Roger Ebert Best Movies

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

12 Angry Men is a 1957 American courtroom drama film directed by Sidney Lumet. The film follows a jury of 12 men who must decide the fate of a young man accused of murdering his father, with a unanimous verdict of "guilty" meaning certain death for the accused. Throughout the film, the jurors discuss the evidence and other aspects of the case, gradually shifting from a presumption of guilt to a presumption of innocence. Although the jurors are initially hostile and disrespectful towards one another, they eventually come to understand the importance of looking at the facts objectively and work together to reach a verdict they can all agree on. Ultimately, they reach a unanimous verdict of "not guilty". The film is a powerful examination of justice, prejudice, and the dynamics of group decision-making.

From Stars: Artur Barcis, Olgierd Lukaszewicz, Olaf Lubaszenko, Aleksander Bardini, starring
Rated TV-MA

"Dekalog" is a 1989–1990 Polish television drama series directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski. The series consists of ten one-hour films, each of which explores one of the Ten Commandments, with a central theme being the problem of moral choice in contemporary Polish society. Each film is a standalone story, with a different cast, setting, and theme. The cast includes Artur Barcis, Olgierd Lukaszewicz, Olaf Lubaszenko, and Aleksander Bardini. The stories explore complex moral dilemmas through the lives of ordinary people, often involving themes of guilt, tragedy, and redemption. The series has been acclaimed by critics, who have praised its exploration of moral and philosophical issues, as well as its realistic and naturalistic cinematography.

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. The movie follows the crew of a commercial spacecraft, the Nostromo, who are sent to investigate a mysterious transmission from an unknown planet. After they land on the planet, they discover an alien life form that begins to terrorize the crew. As the alien continues to terrorize them, they try to find a way to kill it and escape alive. The movie is regarded as a classic and has since spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. The movie has been praised for its tense atmosphere and its groundbreaking special effects.

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

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 epic wartime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Set during the Vietnam War, the film follows U.S. Army Special Forces Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen) on a mission to assassinate the renegade and presumed insane Special Forces Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando). As Willard travels further upriver, he meets several people who have been affected by the war, and he begins to question his orders and morality. The film is an exploration of the madness of the war and the darkness of the human soul.

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

Casablanca is a classic romantic drama set during World War II in the exotic city of Casablanca, Morocco. The story follows Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), an American expatriate and owner of the titular nightclub, as he struggles to make sense of his past while helping a diverse group of refugees fleeing the Nazis. Along the way, he finds himself in the middle of a love triangle between the beautiful Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). The film follows Rick as he navigates his moral responsibilities and discovers a greater purpose in his struggle. In the end, he makes a difficult sacrifice in order to help the refugees escape and find a better life. Casablanca is a timeless classic filled with love, loss, adventure, and a strong sense of morality that continues to inspire generations of viewers.

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

City Lights is a 1931 silent romantic comedy film by renowned director Charles Chaplin. The beloved classic stars Chaplin as a tramp who falls in love with a blind flower girl, played by Virginia Cherrill. The tramp continually tries to help the girl, but his attempts to raise money to pay for an operation to restore her sight prove to be unsuccessful. However, when her sight is eventually restored, she discovers that the tramp is the one who has been helping her all along, leading to a touching and heartwarming conclusion. The film is widely considered to be one of Chaplin's most renowned films, and it was a huge success upon its release.

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is a 1984 biographical period drama film directed by Milos Forman and adapted by Peter Shaffer from his stage play Amadeus. The story is set in Vienna, Austria during the latter half of the 18th century and follows the relationship between court composer Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri, a successful but aging Italian composer, is shocked to discover that a young upstart, Mozart, has been hired as the new musical director of the imperial court. Salieri begins to harbor a deep jealously towards Mozart and sets out to sabotage Mozart's career. Despite his efforts, Mozart's brilliance and talent are undeniable and he is eventually crowned a musical genius. Amadeus is a rags-to-riches story that follows Mozart's rise to fame and ultimate downfall due to his own arrogance and immature behavior. The film won eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for F. Murray Abraham.

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, released in 1964. The film follows the comedic yet dark story of a group of military officials, including the President of the United States and the titular character, a former Nazi scientist, as they try to prevent a nuclear holocaust after a rogue US Air Force general orders a sneak attack on the Soviet Union. The film satirizes the Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as the military-industrial complex and the perceived absurdity of a nuclear war. The film stars Peter Sellers in multiple roles, George C. Scott as General Buck Turgidson and Slim Pickens as Major Kong.

From Billy Wilder, starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston
Rated Approved

The Apartment is a 1960 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Billy Wilder and starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. The plot follows C.C. Baxter, an aspiring young bachelor who allows his superiors to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs, in exchange for promotions. Baxter eventually falls in love with Fran Kubelik, an elevator operator who is having an affair with his boss, Mr. Sheldrake. Baxter's attempt to win her affection is complicated by Sheldrake's reluctance to let her go. Through a series of comedic and romantic mishaps, Baxter eventually succeeds in winning over Fran, and learns a valuable lesson about the importance of honesty and integrity.

From Marcel Carné, starring Arletty, Jean-Louis Barrault, Pierre Brasseur, Pierre Renoir
Rated Not Rated

Children of Paradise is a 1945 French film directed by Marcel Carné and written by Jacques Prévert. Set in Paris during the mid-nineteenth century, it tells the story of a beautiful courtesan, Garance, and the four men who love her: an actor, a criminal, an aristocrat, and a mime. As the men struggle for her love, Garance is forced to choose between them and her own freedom. Throughout the film, Carné and Prévert explore themes of love, passion, and destiny as the characters navigate the dangerous, yet beautiful, world of the Parisian underworld. This timeless classic is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made and is often referred to as the French Gone With the Wind.

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

Citizen Kane is a 1941 American drama film directed and co-written by Orson Welles. The film follows the life and legacy of Charles Foster Kane, a newspaper magnate whose life is told in a series of flashbacks as a reporter attempts to uncover the mystery of Kane's final word, "Rosebud". Kane's story is told through the memories of those who knew him best and reveals the rise and fall of a powerful and controversial figure. Through this exploration of Kane's life, the film delves into issues of wealth, power, loneliness, and mortality, providing an in-depth look at the American Dream.

From Billy Wilder, starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, Byron Barr
Rated Passed

Double Indemnity is a classic film noir directed by Billy Wilder. It is the story of Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray), an insurance salesman who falls in love with the beautiful and mysterious Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck). When Walter learns that Phyllis' husband is planning to take out an insurance policy with a double indemnity clause, he sees an opportunity to make a lot of money and convinces Phyllis to help him. Together they devise a plan to kill her husband, but their plan is put in jeopardy when an insurance investigator (Edward G. Robinson) takes an interest in the case. The story is full of twists and turns, and the performances of the two leads are captivating. In the end, the audience is left questioning if Walter and Phyllis will get away with their plan, or if justice will prevail.

From Joseph L. Mankiewicz, starring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm
Rated Passed

All About Eve is a 1950 American drama film directed and written by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. The screenplay was based on the 1946 short story "The Wisdom of Eve" by Mary Orr. The film stars Bette Davis as Margo Channing, a highly regarded yet aging Broadway star. Anne Baxter plays Eve Harrington, an ambitious young fan who insinuates herself into Channing's life, ultimately threatening Channing's career and her personal relationships. The film also stars George Sanders, Celeste Holm, Hugh Marlowe, Barbara Bates, Gary Merrill, and Thelma Ritter. All About Eve follows the storyline of Margo Channing, an aging actress who is faced with the realization of her career and age. A younger, more ambitious fan, Eve Harrington unexpectedly appears in Margo's life, and soon begins to threaten Margo's career and personal relationships. As Eve worms her way into Margo's professional and personal life, Margo must grapple with the consequences of her own choices and ultimately face the challenge of protecting her career and her life from Eve's machinations. The film ultimately explores themes of ambition, age, and power.

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 and based on the novel of the same name by Pierre Boulle. The film centers around a group of British prisoners of war who are forced to build a bridge across the River Kwai by their Japanese captors during World War II. Led by Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness), the prisoners complete the bridge despite suffering from harsh conditions and cruel treatment. However, the bridge serves as a crucial supply line for the Japanese army, and the Allies are forced to destroy it in order to deprive their enemies of its use. In the end, Colonel Nicholson realizes the futility of war and sacrifices himself for his men, destroying the bridge at the cost of his life.

From Roman Polanski, starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez
Rated R

Chinatown is a neo-noir mystery film set in 1930s Los Angeles, directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne. It stars Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston. J.J. 'Jake' Gittes, a private detective, is hired to investigate the infidelity of Hollis Mulwray, a Los Angeles City Water Department engineer. His investigation soon leads him to uncover a complex web of deceit involving Mulwray's wife, Evelyn, and her father, Noah Cross. As he delves deeper into the case, Gittes discovers a dark secret involving illegal water rights and an insidious plot to control the city's water supply. In the end, Gittes must face his own corruption and ethical dilemmas in order to save the city from the corrupt forces behind the conspiracy.

From Billy Wilder, starring Kirk Douglas, Jan Sterling, Robert Arthur, Porter Hall
Rated Approved

Ace in the Hole is a 1951 film directed by Billy Wilder. The film follows Chuck Tatum, a cynical, down-on-his-luck news reporter who is looking for a big scoop to get his career back on track. When Tatum discovers a man trapped in a cave in New Mexico, he takes advantage of the situation and uses it to reignite his career, manipulating the media and exploiting the tragedy to gain fame and fortune. Along the way, Tatum creates a frenzy of excitement and hysteria that jeopardizes the life of the trapped man, ultimately leading to a tragic ending. The film is a scathing indictment of the media’s thirst for sensationalism and the manipulation of tragedy for personal gain.

From Jean-Pierre Melville, starring Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Simone Signoret
Rated Not Rated

Army of Shadows is a 1969 French-Italian war drama directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. Set during WWII, the film follows a group of French Resistance fighters as they attempt to evade the Gestapo and fight against Nazi occupation forces in Occupied France. The film focuses on the leader of the group, Philippe Gerbier (Lino Ventura), as he devises plans to outwit the enemy and protect fellow Resistance members. Gerbier's methods are often unconventional and frequently involve extreme risks to both himself and those he is attempting to help. As the war progresses, he is forced to make increasingly difficult decisions and cope with the consequences of his actions. Throughout the film, Melville portrays the courage and endurance of the Resistance fighters, as well as the personal cost of their struggle. The film is a harrowing and intense look at the human cost of war and the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom.

From Yasujirô Ozu, starring Chishû Ryû, Shima Iwashita, Keiji Sada, Mariko Okada
Rated Not Rated

An Autumn Afternoon is a classic Japanese film written and directed by Yasujirô Ozu in 1962. It follows the story of Shuhei Hirayama, a widower who lives with his daughter and son-in-law in a small Tokyo apartment. Shuhei is content with his life and his daughter, but his son-in-law is unhappy and urges the family to move to a bigger house. Shuhei resists the idea, not wanting to leave his old home. As the story progresses, Shuhei visits an old friend and learns of his daughter's secret romance. He eventually realizes that his daughter's happiness is more important than his own and he grudgingly agrees to move. In the end, Shuhei is forced to confront the fact that his daughter is growing up and the family's life must change with it. An Autumn Afternoon is filled with Ozu's characteristic honest and gentle storytelling, creating a heart-warming portrait of family and life in post-war Japan.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Krüger
Rated PG

Barry Lyndon is a 1975 period drama film written, produced, and directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film stars Ryan O’Neal as the title character, an Irish rogue who rises and falls in the 18th century British aristocracy. The film follows Redmond Barry, an ambitious but poor Irishman, as he attempts to rise up the social ladder through war and marriage. His journey takes him from a small Irish village to a prestigious military school, through his service in the Seven Years’ War, and finally to a position in the English gentry. Along the way, Barry meets various characters who both aid and hinder his efforts, including a rival for his wife’s affections and a conniving nobleman. The film is noted for its detailed set design and costumes, as well as its use of natural lighting. Kubrick’s meticulous craftsmanship resulted in an epic and nuanced story about the pursuit of ambition and the nature of aristocratic life.

From Gillo Pontecorvo, starring Brahim Hadjadj, Jean Martin, Yacef Saadi, Samia Kerbash
Rated Not Rated

The Battle of Algiers is a classic 1966 film directed by Gillo Pontecorvo which depicts the Algerian struggle for independence against French colonial rule in the 1950s. The movie follows a group of Algerian freedom fighters as they plan and execute a series of guerrilla attacks against French authority in the city of Algiers. It also examines the effects of these attacks on both sides of the conflict, as the French military struggles to contain the revolt, and the Algerian citizens struggle to maintain their freedom and dignity. The film is an unflinching look at the violence and brutality of the struggle for liberation, and has been hailed as one of the greatest movies ever made about war and resistance.

From William Wyler, starring Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Fredric March, Teresa Wright
Rated Approved

The Best Years of Our Lives is a 1946 American drama film directed by William Wyler, and starring Fredric March, Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo, and Harold Russell. Set in the aftermath of World War II, the film tells the story of three returning servicemen and their struggle to adjust to civilian life. Al Stephenson (Fredric March), an officer and banker; Homer Parrish (Harold Russell), a sailor who lost both hands; and Fred Derry (Dana Andrews), an enlisted man who is struggling to make a living, all have difficulty finding their place in a changed world. The men lean on each other for support and find solace in the company of their fellow veterans, but ultimately must make their own way. The film deals with themes of loss, reconciliation, and the difficulties of adjustment after wartime experiences, and is widely considered a classic of film history.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi
Rated R

The Big Lebowski is a 1998 crime comedy film written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film follows "The Dude" (Jeff Bridges), a Los Angeles slacker and avid bowler, who is mistaken for an eccentric millionaire of the same name. The millionaire's trophy wife is then kidnapped and The Dude is hired to deliver the ransom to secure her release. Along with his partner, Walter Sobchak (John Goodman), and a mysterious teenaged accomplice (Julianne Moore), The Dude embarks on a series of misadventures that involve a volatile gangster (John Turturro) and a disaffected European nihilist (Tara Reid). The cast also includes Steve Buscemi, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Ben Gazzara. The Big Lebowski is noted for its eclectic dialogue and surreal opulence. It has become a cult classic and is considered one of the Coen brothers' most successful films.

From Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos
Rated R

Blade Runner is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford. Set in a dystopian future Los Angeles, the movie follows the story of Rick Deckard (played by Ford), a blade runner tasked with hunting down a group of replicants (androids) who have escaped from an off-world colony and come to earth to find their creator. Along the way, Deckard must grapple with his own identity as he discovers that the replicants are more human than he ever suspected. The film also examines the moral implications of blurring the line between man and machine. With its thought-provoking themes and iconic visuals, Blade Runner has become a classic in the science fiction genre.

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Merna Kennedy, Al Ernest Garcia, Harry Crocker
Rated Passed

The Circus is a silent comedy film released in 1928 and directed by the famous filmmaker Charles Chaplin. The film follows the trials and tribulations of Chaplin's iconic tramp character, who accidentally finds himself in the world of the circus. After being mistaken for a pickpocket, he is promptly locked up, but eventually released and given a job as a clown. The tramp finds himself in a variety of comical situations, and ultimately helps the circus achieve success after a series of misfortunes. The film has become a classic, and is considered one of Chaplin's best works.

From Stuart Rosenberg, starring Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin, J.D. Cannon
Rated GP

Cool Hand Luke is a classic 1967 prison drama directed by Stuart Rosenberg and starring Paul Newman as a rebellious prisoner named Luke. Luke is sent to a prison camp in rural Florida for cutting the heads off parking meters. While he initially embraces his sentence, Luke succumbs to the harsh and oppressive authority of the prison guards and eventually rebels against them. Along the way, Luke befriends the other inmates, forms a bond with the prison's matriarch, and discovers his true inner strength. He ultimately refuses to conform to the demands of his captors and is determined to live his life on his own terms. In the end, Luke's resilience and refusal to capitulate to the oppressive system earns him the respect of his fellow inmates and the admiration of the audience.