It’s time for another decades poll!

This time from a decade filled with Hollywood spectacle: biblical epics, Westerns, and spectacular Technicolor musicals populate this decade. After World War II, international films start to make the rounds in America, particularly those of Akira Kurosawa and Ingmar Bergman, inspiring a whole generation of filmmakers including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Martin Scorsese (the latter of whom often calls the 1950s the greatest decade for cinema ever). Legendary filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick, Sidney Lumet, and Elia Kazan all gained prominence during this decade as well.

It’s the decade where Hollywood began to go all out competing against the new medium of television, creating new formats like VistaVision, CinemaScope, and even 3D movies. Eventually all the grandeur began to crumble with the failure of Cleopatra in the decade to come, but at its height in the 1950s, it was something to marvel at.

VOTE HERE ON YOUR FAVORITE 1950S MOVIES!

This list proved to me that the 1960s was a better decade for film than I remembered. I always think of this period as simply being the “decade of musicals” but this was also the era that Ingmar Bergman, Akira Kurosawa, and Stanley Kubrick were putting out some of their best work.

Check out the results below!

50. Yojimbo (dir. Akira Kurosawa)

49. It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (dir. Stanley Kramer)

“The granddaddy of screwball comedies: a large-scale road trip/treasure hunt film with an underlying social commentary about the effects of greed on human nature. Boasting the best ensemble cast in Hollywood history, along with the most memorable (and daring) car chase sequences captured on film.”

48. Bonnie & Clyde (dir. Arthur Penn)

47. The Hustler (dir. Robert Rossen)

“More than just a standard sports drama, the film is an engaging morality play about the cost of ambition, acceptance of personal failure, and the drive for excellence in a young man’s quest for glory. The film is a must-see for its blend of free-form jazz, neo-noir cinematography, and tour-de-force performances.”

46. Z (dir. Costa-Gavras)

45. The Jungle Book (prod. Walt Disney)

44. Bullitt (dir. Peter Yates)

43. Goldfinger (dir. Guy Hamilton)

42. Where Eagles Dare (dir. Brian G. Hutton)

41. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (dir. John Ford)

40. True Grit (dir. Henry Hathaway)

39. The Manchurian Candidate (dir. John Frankenheimer)

“This quintessential political thriller/satire has effected every movie of its kind afterwards. Angela Lansbury, shockingly, plays one of the greatest villains of the movies.”

38. Becket (dir. Peter Glenville)

“Brilliantly written and acted, Becket memorably dramatizes the spiritual awakening and death of the English martyr.”

37. Doctor Zhivago (dir. David Lean)

36. Days of Wine and Roses (dir. Blake Edwards)

“Blake Edwards’ sobering depiction of a marriage torn by the cycle of addiction is an underrated masterpiece of kitchen-sink realism graced by the chameleon-like prowess of versatile comic actor Jack Lemmon, who balances polished wit with tragic pathos to deliver a hard-hitting performance for the ages.”

35. The Innocents (dir. Jack Clayton)

“One of the eeriest, coolest ghost stories out there. Shockingly modern in its horror ‘language’.”

34. The Miracle Worker (dir. Arthur Penn)

33. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (dir. Jacques Demy)

32. Night of the Living Dead (dir. George Romero)

31. Persona (dir. Ingmar Bergman)

“One of the most enigmatic art house films ever made, Persona touches on every topic and then some with care and intelligence.”

30. The Reluctant Saint (dir. Edward Dmytryk)

“The Reluctant Saint embodies humble Franciscan spirituality in just about every aspect: acting, production values, filmmaking technique, etc.”

29. The Magnificent Seven (dir. John Sturges)

28. A Fistful of Dollars (dir. Sergio Leone)

27. Oliver! (dir. Carol Reed)

26. The Longest Day (dir. Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Bernhard Wicki)

25. Lilies of the Field (dir. Ralph Nelson)

“One of the best Catholic movies ever and an all-time great performance from Poitier”

24. Cool Hand Luke (dir. Stuart Rosenberg)

“Paul Newman delivers one of the most iconic and spectacular performances in an anti authority film that shaped generations. Cool Hand Luke's iconic score and star studded cast all work together in one of the greatest films of the 1960s.”

23. The Music Man (dir. Morton DaCosta)

22. Once Upon a Time in the West (dir. Sergio Leone)

21. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (dir. George Roy Hill)

“From the era of countercultural cynicism comes the last great film about America’s treasured myth: the Old West. Ridiculously entertaining and exceptionally crafted, the film succeeds as both a tribute and a revisioning of the genre not only through the charismatic presence of its iconic leads, but also its brilliant, character-driven script, penned by the legendary William Goldman.”

20. A Hard Day’s Night (dir. Richard Lester)

“One cannot imagine the 1960s without The Beatles, as they were not only the decade’s most influential rock band, but also its biggest cultural touchstone. Richard Lester’s zany nouvelle vague mockumentary is a satisfying cinematic portrait of the Fab Four that will leave a cheeky grin on viewers’ faces with its dry humor, joyous music, and gorgeous cinematography.”

19. Harakiri (dir. Masaki Kobayashi)

“A masterpiece of world cinema, Harakiri is somber and highly rewatchable critique of the Bushido code and history. Mystery, action, and tragedy all surround this must see tale.”

18. The Apartment (dir. Billy Wilder)

“Part comedy, part drama, part romance, part satire; The Apartment is all this and more in one greatly entertaining package.”

17. Planet of the Apes (dir. Franklin J. Schaffner)

16. The Birds (dir. Alfred Hitchcock)

15. My Fair Lady (dir. George Cukor)

“The music and performances are simply irresistible. Also the colors: a quintessential ‘why can’t they make movies look like this nowadays’ movie.”

14. Charade (dir. Stanley Donen)

13. The Great Escape (dir. John Sturges)

12. West Side Story (dir. Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins)

“The undisputed crown jewel of American musicals: visually dazzling and technologically ambitious; emotionally violent and musically beautiful; tenderly romantic and unforgettably tragic. From its nearly silent prologue to its devastating finale, West Side Story is a true masterpiece of American cinema that continues to cross the boundaries from first-rate entertainment to historic excellence.”

11. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (dir. Stanley Kubrick)

“Endlessly quotable and off-the-wall bonkers. The wildest ending of the decade.”

10. High and Low (dir. Akira Kurosawa)

“Akira Kurosawa's drama is both an engrossing police procedural and an exploration of class that rebukes a simplistic ‘eat the rich’ mentality.”

“The stakes are high and the costs are real in Akira Kurosawa’s excellent crime thriller about a menacing kidnapper and the wealthy tycoon he mercilessly torments. Aside from being an engrossing cop drama, it is a thought-provoking moral drama that offers profound insight into the value of human dignity, the authentic nature of justice, and the interior vices that consume the human soul.”

9. Andrei Rublev (dir. Andrei Tarkovsky)

“Tarkovsky's masterpiece, and cinema as high art. Everything in this movie builds to one of the most stunning conclusions in film history.”

“Andrei Rublev is a profound meditation on the nature of art and how it can touch the divine. The extraordinary conclusion is literally iconic.”

8. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (dir. Sergio Leone)

“Perhaps the most referenced and recognizable Western of all time, Leone's almost 3 hour epic flies by like a high quality whiskey: smooth and strong. Morricone delivers one of the most famous scores in cinema history in a must-see film for everyone.”

7. To Kill a Mockingbird (dir. Robert Mulligan)

“Robert Mulligan’s screen adaptation of the beloved Harper Lee novel is an American classic for a reason: not only is it thematically gripping in its depiction of Southern mores and legal ethics, but it is also a sentimental portrait of a long-gone childhood innocence. Featuring one of the great scores by the legendary Elmer Bernstein and a gentle, lordly performance by the one-and-only Gregory Peck.”

6. Mary Poppins (prod. Walt Disney)

“Movie magic at its most magical! It’s so good that they made a movie about the making of the movie!”

5. Lawrence of Arabia (dir. David Lean)

“The scale and scope of Lawrence of Arabia is breathtaking, but it ultimately serves as a historical and aesthetic backdrop to one of the most fascinating character studies of all time.”

4. Psycho (dir. Alfred Hitchcock)

“The greatest and one of the most influential of all horror films. The best twisted ending of cinema. Simply put, Psycho is the most thrilling movie ever made.”

3. 2001: A Space Odyssey (dir. Stanley Kubrick)

“Nothing more to be said about this film. Truly one of the most monumental achievements in cinema.”

“Encapsulates nothing less than the millennia-spanning evolution of mankind within two and a half hours. Amazing, profound, transcendent.”

2. A Man for All Seasons (dir. Fred Zinneman)

“Faithfully adapted from Robert Bolt’s stage play, Fred Zinnemann’s dramatization of St. Thomas More’s martyrdom is Hollywood’s finest hagiography. Avoiding a paste-and-cardboard approach to a saint’s life, the film succeeds as an engaging, dialogue-driven period piece that doesn’t shy away from the trifold relationship between conscience, religious liberty, and the natural law, and their necessity towards ensuring the survival of Western civilization.”

1. The Sound of Music (dir. Robert Wise)

”It’s the best movie musical, one of the best Catholic movies, and (sneakily) one of the best WWII thrillers. It’s without flaw and breathtakingly beautiful from start to finish. It’s the best movie of the 1960s.”

At long last, we are continuing back in time to search out the best movie of the 1960s!

Feel free to vote at the link below, and feel free to check out our other decades polls!

VOTE HERE

Past Polls:

1970s

1980s

1990s

21st Century

For those of you who submitted a response to the “Best Action Scenes of All Time” poll a few months ago: an overdue apology! We unfortunately did not get as many results as I was hoping for, but enough of you have asked me about the results that I’m finally going to post- I have enough to show the top 20!

If you want to see these polls consistently in the future, please make sure to vote! Every submission helps us refine the data and get a clearer ranking.

Without further ado…

20. Sicario (2015) dir. Denis Villeneuve - Shootout in the Streets

19. Aliens (1986) dir. James Cameron - Ripley vs. the Queen

18. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) dir. The Russo Brothers - Elevator Fight

“The unexpected conflict in the elevator, sensing the upcoming fight, seeing the sweat on the side temple of one of the guards, his decision to break the glass, crash through the atrium, then legendary and aura forming shield fight with the jet, and landing with the shield is next level!”

17. Spider-Man 2 (2004) dir. Sam Raimi - Train Fight

“Great use of visual effects where weight and balance is taken into account, where love and care for the frame is achieved and never overrides the emotion. The tension and awe of it all hits heights from the beginning when Peter returns as Spidey to the end of the train battle.”

16. The Matrix (1999) dir. The Wachowski Brothers - Subway Showdown

“The underdog Everyman achieves his apotheosis against a once seemingly invincible and undefeatable foe; and with choreography and camerawork like that, what’s not to love?”

15. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) dir. Quentin Tarantino - The Bride vs. The Crazy 88

“A scene so iconic and bloody it had to be changed for its release in the U.S, for some the Crazy 88 fight is why you watch Kill Bill. This sprawling and gory epic pays homage to countless action and martial arts films, and holds nothing back. It has drama, stakes, humor, highs and lows, creativity, and above all intensity.”

14. The Dark Knight (2008) dir. Christopher Nolan - Truck Chase

13. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) dir. George Miller - The Chase Begins

“The entire movie is the best action sequence of all time but the first act scene with the spiked cars that ends with the desert storm is my favorite from the film”

12. Die Hard (1988) dir. John McTiernan - The Final Confrontation

“You could pick so many moments in this film, but the emotional satisfying ending of this film (spoilers) where McClane using his creativity outthinks and outguns Gruber like a Western American Cowboy to rescue his wife and end the heist. Its a satisfying death sequence, it has humor, heart, romance. And it brings to a close the main journey for the main character, John and Holly, who are finally back in each others arms. (Just pretend like the sequels never happened)”

11. Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) dir. Christopher McQuarrie - Bathroom Fight

“While many people may (fairly) point to the ending climax, I have to give it to the initial fistfight in the bathroom when Henry Cavill reloads his arms”

10. The Matrix (1999) dir. The Wachowski Brothers - Lobby Assault

“A scene that is as over-the-top fun to watch as it is impossible to take the tiniest bit seriously. That’s a lot of bullets.”

9. Ben-Hur (1959) dir. William Wyler - Chariot Race

“Just watch it and ask yourself how the heck the charioteers did all that.”

“Hollywood continues to try and top this sequence and theyre not able to. Its an exciting non-stop sequence as two men, driven by their hate and warped forms of patriotism race one another in what could very well be to the death. Real horses. Real jumps. Real tracks. Real stuntmen. You just couldnt fake that in those days and that knowledge with the incredible camerawork and editing gives us an incredibly tense and exciting sequence that still has not been reproduced despite a remake and even George Lucas paying it homage.”

8. The French Connection (1971) dir. William Friedkin - Car Chase

“A creative way to do a car chase, but it also says a lot about the character. Its his frenzied state of mind. He need to catch the villain which is pushing him over the edge as this chase stretches his safety, his sanity, and his case.”

7. Bullitt (1968) dir. Peter Yates - Car Chase

“It keeps me on the edge of my seat no matter how many times I see it.”

6. Saving Private Ryan (1998) dir. Steven Spielberg - D-Day

“The most realistic and brutal war scene in film, an essential showcase for the horror of combat. I first saw this when I was 14 and it was an indelible, unforgettable experience.”

5. Heat (1995) dir. Michael Mann - The Shootout

4. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) dir. Peter Jackson - The Battle of Pelennor Fields

“The first (probably the only) fantasy war sequence to even come close to matching the intensity of Saving Private Ryan. Seeing this in theaters was an audio and visual feast.”

3. John Wick Chapter 4 (2023) dir. Chad Stahelski - Overhead Shootout

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) dir. Peter Jackson - The Battle of Helm’s Deep

“Does it really need an explanation? I say nay.”

“The scene that defined the modern epic, and is perhaps the greatest battle scene ever put to film.”

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) dir. Steven Spielberg - Truck Chase

“I was obsessed with this from the moment I saw it. John Williams' score is nothing short of iconic and amplifies every moment of this fantastic car chase.”

“Watching Indy go from horse to truck to out of truck to back into the truck as the incredible John Williams score plays is still my favorite action stunt sequence of all time and a profound example of what makes Indiana Jones work. In a modern homage to the old movie serials, Spielberg and Lucas amped up the effects to give us a character that does not believe in stopping, even as hes outnumbered, shot, beaten up, and thrown out of truck window, he'll keep going on. Even though He's making it up as he goes.”

The portrayal of movement is one of the many features cinema has that is unique to it amongst the arts. This movement- whether captured in-camera or with animation- is part of why we love the movies. The director is the conductor of a symphony of cameramen, sound designers, animators and many more to produce a beautiful tapestry of sensory delights (even when it’s a silent film!).

Action scenes can often define a filmmaker’s career, especially when the entire film is based around action. To name a few, James Cameron, George Miller, and Chad Stahelski have provided us with some of the most awe-inspiring stunts and effects that truly convince us of the impossible.

There are so many great scenes to choose from, we want to know what your favorites are! It can be a fight scene between two people, an elaborate car chase (as seen above), or even an all-out epic battle!

Vote here for your top five favorites!

Every year, probably since I got on Facebook for a brief stint during college, I come up with a list of my Top 10 most-anticipated movies of the year. This list below, comprised of votes from you all, has a lot of the same ones I’m looking forward to!

So without further ado, here they are below.

Notable Runners-Up (Had Three or More Votes):

• Supergirl (dir. Craig Gillepsie, WB, July)

• Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die (dir. Gore Verbinski, Netflix, February)

• The Devil Wars Prada 2 (dir. David Frankel, Disney, May)

• Werwulf (dir. Robert Eggers, Universal, December)

#10: The Social Reckoning

Release Date: October 9

Studio: Sony

Director/Writer: Aaron Sorkin

Stars: (see above)

Logline: Follows Frances Haugen, a young Facebook engineer, who enlisted the help of Jeff Horwitz, a Wall Street Journal reporter, to blow the whistle on the social network's most guarded secrets.

What readers say:

Another kinda sequel I’m curious to see how it will happen. The cast is stacked and hopefully it’ll be just as good as the first one!

#9: Godzilla Minus Zero

Release Date: November 3 (Japan), November 6 (North America)

Studio: Toho

Director/Writer/VFX: Takashi Yamazaki

Stars: Godzilla

Logline: N/A

What readers say:

Its predecessor was the last movie that I saw in theaters because my friend is a big Godzilla fan and I'm financially boycotting Hollywood. It was one of the best monster movies we had seen and we are going to watch the sequel in theaters too.

#8: Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew

Release Date: November 26

Studio: Netflix (Note: IMAX will be giving this an exclusive wide release in theaters)

Director/Writer: Greta Gerwig

Stars: Emma Mackey as Jadis the White Witch, Daniel Craig as Andrew Ketterley, Carey Mulligan as Mabel Kirke, Meryl Streep as TBD (hopefully not Aslan) (see above caption for rest)

Logline: From Oscar-nominated director Greta Gerwig (Barbie, Little Women), adapted from C.S. Lewis’s cherished tale.

What readers say:

C.S. Lewis is my favorite writer but I haven't read any of the Narnia books. I'm still interested in what they do here.

Super worried about this. C.S. Lewis is my favorite author and the Narnia books are still some of the most formative parts of my life. But I am very interested in this and would like it to succeed. I am just hoping the Christian elements are not erased from the film

#7: Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Release Date: July 31

Studio: Sony

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

Stars: Tom Holland as Spider-Man, Jon Bernthal as The Punisher, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk

Logline: Peter Parker tries to focus on college and leave Spider-Man behind. But when a new threat endangers his friends, he must break his promise and suit up again, teaming with an unexpected ally to protect those he loves.

What readers say:

I’m curious to see how they finish the story and I just love the cast of this movie.

#6: Avengers: Doomsday

Release Date: December 18

Studio: Disney

Director: The Russo Brothers

Stars: Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom. Nuff said.

Logline: Doctor Doom has officially arrived in the MCU. This villain, a master of cutting-edge science and powerful magic, will unleash a cascading crisis across the entire multiverse.

What readers say:

Robert Downey, Jr. as Doctor Doom. Seriously, do I need any other reasons?

#5: Digger

Release Date: October 2

Studio: Warner Bros

Director/Writer: Alejandro G. Iñárritu

Stars: Tom Cruise as Digger Rockwell

Logline: The most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity's savior before the disaster he's unleashed destroys everything.

What readers say:

Tom Cruise and Alejandro González Iñárritu doing dark comedy seems like such a mismatch, but the trailer sold me. I'm excited to see how it's executed because the concept and story seem so interesting and Iñárritu's typical style seems like it could lend itself well to more comedic storytelling.

#4: Disclosure Day

Release Date: June 12

Studio: Universal

Director: Steven Spielberg

Stars: Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth

Logline: If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you?

What readers say:

A new Spielberg science fiction film? Count me in!

#3: Dune: Part Three

Release Date: December 18

Studio: Warner Bros

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Stars: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson

Logline: It follows Muad'dib, heir to unimaginable power, as he brings to fruition the ancient scheme to create a superbeing ruler among men, not in the heavens.

What readers say:

I understand I might be in the minority, but I have not loved the Dune films. I felt the changes to the book made in the second film actually really hurt the film, and so I am really cautious about a third film. I will still see it, but my excitement level is very low.

#2: Project Hail Mary

Release Date: March 20

Studio: Amazon/MGM

Director: Phil Lord & Chris Miller

Stars: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller

Logline: An astronaut tries to save Earth while alone in outer space.

What readers say:

Sci-fi movie starring Ryan Gosling. Enough said.

#1: The Odyssey

Release Date: July 17

Studio: Universal

Director: Christopher Nolan

Stars: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway

Logline: After the Trojan War, Odysseus faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Circe along the way.

What readers say:

I mean...what's there to say about this? It's Christopher Nolan, a man known for making big movies, adapting one of the biggest, long-lasting stories ever made! I'm looking forward to seeing how he'll interpret one of the foundations of modern storytelling, especially the parallel Hero's Journeys that both Odysseus and Telemachus make, and how each person in the stacked cast will be utilized as not every role has been announced yet.

Nolan remains my favorite director. But I am more cautious about this film than any of his previous films. I don't love all of the cast members. It feels very much like every big name in Hollywood being cast to further bolster a controversial choice in a blockbuster. By saddling Nolan with a lot of bankable stars or names, this film might reach more audiences. And while I don't doubt the man behind the camera, the increasing polarizing people in this film for me makes me cautious the film might be equally polarizing. But I'd be lying if I said I had no plans to check this out once it hits theaters.

What other movies are you looking forward to? Sound off below.

Leave a comment

2026 is already here and this year has a crazy-stacked lineup- Spielberg, Villeneuve AND Nolan releasing movies in the same year hasn’t happened since 2017, which for my money was the greatest movie year in recent memory.

There’s a lot to choose from so without further ado, check out the poll below.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

End of year polls are some of my favorite, so without further adieu here’s the top 25 movies of 2025, voted by our readers!

25. The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (dir. Pete Browngardt)

“A great reminder of how much fun these movies used to be before they abandoned any sense of craft”

24. How to Train Your Dragon (dir. Dean DeBlois)

23. Warfare (dir. Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland)

“As stripped down, direct, and realistic as any war film I have ever seen. Warfare really makes you feel like you are there.”

22. 28 Years Later (dir. Danny Boyle)

“Terrifying, violent, exhilarating. A terrific metaphor for modern England (whether the filmmakers intended that or not).”

21. Bugonia (dir. Yorgos Lanthimos)

“Lanthimos gives an insane look at the cost of being terminally online and the dangers of nihilism in what should be an easy Best Actor Academy Award for Jesse Plemons.”

20. Black Bag (dir. Steven Soderbergh)

“An extremely well written, acted and directed twist on the spy genre, love stores and mystery films. Every character is well developed, the twists and turns come together well and a surprisingly positive depiction of marriage.”

19. Friendship (dir. Andrew DeYoung)

“This movie was horrifying in the only way Tim Robinson can do it.”

18. Triumph of the Heart (dir. Anthony D’Ambrosio)

“This film immediately enters the canon of great Saint movies. The last stretch of the film was the most emotionally affected I’ve been in quite some time. It makes me want to take my fasting more seriously, love more fiercely, proclaim Christ more boldly. It is a blessing to have the Saints and to have art like this to make their lives come alive.”

17. One Battle After Another (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)

“Certainly one of the less 'casual' big releases of the year; while I was not on board with all the political implications, the epic scope, great performances and one of the best car chases I have ever seen all led to me being impressed with this film.”

16. Marty Supreme (dir. Josh Safdie)

“Intense, vulgar, chaotic, sentimental, and heartfelt. Marty Supreme has a beautiful ending that brings order to the chaos of its world.”

15. The Ballad of Wallis Island (dir. James Griffiths)

“It's a fun, indie movie that honestly had a lot of heart.”

14. Train Dreams (dir. Clint Bentley)

“The filmmaking was beautiful, not just because it was capturing nature’s beauty, but authentic and subtle human actions and emotions.”

13. Wicked: For Good (dir. Jon M. Chu)

12. Thunderbolts* (dir. Jake Schreier)

“A welcome unconventional look at the superhero genre. Some great lead performances, a interesting take on the 'what if superheroes were very damaged people' concept and a more grounded visual tone all made this a standout in recent superhero fare.”

11. Sinners (dir. Ryan Coogler)

10. Avatar: Fire and Ash (dir. James Cameron)

“Builds on the previous entries incredibly well; easily has the best sights I have seen in movies since The Way Of Water. The big action set pieces are jaw dropping, the individual character arcs give the movie an epic sweep that few movies these days do, and the Ash People are awesome! No one these days even seems to be trying to attempt to do what James Cameron does!”

9. The Phoenician Scheme (dir. Wes Anderson)

8. KPop Demon Hunters (dir. Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans)

“The surprise hit of the year for me, KPop displays spiritual maturity that is becoming more mainstream thankfully.”

7. Weapons (dir. Zach Cregger)

“The year's most unique and insane film, Weapons strikes a chord that has not been struck for me by any other this year. Lives up to the rewatch and perfectly executed.”

“This was quite a ride. Cregger has a real talent for ratcheting up scenes of tension while also having cathartic moments of situational humor.”

6. Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (dir. Christopher McQuarrie)

5. Superman (dir. James Gunn)

“It took me a while to see this and I wish I had seen it sooner. I was actually moved by this movie.”

4. The Fantastic Four: The First Steps (dir. Matt Shakman)

“This is a minor miracle for me on two levels: it's the first good Fantastic Four movie and it's the most pro-life, pro-family Hollywood film that I have seen in a while.”

3. F1 (dir. Joseph Kosinski)

“The feel-good summer movie with plenty of rewatchability; will stand the test of time as one of the best racing films.”

2. Frankenstein (dir. Guillermo del Toro)

“Meditation on vice, creation, the soul, and forgiveness with beautiful colors and Del Toro’s world building”

1. Wake Up Dead Man (dir. Rian Johnson)

“Thought provoking- centered on God’s Mercy which goes beyond reason- and a blast to watch.”

“Similar to the previous installment, I didn’t particularly care all that much about the plot and the crew of supporting characters was pretty universally blah, but a wonderful characterization of a good priest covers a multitude of sins for me. Josh O’Connor was excellent as Fr. Jud, depicting a priest who actually just loves Jesus and wants to serve Him by serving his flock.”

BEST OF 2024

Last year, we put out our first poll with the above “Best of 2024” link just to our writers: this resulted in us using our platform to put out much more widespread polls among our readers, to awesome results! (Check those out here).

This year, movies didn’t necessarily rebound in the big way a lot of people were hoping, but there were still some hopeful steps forward, with Warner Bros (soon to be Netflix/Warner Bros) going on a hot streak with Sinners, Superman, and Weapons and surprises like K-Pop Demon Hunters taking the entire world by storm.

Vote on your favorites from this year below!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Back by popular demand, we put out a poll to our readers asking them for the best movies of the 1970s, and we have the results!

BEST OF THE 80S

BEST OF THE 90S

BEST OF THE 21ST CENTURY

#50: Sleuth (dir. Joseph L. Mankiewicz)

#49: Halloween (dir. John Carpenter)

#48: Saturday Night Fever (dir. John Badham)

#47: Solaris (dir. Andrei Tarkovsky)

#46: Deliverance (dir. John Boorman)

#45: Sorcerer (dir. William Friedkin)

#44: Grease (dir. Randal Kleiser)

#43: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (dir. Wolfgang Reitherman and John Lounsbery)

#42: The Man Who Would Be King (dir. John Huston)

#41: Smokey and the Bandit (dir. Hal Needham)

#40: Kramer vs. Kramer (dir. Robert Benton)

#39: Dirty Harry (dir. Don Siegel)

#38: The Aristocats (dir. Wolfgang Reitherman)

#37: What’s Up, Doc? (dir. Peter Bogdanovich)

#36: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (dir. Philip Kaufman)

#35: Nashville (dir. Robert Altman)

#34: Jesus of Nazareth (dir. Franco Zeffirelli)

#33: Breaking Away (dir. Peter Yates)

#32: Barry Lyndon (dir. Stanley Kubrick)

#31: Robin Hood (dir. Wolfgang Reitherman)

#30: The Muppet Movie (dir. James Frawley)

#29: All the President’s Men (dir. Alan J. Pakula)

#28: Annie Hall (dir. Woody Allen)

#27: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (dir. Mel Stuart)

#26: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (dir. Steven Spielberg)

#25: American Graffiti (dir. George Lucas)

#24: The French Connection (dir. William Friedkin)

#23: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (dir. Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones)

#22: Dersu Uzala (dir. Akira Kurosawa)

#21: Stalker (dir. Andrei Tarkovsky)

#20: Taxi Driver (dir. Martin Scorsese)

#19: Patton (dir. Franklin J. Schaffner)

#18: Superman (dir. Richard Donner)

#17: The Deer Hunter (dir. Michael Cimino)

#16: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (dir. Miloš Forman)

#15: Young Frankenstein (dir. Mel Brooks)

#14: Network (dir. Sidney Lumet)

#13: Fiddler on the Roof (dir. Norman Jewison)

#12: Blazing Saddles (dir. Mel Brooks)

#11: The Exorcist (dir. William Friedkin)

#10: Days of Heaven (dir. Terrence Malick)

#9: The Sting (dir. George Roy Hill)

#8: Chinatown (dir. Roman Polanski)

#7: Apocalypse Now (dir. Francis Ford Coppola)

#6: Alien (dir. Ridley Scott)

#5: Rocky (dir. John G. Avildsen)

#4: Jaws (dir. Steven Spielberg)

#3: The Godfather Part II (dir. Francis Ford Coppola)

#2: Star Wars (dir. George Lucas)

#1: The Godfather (dir. Francis Ford Coppola)

(Correct link for poll linked below)

The 1970s were a crazy time for cinema: I would recommend anyone who wanted to do a deep dive into the era read Peter Biskind’s Easy Riders, Raging Bulls to get a true sense of this transitional, tumultuous time for Hollywood and motion pictures at large.

Television had dominated the 1950s and 1960s, and the combination of shrinking audiences and expensive box-office bombs like Cleopatra were causing studios to verge on near-bankruptcy. Enter the New Hollywood: Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola and Robert Altman (to name a few) all emerged in this time and for a decade exercised unprecedented levels of autonomy and creative control, resulting in ten years of cinematic experimenting which resulted in some of the greatest films of all time.

Vote here on your favorites from this truly unique period for the artform.

The results are in!

It’s been fun sifting through all the poll results for this one: this definitely had some of the most diversity of selections I’ve seen in the decade polls we’ve done.

Without further ado, here are the Top 50!

90S POLL

21ST CENTURY POLL

50. The Blues Brothers (dir. John Landis)

49. Wings of Desire (dir. Wim Wenders)

“Some of the most transcendent moments in film! Maybe the best film depiction of the beauty of life in it’s incompleteness and certainly one of the best depictions of the supernatural reality in film.”

48. The Scarlet and the Black (dir. Jerry London)

47. Field of Dreams (dir. Phil Alden Robinson)

46. Paris, Texas (dir. Wim Wenders)

45. The Karate Kid (dir. John G. Avildsen)

44. Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (dir. Robert Zemeckis)

“The best of the cop/detective movie parodies. One of the only satires to get the right amount of character and story depth and a great final bow for the golden age of animation before the various reinventions to come.”

43. Das Boot (dir. Wolfgang Petersen)

42. Time Bandits (dir. Terry Gilliam)

41. Tender Mercies (dir. Bruce Beresford)

“TV dramatist Horton Foote’s story of a fading country star and his regeneration from alcoholism and domestic abuse to familial connection and faith is an unsung gem in American cinema. Featuring an Oscar-worthy performance from Robert Duvall, the film succeeds in ways that other faith-based films fail, which is that it offers an honest depiction of human frailty and personal regret that is elevated by the possibility of redemption and self-reflection.”

40. The Breakfast Club (dir. John Hughes)

39. Come and See (dir. Elem Klimov)

“Not one of the 80’s most popular, but one of the best. It used unconventional filmmaking methods like using non-actors, and is acclaimed as being one of the most gritty anti-warm films ever made.”

38. Henry V (dir. Kenneth Branagh)

“One of the all-time directing debuts plus a tremendous performance from Kenneth Branagh”

“When watched in the right frame of mind, this is one of those films that inspires young men to want to grow in virtue and battle the French.”

37. The Right Stuff (dir. Philip Kaufman)

“The Space Race has been covered in a lot of acclaimed films in the past century, yet none of them can top Philip Kaufman’s 1983 epic about the original NASA generation that challenged Soviet aggression through a series of astronomical landmarks leading up to the 1969 moon landing. At once crudely funny and deeply serious, the film remains a cinematic marvel through its gritty cinematography, thrilling score, and grounded performances, reflected in the stunning flight sequences done without the slop of CGI, AI, and green screens.”

36. Brazil (dir. Terry Gilliam)

“Often overlooked, this is a film that is so enjoyable to watch, it truly makes the most of the medium. Definitely one of Robert DiNiro’s most fun roles.”

35. The Fly (dir. David Cronenberg)

34. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (dir. John Hughes)

“I think about this movie so often. It really captures that awkward phase of teenage where you’re not an adult but not a kid.”

33. Ordinary People (dir. Robert Redford)

32. Once Upon a Time in America (dir. Sergio Leone)

“Maybe the only movie of the 80s to compete with the scope, emotion and formal brilliance of the Godfather films. One of the great final directorial efforts of all time.”

31. The Sacrifice (dir. Andrei Tarkovsky)

30. The Terminator (dir. James Cameron)

29. Jean de Florette/Manon of the Spring (dir. Claude Berri)

“These two French movies should really only be watched together. It’s a story of love, hate, revenge, mercy, redemption, forgiveness, and beauty featuring staggering performances by Gerard Depardieu and Emmanuelle Beart”

28. Dead Poets Society (dir. Peter Weir)

“I mean, really does much need to be said here? ‘Medicine, law, business, engineering… these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love… these are what we stay alive for’”

27. The Thing (dir. John Carpenter)

“Part of the great 80’s sub-genre, ‘The unstoppable thing that’s trying to kill everyone’”

26. Rain Man (dir. Barry Levinson)

25. The Little Mermaid (dir. John Musker and Ron Clements)

24. Castle in the Sky (dir. Hayao Miyazaki)

23. Raising Arizona (dir. The Coen Brothers)

“A touching, tearful, hilarious early success from the Coen Brothers”

22. A Room with a View (dir. James Ivory)

“Hilarious, romantic, and an early breakout role from the great Daniel Day-Lewis!”

21. Ran (dir. Akira Kurosawa)

20. The Shining (dir. Stanley Kubrick)

“This was one of the first horror movies I watched. It’s truly an incredible piece of cinema.”

19. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (dir. Steven Spielberg)

18. My Neighbor Totoro (dir. Hayao Miyazaki)

“I only recently saw this, but it truly changed movies for me. Studio Ghibli makes art films that children just happen to enjoy.”

“Cat Bus, that’s all. That’s the commentary.”

17. Ghostbusters (dir. Ivan Reitman)

16. Top Gun (dir. Tony Scott)

15. Hoosiers (dir. David Anspaugh)

14. Babette’s Feast (dir. Gabriel Axel)

“Utterly enchanting and Catholic to its bones”

13. Return of the Jedi (dir. Richard Marquand)

“I have seen Return of the Jedi more than any other film. No movie has meant more to me throughout my entire life. I could go on and on...”

“I mean, it’s arguably the most iconic movie of its time (and easily beats plenty of our own times now). Return of the Jedi is a modern epic, with an emotional score that highlights the great deeds and heartfelt anguish felt by its characters in different moments.”

12. Aliens (dir. James Cameron)

11. Moonstruck (dir. Norman Jewison)

“I need to give credit where credit is due, and this is genuinely among the most amusing, low stakes, everyman type stories I’ve seen. Nicholas ‘I’m gonna steal the Declaration of Independence’ Cage winning Cher is something I never would’ve expected, but is somehow an amazing film.”

10. The Mission (dir. Roland Joffé)

“The acting, score, and cinematography come together to create such a memorable film. Jeremy Irons’ character Father Gabriel is one of my top movie priests.”

9. Die Hard (dir. John McTiernan)

“The template for action movies. Welcome to the party, pal.”

8. Chariots of Fire (dir. Hugh Hudson)

“Arguably, one of the most deserving films to win an Academy Award for Best Picture: an inspiring, feel-good sports drama which successfully intertwines the themes of faith, conscience, and teamwork within a true-life story. From its iconic image of athletes running on a beach set against the backdrop of an amazing score to its rousing finale, Chariots of Fire is not only one of the best films ever made, but also the best testament to how one’s talents can be used for the glory of God.”

7. Blade Runner (dir. Ridley Scott)

“A masterclass in storytelling”

6. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (dir. Steven Spielberg)

“As far as 80s films go, this is one of the most iconic. A decade-defining work. If you were to put together a small box of items to explain to aliens what the 80s was like, this would probably be the best choice, for more than one reason.”

“The best film from Steven Spielberg’s wunderkind phase – a touchingly profound and epic “broken family” story about the unlikely friendship between a lonely boy and a homesick alien. Graced with beautiful music by the great John Williams, introspective camerawork, and earnest performances from its juvenile leads, E.T. remains both a staple of childhood viewing and a cinematic icon.”

5. Amadeus (dir. Miloš Forman)

“There ain’t never been another musical bio pic like this! Freely riffing on many details of the two protagonists lives and personalities to make an incredible reflection on fate, faith and ones foibles”

4. The Princess Bride (dir. Rob Reiner)

3. Back to the Future (dir. Robert Zemeckis)

“What’s more 80’s than this? Perfectly paced.”

2. Raiders of the Lost Ark (dir. Steven Spielberg)

“The movie that changed everything. Set the tone for the remainder of the decade.”

“This is great not because of the years we got out of it, but the mileage. People love an action hero who just makes things up as he goes.”

1. The Empire Strikes Back (dir. Irvin Kershner)

“The greatest sequel ever”

“This elevated what was an extremely popular movie into one of the greatest franchises in cinema history (not to mention one of the greatest plot twists in plot twist history). It improved on the first film in every way, and remains the best Star Wars film in tone and execution.”

Spielberg. Schwarzenegger. Stallone.

These are but a few of the names that defined the 1980s, described by some as one of the “safest” periods in filmmaking but also by some as the greatest era for popular cinema since the 1940s. Filmmakers like Scorsese, Roland Joffe, and Akira Kurosawa released some of their best work during this time, while emerging talent like James Cameron, the Coen Brothers, and John Hughes all got a chance to shine.

There’s a lot to get into, so without further ado, let’s get into it! Can’t wait to see the results.

POLL LINK

The results are in! I thought this was going to be a simple ‘Top 10’ list but there actually were way more responses than I was expecting so I’m excited to get into them.

Without further ado…

#20. A Man Called Ove (dir. Hannes Holm)

#19. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (dir. Francis Lawrence)

#18. The Witch (dir. Robert Eggers)

#17. The Peanuts Movie (dir. Steve Martino)

#16. Creed (dir. Ryan Coogler)

#15. Steve Jobs (dir. Danny Boyle)

#14. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (dir. Guy Ritchie)

#13. Ant-Man (dir. Peyton Reed)

#12. Bridge of Spies (dir. Steven Spielberg)

#11. Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (dir. J.J. Abrams)

#10. Ex Machina (dir. Alex Garland)

#9. Brooklyn (dir. John Crowley)

#8. Spotlight (dir. Tom McCarthy)

#7. The Big Short (dir. Adam McKay)

#6. Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (dir. Christopher McQuarrie)

#5. Cinderella (dir. Kenneth Branagh)

#4. Sicario (dir. Denis Villeneuve)

#3. The Martian (dir. Ridley Scott)

#2. Inside Out (dir. Pete Docter)

#1. Mad Max: Fury Road (dir. George Miller)

Thanks for participating! We will get our 1980s poll up and running soon.

BEST OF 21ST CENTURY

BEST OF 1990S

You asked, and we delivered!

While we didn’t have enough data to figure out the Top 100, we had enough votes to determine at least what you readers believe to be the top 50 movies of the 1990s! (If you want to see a full 100 for posts like this, make sure to vote next time if you didn’t this time around!)

Here you go!

#50: A Brighter Summer Day (dir. Edward Yang)

“Yang proves he is the master of longform cinema. A Brighter Summer Day feels like a life lived and experienced.”

#49: The Muppet Christmas Carol (dir. Brian Henson)

“Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge as straight drama surrounded by Muppets. Need I say more?”

#48: The Three Colors Trilogy (dir. Krzysztof Kieślowski)

“Kieślowski’s beautiful vignette to humanity and unity is one of the most impactful art films ever put together”

#47: The Age of Innocence (dir. Martin Scorsese)

“A masterful drama touching upon the repressed and complicated passions of its human characters, while showcasing the glamourous décor of New York’s Gilded Age. I rank film this high because of its storybook narration (provided by Joanne Woodward), dreamy score by Elmer Bernstein, grandiose ballroom scenes, and delicate performances (especially, Winona Ryder’s performance as the virginal fiancé, the film’s soul).”

#46: Sense and Sensibility (dir. Ang Lee)

“Arguably, the best theatrically released adaptation of a Jane Austen novel, and a stellar English-language debut for director Ang Lee. Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet are perfect as the Dashwood sisters: Emma’s Elinor is mature, sensible, and emotionally repressed, whereas Kate’s Marianne is naïve and romantic with hints of feminine wisdom.” - Voter

#45: Babe (dir. Chris Noonan)

“A quietly groundbreaking special-effects film written by the creator of the Mad Max movies that’s also a great movie for kids?"

#44: Fight Club (dir. David Fincher)

“The dark slow-burn other movies wish they could be.”

#43: Sleepless in Seattle (dir. Nora Ephron)

“Seeing this movie with my mom for the first time altered my brain. I have not been the same. It’s another film that brings me so much comfort and it makes me think of being a kid with my mom.”

#42: The Remains of the Day (dir. James Ivory)

“Adapted from the award-winning novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, the film is a love letter to the fading British aristocracy, while also a tragedy about loss, regret, and repressed passions. Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson are terrific together as the overtly dutiful butler and the headstrong housekeeper whose unspoken love for each other is tested by the constraints of their professions, and the creeping shadow of World War II.”

#41: The Game (dir. David Fincher)

“Michael Douglas teaches us all to appreciate what we have, and to avoid unnecessarily disclosing personal data.”

#40: The Last Days of Disco (dir. Whit Stillman)

“Whit Stillman’s final installment of his (unofficially titled) ‘Doomed Bourgeois. In Love’ trilogy is a love letter to an era gone by. Each of the three films represent echoes of a time when meaningful, witty conversation and discourse had a key place in uniting us as a society, especially when it came to romance. Also, disco!”

#39: The Green Mile (dir. Frank Darabont)

“While Shawshank remains Frank Darabont’s best Stephen King adaptation, The Green Mile is still in my opinion one of the most powerful and haunting tales ever put to the big screen. RIP Michael Clarke Duncan”

#38: Hoop Dreams (dir. Steve James)

“One of the greatest documentaries of the era”

#37: Se7en (dir. David Fincher)

“It doesn’t get much bleaker than this movie, but it’s an incredible premise for a crime-thriller movie. Fincher absolutely excels directly this type of procedural with moments of heart-pounding tension throughout. Pitt and Freeman are a perfect cop pair.”

#36: JFK (dir. Oliver Stone)

“Part historical piece, part investigative drama, and part conspiracy thriller. Kevin Costner gives a wonderful performance in this feverish masterwork.”

“Arguably still one of the most ambitious movies ever made”

#35: Tombstone (dir. George P. Cosmatos)

“One of the best Western films in history and possibly the last. Every actor did a superb job, especially the classic performance by Val Kilmer. One of the most quotable movies in history (I still quote it all the time). And another solid Billy Bob Thornton role!”

#34: The Hunt for Red October (dir. John McTiernan)

“John McTiernan may be the greatest action movie director of all time”

#33: Titanic (dir. James Cameron)

“James Cameron is always seeking to top himself, and Titanic is the quintessential example. Breathtaking in its scope and ambition, the final third of the movie is amongst the greatest set-pieces ever put on screen.”

#32: The Double Life of Veronique (dir. Krzysztof Kieślowski)

“Beautiful cinema, engaging music & plot mystery, exquisite acting”

#31: Beauty and the Beast (dir. Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise)

“Began one of the greatest runs of animated movies ever made, only rivalled in the next decade by Pixar’s monster run in the 2000s. Endlessly rewatchable.”

#30: Dark City (dir. Alex Proyas)

“The Matrix before it was cool”

#29: Toy Story 2 (dir. John Lasseter)

“Normally, sequels don’t belong in a top 10 list, yet an exception must be made for Toy Story 2, a sequel which manages to retain the soul of its predecessor, while possessing a heart of its own. From its imaginative creation of the Howdy Doody-inspired Woody’s Roundup to its hilarious one-liners to its exciting finale set inside an airport, Toy Story 2 is a rich experience to savor on each viewing.”

#28: Life is Beautiful (dir. Roberto Benigni)

“One of the most simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking movies ever made. Pure cinema.”

#27: Pulp Fiction (dir. Quentin Tarantino)

“The dialogue. The dancing. Samuel L. Jackson.”

#26: L.A. Confidential (dir. Curtis Hanson)

“Russell Crowe, for a time, was one of our greatest actors”

#25: The Usual Suspects (dir. Bryan Singer)

“Redefining excellence of twist endings.”

#24: Princess Mononoke (dir. Hayao Miyazaki)

“Caught this on the big screen for its re-release last year: worth every penny. Animation that is meant to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Disney could never.”

#23: The Sixth Sense (dir. M. Night Shyamalan)

“This film has one of the greatest twists in movie history, but it is also a surprisingly moving story.”

“Horror is actually my least favorite genre, but this decade had a few great ones and The Sixth Sense is on top.”

#22: The Iron Giant (dir. Brad Bird)

“With a filmography that includes The Incredibles and Ratatouille, somehow this still remains Brad Bird’s most quietly powerful film.”

#21: The Fugitive (dir. Andrew Davis)

“Tommy Lee Jones. That’s all.”

#20: The Big Lebowski (dir. The Coen Brothers)

“The greatest comedy of the 1990’s and perhaps the best Coen Brothers movie, The Big Lebowski offers endless laughs and rewatchability to make it the perfect hang out film.”

#19: The Thin Red Line (dir. Terrence Malick)

“A poem put to celluloid. Possibly the greatest war film ever made.”

#18: The Lion King (dir. Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff)

“It’s hard to go wrong borrowing from Shakespeare for major aspects of your plot. The music, characters, and beautiful animation are all legendary.”

“The crown jewel of the Disney Renaissance, a beautifully animated coming-of-age story in the vein of a Shakespearean tragicomedy and a biblical epic. Featuring the best troupe of actors assembled for a Disney film (including the late, great James Earl Jones as Mufasa and Jeremy Irons as the villainous uncle, Scar), as well as the best compilation of orchestrated music and Broadway-esque showtunes for an animated feature.”

#17: Forrest Gump (dir. Robert Zemeckis)

“Possibly the most quotable movie of all time.”

#16: Silence of the Lambs (dir. Jonathan Demme)

“High quality acting, writing, and directing. A dark and grisly story is balanced by Jodie Foster’s refreshing purity and level-headedness.”

#15: Terminator 2: Judgment Day (dir. James Cameron)

“James Cameron does spectacle better than just about everyone, and he delivers the goods with T2 probably being the best action film of the decade. The switch up of having Arnold serve as a protective figure was a brilliant choice that elevates this story highlights into one that succeeds emotionally as well.”

“On one of the extras visual effects legend Stan Winston says a sequel needs to have everything from the original plus a little extra, has that specific calculation ever been as mathematically precise as here?”

#14: The Truman Show (dir. Peter Weir)

“Like Network, The Truman Show is a TV satire that’s still extraordinarily relevant today.”

“I mean, you guys already wrote about this excellently, so I don’t really have much to say. It’s a true modern classic.”

Editor’s Note: Shucks

#13: The Prince of Egypt (dir. Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, and Simon Wells)

“This has got to be the best faith-based film of the decade, making the Exodus story engaging to kids and adults alike. The burning bush and parting of the Red Sea scenes are as good as it gets. Oh, and it also has several awesome songs throughout.”

#12: Groundhog Day (dir. Harold Ramis)

“Basically a modern fairy-tale, based on a very original concept of repeating the same day over and over. Bill Murray at his funniest, which is saying a lot. A good romance that didn’t distract from the main plot of his spiritual growth. A yearly tradition to watch!”

#11: Fargo (dir. The Coen Brothers)

“Endlessly rewatchable, funny, tense, shocking. Marge Gunderson is one of cinema’s all-time great heroines.”

“Maybe the definitive classical tragedy of the past few decades, that also happens to be a ton of fun to watch”

#10: Braveheart (dir. Mel Gibson)

“A true epic. While historical liberties may have been taken, Mel Gibson delivers an emotional and thrilling story in one of the better actor/director performances of all-time.”

“Despite its many historical inaccuracies, it’s undeniably one of the best films ever made. Its brutality rarely feels gratuitous but serves to heighten the dramatic tension. Arguably Mel Gibson’s best role of his career.”

“As William Wallace once said, ‘If you support primae noctis, I will attack you with Scotland.’"

#9: Heat (dir. Michael Mann)

“Michael Mann directing Pacino acting opposite De Niro, both absolutely still in their prime. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.”

“Michael Mann may be the most cinematically gifted filmmaker I have ever seen, here telling one of the best realized films I have ever seen”

#8: Good Will Hunting (dir. Gus Van Sant)

“This deserves to rank highly purely for the incredibly touching scenes between Damon and Williams. Watching Will Hunting absolutely roast people with his wicked smarts is also incredibly entertaining.”

#7: Saving Private Ryan (dir. Steven Spielberg)

“Arguably the best war film ever made, but maybe just for the opening D-Day sequence. The rest is pretty good, too. Matt Damon.”

#6: The Matrix (dir. The Wachowskis)

“I mean c’mon. No 90’s list would be complete without one of the most iconic films of the era, if not all time. So many movies pushed action filmmaking forward during this decade, and The Matrix is what caps it all off. An incredible mix of genre, philosophy, filmmaking, and Keanu. Whoa.”

“Groundbreaking effects. Dazzling visuals. And the introduction to an epic struggle between good and evil that is all too easy to translate from the screen to the streets. Does cinema even get better than this? No it does not. No need to talk about the sequels.”

#5: Jurassic Park (dir. Steven Spielberg)

“Steven Spielberg gave audiences three new masterpieces in the 1990s, but Jurassic Park is my pick for his best of the three. Nobody does the summer blockbuster better.”

“Introduced a whole generation to paleontology. Some of the best CGI in any movie before or after. Excellent acting jobs by everyone involved. It managed to make what is essentially a monster sci-fi movie both heroic and relatable, which is difficult.”

#4: Toy Story (dir. John Lasseter)

“This movie has it all - great premise, humor for kids and adults, exciting action, and a good moral lesson about the pitfalls of envy and the importance of friendship.”

“Who would have thought that an animated movie about toys would change the entire industry? While the computer animation was of course revolutionary for its time, its the movie’s care for story above all that makes Toy Story stand the test of time.”

#3: Goodfellas (dir. Martin Scorsese)

“Considered by many to be Scorsese’s peak, Goodfellas is a non-stop, adrenaline-pumping dive into the gangster life. The life of sin and excess may seem enticing to many, that is, until it is decidedly not.”

“This is Martin Scorsese’s harsh, unflinching look into the world of organized crime. And yet, all the evil and depravity he shows on screen is never glorified; rather, Scorsese shows its ultimately tragic results in the lives of these sad and finally empty characters.”

#2: The Shawshank Redemption (dir. Frank Darabont)

“There’s a reason why it tops so many lists as the greatest movie ever. A perfect story to encapsulate the power of hope with enduring characters and classic scenes like the playing of the opera music through the speaker system. It also functions well as an allegory for the Exodus story or even more fundamentally Andy as a Christ-figure.”

“Shawshank is a masterclass of filmmaking, with everything down to the smallest detail being of the highest quality. It’s impossible to understate the emotional and cultural significance that it has had since its quiet release in 1994, and it has only improved with age.”

#1: Schindler’s List (dir. Steven Spielberg)

“This is Steven Spielberg’s most mature and unforgettable masterpiece.”

“The best film of the decade; a cinematic monument and an engrossing testament to one man’s search for hope, community and redemption amidst one of the darkest chapters in human history. Supported by grand performances, beautiful black-and-white cinematography, and a heart wrenching score, Steven Spielberg’s magnum opus is an inspirational work of art which demonstrates the banality of evil, and contrasts it with images of self-sacrifice, charity, and community – three gifts more powerful than death itself.”

Hope you enjoyed! We’ll for sure be doing a poll on the 1980s next, so stay tuned!

We put out a poll and we got a lot of responses! Here are- according to our readers- the best films that have released since 2000. Remember, unlike our curated list of 100 Movies Every Catholic Should See, this one IS ranked! Based on the results of the Google Form we put out. Enjoy!

(Note: You may see a lot of blurbs from me down below; please note this doesn’t mean I necessarily voted for it or am placing it as I please, but rather there was no blurb given for it in the voting, so I am just filling in with a brief description - Sam)

#100: Inside Llewyn Davis (dir. The Coen Brothers)

“A somber look at the music industry through Oscar Isaac’s hapless Llewyn Davis. Phenomenal soundtrack and ensemble cast make for one of the Coen Brothers’ most slept on film.” - Sam Morales

#99: The Taste of Things (dir. Trần Anh Hùng)

“I’ve heard about this one through lists of “The Best Food Films” and this one ended up finding some love on this list as well from our readers! To quote a Letterboxd account I follow, ‘Not really a movie that's good to watch during Lent when you're supposed to be fasting. Good date movie though.’” - Sam Morales

#98: La La Land (dir. Damien Chazelle)

“This movie has just gotten better every time for me and becomes more addictive after every taste. It's incredible each time.” - Charlie Scott

#97: Cars (dir. John Lasseter)

“Listen, I’m just as surprised as you that this made the cut, but here we are. Maybe it’s just my generation though, but this movie gets unfair hate, especially when compared to the stuff Pixar has been putting out as of late. Great voice cast and soundtrack, and a memorable final role for Paul Newman as Doc Hudson.” - Sam Morales

#96: TÁR (dir. Todd Field)

“TÁR leaves a ton of room for discussion on issues and doesn't offer easy answers (except for its point that it proved about the stupidity of not listening to the masters based on modern political garbage, which was eloquently addressed in the film with brilliance). TÁR also has one of the more interesting endings that I've seen in a while from a modern film.” - Charlie Scott

#95: Coraline (dir. Henry Selick)

“One of the most beautiful films I have ever watched. So meticulously crafted, not only in the breathtaking stop motion animation, but in the construction of the plot in a tight hour and 40 minutes.” - Matt Lang

#94: Collateral (dir. Michael Mann)

“Seeing Collateral with a packed audience reinforced that this movie rocks. And that its also...funnier than I've ever realized? Top tier Cruise, Foxx, and Mann.” - Zach Smith

#93: Bridge of Spies (dir. Steven Spielberg)

“Did you know that Steven Spielberg directed a script from the Coen Brothers? That’s this film: Bridge of Spies, and it’s one of the best films the director has put out that probably has been seen by the least amount of people. Mark Rylance won Best Supporting Actor for this film as a Russian spy in captivity and it is very clear to see why after watching this.” - Sam Morales

#92: Argo (dir. Ben Affleck)

“Ben Affleck’s (yes, THAT Ben Affleck) Argo is him at the peak of his directing powers. Yes, directing. Affleck took a hard pivot in the mid-2000s back to his creative roots, resulting in a stretch that culminated in a Best Picture win for this in 2013.

Tense, thrilling, momentous, and, maybe most surprising, funny, Argo’s retelling of the Iranian hostage crisis focuses squarely on the humans involved, with Affleck filling the frame with character actor after character actor (including himself) to bring the story to life. One of the best films of the 2010s.” - Zach Smith

#91: Hail, Caesar! (dir. The Coen Brothers)

“Perhaps considered the Coen Brothers’ final true film together (The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is an anthology film and the Coens have since split for the time being), this is a fitting send-off to their legendary filmography (much of which has dominated this list). An ode to (and parody of) Hollywood, it’s an Altman-level smorgasbord of ensemble players, fantastic Roger Deakins cinematography, and witty, poignant writing that the Coens built an entire career on. It’s good stuff.” - Sam Morales

#90: Dunkirk (dir. Christopher Nolan)

“Dunkirk was a role-reversal. Those who were to be saved ended up saving the heroes. It was uniquely great. Forgot that James D’Arcy was in this! Tom Hardy is the real MVP.” - Kevin Chan

#89: Avengers: Endgame (dir. The Russo Brothers)

“This was the last superhero movie ever made. There have been none since, contrary to popular belief.” - Sam Morales

#88: Finding Nemo (dir. Andrew Stanton)

“Often overlooked among Pixar's successes and of the animation explosion of the 00s and 10s, Finding Nemo is one of the most heartwarming and human stories Pixar has ever made, and its about fish. Many of Disney's classic films follow a protagonist with missing parents, but this film, follows a parent with a missing child. This slight twist on the classic trope makes the father and son dynamic appeal to generations of all ages. The trauma, fear, and responsibility that weighs upon the father, the growing pains, insecurity, rebelliousness, and dreams of the son work together to create a beautiful and funny adventure film where the father faces his fears to rescue his son, and in doing so is forced to grow and challenge himself. And the son is forced to realize the father he so badly wants to get away from, is also someone he loves, misses, and should want to emulate someday, even as he is growing into his own person. The personal growth of both characters ultimately is what leads them to each other and tells a family drama far more capably than even most live action films. Its a heartwarming and gorgeous animated film that I believe is the best animated film of the 21st Century.” - Voter

#87: Shrek (dir. Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson)

“One of the defining animated movies of the millennial generation. Surprised and yet unsurprised this made the cut.” - Sam Morales

#86: Apocalypto (dir. Mel Gibson)

“Apocalypto is arguably the most Mel Gibson movie the great Australian auteur ever made. Not his best, but his most. This film combines the masculine warrior friendships of Braveheart and the Lethal Weapon franchise with the brutality of Mad Max and the overt spiritual warfare of The Passion of the Christ, all while warning about civilizational decline and glorifying the family. It's a haunting epic and yet remarkably small in scale, journeying through jungles, over waterfalls, and to the top of Mayan temples but taking place over a couple of days and mostly concerned with the fate of a single small village.” - Joe Wilson

#85: Tenet (dir. Christopher Nolan)

“Another movie that does not deserve the seeming hate it is receives online. It’s nowhere near Nolan’s best, but it’s still leagues above most other blockbuster fare and still induces wonder and awe for its “reverse-sequences”. I’m in agreement with a lot of other folks that John David Washington wasn’t the most charismatic choice for the role, but I feel he is properly balanced out by Robert Pattinson in this regard.” - Sam Morales

#84: The Boy and the Heron (dir. Hayao Miyazaki)

“Miyazaki's latest is a fantastic return to form for the legendary director, combining a mature coming of age story with gorgeous visuals and music and interesting and sympathetic characters.” - Joe Wilson

#83: Cinderella Man (dir. Ron Howard)

“The dream isn't glory in the boxing ring for Jim Braddock. It's having a place to call home, and his loving wife and children around him, together, fed, healthy, and secure. It's about being a good man, and having the ability, integrity, and courage to do what one ought, rather than maybe what comes easy or maybe sometimes instead of what one wants. That Braddock is a hero might seem to not fit our current 21st Century climate, but in watching the movie, we see not a boxer, but a husband, father, friend, and hard worker that fought (in a ring, yes), for what was right in all that he did, in his home, in his job, in his prayer, in his friendships, and within his own self-doubt. The depression is such an interesting historical time, because for many people, especially Americans, we can be so self-absorbed with our own current events and time, that we forget how hard things once were. Braddock understood this, took nothing for granted, and trusted in himself and in God's providence that things would get better. Its wild to think that such a standard story about a good man and underdog story isn't the popular choice for a hero in today's culture, but I think this film is probably more relevant than it was even when it came out. It's competently made for sure, but its the performances of Russell Crowe, Paul Giamatti, and Renee Zellweger that carry this great drama and script on their shoulders. For my money, the best scene in the film, isn't any boxing match, nor is it some inspirational speech from a coach to the boxer. It's a small life lesson a father (Braddock) gives to his son about stealing and morality. Its a small moment, but it showcases the character's entire code to life. Its the kind of thing that used to be generational, used to be commonplace. But somewhere in the decades since the "greatest generation" self-absorption, resentment, and bitterness have jaded us into a Hobbesian idea that mankind is inherently evil. Heroes like Braddock and films like Cinderella Man remind us that man has an inherent dignity, which makes us hope we can remember that about ourselves and one another.” - Voter

#82: Baby Driver (dir. Edgar Wright)

“The soundtrack, the car chase scenes, the comedic timing and the action as well make this so much fun to watch” - Voter

#81: Mission: Impossible - Fallout (dir. Christopher McQuarrie)

“Quite possibly the best of the Mission: Impossible series. Emotional stakes for this franchise peaked here, as well as Ethan Hunt’s arc. Fantastic stunts as well as a great villain turn for Henry Cavill.” - Sam Morales

#80: City of God (dir. Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund)

“City of God is nothing short of incredible. It's such a personally important film for me because it was the first international film I ever watched. It helped me realize there was a whole other world outside of the US filled with some of the greatest pieces of film ever made and proved to me that subtitles should never be a deciding factor on whether to watch something or not. Grant it I saw this when I was 13ish but this is one of those few movies I can look back on and not only see something new every time but also look back and say ‘This is a movie that changed who I was, how I thought, and how I look at movies forever.’ I know it sounds a bit dramatic but it is true. In case you haven't caught on, yes, this movie is fantastic.” - Charlie Scott

#79: Short Term 12 (dir. Destin Daniel Cretton)

“Loved it. This is the Brie Larson Captain Marvel deserved.” - Zach Smith

#78: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (dir. The Coen Brothers)

“A strange and fascinating collection. It’s like The Twilight Zone, but in the Old west. It shifts from profound to the absurd from chapter to chapter, in a way that only the Coens could get away with. I preferred the chapters in the middle to the bookends, but overall a fun experience.” - Zach Smith

#77: Drive (dir. Nicolas Winding Refn)

“There’s just something about this one...the vibes were immaculate, I guess. It transcended just vibes and crossed over into real beauty. I really dug the aesthetic, which I was unprepared for. I also very much liked the real affection that our driver showed for Benicio and Irene, I liked Bryan Cranston, and I even felt real empathy for Oscar Isaac. The characters really carried this one for me, and I didn't expect that.” - Joe Wilson

#76: Hundreds of Beavers (dir. Mike Cheslik)

“This is one of the most interesting comedies to ever exist. I love it!” - Voter

#75: Zodiac (dir. David Fincher)

“Impeccably directed and acted, amazingly dread inducing with a terrific finish” - Voter

#74: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (dir. Gore Verbinski)

“The first of one of the most spectacular blockbuster trilogies of all time, this one has become a certified Disney classic. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore” - Sam Morales

#73: Pride and Prejudice (dir. Joe Wright)

“Although I have not yet seen the Colin Firth adaptation (my 14 year old brother has somehow seen it and not me) this one has grown on me since my initial viewing. Seeing Roman Osin’s sumptuous cinematography on the big screen this year for its 20th anniversary was awesome.” - Sam Morales

#72: Les Misérables (dir. Tom Hooper)

“Quibbles with some craft aside, a towering and astounding film. Boggling how Catholic this is given the the paganism and humanism that pervades our culture.” - Matt Lang

#71: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (dir. Ben Stiller)

“A comedy that was overlooked on release, it has since been gaining some much deserved respect about having the courage to step outside the fantasy world of the digital era and the prisons of our own minds and find adventure in our own lives. Who knew that looking for a missing film negative would result in such a life-changing adventure for a protagonist that previously had plenty of responsibilities, but no self-confidence and no aspirations? The character grows into someone at peace with himself and the world around him, willing to pursue the important things in life without getting lost in the fantasies of "what if." It's a comedic look at a subject matter that could have been presented in a more pessimistic fashion, but in choosing the hopeful route, it feels like a balm humanity needs. I think its a film that continues to get more relevant with each year and its optimistic look at the beauty of the world, even in everyday life and the relationships we keep makes for a heartwarming film that leaves us with a smile on our face and the realization that our lives aren't quite as out of control as we maybe thought.” - Voter

#70: Moonrise Kingdom (dir. Wes Anderson)

“Equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, with an incredible ensemble cast to top it all off. Wes Anderson forgoes his traditional visual style to capture the breathtaking landsacpes of New England while telling tales of young love, found family, and the protection of nature. It's truly THE Wes Anderson film to end all Wes Anderson films.” - Voter

#69: The Holdovers (dir. Alexander Payne)

“To me this feels like a modern equivalent to It’s A Wonderful Life. The characters move you, their relationship grows all while it’s Christmas.” - Voter

#68: Past Lives (dir. Celine Song)

“Perhaps the most introspective film on my list, where the film's beauty lies not only in the artistry but the normalcy of the stories being told and empowered - and contrasted with its protagonist's rich inner life.” - Voter

#67: Unbreakable (dir. M. Night Shyamalan)

“M. Night Shyamalan at the height of his powers. Features some of Samuel L. Jackson’s best acting. One of the most powerful superhero movies ever made” - Sam Morales

#66: Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (dir. Quentin Tarantino)

“Tarantino's funniest movie, and somehow simultaneously his most restrained and most self-indulgent. I love it.” - Joe Wilson

#65: Midnight in Paris (dir. Woody Allen)

“Equally a love letter to nostalgia while also a self-aware critique of its dangers. Paris has never looked better.” - Sam Morales

#64: In Bruges (dir. Martin McDonagh)

“I think Colin Farrell and Brenden Gleason are two of the most underrated actors working in film today, and they both shine here, along with this always fantastic Ralph Fiennes. This is really an actor's movie, and the acting is superb.” - Joe Wilson

#63: Mr. Turner (dir. Mike Leigh)

“I confess, I’ve never seen a Mike Leigh movie but have become more and more intrigued by him as films like this one seem to pop up on lists as such as these every now and then. It’s placement on the list is definitely a cue for me to check this one out” - Sam Morales

#62: True Grit (dir. The Coen Brothers)

“Gorgeous cinematography, brilliant dialogue, memorable performances, and a truly amazing story combined together make this masterpiece of a movie.” - Will Hyland

#61: Certified Copy (dir. Abbas Kiarostami)

“Another surprise contender for this list that I haven’t heard of. I did enjoy Kiarostami’s Close-Up, so I will definitely have to check this one out” - Sam Morales

#60: Vermiglio (dir. Maura Delpero)

“Ditto what I said above for this one as well”- Sam Morales

#59: Moneyball (dir. Bennett Miller)

“Sports movies aren’t hugely my thing but Moneyball provided a refreshing angle beyond the predictable sentimentality and melodrama. I know next to nothing about baseball but the film managed to balance the sports jargon with laymen’s terms to keep it accessible. Sorkin’s screenplay and Pitt’s charisma are able to make even the Excel sheets seem interesting! The film could’ve have benefited from a further trim off the final 20 minutes which felt rather weak. But, overall, an enjoyable experience.” - Cameron DeLaFleur

#58: Inglorious Basterds (dir. Quentin Tarantino)

“This was my first Tarantino movie and I think to this day is still my favorite. A tour de force of tension and dialogue. Quentin was right in saying ‘I think this might be my masterpiece’” - Sam Morales

#57: Dune (dir. Denis Villeneuve)

“The score, the visuals, stunning; it vibrates right through you. A gorgeous and wonderful experience.” - Matt Lang

#56: Dune: Part Two (dir. Denis Villeneuve)

“Incredibly immersive. Denis is the man. Hans Zimmer is the man. You can definitely see seeds of this in some of his earlier movies - the moral ambiguity of Sicario, the unique sci-fi visuals reminiscent of Arrival and Blade Runner 2049. This definitely benefitted from the set-up of the first so that it could go from one propulsive action scene to the next.” - Mitch McCurren

#55: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (dir. Andrew Adamson)

“While Greta Gerwig may have her own interpretations on the series, we will always have the Andrew Adamson Narnia films, and this one will always be the best of the two. The franchise may have never evolved into the Harry Potter competitor that Disney wanted it to be, but it still stands as a faithful adaptation and an epic worthy of The Lord of the Rings films which it shares a lot of DNA with” - Sam Morales

#54: WALL-E (dir. Andrew Stanton)

“The closest Pixar has ever come to making a silent film. Wonderful sound design by Ben Burtt, serving as something of a swan song for his long and influential career in Hollywood. Andrew Stanton never topped this.” - Sam Morales

#53: Almost Famous (dir. Cameron Crowe)

“Beautifully chronicling the decadent and predatory music industry through the eyes of a 15-year-old experiencing the world for the first time, it is definitely Cameron Crowe's most honest film.” - Voter

#52: Oppenheimer (dir. Christopher Nolan)

“In the wrong hands, this would simply be another Theory of Everything. But in Nolan’s, Oppenheimer becomes the thrilling, propulsive, haunting blockbuster that only he is capable of making this century. I am in awe at how he was able to take the entire life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and those in his orbit and turn what is basically theater into the event of the year.

The Trinity test, what everything in the marketing is built around? It’s just as remarkable as you would expect - but it’s not even the best scene of the movie. Nolan was on something for this one. Amazing what a bit of fury at your old studio will do.” - Zach Smith

#51: Calvary (dir. John Michael McDonagh)

“Calvary is a slow-burning masterpiece. The movie deals masterfully with themes of sin, its consequences, repentance, and forgiveness. But I think the heart of the movie comes down to this: sin begets sin. The only way to break this vicious cycle is to forgive. Every single supporting character in the movie exemplifies this in some way. They are all hurting from some sin in their past, and instead of forgiving and letting the hurt go, they hold on to it, perpetrating further sin.” - Joe Wilson

#50: Drive My Car (dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi)

“Maybe the film bar none about the power of art” - Voter

#49: Memento (dir. Christopher Nolan)

“Nolan’s first Hollywood movie has his most complex plot yet the most simple execution: it features a small, effective cast and has none of the sweeping epic imagery that was to come in the decades since its release. There’s something special about Nolan working such a high concept on a small scale. Also it’s sad that Chris doesn’t work with Jonathan as much anymore on his films, because their collaborations always result in some of his best work.” - Sam Morales

#48: How to Train Your Dragon (dir. Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois)

“In terms of sheer beauty, I think that 3D Animation peaked with the How To Train Your Dragon series.” - Sam Morales

#47: Minority Report (dir. Steven Spielberg)

“An effective and chilling sci-fi noir thriller with a compelling balance of intelligence and emotional tug. Spielberg continues to impress me with the breadth of his capabilities, effortlessly moving from genre to genre. This film tackles the idea free will vs. determinism through an eerily not-so-far fetched dystopian world of mass surveillance. Spielberg resisted the temptation of extravagant world building, choosing to stick to a setting that was familiar and scientifically plausible, adding to its overall sense of realism.” - Cameron DeLaFleur

#46: Blade Runner 2049 (dir. Denis Villeneuve)

“Possibly the greatest legacy sequel of all time” - Voter

#45: A Quiet Place (dir. John Krasinski)

“One of the best thriller/horror movies in the past few decades in my opinion. The suspense is nerve-wrackingly fantastic” - Voter

#44: Inside Out (dir. Pete Docter)

“One of the last great Pixar films. Pete Docter was never allowed to make something like this again, and probably never will as long as he’s forced to run Pixar.” - Sam Morales

#43: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (dir. Joel Crawford)

“Simply incredible. Bone-chilling depiction of Death that placed me right in Puss’s boots (ba dum tss) every time he appeared on screen or you heard the whistle. The action was top-notch, it was funny and heartwarming, the stakes felt real.” - Ross Gilliland

#42: Yi Yi (dir. Edward Yang)

“An Ozuian modern masterwork.” - Voter

#41: Up (dir. Pete Docter)

“One of Pixar’s finest films from an era where instead of pandering to the TikTok generation, they made movies for adults that kids could also enjoy, the true secret to their two-decade run of non-stop hits. Absolutely deserving of its Best Picture nomination” - Sam Morales

#40: Everything Everywhere All At Once (dir. Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert)

“I ugly cried the last 20 minutes of this movie. I’m not sure if anything has really moved me sense then.” - Voter

#39: Parasite (dir. Bong Joon Ho)

“I did not expect to like Parasite as much as I did. After watching it, I immediately saw it again the next day, and then again a few days later. Brilliant writing, brilliant cinematography, brilliant story.” - Alejandro Uribe

#38: Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (dir. George Lucas)

“I'm not joking. Watching this movie for the first time was the single greatest experience I have ever had in a theater.” - Voter

#37: Prisoners (dir. Denis Villeneuve)

“Villeneuve’s haunting work is one of his most slow-burn in terms of pacing, allowing Jackman and Gyllenhaal ample time to flex their acting chops. Paul Dano, Terrence Howard, and Viola Davis round out the cast in a subtly terrifying family drama all framed by Roger Deakins’ fantastic cinematography. Villeneuve never should’ve stopped working with Deakins.” - Sam Morales

#36: The Pianist (dir. Roman Polanski)

“Great historical films convey the experience of events through the eyes of their characters. Using multiple storylines and too many wide-angle shots purely for cinematic embellishment often diminishes emotional resonance and a sense of realism. For the nearly three-hour runtime, Polanski almost exclusively stays with Szpilman, allowing events to unfold from his perspective and resisting the urge to jump to other parts of the city to show the war unfolding. The ill-fated Warsaw Uprising of 1944 is seen entirely through the window of the flat Szpilman was hiding in at the time. We hear explosions and shouts in the distance and see people running and shooting in the streets just as Szpilman does. We learn about the war’s progression through the snippets of conversation Szpilman has and the newspaper clippings he is able to read. In short, we experience the events as he does, allowing us to be fully immersed in his experience.” - Cameron DeLaFleur

#35: O Brother, Where Art Thou? (dir. The Coen Brothers)

“Visually and stylistically impressive, this comedy Adventure film by the Coen Brothers is my personal favorite film of the 21st Century. It's got the Coen Brothers charm and style, its pure Americana, but it's also an adaptation of the Odyssey, only set in the Deep South in the 1920s. With its themes of redemption, fatherhood, and brotherhood, there's a depth to the film that goes beyond its comedic surface and makes it enjoyable for a broad audience. It has everything we want in a comedy, even finding ways to take bleak subject matter like the KKK and criminals that make up this period of American history and do them justice while still making the audience smile. It doesn't avoid the heaviness of the era, but at its heart is a hopeful and inspiring story about a man trying to do the right thing despite being a bit of a scoundrel for most of his life. (And the friends one makes along the way). Cannot recommend enough.” - Voter

#34: Lady Bird (dir. Greta Gerwig)

“Gerwig's coming of age story is just bursting with heart and is perfectly crafted. I don't think I can really add a whole lot to the massive pile of praise it already has but it does seem that while Gerwig is not a practicing Catholic, she seems to remember the time and her relationship with the church as a young adult very fondly. Seeing a film so perfectly capture the Catholic school's vibe that I grew up in with fondness was so refreshing and nostalgic.” - Charlie Scott

#33: Whiplash (dir. Damien Chazelle)

“Damien Chazelle has never topped this film. I’ve seen it close to six or seven times at this point and despite this I’m still on the edge of my seat every time I revisit it. J.K. Simmons is electric and fully deserved the Oscar.” - Sam Morales

#32: The Social Network (dir. David Fincher)

“Some of the best writing, directing, and acting put on screen this century” - Voter

#31: Spirited Away (dir. Hayao Miyazaki)

“Every world Miyazaki conjures is a pure delight to the senses, from the kaleidoscopic visuals to the menagerie of fantastical characters. A heartfelt story with compelling characters elevates this from the plain of pure eye candy.” - Cameron DeLaFleur

#30: Hacksaw Ridge (dir. Mel Gibson)

“Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss is really excellent. The pure innocence he displays as a devout Christian who refuses to carry a firearm and instead, while his brothers are firing at the enemy, tries to put a little bit of the world back together as a combat medic saving the wounded is some of the most endearing things I’ve seen in a war film.

Will some consider it cheesy? Sure, I guess. I found the character, the ideal, and the attitude toward the wrongdoings against him and the mission at hand to be real beacons of light, and it works for this movie very well.” - Kevin Chan

#29: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (dir. Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman)

“A superhero movie has to be included in this era and it has to be this one. It’s unique way of animation and great storytelling make it the GOAT.” - Voter

#28: 1917 (Dir. Sam Mendes)

“Amazing cinematography. Amazing acting. Just like Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers, it captures the horrors of war. But also, and more importantly, respectfully portrays the heroism of young men who’ve had to grow up so fast within a minimal amount of time.” - Kevin Chan

#27: Children of Men (Dir. Alfonso Cuarón)

“I think this might be the best post-apocalyptic film of all time.” - Voter

#26: Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (Dir. George Lucas)