Jiro Dreams of Sushi
For anyone looking for a perfect comfort watch, few films will surpass the simplicity, beauty, and fascination that Jiro provides.
Beasts of No Nation
As a well-crafted study of masculinity and dangerously charismatic leaders, Beasts of No Nation shines thanks to strong performances from both Abraham Attah and Idris Elba, who help the film communicate its message effectively.
Thor: Ragnarok
By utilizing its director’s brand of comedy for Thor, showcasing consistently entertaining action sequences, and delivering a consistently beautiful visual tableau, Thor: Ragnarok cements itself not only as one of the best superhero movies of all time but also one of the Greatest Films of All Time.
F for Fake
With the personality of its writer/director/narrator Welles coming through in every meticulously edited moment, F for Fake delivers a shining example of what documentaries/film essays can be – worth watching, entertaining, and informative all at once.
Cold Mountain
A couple of strong acting performances go along well with a highly entertaining story in Cold Mountain to make it one of the Greatest Films of All Time.
Monsieur Lazhar
Monsieur Lazhar is a triumph of emotional storytelling, combining an authentic look at life on a school’s campus with a deeply touching story of grieving in a narrative that is carried by its three lead actors.
The Last King of Scotland
With a solid outing from James McAvoy, an awards-winning performance from Forest Whitaker, and a historical narrative that also brings its audience to the edge of their seats, it is easy to see how The Last King of Scotland achieves greatness.
In the Heights
In the Heights is a beautifully crafted adaptation of the original musical, staying true to the optimistic vision thanks to some authentic storytelling and a well-cast ensemble of characters.
Castle in the Sky
Well-crafted and intentional themes that remain relevant today alongside a compellingly illustrated setting for the story make Castle in the Sky as great as it is.
The Motorcycle Diaries
The film’s two strong leads help shape its story of friendship and growing up into something great, making The Motorcycle Diaries’s place among the Greatest Films of All Time make perfect sense.
Nobody’s Fool
Nobody’s Fool takes a strong lead performance in Paul Newman, supported by solid outings from Bruce Willis, Jessica Tandy, and Melanie Griffith, and combines it with a wholesome story that blends comedy and drama masterfully to create a film that deserves a place among the Greats.
Shanghai Express
Shanghai Express benefits from a strong leading performance and uncharacteristically progressive treatments of its female characters on its way to becoming a classic film-noir.
Bill Cunningham New York
By combining this lingering optimism with fun, new information, and consistently moving action throughout, Bill Cunningham New York crafts a near perfect documentary for any viewer.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Though it is a bit overstuffed toward the end, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’s atmospheric production design combined with its lead actors’ strong performances turn it into a great mystery thriller.
Stand by Me
Stand by Me’s familiar coming-of-age narrative is bolstered by its leading performers and a deep level of emotional poignancy, making this particular Stephen King adaptation worthy of its place among the Greatest Films of All Time.
Pillow Talk
The high-paced comedy, strong romantic story, and award-worthy performance of Pillow Talk make it a classic of the romantic comedy genre.