Top10nerScore79.336 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Robert Zemeckis
WRITERS: Jeffrey Price, Peter S. Seaman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dean Cundey
STARRING: Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Charles Fleischer, Joanna Cassidy
GENRE: Comedy, Neo-Noir, Whodunit, Live-Action Animation, Animation
’Toon star Roger is worried that his wife Jessica is playing pattycake with someone else, so the studio hires detective Eddie Valiant to snoop on her. But the stakes are quickly raised when Marvin Acme is found dead and Roger is the prime suspect.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a pioneering blend of live-action and animation. Zemeckis’ innovative approach and the impeccable performances, especially Hoskins and the animated cast, make it an enduring classic that seamlessly marries humor and technical wizardry.
Top10nerScore79.491 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Philip Kaufman
WRITERS: Philip Kaufman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Caleb Deschanel
STARRING: Ed Harris, Scott Glenn, Sam Shepard, Dennis Quaid, Fred Ward
GENRE: Period Drama, Adventure, Biopic, Epic
A chronicle of the original Mercury astronauts in the formation of America’s space program: Alan Shepherd, the first American in space; Gus Grissom, the benighted astronaut for whom nothing works out as planned; John Glenn, the straight-arrow ‘boy scout’ of the bunch who was the first American to orbit the earth; and the remaining pilots: Deke Slayton, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, and Gordon Cooper.
The Right Stuff impresses with its meticulous historical accuracy, capturing the courage and camaraderie of America’s early astronauts. Its expertly crafted narrative, stellar ensemble cast, and stunning cinematography make it a noteworthy tribute to the space race.
Top10nerScore79.643 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: David Cronenberg
WRITERS: David Cronenberg
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mark Irwin
STARRING: James Woods, Deborah Harry, Sonja Smits, Peter Dvorsky
GENRE: Body Horror, Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Satire, Digital Horror, Psychological Horror
As the president of a trashy TV channel, Max Renn is desperate for new programming to attract viewers. When he happens upon “Videodrome,” a TV show dedicated to gratuitous torture and punishment, Max sees a potential hit and broadcasts the show on his channel. However, after his girlfriend auditions for the show and never returns, Max investigates the truth behind Videodrome and discovers that the graphic violence may not be as fake as he thought.
Videodrome is a mesmerizing blend of sci-fi and horror, seamlessly delving into the dark psyche of media addiction. Cronenberg’s visionary and Woods’ riveting performance ensure it remains a provocative cult classic in the realm of body horror and mind-bending cinema.
Top10nerScore79.772 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: George Miller
WRITERS: Terry Hayes, George Miller, Brian Hannant
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dean Semler
STARRING: Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Vernon Wells, Michael Preston, Kjell Nilsson, Max Phipp’s, Virginia Hey
GENRE: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Ozploitation
Max Rockatansky returns as the heroic loner who drives the dusty roads of a postapocalyptic Australian Outback in an unending search for gasoline. Arrayed against him and the other scraggly defendants of a fuel-depot encampment are the bizarre warriors commanded by the charismatic Lord Humungus, a violent leader whose scruples are as barren as the surrounding landscape.
Mad Max 2 is a relentless post-apocalyptic thrill ride, lauded for George Miller’s direction, stunning vehicular action, and Mel Gibson’s iconic portrayal of the stoic antihero. It’s a heart-pounding cinematic triumph, setting new standards for the action genre.
Top10nerScore79.886 / 100
p>DIRECTORS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
WRITERS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Barry Sonnenfeld
STARRING: M. Emmet Walsh, John Getz, Frances McDormand, Dan Hedaya
GENRE: Crime, Thriller, Neo-Noir
The owner of a seedy small-town Texas bar discovers that one of his employees is having an affair with his wife. A chaotic chain of misunderstandings, lies and mischief ensues after he devises a plot to have them murdered.
Blood Simple serves as a testament to the Coens’ early ingenuity, with its non-linear narrative and inventive visuals, creating a thrilling neo-noir. The film’s intricate plot and standout performances keep viewers fully engaged, delivering a fresh and captivating take on the crime genre.
Top10nerScore79.983 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: John Landis
WRITERS: Dan Aykroyd, John Landis
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Stephen M. Katz
STARRING: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Cab Calloway, John Candy, Carrie Fisher
GENRE: Comedy, Buddy, Road Movie, Music, Musical
Jake Blues is just out of jail, and teams up with his brother, Elwood on a ‘mission from God’ to raise funds for the orphanage in which they grew up. The only thing they can do is do what they do best: play music. So they get their old band together, and set out on their way—while getting in a bit of trouble here and there.
A symphony of comedy and music, The Blues Brothers orchestrates wild chases, unforgettable musical numbers, and impeccable chemistry between Aykroyd and Belushi. This cult classic harmonizes humor and soul, creating a joyous ride that keeps audiences dancing in their seats.
Top10nerScore80.000 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: John Cassavetes
WRITERS: John Cassavetes, Ted Allan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Al Ruban
STARRING: John Cassavetes, Gena Rowlands, Diahnne Abbott, Seymour Cassel
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Drama
Two closely-bound, emotionally wounded siblings reunite after years apart.
Love Streams is a fascinating exploration of human emotions, skillfully directed by Cassavetes. With its complex characters and intimate storytelling, it delves into the intricacies of relationships, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic achievement.
Top10nerScore80.094 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Jim Jarmusch
WRITERS: Jim Jarmusch
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tom DiCillo
STARRING: John Lurie, Eszter Balint, Richard Edson, Cecillia Stark
GENRE: Road Movie, No Wave Cinema, Slice of Life
Rootless Hungarian émigré Willie, his pal Eddie, and visiting sixteen-year-old cousin Eva always manage to make the least of any situation, whether aimlessly traversing the drab interiors and environs of New York City, Cleveland, or an anonymous Florida suburb.
Stranger Than Paradise is a cult classic that subtly portrays the ennui of its characters. Jim Jarmusch’s minimalist direction and John Lurie’s jazz score create a captivating exploration of disconnection and boredom, making it an authentic and enduring cinematic experience.
Top10nerScore80.138 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Brian De Palma
WRITERS: Brian De Palma
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Vilmos Zsigmond
STARRING: John Travolta, Nancy Allen, John Lithgow, Dennis Franz
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, New Hollywood, Mystery, Neo-Noir, Drama
Jack Terry is a master sound recordist who works on grade-B horror movies. Late one evening, he is recording sounds for use in his movies when he hears something unexpected through his sound equipment and records it. Curiosity gets the better of him when the media become involved, and he begins to unravel the pieces of a nefarious conspiracy. As he struggles to survive against his shadowy enemies and expose the truth, he does not know whom he can trust.
Blow Out stands as a testament to De Palma’s mastery of suspense and filmmaking technique. The film’s gripping narrative, fueled by Travolta’s career-defining performance, showcases De Palma’s skill in crafting thrilling, visually striking cinema that lingers in the memory of viewers.
Top10nerScore80.312 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Peter Greenaway
WRITERS: Peter Greenaway
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sacha Vierny
STARRING: Michael Gambon, Helen Mirren, Richard Bohringer, Alan Howard, Tim Roth
GENRE: Black Comedy, Drama, Satire
At Le Hollandais gourmet restaurant, every night is filled with opulence, decadence and gluttony. But when the cook, a thief, his wife and her lover all come together, they unleash a shocking torrent of sex, food, murder and revenge.
A visually opulent feast, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover is an audacious blend of dark humor, decadence, and raw emotion. Greenaway crafts an intricate, provocative tale where the sumptuous visuals and haunting performances collide in a symphony of cinematic artistry.
Top10nerScore80.348 / 100
p>DIRECTORS: Jim Abrahams, Jerry Zucker, David Zucker
WRITERS: Jim Abrahams, Jerry Zucker, David Zucker
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Joseph F. Biroc
STARRING: Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves
GENRE: Parody, Absurdist Comedy, Disaster, Black Comedy
Alcoholic pilot, Ted Striker has developed a fear of flying due to wartime trauma, but nevertheless boards a passenger jet in an attempt to woo back his stewardess girlfriend. Food poisoning decimates the passengers and crew, leaving it up to Striker to land the plane with the help of a glue-sniffing air traffic controller and Striker’s vengeful former Air Force captain, who must both talk him down.
Airplane! is a comedic triumph, blending sharp wit and absurdist humor seamlessly. This satirical take on the disaster film genre remains an enduring classic, thanks to its clever wordplay, visual gags, and unforgettable performances that still leaves audiences in stitches today.
Top10nerScore80.584 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: John Hughes
WRITERS: John Hughes
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tak Fujimoto
STARRING: Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, Alan Ruck, Jeffrey Jones
GENRE: Teen Movie, Comedy
After high school slacker Ferris Bueller successfully fakes an illness in order to skip school for the day, he goes on a series of adventures throughout Chicago with his girlfriend Sloane and best friend Cameron, all the while trying to outwit his wily school principal and fed-up sister.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off epitomizes teenage rebellion with wit and charm. Its playful narrative and charismatic performances resonate across generations, reminding us to seize the moment and embrace life’s adventures. A timeless classic celebrating the joy of breaking the rules.
Top10nerScore80.596 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Pedro Almodóvar
WRITERS: Pedro Almodóvar
CINEMATOGRAPHY: José Luis Alcaine
STARRING: Carmen Maura, Antonio Banderas, Julieta Serrano, María Barranco, Rossy de Palma, Kiti Manver, Guillermo Montesinos, Chus Lampreave
GENRE: Comedy
Pepa resolves to kill herself with a batch of sleeping-pill-laced gazpacho after her lover leaves her. Fortunately, she is interrupted by a deliciously chaotic series of events.
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is an effervescent, vibrant comedy, celebrating Almodóvar’s wit and a stellar ensemble cast. The film’s quirky characters and colorful visuals offer a delightful exploration of love, humor, and Spanish culture. It’s a cinematic treat worth savoring.
Top10nerScore80.821 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Juro Sugimura
STARRING: Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, Keiko Toda, Minami Takayama, Kappei Yamaguchi
STARRING (ENGLISH): Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Tress MacNeille, Janeane Garofalo, Matthew Lawrence
GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Anime, Family, Low Fantasy
A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a delightful and heartwarming animation, resonating with Miyazaki’s trademark charm. Its beautifully crafted world and endearing characters make it a beloved classic in the world of animated storytelling, offering an enchanting experience for all ages.
Top10nerScore80.913 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Bruce Robinson
WRITERS: Bruce Robinson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Hannan
STARRING: Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths, Ralph Brown
GENRE: Black Comedy, Buddy
Two out-of-work actors – the anxious, luckless Marwood and his acerbic, alcoholic friend, Withnail – spend their days drifting between their squalid flat, the unemployment office and the pub. When they take a holiday “by mistake” at the country house of Withnail’s flamboyantly gay uncle, Monty, they encounter the unpleasant side of the English countryside: tedium, terrifying locals and torrential rain.
Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann deliver remarkable performances, breathing life into the eccentric characters of Withnail & I. Bruce Robinson’s witty and darkly humorous script remains an enduring cult classic, capturing the essence of a generation in 1980s Britain.
Top10nerScore80.921 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hirokata Takahashi
STARRING: Mayumi Tanaka, Keiko Yokozawa, Minori Terada, Kotoe Hatsui
STARRING (ENGLISH): James Van Der Beek, Anna Paquin, Mark Hamill, Cloris Leachman
GENRE: Anime, Adventure, Steampunk, Fantasy
A young boy and a girl with a magic crystal must race against pirates and foreign agents in a search for a legendary floating castle.
Castle in the Sky stands as a testament to Miyazaki’s storytelling prowess, blending captivating adventure with a richly imagined world. Its vibrant animation and timeless charm continue to enchant audiences, solidifying its status as a beloved classic.
Top10nerScore80.958 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: David Cronenberg
WRITERS: David Cronenberg, Charles Edward Pogue, George Langelaan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mark Irwin
STARRING: Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz
GENRE: Body Horror, Science Fiction, Psychological Drama
When Seth Brundle makes a huge scientific and technological breakthrough in teleportation, he decides to test it on himself. Unbeknownst to him, a common housefly manages to get inside the device and the two become one.
The Fly is a prime example of masterful practical effects and body horror. Goldblum’s transformative performance and Cronenberg deliver a compelling and grotesquely captivating psychological drama. The film remains a benchmark in creature feature cinema.
Top10nerScore81.045 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Krzysztof Kieślowski
WRITERS: Krzysztof Kieślowski, Krzysztof Piesiewicz
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Slawomir Idziak
STARRING: Mirosław Baka, Krzysztof Globisz, Jan Tesarz
GENRE: Drama, Crime
Jacek climbs into the taxi driven by Waldemar, tells him to drive to a remote location, then brutally strangles him, seemingly without motive.
A Short Film About Killing stands as an exemplar of Polish cinema, artfully confronting the grim realities of capital punishment. Kieślowski’s deft touch and compelling performances underscore its enduring impact on the discourse around justice and morality.
Top10nerScore81.184 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Oliver Stone
WRITERS: Oliver Stone
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Richardson
STARRING: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Keith David, Forest Whitaker, John C. McGinley, Kevin Dillon
GENRE: War, Drama
As a young and naive recruit in Vietnam, Chris Taylor faces a moral crisis when confronted with the horrors of war and the duality of man.
Platoon stands as a potent portrayal of the Vietnam War, vividly capturing the brutal realities of combat. Oliver Stone’s authentic and gritty direction, coupled with strong performances, immerses viewers in the harrowing chaos of war, leaving an indelible impact.
Top10nerScore81.264 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Emir Kusturica
WRITERS: Emir Kusturica, Gordan Mihić
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Vilko Filač
STARRING: Davor Dujmović, Bora Todorović, Ljubica Adžović, Husnija Hašimović
GENRE: Drama, Crime, Coming-of-Age
In this luminous tale set in the former Yugoslavia, Perhan, an engaging young Romany with telekinetic powers, is seduced by the quick-cash world of petty crime that threatens to destroy him and those he loves.
Time of the Gypsies captivates with its authentic portrayal of Romani culture, combining mesmerizing performances and a unique blend of drama and mysticism. Kusturica’s immersive storytelling transports viewers to an uncharted world of raw emotion and enchanting folklore.
Top10nerScore81.298 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Éric Rohmer
WRITERS: Marie Rivière, Éric Rohmer
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sophie Maintigneux
STARRING: Marie Rivière, Vincent Gauthier
GENRE: Slice of Life
A lonely Parisian woman comes to terms with her isolation and anxieties during a long summer vacation.
The Green Ray is a captivating portrayal of self-discovery amidst life’s uncertainties. Rohmer’s deft direction and Rivière’s luminous performance imbue this tale with authenticity, resonating with viewers through its poignant exploration of love and personal growth.
Top10nerScore81.349 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese
WRITERS: Joseph Minion
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Ballhaus
STARRING: Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Verna Bloom
GENRE: Black Comedy
An ordinary word processor has the worst night of his life after he agrees to visit a girl in Soho whom he met that evening at a coffee shop.
After Hours is a riveting blend of dark humor and surreal chaos, showcasing a captivating descent into Manhattan’s nocturnal world. Dunne delivers a standout performance, anchoring a story that dances between the absurd and the profound with impeccable timing and style.
Top10nerScore81.478 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Steven Spielberg
WRITERS: Melissa Mathison
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Allen Daviau
STARRING: Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton
GENRE: Family, Science Fiction, Drama, Extraterrestrial
After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed, to his brother and his little sister, Gertie, and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien.
A heartwarming tale of friendship, E.T. enchants with its imaginative storytelling and emotional depth. Its timeless appeal, brought to life by stellar performances and a touching score, continues to captivate audiences, reminding us of the wonder and innocence of childhood.
Top10nerScore81.526 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Peter Weir
WRITERS: Tom Schulman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Seale
STARRING: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen
GENRE: Drama, Coming-of-Age
At an elite, old-fashioned boarding school in New England, a passionate English teacher inspires his students to rebel against convention and seize the potential of every day, courting the disdain of the stern headmaster.
Dead Poets Society encapsulates the transformative power of education, inspiring audiences to embrace individuality and seize the day. Its timeless message resonates with touching performances and evocative storytelling, leaving an enduring impact on hearts and minds alike.
Top10nerScore81.604 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: John Woo
WRITERS: John Woo
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Pau, Horace Wong
STARRING: Chow Yun-fat, Danny Lee, Sally Yeh
GENRE: Heroic Bloodshed, Gangster Film, Buddy, Triad Film
Mob assassin Jeffrey is no ordinary hired gun; the best in his business, he views his chosen profession as a calling rather than simply a job. So, when beautiful nightclub chanteuse Jennie is blinded in the crossfire of his most recent hit, Jeffrey chooses to retire after one last job to pay for his unintended victim’s sight-restoring operation. But when Jeffrey is double-crossed, he reluctantly joins forces with a rogue policeman to make things right.
With balletic gunplay and operatic intensity, The Killer dances on the edge of action cinema, propelled by John Woo’s visionary direction. Chow Yun-fat’s magnetic performance elevates this thrilling symphony of bullets and emotions. Truly a masterclass in filmmaking.