Watching movies is one of my favorite things to do. There is nothing like a great movie. It stays with you for a long time and makes you think about certain things. Movies transform the audience into another world. It makes the audience forget about whatever is happening in their lives and keeps them entertained for the runtime. With that said, some movies are definitely better than others and there are some films that will stand the test of time. They will be remembered forever for how great they are. I have been wanting to write this article for a long time and finally I'm doing it. Here's my list for the top 10 movies of all time.
10) Back to the Future (1985)
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Back to the Future is one of a few films I consider perfect. It is also one of the most universally loved films of all time. The adventure of Marty McFly and Doc Brown is one that never gets old. The film is perfectly cast, perfectly directed, perfectly written, and perfectly acted. It's one of those films that you can watch over and over again and it will never get old.
9) The Dark Knight (2008)
Courtesy of DC Studios
The Dark Knight is the second film in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy and is the best comic book film of all time. Heath Ledger gives arguably the best performance in film history as the Joker. The film serves as the perfect formula for how a comic book film should be. But when you're watching this film, it doesn't feel like a comic book film. It deserves to be on this list as one of the top 10 movies of all time.
8) Goodfellas (1990)
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Goodfellas is one of two mob movies on my list. This is another film I consider to be a perfect film. The story of Henry Hill is told perfectly with great performances by Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, and Robert De Niro. Pesci in this film is on another level and gives his best performance which is saying a lot. It is directed by the legendary Martin Scorcese. The film take you on a wild ride for its entire runtime. It deserves #8 on my list.
7) Schindler's List (1993)
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Schindler's List is the most important film in the history of films. The story of Oskar Schindler and how he saved 1,200 Jewish people is both hard to watch and inspiring at the same time. The film shows that good always triumphs over evil. With great performances and great direction, Schindler's List earns #7 on my list. Full Review
6) Psycho (1960)
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Coming in at #6 on my list is the greatest horror film of all time Psycho. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho was something the world hadn't seen before. It broke barriers in filmmaking that as a result changed the way how films were made. Psycho isn't just a great horror film, it's a great psychological film too. Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates is both innocent and terrifying at the same time. Hitchcock directed this film perfectly leaving the audience terrified for their own lives.
5) The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
The Shawshank Redemption earns the #5 spot on my list. Regarded as the greatest prison film of all time, The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of Andy Dufresne and fight for his innocence. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman excel in their roles. Relationships are the heart of the film. The friendship between Andy and Red is one of the best in movie history. If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend checking it out.
4) The Godfather (1972)
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
The Godfather is the greatest film that was almost never made. But, thank God it was because this film is a masterpiece. It's not just about the mob and a life of crime, it's about the Corleone family and the choices we make. Marlon Brando gives his best performance as Vito Corleone. Al Pacino gives his star making performance as Michael Corleone. Masterfully directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather takes you on a 3 hour journey that you will never forget.
3) Forrest Gump (1994)
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Coming in at #3 is one of my favorite films of all time Forrest Gump. Forrest Gump is a film that never gets old. I know this because I have watched over 50 times and have never been bored while watching it. Tom Hanks gives an all time performance as Forrest Gump. Watching this film made me fall in love with movies. It is also one of the most quotable movies of all time. My favorite one is: “My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.” I highly suggest watching this film if you never seen it before.
2) Vertigo (1958)
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
When I first watched Vertigo, I was blown away. The end credits hit and my jaw was on the floor. I had no words for what I just watched. I guarantee Vertigo will leave you like that. With great performances from James Stewart and Kim Novak and masterful direction from Alfred Hitchcock, Vertigo deserves the #2 spot on my list.
1) It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
Courtesy of RKO Radio Pictures
It's A Wonderful Life is not only my favorite film of all time, it's my #1 film of all time. The film has everything you can ever want when watching a film. I consider this film to be perfect too. Everyone gives great performances and Frank Capra does an amazing job as director. The story just tears into you and makes you so invested. It makes you think about your own life and puts things into perspective. This film saved me in a lot of ways and for that I will always be grateful.
What are your top 10 best movies of all time? Leave it in the comments below.
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