Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Solid anime action combined with a deep exploration of what it means to be human keep Ghost in the Shell relevant more than twenty-five years after its original release.
East of Eden
The universal nature of East of Eden’s story, its fresh take on the biblical Cain and Abel narrative, and the phenomenal performances of James Dean and Jo Van Fleet establish the film as a truly Great Film.
We are the Best
A film that truly understands what it is to be punk and be a young teenager, We Are the Best, compels its audience to recall their own middle school days and friendships and to never give up on a dream.
Julia (1977)
Award-winning performances help keep Julia among the ranks of great films despite a convoluted story and lack of thematic cohesion.
Wonder Woman
Despite some minor plot holes and a less-than-satisfying final fight, Wonder Woman delivers a solid, funny, engaging superhero origin film with some of the best action sequences from the last ten years.
A Simple Plan
Compelling themes and solid story-work create the framework for a Great Film in A Simple Plan, despite hit-and-miss acting and a tough-to-stomach story
Spellbound (1945)
Thanks to a unique take on its genre, strong leading performances, and the tried-and-true formula of Hitchcock, Spellbound forms itself into a film worthy of the title “Great”.
Steve Jobs
An impressive script combined with skillful acting performances throughout help create a unique biopic that does more to explore the character of Steve Jobs than to give a summary of his life or to pass judgement on the man who made Apple what it is today.
tick, tick… BOOM!
tick, tick… BOOM! is one of the best films from 2021 thanks to a strong leading performance from Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson, very fun and catchy musical numbers, and a heartfelt story about human connection.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Consistently well-acted and written with universally impactful themes, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner manages to impress despite some not-so-well-aged tropes.
Keep on Keepin’ On
Meaningful relationships and a plethora of entertaining jazz content make Keep on Keepin’ On a worthwhile documentary and a solid addition to the list of Greatest Films.
You, the Living
A positive outlook and artful cinematography define You, the Living as a Great Film.
About Schmidt
Though not for everyone, About Schmidt’s dark comedy, skillful portrayal of retirement, and exploration of what it means to become old make it a film worth watching.
Men in Black
Charismatic leads and a host of well-crafted entertainment factors define Men in Black, making it not only one of the best sci-fi films ever but one of the greatest films ever.
Black Orpheus
Dance numbers with purpose, intentional cinematography, and innovative developments of a classic myth help make Black Orpheus a Great Film.
Beasts of the Southern Wild
The uniqueness of the setting combined with skillfully designed and portrayed character development and compelling thematic elements help make Beasts of the Southern Wilds a rewarding watch.
Footlight Parade
Some of the best musical choreography ever put on screen combined with mostly well-aged comedy and impressive acting performances help make Footlight Parade one of the greatest films of all time.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind succeeds as a film thanks to its resonant and well-communicated theming and its beautiful art style that is played out in its unique postapocalyptic setting.
Finding Dory
Finding Dory may not be the most mature or perfectly crafted of Pixar’s films, but its loyalty to its brand of comedy, interesting setting, and relatable themes help make it a film worth watching.