15 Movies You Just Can’t Miss Watching in Your Lifetime
Certain movies have etched themselves into cinematic history as masterpieces, garnering widespread acclaim for their exceptional storytelling, profound themes, and innovative filmmaking. These cinematic masterpieces hold a special place in the hearts and minds of all who have viewed them.
La La Land (2016)
Damien Chazelle’s modern musical celebrates the dreams and challenges of aspiring artists in Los Angeles. The film’s vibrant musical numbers, poignant performances by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, and bittersweet exploration of love and ambition have struck a chord with audiences as one of modern cinema’s best musicals.
The Godfather (1972)
The first of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic saga about the Corleone family blending intricate character development with themes of loyalty, power, and morality. The Godfather truly set a benchmark for crime dramas.
The Social Network (2010)
Directed by David Fincher, this film chronicles the creation of Facebook and the ensuing legal battles about who created the idea for the platform. The film’s sharp writing, Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay, and Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg capture the complexities of ambition, friendship, and betrayal in the digital age.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
This psychological thriller, directed by Jonathan Demme, follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of incarcerated serial killer Hannibal Lecter to catch another killer on the loose. The film’s intense and chilling performances by Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins have helped make The Silence of the Lambs a staple in the psychological thriller genre.
Schindler’s List (1993)
Schindler’s List is a harrowing exploration of humanity’s capacity for good in the face of immense evil. Liam Neeson’s depiction of Oskar Schindler and his efforts to save Jews working in his factory during the Holocaust is a powerful testament to the human spirit.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi masterpiece delves into the evolution of humanity, artificial intelligence, and the mysteries of the cosmos, captivating audiences with its visual splendor and philosophical depth. 2001 is a movie that has stood the test of time, and no matter the decade in which it’s watched, the viewer can still draw parallels to modern society.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
With its razor-sharp dialogue, eclectic characters, and unconventional structure, Pulp Fiction redefined modern cinema and established a new standard for storytelling in cinema.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Frank Darabont’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novella. The movie is celebrated for portraying friendship, hope, and redemption within the confines of a prison setting. Many movie reviews have said that it’s a movie that’s great when you first see it and gets better as you age.
Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller shocked audiences with its innovative storytelling, iconic shower scene, and exploration of the dark recesses of the human mind.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
It is a beloved fantasy musical that transports viewers to the magical world of Oz, using vibrant colors and memorable characters. At the time, it was a groundbreaking movie for its use of black and white and color. It is celebrated for its themes of self-discovery and friendship.
Raging Bull (1980)
This biographical drama about the turbulent life of boxer Jake LaMotta is renowned for its visceral depiction of violence and Robert De Niro’s transformative performance that captures LaMotta’s rage and jealousy as if LaMotta himself had taken over for De Niro in the movie.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
George Lucas’s space opera launched a cultural phenomenon, introducing audiences to the epic struggle between the Rebel Alliance and the evil Galactic Empire. The film’s imaginative world-building, groundbreaking special effects, and timeless hero’s journey have captivated viewers of all ages for generations.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
A sequel can rarely rival its predecessor—however, The Godfather Pt. II is its predecessor’s equal! Part II continues the Corleone saga while also delving into the origin story of Vito Corleone, masterfully intertwining timelines.
Citizenfour (2014)
A documentary that offers a gripping look into Edward Snowden’s whistleblowing actions, revealing the far-reaching implications of government surveillance on personal freedom. It’s not meant to be a horror movie, but there are some really scary realities in this movie.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
The epic conclusion to the LOTR trilogy. With its breathtaking visuals and intricate storytelling, Peter Jackson has created a nearly flawless trilogy that redefined science fiction and storytelling for modern cinema.
