Top Afi Movies

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. In the prison, Andy befriends the prison contraband smuggler, 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 his friends, Andy is able to gain freedom by tunneling through the prison walls with a rock hammer. The film emphasizes themes of hope, justice, and the value of friendship, and has become a popular classic. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was well-received by critics, becoming the highest-rated movie on IMDb until 2018.

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

The Godfather is a masterpiece crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo. It follows the powerful head of an organized crime dynasty, Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), as he attempts to hold his family together and expand his criminal empire. The movie examines the intricate relationships between the Corleone family and the other Mafia families in New York, while exploring themes of family loyalty, tradition, ambition, and revenge. The film stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, and James Caan, and has spawned two sequels and numerous other adaptations. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made and is ranked as one of the American Film Institute's 100 greatest movies of all time.

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 Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. The film follows Oskar Schindler, a Sudeten German businessman, who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories during World War II. It stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as SS officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler's Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern. The film follows Schindler's rise from the early 1940s to 1945, during which time he interacts with and helps protect his Jewish workers while simultaneously amassing a fortune. The film received critical acclaim and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. It was also nominated for twelve additional Academy Awards, and won a number of other awards. It is considered one of the greatest 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 classic crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola and the sequel to the 1972 classic The Godfather. It follows the story of the Corleone family after the events of the first film, as Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) now resides as the family patriarch, with his power growing in the world of organized crime. The film follows two timelines, depicting Michael's attempt to expand the family business in the late 1950s and his father's past during the 1920s–30s. Through these two interwoven storylines, the film explores themes of family, power, loyalty, and ambition. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest sequels of all time, and was awarded numerous accolades including six Academy Awards, becoming the first sequel to win the award for Best Picture.

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

12 Angry Men is a 1957 American drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, adapted from a teleplay of the same name by Reginald Rose. It tells the story of a jury of 12 men as they deliberate the guilt or acquittal of a defendant on the basis of reasonable doubt. During their deliberations, the men become increasingly uncertain about the defendant's guilt, and the film explores the difficult and sometimes antagonistic relationships between the jurors as they wrestle with their consciences. Through their deliberations, they ultimately reach a unanimous verdict. The film is widely considered a classic of American cinema, and has been praised for its examination of the American justice system and its exploration of the dynamics between individuals of different backgrounds.

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

Pulp Fiction is an American crime film written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. It follows the lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner robbers as their paths intertwine in four interrelated stories. The film is noted for its nonlinear narrative structure, comedic and dramatic elements, and its endorsement of pop culture references. Pulp Fiction's witty dialogue, ironic mix of humor and violence, and its soundtracks of 1950s and 1960s songs have become iconic and the film has been widely regarded as a landmark work of modern cinema.

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 a 2001 fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson and based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novel of the same name. The film follows a hobbit, Frodo Baggins, who is entrusted with a magical ring that has the power to destroy the world. He must take it to the Cracks of Doom in the far reaches of Middle Earth, accompanied by a fellowship of nine other adventurers, including Gandalf the wizard, Aragorn, a human ranger, and Legolas, an elf. Along the way, they must battle the forces of Sauron and protect them from the Ring's evil power. The movie culminates in the destruction of the Ring and the victory of the Fellowship.

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, a slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several key events in United States history from the late 1950s to the early 1980s. The film follows his life spanning three decades, in which he meets a series of notable people, from Elvis Presley to John F. Kennedy, and serves in the Vietnam War with his best friend, Dan. Along the way, he also falls in love with Jenny, a woman from his childhood, who is played by Robin Wright. The film received critical acclaim and was a huge commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1994 and winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Visual Effects, and Best Actor at the 67th Academy Awards.

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 serving a prison sentence on a work farm who is transferred to a mental institution. McMurphy, who sees the oppressive medical establishment as an opportunity to serve less time, clashes with the head nurse Ratched, who has a ruthless hold over all the patients in the ward. The film follows McMurphy's attempt to use a variety of tactics to try to escape from the hospital, and his fellow patients' struggle against the oppressive rule of Nurse Ratched. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Nicholson's performance, and is now widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

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

Goodfellas tells the true story of Henry Hill, a young man who rises through the ranks of a mafia family in New York City. Along the way, he experiences fast money, violence, and destruction, all while trying to survive and stay one step ahead of the law. The movie features an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco. The film follows Henry's life of crime and his eventual downfall, culminating in a tense climax in which Henry must face the consequences of his choices.

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

Set in a distant galaxy, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is an epic space opera that transports viewers to a world of good versus evil. The film follows the journey of young farm boy Luke Skywalker as he learns of his destiny to become a Jedi Knight and save the galaxy from the tyrannical Galactic Empire and its dreaded Death Star. Along the way, Luke is joined by a ragtag group of rebels, including the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi, the brash smuggler Han Solo, and the loyal droids R2-D2 and C-3PO. Together, they must battle the Empire's forces in order to destroy the Death Star and restore freedom to the galaxy. Along the way, they learn that the power of friendship, courage, and faith in oneself can overcome any obstacle.

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

It's a Wonderful Life is a classic American drama from director Frank Capra. The film tells the story of George Bailey, a small-town man who has put aside his dreams for the sake of his family and community. On the brink of despair and suicide, George is visited by an angel who shows him what life would have been like for the people around him if he had never existed. His journey of self-discovery helps him to realize that his life has been full of love, joy, and purpose. He finds the courage to live and enjoy life to the fullest. In the end, he is reminded of his importance to those around him and how every life has tremendous value.

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

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 epic war film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. The film follows United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad as they search for a paratrooper, Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), who is the last surviving brother of four servicemen. As the men embark on their mission, they face the perils of war and struggle to survive in the face of overwhelming odds. During their journey, the squad faces numerous moral dilemmas, learns the value of friendship and loyalty, and discovers the true horrors of war. The film is notable for its realistic and graphic depiction of combat, earning it widespread critical and commercial success.

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

The Silence of the Lambs is an American horror-thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme and released in 1991. The film is an adaptation of Thomas Harris's novel of the same name and stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as the iconic Hannibal Lecter. The film is set in the early 90's and follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she is tasked with finding and capturing the serial killer, Buffalo Bill. To do this, Clarice seeks the help of the imprisoned cannibalistic psychopath, Hannibal Lecter. With Lecter's help and knowledge, Clarice must race against time to find Buffalo Bill before his latest victim is killed and she is faced with a terrifying moral dilemma. The Silence of the Lambs received critical acclaim for its suspenseful story, carefully crafted characters, and intense performances. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture, the only horror film in history to do so.

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

Casablanca is a timeless classic directed by Michael Curtiz, set in the Vichy-controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca during World War II. The film follows Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a cynical American expatriate who owns a nightclub and gambling den, as he discovers love, honor, and courage in a dangerous time. When his former lover (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband (Paul Henreid) arrive in Casablanca, Rick is forced to choose between his love for her and his sense of duty to the cause of freedom. With the help of a crafty police captain (Claude Rains) and a sympathetic barkeeper (Sydney Greenstreet), Rick must confront his past and decide what matters most.

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

City Lights is a 1931 American silent romantic comedy film written, directed, produced, and starring Charles Chaplin. The story follows a tramp (Chaplin) who falls in love with a blind flower girl (Virginia Cherrill). After discovering that she is losing her sight, the tramp saves enough money to pay for her to get an operation to restore her vision. The tramp and the flower girl must overcome many obstacles, including the tramp's poverty, before they can be reunited. City Lights is considered one of Chaplin's greatest and most successful films, and has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its comedic and emotional elements.

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

Psycho is a classic horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released in 1960. The film follows Marion Crane, a young woman who is on the run after stealing money from her employer. She checks into a secluded motel run by the peculiar Norman Bates and his mother. As secrets are revealed, Marion’s life is put in danger and viewers are taken on a dark and twisted journey. The movie is renowned for its intense psychological suspense, iconic shower scene, and shocking twist ending.

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

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 war epic directed by Francis Ford Coppola and set during the Vietnam War. The film follows Army Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) as he embarks on a dangerous mission to terminate Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a former American officer who has gone rogue and is hiding deep in the jungle. On his journey, Willard encounters the horror, insanity, and brutality of the Vietnam War and is forced to confront his own morality and mortality. Themes explored in the film include the effects of the Vietnam War, the nature of evil, and the corrupting influence of power.

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

Rear Window is a classic suspense-thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film stars James Stewart as Jefferies, a professional photographer who suffers a broken leg and is confined to his apartment. While he is recuperating, he begins to spy on his neighbors from his apartment window, and becomes convinced that one of them has committed murder. Jefferies enlists the help of his girlfriend (Grace Kelly) and his nurse (Thelma Ritter) to investigate his suspicions. As they become increasingly more involved in the investigation, the trio find themselves in increasing amounts of danger as the murderer becomes aware of their activities. Ultimately, Jefferies must confront the murderer and save the day.

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

Modern Times is a 1936 silent comedy film directed by Charles Chaplin. It stars Chaplin as a factory worker struggling to survive in a modern, industrialized world. The film follows Chaplin's character, The Tramp, as he is subjected to a series of misadventures while attempting to find a place in the world. Along the way, he meets a young woman, played by Paulette Goddard, with whom he forms a bond. Together they try to battle the technological advancements that threaten to dehumanize them and the world around them. The film also features comedic moments, slapstick humor, and social commentary as it comments on the dehumanizing effects of industrialization, automation, and the corporate state.

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 1964 dark comedy directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows the story of U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper (Sterling Hayden) who orders a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. The U.S. President (Peter Sellers) is informed of the attack and attempts to recall the bombers, while his advisors, including the wheelchair-bound Dr. Strangelove (also Peter Sellers), try to come up with a solution to the impending disaster. Throughout the film, the characters must make difficult decisions, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. The film is a satirical take on the Cold War and the threat of nuclear destruction.

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

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark follows renowned archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones as he embarks on a dangerous quest to locate a powerful artifact known as the Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of the Nazis. Along the way, Indiana Jones encounters a variety of adversaries, including a sinister old acquaintance, a vengeful French archaeologist, and a large army of Nazis. With the help of his old flame Marion Ravenwood and his friend Sallah, Indiana must survive death-defying stunts, booby traps, and ancient mazes to find the Ark and keep it out of the hands of evil.

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

Citizen Kane is a 1941 American drama film written, directed, and produced by Orson Welles, who also starred in the lead role. The film tells the story of Charles Foster Kane (Welles), the wealthy newspaper publisher and eventual power broker with a vast personal fortune. Kane's story is told in flashbacks as a reporter (William Alland) investigates the meaning of Kane's last word, "Rosebud". The film is considered a landmark of cinema for its innovative narrative techniques, cinematography, and its exploration of themes such as corruption, idealism, and the effects of power. The film received critical and commercial acclaim upon its release, and is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

From Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen
Rated G

Singin' in the Rain is a classic musical comedy film from 1952 directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly. Set in Hollywood during the transition from silent films to sound films, the film follows two silent-film stars, Don Lockwood (Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen), as they attempt to make the transition to the new format. Don meets Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), an aspiring actress and singer, who helps him learn to sing and dance. With the help of a loyal friend, Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor), the trio set out to make a musical that will be a hit. With memorable musical numbers, vibrant choreography, and a winning cast, Singin' in the Rain remains one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time.

From David Lean, starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins
Rated Approved

Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 epic historical drama film directed by David Lean. The film tells the story of T.E. Lawrence, a British Army officer who was instrumental in uniting the various Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Ottoman Empire. It follows Lawrence's journey from being a misfit in the British military to becoming a celebrated war hero. Along the way, he faces many challenges, such as the unforgiving desert, tribal politics, and the harshness of war. The film stars Peter O'Toole as Lawrence and Omar Sharif as Sherif Ali ibn el Kharish. The film earned seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.