Top 500 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. 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 gain his freedom and successfully reclaim his life on the outside. The film is considered one of the greatest films of all time and has been nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, and won four.

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

The Godfather is an iconic 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's 1969 novel of the same name. The film focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), the patriarch of the Corleone family who must balance business and family concerns. The plot follows his youngest son, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he attempts to free his family from the criminal empire. Michael must face tough decisions as he and his family are pulled into the violent and chaotic world of organized crime. Michael must face his inner demons and fight for his family's honor and legacy amidst the rival mob bosses. The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films of all time and is often cited as one of the best American films ever made. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was nominated for seven more. The film has spawned two sequels: The Godfather Part II (1974) and The Godfather Part III (1990).

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. The film is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a 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 depicts the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis. He eventually builds a factory in Kraków and starts helping the Poles - eventually risking his own life to save them from being sent to concentration camps. The story culminates in Schindler's heroic attempt to save as many people as possible. The film has won numerous awards, including seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Score. It was also chosen by the Library of Congress in 2004 for preservation in the National Film Registry as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

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, set in a New York City jury room. It follows the deliberations of 12 jurors as they decide the fate of a young boy accused of murdering his father. The jurors are initially convinced of the defendant's guilt and vote 11-1 in favor of a guilty verdict. However, one juror, Juror 8 (Henry Fonda), casts a not guilty vote and makes the case for reasonable doubt. Through a series of heated debates, Juror 8 gradually sways the other jurors to consider the facts of the case more carefully and ultimately challenge their preconceived notions about the defendant's guilt. As the juror's heated debates and confrontations progress, the jury slowly come to realize the significance of the right to a fair trial and come to the conclusion that the evidence is not strong enough to convict the defendant. In the end they unanimously acquit the young boy of the crime.

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

The Godfather Part II is the first sequel to the 1972 classic The Godfather and tells two parallel stories. The first story is a prequel to the original film, chronicling Vito Corleone's rise to power in 1920s New York City. The second story follows Michael Corleone's attempts to protect his family's power and expand his own criminal empire in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Both stories feature themes of loyalty, family, revenge, ambition, and power. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The Godfather Part II is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

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. It follows the story of Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale) and his fight to protect Gotham City from the criminal mastermind known as The Joker (Heath Ledger). When Batman's longtime foe The Joker threatens to wreak havoc on the city, Batman is forced to confront him in a battle of wits and courage. The Joker's chaotic plan of destruction forces Batman and Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) to work together to save the city and its citizens. With the help of lawyer and new vigilante Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman must find a way to stop the Joker and his plans of destruction. In the end, Batman is forced to make a decision that will change Gotham City forever.

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 in Peter Jackson's cinematic adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. The story follows the members of the Fellowship as they continue their quest to destroy the One Ring to save Middle-earth from the evil forces of Sauron. The Fellowship's journey culminates in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, where they face off against the armies of Mordor. With the help of Aragorn, the hobbits Frodo and Sam, Gandalf, and the army of Rohan, the epic battle is won and the Ring is destroyed. The Return of the King follows the members of the Fellowship as they return home to a changed Middle-Earth, with Aragorn as the new King of Gondor.

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

Pulp Fiction is an iconic American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It tells the story of two mob hitmen, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, who are tasked by their boss Marsellus Wallace to retrieve a briefcase for him. Along the way, the pair encounter a variety of characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. They are also involved in a robbery gone wrong and have to clean up the mess. Meanwhile, Wallace deals with a boxer he has under his control and Vincent falls for his boss's wife, Mia. The film features nonlinear storytelling, dark humor, and violence, and is considered one of the best and most influential films of the 1990s.

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. The film follows an unnamed narrator (Norton) who is suffering from insomnia and is desperate for a sense of purpose. He meets Tyler Durden (Pitt), a charismatic and mysterious figure who introduces him to the world of "Fight Club." Through the Club, the narrator and Tyler form a secret enclave of men who fight each other in bare-knuckle brawls. As the film progresses, the Club's philosophy takes a darker turn, leading to a dramatic confrontation between the narrator and Tyler. The film is a dark and unsettling exploration of modern masculinity, exploring themes of identity, consumerism, and nihilism. The film was both a critical and commercial success, ultimately becoming a cult classic.

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 epic Spaghetti Western film directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach. The story centers around a trio of gunslingers competing to find a treasure of Confederate gold in the midst of the American Civil War. The Good is Blondie (Eastwood), an opportunistic gunslinger and adventurer. The Bad is Angel Eyes (Van Cleef), a ruthless mercenary. And The Ugly is Tuco (Wallach), a Mexican outlaw and bandit. As each of the men scramble to find the gold, they must outwit and outgun one another, leading to a climactic three-way showdown on the American Civil War battlefield.

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 is an epic fantasy-adventure film directed by Peter Jackson. It is the first installment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, based on the novel of the same name by J. R. R. Tolkien. The story follows the quest of a fellowship of nine companions, led by the hobbit Frodo Baggins, to destroy the One Ring of Sauron. The Ring has the power to enslave Middle-earth and bring about the dark lord's return. Along the way, they must battle treacherous terrain, unfriendly creatures, and formidable forces of evil, as they attempt to protect the Ring and save Middle-earth. The Fellowship of the Ring features a large ensemble cast, including Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey, and Liv Tyler as Arwen.

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

Set three years after the events of the first film, Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back follows the heroes of the Rebel Alliance, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and Chewbacca as they are pursued by Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire. The group must find a way to escape the Empire and regroup with the rebel forces. Along the way, Luke learns more about the power of the Force and his destiny, while Han and Leia's relationship is tested. Ultimately, the group must face off against Darth Vader and the Emperor in a battle that will decide the fate of the galaxy.

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

Goodfellas is an American crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese. The film follows Henry Hill, a Brooklyn-Italian mobster, as he rises through the ranks of the Italian-American Mafia in the 1950s and 1960s. Along the way, he is aided by his close friends Tommy DeVito and James Conway and aided by his wiseguy mentor Paul Cicero. Henry's relationships with his friends and family become increasingly strained as his success leads him down a dark path of greed, violence, and drugs. In the end, Henry must face the consequences of his choices and the inevitability of a sentence in prison.

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

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 film directed by Milos Forman. Set in an Oregon mental institution in the 1960s, the film follows the story of Randle Patrick McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a criminal who feigns insanity to avoid a prison sentence. Once committed to the institution, McMurphy butts heads with the oppressive Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) and seeks to rally the other patients to rebel against the rules and regulations of the hospital. Through a series of struggles, McMurphy and the other members of the ward eventually begin to realize their individual worth and gain a newfound sense of freedom. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

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

Seven Samurai is a 1954 Japanese epic samurai drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. It tells the story of a village of farmers that hire seven ronin (masterless samurai) to combat bandits who will return after the harvest to steal their crops. The samurai slowly bond with the villagers, forming a pact to protect them from the bandits. The film culminates in an epic battle sequence between the samurai and the bandits. The film was a critical and commercial success, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It was also the highest-grossing Japanese film in history up to that time. It has had a lasting influence on filmmakers, being cited as an influence by filmmakers such as George Lucas, Quentin Tarantino, Sidney Lumet, and Francis Ford Coppola.

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

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is a 1977 American epic space-opera film written and directed by George Lucas. The story follows a young farm boy, Luke Skywalker, who joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee, and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader. Along their journey, they must face Darth Vader and the dark side of the force, while being pursued by the Empire. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. The film is the fourth installment in the Star Wars saga, and continues the narrative set up by the previous films. It was followed by two sequels, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).

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

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a science fiction action film released in 1991 and directed by James Cameron. It is a sequel to the 1984 film The Terminator, and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton and Robert Patrick. The story focuses on a cyborg from the future, sent back in time to protect the future leader of the human resistance, John Connor, from a more advanced, shape-shifting Terminator. With the aid of Sarah Connor, John's mother, and the T-1000, the trio must find a way to stop the original Terminator (the T-800) from killing John and destroying the future of humanity. The film received critical acclaim and was a massive commercial success, becoming the highest grossing film of 1991 and the highest grossing R-rated film of all time at the time of its release. It won four Academy Awards and was nominated for two more.

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

It's a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey, a small-town man whose dreams of escaping his mundane life never materialize. As a result, George feels trapped, and on Christmas Eve, he attempts to commit suicide. He is visited by an angel, Clarence, who shows him what life would be like if he had never been born. George then realizes how much he has to be thankful for, and how valuable his life is. He is reunited with his family and friends, and learns that it is indeed a wonderful life.

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

Casablanca is a classic romantic drama directed by Michael Curtiz, set in the Vichy-controlled city of Casablanca in World War II. It tells the story of Rick Blaine, an American expatriate and nightclub owner, who is forced to confront his past when his former love, Ilsa Lund, and her husband, Victor Laszlo, arrive in Casablanca seeking to escape from the Nazis. Over the course of the film, Rick discovers that his love for Ilsa may no longer be requited and is forced to choose between his own happiness and the needs of the refugees who depend on him for help. Ultimately, Rick makes a selfless decision and helps Laszlo and Ilsa escape to America, while he remains in Casablanca. The film is acclaimed for its iconic characters and memorable lines, and is widely considered one of the most beloved films of all time.

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

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 American epic war film directed, produced, and co-written by Francis Ford Coppola. The film follows U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando) and his journey into Cambodia during the Vietnam War to assassinate an American Colonel named Walter Kurtz who has gone insane. The film also follows a U.S. Army Captain named Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen) who is sent to investigate and potentially terminate Kurtz. Along the way, Willard is joined by a crew of river patrol boats and the crew find themselves in the midst of the war's horror, chaos, and destruction. The film explores themes of morality, the insanity of the war, and the darkness of the human soul. The film has become a classic and is considered to be one of the best war films of all time.

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

Psycho is a 1960 suspense-horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It stars Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, a troubled young man who runs a motel in the small town of Fairvale. Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh, visits the motel for a one-night stay and has her life changed forever. After stealing a large sum of money, she meets her demise at the Bates Motel. With the help of detective Arbogast, played by Martin Balsam, it is revealed that Bates has a deep-seated mother obsession and is the killer of Marion Crane. The film follows Marion’s sister and her lover as they try to unravel the mystery of the Bates Motel and figure out the identity of the murderer. Psycho is one of Alfred Hitchcock's most iconic films and has become a classic of the horror genre.

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

City Lights is a romantic comedy written, produced, directed, and starring the iconic Charlie Chaplin. The film follows the adventures of Chaplin’s character, The Tramp, as he tries to help a blind girl he meets in the park, who sells flowers to earn money. He finds himself in comedic situations as he tries to find a way to pay for her to get an eye operation. With the help of a millionaire and a boxing match, The Tramp manages to raise enough money for the girl to get an eye operation and eventually regain her sight. In the end, the girl recognizes The Tramp as her benefactor and the two share a heartfelt goodbye. City Lights is a classic silent film and is considered one of Chaplin’s greatest achievements.

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

Back to the Future is a 1985 American science fiction adventure film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale. It stars Michael J. Fox as teenager Marty McFly, who accidentally travels back in time from 1985 to 1955, where he meets his future parents and becomes his mother's romantic interest. Christopher Lloyd portrays the eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown, inventor of the time-traveling DeLorean, who helps Marty repair history and return to 1985. Along the way, Marty discovers the importance of family, friendship, and responsibility. The film received critical acclaim upon release, grossing over $381 million worldwide and becoming the highest- grossing film of 1985. It won the Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing, and was nominated for three additional Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay. The film spawned two sequels, Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Back to the Future Part III (1990), and an animated series, an amusement park ride, video games, and merchandise.

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

"Alien" is a science-fiction horror film released in 1979 and directed by Ridley Scott. The film follows the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo, who are awakened from their deep sleep by an unidentified signal coming from a distant planet. On the planet, they discover an abandoned alien spacecraft and a series of strange eggs inside. One of the eggs hatches and an alien creature, the Xenomorph, begins to attack the crew. They must fight for their lives against the creature, which has acid for blood and immense strength. As the crew attempts to battle the creature, they are forced to make a fateful decision with dire consequences. With its tense atmosphere and intense scenes, "Alien" has become an iconic film and is considered one of the greatest science-fiction horror films of all time.

From Sergio Leone, starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards
Rated PG-13

Once Upon a Time in the West is a classic spaghetti western directed by Sergio Leone. The story follows the mysterious and dangerous Harmonica, who is on a mission of revenge. He is hired to help the widow McBain take control of her land after her husband is murdered by a ruthless robber baron. However, this plan is complicated by the arrival of a mysterious gunman, Cheyenne, who is also after the same land. A tense and dangerous showdown plays out between the two men amidst the backdrop of a Wild West town. Along the way, a complicated web of deceit and betrayal is revealed, showing the lengths people will go to in order to get what they want. The film is a classic of the genre, with stunning visuals and a strong emphasis on themes of justice and morality.