Top Drama Movies

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

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 drama film directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. The film tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover, and sent to the Shawshank State Penitentiary. While there, he forms an unlikely friendship with a fellow inmate, Red. Andy uses his skills to help both himself and his fellow inmates, and develops a plan to escape from the prison. The film follows Andy's journey, as he endures the harsh realities of prison life and his struggle to keep hope alive. Along the way, he discovers the power of friendship and redemption.

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 produced by Albert S. Ruddy, based on Mario Puzo's best-selling novel of the same name. The film stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as the leaders of the Corleone crime family. The story follows the Corleone family patriarch Vito Corleone, played by Brando, as he attempts to expand and protect his family's influence in organized crime. His youngest son Michael Corleone, played by Pacino, takes over the family business after Vito's death and quickly learns the darker side of his family's criminal activities. He struggles to reconcile his family's criminal actions with his own moral code, eventually becoming the powerful head of the Corleone family. The Godfather is acclaimed by many as one of the greatest films ever made, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential films of all time. It earned numerous awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as 10 Golden Globe nominations and four BAFTA Awards. It has since become a cultural phenomenon with its memorable characters, dramatic plot twists and stylized cinematography.

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

Schindler's List is the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman and Nazi Party member who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. Set in Kraków during World War II, the film follows Schindler as he gradually becomes aware of the atrocities of the Nazi regime and begins to take desperate measures to save the Jews in his care. Depicting a range of human emotions from despair to courage and hope, the film culminates in a powerful and moving conclusion. Schindler's List won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Score, among other awards.

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 classic 1972 film The Godfather. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, it follows the continuing story of the Corleone crime family, with a focus on the rise of Michael Corleone as the family’s new don. The film follows two timelines, one set in the early 1900s showing Vito Corleone’s ascent to power in New York’s Little Italy and the other set in the late 1950s focusing on Michael’s struggles to keep his family’s criminal empire intact. The film features Robert De Niro as a young Vito Corleone, Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen, and Diane Keaton as Kay Adams. As Michael continues to protect his family, he must also battle attempts by the Senate and the IRS to uncover his criminal activities. The Godfather Part II won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Coppola. It is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made and is widely considered to be one of the most influential movies of all time.

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

"12 Angry Men" (1957) is an American courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet. The film follows a jury of twelve men as they deliberate a verdict in the trial of an 18-year-old Latino boy accused of murdering his father. The jury is initially unanimous in their vote for a guilty verdict, but one juror, Juror 8 (Henry Fonda), casts a dissenting vote, setting off a course of debate, emotion, and reason that leads to a remarkable conclusion. Through the heated discussion, the jurors gradually re-examine their values, prejudices, and preconceptions regarding the accused and the law, leading to a powerful statement about the nature of justice.

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 defining historical events in the 20th century United States. Through a series of unrelated and unrelated events, Forrest finds himself in the midst of the Vietnam War, Watergate scandal, and a number of other political and social events. Along his journey, he meets a variety of people, including his sweetheart, Jenny, who have a profound effect on his life. The film follows Forrest's inner journey as he struggles to find his place in the world and make peace with his past.

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

Goodfellas is an American classic crime film by director Martin Scorsese, and follows the life of Henry Hill and his friends as they become involved in the world of organized crime. The movie begins with Henry as a young boy, dreaming of the life of a gangster. As he grows older, he starts working for the local mob, quickly rising through the ranks. Soon, he and his friends begin making big money and enjoying the lavish lifestyle that comes with it. However, their criminal activities soon catch up to them and they find themselves facing serious legal troubles. In the end, they are forced to face the consequences of their choices.

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, starring Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher. Set in a psychiatric hospital, the film chronicles the story of Randle Patrick McMurphy, a criminal who feigns insanity to serve his sentence in a mental institution rather than prison. McMurphy becomes a symbol of hope and freedom among the hospital's inmates, who are oppressed under the hospital's cruel and oppressive head nurse, Nurse Ratched. With the help of his fellow patients, McMurphy challenges her rule and attempts to lead the inmates in a revolt against the oppressive system. The film is an adaptation of Ken Kesey's 1962 novel of the same name, and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

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

The Green Mile is an Academy Award-nominated movie directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, and David Morse. The movie follows the story of a death row prison guard, played by Tom Hanks, who develops a special bond with an inmate on death row, played by Michael Clarke Duncan. As the movie progresses, Hanks' character discovers that his inmate has a supernatural ability to heal people. In the midst of a struggle between good and evil, the warden and others must decide what to do with this inmate and the power he holds. The movie follows the characters as they struggle with their moral decisions and their own personal beliefs against the backdrop of a death penalty system. It explores themes of justice and faith, as well as the power of love and understanding. The Green Mile is a powerful and moving story that illuminates the human condition and our capacity for compassion and understanding.

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

City of God is a 2002 crime drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. The film is set in the Cidade de Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and follows two boys who grow up in the neighborhood and take different paths; one becomes a photographer, and the other a drug dealer. The film is an exploration of crime and violence in a marginalized society, and follows the struggles of the characters to survive under the oppressive atmosphere of poverty and crime. It also examines the themes of morality, ambition, and loyalty, and shows how they can be corrupted by the environment in which one lives. It is a powerful and sometimes graphic portrayal of life in the slums of Rio de Janeiro.

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

Seven Samurai is a 1954 Japanese film directed by legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Set in 16th-century Japan, the film follows the story of seven samurai who are hired to protect a small village from a band of bandits. The samurai are led by the heroic Kambei Shimada, a wise and compassionate leader who takes on the challenge of defending the village. With the help of the villagers, the samurai create a plan of defense and begin to train the people in the ways of warfare. The villagers soon recognize the samurai's courage and determination and come to trust them. After a long and difficult battle against the bandits, the samurai and the villagers emerge victorious. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and was an influence on many later Western films.

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

American History X is a 1998 drama directed by Tony Kaye that tells the story of Derek Vinyard, a former neo-Nazi skinhead. Derek, after serving three years in prison for the murder of two black gang members, returns home to attempt to prevent his younger brother Danny from following in his dangerous footsteps. Derek's attempt to steer Danny away from a life of violence and prejudice leads to a journey of self-discovery as Derek struggles to come to terms with the events that led him to prison. Along the way, Derek learns the value of tolerance and understanding, while Danny learns to question his beliefs and his own journey of self-discovery begins. The film explores the consequences of racism and prejudice, and ultimately shows the power of redemption.

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

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 French-American crime-drama film written and directed by Luc Besson. It stars Jean Reno and Natalie Portman in her film debut. The story follows a professional assassin Léon (Reno), who reluctantly takes in a 12-year-old Mathilda (Portman) after her family is killed by corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration agents. To cope with her loss, Mathilda asks Léon to teach her his skills so she can avenge her family’s deaths. However, Léon soon finds himself in a situation that he may not be able to handle when his new apprentice falls for a dangerous man. The film also features Gary Oldman as a sadistic DEA agent and Danny Aiello as an Italian mobster.

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. Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) runs a nightclub in Casablanca and is doing everything he can to stay out of the war. But when his former love, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) shows up with her husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), the leader of a Czech resistance movement, Rick is drawn into the plight of the resistance fighters. Now, Rick must decide whether to help Laszlo escape the city or remain neutral, while also trying to win Ilsa back. With a memorable cast of characters and a classic plot, Casablanca is a timeless classic of the golden age of Hollywood.

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 epic Spaghetti Western film directed by Sergio Leone and starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, and Jason Robards. Set in the American Old West, the film follows a mysterious stranger (Fonda) as he works to protect a widow (Cardinale) from a ruthless robber baron (Robards). Along the way, he is assisted by a harmonica-playing gunslinger (Bronson) who is seeking revenge for the death of his brother. With intense attention to detail and a measured, deliberate pace, Leone creates a tense, thrilling narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns as the stranger and his allies battle against their ruthless enemies. The film's iconic score, composed by Ennio Morricone, has become a classic of Western cinema.

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

American Beauty follows the story of a middle-aged man named Lester Burnham, who is going through a mid-life crisis. In an attempt to reclaim his youth, Lester quits his job, pursues his dream of becoming a fast-food restaurant manager, and starts to neglect his marriage. Meanwhile, his teenage daughter, Jane, is developing a relationship with an awkward, dark-haired boy named Ricky who admires Jane from afar. As their relationship grows, Ricky reveals that he is an aspiring filmmaker who has been secretly videotaping Jane and her family. As Lester's mid-life crisis intensifies and he begins to fall in love with a woman from work, he begins to realize the beauty of life and how precious it is. The film follows how this newfound appreciation of life affects each of the characters in the film.

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 Cold War-era black comedy film directed by Stanley Kubrick. It stars Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, and Slim Pickens. The plot centers around an unhinged United States Air Force general who launches a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union in a deranged attempt to stop the Russians from destroying America with a "doomsday machine". The rest of the film follows the political and military leaders' attempts to prevent the attack and its disastrous consequences. Through dark jokes, satire, and absurd situations, the film addresses the fears of a nuclear holocaust.

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

Amadeus is a 1984 biographical drama film directed by Milos Forman, based on the play of the same name by Peter Shaffer. The film follows the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest composers of all time. The story is told from the perspective of Salieri, a contemporary of Mozart, and his attempts to outdo Mozart out of spite and jealousy. The film follows the career of Mozart, from his early success to his untimely death, and his legacy. Along the way, his relationships with Salieri, his wife Constanze, and his father Leopold are explored. Amadeus is a story of love, rivalry, and music, and how one man's brilliance overshadowed all other composers of the time.

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

The Lives of Others is a 2006 German drama film directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck that depicts life in East Berlin in 1984, five years before the fall of the Berlin Wall. It follows the story of Stasi captain Gerd Wiesler, who is assigned to spy on renowned East German playwright Georg Dreyman and his actress girlfriend Christa-Maria Sieland. The film highlights the real-life struggle between freedom and surveillance, as Gerd begins to sympathize with the couple while maintaining a facade of professional detachment. The film has won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2007.

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

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 film directed by Stanley Kubrick which follows the story of Alex DeLarge, a charismatic and highly intelligent yet amoral and sociopathic teenage delinquent who leads a small gang of thugs in a series of violent crimes. After being arrested, Alex is subjected to a controversial form of psychological rehabilitation which involves listening to classical music and watching disturbing films. The experiment leads to Alex becoming a model citizen but also brings about unexpected internal turmoil as he struggles to reconcile his newfound morality with his criminal past. The film's themes explore morality, free will, and human nature and is widely considered to be one of Kubrick's greatest films.

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

Scarface is an iconic crime drama film directed by Brian De Palma. The movie follows Tony Montana (Al Pacino) as he rises to power in the drug underworld of Miami. It follows his journey from a Cuban refugee, to a powerful drug lord. Along the way, he clashes with rival gangs and his own erratic behavior. The movie is a violent, operatic look at the American Dream gone wrong. It is considered to be one of the greatest gangster movies of all time and has achieved cult classic status.

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

Good Will Hunting is a 1997 American drama film directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, and Minnie Driver. The film follows Will Hunting, a troubled genius and janitor at M.I.T., who is struggling to find his place in the world. After a therapist discovers his untapped potential, Will is faced with the challenge of finding a way to make use of his gifts while dealing with his inner demons. With the help of his therapist and friends, Will sets out on an emotional and intellectual journey that leads him to a better understanding of himself and the world.

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

Citizen Kane is a 1941 drama film that follows the life and career of Charles Foster Kane, a powerful newspaper publisher, and reveals the story of his missing "Rosebud" that has puzzled people for years. It begins with a newsreel of the death of Kane, followed by interviews of various characters from Kane's past, who each give a different interpretation of the meaning of Kane's dying word, "Rosebud". Through a series of flashbacks, the audience is taken through Kane's childhood, his failed marriage, and his struggles to maintain control of his newspaper empire. Ultimately, Kane's drive for power leads him to lose everything that is important to him. The film is critically acclaimed, earning nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

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

Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 British epic historical drama directed by David Lean. The film tells the story of T.E. Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks. Lawrence must overcome his own personal demons and successfully navigate the difficult cultural and religious divides of the Arab world in order to bring about the Arab Revolt. The film stars Peter O'Toole in the lead role, with supporting performances by Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Omar Sharif and Claude Rains. The film, which is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time, was nominated for ten Academy Awards, winning seven, including Best Picture and Best Director for Lean.

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

Batman Begins is a 2005 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan that tells the origin story of Bruce Wayne and his transformation into the titular vigilante. After his parents are murdered in Gotham City, Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world, training and learning the skills necessary to fight the corruption and crime in his city. Upon returning to Gotham, Bruce joins forces with Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), and Lieutenant Gordon (Gary Oldman) to try and clean up the city, eventually donning a new persona - Batman. With his new persona, Bruce begins to battle the villains of Gotham, namely, the League of Shadows and its leader Ra's al Ghul (Liam Neeson). Batman must ultimately face his ultimate enemy, The Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy), in order to save the city he loves.