Luke Skywalker leads a mission to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, while the Emperor seeks to destroy the Rebellion once and for all with a second dreaded Death Star.
Top10nerScore81.645 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Paul Schrader
WRITERS: Paul Schrader, Leonard Schrader, Chieko Schrader, Jun Shiragi
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Bailey
STARRING: Ken Ogata, Masayuki Shionoya, Junkichi Orimoto, Hiroshi Mikami, Junya Fukuda
GENRE: Biopic, Political Drama, Psychological Drama
A fictional account of the life of Japanese author Yukio Mishima told in four parts. The first three parts relate events in three of his novels: The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Kyoko’s House, and Runaway Horses. The last part depicts the events of 25th November 1970.
Mishima skillfully weaves biography and fiction, showcasing Schrader’s meticulous research. The film’s innovative narrative structure and Philip Glass’s haunting score elevate it, offering a unique exploration of Yukio Mishima’s complex life that captivates both intellectually and visually.
Top10nerScore81.808 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Krzysztof Kieślowski
WRITERS: Krzysztof Kieślowski, Krzysztof Piesiewicz
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Witold Adamek
STARRING: Grażyna Szapołowska, Olaf Lubaszenko, Stefania Iwińska, Piotr Machalica, Artur Barciś
GENRE: Drama, Romance
A naive inexperienced young man spies on a woman who lives across the courtyard, and falls in love with her. He starts using tricks which he hopes will lead to them meeting.
A Short Film About Love delicately intertwines innocence and desire, crafting an intimate exploration of human longing. Its poignant storytelling and mesmerizing performances capture the complexities of affection, leaving audiences spellbound by its emotional resonance.
Top10nerScore81.814 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Sam Raimi
WRITERS: Sam Raimi, Scott Spiegel
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Deming
STARRING: Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Kassie Wesley DePaiva
GENRE: Black Comedy, Splatter, Haunted House, Supernatural Horror, Horror Comedy
Ash Williams and his girlfriend Linda find a log cabin in the woods with a voice recording from an archeologist who had recorded himself reciting ancient chants from “The Book of the Dead.” As they play the recording an evil power is unleashed taking over Linda’s body.
Evil Dead II seamlessly blends horror and humor, showcasing Raimi’s innovative approach to storytelling. Campbell’s iconic performance, combined with inventive practical effects, establishes the film as a cult classic. Its influence on the horror-comedy genre remains evident.
Top10nerScore81.907 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Agnès Varda
WRITERS: Agnès Varda
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Patrick Blossier
STARRING: Sandrine Bonnaire, Macha Méril, Yolande Moreau
GENRE: Drama, Road Movie
Mona Bergeron is dead, her frozen body found in a ditch in the French countryside. From this, the film flashes back to the weeks leading up to her death. Through these flashbacks, Mona gradually declines as she travels from place to place, taking odd jobs and staying with whomever will offer her a place to sleep. Mona is fiercely independent, craving freedom over comfort, but it is this desire to be free that will eventually lead to her demise.
With gritty authenticity, Vagabond paints a raw portrait of societal fringes. Sandrine Bonnaire’s captivating performance and Agnès Varda’s unflinching direction make it an essential exploration of human resilience and vulnerability. A stark, haunting gem of 1980s cinema.
Top10nerScore82.025 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Akira Kurosawa
WRITERS: Akira Kurosawa, Masato Ide
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Takao Saitō, Shôji Ueda
STARRING: Tatsuya Nakadai, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Kenichi Hagiwara, Jinpachi Nezu
GENRE: Jidaigeki, War, Epic
Akira Kurosawa’s lauded feudal epic presents the tale of a petty thief who is recruited to impersonate Shingen, an aging warlord, in order to avoid attacks by competing clans. When Shingen dies, his generals reluctantly agree to have the impostor take over as the powerful ruler. He soon begins to appreciate life as Shingen, but his commitment to the role is tested when he must lead his troops into battle against the forces of a rival warlord.
Kagemusha showcases Kurosawa’s unparalleled command of visuals and storytelling, seamlessly blending historical accuracy with mesmerizing visuals. Its profound exploration of identity and power resonates with timeless relevance, making it a cinematic tour de force.
Top10nerScore82.129 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
STARRING: Sumi Shimamoto, Goro Naya, Yōji Matsuda, Yoshiko Sakakibara, Iemasa Kayumi
STARRING (ENGLISH): Alison Lohman, Patrick Stewart, Shia LaBeouf, Uma Thurman, Chris Sarandon
GENRE: Anime, Post-Apocalyptic, Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
After a global war, the seaside kingdom known as the Valley of the Wind remains one of the last strongholds on Earth untouched by a poisonous jungle and the powerful insects that guard it. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaä, the people of the Valley engage in an epic struggle to restore the bond between humanity and Earth.
A visionary triumph, Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind captivates with its stunning animation, deep ecological themes, and a compelling heroine. This enchanting film weaves a timeless tale of courage and harmony, leaving audiences spellbound and inspired.
Top10nerScore82.328 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Jim Jarmusch
WRITERS: Jim Jarmusch
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robby Müller
STARRING: Tom Waits, Roberto Benigni, John Lurie, Ellen Barkin
GENRE: Prison Film, Buddy, Comedy, Road Movie
A disc jockey, a pimp and an Italian tourist escape from jail in New Orleans.
Down by Law showcases Jarmusch’s unique narrative, fusing deadpan humor with existential depth. The film’s monochromatic cinematography, paired with Waits and Benigni’s compelling performances, encapsulates marginalization and camaraderie in a distinctive, memorable manner.
Top10nerScore82.625 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Steven Spielberg
WRITERS: George Lucas, Tom Stoppard, Menno Meyjes, Jeffrey Boam
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Douglas Slocombe
STARRING: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, Julian Glover
GENRE: Adventure, Action
When Dr. Henry Jones Sr. suddenly goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, eminent archaeologist Indiana must team up with Marcus Brody, Sallah and Elsa Schneider to follow in his father’s footsteps and stop the Nazis from recovering the power of eternal life.
The Last Crusade stands as a triumphant return to form for the beloved franchise, seamlessly blending action, adventure, and humor. With Ford’s charisma and Connery’s stellar addition, it’s a thrilling treasure hunt, expertly crafted for maximum nostalgia and excitement.
Top10nerScore82.766 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Woody Allen
WRITERS: Woody Allen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sven Nykvist
STARRING: Martin Landau, Woody Allen, Anjelica Huston, Mia Farrow, Alan Alda, Claire Bloom, Jerry Orbach, Sam Waterston, Joanna Gleason, Caroline Aaron
GENRE: Drama
An ophthalmologist’s mistress threatens to reveal their affair to his wife, while a married documentary filmmaker is infatuated by another woman.
In Woody Allen’s thought-provoking Crimes and Misdemeanors, moral dilemmas are skillfully woven into a narrative tapestry, challenging viewers to ponder the intricacies of human nature and the consequences of our actions. A gripping exploration of ethics and existentialism.
Top10nerScore82.896 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Woody Allen
WRITERS: Woody Allen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Carlo Di Palma
STARRING: Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Wiest, Michael Caine, Woody Allen, Carrie Fisher, Lloyd Nolan, Maureen O’Sullivan, Daniel Stern, Max von Sydow
GENRE: Drama, Romantic Comedy
Between two Thanksgivings, Hannah’s husband falls in love with her sister Lee, while her hypochondriac ex-husband rekindles his relationship with her sister Holly.
Hannah and Her Sisters is a nuanced exploration of family dynamics, blending Woody Allen’s signature wit with poignant introspection. Its ensemble cast delivers performances that resonate, making it a timeless reflection on love, longing, and the complexities of human relationships.
Top10nerScore83.196 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Andrzej Żuławski
WRITERS: Andrzej Żuławski, Frederic Tuten
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bruno Nuytten
STARRING: Isabelle Adjani, Sam Neill, Heinz Bennent, Margit Carstensen
GENRE: Psychological Horror, Psychological Drama, Surrealism
A young woman left her family for an unspecified reason. The husband determines to find out the truth and starts following his wife. At first, he suspects that a man is involved. But gradually, he finds out more and more strange behaviors and bizarre incidents that indicate something more than a possessed love affair.
Possession masterfully intertwines psychological horror and political allegory, delivering a unique cinematic experience. Adjani’s mesmerizing performance and Zulawski’s visionary elevate this film into a haunting exploration of human relationships amidst societal turmoil.
Top10nerScore83.314 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Louis Malle
WRITERS: Louis Malle
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Renato Berta
STARRING: Gaspard Manesse, Raphael Fejtö, Francine Racette, Stanislas Carré de Malberg, Philippe Morier-Genoud, François Négret, François Berléand
GENRE: War, Drama, Coming-of-Age
Au revoir les enfants tells a heartbreaking story of friendship and devastating loss concerning two boys living in Nazi-occupied France. At a provincial Catholic boarding school, the precocious youths enjoy true camaraderie—until a secret is revealed. Based on events from writer-director Malle’s own childhood, the film is a subtle, precisely observed tale of courage, cowardice, and tragic awakening.
Au Revoir les Enfants delicately weaves poignant storytelling with historical depth, capturing the innocence and friendship amidst wartime adversity. Malle’s direction exudes sensitivity, while the performances, particularly from young actors, resonate profoundly.
Top10nerScore83.335 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Richard Marquand
WRITERS: George Lucas, Lawrence Kasdan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Alan Hume, Alec Mills
STARRING: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Ian McDiarmid, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, James Earl Jones, Frank Oz
GENRE: Space Opera, Epic
Luke Skywalker leads a mission to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, while the Emperor seeks to destroy the Rebellion once and for all with a second dreaded Death Star.
Return of the Jedi impeccably concludes the original Star Wars trilogy, seamlessly blending thrilling action with character development. Its groundbreaking special effects, compelling narrative arcs, and iconic musical score contribute to its enduring impact on the sci-fi genre.
Top10nerScore83.733 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Rob Reiner
WRITERS: Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Smokler
STARRING: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner
GENRE: Mockumentary, Music, Satire, Parody
“This Is Spinal Tap” shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.
This Is Spinal Tap hilariously parodies the rock-and-roll lifestyle with sharp wit and clever satire. Its mockumentary style, combined with unforgettable characters and quotable lines, delivers a comedic brilliance that resonates with both music fans and general audiences.
Top10nerScore83.824 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Rob Reiner
WRITERS: William Goldman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Adrian Biddle
STARRING: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Andre the Giant, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Carole Kane
GENRE: Fairy Tale, Comedy, Romance, Swashbuckler, Adventure
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can’t stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.
The Princess Bride is an inconceivable blend of adventure, romance, and humor, enchanting audiences with its memorable characters and witty dialogue. Reiner creates a timeless tale that charms both young and old, leaving an enduring mark on the world of fantasy films.
Top10nerScore84.036 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Werner Herzog
WRITERS: Werner Herzog
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thomas Mauch
STARRING: Klaus Kinski, Claudia Cardinale, José Lewgoy
GENRE: Adventure, New German Cinema, Period Drama
Fitzcarraldo is a dreamer who plans to build an opera house in Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon, so, in order to finance his project, he embarks on an epic adventure to collect rubber, a very profitable product, in a remote and unexplored region of the rainforest.
Fitzcarraldo is a mesmerizing epic of ambition and obsession, marked by Herzog’s visionary direction and Kinski’s magnetic performance. The film’s exploration of human determination against the backdrop of the Amazon rainforest captivates with its grandeur and existential depth.
Top10nerScore84.079 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Rob Reiner
WRITERS: Bruce A. Evans, Raynold Gideon
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thomas Del Ruth
STARRING: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, Kiefer Sutherland
GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Drama, Adventure, Buddy
After learning that a stranger has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four Oregon boys decide to go see the body. On the way, Gordie Lachance, Vern Tessio, Chris Chambers and Teddy Duchamp encounter a mean junk man and a marsh full of leeches, as they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys’ adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.
Stand by Me resonates as a timeless coming-of-age gem, seamlessly blending nostalgia and heartfelt storytelling. Reiner’s direction, coupled with outstanding performances from the young cast, crafts an enduring exploration of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery.
Top10nerScore84.235 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: James Cameron
WRITERS: Gale Anne Hurd, James Cameron, William Wisher
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Adam Greenberg
STARRING: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield, Lance Henriksen
GENRE: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Cyberpunk
In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the “Terminator” back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony. Meanwhile, the human-resistance movement dispatches a lone warrior to safeguard Sarah. Can he stop the virtually indestructible killing machine?
The Terminator is a pioneering sci-fi thriller lauded for its innovative storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and Schwarzenegger’s iconic performance. Its blend of action and suspense continues to captivate audiences, cementing its status as a genre-defining classic.
Top10nerScore84.402 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Jūzō Itami
WRITERS: Jūzō Itami
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Masaki Tamura
STARRING: Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto, Ken Watanabe, Koji Yakusho, Rikiya Yasuoka
GENRE: Comedy, Food
A pair of truck drivers happen onto a decrepit roadside fast food stop selling ramen noodles. The widowed owner, Tampopo, begs them to help her turn her establishment into a paragon of the “art of noodle soup making”.
Tampopo is a delightful culinary adventure that blends humor and heart with mouthwatering visuals. Itami’s playful direction and vibrant characters create a unique and satisfying homage to the art of food, inviting audiences to indulge in both laughter and gastronomic delights.
Top10nerScore84.943 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Andrei Tarkovsky
WRITERS: Andrei Tarkovsky, Tonino Guerra
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Giuseppe Lanci
STARRING: Oleg Yankovsky, Erland Josephson, Domiziana Giordano
GENRE: Slow Cinema, Psychological Drama
The Russian poet Andrei Gorchakov, accompanied by guide and translator Eugenia, is traveling through Italy researching the life of an 18th-century Russian composer. In an ancient spa town, he meets the lunatic Domenico, who years earlier had imprisoned his own family in his house for seven years to save them from the evils of the world. Seeing some deep truth in Domenico’s act, Andrei becomes drawn to him.
Nostalgia impressively navigates the intricacies of memory and human connection, skillfully interweaving diverse narratives to explore the universal theme of longing. Its storytelling, coupled with sublime visuals, reflects Tarkovsky’s profound understanding of the human experience.
Top10nerScore85.506 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Brian De Palma
WRITERS: Oliver Stone
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John A. Alonzo
STARRING: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Robert Loggia, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
GENRE: Gangster Film, Drama
After getting a green card in exchange for assassinating a Cuban government official, Tony Montana stakes a claim on the drug trade in Miami. Viciously murdering anyone who stands in his way, Tony eventually becomes the biggest drug lord in the state, controlling nearly all the cocaine that comes through Miami. But increased pressure from the police, wars with Colombian drug cartels and his own drug-fueled paranoia serve to fuel the flames of his eventual downfall.
Scarface is a visceral exploration of the American Dream, elevated by Pacino’s iconic performance as Tony Montana. De Palma’s vision and Stone’s screenplay skillfully examine the dark underbelly of ambition, power, and the consequences of excess in the pursuit of success.
Top10nerScore85.667 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese
WRITERS: Paul D. Zimmerman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Fred Schuler
STARRING: Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, Sandra Bernhard, Diahnne Abbott
GENRE: Black Comedy, Satire, Drama
A thirty-four-year-old aspiring comic still living at home, Rupert Pupkin studies obsessively to be a talk show guest, but has no discernible talent other than a ferocious need for recognition. When he meets his talk show host idol, he sees it as an opportunity for him to reach his dream of stardom.
The King of Comedy is a darkly humorous and unsettling exploration of fame and obsession. Scorsese’s masterful direction, paired with De Niro’s compelling performance, crafts a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the lengths one might go for notoriety.
Top10nerScore86.135 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Andrei Tarkovsky
WRITERS: Andrei Tarkovsky
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sven Nykvist
STARRING: Erland Josephson, Susan Fleetwood, Allan Edwall, Guðrún Gísladóttir, Sven Wollter
GENRE: Drama, Slow Cinema
Alexander, a journalist, philosopher and retired actor, celebrates a birthday with friends and family when it is announced that nuclear war has begun.
The Sacrifice is an intellectual tour de force, seamlessly blending philosophical depth with stunning cinematography. The film’s intricate narrative, coupled with its mesmerizing long takes, solidifies its place as a thought-provoking and visually captivating cinematic achievement.
Top10nerScore86.178 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: John McTiernan
WRITERS: Steven E. de Souza, Jeb Stuart
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jan de Bont
STARRING: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, Alexander Godunov, Paul Gleason, William Atherton
GENRE: Action
NYPD cop John McClane’s plan to reconcile with his estranged wife is thrown for a serious loop when, minutes after he arrives at her office, the entire building is overtaken by a group of terrorists. With little help from the LAPD, wisecracking McClane sets out to single-handedly rescue the hostages and bring the bad guys down.
Die Hard revolutionized the action genre with its groundbreaking use of practical effects and intricate storytelling. Willis’s iconic performance as John McClane, coupled with Rickman’s memorable villain, cements it as a seminal experience, redefining the template for modern action films.
Top10nerScore86.623 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Abbas Kiarostami
WRITERS: Abbas Kiarostami
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Farhad Saba
STARRING: Babek Ahmed Poor, Ahmed Ahmed Poor, Kheda Barech Defai
GENRE: Drama, New Iranian Cinema
8-year-old Ahmed has mistakenly taken his friend Mohammad’s notebook. He wants to return it, or else his friend will be expelled from school. Determinedly, the conscientious boy sets out to find Mohammad’s home in the neighbouring village.
Where Is the Friend’s House? captivates with its understated brilliance, seamlessly blending realism and poetic storytelling. As part of the ‘Koker Trilogy’, it showcases Kiarostami’s profound exploration of innocence, morality, and the transformative power of compassion in Iranian rural life.