Top 1000 Movies Of All Time

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. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, a banker who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Prison for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. Over the following two decades, he befriends a fellow inmate, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. As Andy's friendship with Red grows, he gradually finds a way to live with his despair and acquire hope, ultimately gaining his freedom through a daring escape. The film was a critical and box office success, with a 94% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes and an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

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

The Godfather is a classic American crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film follows the life of the Corleone family, a powerful mafia family in New York City. The Godfather tells the story of Don Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, and his three sons Michael, Sonny, and Fredo, as they struggle with the power and influence of their family. As the movie progresses, Michael takes control of the family business and attempts to move it away from criminal activities, while Sonny and Fredo become increasingly involved in the criminal underworld. The Godfather is a masterpiece of film-making, featuring iconic performances from its cast and a powerful soundtrack. The film was a major commercial and critical success, winning numerous awards including three Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor for Marlon Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Francis Ford Coppola.

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

Schindler's List is a 1993 American epic historical drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. It is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Thomas Keneally, an Australian novelist. The film follows Oskar Schindler, a Sudeten German businessman, who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as SS officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler's Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern. Set during World War II, the film, which was shot in black and white, tells the story of the Holocaust from the perspective of Schindler, who is credited with saving the lives of 1,200 Jews while they were being persecuted by the Nazi regime. The film also explores the ethical implications of Schindler's actions, and his struggle to remain true to himself and his fellow man. The movie was critically acclaimed, earning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Score. Schindler's List has been hailed as one of the most influential films of all time

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is a 1974 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy. It is a sequel to the 1972 film The Godfather and chronicles the rise and fall of the Corleone crime family. The film begins in 1958 with the death of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he successfully expands the family's empire to pre-Revolutionary Cuba. Meanwhile, Vito's past is revealed through flashbacks, revealing his struggle to build a better future for his family in the early 20th century. The film is widely considered to be one of the best sequels ever made and is widely praised for its multi-layered narrative, complex themes, and iconic performances.

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 based on the DC Comics character Batman. The film follows Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale), James Gordon (Gary Oldman) and Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) as they form an alliance to dismantle organized crime in Gotham City. The trio also have to contend with the maniacal criminal mastermind, The Joker (Heath Ledger), who seeks to undermine their efforts. As the city descends into chaos and the Joker's plans become increasingly deadly, Batman must confront his own inner demons to protect the people he loves and save Gotham City from total destruction.

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 installment of Peter Jackson's epic fantasy trilogy, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. The story follows the quest of Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship of the Ring to destroy the One Ring and prevent the evil Sauron from ruling Middle-earth. With the armies of Mordor assembling at the gates of Minas Tirith, the people of Gondor prepare for a final battle that will decide the fate of Middle-earth. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam must travel to the heart of Mordor to destroy the Ring, and face their own personal demons in the process. The forces of good and evil finally clash in an all-out battle, as the Ringbearer and his allies fight to save Middle-earth. The biggest battle in movie history ensues, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. With its spectacular action sequences, emotionally charged performances, and spectacular visuals, The Return of the King is an epic conclusion to Peter Jackson's groundbreaking trilogy.

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 twelve men as they deliberate the guilt or acquittal of an 18-year-old defendant on the basis of reasonable doubt, forcing the jurors to question their morals and values. The jurors are initially unable to reach a unanimous verdict, with a single dissenter (Henry Fonda) standing in opposition to the rest. Over the course of their deliberations, the jurors slowly come to realize the complexity of the case and the untested assumptions they had made about the guilt of the accused. The film concludes with the jury reaching a unanimous verdict of not guilty. Through the course of the film, we come to see the importance of critical thinking and the power of individual conscience in the face of groupthink.

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

Pulp Fiction is a 1994 cult classic crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The movie follows the intertwining stories of Los Angeles mobsters, fringe players, small-time criminals, and a mysterious briefcase. Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) are two hitmen, who are hired to retrieve a mysterious briefcase for their mob boss, Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames). They soon find themselves in the middle of a series of dangerous and unlikely events that leads them across the crime-riddled streets of Los Angeles. In addition, Vincent and his boss' wife, Mia (Uma Thurman) engage in an unexpected love affair. The film also follows the story of boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis), who is due to throw a fight, but decides not to. Pulp Fiction is considered a cultural phenomenon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. The film received numerous awards, including seven Academy Award nominations, and won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film's unique dialogue, stylized direction, kinetic energy, and its juxtaposition of humor and violence has made it an enduring

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

Fight Club is a 1999 film directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. It is based on the novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. The movie follows an unnamed protagonist (Edward Norton) who is unsatisfied with his white-collar job. He forms a "fight club" with soap maker Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and they are joined by men who are fed up with their mundane lives. The fight club spirals out of control as it evolves into an underground organization that stages increasingly dangerous confrontations with the police and the upper classes. The protagonist must ultimately choose between his desire for freedom and his own personal safety. The film is a searing, darkly comic examination of masculinity, violence, and consumer culture.

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

Forrest Gump is a beloved, classic American film directed by Robert Zemeckis in 1994. The film is set in the south during the 1950s-1970s and follows the life of the titular character, Forrest Gump. Starting from his childhood in Greenbow Alabama, Forrest is portrayed as an intellectually disabled man with a pure heart, despite his disabilities. Throughout the course of the film, Forrest faces the world with optimism and perseverance, and makes a significant impact on the lives of those around him, forming unique relationships with a variety of characters. He serves in the Vietnam War, plays college football, and wins a Medal of Honor, starts his own successful shrimp business, and has a love affair with Jenny, the woman he has been in love with since childhood. Despite all of his successes, Forrest never loses sight of the importance of his relationships and his goals. The film is a heartwarming tale of how the power of love and belief in oneself can lead to greatness.

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

Inception is a science fiction heist film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film follows a team of professional thieves led by Dom Cobb (DiCaprio) who specialize in entering people's dreams to steal valuable information. Cobb is offered a chance at redemption and the chance to return to his family if he is successful in planting an idea into the mind of a CEO. Along with his team, Cobb must navigate through his targets subconscious, fight off projections of his own troubled past, and keep the dream shared by all team members from collapsing in order to succeed in their mission.

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

Goodfellas is a 1990 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi. The film follows the rise and fall of three gangsters, played by Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, in the world of organized crime. It also stars Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, and Frank Sivero. Goodfellas follows the life of Henry Hill, a young man who grows up idolizing the gangsters of the Italian-American mafia in 1950s New York City. He eventually becomes part of the mob, and along with his friends, becomes involved in various criminal activities, such as robbery and drug trafficking. As Hill's criminal career progresses, however, his situation gradually spirals out of control, leading to his arrest and eventual imprisonment. Along the way, the film also examines the complex relationships between the characters, as well as the moral ambiguity of their choices.

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 directed by the Wachowskis, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving. The film follows Thomas A. Anderson, a computer hacker known by his alias Neo, as he is drawn into a vast conflict between machines and humans in a simulated reality called "the Matrix". Neo is rescued and informed by the rebel leader Morpheus and Trinity of the true nature of the Matrix—a virtual prison created by intelligent machines to enslave humanity in order to use their bioelectricity as a power source. In order to free mankind and end the war, Neo must face a series of powerful agents who protect the Matrix. The film is acclaimed for its innovative visual effects, art direction, and its ambitious and influential approach to action sequences. It has since become a pop-culture phenomenon and is widely regarded as one of the most influential films of all time.

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Miloš Forman, based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. Set in an Oregon psychiatric hospital, the film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal serving a short sentence in prison for statutory rape who is transferred for evaluation. McMurphy finds himself examining the authoritarian rule of Nurse Ratched and sparking a rebellion among the other patients against the oppressive and dehumanizing practices of the hospital staff. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made, and is considered to be one of the finest films in the history of American cinema.

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

"City of God" is an award-winning 2002 crime drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. Set in the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro, the film follows two boys, Rocket and Li'l Zé, as they grow up in the city amid the harsh realities of crime and poverty. As both boys become adults, Rocket chooses to become a photographer and document life in the City of God, while Li'l Zé becomes a ruthless drug kingpin. The story is told through an episodic narrative, with many of the characters being based on real people. As Li'l Zé's criminal empire spirals out of control, Rocket must decide whether to stay and document the events or leave the city and pursue his dreams. City of God paints a vivid portrait of life in the slums of Rio and examines the violence, poverty and crime that plague the city.

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

Se7en is a 1995 American crime thriller film directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker. The film stars Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Spacey. The story follows the two detectives, Mills (Pitt) and Somerset (Freeman), as they attempt to track down a serial killer known as "John Doe" (Spacey) who is committing murders based on the seven deadly sins. The detectives soon discover that Doe is targeting people he believes embody each of the seven deadly sins and they must race against time before Doe completes his grisly task. Along the way, the detectives also face their own personal struggles and must push through to find the killer. Se7en is a gripping thriller that keeps the viewer guessing until the climactic ending.

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

The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy drama directed by Frank Darabont, based on Stephen King’s 1996 novel of the same name. The film stars Tom Hanks as the head guard of a death row facility in a Louisiana prison in 1935. He develops a relationship with an inmate, John Coffey, who has mysterious healing powers. He is accused of murdering two young girls and is sentenced to death, but the guards soon come to believe that he is innocent. The Green Mile is a powerful story of hope, faith, redemption and justice. It follows the guards as they come to terms with Coffey’s fate, and the supernatural events that occur during his time on death row. Despite its dark subject matter, the film is full of lighthearted moments and touching relationships. It is a thought-provoking exploration of justice, morality, and the power of redemption.

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

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and released in 1991. It is the sequel to Cameron's 1984 film The Terminator. In the film, a cyborg assassin, the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time to protect John Connor (Edward Furlong), a young boy who will one day lead the human resistance against machines. The Terminator must battle a new, more advanced Terminator (Robert Patrick), sent by the future antagonist, Skynet, to terminate John. As the two Terminators clash in an explosive fight for the future of humanity, John and his mother Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) must devise a plan to stop Skynet and its army of machines from achieving global domination. With thrilling action sequences and a powerful story, Terminator 2: Judgment Day is an acclaimed classic of the science fiction genre and is considered one of the greatest sequels ever made.

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

Saving Private Ryan tells the story of a group of U.S. soldiers during World War II who are tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: to locate and rescue Private James Ryan, the last remaining brother of four soldiers serving in the war, who has gone missing behind enemy lines. Led by the brave Captain John Miller, the squad embarks on a perilous journey across Europe, battling against the Nazi forces in a desperate attempt to save Private Ryan's life. Along the way, the characters face moral dilemmas and grapple with questions of what it means to sacrifice for one's country. The film is an intense and powerful exploration of the horrors of war, and an inspiring testament to the courage and resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times.

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

The Usual Suspects is a 1995 American neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie. The story follows a group of professional criminals who are pulled into a criminal conspiracy after a police raid. The group must figure out who among them is the mysterious criminal mastermind, Keyser Söze, before the FBI catches up with them. The film features an ensemble cast of Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro, Kevin Pollak, Kevin Spacey, and Chazz Palminteri. The film was praised for its art direction, acting performances, and complex storyline, and won two Academy Awards.

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

Apocalypse Now is a classic 1979 Vietnam War film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film follows U.S. Army Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen) as he is sent on a dangerous mission into Cambodia to assassinate a renegade American colonel named Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando). Along the way he encounters a variety of characters and situations, including a mysterious and deadly river boat crew, a U.S. Air Cavalry unit, and a group of surly French plantation owners. The film is a visceral exploration of the human cost of war, and is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

"Back to the Future" (1985) is a time-traveling adventure comedy directed by Robert Zemeckis. High school student Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his eccentric scientist friend, Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd). In the past, Marty must reunite his parents in order to ensure his own existence in the future. With the help of Dr. Brown, Marty embarks on a thrilling adventure across time and space, narrowly avoiding disaster and meeting a variety of interesting characters along the way. Ultimately, Marty succeeds in his mission, and returns to the future with a newfound appreciation for his family.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg
Rated R

The Departed is a 2006 crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, and Alec Baldwin. The film tells the story of two men, Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Damon), who find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Costigan is a cop infiltrating the Irish Mob run by Frank Costello (Nicholson), while Sullivan is an undercover mole for Costello. As the men attempt to gain and retain their respective positions, the lines between their two lives become increasingly blurred, leading to a violent and ultimately tragic conclusion. With its intense performances and intricate plot, The Departed is a riveting exploration of loyalty and betrayal.

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

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 crime film written and directed by Luc Besson and starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, and Natalie Portman. The film follows an Italian hitman, Léon (Reno), who reluctantly takes a 12-year-old girl, Mathilda (Portman), under his wing after her family is murdered by a corrupt DEA agent, Stansfield (Oldman). Mathilda is determined to avenge her family's deaths and asks Léon to teach her his deadly skills, which he gradually does. As they bond, Stansfield closes in on their location and stops at nothing to get them. Léon must now use his skills to protect Mathilda and take down Stansfield in order to save them both.

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

Alien is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Sigourney Weaver. The story follows the crew of a commercial cargo spacecraft, the Nostromo, as they encounter a life form from another world that begins to terrorize and hunt them one by one. The crew is forced to fight for their lives as they try to find a way to destroy the alien creature before it kills them all. The film is known for its intense atmosphere, visual effects, and its iconic creature design. It has become a classic of the horror and science fiction genres, and has spawned two sequels, as well as numerous novels, comics, video games, and other media.