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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. During his time at the prison, he befriends 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 eventually able to escape from Shawshank and start a new life. The film has since become one of the most critically acclaimed films of all time, with many critics praising its story, acting, direction, cinematography, and score. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won one for Best Adapted Screenplay.

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

The Godfather is an Academy Award-winning 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy, based on Mario Puzo's best-selling novel of the same name. It stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as the leaders of a powerful New York Mafia family. The story, spanning 1945-1955, chronicles the family under the patriarch Vito Corleone (Brando), focusing on the transformation of Michael Corleone (Pacino) from reluctant family outsider to ruthless Mafia boss. The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in world cinema and one of the most influential, especially in the gangster genre. It was followed by two sequels, The Godfather Part II in 1974 and The Godfather Part III in 1990.

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 critically acclaimed fantasy film trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novels. The film follows the continuing journey of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) as he and the Fellowship continue their epic quest to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-Earth from the dark forces of Sauron. With the forces of evil massing in Mordor, the brave hobbit and his allies must battle to protect the land from Sauron's domination. Along their journey, they enlist the help of the ancient King of Gondor, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), and the noble wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), as they seek to defeat the armies of Sauron and restore peace to Middle-Earth. The Return of the King features epic battles, powerful characters, and a heartwarming ending as Frodo and his friends triumph over darkness.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed, co-written, and produced by Christopher Nolan. The film is based on the DC Comics character Batman and it is the second installment in Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy. The plot follows Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) as he deals with the arrival of a new criminal mastermind, The Joker (Heath Ledger), and his plan to wreak havoc in Gotham City. With the help of his allies, including police lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Bruce sets out to stop the Joker's reign of terror. The film features performances from an ensemble cast, including Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. The Dark Knight is regarded as one of the greatest superhero films of all time, as well as one of the greatest films of the 2000s. It was praised for its dark and mature themes, visual style, story, performances, action sequences, and soundtrack. The Dark Knight grossed over $1 billion worldwide at the box office and won two Academy Awards.

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

12 Angry Men is a classic courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet. It follows a jury of twelve men as they deliberate a case concerning the guilt of an 18-year-old boy accused of murder. As the jury discusses the case, the jurors reveal their own prejudices and preconceived notions of justice, as well as the influence of society on their individual judgements. As the evidence is discussed, one juror, Juror 8 (Henry Fonda), casts doubt on the verdict, leading to heated debates among the jurors in an effort to reach a unanimous decision. In the end, the jury manages to put aside their differences and agree to acquit the accused, in spite of insurmountable odds. 12 Angry Men is a powerful exploration of justice and the power of persuasion.

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

"Schindler's List" is an Academy Award-winning 1993 American epic drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg. 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 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 has been widely acclaimed for its powerful portrayal of the Holocaust and for its depiction of Schindler's courage in risking his life to protect the Jews from the Nazi concentration camps. It was nominated for twelve Academy Awards and won seven, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Score. It is considered by many to be one of the greatest films of all time.

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 Quentin Tarantino. The movie follows the lives of two mob hit men, a boxer, a gangster’s wife, and a pair of diner robbers as their stories intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption. The movie features John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, and Bruce Willis in the lead roles. The movie is largely considered to be one of the most influential films of the 1990s, redefining modern American cinema with its non-linear plot structure, dark humor, and philosophical musings. The movie was a critical and commercial success, winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and garnering seven Academy Award nominations.

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 action-packed fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson. It is the first film of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel of the same name. The story follows a fellowship of nine adventurers, including Frodo Baggins, Aragorn, Gandalf, and Gimli, who embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron. Along the way, they must battle evil forces and face many obstacles, including the all-powerful Ringwraiths and the deadly Balrog. The Fellowship ultimately succeeds in their quest, but not without great danger and sacrifice. The Fellowship of the Ring is a thrilling, visually stunning, and emotionally moving film that has become a classic fantasy epic.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is the second installment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. The story follows the continuing journey of Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and the Fellowship of the Ring as they attempt to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron. The Two Towers focuses on the “two towers” of the story, Orthanc, the tower of the wizard Saruman, and Barad-dûr, the Dark Tower of Sauron. While Frodo and Sam journey to Mordor to destroy the Ring, the remaining members of the Fellowship confront the overwhelming forces of evil intent on capturing Middle-earth. Aided by a group of heroic Rohirrim, they make desperate battles against the armies of Sauron, culminating in the Battle of Helm’s Deep. The film is filled with daring escapes, heroic battles, and heart-wrenching moments as the Fellowship battles to save Middle-earth from the forces of evil.

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

Fight Club is a 1999 American psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter. The film follows an unnamed narrator (Norton) who is discontented with his white-collar job. He forms a "fight club" with soap maker Tyler Durden (Pitt), and they are joined by men who also want to fight recreationally. The narrator becomes embroiled in a relationship with Durden and a dissolute woman, Marla Singer (Bonham Carter), which escalates into an underground movement of fight clubs and vandalism. The narrator's mental stability deteriorates as he becomes involved with Durden's reckless projects. The film has a complex narrative structure and features themes of consumerism, masculinity, and anticonsumerism. It was a critical and commercial success, and is now considered a cult classic.

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

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The film stars Tom Hanks as the titular character, a slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses, and in some cases influences, some of the most important events of the latter half of the 20th century in the United States. Through a series of flashbacks, Forrest recounts his life story to strangers while waiting at a bus stop. After a difficult childhood, Forrest joins the Army and is sent to Vietnam, where he is awarded the Medal of Honor. Upon returning home, Forrest uses his prize money to start a shrimping business, which makes him a millionaire. He then meets and falls in love with Jenny, a socialite from a troubled past. Despite the obstacles they face, Forrest and Jenny eventually marry, have a child, and live happily ever after. The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $677 million worldwide and winning six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a science fiction thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a professional thief who specializes in extracting information from people's subconscious minds. Cobb is offered a chance to regain his old life by performing a seemingly impossible task: planting an idea in the mind of a CEO. He assembles a team to help him with the task, including a chemist, an architect, and a forger. Together, they must navigate the dream world, where laws of time and space are distorted, to successfully complete their mission. They must also face dark forces, like Cobb's own inner demons, that threaten to derail their efforts. Inception is an intricate and thrilling exploration of the power of dreams, the power of the mind, and the power of the human spirit.

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, starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach. The three central characters, "The Good" (Eastwood), "The Bad" (Van Cleef), and "The Ugly" (Wallach), are all on a mission to find $200,000 in Confederate gold buried in a cemetery. Along the way, the three men encounter many obstacles, including ruthless bounty hunters, an Army captain, and a mysterious woman. Their pursuit of the gold brings them into conflict with each other, as they constantly try to outwit and outgun each other in order to get their hands on the treasure. The film is considered to be one of the greatest films in cinema history and has been praised for its innovative use of music, cinematography, and attention to detail.

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

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is the 1980 sequel to George Lucas's 1977 science fiction classic, Star Wars. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the film follows the fledgling Rebel Alliance as they flee the Galactic Empire and set up a base on the ice planet Hoth. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca and the rest of the gang are pursued by Darth Vader, the Empire's dark lord, and find refuge in the swampy planet Dagobah. On his journey to become a Jedi Knight, Luke confronts Vader in a lightsaber duel and learns that Vader is his father. Han and Leia are pursued by the Empire, with Han being captured and put into carbonite. The Rebels eventually escape with the help of Lando Calrissian and the Millennium Falcon, and the group returns to fight for the Rebel cause. The Empire Strikes Back is hailed as one of the greatest sequels of all time and features iconic characters, iconic moments, and one of the most epic music scores ever written. The film received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The film continues the Star Wars saga and sets the stage for the eventual conclusion in Return of the Jedi (1983).

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction action film written and directed by the Wachowski siblings. It stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, a computer hacker who discovers that the world he lives in is a simulated reality created by intelligent machines to keep humans under control and harvest their energy. With the help of Morpheus and Trinity, Neo learns the truth and joins rebel forces in a fight against the machines. Along the way, Neo uncovers the secrets of the Matrix and learns the true nature of reality. The Matrix was a critical and commercial success, praised for its revolutionary visual effects and groundbreaking action sequences.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is a 2001 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. Set in a rural Japan which has been transformed by an array of mysterious phenomena, the film follows Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl who, while moving to a new neighbourhood, enters the spirit world. After her parents are turned into pigs, Chihiro must work at a bathhouse for the deities in order to free them and return to the human world. Along the way, she befriends a cast of characters, including the mysterious Haku, and encounters a series of challenges that she must overcome if she is to succeed in her quest. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning several awards and becoming the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. It is widely considered one of Miyazaki's best works, and a masterpiece of animation.

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

Seven Samurai is a classic 1954 Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The story follows a village of farmers who hire a group of seven masterless samurai to protect them from a band of marauders who threaten to return and destroy the village. The seven samurai must use their wits and martial arts skills to defeat the bandits and save the village. Along the way, the samurai form bonds with the villagers and develop a deep sense of loyalty and friendship. In the end, the samurai are victorious and the village is saved. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and has had a lasting influence on cinema.

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. It is the first film in the original Star Wars trilogy and the beginning of the Star Wars franchise. The film follows Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy from Tatooine, as he joins forces with the Rebel Alliance to help them fight against the Galactic Empire. Along the way, he meets Han Solo, a smuggler, and Princess Leia, a leader of the Rebel Alliance. With the help of his new friends, Luke and the Rebels embark on a mission to destroy the Empire's ultimate weapon, the Death Star. Along the way, Luke discovers the power of the Force and his destiny as a Jedi Knight. The movie ends with the Rebels victorious and the Empire defeated.

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

The Green Mile is a 1999 American supernatural drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont and based on the 1996 Stephen King novel of the same name. The film stars Tom Hanks as a prison guard in a death row in the 1930s who develops a unique bond with one of the inmates, a supernatural African American who has been wrongfully convicted of murder, played by Michael Clarke Duncan. The film also stars David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, James Cromwell, and Sam Rockwell. The story follows the life of Paul Edgecomb as he works as a guard on the Green Mile, or death row, at Cold Mountain Penitentiary. Along with his fellow guards, Edgecomb grows close to the inmates on death row, especially John Coffey, a supernatural African American inmate guilty of a murder he claims he did not commit. Edgecomb and the other guards witness Coffey perform miraculous feats and come to believe he is innocent. Despite the guards' attempts to prove Coffey's innocence, Coffey is executed and Edgecomb is left feeling helpless and guilty. The film follows Edgecomb's journey to overcome his guilt and grief and his attempt to find justice for Coffey.

From Roberto Benigni, starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano
Rated PG-13

Life Is Beautiful is a tragic-comedy film directed by Roberto Benigni and starring Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi and Giorgio Cantarini. In the film, a Jewish man named Guido is sent to a Nazi concentration camp with his son Giosué. To protect his son from the truth of the camp, Guido creates a game out of their stay and attempts to make the camp a fun and safe place for Giosué by pretending the camp is a game. Guido uses his wit and humor to make Giosué feel safe and loved. Guido's efforts ultimately prove successful and Giosué is able to survive the camp with his innocence and joy intact. The film is an uplifting tale of the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy
Rated PG-13

Interstellar is a 2014 science fiction epic film directed by Christopher Nolan. The story follows a group of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. The crew is led by former NASA pilot Cooper, who must take a daring journey across the unknown universe in order to save the future of humankind. As the crew make their way through the dangers of space, they face a variety of challenges and discover the true power of love and sacrifice. Along the way, they learn of the power of time, gravity and the strength of the human spirit. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine and Matt Damon. The film explores themes of space exploration, the power of love and the effect of time on our lives.

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

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American war film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. Set during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II, the film follows United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and a squad (Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, Adam Goldberg, and Jeremy Davies) as they search for a paratrooper, Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), who is the last surviving brother of four servicemen. The film opens with a vivid 24-minute-long depiction of the Omaha Beach assault of June 6, 1944, during which Miller's men suffer heavy casualties. Afterward, the survivors search for Ryan, and they eventually locate him and bring him back to their base. Along the way, they face many obstacles, including a relentless German counterattack and the drama that arises from the moral and tactical dilemmas they face as they make their way back to safety. The film ends with a scene showing an elderly Ryan, now a retired U.S. Army captain, visiting the graves of his fallen brothers. The film received universal critical acclaim and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning five. It is

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

The Silence of the Lambs is an Academy Award-winning psychological horror film directed by Jonathan Demme and based on Thomas Harris’ novel of the same name. The story follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she seeks the advice of the imprisoned cannibal psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to catch a serial killer known as ‘Buffalo Bill’ (Ted Levine). As Clarice gets closer to the killer, she discovers more about the darkness that lurks inside her own mind. With thrilling performances and sharp direction, The Silence of the Lambs is considered one of the greatest thrillers ever made.

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a 1995 crime thriller directed by David Fincher and starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, and Kevin Spacey. The film follows detectives David Mills (Pitt) and William Somerset (Freeman) as they investigate a series of bizarre and gruesome murders, with each victim being murdered according to the seven deadly sins. As the detectives soon discover, the killer is John Doe (Spacey) who has a diabolical plan in mind to prove a point about the lack of justice in the world. As the detectives get closer to solving the case, they begin to understand the killer’s motive and become determined to bring him to justice. In the end, the detectives must make a difficult decision about how to stop the killer once and for all.

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 drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. The film chronicles the growth of organized crime in the Cidade de Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro between the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1980s, with the bulk of the story taking place between 1970 and 1980. It follows the life of Rocket, a young boy from a poverty-stricken background, who eventually rises up to become a powerful drug lord in the community. Along the way, he is surrounded by violence and tragedy, including the murder of his friend and mentor, Little Ze. Despite this, Rocket maintains a moral code and refuses to get involved in the drug trade. The film ultimately serves as a harsh indictment of the poverty and violence that have become the hallmarks of Brazil’s favelas.