Blu-ray.com Community's Top Criterion Films (Please Read First Post)

[jvince]

I decided to create a new thread with a simpler criteria. The old thread can be found HERE.


The main purpose of this thread is to serve as a comprehensive guide to Criterion Collection films. This could be used to determine which movies might suit one's tastes, and it may be consulted when it comes to deciding which titles to purchase or watch.


The complete list of Criterion titles released or announced on Blu-ray can be found HERE.

1. List all of the short or feature-length Criterion FILMS that you've seen that's released or announced on Blu-ray.

• Criterions released on DVD are not qualified (no RoboCop, Armageddon, etc.);

• Also, please list EACH film FROM the box sets (e.g. Three Colors: Blue, The Last Picture Show, etc.), and NOT the entire Blu-ray box sets (no America Lost and Found: The BBS Story, The Three Colors Trilogy, etc.);

2. Group all of them into the following:

• Highly Recommended - masterpieces

• Recommended - very good films

• Worth a Look - good films

• Approach with Caution - average films

• Not Recommended - bad films

There is no need to rank the films from best to worst. Listing them in alphabetical order AFTER grouping would be preferred;

3. Please DO NOT create multiple lists. Simply edit your original post if you wish to add titles or make changes. And since I won't be able to keep track of the thread all the time, please send me a private message (PM) indicating the changes you've made so that I could edit the tally;

4. And last but not the least, please be respectful to other members. This is all for fun and discussion.

There is no deadline for this poll. I will try my best to update the rankings as often as I can.

[jvince]

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED




THE THIRD MAN (1949)
IMDb: 8.5 | RT: 100%

||||||||||||||| = 15
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Genre: Film-Noir | Mystery | Thriller
Synopsis: After arriving in post-World War II Vienna, unemployed pulp novelist Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) learns that his friend Harry (Orson Welles) has died in an accident. Compelled to investigate the death, Holly slowly uncovers startling revelations about Harry's life. Based on a novel by Graham Greene, this classic film noir thriller earned an Academy Award nomination for director Carol Reed and won an Oscar for Best Cinematography.

The Third Man Theatrical Trailer HD - YouTube

SEVEN SAMURAI (1954)
IMDb: 8.8 | RT: 100%

||||||||||||||||||| = 19
||||||||||||||||||| = 03
||||||||||||||||||| = 01
||||||||||||||||||| = 00
||||||||||||||||||| = 00

Genre: Adventure | Drama
Synopsis: Akira Kurosawa's heroic tale of honor and duty begins with master samurai Kambei (Takashi Shimura) posing as a monk to save a kidnapped child. Impressed by his bravery, a group of farmers begs him to defend their village from encroaching bandits. Kambei agrees and assembles a group of six other samurai, and together they build a militia with the villagers while the bandits loom nearby. Soon the raids begin, culminating in a bloody battle.

Three Reasons: Seven Samurai - YouTube

12 ANGRY MEN (1957)
IMDb: 8.9 | RT: 100%

||||||||||||| = 13
||||||||||||| = 06
||||||||||||| = 00
||||||||||||| = 00
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Genre: Drama
Synopsis: Knowing full well that a guilty verdict means death, a jury of 12 men (including Jack Warden and Jack Klugman) must decide the fate of an 18-year-old boy accused of fatally stabbing his father. But only one juror (Henry Fonda) wants to take the time to coolly deliberate the case. Sidney Lumet (Network) made his directorial debut with this Oscar-nominated drama that illuminates all the petty impediments on the path to justice.

Three Reasons: 12 Angry Men - YouTube

PATHS OF GLORY (1957)
IMDb: 8.6 | RT: 93%

||||||||||||| = 13
||||||||||||| = 04
||||||||||||| = 01
||||||||||||| = 00
||||||||||||| = 00

Genre: Drama | War
Synopsis: Col. Dax leads a weary regiment of French army soldiers during World War I. When French generals order the regiment to carry out what amounts to a suicide mission against German fire, some of the men refuse and are tried on charges of cowardice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmDA60X-f_A

M (1931)
IMDb: 8.6 | RT: 100%

|||||||||||| = 12
|||||||||||| = 04
|||||||||||| = 01
|||||||||||| = 00
|||||||||||| = 00

Genre: Thriller
Synopsis: Propelled by a compulsion he can't control, plump pedophile Hans Beckert (Peter Lorre) escapes the eye of the law -- but not the wrath of the Berlin underworld being blamed for his crimes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YKi01udnOk

THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS (1966)
IMDb: 8.2 | RT: 99%

||||||| = 7
||||||| = 4
||||||| = 0
||||||| = 0
||||||| = 0

Genre: Crime | Drama | History
Synopsis: One of the most influential films in the history of political cinema, Gillo Pontecorvo's The Battle of Algiers focuses on the events of 1957, a key year in Algeria's struggle for independence from France. Shot in the streets of Algiers in documentary style, the film vividly re-creates the tumultuous Algerian uprising against the occupying French. The violence soon escalates on both sides in this war drama that's still astonishingly relevant.

Battle of Algiers trailer - YouTube

THE DOUBLE LIFE OF VERONIQUE (1991)
IMDb: 7.8 | RT: 85%

|||||||| = 8
|||||||| = 4
|||||||| = 1
|||||||| = 0
|||||||| = 0

Genre: Drama | Fantasy | Music | Romance
Synopsis: Irene Jacob stars in a dual role as Polish singer Weronika and French music teacher Veronique -- two women who share a deeply haunting emotional bond, though neither is consciously aware of the other's existence. Krzysztof Kieslowski directs this universally beloved, enigmatic piece about identity and human connection, enhanced by an operatic score from Zbigniew Preisner and rich visual cinematography from Slawomir Idziak.

La double vie de Veronique - YouTube

SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS (1957)
IMDb: 8.2 | RT: 98%

||||||| = 7
||||||| = 4
||||||| = 1
||||||| = 0
||||||| = 0

Genre: Drama | Film-Noir
Synopsis: Walter Winchell-style columnist J.J. Hunsecker (Burt Lancaster) uses his power to steamroll both friends and enemies. Fawning press agent Sidney Falco (Tony Curtis), desperate to promote his client in Hunsecker's column, pesters Hunsecker until he's finally drawn into the columnist's devious plan to ruin a jazz guitarist who's angered Hunsecker by daring to date his sister. No one is left unscathed in this sinister tale of greed and corruption.

Three Reasons: Sweet Smell of Success - The Criterion Collection - YouTube

THE SEVENTH SEAL (1957)
IMDb: 8.4 | RT: 94%

||||||||||||||| = 15
||||||||||||||| = 05
||||||||||||||| = 04
||||||||||||||| = 00
||||||||||||||| = 00

Genre: Drama | Fantasy
Synopsis: Exhausted and disillusioned, a medieval knight (Max von Sydow) makes the journey home after years of combat in the Crusades. But when the black-robed figure of Death confronts him, the knight challenges him to a game of chess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtkFei4wRjE

THE GOLD RUSH (1925)
IMDb: 8.3 | RT: 100%

|||||| = 5
|||||| = 6
|||||| = 0
|||||| = 0
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Genre: Adventure | Comedy | Family | Romance | Western
Synopsis: Charlie Chaplin's comic masterpiece centers on the hardships of life on the Alaskan frontier. The Little Tramp plays a pathetic, lonely prospector who journeys to the Klondike hoping to discover gold and make his fortune. Instead, he gets mixed up with some burly characters and falls in love with the beautiful Georgia (Georgia Hale).

Three Reasons: The Gold Rush - YouTube

THE GREAT DICTATOR (1940)
IMDb: 8.5 | RT: 95%

|||||| = 5
|||||| = 6
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Genre: Comedy | Drama | War
Synopsis: In this prescient twist on the immortal prince-and-the-pauper tale, Charlie Chaplin plays polar-opposite dual roles: look-alikes Adenoid Hynkel -- Tomania's anti-Semitic ruler -- and an amnesiac Jewish barber. After 20 years in a hospital, the barber goes home, oblivious to the plight of Tomania's Jews. Soon, Hynkel cracks down on them, but a case of mistaken identity gives the unassuming barber a chance to make an impassioned plea for democracy.

Three Reasons: The Great Dictator - YouTube

[jvince]

RECOMMENDED




MODERN TIMES (1936)
IMDb: 8.5 | RT: 100%

|||||||||| = 10
|||||||||| = 03
|||||||||| = 03
|||||||||| = 00
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Genre: Comedy | Drama | Romance
Synopsis: Conceived and produced as talking pictures were taking Hollywood by storm, Charlie Chaplin's brilliant satire of the machine age was also his last "silent," even though it also features his first words spoken on film. The Little Tramp shuffles bravely forward into a maze of technology and the rapidly changing shape of society. Although barely in control of his own fate, he demonstrates pluck and endurance in the face of unstoppable forces.

Modern Times (1936) Theatrical Trailer - YouTube

RASHOMON (1950)
IMDb: 8.4 | RT: 100%

||||||| = 7
||||||| = 4
||||||| = 2
||||||| = 0
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Genre: Crime | Drama
Synopsis: Considered one of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa's masterpieces, this Oscar-winning crime drama unfolds as four witnesses to a rape and murder report their versions of the attack, leaving the viewer to decide what really happened.

Rashomon Trailer (Akira Kurosawa, 1950) - YouTube

PLAY TIME (1967)
IMDb: 7.8 | RT: 100%

|||||| = 6
|||||| = 4
|||||| = 0
|||||| = 1
|||||| = 0

Genre: Comedy
Synopsis: Tati plays Monsieur Hulot, a Parisian who's befuddled by the changes he witnesses in his beloved city, which has grown increasingly touristy. As Hulot roams the uncomfortably modern Paris with a group of American tourists, his story epitomizes the struggle of modern man to maintain a soul in the face of an impersonal world.

Jacques Tati Playtime - Trailer - YouTube

DIABOLIQUE (1955)
IMDb: 8.3 | RT: 97%

|||||||| = 8
|||||||| = 7
|||||||| = 2
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Genre: Film-Noir | Horror | Mystery | Thriller
Synopsis: The ailing spouse (Véra Clouzot) and manhandled mistress (Simone Signoret) of a sadistic boarding school headmaster (Paul Meurisse) plan and execute the man's murder -- but their plan goes haywire when the corpse vanishes. Henri-Georges Clouzot directs his real-life wife in this icy, black-and-white masterwork of homicide and Grand Guignol suspense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzbGtjtfZwA

YOJIMBO (1961)
IMDb: 8.4 | RT: 97%

|||||||||| = 07
|||||||||| = 10
|||||||||| = 01
|||||||||| = 00
|||||||||| = 00

Genre: Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller
Synopsis: As two factions of ruthless crime lords battle, masterless samurai Sanjuro Kuwabatake (Toshiro Mifune) secretly convinces each side to hire him as protection against the other.

YOJIMBO Trailer (1961) - The Criterion Collection - YouTube

THE 400 BLOWS (1959)
IMDb: 8.2 | RT: 100%

|||||||| = 8
|||||||| = 6
|||||||| = 1
|||||||| = 1
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Genre: Crime | Drama
Synopsis: After young Antoine (Jean-Pierre Léaud) runs away, life on the streets of Paris leads to nothing but trouble and guilt. Though he turns to petty crime to survive, Antoine's remorse often leads him to try to return things he's stolen -- with disastrous results.

The 400 Blows (1959) - trailer - YouTube

THE WAGES OF FEAR (1953)
IMDb: 8.3 | RT: 100%

|||||||| = 8
|||||||| = 6
|||||||| = 1
|||||||| = 1
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Genre: Drama | Thriller
Synopsis: An oil company enlists four destitute drifters -- Mario (Yves Montand), Luigi (Folco Lulli), Bimba (Peter Van Eyck) and Jo (Charles Vanel) -- for a dangerous mission transporting volatile explosives across Central America's treacherous terrain.

Wages of Fear - Trailer - YouTube

THREE COLORS: BLUE (1993)
IMDb: 7.9 | RT: 100%

|||||||| = 5
|||||||| = 8
|||||||| = 1
|||||||| = 0
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Genre: Drama | Music | Mystery | Romance
Synopsis: When a young Frenchwoman (Juliette Binoche) tries to uncover her famous composer husband's secret life, her steps take her alternately closer to and further from the truth on a journey that ultimately leads to self-discovery.

Three Reasons: Three Colors: Blue - YouTube

THREE COLORS: RED (1994)
IMDb: 8.1 | RT: 100%

||||| = 5
||||| = 5
||||| = 2
||||| = 0
||||| = 0

Genre: Drama | Mystery | Romance
Synopsis: In this meditation on the need for passion and human connection -- the final film in Krzysztof Kieslowski's "three colors" trilogy -- an accident brings together two very different people: Valentine (Irene Jacob), a model, and Joseph (Jean-Louis Trintignant), a retired judge. Since love chooses to pair people's heart at random, theirs becomes a fated and deeply improbable, but altogether true, romance.

Three Reasons: Three Colors: Red - YouTube

THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (2001)
IMDb: 7.6 | RT: 80%

||||||||||| = 11
||||||||||| = 04
||||||||||| = 00
||||||||||| = 02
||||||||||| = 01

Genre: Comedy | Drama
Synopsis: The early promise of Tenenbaum child prodigies Chas (Ben Stiller), Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Richie (Luke Wilson) is short-circuited by the flaws of their father, family patriarch Royal (Gene Hackman), in Wes Anderson's New York fairy tale about a dysfunctional clan of eccentrics.

Three Reasons: The Royal Tenenbaums - YouTube

HIGH AND LOW (1963)
IMDb: 8.3 | RT: 93%

|||||| = 6
|||||| = 6
|||||| = 3
|||||| = 0
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Genre: Crime | Drama | Thriller
Synopsis: Toshirô Mifune plays a wealthy corporate boss who must choose between saving his company and paying the ransom for his chauffeur's kidnapped child.

High and Low (by Akira Kurosawa) american trailer - YouTube

LE CERCLE ROUGE (1970)
IMDb: 8.1 | RT: 95%

|||| = 4
|||| = 4
|||| = 2
|||| = 0
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Genre: Crime | Drama | Thriller
Synopsis: In French writer-director Jean-Pierre Melville's crime noir classic, a brooding thief named Corey (Alain Delon) and a fearless career criminal named Vogel (Gian Maria Volonte) team up with cop-turned-goon Jansen (Yves Montand) for a hot heist while a straight cop (André Bourvil) stalks them.

" le cercle rouge " - official film trailer - 1970. - YouTube

ARMY OF SHADOWS (1969)
IMDb: 8.1 | RT: 97%

||||| = 5
||||| = 4
||||| = 1
||||| = 1
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Genre: Drama | War
Synopsis: Director Jean-Pierre Melville's experiences as a member of the French Resistance during World War II inform this movie about a civil engineer who becomes one of the chiefs of the underground movement. Hailed by many as a masterpiece for its dark and uncompromising vision, the film (which is based on a Joseph Kessel novel of the same name) co-stars Lino Ventura, Simone Signoret, Paul Meurisse and Jean-Pierre Cassel.

"Army of Shadows" Trailer - YouTube

THE RED SHOES (1948)
IMDb: 8.2 | RT: 98%

||||| = 5
||||| = 4
||||| = 3
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Genre: Drama | Romance | Music
Synopsis: Fledgling ballerina Victoria (Moira Shearer) falls in love with brilliant composer Julian (Marius Goring) while they collaborate on a ballet that makes her a star.

Three Reasons: The Red Shoes - The Criterion Collection - YouTube

ROSEMARY'S BABY (1968)
IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 98%

||||||| = 7
||||||| = 2
||||||| = 1
||||||| = 2
||||||| = 0

Genre: Drama | Horror | Mystery
Synopsis: Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow), the young wife of a struggling actor (John Cassavetes), is thrilled to find out she's pregnant. But the larger her belly grows, the more certain she becomes that her unborn child is in serious danger.

Three Reasons: Rosemary's Baby - YouTube

THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER (1955)
IMDb: 8.2 | RT: 98%

||||||||| = 9
||||||||| = 5
||||||||| = 2
||||||||| = 1
||||||||| = 1

Genre: Drama | Film-Noir | Thriller
Synopsis: Bogus "preacher" Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) learns cellmate Ben Harper (Peter Graves) has stashed stolen loot on his property. So after the demented Powell is released, he charms Ben's widow (Shelley Winters) into getting hitched, and in time, only Ben's kids stand between him and the money.

Three Reasons: The Night of the Hunter - YouTube

STAGECOACH (1939)
IMDb: 7.9 | RT: 100%

||||| = 3
||||| = 5
||||| = 2
||||| = 0
||||| = 0

Genre: Adventure | Western
Synopsis: With rumors buzzing about a potential Indian raid, a mélange of troubled passengers climbs aboard the Overland Stage headed for Lordsburg. En route they run into the Ringo Kid (John Wayne), a notorious outlaw who's bolted from jail seeking vengeance on the men who framed him for murder. But the true threat looms down the road, where marauding Apaches could strike without warning. Will the travelers band together -- or unravel under the pressure?

Stagecoach (1939) -Theatrical Trailer - YouTube

THREE COLORS: WHITE (1994)
IMDb: 7.6 | RT: 90%

|||||||| = 3
|||||||| = 8
|||||||| = 2
|||||||| = 0
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Genre: Comedy | Drama | Mystery | Romance
Synopsis: Krzysztof Kieslowski's dark comedy -- the middle segment in his "three colors" trilogy -- shadows Polish immigrant Karol Karol (Zbigniew Zamachowski) as he's humiliated in a public courtroom by his wife (Julie Delpy) during their divorce proceedings. Shamed and brokenhearted, he finds an ally in a fellow countryman, and the two eventually concoct a way back to post-Communist Poland, where Karol sets about rebuilding his life.

Three Reasons: Three Colors: White - YouTube

VIVRE SA VIE (1962)
IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 93%

|||||| = 6
|||||| = 4
|||||| = 1
|||||| = 2
|||||| = 0

Genre: Drama
Synopsis: After separating from her husband, Nana (Anna Karina) floats aimlessly throughout Paris before turning to prostitution. In 12 self-contained episodes, Nana's story unfurls as she comes under the protection of pimp Raoul, falls for a student, attempts to leave Raoul and finally suffers the consequences of her choices.

VIVRE SA VIE Trailer (1962) - The Criterion Collection - YouTube

SANJURO (1962)
IMDb: 8.1 | RT: 100%

||||| = 5
||||| = 5
||||| = 4
||||| = 0
||||| = 0

Genre: Action | Drama | Thriller
Synopsis: Akira Kurosawa's sequel to Yojimbo is a dark comedy about surly Sanjuro (Toshirô Mifune), a larger-than-life samurai who, adrift in an era of fading tradition and increasing lawlessness, instructs a gang of scheming radicals in samurai wisdom.

SANJURO Trailer (1962) - The Criterion Collection - YouTube

PARIS, TEXAS (1984)
IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 100%

||||||||| = 4
||||||||| = 9
||||||||| = 1
||||||||| = 1
||||||||| = 0

Genre: Drama
Synopsis: In a quest to rebuild his life and reconnect with his son, Travis (Harry Dean Stanton) -- who's been gone four years -- tries to untangle his thorny past with his wife (Nastassja Kinski).

PARIS, TEXAS Trailer (1984) - The Criterion Collection - YouTube

ANATOMY OF A MURDER (1959)
IMDb: 8.1 | RT: 100%

||||| = 5
||||| = 4
||||| = 3
||||| = 1
||||| = 0

Genre: Crime | Drama | Mystery
Synopsis: Nominated for seven Oscars, this legal thriller profiles the attempts of country lawyer Paul Biegler (James Stewart) to exonerate Frederick Manion (Ben Gazzara), who's charged with a local barkeep's murder but claims the victim raped his wife (Lee Remick). Employing a temporary insanity defense, Biegler tries to outmaneuver slick celebrity prosecutor Claude Dancer (George C. Scott) but discovers there's more to the case than meets the eye.

Three Reasons: Anatomy of a Murder - YouTube

[jvince]

BEING JOHN MALKOVICH (1999)
IMDb: 7.8 | RT: 93%

||||| = 5
||||| = 4
||||| = 3
||||| = 1
||||| = 0

Genre: Comedy | Drama | Fantasy
Synopsis: When puppeteer Craig Schwartz discovers a portal into John Malkovich's brain, he decides to sell 15-minute excursions into the esteemed actor's mind. But soon, Craig's wife becomes obsessed with the experience.

Three Reasons: Being John Malkovich - YouTube

BREATHLESS (1960)
IMDb: 7.9 | RT: 96%

||||||| = 4
||||||| = 7
||||||| = 2
||||||| = 1
||||||| = 0

Genre: Crime | Drama | Romance
Synopsis: After shooting a cop, young thief Michel (Jean-Paul Belmondo) meets and shacks up with Patricia (Jean Seberg), an American who sells the International Herald Tribune on the streets of Paris.

Three Reasons: Breathless - YouTube

THE KILLING (1956)
IMDb: 8.2 | RT: 97%

|||||| = 5
|||||| = 6
|||||| = 2
|||||| = 0
|||||| = 1

Genre: Crime | Film-Noir | Thriller
Synopsis: Career criminal Johnny Clay (Sterling Hayden) plans one last heist before settling down to a respectable life with Fay (Colleen Gray). Clay and several cohorts devise a complex racetrack robbery, but inner tensions and bad luck work against them.

Three Reasons: The Killing - YouTube

THE LADY VANISHES (1938)
IMDb: 8.1 | RT: 97%

||||||| = 3
||||||| = 7
||||||| = 3
||||||| = 0
||||||| = 0

Genre: Comedy | Mystery | Thriller
Synopsis: Traveling aboard a transcontinental train, young Iris Henderson (Margaret Lockwood) becomes alarmed when an acquaintance, elderly governess Miss Froy (Dame Mae Whitty), suddenly vanishes. Inexplicably, all the other passengers deny having seen the woman. So Iris turns to her lone ally -- handsome music scholar Gilbert Redman (Michael Redgrave) -- for help. As the two search for clues to Froy's disappearance, they uncloak a sinister plot.

Three Reasons: The Lady Vanishes - YouTube

LAST YEAR AT MARIENBAD (1961)
IMDb: 7.8 | RT: 95%

||||| = 5
||||| = 3
||||| = 1
||||| = 2
||||| = 0

Genre: Drama | Mystery | Romance
Synopsis: At a lavish European hotel, a handsome stranger tries to convince a lovely young woman that they had a passionate affair a year ago. When she claims not to remember him, he keeps trying to convince her, weaving a story that mixes memory and fantasy. Or is it all fantasy? French new wave director Alain Resnais helms this complex, controversial film that earned an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay.

Last Year in Marienbad (1961) Trailer - YouTube

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER (1958)
IMDb: 7.9 | RT: 100%

|||||| = 3
|||||| = 6
|||||| = 3
|||||| = 0
|||||| = 0

Genre: Action | Drama | History
Synopsis: The Titanic's dramatic final hours are depicted in this film version of Walters Lord's book.

Three Reasons: A Night to Remember - YouTube

RUSHMORE (1998)
IMDb: 7.7 | RT: 87%

||||||||| = 6
||||||||| = 9
||||||||| = 1
||||||||| = 1
||||||||| = 1

Genre: Comedy | Drama
Synopsis: Wunderkind Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), a sophomore at upscale Rushmore Academy and the president of myriad school clubs, sees his world turn topsy-turvy when he's smitten with widowed first-grade teacher Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams). To win her heart, Max enlists the aid of self-made steel magnate and school benefactor Herman J. Blume (Bill Murray), only to end up vying with the millionaire industrialist for Rosemary's affections.

Criterion Trailer 65: Rushmore - YouTube

THE THIN RED LINE (1998)
IMDb: 7.6 | RT: 78%

|||||||||| = 10
|||||||||| = 05
|||||||||| = 02
|||||||||| = 01
|||||||||| = 02

Genre: Drama | War
Synopsis: With narration by Pvt. Witt (Jim Cavaziel), the men of C-Company become a tight-knit group as they each individually face the horrors of war to hold onto a key-positioned airfield.

The Thin Red Line (1998) Trailer - The Criterion Collection - YouTube

LA HAINE (1998)
IMDb: 8.1 | RT: 100%

||||| = 3
||||| = 5
||||| = 2
||||| = 1
||||| = 0

Genre: Drama
Synopsis: French director Mathieu Kassovitz traces a fateful day in the lives of alienated ghetto youths Vinz (Vincent Cassel), Saïd (Saïd Taghmaoui) and Hubert (Hubert Koundé) -- a Jew, an Arab and an African, respectively -- who are grappling with the aftermath of unexpected tragedy. When their friend Abdel lies comatose after a police beating, Vinz vows to dispense rough justice, sealing the destiny of all three.

Three Reasons: La haine - YouTube

8½ (1963)
IMDb: 8.1 | RT: 97%

||||||| = 6
||||||| = 7
||||||| = 2
||||||| = 3
||||||| = 0

Genre: Drama | Fantasy
Synopsis: Dog-tired movie director Guido Anselmi retreats to thoughts of yesteryear when his producers, his wife and his mistress all pressure him to start making another movie in director Federico Fellini's rumination on the joys and rigors of filmmaking.

8 1/2 Trailer (1963) - The Criterion Collection - YouTube

THE 39 STEPS (1935)
IMDb: 7.9 | RT: 98%

|||||||| = 2
|||||||| = 8
|||||||| = 4
|||||||| = 0
|||||||| = 0

Genre: Action | Mystery | Thriller
Synopsis: Richard Hannay is vacationing in England when a terrified woman begs him to help her. He's certain she's crazy -- until she appears at his flat with a map in hand and a knife in her back, muttering something about 39 steps.

Three Reasons: The 39 Steps - YouTube

THE RULES OF THE GAME (1939)
IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 100%

|||||| = 6
|||||| = 2
|||||| = 2
|||||| = 3
|||||| = 0

Genre: Comedy | Drama
Synopsis: When affluent Marquis Robert de la Chesnaye (Marcel Dalio) hosts a party at his sprawling property, emotions run high.

Rules of the Game Trailer (Jean Renoir, 1939) - YouTube

THE MAGICIAN (1958)
IMDb: 7.7 | RT: 100%

||||| = 2
||||| = 5
||||| = 4
||||| = 0
||||| = 0

Genre: Drama
Synopsis: Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman challenges our sense of reality versus illusion in this award-winning film starring Max von Sydow as the title character. Vogler's Magnetic Health Theater is rumored to put on a supernatural spectacle, but the town's skeptics are determined to expose the magician and his crew, which proves to be harder than they thought. Ingrid Thulin and Naima Wifstrand also give memorable performances.

The Magician (1958) Original Trailer - YouTube

CHARADE (1963)
IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 91%

|||||||| = 2
|||||||| = 8
|||||||| = 3
|||||||| = 1
|||||||| = 0

Genre: Comedy | Mystery | Romance | Thriller
Synopsis: Cary Grant stars as Peter, who may or may not be a flimflam man who aids the recently widowed Regina (Audrey Hepburn) in her mission to recover a fortune hidden by her late husband.

Criterion Trailer 57: Charade - YouTube

REPULSION (1965)
IMDb: 7.9 | RT: 100%

||||| = 5
||||| = 4
||||| = 3
||||| = 2
||||| = 0

Genre: Drama | Horror | Thriller
Synopsis: Roman Polanski directs this truly chilling film that tracks the descent into madness of a fragile, sexually confused beauty parlor worker named Carol (Catherine Deneuve) who succumbs to violent paranoia over the course of a harrowing weekend.

Repulsion - Trailer - YouTube

DAZED AND CONFUSED (1993)
IMDb: 7.6 | RT: 98%

||||| = 3
||||| = 5
||||| = 2
||||| = 2
||||| = 0

Genre: Comedy | Drama
Synopsis: Director Richard Linklater's follow-up to Slacker takes an autobiographical look at some Texas teens (including Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey) on their last day of school in 1976, centering on student Randall Floyd (Jason London), who moves easily among stoners, jocks and geeks.

Dazed and Confused Trailer - YouTube

HAROLD AND MAUDE (1971)
IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 85%

|||| = 3
|||| = 3
|||| = 4
|||| = 1
|||| = 0

Genre: Comedy | Drama
Synopsis: Death-obsessed teen Harold Chasen (Bud Cort) is being hassled by his domineering mother (Vivian Pickles) to play the dating game, but he'd much rather attend funerals, which is where he meets the feisty Maude (Ruth Gordon), a geriatric widow who's high on life. The seemingly mismatched pair forms a bond that turns into a highly unconventional -- but ultimately satisfying – romance in this comical cult favorite from director Hal Ashby.

Three Reasons: Harold and Maude - YouTube

WALKABOUT (1971)
IMDb: 7.7 | RT: 93%

|||| = 3
|||| = 3
|||| = 4
|||| = 1
|||| = 0

Genre: Adventure | Drama
Synopsis: Horrific circumstances strand an urban brother and sister (Lucien John and Jenny Agutter) in the Australian outback, where they're found by an aboriginal boy (David Gulpilil) who helps the pair return to their city. As they wander, the siblings survive danger with the help of their new friend. The bond between the three grows, but when they reach civilization, the aboriginal boy finds he's unwelcome.

WALKABOUT Trailer (1971) - The Criterion Collection - YouTube

WINGS OF DESIRE (1987)
IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 98%

||||||||| = 3
||||||||| = 9
||||||||| = 4
||||||||| = 2
||||||||| = 0

Genre: Drama | Fantasy | Romance
Synopsis: Wim Wenders won the award for Best Director at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival for this captivating vision about an angel (Bruno Ganz) who falls in love with a beautiful circus performer while drifting unnoticed through West Berlin. Overcome by the girl's beauty, the angel decides he wants to become human. Peter Falk also stars, as himself, and aids the angel in his decision-making process.

" wings of desire " - official trailer - 1987. - YouTube

BLOW OUT (1981)
IMDb: 7.2 | RT: 90%

||||| = 5
||||| = 3
||||| = 2
||||| = 2
||||| = 1

Genre: Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Synopsis: B-movie soundman Jack Terri (John Travolta) has heard it all in his line of work -- until he accidentally records a murder.

Three Reasons: Blow Out - The Criterion Collection - YouTube

DAYS OF HEAVEN (1978)
IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 93%

||||||| = 7
||||||| = 4
||||||| = 4
||||||| = 3
||||||| = 1

Genre: Drama | Romance
Synopsis: In search of a better life, Bill (Richard Gere) moves his girlfriend Abby (Brooke Adams) and younger sister to the wheat fields of Texas.

Days of Heaven (1978) - Trailer - YouTube

BLACK NARCISSUS (1947)
IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 100%

||||| = 5
||||| = 3
||||| = 5
||||| = 1
||||| = 1

Genre: Drama
Synopsis: Secular matters consume five missionary nuns who head to the Himalayas to establish an Anglican school.

BLACK NARCISSUS - trailer - HQ - YouTube

[jvince]

TRAFFIC (2000)
IMDb: 7.7 | RT: 92%

|||||| = 1
|||||| = 6
|||||| = 5
|||||| = 0
|||||| = 0

Genre: Crime | Drama | Thriller
Synopsis: Interlacing three disturbing snapshots of America's drug war, this Oscar-winning saga follows a U.S. drug czar who learns his daughter's an addict, a Mexican cop caught in a corrupt system and a housewife forced to take over the family drug business.

Traffic Official Trailer - YouTube

AMARCORD (1973)
IMDb: 7.9 | RT: 90%

|||| = 3
|||| = 4
|||| = 1
|||| = 3
|||| = 0

Genre: Comedy | Drama
Synopsis: Awarded both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Foreign Film, acclaimed Italian director Frederico Fellini's Amarcord is a richly visual film about Rimini, a traditional seaside village during the uncertainty of Mussolini's fascist rule. Fellini drew from personal experience to bring the small town and all its colorful characters to life in this story about the escapades of a boy on the cusp of becoming a man.

Three Reasons: Amarcord - The Criterion Collection - YouTube

SOLARIS (1972)
IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 96%

|||||| = 5
|||||| = 4
|||||| = 6
|||||| = 3
|||||| = 0

Genre: Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi
Synopsis: Scientist Kris Kelvin travels to the mysterious planet Solaris to investigate the failure of an earlier mission. But when his long-dead wife appears on the space station, he realizes the planet has the power to materialize human desires. Director Andrei Tarkovsky's sci-fi cult classic, based on Stanislaw Lem's novel, presents an uncompromisingly unique and poetic meditation on space travel and its physical and existential ramifications.

Solaris trailer - YouTube

EASY RIDER (1969)
IMDb: 7.3 | RT: 87%

|||||| = 2
|||||| = 2
|||||| = 6
|||||| = 0
|||||| = 0

Genre: Crime | Drama
Synopsis: With cash from a cocaine sale, freewheelers Billy and Wyatt hop on their motorcycles and ride across America toward New Orleans. Along the way, they add boozy lawyer George to their trouble-finding, society-questioning entourage.

Easy Rider (1969) - Original Trailer - YouTube

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1946)
IMDb: 8.1 | RT: 95%

||||| = 5
||||| = 5
||||| = 5
||||| = 3
||||| = 0

Genre: Drama | Fantasy | Romance
Synopsis: Lost in the woods, a hapless merchant is captured and held prisoner in the castle of a beastlike man (Jean Marais), who vows to kill the merchant unless he's replaced by one of his daughters. The lovely Belle (Josette Day) gives herself up to save her father. But before long, she finds the beauty hiding inside her grotesque captor.

Criterion Trailer 6: Beauty and the Beast - YouTube

VIDEODROME (1983)
IMDb: 7.3 | RT: 80%

|||||| = 3
|||||| = 6
|||||| = 1
|||||| = 3
|||||| = 1

Genre: Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller
Synopsis: Sleazy TV executive Max Renn (James Woods) is looking for cheap, exciting programming for his fly-by-night channel when he fortuitously stumbles across a fuzzy satellite feed showing torture, punishment ... and possibly murder.

Videodrome (1983) Original Theatrical Trailer - YouTube

GOMORRAH (2008)
IMDb: 7.0 | RT: 91%

||||| = 1
||||| = 5
||||| = 3
||||| = 2
||||| = 0

Genre: Crime | Drama
Synopsis: The intertwining tales of a delivery boy, a tailor, a businessman and two cocky teenagers form the fabric of this gritty and lyrical examination of the influential Neapolitan mob known as the Camorra.

Gomorrah (2008) - Official Trailer - YouTube

[jvince]

WORTH A LOOK

CHUNGKING EXPRESS (1994) | IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 96% | ||||||||||||

THE LEOPARD (1963) | IMDb: 8.0 | RT: 100% | |||||||||||

THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST (1988) | IMDb: 7.5 | RT: 83% | |||||||||||

THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH (1976) | IMDb: 6.7 | RT: 85% | ||||||||||

CRONOS (1993) | IMDb: 6.7 | RT: 91% | |||||||||||||||

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (2008) | IMDb: 7.8 | RT: 72% | |||||||||||||||||

THE DARJEELING LIMITED (2007) | IMDb: 7.1 | RT: 67% | ||||||||||||||||

ANTICHRIST (2009) | IMDb: 6.6 | RT: 48% | |||||||||||

THE GAME (1997) | IMDb: 7.7 | RT: 73% | ||||||||||||

PIERROT LE FOU (1965) | IMDb: 7.6 | RT: 84% | |||||||||||

HUNGER (2008) | IMDb: 7.6 | RT: 90% | ||||||||||

BOTTLE ROCKET (1996) | IMDb: 7.1 | RT: 80% | ||||||||||||||

FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (1998) | IMDb: 7.7 | RT: 50% | ||||||||||||||

THE LAST EMPEROR (1987) | IMDb: 7.8 | RT: 91% | ||||||||||||

HOUSE (1977) | IMDb: 7.3 | RT: 90% | ||||||||||||

SALÒ, OR THE 120 DAYS OF SODOM (1975) | IMDb: 6.0 | RT: 68% | ||||||||||||||

[Foggy]

Couldn't find an alphabetical list, but here's as many as I've seen...

Seven Samurai - Recommended
The Seventh Seal - Worth A Look
Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom - Not Recommended
The Third Man - Highly Recommended
Rushmore - Recommended
The Royal Tenembaums - Highly Recommended
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Highly Recommended
La Haine - Highly Recommended
Hunger - Highly Recommended
Antichrist - Approach with Caution
Kes - Recommended
12 Angry Men - Highly Recommended
Being John Malkovich - Worth a Look
Shallow Grave - Worth a Look
The Game - Worth a Look
Brazil - Highly Recommend

[drbikeshorts]

Originally Posted by jvince

Worth a Look

Le beau Serge
Blow Out
Branded to Kill
Le Cercle Rouge
Charade
Les Cousins
Cronos
Le Havre
If....
Island of Lost Souls
Kiss Me Deadly
Kuroneko
Léon Morin, Priest
Letter Never Sent
Lola Montès
The Magician
Orpheus
Pale Flower
Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto
Samurai II: Duel At Ichijoji Temple
Samurai III: Duel At Ganryu Island
Senso
Smiles of a Summer Night
Solaris
Stagecoach
Still Walking
Three Outlaw Samurai
Tokyo Drifter
World on a Wire
Zazie dans le métro

[drbikeshorts]

Originally Posted by jvince

Recommended

The 39 Steps
Amarcord
Anatomy of a Murder
Beauty and the Beast
Breathless
Carlos
Chungking Express
The Darjeeling Limited
Diabolique
The Double Life of Veronique
The Gold Rush
La Haine
Heaven’s Gate
High and Low
The Killing
The Lady Vanishes
Last Year at Marienbad
Late Spring
Modern Times
The Music Room
Play Time
The Red Shoes
The Royal Tenenbaums
Rushmore
Summer Hours
Summer Interlude
Summer with Monika
Sweet Smell of Success
Three Colors: Blue
Three Colors: White
Three Colors: Red
The Wages of Fear
Wings of Desire

[therja]

Highly Recommended:
12 Angry Men
Anti-Christ
Army of Shadows
Badlands
Beauty & the Beast
Being John Malkovich
Bigger Than Life
Blow Out
Brazil
Cronos
Dazed & Confused
Diabolique
Down by Law
Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas
For All Mankind
The Game
La Haine
Harold & Maude
House
If...
Kiss Me Deadly
The Killing
The Last Temptation of Christ
Last Year At Marienbad
M
Mystery Train
The Naked Kiss
Night of the Hunter
On the Waterfront
Paths of Glory
Repulsion
Ride with the Devil
Rosemary's Baby
The Royal Tenenbaums
Rushmore
Seven Samurai
Shallow Grave
Shock Corridor
The Third Man
The Tin Drum
Traffic
Videodrome
Wages of Fear
Yojimbo

[therja]

Recommended:
The 39 Steps
Anatomy of a Murder
Bottle Rocket
Branded to Kill
Easy Rider
Five Easy Pieces
Gimme Shelter
Gomorrah
The Island of Lost Souls
The Man Who Fell To Earth
Paris, Texas
Pierrot le Fou
The Red Shoes
Tokyo Drifter

[therja]

Worth A Look:
Breathless
The Darjeeling Limited
In the Realm of the Senses
Something Wild
Tiny Furniture

[drbikeshorts]

Originally Posted by jvince

Highly Recommended

The 400 Blows
8½
Army of Shadows
The Battle of Algiers
The Complete Jean Vigo
Days of Heaven
Fanny and Alexander
In The Mood For Love
M
Modern Times
The Night of the Hunter
Paths of Glory
The Rules of the Game
Seven Samurai
The Seventh Seal
The Thin Red Line
The Third Man
Vivre Sa Vie
Yojimbo / Sanjuro

[J. J. Hunsecker]

Highly Recommended
The 400 Blows
Le cercle rouge
Crumb
Diabolique
The Gold Rush
Gomorrah
The Great Dictator
The Killing
M
Modern Times
A Night to Remember
Paths of Glory
Rosemary’s Baby
Seven Samurai
Shallow Grave
Stagecoach
Sweet Smell of Success
The Third Man
The Wages of Fear
Walkabout
Yojimbo

Recommended
12 Angry Men
The 39 Steps (1935)
Amarcord
Anatomy of a Murder
Army of Shadows
Blow Out
Breathless
Cronos
Days of Heaven
Godzilla (1954)
High and Low
The King of Marvin Gardens
Kiss Me Deadly
Insignificance
Island of Lost Souls
The Lady Vanishes
The Last Metro
The Last Picture Show
Mystery Train
Naked
The Night of the Hunter
Paris, Texas
Rashomon
The Royal Tenenbaums
The Rules of the Game
The Seventh Seal
Three Colors: Blue
Three Colors: Red
Three Colors: White
Videodrome
Vivre sa vie
Weekend (1967)
Wings of Desire

Worth a Look
Au revoir les enfants
Beauty and the Beast (1946)
Being John Malkovich
Bigger Than Life
Chungking Express
Down by Law
Drive, He Said
Easy Rider
Eating Raoul
Five Easy Pieces
The Game
Harold and Maude
Head
Howards End
La Jetée/Sans Soleil
The Man Who Fell to Earth
My Life as a Dog
Repulsion
Robinson Crusoe on Mars
Sanjuro
Solaris (1972)
Shock Corridor
The Thin Red Line
Topsy-Turvy
Traffic (2000)
Umberto D.

Approach With Caution
8½
Bottle Rocket
Dazed and Confused
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
The Last Emperor
Metropolitan
The Naked Kiss
Rushmore
A Safe Place

Not Recommended
Broadcast News

[blujazz]

Highly Recommended
The 400 Blows
Children of Paradise
Chungking Express
Dazed and Confused
Diabolique
In the Mood for Love
M
Modern Times
Rosemary's Baby
Summer Hours
Three Colours: Blue
Vivre sa Vie
Wages of Fear

Recommended
8 1/2
Amarcord
Antichrist
Charade
A Christmas Tale
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Easy Rider
Fish Tank
Five Easy Pieces
For All Mankind
The Last Picture Show
Monsoon Wedding
The Seventh Seal
Tiny Furniture
Weekend
Yiyi

Worth a Look
Black Narcissus
Bottle Rocket
Breathless
Certified Copy
Cronos
The Darjeeling Limited
Fat Girl
Hunger
In the Realm of the Senses
Revanche
Salo
The Secret of the Grain
Wings of Desire

Approach with Caution
Au Revoir Les Enfants
Beauty and the Beast
Days of Heaven
Fanny and Alexander
Gomorrah
The Last Emperor
The Leopard
Lola Montes
Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence
The Night of the Hunter
Pierrot le Fou
Playtime
Red Desert
Rules of the Game
Umberto D.

Not Recommended
Everlasting Moments
The Game
Life During Wartime

[drbikeshorts]

Originally Posted by jvince

The main purpose of this thread is to serve as a comprehensive guide to Criterion Collection films. This could be used to determine which movies might suit one's tastes, and it may be consulted when it comes to deciding which titles to purchase or watch.

I will start tallying once we have enough votes, and I will continue to update it as often as I can.

There is no deadline for this poll. We could bump this thread back up during the future Criterion sales and update it with the new releases.

This was pretty difficult, not least because I think everything I have is great or recommended
Also, I don't like the pressure of having to recommend or tell others what I think is great or what they should watch.
And it doesn't help that Criterion have a ridiculously high percentage of masterpieces in their collection

[jvince]

Originally Posted by tenia

By Brakhage (with real caution : I love most of his work, but it's clearly not for everyone)

Originally Posted by drbikeshorts

The Complete Jean Vigo

Please list the films.

Also, drbikeshorts, you have Modern Times listed under both Highly Recommended and Recommended.

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Interesting idea but with the exclusion of DVD I will not take part. I would say 80% of my favorite Criterion movies are on DVD (including the Eclipse sets).

Have fun guys!

I think you should post yours too. It could really help others.

The reasons I excluded the DVDs are because: this a Blu-ray forum; there would be way too many films to list and rank; and the rights to most of the films on DVD are no longer owned by Criterion. Once they re-release the others on Blu-ray, you could always come back and add them to your list.

Originally Posted by drbikeshorts

This was pretty difficult, not least because I think everything I have is great or recommended
Also, I don't like the pressure of having to recommend or tell others what I think is great or what they should watch.
And it doesn't help that Criterion have a ridiculously high percentage of masterpieces in their collection

Nah, don't worry.

I've assigned points to each (highly recommended = 4 points, not recommended = 0 points, etc.), I'll take their averages, and the results will make up the community's rankings.

It's fine to recommend or not recommend certain films since we all have different tastes. That's why I'm also planning to include a simple graph for each film showing how many recommend it, how many think it's worth a look, etc. so that we could see whether a film is accessible or divisive.

[vader4]

Highly Recommended
8 1/2
Antichrist
Being John Malkovich
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
If...
Paths of Glory
The Royal Tennenbaums
The Seventh Seal
Videodrome

Recommended
Bottle Rocket
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Darjeeling Limited
The Following
The Game
Harold and Maude
The Killing
The Last Temptation of Christ
Rushmore
The Times of Harvey Milk

Worth a Look
Diabolique

Approach with Caution
Gimme Shelter
Rosemary's Baby
Wings of Desire

Not Recommended
Black Moon
House
Hunger
The Thin Red Line

By the way if anyone has suggestions based on my list I'd love to hear them!

[CriterionCollector]

Highly recommended:
Modern Times
The Rules of the Game
8 1/2
Solaris
Days of Heaven
Still Walking
Seven Samurai
The Seventh Seal
Playtime
12 Angry Men
The Royal Tenenbaums

Recommended:
The 400 Blows
The Darjeeling Limited
Rushmore

I think we should still be able to include Criterion films that have only been released on DVD. Just because it's not Blu-ray, doesn't mean it's not Criterion.

[jvince]

Just a heads-up, Criterion.com is currently having a 50% off sale:

For only twenty-four hours, until noon tomorrow, all in-stock Blu-rays and DVDs will be 50% off the suggested retail price (SRP). Just enter the promotional code FLASH on your shopping cart page at Criterion.com to apply the discount.

If you need some help deciding what to buy (and have two and a half minutes), check out this video.

The code expires at noon tomorrow, so don’t delay!