A great film is a multi-faceted piece of art. It possesses a recognizable element, like a powerful performance or a compelling plot. While a film’s artistic merit can be determined by its aesthetic value, its cultural impact can be analyzed by its historical relevance.
The list of the top 25 movies of all time includes films that have had a lasting influence on cinema. They represent the pinnacle of artistic achievement in the modern era.
The films on this list range in time from the early 1900s to the late 1990s. They include both English language movies and movies in other languages. Each movie had to have a Metascore of at least 20,000 to make the cut.
One of the most influential war movies of the past two decades, Saving Private Ryan dismantles the glamorized fantasy of war. It explores the moral gray areas of a war.
The movie’s battle scenes are often considered stomach-turning. But this film also contains a number of mini-masterpieces of suspense.
Goodfellas tells the tale of the rise of mob associate Henry Hill. This classic was a commercial failure, but it was critically praised. Roger Ebert ranked it one of the decade’s ten best movies.
Before Sunrise is a romantic classic. It features a cast of rising stars. It tells a terrific story that few people know.
Woody Allen’s Annie Hall remains a groundbreaking achievement. This film incorporates animation and comedy devices. The film also features an extended special effects sequence depicting the creation of the universe.