Midnight Express
It’s problematic at almost every thematic level, but the technical excellence and even the strong supporting performances make it a film that you can’t fully look away from once you turn it on.
Good Night, and Good Luck.
Arguably, the importance of the message and themes of Good Night, and Good Luck. has only increased in the twenty years since its release.
Before Sunset
It’s a beautiful look at the what-if’s of life and the passion that comes with maturing, and it’s arguably a better film than the first, which is excellent in its own right, and for those reasons, I’d argue that it unquestionably deserves recognition as one of the Greatest Films of All Time.
Jules and Jim
It is a film carried by its performances and style, especially the showing from Jeanne Moreau, which makes it an easy film to enjoy and appreciate, definitely deserving of consideration among the greats.
Still Walking
It’s a brilliant film that also happens to be well-acted and emotionally impactful because of how well it depicts the reality of family relationships, earning it a spot among the greats.
The Lost Weekend
Through Milland’s lead performance and Wilder’s writing and direction, it’s easy to see how The Lost Weekend earned the Best Picture Oscar and a place among the greatest films of all time.
The Brutalist
Strong performances and fantastic visuals earned The Brutalist enough recognition from critics, audiences, and awards bodies to earn it the title of top film of 2024 according to this blog’s formula.
The Wrestler
Headlined by powerhouse performances by Marisa Tomei and Mickey Rourke, Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler is a difficult but incredibly poignant film about fame, dedication, and the world of professional wrestling that certainly deserves a mention with the greats.
Precious
Precious is a deeply moving film carried by its front and center performances that has plenty to say about poverty, literacy, and the ways that humanity can overcome in even the darkest of places with the right support systems in place, well-deserving of a place among the Greatest Films of All Time.
Central Station
It is the performances that lend emotional weight to Central Station, and Fernanda Montenegro fully earns the film its spot among the greats with a truly inspired performance that makes the film as great as it is.
The Last Detail
The Last Detail is a fantastically acted film that exceeds its premise by presenting an honest portrayal of the social crises of the 1970s through the experiences and relationships of these three men, earning it a place among the greats.
Leaving Las Vegas
It’s a film carried by its performances, but they’re certainly strong enough to do so, earning it a place among the greats.
Talk to Her
It’s well-written, excellently acted, and contains plenty of meditations on the complexities of the human experience to earn its recognition as one of the greats.
The Lion in Winter
Across the board, the film is well acted and well-put-together, providing a weighty and deeply engaging treat for any who give it the time of day, fully deserving of recognition among the greats.
The Bad and the Beautiful
The Bad and the Beautiful succeeds at telling an excellent story with excellent characters that simultaneously rips and celebrates Hollywood without ever gilding anything with a sense of nostalgia or reverence, earning the film a place of greatness.
