We're Obsessed With Movies—These Are The Films You Have to Watch At Least Once in Your Life
The popcorn's been popped, the sweatpants are on, and the evening is your oyster. Your next challenge: Figuring out exactly which of the best movies available to you is the one you're going to watch tonight. No matter what you're looking for—a rom-com, a murder mystery, a sad film, a great musical movie—there are plenty of must-watch films in your chosen genre to settle in with for the first (but probably not the last) time.
We movie lovers at Marie Claire know how time-consuming picking a great movie can be, so we did the work for you. We combed through movie rankings, critical reviews, and award nominations, and spoke to fellow pop culture fans to bring you this list of crucial must-watch films. Of course, you can expect to see well-known classic films like Casablanca and The Sound of Music on this list, in addition to movies from iconic directors like Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick, and Alfred Hitchcock. But modern masterpieces like Everything Everywhere All At Once and Get Out stand up just as well and are on this list, too.
The must-watch movies below are modern classics, the best of the best, the essential films that millions of people are probably jealous that you're getting to see for the first time. They span multiple countries, languages, and decades. (A bonus: You’ll also find must-know facts and exactly why each film is considered the “best.”) And because pulling these movies was a hard enough task in itself, we've decided to leave this list unranked. Feel free to decide for yourself how your favorites stack up to the rest on this list, and if we've left a title off, don't yell at us too harshly. A list as subjective as this is meant to be debated, after all. Without further ado, in no particular order: The best movies of all time.
The Best Romance Movies of All Time
There are a few things you can (almost) always expect from a romance movie: a love story (duh!); attractive protagonists; and a happy ending—usually. Maybe you need to be reminded that true love is out there. Or maybe you need to show your partner what real romance looks like. Some of the movies on this list are funny, and some are the ultimate in sad romance films, but there’s one thing all of these romantic films have in common: They're sure to pull on your heartstrings and make you believe in love all over again.
Casablanca (1942)
Director: Michael Curtiz
Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
For fans of: black and white films and worldly settings
Set in the early years of World War II in Casablanca, Rick Blaine's (Humphrey Bogart) nightclub is an oasis for refugees despite the warnings he gets from local authorities. But things get rocky when an ex-lover and her boyfriend show up, bringing with them a challenge that Rick has to face. One of the most famous classic Hollywood romance films of all time, Casablanca is a love story you won't forget.
The Notebook (2004)
Director: Nick Cassavetes
Stars: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Marsden
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 53%
For fans of: unwavering love stories and steamy kisses
Ryan Gosling. Rachel McAdams. An on-screen kiss that's impossible to forget. The Notebook, based on Nicholas Sparks's 1996 novel, is a must-watch for all of the hopeless romantics out there who believe they'll eventually find their way back to their one true love. "It wasn't over. It still isn't over!"
Titanic (1997)
Director: James Cameron
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
For fans of: tragic love stories and real-world disasters
Need we say more? If you haven't watched Titanic yet (please don't admit this out loud), do yourself a favor and stream it on Netflix immediately.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Director: Bradley Cooper
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliot
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
For fans of: musical movies and remakes
If you were alive in 2018, you most definitely heard about Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga's on- and off-screen chemistry thanks to their roles in the hit adaptation of A Star Is Born. The movie centers on rockstar Jackson Maine (Cooper) and struggling artist Ally (Gaga) who fall in love while Maine pushes Ally into the spotlight and confronts his own demons. Make sure to have a pack of tissues handy.
Before Sunrise (1995)
Director: Richard Linklater
Stars: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Erni Mangold
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
For fans of: Europe and love at first sight
In this swooningly romantic movie from Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke play a pair of travelers—she French, he American—who have a chance meeting in Vienna and decide to spend the evening before his departing flight walking around the city and talking to one another. In 2005, the sequel Before Sunset continues the story, and then in 2015 the trilogy is wrapped up with Before Midnight. All of them are worth watching over and over.
You've Got Mail (1998)
Director: Nora Ephron
Stars: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Greg Kinnear
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 69%
For fans of: online dating and rivals
The Marie Claire team is *very* passionate about You've Got Mail. Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, the 1998 drama/romance tells the story of two neighborhood bookstore rivals who absolutely hate each other in real life, then fall in love online, and well...we won't spoil the rest for you. (The good ol' AOL days.)
In the Mood for Love (2000)
Director: Kar-Wai Wong
Stars: Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Maggie Cheung, Kelly Lai Chen
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
For fans of: love never realized and beautiful costumes
The elaborate costumes, the stunning visuals, and the beautiful art direction are all key features of art house movie In the Mood for Love, by Chinese director Wong Kar-Wai. And though there's sparse dialogue, sit back and prepare to be enchanted by the slow but captivating scenes of two married neighbors falling in love.
Roman Holiday (1953)
Director: William Wyler
Stars: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
For fans of: royals and European getaways
Breakfast at Tiffany's is terrific, of course, but Audrey Hepburn won the Academy Award for her turn as a princess who ditches her schedule (and her entourage) in favor of exploring Rome, only to fall asleep on a bench and get rescued by a hunky American reporter played by Gregory Peck.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Director: Aditya Chopra
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
For fans of: opposing families and Indian cultures
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, the highest-grossing Indian film of 1995, is an absolute delight. The Bollywood rom-com about two young star-crossed lovers who fall in love despite their parents' critiques ended up winning 10 Filmfare Awards—India’s Academy Award equivalent—and changed the game forever.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Director: Rob Reiner
Stars: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
For fans of: fall and friends-to-lovers
If you haven't seen When Harry Met Sally, you probably know it from this famous "I'll have what she's having" scene. But it's worth seeing in full to relive Nora Ephron's groundbreaking screenwriting, plus the easy banter between America's sweetheart Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal (it kind of set the stage for modern rom-coms as we know them).
Love Jones (1997)
Director: Theodore Witcher
Stars: Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Isaiah Washington
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%
For fans of: Chicago and dramedies
A photographer (Nia Long) and a poet (Larenz Tate) fall in love in one of the best romance movies of all time.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Director: Rob Reiner
Stars: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
For fans of: fairytales and adventures
There are so many things packed into The Princess Bride: historical fantasy, sweeping romance, laugh-out-loud comedy, subtle satire, Robin Wright and Mandy Patinkin! If you haven't seen yet, just think of every time you've heard, "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die," as little nudges to watch.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Director: David O. Russell
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert DeNiro
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
For fans of: football and dysfunctional relationships
What looks from the outset like a typical rom-com delves deeper into the motions of mental illness, as a bipolar man tries to reconnect with his estranged wife following his release from a psychiatric ward. He meets a recently widowed woman (Jennifer Lawrence) with her own problems, who convinces him to join a dance competition with her to help him win his wife back.
Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
Director: Alfonso Arau
Stars: Lumi Cavazos, Marco Leonardi, Regina Torné
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
For fans of: magical cooking and family dynamics
This sumptuous story follows the life of a Mexican girl who's subjected to a family custom that demands she stays unmarried and take care of her mother through old age. She ends up pouring her lifetime of unfulfilled passion into her cooking, where her family literally feels her emotions while eating, thanks to a helping of magical realism.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Director: Joe Wright
Stars: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Rosamund Pike
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
For fans of: Jane Austen novels and the enemies-to-lovers trope
Sure, there have been plenty of Jane Austen adaptations over the years, but not all of them have Matthew Macfadyen dreamily walking across a field at sunrise in a billowing coat. This period piece takes the cake for its beautiful scenery and in-your-face chemistry between Macfadyen and Kiera Knightley.
Moulin Rouge (2001)
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Stars: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
For fans of: over-the-top musicals and
A little bit quirky and a little bit extravagant, Baz Luhrmann creates a visual spectacle of a musical that's still so much fun to watch, despite a sad ending. Complete with a perfect soundtrack and fairytale romance, this is a musical you can watch again and again.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Director: Céline Sciamma
Stars: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, Luàna Bajrami
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
For fans of: Lesbian love stories and slow burns
Set in 18th-century France, a young painter named Marianne (Noémie Merlant) is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Hélo?se (Adèle Haenel), the daughter of a French countess, only she must keep it in secret. By day, Marianne and Hélo?se spend time together and eventually grow a mutual attraction, while Marianne attempts to paint Hélo?se at night. Each shot of this rich period piece is like a painting itself, and the love story is so intimate to watch unfold.
Notting Hill (1999)
Director: Roger Michell
Stars: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
For fans of: London and star-crossed lovers
Julia Roberts is just a girl—a beret-wearing, world-famous movie star, to be exact—standing in front of a boy—Hugh Grant, as a decidedly non-famous travel bookstore owner—asking him to love her. His response, of course, comes with a supersized dose of that classic, bumblingly awkward Hugh Grant charm.
Past Lives (2023)
Director: Celine Song
Stars: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
For fans of: subverted love triangles and what-ifs
Nora (Lee) and Hae-sung (Yoo) were childhood sweethearts growing up in Seoul, South Korea, but after Nora's family immigrated to Canada, their lives went down different paths. Celine Song's directorial debut follows the pair as they reunite in NYC over two decades later, facing questions of lingering feelings, nostalgia, and in-yun, or the Korean concept of fate derived from Buddhism.
The Best Comedy Movies of All Time
Sometimes, we all need a little cheering up, and what better way to do that than with a feel-good movie that makes you laugh? These comedy films are guaranteed to bring a little levity to your evening, whether it be through jokes or characters in insane situations. With typically universally relatable stories, comedy movies remind us that it's okay to poke fun at ourselves once in a while.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Director: John Hughes
Stars: Mathew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
For fans of: playing hooky and fourth wall breaks
Every kid in high school dreamed of having a day off like Ferris Bueller's and, frankly, we can't help but still aspire to have one like his as an adult. Come for each character's hilarious antics, and stay for the inevitable comparisons between Alan Ruck's character, Cameron Frye, and his recent portrayal of Connor Roy on Succession.
Mean Girls (2004)
Director: Mark Waters
Stars: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
For fans of: teen comedies and high school clichés
No movie has ever spoofed high school culture as brilliantly as Mean Girls, whose hilarious script by Tina Fey has become iconic, bringing the phrases "so fetch," "I know, right?" and "cool mom" into our modern language. It lives on in countless memes and GIFs, even though the movie's more than 10 years old at this point.
Clueless (1995)
Director: Amy Heckerling
Stars: Alicia Silverstone, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
For fans of: Jane Austen adaptations and classic '90s movies
Cher Horowitz stole everyone's heart in the '90s as the well-intentioned Valley Girl with an enviable revolving closet who set out to prove she wasn't "just a ditz with a credit card." Inspired by Jane Austen's Emma, Clueless sees her trying to play matchmaker at school, until she gets caught up in her own love triangle.
His Girl Friday (1940)
Director: Howard Hawks
Stars: Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Bellamy
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
For fans of: journalism and screwball comedy
Carey Grant and Rosalind Russell play a formerly married couple—he an editor, she an investigative reporter—who have to team up for one last assignment. Of course, the fact that he hired her only after finding out she was engaged to someone new might have something to do with it, but Russell is hilarious and their chemistry is bananas in this romance.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Director: Billy Wilder
Stars: Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
For fans of: impersonations and comedic duos
If you don't know why Miss Marilyn Monroe was and is such a big deal, take a look at this one. The film shows off her vocal chops as the lead singer of an all-girl band who dreams of wooing a millionaire. As her band travels to sunny Florida, she makes friends with two new musicians in the group, who she doesn't realize are men in disguise and on the run.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Director: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones
Stars: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
For fans of: silly humor and cult classics
You'll never think of coconuts the same way after watching this silly British slapstick comedy set in the time of King Arthur and the fabled Round Table. God sends a group of knights on a quest to find the Holy Grail, where they encounter several nonsensical obstacles along the way—a classic Monty Python premise.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Director: Gil Junger
Stars: Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70%
For fans of: Shakespeare retellings and bad boys
Volumes could be written about the sheer brilliance of 10 Things I Hate About You. If you've never seen it, know that it's one of the best teen movies ever made, from the script to the acting (two words: Heath. Ledger.) to the speech-making and wooing. It feels like a modern Shakespearean comedy because it is. (Ever heard of Taming of the Shrew?)
Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse (2018)
Director: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
Stars: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
For fans of: stunning animation and relatable protagonists
If you love superhero movies, this Spider-Man standalone may become your favorite of them all. The Oscar-winning animated film follows Miles Morales' origin story with a multiverse twist that has multiple Spider-Mans (Spiders-Man? Spider-Men?) popping up in his world.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Director: Robert Luketic
Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70%
For fans of: female empowerment and chick flicks
Heard of the bend and snap? If you can believe Legally Blonde came into our lives more than two decades ago, it's time to give this classic feel-good movie a watch if you haven't already—even if just to witness the evolution of Reese Witherspoon and her incredible acting. What, like it's hard?
Coming to America (1988)
Director: John Landis
Stars: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%
For fans of: corny lines and snappy jokes
A hilarious comedy with a super-sweet love story, Coming to America is an essential watch for anyone who loves to smile. This film also cemented Eddie Murphy's place as comedy royalty, with him and Arsenio Hall cracking us up through multiple different characters.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Director: Paul Feig
Stars: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
For fans of: all-female casts and hilarious gags
Kristen Wiig wrote and stars in Bridesmaids, a film about a bridal party's hilarious activities leading up to the big day (which should be required viewing every wedding season).
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Director: John Hughes
Stars: Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
For fans of: unexpected friendships and teen makeovers
John Hughes's catalog of '80s films (with Molly Ringwald often playing the starring role) are all classics, though this story about unexpected friendship that blossoms in the middle of detention hall takes the cake for its iconic scenes, from coordinated dances to beauty makeovers.
Tangerine (2015)
Director: Sean Baker
Stars: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, and James Ransone
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
For fans of: innovative filmmaking and moving friendships
Sean Baker was one of the first filmmakers to shoot a feature entirely on an iPhone back in 2015. For the project, he utilized a microbudget, three iPhone 5Ss, and a cast of many untrained actors, finding his leads in two transgender women and real-life friends, Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, whom he discovered outside of an LGBTQ+ center in L.A. The two play sex workers and close friends Sin-Dee Rella (Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Taylor), who set out to find Sin-Dee’s boyfriend and pimp when they find out he cheated on her when she was carrying out a recent prison sentence.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Director: David Frankel
Stars: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
For fans of: fashion montages and Stanley Tucci
This movie is filled with iconic moments: There’s the infamous cerulean monologue, the perfect mid-aughts opening montage set to “Suddenly I See,” one of the most satisfying style transformations ever put on film, a grilled cheese sandwich containing $8 worth of Jarlsberg and, yes, the Chanel boots. What more could you ask for?
Barbie (2023)
Director: Greta Gerwig
Stars: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
For fans of: dolls and powerful women
The summer of 2023 will forever be remembered for its spectacular displays of female power, between Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s sold-out world tours and, of course, the blockbuster release of Barbie. Come for the nostalgia, the perfectly choreographed dance scenes, and Ryan Gosling’s goofy turn as Ken, stay for the expert skewering of the patriarchy, a celebration of womanhood, and that America Ferrera monologue.
Step Brothers (2008)
Director: Adam McKay
Stars: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 55%
For fans of: blended families and the Catalina Wine Mixer
Don’t let the Rotten Tomatoes score fool you: As any real cinephile can attest, this film is one of the all-time greats. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be inspired to form an entertainment company à la Prestige Worldwide with your rival-turned-best friend-slash-stepsibling and start churning out hit songs (“Boats ’N Hoes,” anyone?)—all the makings of a truly great movie.
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
Director: Jonathan Lynn
Stars: Joe Pesci, Ralph Macchio, and Marisa Tomei
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
For fans of: courtroom comedies and scene-stealing women
Sure, a murder trial doesn't seem like it would be the best place for laughs, but proving that assumption wrong is just one of the surprises that catapulted this '90s comedy into the all-time must-watch category. After a pair of road-tripping New Yorkers are wrongly accused of killing a convenience store clerk, they enlist the help of Cousin Vinny (Pesci) and his fiancée Mona Lisa (Oscar winner Tomei) to prove their innocence.
Paddington 2 (2017)
Director: Paul King
Stars: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
For fans of: family movies and lovable creatures
This movie about a talking teddy bear with a big heart shows a heartwarming lesson about empathy and community to both kids and adults alike, as Paddington and the people who love him band together to help when the polite bear is falsely imprisoned.
The Best Classic Movies of All Time
Less of a genre and more of a distinction, we define "classic movies" as the kind of film that changed their respective genres forever. Being familiar with the films on this list will set you apart from the casual pop culture fan and put you on the road to becoming a movie buff. For a film to be a classic in our book, it should have some years on it, be universally loved, and have a major cultural impact. The classic movies below, all released over 25 years ago, check those boxes.
Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Director: Nicholas Ray
Stars: James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
For fans of: teen angst and the 1950s
Two words for you: James! Dean! The old Hollywood icon's second to last film, as teenager Jim Stark, before his untimely death in 1955 ended up being one of his most celebrated. The unlikely bond shared on-screen between him, John "Plato" Crawford (Sal Mineo), and Judy (Natalie Wood) gave American youths at the time a movie where they could finally see themselves on the screen.
A Raisin in the Sun (1961)
Director: Daniel Petrie
Stars: Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
For fans of: theatrical plays and social commentary
A Chicago family, the Youngers, are about to receive a windfall that will change their lives, but they have different ideas on how to use the money. An adaptation of the Lorraine Hansberry play made with the original cast, this film questions who is allowed the American Dream.
Carmen Jones (1954)
Director: Otto Preminger
Stars: Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Pearl Bailey
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%
For fans of: historic performances and musicals
This underrated musical set at an all-Black army camp follows Carmen (Dorothy Dandridge), who, despite being sought after by every man at the base, has her sights set on the super married Joe (Harry Belafonte). Dandridge's performance as Carmen Jones got her nominated for an Oscar, making history as the first African American actress in a leading role to be nominated.
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Director: Robert Mulligan
Stars: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Robert Duvall
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
For fans of: historical stories and court cases
Scout Finch tells the story of how her father, Atticus, a small town lawyer in the rural South, defended a wrongfully accused black man in this adaptation of Harper Lee's beloved novel. Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch is how most people who've seen this movie think of the character, and you will too when you see it.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Director: George Roy Hill
Stars: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
For fans of: Westerns and buddy comedies
Robert Redford! Paul Newman! Really strong facial hair game! What could go wrong? Well, actually, a train robbery does go wrong, leaving outlaws Butch Cassidy (Newman) and The Sundance Kid (Redford) on the run from a seriously dangerous posse as they try to leave rural Wyoming for Bolivia. It's a Western film you can't miss.
12 Angry Men (1957)
Director: Sidney Lumet
Stars: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
For fans of: courtroom dramas and realistic thrillers
This classic film is ostensibly about a dozen white men on a jury arguing over whether a young Puerto Rican man actually killed his father (the class and race dynamics feel unfortunately familiar, 60-plus years later). But it's really about prejudice and stereotype and the assumptions we carry with us every day without realizing it. If you didn't get to watch this one in school, watch it now.
Rocky (1976)
Director: John G. Avildsen
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
For fans of: sports movies and underdog stories
It’s the classic underdog story that made Sylvester Stallone a household name. The movie follows boxer Rocky Balboa on the road to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in a match deemed “a somebody vs. nobody.” The film, written by Stallone, would go on to win Best Picture at the Oscars in 1977.
The Godfather (1972)
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Stars: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
For fans of: mob dramas and gangster action
Yes, there are three parts to this trilogy that might require a night of bingeing. But there's really nothing like Francis Ford Coppola's depiction of the mob family of Don Vito Corleone. It's a chilling to the bone, action-packed story that's not one to miss.
Jaws (1975)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
For fans of: tension-building suspense and iconic theme songs
When Steven Spielberg made this movie, I’m unsure if he knew it would become the face of anti-shark propaganda, and make a whole generation scared to get in the water. Regardless, this movie about a sheriff, marine biologist, and fisherman hunting down a shark that’s terrorizing their beach town is a must-see.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Director: Spike Lee
Stars: Danny Aiello, Giancarlo Esposito, Ossie Davis
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
For fans of: slice-of-life stories and driving messages
Spike Lee acts and directs in a film that marries comedy and drama perfectly. Roger Ebert's review is pretty spot-on, but to summarize: Lee builds a community in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, teeming with life and tension on the hottest day of the year. And then he rips it all apart. But it's so much more compelling than even that description. Lee handles all his characters with love, and there's no one who's truly evil, despite spot-on and heart-wrenching commentary about racism, classism, and poverty.
Back to the Future (1985)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Stars: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
For fans of: Comedic sci-fis and '80s references
This sci-fi film sees Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a time traveler who drives his flying Delorean back into the '50s after an experiment gone wrong. Fun fact: the sequel is set in the far-away future, a.k.a. 2015.
The Sound of Music (1965)
Director: Robert Wise
Stars: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
For fans of: sweet storylines and uplifting music
Julie Andrews plays an Austrian nun during World War II in the Academy Award-winning film. When she comes to the villa of retired naval officer Captain Georg von Trapp to be governess to his seven children, she begins to realize how much the family means to her. The latter part of the movie has an unexpected twist and displays the unfathomable truth of what it was like living in Nazi Germany.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Director: Milos Forman
Stars: Jake Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Brad Dourif
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
For fans of: memorable characters and tragic comedies
Jack Nicholson's at his best in this film about a habitual criminal who's sentenced to time in a mental hospital. There, he threatens the natural order under the watch of cruel Nurse Ratched and attempts to flee with his fellow patients. The film swept up five Academy Awards in its day, from Best Picture to Best Actor and Best Actress.
The Graduate (1967)
Director: Mike Nichols
Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
For fans of: love triangles and a moving score
Between the Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack and the easy-on-the-eyes love triangle—Dustin Hoffman as a wandering college graduate, his married neighbor Mrs. Robinson, and her daughter—this film is hard to not immediately fall in love with.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Director: Jim Sharman
Stars: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%
For fans of: wild characters and over-the-top dance numbers
See for yourself where all the live versions of the cult favorite Rocky Horror Picture Show began with this over-the-top, perfectly cast musical (see: young Susan Sarandon).
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Director: Victor Fleming
Stars: Judy Garland, Jack Haley, Ray Bolger
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
For fans of: fantasy and flawless vocals
A technical marvel at its time and one of the most influential films ever, this 1937 film is definitely worth a watch for movie buffs, even if you've seen countless iterations of L. Frank Baum's fairy tale.
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Director: George Cukor
Stars: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
For fans of: screwball comedies and love triangles
Over 80 years after its release, this classic still deserves every bit of its perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating. Katharine Hepburn plays the headstrong socialite Tracy Lord, who spends the days leading up to her second wedding trading barbs with her ex-husband Dexter (Cary Grant) and James Stewart’s Mike, a journalist sent to cover the ceremony—leading her to reassess her decision to marry the social-climbing George Kittredge (John Howard). There’s still a wedding at the end of the movie, but we won’t spoil who ends up as the groom.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Director: Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
Stars: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
For fans of: musicals and Old Hollywood
Singin’ in the Rain is still considered by many to be the greatest musical film of all time, more than 70 years later. Rightfully so—the rom-com is full of catchy songs and impressive dance sequences to tell the story of Hollywood’s not-so-smooth transition from silent films to “talkies.”
Seven Samurai (1956)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Stars: Toshir? Mifune and Takashi Shimura
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
For fans of: action epics and long runtimes
If you're an action fan and haven't watched Seven Samurai, odds are you've already seen countless references to Kurosawa's 1954 film. This story of a motley crew of samurai gathered to protect a small village from a major threat has gone on to inspire generations of filmmakers, including several who appear on this very list. Just be sure to carve out enough time to immerse yourself in the three-plus hour runtime.
The Matrix (1999)
Director: Lana and Lilly Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
For fans of: mind-bending effects and leather trenches
Many elements of The Matrix have escaped the screen to become mainstays in fashion and internet culture as a whole (for better or worse). Over 25 years after its release, Neo's (Reeves) escape from his simulated reality still has some of the best action scenes and visual effects ever put to film.
The Best Scary Movies and Thriller Movies of All Time
Horror and thriller films do something to us that no other genre of films do—they terrify us. Some people may think it’s crazy, but feeling a sense of fear, dread, and anticipation via movies is an adrenaline rush like no other. These classic horror movies and thrillers feature some of the most terrifying creatures, killers, and jump scares, not to mention some unforgettable psychological horror. You’re going to want to leave the lights on when you go to bed after watching these.
The Exorcist (1973)
Director: William Friedkin
Stars: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
For fans of: demonology and good vs. evil stories
The film that prompted so many parodies and remakes (another one is coming in 2023!), nothing lights a candle to the original. Rightfully dubbed "one of the best horror films ever made" by many, The Exorcist goes above and beyond to make you terrified. The story about a girl possessed by a demon in need of an exorcism is unsettling, to say the least.
Parasite (2019)
Director: Bong Joon Ho
Stars: Song Kang-ho, Choi Woo-sik, Park So-dam
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
For fans of: gruesome twists and commentaries on social issues
An unemployed family of four slips into the lives of the crazy wealthy Park family. Then, there's an incident that can’t entirely be cleaned up in a cleaning shift. Long after the credits roll, you’ll be questioning the ending and mulling over the tough, important themes.
The Shining (1980)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Stars: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
For fans of: Stephen King and eerie settings
Jack Nicholson is on this list a few times, but this classic horror movie is probably his most well-known role. The Torrance family—husband Jack, wife Wendy, and son Danny—are staying in the Overlook Hotel during the winter. Then, the hotel begins to come alive with a terrible, terrifying evil. Stephen King famously hated this adaptation, because Stanley Kubrick takes out all the empathy from the patriarch (Nicholson, playing crazy like he was born to do it). But it makes the story even more powerful. Viewed through today's lens, it's also a haunting look at the effects of domestic violence.
Promising Young Woman (2020)
Director: Emerald Fennell
Stars: Carey Mulligan, Laverne Cox, Bo Burnham
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
For fans of: feminism and twisted revenge
This very dark comedy juxtaposes one woman's insatiable quest to avenge her best friend's tragic assault in front of a backdrop of all things frilly, pink, and sweet. That stark contrast only makes the movie's incredibly intense climax that much more shocking. Promising Young Woman was nominated for five Oscars in 2021, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Carey Mulligan, and a history-making Best Director nod for Emerald Fennell.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Stars: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
For fans of: creepy villains and outer space
This movie is trippy and a bit hard to follow, but it's absolutely required viewing. Stanley Kubrick takes us from the dawn of the human species to the dawn of a totally new species in just a few hours, and his view of space and space travel set the standard for a thousand sci-fi films to come. More importantly, it's compelling and totally, totally terrifying. It's aged really well, despite being made over 50 years ago.
Rear Window (1954)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Stars: Grace Kelly, James Stewart, Wendell Corey
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
For fans of: taut suspense and chilling endings
This early Hitchcock movie boasts an impressive 98% percent Rotten Tomatoes score, and it's still considered one of the best of its time. Starring Princess Grace Kelly and James Stewart, the film revolves around a man confined to his wheelchair whose pastime involves spying on his neighbors (through the rear window—get it?). Things take a turn for the worst when he believes he's witnessed a murder.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
For fans of: monster movies and amusement parks
It's a little hard to believe that the Schindler's List director also came up with this dino adventure movie, but what's even more impressive is that the two films came out mere months apart. This could not be more different, but if you're looking for a film about these prehistoric creatures, stick to the classic. There's so much loving attention paid to the dinosaurs' look—there isn't a ton of CGI, with a greater reliance on practical effects—but more importantly, the human characters are just as interesting. Samuel L. Jackson, in the best cameo of all time.
Heathers (1988)
Director: Michael Lehmann
Stars: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
For fans of: twisted high school movies and campiness
Winona Ryder's always in her element in off-beat dark comedies, and this one sets her in the middle of a high school where her character Veronica gets invited to a join a popular clique of "Heathers" (literally three girls whose names are Heather) until they betray her. Veronica and her partner-in-crime J.D. Dean (Christian Slater) set out to right all the wrongs made against her, in cruel and unusual ways.
Train to Busan (2016)
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Stars: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Choi Woo-sik
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
For fans of: zombie horrors and Korean films
In this legendary Korean thriller, a group of travelers on a bullet train have to fight off a car full of zombies as a mysterious infection ravages the country. The pulse-pounding film has a stellar cast and a secret heart, with the characters making touch choices to help their families survive.
Psycho (1960)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Stars: Janet Leigh, Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
For fans of: slasher films and horror in the mundane
One of the first slasher films (that launched many copycats to come) is Alfred Hitchcock's creepy story of Norman Bates and his hotel on the hill.
Carrie (1976)
Director: Brian De Palma
Stars: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, William Katt
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
For fans of: supernatural horror and revenge stories
Sissy Spacek is the one true Carrie—a bullied young woman who develops telekinetic abilities just in time for a prank prom invite to turn into a full-fledged bloodbath. I know we shouldn't condone violence, but it's hard not to root for poor Carrie after her classmates dump pigs blood on her in her prom dress, right?
Get Out (2017)
Director: Jordan Peele
Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
For fans of: psychological thrillers and comedic relief
It's not often that a movie so perfectly taps into the spirit of the times, but in a year where Trump's presidency sparked tense discussions about police brutality, race, and false liberalism, this was the breakout movie that did the job—in the horror genre, no less. Director Jordan Peele turns the typical horror script on its head with this blend of cultural criticism and horror tropes.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Director: Jonathan Demme
Stars: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
For fans of: Psychological thrillers and charming cannibals
Anthony Hopkins' performance in this film made Hannibal Lecter the creepiest villain of the past few decades, who isn't even the actual villain of this film. Lecter's influence is felt in many horror baddies who have come after, but there's nothing like hearing the original say "fava beans and a nice Chianti."
The Dark Knight (2008)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Stars: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
For fans of: crime thrillers and sinister villains
For many (myself included), Christopher Nolan's second installment in his superhero trilogy is the best Batman there is. Equal parts action blockbuster and crime thriller, Nolan is able to expertly combine aspects of both genres into a modern superhero film for the ages. Heath Ledger's go at the Joker is so massive and brilliant, so far no other actor has been able to top it.
Seven (1995)
Director: David Fincher
Stars: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
For fans of: detective stories and plot twist finales
One of the best crime thrillers of all time has to be David Fincher's Seven. With Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman at the helm, two detectives investigate a number of grisly murders inspired by the seven deadly sins, and boy, do things get dark. There's plenty of symbolism along the way for you to connect the dots, but still bet you'll be shocked by the now-memeable ending.
Black Swan (2010)
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Stars: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
For fans of: ballet and jumpscares
Who says ballet can’t be scary? Natalie Portman plays Nina, a professional ballerina who increasingly loses her grip on reality as she’s forced to compete with Mila Kunis’ Lily for the lead role in a production of Swan Lake. This psychological thriller explores the (very) dark side of devotion to one’s art, and it won Portman the Best Actress award at the 2011 Oscars.
The Best Drama Movies of All Time
Movies that fall under the drama genre are exactly what the name suggests: dramatic. The list of films that can be considered a drama is long and varied. Anything from period pieces, teen dramas, war movies, movies for girls' night, biopics, etc, fall under the drama category, but what they all have in common is emotionally driven characters and plenty of conflict.
Life is Beautiful (1997)
Director: Roberto Benigni
Stars: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
For fans of: World War II stories and bittersweet humor
While this Italian film is about the horrors of the Holocaust, it has plenty of comic moments as well—and it works. Roberto Benigni gives a breathtaking performance as a family man who, as a Jew, is sent with his family to a concentration camp in northern Italy, but uses his imaginative powers to convince his young son that it's all a game.
Erin Brockovich (2001)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Stars: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
For fans of: legal dramas and uncovering corruption
This inspiring drama stars Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich, a single mom who uncovers an environmental crime and goes after the huge corporation involved.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Director: Peter Weir
Stars: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
For fans of: inspirational stories
Set at a New England private school in 1959, this movie follows an English teacher, played by Robin Williams, and his relationship with his students as he teaches them to live a little more through poetry. The movie gave Williams his second Oscar nominee, and Ethan Hawke said that working on this movie inspired him to continue to be an actor.
Schindler's List (1993)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
For fans of: chilling historical periods and brutal atmospheres
A movie about the Holocaust is almost guaranteed to be poignant, but under Stephen Spielberg's expert direction, this one surprises with its restraint. That's deliberate—the sadness and symbolism build throughout the film so that you have a full sense of what happened, who did it, and why it matters so, so much. The movie's in black and white, with the smallest pop of color to offer a moment of hope and then (devastatingly) all possible heartbreak in one unforgettable image.
The Farewell (2019)
Director: Lulu Wang
Stars: Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
For fans of: complicated family dynamics and cultural traditions
In her Golden Globe-winning role, Awkwafina plays Billi, a woman on a trip to China for a "family wedding" that's actually a final goodbye to her grandmother. While there, Billi struggles to find a deeper connection to the country and tries to understand her family's decision to keep her grandmother's sickness a secret from her.
Lady Bird (2017)
Director: Greta Gerwig
Stars: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Timothée Chalamet
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
For fans of: coming-of-age stories and mother-daughter drama
Greta Gerwig dives into the tricky dynamics of mother-daughter relationships in this coming-of-age story. Saoirse Ronan plays the titular Lady Bird, a teen navigating her last year at her Catholic high school. Gerwig paints a portrait of adolescence that's poignant, genuine, and hilarious.
The Truman Show (1998)
Director: Peter Weir
Stars: Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
For fans of: reality TV and cautionary tales
If you've ever wondered whether your life is just one big sitcom, The Truman Show illustrates what happens when one man, played by Jim Carrey, realizes that his entire life is scripted for television. While that premise seems pretty straightforward, there's a lot of deeper messaging about narcissism, surveillance, media, and what it means to have free will.
Moonlight (2016)
Director: Barry Jenkins
Stars: Mahershala Ali, Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
For fans of: Lgbtq+ themes and forbidden love
Yes, you've heard the buzz about this movie. But if you haven't seen it yet, make room in your schedule. Moonlight is a beautifully filmed coming-of-age story of a gay black boy growing up in a housing project in Miami. The many-layered film sheds light on aspects of Black identity that are rarely spotlighted on film.
Daughters of the Dust (1991)
Director: Julie Dash
Stars: Kaycee Moore, Cora Lee Day, Barbara O.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
For fans of: multi-generational families and African culture
Quick history lesson: Daughters of the Dust was the first feature film directed by a Black woman distributed in theaters in the U.S. It tells the story of three generations of Gullah women in pre-Civil War times living on Saint Helena Island who are stuck on deciding whether to stay or migrate north for a better life. The film's scenery is stunning, but the real beauty of the film is its complex characters.
Her (2013)
Director: Spike Jonze
Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
For fans of: unexpected love and sci-fi twists
Joaquin Phoenix delivers as the sensitive Theodore, a man who writes personal letters for others. After a bitter divorce, he soon develops a friendly (and later romantic) relationship with an intuitive operating system. It may be an unusual relationship, but the film shows that love comes in many forms.
Little Women (2019)
Director: Greta Gerwig
Stars: Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
For fans of: female leads and double endings
Gerwig's adaption of Louisa May Alcott's novel is nothing short of stunning. Each March sister is determined to live their own lives and it's fascinating to see how they each carve their own path. Gerwig's autumnal color palette and New England scenery will make you want to curl up on the couch and get cozy while shedding a tear a two.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Director: Ang Lee
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Linda Cardellini
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
For fans of: doomed love and tearjerkers
Set in 1963 Wyoming, cowboys Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis (Heath Ledger) discover deep feelings for each other while on a sheep herding job on Brokeback Mountain. Over the course of 20 years, the two maintain a secret affair while marrying women and struggle to come to terms with their sexuality. It's a story for the ages that deals with toxic masculinity and homophobia set in a stunning landscape.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Director: Gus Van Sant
Stars: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
For fans of:
Matt Damon stars as Will, a janitor with a hidden genius-level IQ, who runs into trouble and is forced to get treatment from a therapist (Robin Williams). Damon and Ben Affleck's friendship chemistry is a must-watch, but it's Williams' Oscar-winning performance that's the real draw here.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Director: Frank Darabont
Stars: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
For fans of: moving stories and satisfying endings
There's a reason why some critics claim The Shawshank Redemption is the best drama film of all time. The moving story follows Andy (Tim Robbins), a man sentenced to serve two life terms at the high-security prison Shawshank for murdering his wife and her lover. There he meets friends and enemies and learns a new way of life incarcerated.
West Side Story (1961)
Director: Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise
Stars: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
For fans of: rivalries and impeccable dancing
If you liked the Steven Spielberg remake, be sure to also check out the original film adaptation of this Romeo-and-Juliet inspired musical, starring Rita Moreno and Natalie Wood.
The Big Sick (2017)
Director: Michael Showalter
Stars: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
For fans of: real-life love stories and cross-cultural issues
Kumail Nanjiani wrote and stars in The Big Sick, the real-life story of how Nanjiani met and fell in love with his wife, Emily. The film feels familiar in its sincerity but brings a twist to the rom-com with clashing cultures.
Roma (2018)
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Stars: Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Marco Graf
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
For fans of: hyperrealism and family life
This gorgeous black-and-white Mexican film follows an indigenous domestic worker who has to deal with unexpected changes in her own life and that of the family she works for, based on director Alfonso Cuarón's memories of his own nanny from childhood.
Spirited Away (2001)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Stars: Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Susan Egan
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
For fans of: breathtaking visuals and fantastical adventures
This celebrated Studio Ghibli film about a young girl traveling through a spirit world is one of the best-animated movies of all time. While it may not exactly fall under the category of drama, it does feel like a fairy tale full of eerie spirits.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Director: Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert
Stars: Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
For fans of: the multiverse and emotional family moments
This irreverent action comedy movie will have you both laughing at Michelle Yeoh's multiverse adventures and crying at its poignant, universal theme. (Trust me, it's best to go in blind and be pleasantly surprised.)
Trainspotting (1996)
Director: Danny Boyle
Stars: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
For fans of: dark comedies and controversial subject matters
Considered one of the best British films of all time, Trainspotting follows a group of heroin addicts in Edinburgh, Scotland who try and fail to integrate themselves into "normal" society. It's dark, sure, but it's also an ode to youth and economic insecurity that you won't be able to stop thinking about.
Forrest Gump (1991)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Stars: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%
For fans of: sentimental stories and underdogs
Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny Forrest Gump pulls at your heartstrings. Tom Hanks stars as the titular Gump, a slow-witted man waiting on a bench for the bus that will reunite him with his childhood sweetheart. During his wait, he tells his life story to willing strangers, which includes meeting the president (twice), serving in the Vietnam War, and becoming a millionaire. It's a film full of memorable lines and charming anecdotes.
Fruitvale Station (2013)
Director: Ryan Coogler
Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Melonie Diaz
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
For fans of: true stories and tragic endings
Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, this heart-wrenching film follows the last day of Oscar Grant, a man who was killed by police at a BART station on New Year's Eve 2009.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Stars: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
For fans of: interwoven storylines and dark humor
Quentin Tarantino's second feature film holds up as one of the best films of the '90s and for good reason. With storylines between two hitmen, gangsters, a mob wife, a boxer, and a pair of nervous robbers, Pulp Fiction is a rollercoaster of a film, in the best way possible.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Matt Damon
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
For fans of: war movies and history
Saving Private Ryan opens with an extremely visceral and violent image: the Allied invasion of Normandy Beach, AKA D-Day. Thus sets the tone for Spielberg's epic war film and sets the standard for the genre moving forward. It tells the story of Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) and his team of men who go behind enemy lines to find Private James Ryan and return him home.
Aftersun (2022)
Director: Charlotte Wells
Stars: Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio, Celia Rowlson-Hall
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
For fans of: childhood vacations and father-daughter relationships
You’ll never hear Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” the same way again after watching Aftersun, in which a woman sifts through her memories of the last vacation she took with her enigmatic father when she was 11 and he was 30. It’s bittersweet, charming and subtly devastating—honestly, a recipe for a perfect movie.
Remember the Titans (2000)
Director: Boaz Yakin
Stars: Denzel Washington and Will Patton
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
For fans of: sports movies and heartwarming true stories
Set in the 1970s and based on a true story of a Southern HS football team's integration, Remember the Titans is (unfortunately) still a relevant story over two decades later. Come for the inspiring tale of teamwork, and stay for the cast of future stars who populate the cast (hi young Ryan Gosling!).
The Social Network (2010)
Director: David Fincher
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
For fans of: origin stories and being extremely online
As the founder of the tech empire now known as Meta, Mark Zuckerberg coined the phrase “move fast and break things,” which soon became a rallying cry for the impossible-to-sustain growth mindset of Silicon Valley startup culture in the aughts and 2010s. That mantra is on stark display in The Social Network, which charts the meteoric rise of Facebook from Zuckerberg’s Harvard dorm room to billions of devices around the world—and the relationships that broke down along the way.
