Young Frankenstein
Mel Brooks’s blend of homage and comedy make Young Frankenstein a masterful parody that captures the wonder and technical achievements of the classic films while also introducing a basic level of comedy that elevates the whole thing to a place of greatness alongside the films it seeks to mimic.
Eighth Grade
A welcome blend of authentic humor and drama suffuse Burnham’s script that then receives an even bigger boost from the performance of Elsie Fisher, taking the whole film to a place of all-time greatness.
Another Round
Vinterberg’s Another Round is the perfect dark buddy comedy for a modern audience, using alcohol, authentic teacher experiences, and great acting to convey a universal reminder about the beauty and fragility of life and its need to be lived.
Broadway Danny Rose
Broadway Danny Rose is a testament to Woody Allen’s comedic capabilities – overflowing with jokes from front to back that still hit nearly forty years later – earning the film a spot alongside the Greatest Films of All Time.
Prizzi’s Honor
The great acting in Prizzi’s Honor helps elevate the film above the typical genre fare to something worthy of a mention among the all-time greats.
Husbands and Wives
Judy Davis’s strong turn as the wildly entertaining Sally only does so much to distract the audience from Woody Allen’s well-written defense of his own troubling life choices, which make this film great, but probably shouldn’t earn it a spot on anyone’s must-watch list.
American Splendor
With one of the most unique deliveries of a biographical story and a subtle but lovable turn from Paul Giamatti, American Splendor asserts itself as a truly unique and great film, worth watching for any fan of the medium.
The Magician
In The Magician, Bergman has crafted his own sideshow, blending genres and subplots and skillful camerawork together into a singularly unique and entertaining piece of film, deserving of mention among the greats.
Adam’s Rib
Adam’s Rib’s thought-provoking exploration of gender roles remains fairly well-aged in a modern context, thanks in part to the comedy written by Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin and also to the committed performances of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
With one of the most iconic characters of the last twenty-five years and some truly scathing satirical commentary on the state of America’s acceptance of others, Borat launches itself into place among the Greatest Films of All Time.
Moonrise Kingdom
Moonrise Kingdom is the perfect coming-of-age film, delivering dramatic tension, romantic highs, and comedic situations through its excellent ensemble, brilliant writing, and on-point directorial choices from Wes Anderson, earning it an indisputable spot among the Greatest Films of All Time.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Iconic characters, songs, props, and effects have made Ghostbusters into one of the lasting films of the 1980s, earning it a spot among the Greatest Films of All Time.
Toni Erdmann
Toni Erdmann thrives thanks to the performances of its two leads and their unique brand of humor in the midst of the family drama, earning the film its place among the greats.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery thrives on its sheer entertainment value, allowing the audience to watch Daniel Craig again don his ridiculous southern persona in the midst of a fun cast of characters delivering sold-out performances in this solid comedy-mystery.
The Fabulous Baker Boys
Pfeiffer and the Bridges brothers bring plenty of talent to the table in The Fabulous Baker Boys, and the film’s iconic piano-top scene and excellent score help elevate it to a place where it feels believably deserving of a place among the greats.
Wild Tales
Wild Tales is an aptly named, well-executed anthology that delivers on both entertainment and food for thought, connecting with every type of audience on some level as it earns its place among the greats.