing Chun, proving his worth against the Japanese forces. Throughout the film, Ip Man's philosophy of self-control and inner strength is highlighted, and his relationships with his family, friends, and students are explored. The film culminates in a legendary showdown with the greatest martial artist of the time, Master Huo Yuanjia. In the end, Ip Man emerges victorious, instilling a sense of pride and respect in the people of Foshan.

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

Rain Man is a 1988 American drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass. It tells the story of an abrasive and 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 determined to gain a share of the estate of his father, who has just died and left everything to his other son, Raymond, an autistic savant who is under the guardianship of Charlie’s estranged and controlling mother, Evelyn (Valeria Golino). Against his mother’s wishes, Charlie spirits Raymond away from the mental institution where he has resided for the past several years and, with Raymond in tow, embarks on a cross-country trip to Los Angeles, where he quickly discovers that Raymond’s mental abilities provide unexpected, but much-needed, assistance to his business pursuits. Along the way, Charlie and Raymond, who initially have an antagonistic relationship, slowly bond as they journey across the country. Ultimately, Charlie discovers a humanity and tenderness he never

From Tom Hooper, starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi
Rated R

The King's Speech follows the story of King George VI of England, the father of Queen Elizabeth II, and his struggle with a debilitating speech impediment. With the onset of World War II, King George VI is forced to take to the airwaves and rally a nation. With the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue, he is able to find his voice and lead his country through a time of turmoil. Along the way, the two men forge an unbreakable bond of friendship, as they each learn to overcome their own personal struggles and find strength in their newfound friendship. Together, they ultimately help each other to become stronger and more confident individuals, allowing King George VI to become the leader his people need.

From Billy Bob Thornton, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, J.T. Walsh, John Ritter
Rated R

Sling Blade is a 1996 drama film written and directed by Billy Bob Thornton. It stars Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, John Ritter, J. T. Walsh, Lucas Black, and Natalie Canerday. The film follows Karl Childers, a mentally disabled man who is released from an institution after 25 years and returns to the small town of his childhood. He befriends a young boy and his mother and creates a bond with them. However, his past continues to haunt him, and he must confront the demons of his past. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Thornton an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and nominations for Best Actor and Best Director.

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemingway, Michael Murphy
Rated R

Manhattan is a romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Woody Allen. Set in New York City, the plot follows a middle-aged television writer, Isaac Davis (Allen), as he goes through a midlife crisis, becoming increasingly disillusioned with his life. He dates a seventeen-year-old high school student, Tracy (Mariel Hemingway), and falls in love with his best friend's mistress, Mary (Diane Keaton). His relationship with Tracy and Mary, as well as his decision to write a play and his various philosophical ponderings, form the backbone of the film. The film also features an all-star cast, including Michael Murphy, Meryl Streep, and Anne Byrne. With its signature black-and-white photography, jazz score, and witty dialogue, Manhattan is widely considered to be one of Allen's best works.

From David Lynch, starring Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Jeanne Bates
Rated R

Mulholland Drive is a surreal neo-noir mystery film written and directed by David Lynch. Starring Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, and Justin Theroux, the film follows an aspiring actress named Betty Elms and a woman suffering from amnesia as they investigate the strange dreams of a Hollywood executive. Along the way, they encounter a series of strange and mysterious characters, including an aspiring director, a hit man, and a blue-haired lady. As the story progresses, it is revealed that the woman suffering from amnesia is actually an amnesiac Diane Selwyn, a failed actress who had been involved in a fatal love triangle. In the end, Betty and Diane both come to terms with their twin destinies as they travel down the mysterious Mulholland Drive.

From Tomas Alfredson, starring Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Henrik Dahl
Rated R

Let the Right One In is a Swedish romantic horror film directed by Tomas Alfredson. It follows a 12-year old boy, Oskar, who is bullied at school but finds solace in befriending a mysterious girl, Eli, who moves into his building. As the two become closer, Oskar discovers that Eli is in fact a vampire. The two must navigate the difficulties of their bond, as Eli must feed on human blood to survive and Oskar must deal with the consequences of his newfound friend's strange lifestyle. Set in a snow-covered suburban Stockholm, Let the Right One In is a heartwarming and frightening look at love, adolescence, and the power of friendship.

From Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell
Rated PG-13

The Artist is a 2011 French romantic comedy-drama film directed by Michel Hazanavicius and starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. Set in 1920s Hollywood, the film follows the story of silent film star George Valentin, a successful actor whose career is crumbling due to the advent of talking pictures. After a chance encounter with the aspiring actress Peppy Miller, the two form a strong bond that helps George regain his confidence and career. As their careers progress, Peppy's popularity skyrockets while George's career continues to flounder. The Artist is a love letter to the era of silent film and a poignant exploration of the power of friendship and love.