Top Drama Movies Of All Time

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is an American classic drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) who is wrongly convicted of double murder and sent to the Shawshank State Penitentiary in Maine. While in prison, Andy befriends wise and kind-hearted inmate Red (Morgan Freeman) and embarks on a journey of survival and hope. With the help of his friends, Andy slowly carves out a new life for himself and eventually gains his freedom. Along the way, he discovers the power of friendship, hope and redemption. The film is an inspiring, moving and uplifting tale about the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle.

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

The Godfather is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy. It stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as the leaders of a powerful New York crime family. The story, spanning 1945–1955, centers on the transformation of Michael Corleone (Pacino) from reluctant family outsider to ruthless Mafia boss. The film chronicles the Corleone family's struggles to maintain power in a world of organized crime, political turmoil, and betrayal. The Godfather received near-universal critical acclaim, including nine Academy Award nominations, winning three. It was followed by 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 1982 novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally, which 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. The film follows the true story of Oskar Schindler, who arrived in Kraków in 1939, ready to make his fortune from World War II, which has just started. He gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazi Germans. He begins to spend his entire fortune to protect and save his workers, even as his factory is failing, and ultimately becomes an unlikely humanitarian and an unexpected hero to the Jewish people.

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 the sequel to the first film, The Godfather. The film focuses on two storylines. The first storyline follows the family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) as he passes his business onto his son Michael Corleone (Al Pacino). Michael attempts to expand his family’s criminal empire while dealing with corruption and betrayal. The second storyline follows Vito's early life beginning in 1901 in Sicily, where his family has been forced to flee to escape the mafia. The two stories are intercut throughout the film and follow Vito's story as he eventually emigrates to the United States with his family and slowly rises up the ranks of the mafia in New York. The film also stars Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John Cazale, and Talia Shire. The Godfather Part II was a critical and commercial success and it won six Academy Awards.

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

12 Angry Men is a 1957 drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Henry Fonda as a juror in a murder trial. The jury of 12 men must come to a unanimous vote in order to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. As the jury deliberates, each man brings his own unique perspective and biases to bear on the case. Through the course of the film, an initial vote of 11-1 in favor of guilty is gradually overturned as the men come to understand the complexities of the case and the implications of a guilty verdict. The film is a powerful examination of the human capacity for reason and justice, and the dynamics of prejudice and bias in a jury room.

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

Forrest Gump tells the story of a slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who has an extraordinary life. From his childhood days as a young boy with braces on his legs, to his adulthood as a Vietnam War hero, a world-class ping-pong player, a shrimp boat captain, a business entrepreneur and a father, Forrest's life intertwines with some of the most notable figures of the 20th century. He experiences first-hand some of the most historic events of the time, and his unique outlook on life provides ample comedic relief. The film stars Tom Hanks as Forrest and features an all-star supporting cast, including Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field and Mykelti Williamson.

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

Goodfellas is a 1990 American crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi. The film follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, a small-time gangster in 1950s-60s New York. Hill, along with his partners Tommy DeVito and Jimmy Conway, are involved in organized crime, including drug trafficking, bookmaking, loan-sharking, and extortion. Throughout the movie, Hill and his crew navigate the treacherous waters of the underworld, while dealing with the consequences of their life of crime. By the end of the movie, the characters have all suffered from the consequences of their actions.

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

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is an Academy Award-winning film directed by Milos Forman and based on the novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. It follows the story of Randle Patrick McMurphy, a criminal who is court-ordered to spend his sentence in a mental institution rather than a prison. McMurphy quickly becomes disruptive and rebellious, leading him to a battle of wills with the tyrannical Nurse Ratched. His antics soon become a source of inspiration for the other inmates in the hospital, who come to view him as a symbol of freedom and defiance. The film follows McMurphy's journey as he attempts to lead his fellow inmates to freedom, while also challenging the oppressive system of Nurse Ratched. The film stars Jack Nicholson in the lead role, and also features Louise Fletcher, Will Sampson, and Brad Dourif in supporting roles. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Nicholson), Best Actress (Fletcher), Best Director (Forman), and Best Adapted Screenplay.

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

The Green Mile is a 1999 film directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tom Hanks. The film is based on the novel by Stephen King and tells the story of Paul Edgecomb (Hanks), a death row corrections officer, who develops a strong bond with a mysterious inmate, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), who possesses supernatural powers and has been wrongly convicted of murdering two young sisters. As Edgecomb and the other guards witness the miraculous events that unfold, they are ultimately confronted with Coffey's execution. The film follows the lives of the prison staff as they try to show compassion in a harsh and unforgiving system, while questioning the morality of the death penalty.

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 film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. The story follows two young boys, Rocket and Li'l Zé, as they find their way through the slums of Rio de Janeiro. Rocket, an aspiring photographer, narrates the story as Li'l Zé, a young gang leader, rises to power and begins to terrorize the neighborhood. The film shows the struggles and desperation of growing up in the City of God, as well as the conflicting relationships between the gangsters, cops, and the citizens of the slums. Through the vibrant visuals and intense soundtrack, City of God paints a powerful portrait of the violence and poverty of the slums, and the resilience of the people who live there.

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. The story takes place in 1586 during the Sengoku period of Japanese history and follows a group of rōnin (masterless samurai) who come to the aid of a village of farmers who are threatened by a band of marauding thieves. The rōnin accept the challenge, hoping to restore their honor by protecting the villagers. After assembling the warriors and preparing the village for the attack, the samurai and farmers engage in an epic battle for their lives. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time and is often cited as one of the most influential films in the history of cinema. It is lauded for its technical innovations, intricate battle scenes, and for its exploration of themes of heroism, loyalty, and sacrifice. Seven Samurai was the highest-grossing Japanese film of its time and was the first of Kurosawa's films to be released in the United States.

From Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

American History X is a 1998 drama film directed by Tony Kaye starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong. It tells the story of two brothers, Derek Vinyard (Norton) and Danny Vinyard (Furlong), who become caught up in the neo-Nazi movement in Venice, California. The film follows Derek and Danny's lives before and after a traumatic event that changes their lives forever. Derek, a former neo-Nazi leader, is released from prison and tries to set a positive example for his brother, but is instead dragged back into his old lifestyle. Through his journey, Derek confronts the racism, hatred and violence that drove him to his former path and learns to let go of his hatred. The film also examines how racism and hatred can be passed down from generation to generation and how the cycle can be broken. American History X is a powerful and emotionally charged drama that explores the dangers of prejudice and intolerance.

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

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 French crime thriller film written and directed by Luc Besson. The film stars Jean Reno as the titular Léon, a professional hitman, and Natalie Portman in her feature film debut as Mathilda, a 12-year-old girl who seeks his help in avenge the murder of her family. The story follows Mathilda as she is taken in by Léon after her family is killed by a corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, Stansfield (Gary Oldman). Léon, initially reluctant to get involved, ultimately agrees to help Mathilda in her quest for revenge, teaching her his skills and protecting her from Stansfield and his henchmen. The film displays themes of violence, sacrifice, and loyalty, as well as an exploration of the relationship between the two characters. The film was a commercial success, grossing $45 million against its $16 million budget, and was met with critical acclaim. It has since become regarded as a cult 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. The film follows Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a jaded ex-pat American running a nightclub and gambling den in the Moroccan city of Casablanca. When his lost love, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), and her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), arrive in Casablanca, Rick must choose between love and virtue. Ultimately, Rick rallies to the cause of the fight against the Nazis, sacrificing his own happiness for a greater good. With its memorable characters, witty dialog, and stirring score, Casablanca is widely regarded as one of the greatest 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 1968 spaghetti western directed by Sergio Leone. The film stars Henry Fonda, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards, and Charles Bronson. Set in the American Old West, the film follows a mysterious stranger (Bronson) as he arrives in a small town seeking revenge against the ruthless robber-baron Frank (Fonda), who had recently taken over a local railroad. Along the way, he is joined by a young widow (Cardinale) who is seeking to regain her family's land from Frank. With the help of Cheyenne (Robards), a bandit turned hired gun for Frank, the stranger and the widow embark on a quest for justice. With its iconic score and stunning visuals, Once Upon a Time in the West is considered by many to be one of the greatest Westerns ever made.

From Sam Mendes, starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley
Rated R

American Beauty is a 1999 American drama film directed by Sam Mendes and written by Alan Ball. The film stars Kevin Spacey as Lester Burnham, a middle-aged office worker who has a midlife crisis when he becomes infatuated with his teenage daughter's best friend, Angela. Annette Bening stars as Lester's materialistic wife, Carolyn, and Thora Birch as their insecure daughter, Jane. Wes Bentley, Chris Cooper, Mena Suvari, and Scott Bakula appear in supporting roles. The film's plot follows Lester and his family over the course of one year, showing their struggles with midlife crises, their desires, and their observations of American culture. Lester's transformation from a complacent husband and father to an eccentric rebel serves as a metaphor for the struggles of American life at the end of the twentieth century. The film was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $356 million worldwide on a budget of $15 million, and was the recipient of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Spacey.

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 black comedy film directed, produced, and co-written by Stanley Kubrick. The film stars Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, and Slim Pickens. The film follows a group of military and political leaders as they attempt to prevent an insane United States Air Force general from launching a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. Despite their efforts, the attack is carried out, resulting in a nuclear holocaust. The film is widely considered one of Kubrick's greatest achievements, and is known for its darkly humorous satire on the Cold War and nuclear anxiety. It is also noted for its use of film techniques, such as the use of long tracking shots and its iconic screen title, "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb".

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is a historical drama film directed by Milos Forman and released in 1984. The film follows the life and career of classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, focusing on the relationship between him and his rival, Antonio Salieri. Salieri, an established court composer, is jealous of the talent and popularity of the younger Mozart, and endeavors to sabotage Mozart’s success. The story is told mostly in flashback as Salieri recounts his story from his deathbed. Throughout the film, the audience is taken on a journey through Mozart’s life and achievements, exploring the genius of his work and the impact it had on the people around him. The film earned numerous awards, including eight Oscars. It is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

From Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, starring Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck, Sebastian Koch, Ulrich Tukur
Rated R

The Lives of Others is a German drama film written and directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. It follows the story of Stasi agent Gerd Wiesler, who is assigned to spy on playwright Georg Dreyman and his lover Christa-Maria Sieland. As he listens in on their conversations and monitors their every move, he begins to develop a deep admiration for Dreyman and Sieland, and soon starts to question the morality of his mission. In the end, Wiesler's growing empathy for Dreyman and Sieland ultimately leads him to risk his career to save them from the oppressive regime of East Germany. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime film directed, produced, and written by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a charismatic delinquent whose pleasure-seeking exploits lands him into serious trouble with the law. After being incarcerated, Alex agrees to undergo an experimental treatment that involves forcing him to watch violent films and be subjected to aversion therapy. The experiment appears to be a success, as Alex is released from prison a reformed citizen. However, what Alex soon discovers is that the government's attempt to "cure" him of his violent tendencies has stripped him of his basic human rights, leaving him feeling alienated and isolated from society. As Alex is drawn back into a life of crime, he must decide whether to conform to society's expectations or to take matters into his own hands.

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Rated R

Scarface is a 1983 crime film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino. The film follows the story of Cuban refugee Tony Montana (Pacino), who arrives in 1980s Miami with nothing but his ambition and street smarts. Through cunning and ruthlessness, Tony rises to the top of the city's drug trade, becoming a kingpin of the lucrative cocaine business. As his power and wealth increase, however, his inner demons take over, leading him to violence and paranoia. In the end, he must confront the consequences of his dangerous lifestyle.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

Good Will Hunting is a critically acclaimed drama film starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, directed by Gus Van Sant. The film follows the story of Will Hunting, a troubled genius who works as a janitor at MIT. After being arrested for fighting, Will is given the choice between jail time and attending therapy sessions with a psychiatrist. During these sessions, he works through his troubled past and confronts his potential. With the help of his therapist, his friends and a Harvard University professor, Will is able to use his genius to overcome his struggles and find a brighter future. The film deals with themes of maturity, friendship, and the power of self-change.

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

Citizen Kane tells the story of Charles Foster Kane, a powerful and influential newspaper tycoon who lives a life of luxury, but dies alone in his sprawling mansion, “Xanadu”, uttering the mysterious phrase “Rosebud”. The film follows a newsreel reporter on a journey to discover the meaning behind the dying words, as he interviews people who knew Kane throughout his life. As each person recounts their stories, the audience slowly begins to understand the mysterious life of Charles Foster Kane; his childhood, his rise and fall in power, and his ultimate loneliness. Along the way, the themes of power, ambition, and loneliness are explored, and the audience is left with a powerful and lasting impression of Kane’s life and legacy.

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 and produced by Sam Spiegel. It stars Peter O'Toole in the title role as T. E. Lawrence, alongside Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Omar Sharif, Anthony Quinn, José Ferrer, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains, and Arthur Kennedy. The film tells the story of T. E. Lawrence, a British officer serving during the First World War, who is sent to Arabia to find and unite the various tribes in a revolt against the Turks. With the help of his newfound Arab allies, Lawrence leads a daring and brilliant campaign against the powerful Ottoman Empire. The story examines Lawrence's psychological struggles as he deals with the conflicting loyalties of his divided loyalties between his nation and his newfound friends, as well as his own inner struggle with his own identity. Lawrence of Arabia was a critical and commercial success, receiving ten Academy Award nominations and winning seven, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Original Score. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, Liam Neeson
Rated PG-13

Batman Begins is a 2005 action-adventure film directed by Christopher Nolan and based on the DC Comics character Batman. It stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne / Batman, Michael Caine as his butler Alfred Pennyworth, Liam Neeson as Henri Ducard, Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes, Cillian Murphy as the Scarecrow, and Gary Oldman as James Gordon. The film follows Bruce Wayne's journey to becoming the Dark Knight of Gotham City after the death of his parents. He is trained by Henri Ducard, a member of the League of Shadows, and eventually defeats the League's leader, Ra's Al Ghul. Bruce also teams up with Lt. Gordon and Rachel Dawes to battle the Scarecrow and his criminal allies. In the end, Batman defeats them all and brings order back to Gotham City.