What is the greatest movies of all time according to critics? We look ate what makes a movie critically acclaimed and the 100 best films of all time as rated by film critics.
what makes a movie critically acclaimed?
Some of the highest-grossing films of all time were not well received by film critics, with others receiving fantastic reviews but little audience enjoyment.
If a film brought viewers to the cinema seats or a film won an award, surely that is enough for it to be critically acclaimed? However, what is needed to make a good film a good film? Here are some of the factors that gave some of the greatest films that very title:
The Screenplay
While there is a lot to say about a screenplay, good storytelling and compelling dialogue are the most important things. Whether it has been adapted, and the original story remained intact, or it's a unique narrative, the rules remain the same for a compelling story.
Some of the best-adapted screenplays have iconic dialogue from the stimulus texts, ensuring an engaging narrative is sprinkled throughout the script. This is the fundamental blueprint for the entire shooting of a film, whether there is an unconventional narrative or not; it all starts with this.
Story Over Plot
These two terms may sound the same, and they are often interchanged, despite their differences. Any thoroughly compelling work understands that plot is about a sequence of events without any emotional attachment and the story is the important thing that connects all points.
Without a story, the audience simply watches a series of events unfold for no real reason. The story is human, with memorable characters the audience resonates with.
Acting
To create a genuinely gripping experience, regardless of genre, the actors on screen must be compelling and convince the audience that what is happening is true. If someone is to act strangely or not quite right for the scene, the pacing and entire story are ruined.
Actors that have won Oscars garnered appreciation because of their commitment to the cause and ongoing battle to portray various characters, all while making it look easy.
While there are more factors to consider, these are the main things that a film critic considers when assessing a film. The nomination categories at the Academy Awards come from the highly acclaimed films decided by critics, so let's look at the top 100.
Film Critics 100 Best Films Of All Time
01.
Citizen Kane (1941)
Directed by Orson Welles, this is regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time, despite being over 80 years old.
This truly compelling drama follows the story of Charles Foster Kane from a young boy to a publishing tycoon, with the entire film focusing on finding out the mystery behind his dying words.
According to critics, this is one of their favourite films with its own award-winning teleplay and classic scenes. This film endures against all odds.
02.
The Godfather (1972)
Director Francis Ford Coppola created The Godfather, producing an iconic crime-drama franchise. This stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Marlon Brando as audiences follow the Corleone family in New York.
Don Vito Corleone passes his empire to his son, and critics polled this film as 100/100, proudly ranking it near the top of this list. Produced by Paramount Pictures, this film won three Academy Awards.
03.
Rear Window (1954)
Director Alfred Hitchcock tells an iconic mystery thriller in this 1950s classic for which he won best director. James Stewart plays the titular role of Jeff, watching his neighbours from his recovery wheelchair.
Wowing critics, this film beautifully combines all elements with one of the best-adapted screenplays and cinematography conducted by excellent Robert Burks.
04.
Casablanca (1943)
Directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, this American romance film has become a classic to many people.
Set during World War II, the movie dialogue is similar to the era - cynical. The love triangle featured in this film, with the myriad of problems they face, gives audiences hope that perhaps they will achieve happiness.
05.
Boyhood (2014)
Director Richard Linklater's Oscar-nominated movie Boyhood spans 12 years, following Ellar Coltrane's character Mason as he matures and grows.
The brilliant portrayal of Ethan Hawke as his father and Patricia Arquette as his mother is what garnered an Oscar winner for best performance by an actress, and critics rate this as one of the best films of all time.
06.
Three Colours: Red (1994)
For the first best foreign language film on this list, it has to be Krzysztof Kieślowski's 'Three Colours: Red'.
Starring French movie actress Irène Jacob, this film emerged in a big way onto the international film scene, landing many Oscar and BAFTA nominations. Being nominated for best-adapted screenplay and best non-English language film, this noirish thriller is where the trilogy began.
07.
Vertigo (1958)
Alfred Hitchcock's film noir Vertigo is generally regarded by film critics and admirers alike as one of his best movies. James Stewart stars in this heralded drama alongside Kim Novak, garnering much critical acclaim for its mesmerising story and shots.
08.
Notorious (1946)
Another Alfred Hitchcock classic is the 1940s Notorious which stars Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.
This spy film noir sees them go against Nazi occupation, trying to defeat the German enemy while falling for one another in one of the greatest films from the decade. Bergman was regarded as one of the best actresses of her generation, winning a Bambi Award for this role.
09.
Singin' In The Rain (1952)
Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, this musical comedy came at a time when silent cinema was on the way out, and general moviegoers wanted something new.
This story has now jumped generations, as the film represents a happier and better place, where musicals could exist on screen, and the film delivers on that promise.
10.
City Lights (1931)
Critical reception for Charlie Chaplin's 1931 'City Lights' was high, with this romantic comedy still being viewed today.
Known for his silent cinema, his genius had to spread to other filmmaking techniques, and the extended opening segment of comedic political speeches was revolutionary for the era.
11.
Moonlight (2016)
Barry Jenkins directed the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight in 2016, landing awards for best picture and best-adapted screenplay.
There is a sombre tone throughout the narrative yet a brilliance to pull you into the protagonist's life and journey, a real piece of art unlike anything else.
12.
Intolerance (1916)
Generally regarded as one of the best silent films, despite not receiving the best reviews upon release, this film covers four stories in its three-and-a-half-hour runtime.
The National Film Preservation Board gave the crew an honorary Academy Award in 1989, respecting its creative choices and filmmaking achievements with the camera choices and special effects.
13.
Pinocchio (1940)
This classic family fantasy film was directed by many directors, including Hamilton Luske, Ben Sharpsteen, Wilfred Jackson and Norman Ferguson.
Produced by Walt Disney pictures, Pinocchio is an animated adventure that screams imagination and energy no matter the time passed. The critic score for this is 99/100.
14.
Touch Of Evil (1958)
Orson Welles starred in and directed this classic American film noir, adapted from the novel 'Badge of Evil'. Written by Welles also, critics noted he played a very Shakespearan character in this film of moral corruption and bleak social drama, creating all the more tension.
15.
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Director Alfred Hitchock brought this British mystery thriller to screens in the late 1930s, starring Margaret Lockwood and Sir Michael Redgrave. Despite his extensive career, Hitchcock only won a singular directorial award, and it was for this film. The twists and turns of this film still stand firm 84 years later, with critics scoring it a substantial 96/100.
16.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Director John Huston brought this American Western to the screens, following Humphrey Bogart and John Huston's characters as they search for work in Mexico in the 1920s. Walter Huston won best actor in the supporting cast at Academy Awards, with the story following an iconic adventure with a tragic end.
17.
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
This rich fantasy drama was created by director Guillermo Del Toro and produced by Warner Bros. Following bookish young girl Ofelia, the direction and performances of this fantasy world are critically acclaimed, the beloved story riddled with unique monsters, comical dialogue and wonderful musical score. The art direction won best achievement at the Academy Awards in 2007, and also one in makeup.
18.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Perhaps one of the funniest movies of all time, this story following two Chicago musicians is sure to conjure a laugh, even now.
Directed by Billy Wilder, this comedy stars Jack Lemmon alongside Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis as they join an all-female band as women to avoid a mob gang. Despite being a black and white film, it won best costume design and best director for Billy Wilder.
19.
North By Northwest (1959)
This classic follows Cary Grant as a New York ad executive in another Alfred Hitchcock feature. Grant's character Roger Thornhill is kidnapped by a U.S Cold War enemy, following several dramatical twists and turns, resulting in him winning best foreign actor at the David di Donatello awards.
Screenwriter Ernest Lehman also won an award for best motion picture. Film critics rate it highly, giving it 98/100 for its ongoing suspense, drama and comedy throughout and for paving the way for modern-day action genre pieces.
20.
Hoop Dreams (1994)
Steve James' award-winning documentary explores two African-American high school basketball players who travel from inner-city Chicago to a white school in Illinois for the basketball options there.
Hoop Dreams won best documentary at the 20/20 awards, with the editing also being widely praised by many film critics. This remains as one of the most acclaimed documentaries of all time.
21.
Tokyo Story (1953)
This film is directed by Yasujirō Ozu, a prolific Japanese film director and screenwriter of the 20th century. It follows the journey from a small town to Tokyo as elderly parents Shukishi and Tomi attempt to spend time with them their doctor son, despite their clashing schedules.
The drama of the situation is beautifully captured with the screenplay and cinematography by Yûharu Atsuta. This film won many awards in the International Feature Film Category through the years, paving the way for later works.
22.
La Règle du jeu (1939)
Translated into 'The Rules of the Game', this comedy-drama follows the bourgeois and the poor through the beginning of the Second World War. Jean Renoir, French director, plays the lead role in this film and directs it.
With themes of romance, drama and comedy thrown throughout this piece, the critics have revered it as one of the best French films of the 20th century.
23.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
This science fiction, written, directed and produced by Stanley Kubric, has been critically acclaimed for its stunning set pieces and unique storylines.
This movie pits its characters in situations with a menacing artificial intelligence seen nowhere else prior. It has been referenced and adapted into future works, considered one of the best movies of all time.
24.
The Searchers (1956)
This science fiction, written, directed and produced by Stanley Kubric, has been critically acclaimed for its stunning set pieces and unique storylines. This movie pits its characters in situations with a menacing artificial intelligence seen nowhere else prior. It has been referenced and adapted into future works, considered one of the best movies of all time.
25.
Man With A Movie Camera (1929)
Dziga Vertov directed this piece, which resulted in a part documentary, part cinematic art following Russia in the 1920s soviet union. The camera techniques used were entirely new terrain for a Russian filmmaker, landing him a place on this list.
26.
The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
A significant part of French silent cinema, this film was based on the true story and professional and personal life of Joan of Arc. Director Carl Theodor Dreyer worked on this film and landed a winning Faro Island Film Festival award in 1928 for best film.
27.
8 1/2 (1963)
This iconic Italian surrealist piece was directed by Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni and Claudia Cardinale. This piece is iconic for many reasons, with critics scoring it exceptionally highly.
28.
Battleship Potemkin (1925)
Critical reception for Sergei Eisenstein's film following the mutiny on a battleship has been strong since its release nearly 100 years ago. It has been banned in many countries, causing a divide among fans and critics due to it wanting the viewers to feel and think differently after their first watch. The Motion Picture Association of America allows it, however.
29.
L'Atalante (1934)
The only feature film to be directed by Jean Vigo, this foreign language film continues to be featured in French film magazines and is critically acclaimed for its poetic romance in the characters and their setting.
30.
Breathless (1960)
In a noirish thriller/crime drama, Jean-Luc Godard created his own form of cinema with a movie immediately distinguished from anything else at the time. The movie dialogue and sound is slow yet beautiful, taking risks with the storytelling that critics find endearing.
31.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola created a visual masterpiece with Apocalypse Now, an iconic Vietnam war movie. The film's written introduction is beautiful, with this being a war movie for people that don't enjoy war movies.
Coppola's movie earned rave reviews from the very beginning, with its thoroughly haunting theme music as the movie centres on Marlon Brando and Martin Sheen's journey during the Vietnam war. In 2001, previously cut scenes were made available to the demanding public.
32.
Seven Samurai (1954)
Director Akira Kurosawa's breakthrough came in the early 1950s with this classic Japanese samurai drama, co-written by Kurosawa himself. Bandit raids threaten a ground of samurais, and with epic actions sequences, the influential filmmaker Akira Kurosawa was born.
33.
Mirror (1974)
Andrei Tarkovsky's directorial feature Mirror tells a story just before World War II, with an impressionistic Soviet Union touch. In a film that almost became autobiographical toward Tarkovsky, this story is still studied and adored by critics and moviegoers.
34.
Le Mépris (1963)
Another critically acclaimed film for Jean-Luc Godard, this story follows a loveless marriage as it breaks down. Godard didn't believe in many cinematic devices, choosing to break the rules with minimal dialogue and strange characterisation.
35.
In The Mood For Love (2000)
Director Wong Kar Wai directed this romance film starring Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung as spouses in Hong Kong. The editing style and colour choices chosen by Wai are beautiful, creating an unforgettable romance for the ages.
36.
Rashomon (1950)
Akira Kurosawa directed another classic for this critics list; this story is unique due to its perspective changes. Japanese cinema was introduced to general moviegoers because of this film showed how stories could transcend language and overcome all obstacles, despite what some Hollywood films thought.
37.
Mulholland Drive (2001)
A neo-noir film in modern-day Hollywood, directed by David Lynch and starring Naomi Watts, this film was brave and experimental in design. Lynch is known for making unique films with the concept of time being messed with, and this film follows precisely that premise.
38.
Taxi Driver (1976)
Director Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver stars actor Robert De Niro in the titular role, creating an instantly recognisable film. This was the most Oscar-nominated movie that year, being a financially successful movie that critics and fans adored.
39.
Metropolis (1927)
A German film from the late 1920s, this science fiction follows the site of Metropolis in a dystopian future, directed by Fritz Lang. There is great tension and acting in this piece, as the film represented how many working-class people were feeling at the time. Some critics regard this as one of the ten best movies of Germany from that era.
40.
Psycho (1960)
This ground-breaking horror film, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is one of the greatest films of all time, being referenced in nearly all media since its release.
The veritable cinematic forces at play during the production of Psycho are what made it the success it is, with the most iconic shower scene being the favourite film moment. Bates Motel and future adaptations have been made from this compelling thriller.
41.
The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King (2003)
Director Peter Jackson adapted Tolkien's own novel into the blockbuster franchise fans know and love, starring Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood and Viggo Mortensen. This is the most Oscar-nominated movie throughout history to win all nominated awards, of which there were 11.
42.
Chimes At Midnight (1967)
Orson Welles directed and starred in the 1967 classic Chimes At Midnight, taking adapting from Henry IV and Henry V, personifying the Shakespearean character of Sir John Falstaff.
43.
Lady Bird (2017)
Set in Sacramento, California and following a teenage girl (Saoirse Ronan) through her coming of age, actress Greta Gerwig wrote this critically acclaimed piece after her previous successes in popular indie films.
44.
We Were Here (2011)
Directed by Bill Weber and David Weissman, this film follows the gay community in San Francisco through the 1980s. The AIDS epidemic affected many people during that time, and Weber and Weissman wanted to focus on that with the use of their documentary-style interviews and footage from the time.
45.
The Gunfighter (1950)
Produced by Twentieth Century Fox and directed by Henry King, The Gunfighter follows a gunslinger returning to work from his retirement. This trope may have become popular in 21st-century films, but this was one of the first films to try this story arc.
46.
The Apartment (1960)
Director Billy Wilder brought this comedy about an insurance company employee in his Manhattan apartment, letting others from the firm stay in his apartment. This stars Fred MacMurray, Shirley MacLaine and won 5 Oscars for best picture, best director, best writing, story and screenplay and more.
47.
Meet Me In St.Louis (1945)
Director Vincente Minnelli worked with Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien on this, with the latter receiving a special Academy Award as an outstanding child actress. She was only seven in this popular family musical, which won many awards.
48.
Schindler's List (1993)
Steven Spielberg released the iconic Schindler's List in the early 90s, becoming one of the most sophisticated films in his repertoire.
Liam Neeson plays Oskar Schindler, saving over 1,000 Jews during World War IIs holocaust. Amazingly, all money made by Spielberg during production was donated to a charitable foundation, proving how pure Spielberg's intentions for making the film were.
49.
Sideways (2004)
Even director Alexander Payne didn't realise the success this film would have, starring Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church as they travel through America's wine country. A novel of the same name was the inspiration for this film, which went on to win best-adapted screenplay and garner over $100 million at the box office.
50.
Inside Out (2015)
Directors Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen created a Disney Pixar masterpiece about a young girl named Riley navigating getting older, as Riley's family moves across the country.
The story follows Riley's personified emotions of anger, joy, fear, disgust and sadness, voiced by lively supporting casts of comedians Bill Hader, Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Lewis Black and more, continuing the studio's cinematic streak.
51.
Shadow Of A Doubt (1943)
Starring Teresa Wright and Joseph Cotten, this Alfred Hitchcock-directed thriller explores family tension from Cotten's surprise arrival of 'Uncle Charlie'. This black and white film won two awards, being nominated for one Oscar.
52.
Amazing Grace (2018)
Aretha Franklin's performance of a gospel album was recorded in 1972, but a production failure meant it never saw the light of day. This was until directors Alan Elliot, and Sydney Pollack brought it all together and released this documentary in 2018, featuring Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts among Franklin's amazing performance.
53.
The Wild Child (1970)
François Truffaut directed this 1970 classic, along with starring in the titular role of a feral boy who lives amongst the forest's wolves. Based on the Wild Boy of Aveyron (a true story from France in the 19th century, this film was critically acclaimed for its acting and script.
54.
Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)
Adapted from Akiyuki Nosaka's book of the same name, this Japanese animated film follows two young children in the final days of World War II. At the Blue Ribbon Awards, Takahata was awarded a special award in 1989 for being one of the best animated films from Japan.
55.
The Irishman (2019)
Martin Scorsese has created many iconic films, most of which are on this list. His 2019 epic follows Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel, using de-ageing technology to make the stars appear decades younger. Despite being Oscar-nominated for many awards, it won nothing.
56.
Mr Turner (2014)
Mike Leigh directed this biographical drama, following the eccentric British painter J.M.W Turner from the 1700s. Many reviewers agree this film is a masterpiece, which stars Timothy Spall as the titular character. Moviegoers cannot decide on their opinion, despite the critics being in agreement.
57.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
John Frankenheimer directed Frank Sinatra in a thriller concerning the brainwashing of a prisoner of war. The Cold War was still ongoing during the film's release, leading to many audience members becoming paranoid about their own safety. This was adored by many critics, however, and later adapted into a modern version in the early 2000s.
58.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Director Quentin Tarantino deserves many mentions on this list, with the most popular being Pulp Fiction. Starring Samuel L Jackson, Uma Thurman and John Travolta, and many other stars, this myriad of storylines mash together perfectly to create a classic. Tarantino's fully realised world of violence and sometimes comedy in Los Angeles is achieved in this film with his iconic dialogue, wicked comedy, and slightly unconventional narrative.
59.
45 Years (2015)
Tom Courtenay and Charlotte Rampling star as a couple who, as the title suggest, have been married for 45 years, directed by Andrew Haigh. As his first love from decades gone is found dead, Courtenay begins to act strangely, unravelling in the 95-minute drama, which the critics so well received at the BFI and fans alike.
60.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
John Ford directed this western in 1962, following James Stewart and John Wayne in a mystery of who shot the ruthless outlaw Liberty Valance. This Oscar-nominated film has stood the test of time, with Ford's classic being adored by many.
61.
Dunkirk (2017)
Christoper Nolan's Dunkirk is one of the best war films of the century, documenting the story of the Battle of Dunkirk during World War II. Critics noted the film does contain some factual inaccuracies, but that didn't stop its success at the box office or the awards.
62.
Amour (2012)
Austrian film director Michael Haneke brought Amour to the screens, telling the story of an elderly couple facing a stroke and health problems. Two retired school teachers, they must look after one another in a gruelling set of times. It won an Oscar for best foreign-language film of the year in 2013, becoming a fan favourite.
63.
Before Midnight (2013)
Richard Linklater's 'Before' trilogy began in 1995 and has spanned decades, being adored by critics at all points. Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight follows Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke through their decade-long romance and friendship, showing Linklater's ability to show the passage of time in his work.
64.
Carol (2015)
This romance drama from Todd Haynes stars Cate Blanchett, Kyle Chandler and Sarah Paulson in a quiet film following a loveless marriage and a gay housewife trapped within. Author Patricia Highsmith wrote the original novel, which Haynes adapted for the screen.
65.
WALL-E (2008)
Andrew Stanton directed this inventive Pixar movie about the Earth's demise due to pollution and littering. Unlike some of the other studio's outputs, this film has little dialogue and follows a somewhat mute robot. The extended opening segment is beautiful, being reviewed time and time again.
66.
A Separation (2011)
Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi directed this drama about a married couple played by Payman Maadi and Leila Hatami, who face problems. This film focuses on Iranian culture and love, battling how two forces can have unique opinions about an outcome and what they believe is best. It won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012.
67.
Anatomy Of A Murder (1959)
Otto Preminger directed this drama mystery starring James Stewart, Ben Gazzara and Lee Remick, following a lawyer defending a U.S lieutenant. Preminger's film was nominated for 7 Oscars in total, but didn't win any. This film brings the audience into Preminger's worldview through camera choices and direction. Interestingly, the part of the judge in the movie was played by real-life judge Joseph N. Welch - this was his only movie role.
68.
The Hurt Locker (2009)
This taut war drama follows the Iraq War, starring Jeremy Renner as a bomb squad sergeant. Kathryn Bigelow directed this drama, which won Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 2010, with some real-life veterans stating the film was more exaggerated than it needed to be.
69.
Snow White and The Seven Dwarves (1938)
This animated flick has become a classic in cinema history, directed by Ben Sharpsteen, David Hand, Larry Morey and more. Walt Disney's legacy began with a mouse named Mickey, and other classics, but Snow White is what started the franchise and the conglomerate it is today.
70.
Collective (2019)
One of the most recent films on this list, directed by Alexander Nanau, this crime documentary tells the story of a Romanian nightclub fire and the leading events of journalists and victims that take on the corruption in the area.
71.
Double Indemnity (1944)
Billy Wilder directed Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck in this noirish thriller, following an insurance agent and a devious scheme concocted by Stanwyck's character. They both hope to leave with twice the fortune, leading to intense scenes. Raymond Chandler, the renowned mystery writer, was the co-writer on the project, landing them an Oscar nomination for the script.
72.
Woodstock (1970)
Michael Wadleigh was at the forefront of this documentary, showing the three-day musical festival Woodstock in the year 1969. Jimi Hendrix, Bill Crosby, Richie Havens and more perform in this iconic documentary, which won an Academy Award for Best Feature Documentary.
73.
I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
Author and social critic James Baldwin was the inspiration for this. His unfinished novel concerning the battle for racial equality in America features tributes to Martin Luther King Jr and Medgar Evers. Samuel L Jackson reads excerpts for this documentary directed by Raoul Peck, with Baldwin's intended tribute to Malcolm X also being featured.
74.
Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (2019)
Cékube Sciamma directed this drama about the gay relationship between painter and aristocratic bride-to-be during the painting of the latter's wedding portrait. There is no musical score throughout the entire film, featuring only brief lines of dialogue, all by men, which critics and fans have adored as a creative choice.
75.
My Fair Lady (1964)
A classic in the film canon, this was directed by George Cukor and follows Sir Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn in a musical about transforming a working-class girl into a component of high society. This has become a well-renowned musical and is referenced in many later works.
76.
The Social Network (2010)
Director David Fincher and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin worked on this adaptation of Ben Mezrich's national bestseller, 'The Accidental Billionaires', following the creation of Facebook and the rise of Mark Zuckerberg. Jesse Eisenberg, starring as Zuckerberg and Andrew Garfield as accomplice Eduardo Saverin, succeeded in spectacular performances.
77.
The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
James Whale directed this film, the sequel to the iconic Frankenstein (1931). Elsa Lanchester plays Mary Shelley, the bride of Frankenstein, with Boris Karloff as the famous monster himself. This film was nominated for one Oscar and won many science fiction awards.
78.
Toy Story (1995)
Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and director John Lasseter started a famous franchise and shot Pixar studios to stardom, truly modernising animated cinema for families. This has led to three sequels following the characters of Woody the Cowboy and Buzz Lightyear. Critics state that computer animation arguably begins with this film as we know it.
79.
Small Axe: Lovers Rock (2020)
Director Steve McQueen tells a story of West Indians in London through five parts, with this being a highly credited piece that premiered at the New York Film Festival after COVID-19 setbacks.
80.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Universal acclaim follows this film, directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. The animated film industry was in a boom in the late 90s after the release of this film, with a positive message telling kids that you should love people for who they are, not their skin.
81.
Spirited Away (2002)
Japan's director Hayao Miyazaki directed this iconic piece, becoming a favourite and winning Best Animated Feature at the 2003 Academy Awards. The unique visual style and character development through the script are critically acclaimed.
82.
Fantasia (1940)
This is a truly unique piece, winning awards for the visualised music and using music in a new and inventive way in motion pictures. An amalgamation of animated smash hits, such as Mickey Mouse's "Sorcerers Apprentice" and "Night on Bald Mountain", shows the brilliance of Walt Disney even in the 21st century. This animated collection modernised the way Disney films would be made and perceived by the mass public. The classical music won an honorary Academy Award.
83.
Gravity (2013)
Starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock, this film was directed by Alfonso Cuarón and tells the story of two astronauts stranded in space after their ship was damaged. Critics noted the use of the modern 3D technology was unlike anything else, bringing audiences along the journey and amassing over $700 at the box office.
84.
The Lady Eve (1941)
Preston Sturges directed this famous film which stars Henry Fonda and Barbara Stanwyck, following hustlers attempting to steal from a brewery heir. The comic dialogue is unique to Sturges and is full of energetic scenes.
85.
Mean Streets (1973)
Robert De Niro and director Martin Scorsese started their decade-long relationship in this film, following criminal Harvey Keitel and his lifestyle. De Niro won best supporting actor at the National Society of Film Critics in 1974 for his performance in this classic.
86.
Children Of Paradise (1945)
Marcel Carné tells the story of a courtesan and her fans in France during the Nazi occupation in the war. Large numbers of the production crew were Jewish, working in secret in fear of being found out.
87.
Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-Ho won many awards for this film, with it being the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Joon-Ho also won an award for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. It follows a family living in Seoul, South Korea and is a wonderful drama loved by critics and fans.
88.
Rataouille (2007)
Brad Bird co-directed and co-wrote this Pixar film alongside Jan Pinkava, landing them many awards. Patton Oswalt voices Remy, a rat who has a deep-rooted passion for cooking and ends up in a French kitchen in Paris. Remy hides inside the hat of a chef, working together to make dishes.
89.
Nashville (1975)
Robert Altman directed this film with a large ensemble cast of Karen Black, Ned Beatty, Lily Tomlin, Keith Carradine and more. All songs featured in this musical were written and performed by the cast members, with Carradine's landing them an Oscar.
90.
Killer Of Sheep (2007)
A film that follows African American slaughterhouse worker through his professional and personal life, this film was shot in the early 70s but took until the late 2000s to be released due to the challenging music rights.
91.
12 Years A Slave (2013)
Steve McQueen adapted Solomon Northup's memoir and received three Academy Awards for this heartbreaking and intense historical drama. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as the titular role, being sold into slavery in South America, with Michael Fassbender as the slave owner.
92.
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Another classic from John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, this mystery follows him searching through murder and character betrayal, looking for the Maltese Falcon statue. This was nominated for three Academy Awards in 1942.
93.
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Roman Polanski directed this bone-chilling horror flick as a woman gets impregnated mysteriously. Mia Farrow plays the lead woman, alongside John Cassavetes and Ruth Gordon, with Gordon winning the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The haunting theme music sets the tone with the religious undertones of this film.
94.
Manchester By The Sea (2016)
Casey Affleck stars in Kenneth Lonergan's drama, having to look after his nephew when his brother dies suddenly. This drama is dark and depressing, with Michelle Williams and Kyle Chandler staring alongside, both giving brilliant performances.
95.
12 Angry Men (1957)
This is a famous film to many, directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Reginald Rose, with an award-winning teleplay. Starring Henry Fonda, this film is full of tension among the 12 jurors in a murder case, fighting to find the best outcome.
96.
Dumbo (1941)
Another Walt Disney productions classic, Dumbo is the tale of a baby elephant with giant ears, being bullied by all around him. This was the most financially successful movie for Disney upon release, after Fantasia and Pinocchio.
97.
American Graffiti (1973)
Famous George Lucas directed this film, a nostalgic comedy with Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss and a young Harrison Ford star. This film is set in the 1960s, following high school graduates facing their impending college days. The endlessly listenable soundtrack is what shot this film to success for moviegoers.
98.
A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
Starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando, this is a very famous drama that follows the tale of a relationship between Leigh and her brother-in-law. This is one of just two films through all history to win three Academy Awards for acting, becoming iconic for that reason among many.
99.
My Left Foot (1990)
Jim Sheridan is the creator behind this film, starring Daniel Day-Lewis in a biographical film. Day-Lewis' character suffers from cerebral palsy, so he has to learn o write using just his left foot, which Day-Lewis started doing in preparation for the role.
100.
All About Eve (1950)
Joseph L. Mankiewicz directed Anna Baxter and Bette Davis in this classic, with themes of deceit and narcissism, attacking modern-day show business despite being many decades old. It follows an obsessive actress named Eve as her life becomes entangled with Margo. This film is among some of the most Oscar-nominated films in history.
Original Vintage Movie Posters for Sale
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