Because of the recent pandemic, I had the opportunity to spend relatively more time on films, watching films from various genres and regions (North America, Europe, and Asia).
Subconsciously, I evaluated films based on a mix of factors including story/screenplay, cinematography, score, direction, acting, uniqueness, and impact. I considered making a shortlist of the best films (not necessarily favorites) from today's dynamics, an extremely difficult exercise (as among top films, the difference can be marginal).
After much back and forth (including probably being unfair to some films), I have conjured up a list of the Best Films of All-time. I have limited the list to 20 to avoid making a laundry list. To encourage variety, I have not repeated directors. Without further ado, below is the list, which attempts to cover different genres, in the order of release:
Metropolis (1927, Silent). Directed by Fritz Lang. This was released over 90 years ago. A good example of German expressionism. It not only captured a gothic environment nicely but also created a visual grammar for Sci-Fi films. Over the years (1936-2008), the film was seen in various cut versions. Its full or relatively full-length version was discovered in Argentina in 2008. It has been restored and available to enjoy in its full glory.
City Lights (1931, Silent). No all-time best films list would be complete without films from Charlie Chaplin, one of the best filmmakers ever. He has been an inspiration for many. You could pick any of the top Chaplin films. However, I have gone with City Lights as it also showcases a beautiful love story. This film probably taught Hollywood how to make rom-com.
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943, English). Directed by Powell and Pressburger, this film tells the tale of a rotund Clive Candy (played by Roger Livesey) through 3 wars - Boer War, First World War & the Second World War. It weaves in romance (with 2 Deborah Kerr, who plays 3 roles) and a tale of friendship with a German officer (played by the magnificent Anton Walbrook) in a witty manner. Since it is a Powell and Pressburger film, visually it is pleasing too. It is one of the best war/anti-war films.
Seven Samurai (1954, Japanese). Kurosawa's masterpiece is seen as one of the most referenced, reworked, & remade films. It appears as if Kurosawa used all his experience to craft this gem.
Journey to Italy (1954, English/Italian). An example of neorealism films. Starring Ingrid Bergman and George Sanders, who share a passionless marriage. On a trip to Italy, their differences get so pronounced that they spend the trip separately. Eventually, events make them come close again. The cinematography is beautiful. Italy is captured nicely.
Vertigo (1958, English). This Hitchcock film noir masterpiece was picked by Sight and Sound as the greatest film of all time in its 2012 critics poll (the poll happens every 10 years so the next one should be in 2022). This one is a great example of filmmaking as well with excellent use of colors and framing techniques, all backed up by a brilliant score by Bernard Herrmann.
L'Avventura (1960, Italian). A simple story about the search for a missing woman. Beautifully shot. Philosophical.
Mughal-e-Azam (1960, Hindi). M-e-A gets the nod for being a great work of art. The passion in various relationships is captured nicely. Director K Asif went to great lengths to make an extraordinary film.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962, English). Technically one of the best films ever made. Screenplay, direction, locations, acting, background score, locations, and cinematography are all great.
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964, French). A French New Wave film that hits the ball out of the park. Vibrant with its use of colors. It is an engaging musical experience.
Persona (1966, Swedish). Ingmar Bergman's experimental psychological drama. It blends a variety of topics (some may even consider it a vampire film) so may require multiple viewings to grasp various angles. Impactful B&W cinematography.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968, English). Directed by Kubrick. A work that blends art with technical brilliance. A film that was ahead of its time. When in the right mood, watching this film can be a mind-blowing experience. Shows you a glimpse of an AI-influenced future.
Anand (1971, Hindi). A unique film chosen for delivering a meaningful message in a beautiful way through one of the cinema's most iconic characters - Anand. The film tells the story of a last-stage cancer patient attempting to spend his remaining few months laughing and making a positive difference to others. Highlights the fact that while you come to the earth crying, you have the option to depart it laughing.
Godfather I & II (1972-1974, English). Clubbed together as they are like a one-long film. Amazing star cast, a great adaption of the Mario Puzo novel, and a superb background score.
Stalker (1979, Russian). Tarkovsky's masterpiece. A philosophical journey as well. A film that encompasses multiple genres. A book on cinematography.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984, Japanese). I wanted to include a Studio Ghibli film. The difference in quality among the top Studio Ghibli films is marginal. You could pick any of them. I decided to go with the film that started it all (Studio Ghibli was created after this film iirc). Weaves unique visuals of the apocalyptic future while providing a great message. The background score is probably the best among Studio Ghibli films hence it also gets bonus points for that.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991, English). A monumental film in the horror-thriller genre and among the only 3 films to have won the 5 Big Oscars (Film, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay). Dr. Hannibal Lecter is a legendary character.
Schindler's List (1993, English). Spielberg's touching anti-war masterpiece.
In the Mood for Love (2000, Cantonese). Directed by Wong Kar-Wai. An unusual romantic drama by and large set in 1960s Hong Kong. It is a pleasing film to not only look at but also listen to.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014, English). Wes Anderson's modern classic sporting an ensemble of well-known actors. It is a facetious adventure-comedy-crime film that creates a colorful fairy-tale environment that is rarely seen on screen. Visually a stunning film.
While some may not care for one or two of your choices, I think most can agree that all of these films belong on any "greatest" list. These are all either landmark cinema, film masterpieces or both.
Intolerance(1916-D.W. Griffith) U.S.A.
Citizen Kane(1941-Orson Welles) U.S.A.
The Magnificent Ambersons(1942-Orson Welles) U.S.A.
La Belle et la Bete(1946-Jean Cocteau) France
The Red Shoes(1948-Michel Powell, Emeric Pressburger) U.K.
Ladri di Biciclette(1949-Vittorio De Sica) Italy
The Third Man(1949-Carol Reed) U.K.
The Asphalt Jungle(1950-John Huston) U.S.A.
Gun Crazy(1950-Joseph H. Lewis) U.S.A.
An American in Paris(1951-Vincente Minnelli) U.S.A.
Shane(1953-George Stevens) U.S.A.
Ugetsu monogatarai(1953-Kenji Mizoguchi) Japan
La Strada(1954-Federico Fellini) Italy
The Night of the Hunter(1955-Charles Laughton) U.S.A.
Pather Panchali(1955-Satyajit Ray) India
La Dolce Vita(1960-Federico Fellini) Italy
2001: A Space Odyssey(1968-Stanley Kubrick) U.S.A./U.K.
Andrei Rublev(1969-Andrei Tarkovsky) U.S.S.R.
The Tree of Life(2011-Terrence Malick) U.S.A.
The Florida Project(2017-Sean Baker) U.S.A.
Intolerance(1916-D.W. Griffith) U.S.A.
Citizen Kane(1941-Orson Welles) U.S.A.
The Magnificent Ambersons(1942-Orson Welles) U.S.A.
La Belle et la Bete(1946-Jean Cocteau) France
The Red Shoes(1948-Michel Powell, Emeric Pressburger) U.K.
Ladri di Biciclette(1949-Vittorio De Sica) Italy
The Third Man(1949-Carol Reed) U.K.
The Asphalt Jungle(1950-John Huston) U.S.A.
Gun Crazy(1950-Joseph H. Lewis) U.S.A.
An American in Paris(1951-Vincente Minnelli) U.S.A.
Shane(1953-George Stevens) U.S.A.
Ugetsu monogatarai(1953-Kenji Mizoguchi) Japan
La Strada(1954-Federico Fellini) Italy
The Night of the Hunter(1955-Charles Laughton) U.S.A.
Pather Panchali(1955-Satyajit Ray) India
La Dolce Vita(1960-Federico Fellini) Italy
2001: A Space Odyssey(1968-Stanley Kubrick) U.S.A./U.K.
Andrei Rublev(1969-Andrei Tarkovsky) U.S.S.R.
The Tree of Life(2011-Terrence Malick) U.S.A.
The Florida Project(2017-Sean Baker) U.S.A.
Apart from Welles, you have not repeated a director so that shows that you are not influenced by selected directors
Apart from Welles, you have not repeated a director so that shows that you are not influenced by selected directors
Two Fellinis in my list as well (La Strada and La Dolce Vita).
It really hurt, though, not to be able to include Kurosawa, Rossellini, Asghar Farhadi and several others. But limiting it to twenty titles, decisions (and excisions) had to be made.
Two Fellinis in my list as well (La Strada and La Dolce Vita).
It really hurt, though, not to be able to include Kurosawa, Rossellini, Asghar Farhadi and several others. But limiting it to twenty titles, decisions (and excisions) had to be made.
The limit makes you work on various pros and cons of not only the titles but also the methodology that you want to use. I made a conscious effort to not repeat directors where possible.
Films that I missed include It Happened One Night (A perfect rom-com. Also among the 3 films to win the Big 5 Oscars with One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Silence of the Lambs) and Rebecca (which would have had me repeat Hitchcock) for its Gothic qualities (Mrs. Denvers, one of the best on-screen villains, and "Manderlay" create a unique environment).
After much back and forth (including probably being unfair to some films), I have conjured up a list of the Best Films of All-time from a 2021 perspective. I have limited the list to 20 to avoid making a laundry list. Without further ado, below is the list, which attempts to cover different genres, in the order of release
Of the ones I've seen, I wouldn't argue against any of them being classed as great... EXCEPT The Grand Budapest Hotel. I had to turn it off after 30 mins I was hating it so much. Wes Anderson's oeuvre is a crime against cinema and he shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as those world class filmmakers.
I have no issue with people submitting their own subjective lists all the time of what, to them, are the greatest films of all time. I often submit some, too.
But, these days, when I see it say crap like, "From a 2021 Perspective". That just rubs me the wrong way. I don't think I possess what many would consider a '2021 Perspective'.
There's just great films; from the silents to the present and all in between. I don't need to apply some 'standard of today' to films from 50 or 75 years ago. And vice versa, I'm not one of those that says films automatically stink today because they are shot digitally or have CGI in them or whatever.
Of the ones I've seen, I wouldn't argue against any of them being classed as great... EXCEPT The Grand Budapest Hotel. I had to turn it off after 30 mins I was hating it so much. Wes Anderson's oeuvre is a crime against cinema and he shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as those world class filmmakers.
Good to know! ... As for The Grand Budapest Hotel, what are the reasons for not liking it? Appears as if you haven't finished the film.
PS mainly asking because you are probably the first person who has told me about not liking the film
I have no issue with people submitting their own subjective lists all the time of what, to them, are the greatest films of all time. I often submit some, too.
But, these days, when I see it say crap like, "From a 2021 Perspective". That just rubs me the wrong way. I don't think I possess what many would consider a '2021 Perspective'.
There's just great films; from the silents to the present and all in between. I don't need to apply some 'standard of today' to films from 50 or 75 years ago. And vice versa, I'm not one of those that says films automatically stink today because they are shot digitally or have CGI in them or whatever.
That is not accurate in my opinion as "greatness" (of films) changes with time. To illustrate, a decade or so ago, I considered A Fistful of Dollars as a great western. Today, I find it difficult to rate it as "great" (maybe "good") ... On the other hand, Yojimbo (The Bodyguard), which I look at as a western equivalent, continues to impress me. Mifune's performance remains iconic.
In 2022, one can have a different perspective, and so on.
While some may not care for one or two of your choices, I think most can agree that all of these films belong on any "greatest" list. These are all either landmark cinema, film masterpieces or both.
I like Zen007's list, I would have been happy if someone told me I could only watch 20 movies for the rest of my life and I got those. But I could say the same for Beckford's list. Paring down a list to only the 20 greatest will probably make a good list, if the list maker has some taste and a broad perspective.
I've been pretty fascinated by this topic lately and I might as well through my hat into the ring although fair warning, I've yet to have seen Citizen Kane, The Godfather, Modern Times, Tokyo Story, or Taxi Driver
1.8½ (1963; dir. Federico Fellini)
2. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968; dir. Stanley Kubrick)
3. Fantasia (1940)
4. Inland Empire (2006; dir. David Lynch)
5. Metropolis (1927; dir. Fritz Lang)
6. Mirror (1975; dir. Andrei Tarkovsky)
7. Persona (1966; dir. Ingmar Bergman)
8. Seven Samurai (1954; dir. Akira Kurosawa)
9. The Tree of Life (2011; dir. Terrence Malick)
10. Vertigo (1958; dir. Alfred Hitchcock)
My most out there choice is probably Inland Empire and the most divisive one is The Tree of Life but I'd say it's a pretty decent list.
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The best films of all-time
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