Top 100 Movies Poster

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, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. Over the following two decades, he befriends a fellow prisoner, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. With the help of Red, Andy is eventually able to acquire enough money to make a daring escape from Shawshank and start a new life in Mexico. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Robbins. It has since become one of the most beloved and acclaimed films of all time.

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

The Godfather is an American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, released in 1972. The film stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino and tells the story of the aging patriarch of the Corleone family, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), and his youngest son Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as they attempt to expand and protect their family business in an increasingly violent and corrupt society. As the family's criminal empire grows, Michael is forced to choose between loyalty to his family and his own sense of morality. The film is an exploration of the dark side of the American dream, exploring themes of power, loyalty, family, and justice. It received critical acclaim upon its release and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is the third and final installment in Peter Jackson's epic fantasy trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novel of the same name. The story follows Frodo Baggins and his loyal friend Samwise Gamgee as they continue their quest to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-Earth from the dark forces of the villainous Sauron. Along the way, they enlist the help of the wizard Gandalf, the fellowship of the ring, and the forces of Gondor and Rohan to wage a massive battle against the armies of Mordor. The hobbits eventually succeed in destroying the Ring and defeating Sauron, restoring peace and order to Middle-Earth. Along the way, they also discover the true power of friendship and the courage of heroism. The film was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and won a total of 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Heath Ledger as The Joker, and Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent. The story of the film follows Batman's attempt to thwart the Joker's chaotic plan to bring anarchy and destruction to Gotham City. While Gotham's new police commissioner, Gordon, struggles to keep the city safe, Batman pursues his arch-nemesis and works to save the city from being destroyed by the Joker. In the end, Batman is faced with a difficult decision – to either save one of two people at the cost of the other's life. The film received critical acclaim, earning 8 Academy Award nominations and winning two.

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

12 Angry Men is a courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet in 1957. The film follows a jury of 12 men as they deliberate the fate of a young man accused of murdering his father. At the beginning of the film, the juror's opinions are split 11-1 in favor of convicting the young man, but one juror, Juror 8 (Henry Fonda), argues for reasonable doubt and tries to convince the others to vote not guilty. Through a series of passionate debates, the jurors slowly come to terms with their own flaws and prejudices, and in the end, the jury votes not guilty. In the process, 12 Angry Men offers a powerful exploration of justice, morality, and democracy.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler’s List is a 1993 American historical drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. The film is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film follows Schindler as he becomes increasingly concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazi Germans. The film stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as his Nazi subordinate Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler’s Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern. Schindler’s List won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. Schindler’s List is an incredibly powerful and emotionally devastating film that serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust. Spielberg’s masterful direction, combined with Zaillian’s script and John Williams’s haunting score capture the horror, hope, and humanity of the WWII era in a way few films ever have.

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

Pulp Fiction is a 1994 classic movie directed by Quentin Tarantino and featuring an ensemble cast including John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis. The movie follows the intertwining stories of two hit men, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, who work for gangster Marsellus Wallace. After a botched job, the two men are forced to retrieve a mysterious briefcase. Meanwhile, Wallace sets out to punish the man who betrayed him while his wife, Mia, embarks on an affair with Vincent. As the film unfolds, the characters find themselves drawn deeper into a web of deceit, crime, and humour. Over the course of the movie, the intertwined stories of the characters are revealed as they come to terms with the consequences of their actions.

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 (2001) is an epic fantasy adventure directed by Peter Jackson. The film follows the quest of a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins as he embarks on a journey to destroy a powerful magical ring. Along the way, he is joined by a fellowship of allies, including Gandalf the Wizard, Aragorn, a Ranger of the North, Legolas the Elf, Gimli the Dwarf, and four hobbits from the Shire. Together, they must face numerous dangers, including terrifying creatures such as the Ringwraiths, Sauron's forces, and even the monstrous Balrog. Despite the odds, the fellowship must stick together and stay strong if they are to prevail against the dark forces and succeed in their mission.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is a 2002 epic fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson and based on the second volume of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The film follows the continuing quest of Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship of the Ring to destroy the One Ring of Sauron, the Dark Lord of Mordor. The film takes place in the fictional world of Middle-earth and focuses on the characters of Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, who are on a mission to save their former companion, Merry and Pippin, from the evil wizard Saruman and his army of Orcs. As the Fellowship of the Ring is split up, Frodo and Sam are left to continue their journey to Mordor while Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli join forces with the people of Rohan to battle Saruman and his evil forces. Along their journeys, the characters face danger and discover their true destinies as they fight to save Middle-earth from the forces of darkness.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 cult classic film directed by David Fincher and starring Edward Norton and Brad Pitt. The film follows an unnamed narrator (Norton) who is struggling to cope with his consumerist lifestyle. He finds solace in attending support groups for various diseases and illnesses, until he meets Tyler Durden (Pitt), a mysterious soap salesman with a radical ideology of anti-materialism and a disregard for societal conventions. The two form an underground fight club, which eventually evolves into a cult-like movement that attracts many followers. The film raises questions about modern day identity, consumerism, and the nature of masculinity. As the narrator finds himself caught in the middle of an escalating conflict between Tyler and an organization known as "Project Mayhem", he is forced to confront his own inner demons.

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

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. The film stars Tom Hanks as the titular character, an everyman from Alabama who witnesses, and in some cases influences, some of the defining events of the latter half of the 20th century in the United States. The film also stars Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. The story of Forrest Gump follows its protagonist, an everyman from Greenbow, Alabama, as he recalls his unique life story to strangers while waiting at a bus stop. The story follows Forrest through childhood, military service, and various adventures as he meets and befriends various people, including his childhood love interest, Jenny Curran. Along the way, Forrest Gump experiences the joys and struggles of life, including the loss of his best friend, Bubba, in the Vietnam War. Despite the odds, Forrest is able to find success in his life, becoming a successful shrimping boat captain and becoming a millionaire. In the end, he finds inner peace and happiness.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a science fiction action film directed by Christopher Nolan, released in 2010. The story follows Dom Cobb, a skilled thief who is given the task of performing an "inception" – planting an idea into the mind of a target. Cobb and his team of experts must use a combination of technology and psychological manipulation to achieve their goal. With the stakes increasing as they face powerful foes, the team must rely on each other for survival in this high-stakes mission. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and Ken Watanabe.

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

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a 1966 Italian-American epic Spaghetti Western film directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach. Set during the American Civil War, the film follows three gunslingers who compete in a hunt for a hidden treasure. The Good, Blondie (Eastwood), is a laconic gunslinger with a moral code who is determined to find the treasure for himself. The Bad, Angel Eyes (Van Cleef), is a ruthless bounty hunter who wants the treasure for himself. The Ugly, Tuco (Wallach), is a wanted outlaw with a penchant for double-crossing. Together they must navigate the treachery of the American Civil War while facing off against ruthless villains, including Angel Eyes' henchman, a sadistic gang leader, and a corrupt Union officer. Ultimately, their pursuit leads them to a climactic confrontation in a cemetery where the fate of the treasure and the men's lives are decided.

From Irvin Kershner, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner and written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan. It is the second installment of the original Star Wars trilogy and the fifth main installment of the Star Wars film series. The film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew and Frank Oz. The film takes place three years after the events of A New Hope and follows the Rebel Alliance as they flee from the Galactic Empire, who are intent on crushing their rebellion. Luke Skywalker journeys to the planet Dagobah to receive training from the Jedi Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and the Imperial forces. The heroes must use the Force and their wits to survive and protect the future of the Rebellion.

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction action film written and directed by The Wachowskis and starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano. The film follows a computer hacker named Neo who discovers that the world he lives in is actually a simulated reality called "the Matrix". Neo teams up with a group of rebels who fight against the machines that have taken over the world. Together, they must try to save humanity from the machines and find a way to escape the Matrix. Along the way, Neo discovers the true nature of reality and learns how to use his newfound powers to fight against the machines. It's up to Neo and his friends to save the world from the Matrix and bring freedom to humanity.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is a 2001 animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The plot follows a ten-year-old girl named Chihiro who, while moving to a new home, enters a world of gods, witches, and spirits. After her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro embarks on a quest to find a way to free them and return home. Along the way she encounters a diverse cast of characters, including a mysterious boy named Haku and the greedy witch Yubaba. Chihiro must use her courage and determination to survive her journey and save her family. The film was an immense success, becoming the highest-grossing film in Japanese history and winning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Yukiko Shimazaki
Rated Not Rated

Seven Samurai is a classic 1954 Japanese action drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. Set in 16th century Japan, the film tells the story of a small village suffering repeated attacks by an army of bandits. In an effort to protect the village, the villagers hire seven masterless samurai to fight the bandits off. The film follows the journey of the seven samurai and their struggles against the bandits, culminating in a thrilling and action-packed climax. Along the way, the samurai must also deal with internal strife, betrayal, and the precarious balance between honor and duty. Seven Samurai is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time and stands as a timeless testament to the power of teamwork, courage, and the human spirit.

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

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is the first installment of the epic Star Wars saga, written and directed by George Lucas. The story follows a young farm boy named Luke Skywalker who is drawn into a galactic civil war between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance. As he embarks on an adventure to save the galaxy, he is joined by Han Solo, a smuggler, and two droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO. Along the way, Luke discovers his connection to the mysterious Force and must confront Darth Vader, the Sith Lord who threatens the galaxy. The Rebel Alliance ultimately triumphs over the Empire in a climactic battle, while Luke learns the true power of the Force.

From Frank Darabont, starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt
Rated R

The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy crime drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont and based on Stephen King's 1996 novel of the same name. Set in the 1930s, the film tells the story of Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), the prison guards of the Cold Mountain Correctional Facility, who develop a strong bond with John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), an African-American inmate on Death Row. Edgecomb begins to doubt Coffey's guilt as he witnesses Coffey performing a number of miraculous acts. As the guards become more and more convinced of Coffey's innocence, they must do all that they can to save him from the impending execution. The film explores themes of justice, mortality, and redemption.

From Roberto Benigni, starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano
Rated PG-13

Life Is Beautiful (1997) is a dramatic comedy directed by acclaimed Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni. Set during the Holocaust in Nazi-occupied Italy, the film follows Guido, a Jewish-Italian bookseller, and his son Giosue. In order to protect Giosue from the horrors of the concentration camp, Guido pretends the situation is a game, and that the winner will get a tank. Along their journey, the two encounter a variety of characters, all with different stories and perspectives. Ultimately, Guido and Giosue are separated, but still find a way to stay connected in the midst of their struggles. Life Is Beautiful is a touching story of hope and resilience, as Guido uses laughter and imagination to keep his and his son's spirits high in the face of tragedy.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy
Rated PG-13

Interstellar is a 2014 epic science fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan, starring a cast including Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, and Michael Caine. Set in a future where Earth is slowly becoming uninhabitable, the story follows a team of space explorers who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. Along their journey, the team must confront their own personal struggles and the physical laws of the universe in order to survive and make it back to Earth. With its spectacular visuals, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes, Interstellar is an unforgettable journey through time and space.

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

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 war drama directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Vin Diesel. The film follows a group of US soldiers, led by Captain John Miller (Hanks), on a mission to find and bring home Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Damon), whose three brothers have recently been killed in action. The mission takes the men through a harrowing journey across enemy territory in which they must battle the brutal effects of war and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Along the way, Miller and his men come to understand the true cost of war, and the importance of finding and protecting ‘the last of the Ryan brothers’.

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

"The Silence of the Lambs" is an American psychological horror film directed by Jonathan Demme, based on the 1988 novel of the same name by Thomas Harris. The movie focuses on FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she seeks the assistance of the imprisoned psychopathic murderer Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) in her attempt to track down a serial killer known as "Buffalo Bill." Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, agrees to help in exchange for personal information that will allow him to manipulate Clarice to his own ends. As the movie progresses and Clarice works to uncover the mystery of Buffalo Bill, Clarice and Hannibal form a strange and disturbing bond. The film won multiple awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor (Hopkins), and Best Actress (Foster).

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

Se7en is a psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt. Set in a nameless city, the film follows two detectives, William Somerset and David Mills, as they investigate a series of horrific murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. As they pursue their prime suspect, the mysterious John Doe, they uncover a shocking, dark secret that will change their lives forever. With a haunting score and a bleak, gritty atmosphere, Se7en is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the depths of human depravity.

From Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund, starring Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phellipe Haagensen
Rated R

City of God is a 2002 Brazilian crime drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and co-directed by Kátia Lund. The film is based on the 1997 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Paulo Lins. It follows the story of two young boys, Rocket and Li'l Ze, who grow up in the Cidade de Deus favela, a slum in Rio de Janeiro. The story shows how the poverty and violence of the favela leads to the rise of violent gangs and crime as the two boys, Rocket and Li'l Ze, come of age. Li'l Ze becomes the leader of one of the gangs and he and Rocket are faced with impossible decisions between poverty and crime. Meanwhile, Rocket, who is an aspiring photographer, struggles to keep his passion alive amidst the chaos. The film is an unflinching look at life in the slums of Rio de Janeiro and explores the relationship between poverty, violence, and crime. It was a critical and commercial success, winning many awards including four Academy Award nominations.