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Top10nerScore86.804 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Terry Gilliam
WRITERS: Terry Gilliam, Tom Stoppard, Charles McKeown
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Roger Pratt
STARRING: Jonathan Pryce, Robert De Niro, Katherine Helmond, Kim Greist, Michael Palin, Ian Holm
GENRE: Dystopian, Satire, Black Comedy, Science Fiction
Low-level bureaucrat Sam Lowry escapes the monotony of his day-to-day life through a recurring daydream of himself as a virtuous hero saving a beautiful damsel. Investigating a case that led to the wrongful arrest and eventual death of an innocent man instead of wanted terrorist Harry Tuttle, he meets the woman from his daydream, and in trying to help her gets caught in a web of mistaken identities, mindless bureaucracy and lies.
Brazil is a dystopian marvel that artfully blends satire and surrealism. With meticulous set design and a prescient narrative, the film captivates audiences with its darkly comedic take on bureaucracy, offering a timeless commentary on the pitfalls of unchecked government control.
Top10nerScore86.895 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Katsuhiro Otomo
WRITERS: Katsuhiro Otomo, Izo Hashimoto
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Katsuji Misawa
STARRING: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Taro Ishida
GENRE: Cyberpunk, Dystopian, Anime, Action
A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath that only two teenagers and a group of psychics can stop.
Akira seamlessly melds cyberpunk aesthetics with a thought-provoking narrative, showcasing Otomo’s visionary adaptation of his own manga. Its inventive animation, intricate world-building, and societal commentary make it a landmark in anime, influencing the genre for decades.
Top10nerScore87.452 / 100
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DIRECTOR: David Lynch
WRITERS: David Lynch, Eric Bergren, Christopher De Vore
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Freddie Francis
STARRING: John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud
GENRE: Biopic, Drama
A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his “owner” as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London.
The Elephant Man resonates as a poignant exploration of humanity, blending Lynch’s distinctive vision with Hurt’s transformation. Skillfully navigating emotional nuances, it’s a compelling study of compassion, showcasing the exquisite intersection of artistry and empathy in cinema.
Top10nerScore87.517 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Wolfgang Petersen
WRITERS: Wolfgang Petersen, Dean Riesner
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jost Vacano
STARRING: Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann
GENRE: War, Period Drama
A German submarine hunts allied ships during the Second World War, but it soon becomes the hunted. The crew tries to survive below the surface, while stretching both the boat and themselves to their limits.
Das Boot is an immersive and intense portrayal of life aboard a German U-boat during World War II. Petersen’s direction plunges viewers into the claustrophobic depths of the submarine, capturing both the camaraderie and the terror of underwater warfare with gripping realism.
Top10nerScore87.829 / 100
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DIRECTOR: David Lynch
WRITERS: David Lynch
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Frederick Elmes
STARRING: Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, Laura Dern, Hope Lange, Dean Stockwell
GENRE: Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Crime, Neo-Noir
The discovery of a severed human ear found in a field leads a young man on an investigation related to a beautiful, mysterious nightclub singer and a group of criminals who have kidnapped her child.
Blue Velvet is a mesmerizing and surreal journey into the dark underbelly of suburbia, expertly crafted by Lynch. With its dreamlike atmosphere and haunting performances, the film explores themes of desire, obsession, and the seedy complexities of human nature.
Top10nerScore88.573 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Wim Wenders
WRITERS: Wim Wenders, Peter Handke, Richard Reitinger, Bernard Eisenschitz
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Henri Alekan
STARRING: Bruno Ganz, Solveig Dommartin, Otto Sander, Curt Bois, Peter Falk
GENRE: Drama, Low Fantasy, Magical Realism
Two angels, Damiel and Cassiel, glide through the streets of Berlin, observing the bustling population, providing invisible rays of hope to the distressed but never interacting with them. When Damiel falls in love with lonely trapeze artist Marion, the angel longs to experience life in the physical world, and finds – with some words of wisdom from actor Peter Falk – that it might be possible for him to take human form.
Wings of Desire enraptures with its ethereal visuals, seamlessly blending the metaphysical and earthly realms. Wenders crafts an introspective odyssey exploring the human condition, intertwining existential musings with poetic visuals, leaving its mark on cinema’s exploration of the soul.
Top10nerScore88.595 / 100
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DIRECTOR: James Cameron
WRITERS: David Giler, Walter Hill, James Cameron
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Adrian Biddle
STARRING: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, Carrie Henn
GENRE: Action, Science Fiction, Horror, Extraterrestrial
When Ripley’s lifepod is found by a salvage crew over 50 years later, she finds that terra-formers are on the very planet they found the alien species. When the company sends a family of colonists out to investigate her story—all contact is lost with the planet and colonists. They enlist Ripley and the colonial marines to return and search for answers.
Aliens redefines the sci-fi genre, seamlessly blending suspense, action, and character development. Its groundbreaking visual effects and innovative approach to the Alien franchise elevate it as a benchmark in cinematic excellence, marking a paradigm shift in the realm of sequels.
Top10nerScore89.121 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Miloš Forman
WRITERS: Peter Shaffer
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Miroslav Ondříček
STARRING: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice, Jeffrey Jones
GENRE: Biopic, Period Drama, Music
The incredible story of genius musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, told in flashback by his peer and secret rival, Antonio Salieri—now confined to an insane asylum.
Amadeus dazzles with its vibrant portrayal of genius and envy. Forman’s direction brings Mozart’s music to life amidst a backdrop of jealousy and ambition. A symphony of emotions that resonates with audiences, celebrating the timeless allure of artistic brilliance.
Top10nerScore89.399 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Stanley Kubrick
WRITERS: Stanley Kubrick, Gustav Hasford, Michael Herr
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Douglas Milsome
STARRING: Matthew Modine, Vincent D’Onofrio, R. Lee Ermey, Adam Baldwin, Dorian Harewood, Arliss Howard, Kevyn Major Howard
GENRE: War, Drama
A pragmatic U.S. Marine observes the dehumanizing effects the U.S.-Vietnam War has on his fellow recruits from their brutal boot camp training to the bloody street fighting in Hue.
Full Metal Jacket grips with its unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War’s brutal realities. Kubrick navigates the journey from boot camp to battlefield, capturing the dehumanizing effects of conflict. A harrowing testament to the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity.
Top10nerScore89.708 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Spike Lee
WRITERS: Spike Lee
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ernest R. Dickerson
STARRING: Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, John Turturro, Ruby Dee, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, Richard Edson
GENRE: Drama, Hood Film, Slice of Life
Salvatore “Sal” Fragione is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin’ Out, becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria’s Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin’ Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin’ Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.
Do the Right Thing stands as a seminal exploration of racial tension, brilliantly interweaving cultural nuances. With its dynamic characters and visually striking cinematography, the film remains a timely commentary on social issues, sparking crucial conversation that resonate to this day.
Top10nerScore89.895 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Giuseppe Tornatore
WRITERS: Giuseppe Tornatore, Vanna Paoli
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Blasco Giurato
STARRING: Philippe Noiret, Salvatore Cascio, Jacques Perrin, Marco Leonardi, Agnese Nano, Antonella Attili
GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Melodrama
Salvatore, a successful filmmaker, remembers his childhood in his war-torn Sicilian village—where the perfect place to escape from life was the Cinema Paradiso. His deep love of films all started there, instilled by Alfredo, the theatre’s projectionist.
Cinema Paradiso transports audiences to a bygone era with its nostalgic charm and heartfelt storytelling. Its ode to the magic of cinema resonates deeply, leaving viewers enchanted and yearning for more. A captivating journey through love, loss, and the power of dreams.
Top10nerScore89.927 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mark Henley, Hisao Shirai
STARRING: Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi, Sumi Shimamoto, Tanie Kitabayashi, Hitoshi Takagi
STARRING (ENGLISH): Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Tim Daly, Lea Salonga, Pat Carroll, Frank Welker
GENRE: Anime, Low Fantasy, Children’s, Family, Magical Realism
Two sisters move to the country with their father in order to be closer to their hospitalized mother, and discover the surrounding trees are inhabited by Totoros, magical spirits of the forest. When the youngest runs away from home, the older sister seeks help from the spirits to find her.
My Neighbor Totoro captivates with its enchanting blend of imagination and cultural richness. Miyazaki demonstrates a keen eye for intricacies, and paired with Joe Hisaishi’s emotive score, crafts a timeless animated experience that transcends generations and cultural boundaries.
Top10nerScore90.331 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Carpenter
WRITERS: Bill Lancaster
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dean Cundey
STARRING: Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, Donald Moffat, T.K. Carter
GENRE: Body Horror, Science Fiction, Psychological Horror, Alien Invasion, Cosmic Horror
A team of American scientists investigate the empty, destroyed base of their Norwegian counterparts in Antarctica, only to discover a terrifying life force that can take the form of its prey.
A chilling symphony of suspense, The Thing showcases Carpenter’s deft touch, blending visceral horror with profound paranoia. Stellar practical effects and Morricone’s haunting score elevate this claustrophobic thriller, making it a quintessential exploration of trust and terror.
Top10nerScore90.338 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sergio Leone
WRITERS: Sergio Leone, Franco Ferrini, Leonardo Benvenuti, Franco Arcalli, Enrico Medioli, Piero De Bernardi
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tonino Delli Colli
STARRING: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Joe Pesci, Burt Young, Tuesday Weld, Treat Williams
GENRE: Gangster Film, Drama, Period Drama, Epic
In 1968, David “Noodles” Aaronson returns to NYC, where he once had a career in the criminal underground. Most of his friends are gone, yet he feels his past is unresolved. The city makes him remember his childhood as a tough kid in a Jewish slum until his rise to bootlegger and then Mafia boss.
Once Upon a Time in America is a cinematic epic that mesmerizes with its sprawling narrative, stunning visuals, and powerful performances. Leone’s expertise and Ennio Morricone’s score elevate this crime saga to timeless greatness, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling.
Top10nerScore90.768 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese
WRITERS: Paul Schrader, Mardik Martin
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Chapman
STARRING: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty, Frank Vincent
GENRE: Biopic, Sports, New Hollywood, Drama
This unflinching biopic of boxing champion Jake LaMotta traces his rise and decline, as his violence in the ring also bleeds into his life at home. His appetite for self-destruction, his volcanic temper, and his obsessive jealousy destroys his relationships with his wife and brother.
Raging Bull is a raw and gripping portrayal of Jake LaMotta’s tumultuous life, brought to life with intense performances and stark cinematography. Scorsese crafts a poignant narrative of redemption and self-destruction, making it a timeless classic in cinematic storytelling.
Top10nerScore91.176 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Wim Wenders
WRITERS: Sam Shepard, L.M. Kit Carson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robby Müller
STARRING: Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell, Hunter Carson, Aurore Clément
GENRE: Road Movie, Drama, Family Drama
Travis walks out of the Texas desert after disappearing for four years. He is picked up by his brother Walt, who has been looking after Travis’ son Hunter. After slowly reconnecting with Hunter, Travis tries to bring his family back together by traveling to Houston in search of his estranged wife.
Paris, Texas mezmerises with its soulful exploration of identity and redemption against the backdrop of the American Southwest. Wenders’ directorial finesse and Ry Cooder’s score harmonize seamlessly, while Stanton’s performance resonates with haunting authenticity.
Top10nerScore91.372 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott
WRITERS: Hampton Fancher, David Webb Peoples
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jordan Cronenweth
STARRING: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, Daryl Hannah, William Sanderson
GENRE: Tech-Noir, Cyberpunk, Dystopian, Artificial Intelligence
In the smog-choked dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, blade runner Rick Deckard is called out of retirement to terminate a quartet of replicants who have escaped to Earth seeking their creator for a way to extend their short life spans.
In a visionary blend of dystopian noir and futuristic allure, Blade Runner captivates with its haunting atmosphere and philosophical depth. Scott intricately weaves together stunning visuals and Vangelis’ evocative score, while Ford delivers an incredibly nuanced performance.
Top10nerScore91.406 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Robert Zemeckis
WRITERS: Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dean Cundey
STARRING: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Thomas F. Wilson, Claudia Wells
GENRE: Comedy, Adventure, Science Fiction, Time Travel
Eighties teenager Marty McFly is accidentally sent back in time to 1955, inadvertently disrupting his parents’ first meeting and attracting his mother’s romantic interest. Marty must repair the damage to history by rekindling his parents’ romance and – with the help of his eccentric inventor friend Doc Brown – return to 1985.
Back to the Future ingeniously melds sci-fi with heartwarming nostalgia, showcasing Robert Zemeckis’s visionary direction and Michael J. Fox’s charismatic performance. Its tight script, seamless special effects, and timeless charm make it a beloved classic for generations to come.
Top10nerScore91.412 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Steven Spielberg
WRITERS: George Lucas, Philip Kaufman, Lawrence Kasdan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Douglas Slocombe
STARRING: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Rhys-Davies, Ronald Lacey
GENRE: Adventure, Action, Low Fantasy
Adventurer Indiana Jones confronts snakes, Nazis and one crazy cliffhanger after another in order to find the mystical Ark of the Covenant, which is believed to still hold the ten commandments.
Raiders of the Lost Ark stands as a testament to Spielberg’s unparalleled craftsmanship, seamlessly blending action and intellect. Ford’s iconic portrayal of Indiana Jones, combined with John Williams’ famous score, showcases a cinematic triumph that continues to captivate audiences.
Top10nerScore91.987 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ingmar Bergman
WRITERS: Ingmar Bergman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sven Nykvist
STARRING: Pernilla Allwin, Bertil Guve, Gunn Wållgren, Ewa Fröling, Jan Malmsjö, Allan Edwall, Erland Josephson, Jarl Kulle, Mona Malm, Harriet Andersson
GENRE: Period Drama, Family Drama
As children in the loving Ekdahl family, Fanny and Alexander enjoy a happy life with their parents, who run a theater company. After their father dies unexpectedly, however, the siblings end up in a joyless home when their mother, Emilie, marries a stern bishop. The bleak situation gradually grows worse as the bishop becomes more controlling, but dedicated relatives make a valiant attempt to aid Emilie, Fanny and Alexander.
Bergman’s Fanny and Alexander is a transcendent portrayal of family, blending magical realism with intimate drama. Its meticulous period detail and profound exploration of childhood innocence amidst adult turmoil create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Top10nerScore92.311 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Akira Kurosawa
WRITERS: Akira Kurosawa, Hideo Oguni, Masato Ide
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Asakazu Nakai, Takao Saitō, Shôji Ueda
STARRING: Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryu, Mieko Harada
GENRE: Jidaigeki, Tragedy, War, Epic
A retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy King Lear against a samurai backdrop. Lord Hidetora is a warlord who transfers his kingdom to his eldest son. A power struggle ensues, incited by how two disinherited younger sons.
Ran stands as an opulent cinematic symphony, seamlessly blending Shakespearean tragedy with Japanese history. Its visual opulence and thematic complexity converge, offering audiences an immersive experience, reflecting Kurosawa’s unparalleled directorial prowess.
Top10nerScore92.773 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Isao Takahata
WRITERS: Isao Takahata
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Nobuo Koyama
STARRING: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara, Akemi Yamaguchi
GENRE: Anime, War, Period Drama, Tragedy
In the final months of World War II, 14-year-old Seita and his sister Setsuko are orphaned when their mother is killed during an air raid in Kobe, Japan. After a falling out with their aunt, they move into an abandoned bomb shelter. With no surviving relatives and their emergency rations depleted, Seita and Setsuko struggle to survive.
Grave of the Fireflies is a poignant portrayal of wartime resilience and sibling bonds, blending stark realism with emotional depth. Its haunting animation and raw narrative resonate, offering a profound glimpse into human spirit amidst tragedy, making it an enduring classic.
Top10nerScore93.629 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Stanley Kubrick
WRITERS: Stanley Kubrick, Diane Johnson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Alcott
STARRING: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers, Barry Nelson, Philip Stone
GENRE: Psychological Horror, Haunted House
Jack Torrance accepts a caretaker job at the Overlook Hotel, where he, along with his wife Wendy and their son Danny, must live isolated from the rest of the world for the winter. But they aren’t prepared for the madness that lurks within.
The Shining is hailed for its psychological complexity, precise visuals, and Nicholson’s iconic performance. Kubrick’s adaptation of King’s novel captivates audiences with its eerie atmosphere and remains a benchmark in the horror genre, showcasing his unparalleled craftsmanship.
Top10nerScore94.811 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Irvin Kershner
WRITERS: George Lucas, Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Suschitzky
STARRING: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, David Prowse
GENRE: Space Opera, Epic
The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.
The Empire Strikes Back reshapes the galaxy far, far away with compelling character development, iconic dialogue, and groundbreaking visual effects. It elevates the Star Wars saga by delving into darker themes while maintaining the franchise’s adventurous spirit.
Top10nerScore95.401 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Elem Klimov
WRITERS: Ales Adamovich, Elem Klimov
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Alexey Rodionov
STARRING: Aleksei Kravchenko, Olga Mironova
GENRE: War, Period Drama, Psychological Drama
In 1943, a Belorussian boy finds a rifle buried in the sand and unwittingly gets thrust into the Soviet Union’s battle against the German Nazi regime during World War II where he witnesses the horrors of battle.
Come and See is hailed as a visceral journey into wartime terror and resilience, a haunting portrayal of human endurance amidst chaos. Its stark realism and harrowing performances make it an unforgettable testament to the human spirit in the face of unfathomable adversity, solidifying its reputation as…
The Best Film of the 1980s
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