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Top10nerScore87.620 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Danny Boyle
WRITERS: John Hodge
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Brian Tufano
STARRING: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Macdonald, Kevin McKidd
GENRE: Black Comedy, Drama
With an unforgettable soundtrack, Irvine Welsh’s cult 1993 novel of the same name comes to life in this colorful portrait of a group of junkies in the 1980s in Edinburgh, as one of the them, Mark Renton, struggles to get clean and get out of Scotland.
Trainspotting electrifies with its raw portrayal of Edinburgh’s underworld. Boyle’s kinetic direction and McGregor’s riveting performance lead a visceral journey through addiction and redemption. A gritty gem that defies cinematic norms, leaving an indelible mark on viewers.
Top10nerScore87.930 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
WRITERS: Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda Woolverton
STARRING: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Moira Kelly, Rowan Atkinson, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella
GENRE: Animation, Musical, Family, Adventure, Coming-of-Age
A young lion prince is cast out of his pride by his cruel uncle, who claims he killed his father. While the uncle rules with an iron paw, the prince grows up beyond the Savannah, living by a philosophy: No worries for the rest of your days. But when his past comes to haunt him, the young prince must decide his fate: Will he remain an outcast or face his demons and become what he needs to be?
In The Lion King, Disney crafts a savannah symphony of stunning animation, timeless melodies, and poignant storytelling. Its majestic roar echoes through generations, an enduring classic hailed for its heart, humor, and Hakuna Matata spirit.
Top10nerScore88.109 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Michael Mann
WRITERS: Michael Mann
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dante Spinotti
STARRING: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd, Jon Voight
GENRE: Thriller, Heist Film, Drama, Crime
Obsessive master thief Neil McCauley leads a top-notch crew on various daring heists throughout Los Angeles while determined detective Vincent Hanna pursues him without rest. Each man recognizes and respects the ability and the dedication of the other even though they are aware their cat-and-mouse game may end in violence.
Heat stands as a seminal crime thriller, lauded for its meticulous realism, fueled by Michael Mann’s commitment to authenticity. With a riveting cat-and-mouse game between Pacino and De Niro, the film elevates the genre, blending high-octane action with intricate character exploration.
Top10nerScore88.359 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Clint Eastwood
WRITERS: David Webb Peoples
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jack N. Green
STARRING: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris, Jaimz Woolvett
GENRE: Revisionist Western, Drama, Period Drama
William Munny is a retired, once-ruthless killer turned gentle widower and hog farmer. To help support his two motherless children, he accepts one last bounty-hunter mission to find the men who brutalized a prostitute. Joined by his former partner and a cocky greenhorn, he takes on a corrupt sheriff.
Unforgiven is an unyielding testament to Eastwood’s prowess, offering a gritty, morally complex deconstruction of the Western genre. Its raw authenticity, coupled with standout performances and a captivating narrative, cements its status as a timeless cinematic achievement.
Top10nerScore88.551 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Steven Spielberg
WRITERS: Robert Rodat
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Janusz Kamiński
STARRING: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Adam Goldberg, Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi
GENRE: War, Period Drama
As U.S. troops storm the beaches of Normandy, three brothers lie dead on the battlefield, with a fourth trapped behind enemy lines. Ranger captain John Miller and seven men are tasked with penetrating German-held territory and bringing the boy home.
Saving Private Ryan stands as an immersive war epic lauded for its innovative depiction of combat realism. Spielberg’s meticulous attention to historical accuracy, combined with Hanks’ compelling performance, delivers a visceral and haunting portrayal of the human cost of war.
Top10nerScore88.716 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Abbas Kiarostami
WRITERS: Abbas Kiarostami
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ali Reza Zarrindast
STARRING: Hossein Sabzian, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Abolfazl Ahankhah, Mehrdad Ahankhah, Mahrokh Ahankhah
GENRE: Docudrama, Legal Drama, New Iranian Cinema, Postmodernism, Docufiction
This fiction-documentary hybrid uses a sensational real-life event—the arrest of a young man on charges that he fraudulently impersonated the well-known filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf—as the basis for a stunning, multilayered investigation into movies, identity, artistic creation, and existence, in which the real people from the case play themselves.
Close-Up is a poignant exploration of identity and cinema, skillfully blending reality and fiction. Kiarostami’s documentary approach and the compelling use of non-professional actors elevate this film, providing an insightful commentary on the blurred lines between life and art.
Top10nerScore88.717 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Béla Tarr
WRITERS: Péter Dobai, Béla Tarr, László Krasznahorkai, Mihály Víg, Barna Mihók
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gábor Medvigy
STARRING: Mihály Víg, Putyi Horváth, Éva Almássy Albert, László feLugossy, Erzsébet Gaál, Miklós Székely B., Peter Berling, Erika Bók
GENRE: Drama, Slow Cinema, Fekete széria
Inhabitants of a small village in Hungary deal with the effects of the fall of Communism. The town’s source of revenue, a factory, has closed, and the locals, who include a doctor and three couples, await a cash payment offered in the wake of the shuttering. Irimias, a villager thought to be dead, returns and, unbeknownst to the locals, is a police informant. In a scheme, he persuades the villagers to form a commune with him.
Satantango mesmerizes with its haunting cinematography, immersing viewers in a bleak yet captivating world. Its slow-burn narrative unfolds like a mesmerizing dance, inviting introspection and sparking profound discussions. An artful exploration of human frailty and resilience.
Top10nerScore88.960 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
WRITERS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Roger Deakins
STARRING: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, David Huddleston, Tara Reid
GENRE: Comedy, Buddy, Black Comedy
Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, a Los Angeles slacker who only wants to bowl and drink White Russians, is mistaken for another Jeffrey Lebowski, a wheelchair-bound millionaire, and finds himself dragged into a strange series of events involving nihilists, adult film producers, ferrets, errant toes, and large sums of money.
The Big Lebowski intricately weaves humor, philosophy, and eccentric characters into a surreal cinematic tapestry. Its quirky narrative and stellar performances make it a cult classic, celebrated for its unparalleled blend of comedy and existential ponderings.
Top10nerScore89.193 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Lasseter
WRITERS: Andrew Stanton, Joss Whedon, Joel Cohen, Alec Sokolow
STARRING: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts
GENRE: Computer Animation, Adventure, Family, Buddy, Comedy
A friendly gang of toys, led by Woody the cowboy, live happily in their owner, Andy’s room. When jazzed up spaceman, Buzz Lightyear, enters the mix Woody competes with him for Andy’s affection. However the two must form a truce when they become separated from their owner.
Toy Story captivates audiences with its groundbreaking animation, witty storytelling, and heartwarming characters. Pioneering the realm of computer-generated imagery, it seamlessly blends humor and emotion, leaving its mark on cinematic history and enchanting viewers of all ages.
Top10nerScore89.611 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
WRITERS: Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bill Pope
STARRING: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano, Marcus Chong
GENRE: Action, Dystopian, Cyberpunk, Virtual Reality, Science Fiction
Computer hacker Neo discovers that reality as we know it is a simulation used to control the human population. With this new knowledge he must join the rebellion to fight this, even if it means accepting a life of danger.
The Matrix redefined sci-fi cinema with its groundbreaking blend of philosophy and action. Its mind-bending narrative, iconic visuals, and Reeves’ compelling performance make it a timeless classic, inviting audiences to question reality long after the credits roll.
Top10nerScore89.727 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Quentin Tarantino
WRITERS: Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Andrzej Sekula
STARRING: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Chris Penn
GENRE: Heist Film, Gangster Film, Thriller
A botched robbery indicates a police informant, and the pressure mounts in the aftermath at a warehouse. Crime begets violence as the survivors – veteran Mr. White, newcomer Mr. Orange, psychopathic parolee Mr. Blonde, bickering weasel Mr. Pink and Nice Guy Eddie – unravel.
Reservoir Dogs delights with its raw energy and innovative storytelling, marking Tarantino as a visionary filmmaker. Its non-linear narrative and dynamic ensemble cast redefine the crime genre, delivering a bold cinematic experience that resonates with audiences decades later.
Top10nerScore89.945 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Krzysztof Kieślowski
WRITERS: Krzysztof Kieślowski, Krzysztof Piesiewicz
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Piotr Sobociński
STARRING: Irène Jacob, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Jean-Pierre Lorit, Frédérique Feder, Samuel Le Bihan
GENRE: Drama
Part-time model Valentine meets a retired judge who lives in her neighborhood after she runs over his dog. At first the judge gifts Valentine with the dog, but her possessive boyfriend won’t allow her to keep it. When she returns with the dog to the judge’s house, she discovers him listening in on his neighbors’ phone conversations. At first Valentine is outraged, but her debates with the judge over his behavior soon leads them to form a strange bond.
Red beautifully concludes Kieślowski’s cinematic trilogy with a profound exploration of human connections. The film’s intricate narrative, coupled with masterful visuals and Jacob’s compelling performance, solidifies its status as a intriguing and emotional masterpiece.
Top10nerScore90.053 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Wong Kar-wai
WRITERS: Wong Kar-wai
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Christopher Doyle, Andrew Lau
STARRING: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Faye Wong, Valerie Chow
GENRE: Romance, Drama
In Hong Kong, two lovelorn and lonely police officers cross paths with two mysterious women. Cop 223 falls for a mysterious woman in a blonde wig, not knowing she is a big-time heroin smuggler—and when Cop 663’s Ex visits a late-night diner, the new server becomes secretly infatuated with him.
In Chungking Express, Wong Kar-wai’s kinetic visual poetry captivates, weaving a tapestry of urban ennui and fleeting connections. With its evocative cinematography and soulful performances, it’s a mesmerizing journey through the pulse of Hong Kong’s streets.
Top10nerScore90.158 / 100
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DIRECTOR: James Cameron
WRITERS: James Cameron, William Wisher
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Adam Greenberg
STARRING: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick, Joe Morton
GENRE: Action, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Artificial Intelligence
Nearly 10 years have passed since Sarah Connor was targeted for termination by a cyborg from the future. Now her son, John, the future leader of the resistance, is the target for a newer, more deadly terminator. Once again, the resistance has managed to send a protector back to attempt to save John and his mother Sarah.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is hailed for its groundbreaking use of CGI, revolutionizing action cinema. Cameron’s visionary and the seamless integration of effects set a new standard. The film’s narrative complexity and iconic performances elevate it as a defining sci-fi classic.
Top10nerScore90.330 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
WRITERS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Roger Deakins
STARRING: Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare, Harve Presnell
GENRE: Crime, Black Comedy, Police Procedural
A car salesman plans to wipe out his personal debts by hiring a pair of colorful crooks to kidnap his wife and have her wealthy father pay the ransom. The haphazard scheme turns sour during a routine pull-over that leaves three dead bodies in its wake.
Fargo is a riveting blend of dark comedy and Midwestern authenticity. The Coen Brothers’ masterful direction, coupled with McDormand’s impeccable portrayal, crafts an unforgettable narrative that skillfully navigates the complexities of crime and human nature.
Top10nerScore90.337 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Mathieu Kassovitz
WRITERS: Mathieu Kassovitz
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pierre Aïm
STARRING: Vincent Cassel, Hubert Koundé, Saïd Taghmaoui
GENRE: Drama, Hood Film, Crime
After a chaotic night of rioting in a marginal suburb of Paris, three young friends, Vinz, Hubert and Saïd, wander around unoccupied waiting for news about the state of health of a mutual friend who has been seriously injured when confronting the police.
La Haine is an incisive portrayal of urban unrest, blending socio-political commentary with raw cinematography. Kassovitz earnestly captures the complexities of marginalized youth, delivering a compelling narrative underscored by its gritty realism and profound social insights.
Top10nerScore90.806 / 100
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DIRECTOR: David Fincher
WRITERS: Andrew Kevin Walker
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Darius Khondji
STARRING: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, John Doe, Gwyneth Paltrow
GENRE: Crime, Neo-Noir, Thriller, Police Procedural, Psychological Thriller
Set in an unnamed urban city deluged by rain and eroded by decay, newbie David Mills and soon to be retiree Det. William Somerset are paired up to solve their first and final case, respectively. A diabolic collective of murders inspired by the seven deadly sins.
Se7en is a dark, gripping thriller that deftly explores the depths of human depravity. Fincher’s exacting nature, coupled with riveting performances from Pitt and Freeman, crafts an intense and unforgettable cinematic experience that leaves audiences haunted and introspective.
Top10nerScore91.297 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Edward Yang
WRITERS: Edward Yang, Hung-Ya Yen, Mingtang Lai, Alex Yang
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Chang Hui-kung, Longyu Zhang
STARRING: Chang Chen, Zhang Guozhu, Elaine Jin
GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Drama, Taiwanese New Wave, Crime, Romance
In 1960s Taiwan, a rebellious teenager Xiao Si’r comes of age amid rival street gangs and the “White Terror” witch hunts of Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang government.
A Brighter Summer Day navigates the tumultuous waters of adolescent angst and societal shifts with meticulous period detail and a haunting narrative. Yang’s profound exploration of cultural alienation and moral dilemmas remains an indelible mark on cinema.
Top10nerScore91.489 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Atsushi Okui
STARRING: Yoji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yūko Tanaka, Kaoru Kobayashi, Masahiko Nishimura, Sumi Shimamoto
STARRING (ENGLISH): Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver, Billy Bob Thornton, John DeMita, Jada Pinkett Smith
GENRE: Anime, Fantasy, Adventure, Drama, Epic
Ashitaka, a prince of the disappearing Emishi people, is cursed by a demonized boar god and must journey to the west to find a cure. Along the way, he encounters San, a young human woman fighting to protect the forest, and Lady Eboshi, who is trying to destroy it. Ashitaka must find a way to bring balance to this conflict.
Princess Mononoke is a breathtaking blend of myth and ecological consciousness. Miyazaki crafts a visually stunning world where the struggle for balance between nature and civilization unfolds with captivating depth. A timeless classic.
Top10nerScore92.486 / 100
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DIRECTOR: David Fincher
WRITERS: Jim Uhls
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jeff Cronenweth
STARRING: Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Black Comedy, Satire, Crime
A ticking-time-bomb insomniac and a slippery soap salesman channel primal male aggression into a shocking new form of therapy. Their concept catches on, with underground “fight clubs” forming in every town, until an eccentric gets in the way and ignites an out-of-control spiral toward oblivion.
Fight Club is a cinematic revolution, disrupting conventions with its bold narrative and powerhouse performances. It’s a visceral journey that delves deep into the human psyche, sparking introspection and dialogue. A daring masterpiece of rebellion and revelation.
Top10nerScore93.159 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jonathan Demme
WRITERS: Ted Tally
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tak Fujimoto
STARRING: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine, Anthony Heald
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Crime, Police Procedural
Clarice Starling is a top student at the FBI’s training academy. Jack Crawford wants Clarice to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a violent psychopath, serving life behind bars for various acts of murder and cannibalism. Crawford believes that Lecter may have insight into a case and that Starling, as an attractive young woman, may be just the bait to draw him out.
A chilling symphony of suspense, The Silence of the Lambs elegantly weaves a web of psychological intrigue. Foster’s portrayal captivates, while Hopkins’s Hannibal Lecter embodies eerie charisma. A timeless thriller, leaving audiences breathless and enthralled.
Top10nerScore95.221 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Steven Spielberg
WRITERS: Steven Zaillian
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Janusz Kamiński
STARRING: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Embeth Davidtz, Jonathan Sagall, Caroline Goodall
GENRE: Biopic, War, Period Drama
German businessman Oskar Schindler begins employing Jews in his factory during World War II for reasons of greed but becomes deeply moved by their plight. He then begins a campaign to save as many Jewish lives as possible from persecution under the Nazi regime.
Schindler’s List masterfully navigates the harrowing terrain of Holocaust history, delivering a profoundly moving experience. Spielberg’s prowess and John Williams’ haunting score converge to create an unforgettable exploration of humanity’s resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy.
Top10nerScore96.428 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Frank Darabont
WRITERS: Frank Darabont
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Roger Deakins
STARRING: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows, James Whitmore
GENRE: Prison Film, Drama, Period Drama
Framed in the 1940s for the double murder of his wife and her lover, upstanding banker Andy Dufresne begins a new life at the Shawshank prison, where he puts his accounting skills to work for an amoral warden. During his long stretch in prison, Dufresne comes to be admired by the other inmates – including an older prisoner named Red – for his integrity and unquenchable sense of hope.
The Shawshank Redemption is an extraordinary cinematic achievement, effortlessly adapting King’s novella. Robbins and Freeman deliver captivating performances, while Deakins’ finesse masterfully captures the poignant nuances of hope and atonement within the prison walls.
Top10nerScore96.931 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese
WRITERS: Martin Scorsese, Nicholas Pileggi
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Ballhaus
STARRING: Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino
GENRE: Gangster Film, Biopic, Drama
The true story of Henry Hill, a half-Irish, half-Sicilian Brooklyn kid who is adopted by neighbourhood gangsters at an early age and climbs the ranks of a Mafia family under the guidance of Jimmy Conway.
GoodFellas epitomizes ’90s cinema with its kinetic editing, electrifying soundtrack, and gritty portrayal of organized crime. Its influence on subsequent crime dramas is undeniable, setting a new standard for storytelling and character development in the genre.
Top10nerScore98.136 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Quentin Tarantino
WRITERS: Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Andrzej Sekula
STARRING: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Ving Rhames, Maria de Medeiros
GENRE: Black Comedy, Crime, Hyperlink Cinema
A mysterious suitcase brings together the lives of two hit men, a down-on-his-luck boxer, a notorious gangster’s wife, and a pair of lovesick petty thieves in interlocking tales of crime and redemption in Los Angeles.
Pulp Fiction is a quintessential ’90s film, epitomizing the era’s rebellious spirit. Its non-linear narrative, edgy dialogue, and eclectic soundtrack revolutionized storytelling, inspiring a wave of imitators and establishing Tarantino as a visionary auteur. Its impact on pop culture and filmmaking endures, cementing its status as…
The Best Film of the 1990s
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