Top 20 Movies of All Time, As per IMDb

Top 20 Movies of All Time according to IMDb – Cinema is a strong art form that has the capacity to change people’s lives! In a complicated world, films continue to draw many people into their cathartic universe. Films provide comfort, closure, inspiration, and a glimpse into the depths of art, culture, creativity, and human nature. Film tales provide a vital connection to our collective past as well as a tool to shape our future, from ancient oral traditions to the captivating magic of the silver screen. The phenomenon of giving ourselves in a dark room, becoming naïve to the silver screen, and permitting transcendental musical-visual journeys beyond the bounds of reality hints at the importance of cinema in human life. 

Top 20 Movies of All Time according to IMDb

Se7en (1995) 

David Fincher, the master of deceit and an artist with exceptional visual storytelling skills, creates a spine-chilling serial killer drama that remains one of the best crime pictures of all time. Set in a desolate metropolitan backdrop, Se7en follows two detectives, Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (Brad Pitt), as they chase a vicious serial killer who bases his murders on the seven deadly sins. 

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) 

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, starring the “goddamn marvel of modern science & cinema” Jack Nicholson, is a sad depiction of the celebration of life, freedom, purity, and innocence. The film is an adaptation of Ken Kesey’s eponymous novel, which examines themes of individualism, independence, and rebellion against repressive authority. It was released in 1975. 

The plot revolves around Randle McMurphy (played by the legendary Nicholson), a charismatic and rebellious criminal who pretends to be insane in order to serve his prison sentence in a mental institution. He faces the authoritarian Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) within the asylum’s ostensibly regulated atmosphere, who maintains order by deception and psychological power play. 

Goodfellas (1990)

The world watches a masterpiece when Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro collaborate. Following the duo’s critically acclaimed satirical dark picture, King of Comedy (1982), Scorcese and De Niro plunge into the realm of the mafia in Goodfellas (1990), rewriting the principles of making a gangster-based film and setting new standards. Goodfellas, like its predecessors, is a scathing indictment on the interweaving ties between organized crime and society. The film reveals how criminal networks infiltrate every facet of life, exposing corruption and the breakdown of ethical boundaries. As a result, it functions as a sharp mirror, reflecting the darker aspects of American culture. 

The Matrix (1999) 

The Matrix, The Wachowskis’ groundbreaking masterwork, is a quintessential sci-fi picture that changed the landscape of cinema and science fiction storytelling. Its unique blend of cyberpunk visuals, martial arts action, and mind-bending notions transformed the sci-fi genre, inspiring innumerable imitators and influencing a new generation of filmmakers. 

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back 

The Empire Strikes Back expands on the Star Wars saga’s thematic depth by delving into themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the endless conflict between good and evil. The plot follows Luke Skywalker’s (Mark Hamill) epic quest as the youthful Jedi-in-training challenges the strong Galactic Empire, led by the dark and scary Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones). Unlike many sequels, Empire Strikes Back avoids the temptation of a simple victory for the heroes, instead presenting a bittersweet and emotionally poignant climax that sets the setting for the trilogy’s final chapter. 

Jai Bhim (2021)

Jai Bhim, Tamil cinema’s pride and joy, is a profoundly moving and noteworthy Indian film that sheds light on the topic of caste prejudice and the hardships of the Dalit people. The film gives a genuine and unedited look at the difficulty of working for equality and justice in an unjust society through its riveting storytelling and authentic portrayal of real-life events. The film is reminiscent of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the key architect of India’s Constitution, as well as his advocacy and fight for Dalit rights, providing historical context to the story. Jai Bhim honors Ambedkar’s vision and commitment to social justice, adding to the film’s relevancy and significance. 

Inception (2010)

Time is the first of many magnificent works created by director Christopher Nolan. With Inception, the master questions veracity and uses time’s logos to tell a story set in pathos’ dreams. The impact of Inception on current cinema is evident. The totem’s spinning tractricoid top continues to elicit heated debate among those who support the film’s impact on this generation. In addition to being a genre defining film, it also set a precedent for future filmmakers to explore complicated narratives and experiment with non-linear storytelling, serving as a monument to cinematic storytelling’s growth. 

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Peter Jackson’s incomparable sequel to The Fellowship of the Ring, continues the epic adventure of Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, Aragorn, and others in the Fellowship to destroy the One Ring. While it’s common for a sequel to pale in comparison to its predecessor, The Two Towers exceeded expectations by presenting a deeper and more emotionally complex plot, laying the groundwork for the monumental finale that would come in The Return of the King. 

Fight Club 

It’s difficult to talk about Fight Club without breaking the first rule of Fight Club. David Fincher’s psychological drama is more than just a wonderful film; it has become a cultural phenomenon, permeating popular culture and gaining a cult following throughout the world. The film is still regarded as a revolutionary and thought-provoking piece of art due to its mind-bending plot, biting societal critique, and spectacular graphics. 

Forrest Gump (1994) 

At its core, Forrest Gump is a poetic homage to the resilience of the human spirit, symbolized by Tom Hanks’ charming character, Forrest Gump. “Life is a box of chocolates,” as the famous phrase goes. “You never know what you’re going to get,” captures the spirit of life’s unpredictability, encouraging us to face the unexpected with courage and grace. 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966) 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is a cinematic masterpiece that has become synonymous with the spaghetti Western genre. The film’s study of moral ambiguity, as well as the famous Sergio Leone’s imaginative directing and Clint Eastwood’s iconic portrayal of “The Good,” make it a timeless classic that continues to attract audiences and inspire filmmakers. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly has earned a position in the pantheon of cinematic legends as a tribute to its grandeur – a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire filmmakers throughout the world. 

Pulp Fiction (1994)

After Quentin Tarantino’s innovative engineering of genres, cinema has never been the same. Pulp Fiction is a timeless masterpiece that honors a filmmaker’s artistic freedom. Pulp Fiction promotes the renegade style to screenwriting and the conviction of a director, with rich dialogues, pop culture references, gray characters, and complex narratives. 

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) 

Only a few sequels outperform or match their predecessors. One such amazing miracle is the Return of the King. The seamless mix of practical effects, gorgeous vistas, and breakthrough visual effects, as well as Peter Jackson’s imaginative direction, create an immersive and breathtaking cinematic experience. The film chronicles the final stage of the epic adventure as the fragmented Fellowship of the Ring attempts to unify against the armies of the dark lord Sauron in the ultimate battle for Middle-earth. 

Schindler’s List (1993) 

Schindler’s List is Kohi-I-Noor in Steven Spielberg’s glittering crown of masterpieces. In this heart-wrenching celebration of humanity during history’s most culpable holocaust, Liam Neeson’s powerful portrayal of Oskar Schindler, a self-centered opportunist who metamorphoses into a heroic savior, laced with Ralph Fiennes’s portrayal of ghastly Amon Göth, the brutal Nazi officer, stands as a test to time. Janusz Kaminski’s eerily realistic black-and-white cinematography further immerses the audience in the brutal reality of the time. 

12 Angry Men 

12 Angry Men is a cinematic masterpiece that continues to captivate fans and critics alike. Its investigation of prejudice, human nature, and the strength of conviction makes it a film of tremendous historical relevance. The film’s continuing relevance, Sidney Lumet’s excellent direction, and the riveting performances of the ensemble cast all add to its standing as an essential work of art that is as impactful and thought-provoking now as it was when it was released. 

The Godfather Part II (1974)

Citing the quote again, “Only a few sequels can match its prequels.” Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime saga, The Godfather Part II, is one such accomplishment. Historically, The Godfather Part II holds a unique position in cinema as one of the few sequels to surpass the original in critical acclaim (winning the Oscar for Best Picture) and box office success.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Known as Modern Cinema’s Masterpiece, Nolan’s interpretation of a vigilante Batman and an unhinged Joker is a humdinger in a decades-long series of interpretations and spin-offs. The Dark Knight is one of the rare films that contributed to the globalization of cinema, unifying cinema admirers beyond boundaries to celebrate an iconic, cerebral drama.

The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather is one of the best films of all time, and this is a statement one can not refuse! The film embodies all the traits of “perfection” in each craft. The inspiring acting done by the ensemble involving Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, piercing emotional adages, conflicted 3rd act, and fear-inducing drama creates a visceral impact on the screen, which continues to be celebrated by cinephiles globally.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Named as the highest-rated film of all time, The Shawshank Redemption chronicles the life of inmate Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins), a banker who is wrongfully convicted of the murder of his wife and her lover. Give life sentence in Shawshank State Penitentiary, this story follows Andy’s journey from doom to redemption over the course of 2 decades. Enticing the audience into the dynamic of Shawshank live sis Red, role played by the great Morgan Freeman.