The 75 Greatest Films of All Time

4. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

The journey for Middle-Earth comes to an end in this wonderful trilogy. People often say “[x] movie wasn’t as good as the book”, and usually they are right. This film might be a rare exception. J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the finest writers in history, but Peter Jackson does an amazing job of bringing it to the big screen. Storytelling, music, acting, directing, cinematography, and production were marvelous. Most of the filming took place in New Zealand, which fit Tolkien’s fictional landscape very well. The ending to the movie was so masterful that you just wanted to clap. This movie won the most Oscars in history, taking home everything it was nominated for. I would highly recommend watching the extended version of each of the films.

6. Lawrence of Arabia

This film is based on the real story of T.E. Lawrence, who was a British officer during World War 1. He was a dreamer who united the many Arabian tribes for an assault on the Ottoman Empire. Nobody thought it would be possible, and the rest of the British army mocked him for it. However, Lawrence goes to Arabia, gets the Arabs to buy in with his philosophy, and takes down the Ottoman Empire. Lawrence shows fate is not written until one writes it. Anyone can dream, but it’s those who turn their dreams into reality that truly change the world. I blogged about T.E. Lawrence’s story years ago. Peter O’Toole is amazing in his portrayal of Lawrence along with the rest of the star-studded cast including Peter Guinness, Anthony Quinn, and Omar Sharif. David Lean’s directing, filming, and cinematography are amazing.

8. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

This movie takes place in a mental institution in Oregon in the 1950s. It is based on a novel originally written by Ken Kesey. Jack Nicholson is beyond amazing in his rebellious depiction of the main character Randle McMurphy, and Louise Fletcher won Oscars for best actress as the cold-hearted bitch Nurse Ratched. Much like the book, you want to strangle Nurse Ratched in every scene she is in. The book is narrated by Chief Bromden, a fellow inmate with a keen eye for observation.

The overarching focus lies in a power struggle between McMurphy, representing the individual, and Nurse Ratched, symbolizing society itself. The individual and society are in a continuous battle, with society pressuring the individual to conform. The takeaway message, in my estimation, is that one should live to enjoy life, and it’s perfectly okay to be different. You do not need to conform to society just because you are expected to. Being different does not make you crazy.

10. 12 Angry Men

Much like Rear Window, this movie takes place in a single room – jury room in this case. The acting, script, and story presentation were outstanding. It left your eyes glued to the screen. Henry Fonda is amazing as a juror in leading the rest of the jury to scrutinize the evidence before reaching a final verdict.

The court proceedings are not realistic, but you wish they were. A jury’s responsibility should involve thoroughly investigating all available facts before arriving at a verdict, even through questioning lawyers and witnesses during the trial. Unfortunately, that does not happen in most courts. Instead, jurors must base their decision on what the lawyers choose to present, often cherry-picking information. In contrast to lawyers, judges, and witnesses, who can freely ask questions for clarification, jurors are restricted from directly questioning anyone. It’s perplexing that while others in the courtroom can seek clarity, jurors may not speak. Surprisingly, only three out of the 50 states in the USA permit jurors to ask questions.

12. It’s a Wonderful Life

James Stewart, who had just returned from serving in World War 2 as an Air Force Colonel, plays George Bailey in this classic film by Frank Capra. Bailey faces life’s challenges, losing everything and everyone he loves one by one in the process. In his anguish, he wishes he was never born. An angel gets sent to show him life if he never existed. George comes to understand the profound impact he had on people around the town and how different things would be without him.

It’s a powerful movie that shows the impact of the little things in life and how even the unlikeliest people can touch others in unexpected ways. Bailey develops a deeper appreciation for life and discovers the magical power of kindness, optimism, and life itself. Although you might not have everything you desire in life, and your life might not unfold as you initially hoped, finding happiness comes only through appreciating what you have.

14. Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back

While Star Wars episode 4 is arguably the best from a technical perspective and the beginning of it all, Episode 5 is my favorite from the Star Wars movies. Episode 4 can stand alone, but Episode 5 transformed Star Wars into an actual saga. Episode 5 takes us deeper into the universe while turning the world upside down. We are introduced to the true power of the Empire and the evil Sith lords, Darth Sidious and Darth Vader. It feels like the writers are reaching out to us after episode 4 – “Oh yeah? You destroyed the Death Star?? Wonderful, but we are just getting started!”

My favorite character, Grandmaster Yoda, also enters the equation by beginning Luke’s training as a Jedi, who are famously inspired by Japanese samurai. The development of many characters is further chiseled out and the relationships progress. The pace increases, the acting gets better, the awesome music continues, the cinematography improves, romance is added, and overall creativity is taken up a notch. It is an epic of the highest order.

16. 2001 A Space Odyssey 

This is arguably Stanley Kubrick’s best movie. Space Odyssey is based on a series of books by Arthur C. Clarke, one of the greatest sci-fi writers in history. The depiction of space, artificial intelligence, and the future is well ahead of its time. Star Trek came earlier, but Space Odyssey takes the cake when it comes to realism. Science, technology, engineering, and philosophy are all brought together flawlessly in this tapestry of photography. Camera work, special effects, and cinematography are nothing short of amazing. Questions, such as what it means to be human and where we come from, are central to this legendary film. These are all questions that we humans have asked ourselves time and time again.

Stanley Kubrick, one of the greatest directors in history, takes us on an epic journey through space, time, and infinity. I will never forget the opening scene with the sun rising over the Earth with the ominous Sprach Zarathustra theme song blaring in the background. Some people wonder about the ending, which is ambiguous. I think it was by design, showing us that our future as humanity is also ambiguous. What does our future hold? Are we going to make it or are we destined to fail in our grand endeavor? In true scientific fashion, we are left in the end with more questions than answers.

18. The Usual Suspects

Usual Suspects may not be a flashy big-budget film, but it is a masterpiece. The ending blew my mind the first time I watched this film as I was not expecting it at all (I will not spoil it). Bryan Singer, a relatively unknown director, did an excellent job with the directing, and it felt like a sleight of hand. You expect the movie to be heading one way, then suddenly the ending goes in another direction. You have to watch it to understand. The actors also fit very well together, but Kevin Spacey steals the show. Subsequent watches are not as fun due to you knowing the surprise ending.

20. Godfather Part 2

Director Francis Ford Coppola catapulted the mobster film genre to the top with two masterpieces Godfather 1 and 2 (Godfather 3 left a bitter taste in my mouth). Some say Godfather 2 was even better than the first, but I’m not too sure about that. Marlon Brando’s legendary performance as Don Corleone is a difficult role to follow for even the best actors.

Godfather 2 brought on a rare but pleasant team-up of legendary actors Al Pacino and Robert de Niro. It’s been a long-going argument about who the better actor is between the two. I think Robert de Niro is a slightly better actor, but Al Pacino was sensational in Godfather 2. He plays a cold, heartless prick in this film as he slowly loses a piece of his humanity on the way to the top of the power hierarchy. The music, directing, the cast, and production are all top-notch. The pacing is also faster than the original Godfather, which made this easier to follow along.

22. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Some say The Towers was better than Return of The King, and they have an argument to be made. Some battle scenes, including the end battle at Helm’s Deep, are astounding to watch in theater. The battle at Helm’s Deep was what stood out the most from this film. The set cost millions to construct and took months to film.

There was some deviation from Tolkien’s books, such as a contingent of Elves being sent to fight at Helm’s Deep. The age of Elves had ended in Tolkien’s books, so there were not enough elves remaining to fight. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli were crucial figures in the books, but they took up an even bigger role in the films (Aragorn especially). However, these minor changes helped contribute to the big screen. The cinematography, costumes, visuals, and lighting (particularly the scene when Gandalf arrives) are mind-boggling. In the scene when Gandalf arrives at the 11th hour with thousands of horsemen, I recall the theater was filled with applause. Only a great film can do that. Again, I would recommend the extended version.

24. Goodfellas

Martin Scorsese is at his best here. “Goodfellas” is loosely based on the life of a real-life mobster Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, and fellow mobsters Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito, played by Robert de Niro & Joe Pesci respectively. We see their thrilling rise and demise. The superb acting, masterful directing, intriguing dialogue, fast pacing, and the feel of the changing times feel so authentic. Scorsese makes every moment and every shot count. This film was entertainment personified from start to finish.

26. Dr Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

“Dr Strangelove” is an odd movie in its presentation, but it is an exciting film. Director Stanley Kubrick relies on humor to present a very serious situation. Kubrick made this film during the height of the Cold War to mock the stupidity of the Cold War – he mocks both sides and the foolishness involved, including incompetent politicians and bloodthirsty upper military brass under the helm. While it is a comedy, moments in the movie freak you out to see how much power these folks have on both the American and Soviet sides to end the world within hours with just 1 coded order. The dark humor, sarcasm, and intentional use of puns make you laugh but also scare the crap out of you at the same time. The Cold War was a scary time.

28. Fight Club

My head blew up trying to follow this masterpiece of a movie based on a novel by Chuck Palahniuk. I occasionally found myself wondering what was going on and where it was all leading. The beginning was okay, then it entered ‘awesome’ territory at the midway point. After that, it was almost flawless. This movie is much different from most movies I have watched. I cannot say much else without spoiling it. Just know the 2nd half of the movie is not what you expect going in. You might have to watch it a second time before it all makes sense. Director David Fincher is a superb storyteller, masterfully sending us through unexpected twists and turns. Brad Pitt and Edward Norton have great chemistry together.

30. Life is Beautiful

A brilliant movie about a father, who uses comedy to protect his son from the horrors of the holocaust. His life is filled with pain and suffering, but through it all, he always tries to put a smile on his son’s face. You find yourself laughing while tears are streaming down your face. This movie breaks your heart, but there is something else in play that is inspirational. It shows the wonders of life and how comedy triumphs over everything, even in times of tragedy.

Powerful performance by Italian actor Roberto Benigni, who plays the character ‘Guido’. I think this movie is about life itself more than the Holocaust itself. As long as you keep your dignity and hope alive, no evil can ever dare steal your humanity. This film taught me that as long as you keep your dignity and hope alive, no evil can ever dare steal your humanity. The beauty of love and life trumps everything. Benigni’s Oscar acceptance speech was sensational!

32. The Matrix

A cult classic that has often made me question reality. Do we truly exist or are we part of a complex computer simulation? The matrix originally introduced me to this surreal thought in my early teenage years. It’s a complicated thought concerning the nature of reality that philosophers have been trying to grapple with since the beginning. It leaves us with more questions than answers, and I do not want to get into that here. Back to the movie.

The Matrix is a mesmerizing film that you can’t not watch. Writing, directing, CGI, acting, and editing are all beautiful. The presentation will leave you wondering about this film years and decades later. The characters are memorable and stay with you, including Keanu Reeves as Neo, Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus, Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, and Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith. When this was first introduced, the ideas were innovative and revolutionary. Personal computers were just entering the average person’s home. It has ideas that transcend time.

34. American History X

This film is about the vicious cycle of hatred, racism, and the power of redemption. Edward Norton plays Derek, a racist neo-Nazi who gets sent to prison for murdering two young black men. He returns years later as a reformed man and finds his younger brother Danny has taken on the role of neo-Nazi once held by Derek. Derek has to grapple with that reality and attempt to stop Danny from going down the same path he once had.

The message is simple. Hatred festers if one allows it to but can be overcome through learning to respect not only yourself but also others and humanity. Edward Norton’s acting is inspirational in this movie with top-notch acting. It is not an easy movie to watch, but it is a must-watch for all. I see lots of similarities between Derek and the businessman in “Schindler’s List”, but the presentation is very different.

36. Taare Zameen Par

This Bollywood film also goes by the title “Like Stars on Earth.” It’s a spectacular movie about education. The success of a teacher should not be measured simply by the grades that their students output but by how they reach each student, especially the ones that may be difficult to reach. This movie focuses on a young student named Ishaan, whom his parents and teachers have given up on. He is seen as a troublesome lazy child with no interest in learning. A new teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, played by Aamir Khan, comes along and discovers that Ishaan has dyslexia. With Nikumbh’s tutoring, Ishaan achieves his full potential. The acting and script stand out to me more than anything. I found this movie inspirational, and it left an impression on my views of education I blogged about in the past.

38. Vertigo

Alfred Hitchcock and James Stewart team up yet again in this classic film that is one of the greatest films ever. Stewart plays former Detective John Ferguson, who retired because of a fear of heights. A friend named Gavin asked Ferguson to tail his wife to see what she was up to. Ferguson falls for her during the simple detective work, and the film takes off from there through twists and turns. The camera work, stunning visuals, and cinematography are unforgettable. I recall being taken aback during the ending scene in the bell tower. Hitchcock is an ace director who transformed the film industry with gems like these.

40. Citizen Kane 

This is widely considered the greatest film of all time. I watched it twice, and I’m not too sure about that. This movie depicts the rise and fall of a fictional millionaire newspaper tycoon, Charles Foster Kane. “Citizen Kane” left some to be desired from a story perspective. For the time in question (the 1950s), I think it is great. The elephant in the room is, of course, the brilliant director Orson Welles. He was well ahead of his time when it came to camera work, shot placement, and all the little details that go into directing. This film is no different from the rest of his groundbreaking career.

42. Jurassic Park

There is nothing that hasn’t already been said about “Jurassic Park,” which was originally written by the great Michael Crichton. John Williams’ music accompanies Steven Spielberg’s directing spectacularly. Spielberg used cutting-edge CGI, special effects, and filming techniques to make the dinosaurs come alive. Acting by Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Sam Neill, and Laura Dern keep the boat afloat. The concept of using DNA from the fossilized remains of dinosaur blood in a mosquito is in the realm of science fiction, but the thrilling way it is presented makes it feel believable. An instant classic.

44. Up

Pixar takes you on a journey using comedy, emotions, and imagination. Carl is a grumpy old widower, who had promised his wife on her deathbed that he would achieve his dreams. He meets a young boy scout named Russell, and they set off on an adventure in a house with balloons. Very moving film that can transform your life. The film’s opening montage, which depicts a young Carl falling in love and his marriage, is heartbreaking to watch. Life goes by fast, and before you realize it, you may find yourself with unrealized childhood dreams. If you don’t pursue your dreams, life may feel incomplete, leaving you in the end, pondering what could have been. This movie is about one such individual, who rather than give up, decides to chase one last adventure late in life.

46. Das Boot

Many submarine movies have been filmed over the decades, but Das Boot is by far the best. It follows a group of U-boat crew members on a World War 2 mission in the Atlantic, hunting British ships. The film portrays the human perspective of war realistically, without the flash and glamour often associated with Hollywood, as war is not meant to be glamorous. You feel empathy for the crew, enduring months away from their families in precarious conditions miles underwater and far from civilization. Despite most of the film unfolding within the cramped corridors of a submarine, you hardly notice it. There is always something keeping you on the edge of your seat, including cat-and-mouse chases with Allied ships. The acting, the pace, and the storytelling are outstanding. While the original film is in German, I felt the English dubbing was very good.

48. Jaws

This film is based on a novel of the same name. A Great White shark attacks a woman at a beach on Amity Island. Martin Brody, the local sheriff, takes charge of overseeing and dealing with the situation. Oceanographer Matt Hooper and shark hunter Quint are enlisted to go hunt down the shark in the open ocean. This thriller has mixed emotions and tension to keep you on top of your toes. Steven Spielberg rose to stardom after the success of Jaws.

51. A Beautiful Mind

This film is based on the life of mathematician John Nash, who later won a Nobel Prize for his contributions to mathematics. Nash also has paranoid schizophrenia, which affects him throughout his journey. Russell Crowe is typically known for his action films like Gladiator, but his performance as John Nash is genuine from start to finish. Jennifer Connelly is intense in her role as Nash’s wife Alicia. The chemistry between the two is outstanding. “The Beautiful Mind” lacked flash and glamor and may not be considered a biopic since it altered facts. Having said that, it’s still a must-watch movie.

53. Full Metal Jacket

Stanley Kubrick provides a realistic portrayal of the brutality of warfare. Only in video games and movies can war be glorious and joyful. “Full Metal Jacket” is a disturbing tale of two separate films almost. The first half is set in an Army boot camp where young men undergo training. Transforming boys into trained killers requires dehumanization through humiliation and inhumane treatment. The second half takes place in Vietnam from the perspective of a soldier from the boot camp, nicknamed ‘Joker’. The first half of the film is particularly memorable because of the outstanding performances of Private Pyle, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio, and Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, played by R. Lee Ermey.

55. Se7en

Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt play two detectives in the hunt for a serial killer, who uses the seven deadly sins as his motive. What starts as a standalone murder transforms into a sprawling chase. Director David Fincher does an extraordinary job in this extremely dark & grotesque film. Acting is brilliant from the lead actors and the role actors Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Spacey. While disturbing, the entertainment value never lets you down.

57. Avengers: Infinity War

Marvel spent over a decade building up everything for this showdown against the juggernaut Thanos. And boy, did they succeed! The action is fantastic, the characters have backstories to draw on from previous films, and the storyline is captivating. There is nothing to complain about from technical, acting, or production perspectives. Marvel had to split this film into two because there was no way to fit it all into one.

59. Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock brings the novel to the big screen in this timeless classic. Hitchcock’s meticulous attention to detail shines through in this masterpiece “Psycho”, a subject of study for decades. Unlike most other films on this list, there is not a lot of action or adventure here. “Psycho” is more of a subtle film, and at times, subtlety speaks louder than sensationalism. The camera work, shot placement, lighting, sound effects, editing, and all the little things are done perfectly. The suspense, acting, and pacing are what stand out the most. Norman Bates, who is played by Anthony Perkins, sends chills down your spine with his creepy demeanor and psychotic personality, creating a terrifying experience. Janet Leigh’s performance, expressed through her facial expressions and changes in tone, effectively communicates the emotions she’s experiencing.

I studied “Psycho” in Film studies during my senior year of High School, and it was one of the films that ignited my interest in movies. Our teacher dissected many scenes from the film, breaking them down shot by shot, delving into the nitty-gritty details. Hitchcock revolutionized the horror film genre with “Psycho” to the extent that every horror or thriller movie since has drawn inspiration from it.

61. Good Will Hunting

This film is fairly linear with no twists and turns to bog down the experience. Will Hunting, portrayed by Matt Damon, is a financially struggling young man with a traumatic past. He happens to be a genius in mathematics and works as a janitor at MIT. One day, MIT professor Dr. Lambeau presented a challenging mathematics problem on the blackboard for his students. Will solves it within minutes and leaves his solution on the blackboard, leaving Lambeau stunned. Will gets into a fight and Lambeau comes to the rescue, offering an out for Will if he were to see a psychiatrist. Lambeau sets Will up with Dr. Sean Maguire, played by Robin Williams. The chemistry between Damon and Williams makes this a must-watch.

63. Toy Story

Hooray for Pixar! I think everyone has seen this movie multiple times. Nothing new is left to be said. People may label “Toy Story” as a children’s film, but it’s not. It’s a movie for everyone with imagination and dreams. “Toy Story 3” eventually surpassed this movie in every sense possible, but this is the one that started it all. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, and every actor who lent their voice took a film with a great script to another stratosphere. The animation was not new when Toy Story was released in 1995, but it simply worked. The music by Randy Newman is simply fitting with gems like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” “I Will Go Sailing No More“, and “Strange Things“.

65. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

This Bollywood film is about a group of three friends who decide to go on a road trip through Spain. The title translates to approximately “You will not get this life again.” ZNMD is about the coming-of-age journey into adulthood. It beautifully explores themes like the importance of friendship, relationships, and the pursuit of happiness above all else. Filled with adventure, comedy, and romance, it captures the essence of life. Going in, I was prepared for over-the-top dramatic romance, but thankfully, it was not. The writers mostly kept typical clichés at bay, and that made the film very much enjoyable. The story and conflicts the characters face are easily relatable to the audience, irrespective of their upbringing or circumstances. A well-written script, excellent cast, and simple directing techniques make this film easy to follow, leaving you inspired.

67. Gladiator

This is not anywhere close to a perfect movie. Acting, directing, cinematography, and photography are all very good. However, the thing that compelled me to put this in is the brilliant depiction of the Roman Empire, the culture, and the era. The only other film that compares is “Spartacus” by Stanley Kubrick. While the story of Spartacus is more captivating, the filming is not quite on the same level as “Gladiator”. Director Ridley Scott took inspiration from “Spartacus” and somehow made the world-building even better. The casting of Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix as the two main characters could not be any more perfect. Crowe takes command of the stage and embodies the will of Maximus. The dialogue, sound effects, score by Hans Zimmer, and stunning visuals stay with you long after the film is over.

69. The Apartment

Billy Wilder didn’t direct many films, but this is said to be his best work. C.C. Baxter, played by John Lemmon, is a lowly executive in an insurance company named ‘Consolidated Life’. In his ambition to rise in the ranks, he has permitted the executives to use his apartment for extramarital affairs. One affair involving Baxter’s boss and an elevator operator named Fran, whom Baxter has a crush on, goes wrong, and Baxter must deal with the ramifications. A series of comedic mistakes and drama unfold in this excellent film. “The Apartment” was ahead of its time because films didn’t openly discuss topics like affairs and sexual harassment.

71. Dead Poets Society

The late Robin Williams portrays Mr. Keating in this touching film about forging your own path in life without conforming to the expectations of society. Mr. Keating is no ordinary teacher; he utilizes an unorthodox teaching style while genuinely caring for his students. He challenges them to be daring and find their voice in the world. Teaching that poetry, beauty, romance, and love are what we stay alive for, he instills the belief that words and ideas can change the world. We bear the responsibility not only to improve ourselves but also to contribute something to the world. I watched this film for the first time in my freshman year of college, and it transformed my life. This film made me a fan of Robin Williams. I blogged my thoughts on this movie in the past. Carpe diem, seize the day, my friends.

73. Taxi Driver 

This film is dark, depressing, and difficult to follow. Understanding “Taxi Driver” requires the viewer to delve into the mind of the main character, Travis Bickle, played by Robert de Niro, and it’s no simple task. Since he doesn’t let anyone in, we must assess him based on his actions, expressions, and the limited dialogue he shares. He is also someone dealing with PTSD, insomnia, and other mental illnesses difficult to gauge. The narrative is presented from Travis’s perspective. Travis is an unreliable narrator because his schizophrenic delusions make it challenging to consistently follow along.

The concepts in “Taxi Driver” remain pertinent even today, but the film itself hasn’t aged too well. The pacing lacks something, and the story presentation leaves something on the table. It is possible that this was done deliberately to immerse viewers in the alienation and loneliness experienced by Travis. The acting is very well done by not just DeNiro but also Jodie Foster and Cybill Shepherd. “Taxi Driver” was innovative for the time in which Scorsese made it. The film is still extremely well made from a technical perspective.

75. Stand by Me

It’s only fitting that I started this list with a film based on a short story by Stephen King and ended it with another one also by Stephen King. This movie follows the thrilling adventure of four teenage boys as they set out in search of the dead body of a kid they knew. However, this film is about more than just the story. It delves into the innocence and experience of a group of friends spellbound by one event. The style, the atmosphere, and the music successfully transport you into the 1950s era. Usually, films with child actors leave you wanting more, but “Stand by Me” never disappoints in the acting department. It’s a film for anyone who is or was once a teenager.

We experience the most joy during the initial watch because the mystery element disappears on a rewatch. If you already know the plot and the ending, the adventure loses some of its magical spark. Nevertheless, it remains an amazing timeless movie with issues and ideas that every young teenager grapples with on the path to becoming an adult.