Top 1000 Movies

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

The Godfather is a 1972 American crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo. Set in 1945 in New York City, the film tells the story of the powerful and respected Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his family, the Corleones, who are the heads of a mafia “family”. As he nears retirement, Don Corleone attempts to pass his power and position on to his four sons, Michael (Al Pacino), Sonny (James Caan), Fredo (John Cazale), and Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall). When a rival family threatens his own, Don Corleone is forced to take action to protect his family and his business. Along the way, Michael rises to power and must decide between his family’s criminal activities and his own moral code. The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and it won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

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

The Godfather Part II is the 1974 sequel to the Academy Award-winning, critically acclaimed 1972 classic The Godfather. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall, the film follows Michael Corleone (Pacino) as he attempts to expand the Corleone family business while struggling with the consequences of his choices from the first film. As his criminal empire grows, Michael faces betrayal from those closest to him, and must protect his family from new and old enemies. Meanwhile, a parallel story follows the early life of his father Vito Corleone (De Niro), chronicling his rise to power through the years of the Mafia's Golden Age. The Godfather Part II is a powerful and epic crime drama that is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

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

12 Angry Men is a classic courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet in 1957. The story focuses on the deliberations of a jury of 12 men who are tasked with deciding the fate of a young Puerto Rican man accused of killing his father. Throughout the film, the men are forced to confront their own biases and prejudices as they debate the evidence and the defendant's guilt or innocence. In the end, the jury reaches a unanimous verdict of "not guilty," highlighting the importance of justice, fairness, and human empathy.

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

Dekalog is a Polish television series directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski and consisting of ten 50-minute films, inspired by the Ten Commandments. The films all center around the same central characters and their lives in a housing project in post-Communist Poland. Each of the films focuses on a different commandment, with the films exploring various themes such as morality, ethics, religion, guilt, and regret. The series features a cast of prominent Polish actors including Artur Barcis, Olgierd Lukaszewicz, Olaf Lubaszenko, Aleksander Bardini, and Maja Komorowska. Dekalog has been acclaimed by critics and is regarded as a classic of Polish cinema.

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 produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. The film is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally and is a true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of over a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film chronicles the experiences of Schindler, who witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand and was determined to save as many lives as possible. Schindler's bravery and compassion, along with the help of his influential contacts, allowed him to acquire a factory with Jewish workers and protect them from being sent to concentration camps. The film follows the lives of the Jewish refugees, as they struggle to survive under the oppressive Nazi regime, and shows the courage and humanity of Schindler, who risked his own life to save others.

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

Pulp Fiction is a 1994 crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The story follows the lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and their various adventures in and out of the criminal underworld. The film features a large ensemble cast, with John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, and Ving Rhames as the main characters. The film has been widely acclaimed for its original storyline, its dialogue, and its use of irony, nonlinear storytelling, and its eclectic soundtrack. Pulp Fiction has become a cult classic and is considered a milestone in independent film-making. The film grossed over $213 million at the box office and received numerous awards and nominations, including seven Academy Award nominations. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

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. The story follows the three gunslingers as they battle each other in the pursuit of buried Confederate gold during the American Civil War. The titular characters are "Blondie" (The Good, played by Eastwood), a calm, morally ambiguous gunslinger seeking fortune; Angel Eyes (The Bad, played by Van Cleef), a ruthless bounty hunter; and Tuco (The Ugly, played by Wallach), a Mexican bandit. Blondie and Tuco team up to find the gold and double-cross each other along the way. Angel Eyes is also in pursuit of the gold, and all three characters confront each other in a legendary three-way Mexican standoff. At its core, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a meditation on morality, as the characters are all pushed to their limits in their quest for the gold. It is a classic western that has stood the test of time, and is a must-see for fans of the genre.

From Claude Lanzmann, starring Simon Srebnik, Michael Podchlebnik, Motke Zaïdl, Hanna Zaïdl
Rated Not Rated

Shoah is a nine-and-a-half-hour documentary film directed by Claude Lanzmann. It is a chronicle of the Holocaust and the destruction of European Jews during World War II. The film focuses on individual testimonies from survivors, bystanders, and perpetrators of the Holocaust, as well as a thorough documentation of the destruction of Jewish communities in Poland. The film uses no archival footage or reenactments; instead, it is composed entirely of interviews and visits to sites of the Holocaust, showing the traces and scars of the destruction. The film focuses on the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp in particular. Shoah is an unflinching and powerful exploration of the destruction of millions of lives and the legacy of the Holocaust.

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

Goodfellas follows the story of Henry Hill, a young man who dreams of living the life of a gangster. With the help of his mentor, Jimmy Conway, Henry rises through the ranks, from a small-time hood to a powerful crime boss in the Italian-American mafia. Along the way, Henry and his crew commit a series of daring and violent heists. Although Henry initially enjoys the wealth and power of his criminal lifestyle, it eventually leads to tragedy and incarceration. The film follows Henry's rise and fall, and explores the dark side of the mafia underworld.

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 Milos Forman, based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. It stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal who is sent to a psychiatric hospital for evaluation. Upon his arrival, he clashes with the authoritarian head nurse, Nurse Ratched, and quickly becomes the leader of the other inmates. His rebelliousness soon inspires them to rebel against the oppressive hospital and its cruel staff. In the end, McMurphy's actions have far-reaching consequences, both inside and outside the institution. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor for Jack Nicholson, Best Actress for Louise Fletcher, Best Director for Milos Forman, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman. It is considered one of the greatest films of all time.

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

Seven Samurai is a 1954 Japanese adventure drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The story follows a small farming village that is threatened by a band of robbers. In order to protect themselves, the villagers enlist the help of seven traveling samurai. The seven samurai, led by Kambei Shimada, train the villagers to defend themselves from the bandits. Through bloody battles and courageous effort, the samurai and villagers eventually succeed in driving the bandits away. Along the way the samurai also gain a newfound appreciation for the villagers and their difficult way of life. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time and is often considered one of the most influential films in the history of cinema.

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

Spirited Away is an Academy Award-winning 2001 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film tells the story of Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who, while moving with her parents to a new home, finds herself in an alternate world and must work in a magical bathhouse to free her parents and herself. Along the way, she meets and befriends a host of characters, including a mysterious boy named Haku, who helps her on her quest. Along the way, Chihiro faces trials, tests her strength, courage, and resolve, and ultimately learns to appreciate the value of hard work and friendship. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving numerous awards and is widely regarded as one of the best animated films of all time.

From Jonathan Demme, starring David Byrne, Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steven Scales
Rated Not Rated

"Stop Making Sense" is a 1984 documentary directed by Jonathan Demme. It follows the tour of the American rock band Talking Heads as they travel across the United States to promote their album "Speaking in Tongues". The documentary follows the band's lead singer and songwriter David Byrne as he plays, sings and dances to the music of the band. Throughout the movie, Byrne is seen performing various songs from the album, such as "Once in a Lifetime" and "Burning Down the House". Along with the live performances, the movie also captures the band's interactions with fans, interviews with the band members and their interactions with other artists. The movie won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell
Rated PG

It's a Wonderful Life is a classic Christmas movie released in 1946, directed by Frank Capra. The film tells the story of George Bailey, a small town banker who, facing financial ruin and the prospect of a miserable life, contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve. Just as he is about to jump off a bridge, he is rescued by Clarence, an angel-in-training who shows him what life would have been like if he had never been born. George learns that his family and community have benefited greatly from his presence and he ultimately decides to stay and make the most of his life. The film is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have and has become an enduring holiday classic.

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 Vichy-controlled Moroccan city of the same name. Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) is a jaded American expatriate who runs a nightclub in the city. When Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), a former lover, arrives with her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), a Czech resistance leader, Rick is forced to make a moral decision about helping them escape to safety. Through a series of twists and turns, Rick and Ilsa are reunited and forced to confront the emotional complications of their relationship, as well as the Nazi threat to the city.

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

City Lights is a 1931 silent comedy film written, directed, and starred by Charles Chaplin. It is considered one of the most iconic movies of the silent era and is Chaplin’s last pure silent film. The story follows Chaplin’s Tramp character as he falls in love with a blind flower girl, played by Virginia Cherrill. To help her regain her sight, the Tramp attempts to raise money by taking on different jobs. However, his efforts are continually foiled by a variety of circumstances. Eventually, the Tramp’s luck changes and he is able to help her recover her sight. The film is known for its combination of comedy and pathos, and its memorable use of physical comedy. It is also acclaimed for its memorable scene in which the Tramp and the flower girl walk through the city without speaking. City Lights was a box office success, and it continued to be re-released for decades. It is considered one of the greatest films of all time and was added to the United States National Film Registry in 1989.

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Henry Bergman, Tiny Sandford
Rated G

Modern Times is a 1936 comedy film written, produced, and directed by Charles Chaplin, starring Chaplin as a factory worker attempting to survive in the modern, industrialized world. The film is a comment on the desperate employment and financial conditions many people faced during the Great Depression. It also explores the changing economic landscape and the struggles of the working class, including the use of sound in films. Chaplin's Little Tramp character is now employed in a large, impersonal factory where he is forced to work on a constantly speeding assembly line. He suffers a nervous breakdown and is sent to a mental hospital, where he attempts to escape with a beautiful homeless girl. In the end, they find a way to live happily ever after on the streets of a modern city.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a 1960 horror/thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film follows Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a secretary from Phoenix, who steals $40,000 from her employer in order to start a new life with her boyfriend. She is pursued by a private investigator who believes she is responsible for a recent embezzlement, and her journey takes her to the Bates Motel where she meets the strange proprietor, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). Little does Marion know that Norman is a dangerous psycho who harbors a dark secret. When Marion’s disappearance sparks an investigation, the truth about Norman is finally revealed. Psycho is considered one of Hitchcock’s greatest films, and features one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history.

From Isao Takahata, starring Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi, Yoshiko Shinohara
Rated Not Rated

Grave of the Fireflies is a 1988 Japanese animated war drama film written and directed by Isao Takahata, and animated by Studio Ghibli. The film tells the story of Seita and Setsuko, two Japanese siblings, and their desperate struggle to survive during the final months of the Second World War. Seita and Setsuko are left to fend for themselves after an American firebombing raid kills their mother and destroys their home. They take refuge in an abandoned bomb shelter, where they must struggle to survive against poverty, hunger, and the indifference of their countrymen. The film is a powerful and devastating exploration of the human cost of war, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest war films of all time.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter
Rated PG

Rear Window is a suspenseful mystery-thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, and Raymond Burr. Stewart plays an adventurous photojournalist, L.B. “Jeff” Jefferies, who is confined to a wheelchair after breaking his leg while on assignment. To pass the time while he is recovering, he begins to watch his neighbors through the windows of their apartments across the courtyard. He soon suspects that one of the neighbors, Thorwald, has murdered his wife. Jeff enlists the help of his socialite girlfriend, Lisa Fremont, and his visiting nurse, Stella, to investigate the case and prove Thorwald’s guilt. With a mixture of suspense, plot twists, and nail-biting suspense, Rear Window is considered one of Hitchcock’s best films, and has been praised by critics for its brilliant storytelling and clever use of sound and visuals.

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

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 epic war film directed and produced by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, and Martin Sheen. The film follows an Army Captain, played by Martin Sheen, who is sent on a mission to Cambodia during the Vietnam War to kill an American colonel who has gone rogue. Along the way, the Captain is forced to confront his own inner demons as the war has taken its toll on him both mentally and physically. The film ultimately shows the brutality of war and the effect it has on those who fight it.

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 classic dark comedy film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie follows the story of an insane general who orders a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union, causing a Cold War doomsday scenario, and the political and military efforts of all nations to stop the attack and prevent global nuclear warfare. The film stars Peter Sellers in three different roles, including President Merkin Muffley, Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, and the titular character, Dr. Strangelove. The movie is a satiric commentary on the possibility of nuclear annihilation, as well as a parody of the Cold War attitudes and politics of the time. It is often considered one of the best films of all time.

From Kenji Mizoguchi, starring Kinuyo Tanaka, Yoshiaki Hanayagi, Kyôko Kagawa, Eitarô Shindô
Rated Not Rated

Sansho the Bailiff is a 1954 Japanese drama film directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. Set in 11th-century Japan, the film follows the story of a family separated during a time of war. An impoverished governor is exiled, his wife and children are taken away to a remote location and sold into slavery. The governor's son Zushio and daughter Anju embark on a journey to find their mother and reunite the family. Along the way, they endure hardship and cruelty at the hands of the ruthless Sansho-dayu, a local magistrate, but also meet kind and compassionate people who help them in their quest. In the end, Anju and Zushio reunite with their mother and discover the true meaning of compassion and freedom.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready
Rated Approved

Paths of Glory, a 1957 film directed by Stanley Kubrick, tells the story of a French army general who orders his troops to fight a suicidal mission and the consequences of his actions. The story follows French Colonel Dax as he leads his regiment to battle against a German stronghold. Despite their courage and determination, the regiment is unable to achieve victory and suffers heavy losses. In response, the general orders a court martial of three of his soldiers, who are accused of cowardice. Despite Colonel Dax's efforts to defend the men, they are found guilty and sentenced to death by firing squad. Colonel Dax's efforts ultimately fail, and the three soldiers are executed. Paths of Glory is an exploration of the senselessness of war and the military bureaucracy that allows such injustice to occur.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Rhys-Davies
Rated PG

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) is an action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. The film follows Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), an archaeologist and professor on a quest to find the Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of the Nazis. Along the way, he must battle his rival, the Nazi archaeologist Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman), and the dangerous cultist followers of the Ark. With the help of his old friend Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), and a feisty former love Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Indiana must recover the powerful relic and prevent the Nazis from using its power. With a blend of thrilling action, suspense, and humor, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is a timeless classic that has become a beloved part of pop culture.