Top Guys 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. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, a banker 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. The film portrays Andy's unique outlook on life in the prison, and how he overcomes the brutality and hopelessness to gain his freedom. It follows his friendship with Red, and their journey of hope, freedom, and redemption. The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

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

The Godfather is a 1972 crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel of the same name by Italian-American author Mario Puzo. It stars Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone, the aging head of a powerful New York crime family. After his beloved son is almost killed in an assassination attempt, Vito sets out to take revenge and expand his criminal empire. His ruthless tactics and cunning business sense make him a powerful and dangerous figure in the underworld. As he ascends to the top of the criminal underworld, Vito must confront his own inner demons and the secrets that threaten to tear his family apart.

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 1972 classic The Godfather. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather Part II follows the continuing story of the Corleone crime family. In this installment, the aging Don Vito Corleone is passed down the mantle of Don to his son Michael Corleone. Michael must now protect his family from the ever increasing threats of rival crime families, corrupt politicians, and the FBI. Meanwhile, flashbacks to the past show Vito's rise from Sicilian immigrant to mafia don. Through his hard work and crafty business dealings, Vito is able to build a powerful criminal empire that will grow to become the largest of its kind in America. The Godfather Part II is an emotionally charged crime drama that won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is considered by many to be one of the greatest sequels of all time.

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. The film follows the lives of two professional hitmen, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, as they embark on a series of adventures with a series of misfits, criminals, and other strange characters. The film is noted for its nonlinear narrative, offbeat humour, and dense dialogue. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and has been listed in numerous critics' top ten lists. The film features an ensemble cast, including John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, and Harvey Keitel. It has become a cult classic and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 film directed by David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. The film follows an unnamed narrator, played by Norton, as he becomes increasingly disillusioned with his white-collar lifestyle and is drawn into a mysterious underground fight club started by the enigmatic Tyler Durden (Pitt). As the two fight, they become close friends, and the club evolves into a violent cult. The narrator soon discovers that Tyler's goal is to start a global revolution, and he is ready to stop at nothing to achieve it. The film is full of dark comedy, action, and suspense, exploring themes of nihilism, masculinity, and consumerism. It is widely regarded as a cult classic and has been praised for its innovative visuals and clever writing.

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

Forrest Gump is a 1994 comedy-drama directed by Robert Zemeckis that tells the story of an innocent, good-hearted man named Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) who, despite his below-average IQ, has a knack for getting through life with the help of his friend Jenny (Robin Wright). The film follows Forrest's life from childhood to adulthood as he experiences the most significant moments in 20th century American history, while remaining an optimist throughout. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters and experiences love, loss, heartbreak, and triumph. In the end, Forrest's life is an inspirational reminder of the power of unconditional love and perseverance.

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

Goodfellas is a 1990 crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the non-fiction book, Wiseguy, by Nicholas Pileggi. The movie follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a mob associate who begins working for the Lucchese crime family in the 1950s and becomes an important figure in the mafia by the 1970s. The film follows Hill's journey from a young gangster to an established mobster, and then his downfall as he attempts to live the ‘good life’ and eventually gets arrested for his criminal activities. Along the way, the film shows the violent, dark, and often humorous underworld of organized crime and its characters, who are portrayed by an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, and Paul Sorvino.

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

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is the original film of the Star Wars saga, directed by George Lucas, and released in 1977. The story follows a young farm boy, Luke Skywalker, who joins with a ragtag group of rebels on a mission to save the galaxy from the evil Empire. The rebels must destroy the Empire's superweapon, the Death Star, before it can be used to enslave the entire galaxy. Along the way, Luke discovers that he is a powerful Jedi and learns to use the Force to battle the Empire. With help from his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his new friends, including the daring Princess Leia, Luke learns the power of the Force and defeats the Empire, restoring freedom to the galaxy.

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

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a sci-fi action film directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Robert Patrick. The film is the sequel to 1984's The Terminator, and follows Sarah Connor and her son John as they attempt to prevent a future apocalypse caused by the artificial intelligence Skynet. To protect them, Sarah and John enlist the help of a reprogrammed T-800 Terminator from the future. Together, they must stop the evil T-1000, a shape-shifting assassin sent back in time by Skynet to kill John and prevent him from leading a human resistance to Skynet in the future. The trio embarks on an adrenaline-filled adventure as they battle the T-1000 and the forces of Skynet in a race against time to save the future of humanity.

From Bryan Singer, starring Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, Stephen Baldwin
Rated R

The Usual Suspects is a 1995 neo-noir thriller directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie. The film follows a group of five small-time criminals who are brought together by a mysterious figure, Keyser Söze, and asked to perform a daring heist. One by one, the criminals die or disappear and the details of the heist remain a mystery. In the end, it is revealed that the heist was an elaborate set-up orchestrated by Keyser Söze himself in order to exact revenge for wrongs committed against him. The film stars Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro, Kevin Spacey, Stephen Baldwin, and Kevin Pollak.

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

American History X is a drama film set in Venice, California, and follows the life of a former neo-Nazi named Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton). After the killing of two black youths by Derek's younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong), Derek is sent to prison for three years. Upon his release, Derek attempts to distance himself from the white supremacist group he once belonged to, and seeks redemption for his past actions. With the help of a black teacher (Avery Brooks) and an old friend (Fairuza Balk), Derek is able to overcome his prejudice and embrace a more tolerant worldview. The film follows Derek's journey to redemption and his struggle to keep his brother on the right path. Ultimately, Derek is able to resolve his conflicts and renew his dedication to his family.

From Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Rated R

Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson. The film stars Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Ralf Möller, Oliver Reed, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, and Richard Harris. Gladiator tells the story of a once-powerful Roman general, Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed by the emperor's son Commodus and is forced into slavery. He rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murder of his family and his emperor. Along the way, he receives help from a female senator and learns to embrace his new identity as a gladiator. Ultimately, Maximus is triumphant in the arena, but Commodus gets the ultimate revenge by killing Maximus and ending the fight. In death, Maximus finds peace and his story is told to generations to come.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg
Rated R

The Departed tells the story of two men on opposite sides of the law, both attempting to uncover the identity of each other within the Massachusetts State Police force. Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is a gangster who has infiltrated the police department as an informant and William Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), an undercover cop working to expose Sullivan and take down the Irish mob. As the stakes continue to rise, the two men become locked in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, struggling to stay one step ahead of each other in order to survive. With intense action sequences, vivid characters, and unexpected plot twists, The Departed is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.

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

Apocalypse Now is a classic war drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Set during the Vietnam War, the film follows a U.S. Army special operations officer, Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) on a mission to assassinate a renegade Green Beret Colonel named Kurtz (Marlon Brando). On his journey, he encounters a variety of characters, from a rogue Playboy photographer to a psychotic air-cavalry officer. Through his journey, Willard must confront his own inner demons as he navigates the horrors of the conflict. He ultimately discovers the horrific atrocities committed by the Colonel, and is forced to make a difficult decision between moral righteousness and military duty. The film is an intense, psychological exploration of the darkness of war and the sacrifices it requires.

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

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is an action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. The film follows Indiana Jones, an archeologist, as he attempts to prevent the Nazis from acquiring the powerful and mysterious artifact known as the Ark of the Covenant. Indiana Jones battles Nazi agents, rival archeologists, and formidable ancient booby traps in his quest to find the Ark first. Along the way, he is aided by his former lover, Marion Ravenwood, and his friend Sallah. Indiana Jones eventually discovers the Ark, only to have it taken away by the Nazis. In a thrilling climax, Indiana Jones manages to retrieve the Ark and save the day.

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 Cold War satire film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows an insane American general, Jack D. Ripper, who orders a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. The President of the United States and his advisers, including the titular character Dr. Strangelove, attempt to prevent a nuclear apocalypse. The film is a darkly comic satire of Cold War anxieties and nuclear paranoia, focusing on the politics and technology of mutually assured destruction. The movie is well-remembered for its humorous dialogue and black comedy, and its cast includes Peter Sellers in multiple roles. The film remains one of the most acclaimed and influential films in the history of cinema.

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

Scarface is a 1983 American crime film directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. The film follows Cuban refugee Tony Montana (Al Pacino) as he arrives in Miami, Florida with his best friend Manny Ribera (Steven Bauer) and his sister Gina (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) to pursue the American Dream. After finding himself involved in the drug trade, Montana rises to become one of the most powerful drug lords in Miami. Along the way, he meets the love of his life, Elvira Hancock (Michelle Pfeiffer), and engages in a violent war with rival drug gangs. The film is a re-imagining of the 1932 film of the same name, and its themes of ambition and excess remain relevant today.

From Michael Mann, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight
Rated R

Heat is a crime thriller directed by Michael Mann starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. It is the story of two men on opposite sides of the law, Lt. Vincent Hanna and professional thief Neil McCauley. Both men are determined and driven and the lines between them become increasingly blurred. Hanna is a cop and McCauley is a career criminal, and their paths cross when Hanna is assigned to take down McCauley’s gang. As the investigation progresses, the two come to understand each other and a mutual respect grows between them, while they both struggle with their personal lives and the consequences of their respective professions. As their lives become intertwined, they are ultimately forced to choose between conflicting loyalties and their own respective moral codes.

From George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning
Rated PG

The Sting is a 1973 American caper film set in 1936, directed by George Roy Hill and starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford as a pair of confidence tricksters. The story, set in Chicago, Illinois, involves a complicated plot by two professional grifters to con a mob boss. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won seven, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. The intricate plot involves an elaborate fake betting parlor set up by the two grifters, which they use to lure the mob boss into placing a bet that will cost him a large sum of money. Through an impressive display of skillful deception and timing, the two grifters succeed in outsmarting the mob boss and taking his money. The Sting is a highly acclaimed classic of cinema, praised for its strong performances, directing, and writing.

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

Citizen Kane tells the story of an enigmatic and powerful media mogul, Charles Foster Kane, as he reflects on his life in his final moments. After inheriting a massive fortune from a gold-mining tycoon, Kane built a vast empire of newspapers and other media outlets. He became a powerful and influential figure in American politics, but his personal and professional life ultimately took a tragic turn. Through interviews with numerous people who knew Kane, the film reveals the truth about his mysterious past and the hidden motivations behind his accomplishments. Citizen Kane is widely hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, thanks to its innovative and groundbreaking cinematography, editing, and sound design. It is considered a landmark in American cinema and one of the greatest films of all time.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Mélanie Laurent
Rated R

Inglourious Basterds is a 2009 American war film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, and starring Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, and Mélanie Laurent. Set during World War II, the film tells the story of a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "The Basterds". Led by their ruthless leader Lt. Aldo Raine, the Basterds are on a mission to take down the leaders of the Third Reich. Along the way, they come up against a German actress, Shosanna Dreyfus, who is out for revenge against the Nazis. The film culminates in a dramatic climax, as the Basterds and Shosanna join forces to enact their own brand of justice against the Nazi regime.

From John McTiernan, starring Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson
Rated R

Die Hard is a classic action thriller from 1988 directed by John McTiernan. The film stars Bruce Willis as John McClane, an NYPD detective who is visiting Los Angeles to reconcile with his estranged wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia). After Holly's company's Christmas party is taken over by the German terrorist group "Karl" and "Gruber" (Alan Rickman and Alexander Godunov, respectively), McClane is forced to fight back against the terrorists alone. With the help of Sgt. Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson) and a young hacker named Theo (Clarence Gilyard, Jr.), he must save the hostages and take down the villains to save the day. Featuring iconic action sequences, thrilling suspense, and memorable one-liners, Die Hard is considered to be one of the greatest action movies of all time.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Alison Doody, Denholm Elliott
Rated PG-13

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is an action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. It is the third installment of the Indiana Jones franchise. The film follows Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) as he teams up with his father Dr. Henry Jones (Sean Connery) to search for the Holy Grail. The two adventurers, along with their allies, must contend with the Nazis who are also searching for the powerful artifact. Along their quest, Indiana Jones and his father must battle snakes, face booby traps, and confront dangerous enemies. In the end, Indiana and his father are successful in their search and make it out alive with the Grail.

From John Sturges, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson
Rated Approved

The Great Escape is a classic 1963 film directed by John Sturges, and starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough. Set during World War II, the film follows the story of a group of Allied prisoners of war who plan an elaborate escape from a German POW camp. Led by a British Royal Air Force officer (Richard Attenborough), the prisoners engineer an escape plan that is put into motion by a handful of individuals. After several failed attempts, the group eventually succeeds in tunneling out of the camp. Unfortunately, only a few of the escapees manage to reach safety. The film is based on a true story and is a thrilling adventure of courage, ingenuity and friendship.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent
Rated R

Raging Bull is a biographical film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxer from the Bronx. It focuses on LaMotta’s rise to fame in the 1940s, his self-destructive behavior, and his eventual fall from grace. As LaMotta struggles with his inner demons, he comes to terms with his life outside of the ring, including a volatile relationship with his wife, Vickie. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest sports films of all time, and it showcases Scorsese's brilliance in combining his love of boxing and his passion for the art of filmmaking.