Top10nerScore83.001 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Hal Ashby
WRITERS: Robert C. Jones, Jerzy Kosiński
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Caleb Deschanel
STARRING: Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine, Melvyn Douglas, Jack Warden, Richard Dysart
GENRE: Satire, Drama, New Hollywood, Comedy, Absurdist Comedy
A simple-minded gardener named Chance has spent all his life in the Washington D.C. house of an old man. When the man dies, Chance is put out on the street with no knowledge of the world except what he has learned from television.
Being There delicately weaves satire and contemplation, showcasing Peter Sellers’ transcendent performance. Hal Ashby’s direction transforms Jerzy Kosiński’s novel into a thought-provoking exploration of identity, society, and the transformative power of simplicity.
Top10nerScore83.116 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: François Truffaut
WRITERS: François Truffaut, Suzanne Schiffman, Jean-Louis Richard
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pierre-William Glenn
STARRING: Jacqueline Bisset, Jean-Pierre Léaud, François Truffaut, Valentina Cortese, Nathalie Baye, Jean-Pierre Aumont, Dani, Jean Champion
GENRE: Comedy, Drama
A committed film director struggles to complete his movie while coping with a myriad of crises, personal and professional, among the cast and crew.
Day for Night stands as Truffaut’s captivating ode to filmmaking. Seamlessly blending humor and melancholy, it offers a nuanced exploration of the cinematic process, revealing the intricate layers that make the art of storytelling a captivating and authentic experience.
Top10nerScore83.122 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Mel Brooks
WRITERS: Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gerald Hirschfeld
STARRING: Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Kenneth Mars
GENRE: Parody, Horror Comedy, Gothic, Comedy
A young neurosurgeon inherits the castle of his grandfather, the famous Dr. Victor von Frankenstein. In the castle he finds a funny hunchback, a pretty lab assistant and the elderly housekeeper. Young Frankenstein believes that the work of his grandfather was delusional, but when he discovers the book where the mad doctor described his reanimation experiment, he suddenly changes his mind.
Young Frankenstein is a comedic tour de force that ingeniously parodies the classic horror genre. Bolstered by Wilder’s sharp wit and a stellar ensemble cast, the film expertly melds humor and homage, showcasing Brooks’ adeptness in crafting timeless comedic cinema.
Top10nerScore83.151 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Hal Ashby
WRITERS: Colin Higgins
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John A. Alonzo
STARRING: Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon, Vivian Pickles, Cyril Cusack
GENRE: Black Comedy, Romance, Coming-of-Age, New Hollywood, Drama
The young Harold lives in his own world of suicide-attempts and funeral visits to avoid the misery of his current family and home environment. Harold meets an 80-year-old woman named Maude who also lives in her own world yet one in which she is having the time of her life. When the two opposites meet they realize that their differences don’t matter and they become best friends and love each other.
Harold and Maude has been celebrated for its unconventional narrative, deftly blending dark humor with poignant moments. Ashby’s innovative use of music and Cat Stevens’ soundtrack enhance the film’s eccentric charm, contributing to its enduring cult status among cinephiles.
Top10nerScore83.477 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: David Lynch
WRITERS: David Lynch
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Frederick Elmes, Herbert Cardwell
STARRING: Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph, Jeanne Bates
GENRE: Surrealism, Psychological Horror, Body Horror, Experimental
Henry Spencer tries to survive his industrial environment, his angry girlfriend, and the unbearable screams of his newly born mutant child.
Eraserhead defies conventional storytelling, immersing audiences in a surreal and nightmarish world that lingers long after the credits roll. Lynch’s masterful direction and haunting imagery provoke thought and evoke a range of emotions, making it a landmark in avant-garde cinema.
Top10nerScore83.501 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Robert Altman
WRITERS: Leigh Brackett, Raymond Chandler
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Vilmos Zsigmond
STARRING: Elliott Gould, Sterling Hayden, Nina van Pallandt, Jim Bouton
GENRE: Neo-Noir, New Hollywood, Mystery, Crime, Satire
Detective Philip Marlowe tries to help a friend who is accused of murdering his wife.
The Long Goodbye seamlessly blends Chandler’s iconic detective with the 1970s LA counterculture, showcasing Altman’s innovative direction and Gould’s unconventional portrayal. Its revisionist take on the genre earned praise for its daring departure from traditional noir conventions.
Top10nerScore83.612 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Jean-Pierre Melville
WRITERS: Jean-Pierre Melville
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Henri Decaë
STARRING: Alain Delon, Yves Montand, Bourvil, Gian Maria Volonté
GENRE: Heist Film, Polar, Neo-Noir, Thriller
When French criminal Corey gets released from prison, he resolves to never return. He is quickly pulled back into the underworld, however, after a chance encounter with escaped murderer Vogel. Along with former policeman and current alcoholic Jansen, they plot an intricate jewel heist. All the while, quirky Police Commissioner Mattei, who was the one to lose custody of Vogel, is determined to find him.
Le Cercle Rouge is hailed for its meticulous craftsmanship, exemplified by Melville’s precision and Decaë’s atmospheric visuals. The film’s intricate plotting and understated performances contribute to a gripping noir experience, solidifying its status as a classic in French cinema.
Top10nerScore83.858 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Bob Fosse
WRITERS: Robert Alan Aurthur, Bob Fosse
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Giuseppe Rotunno
STARRING: Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange, Ann Reinking, Leland Palmer
GENRE: New Hollywood, Drama, Jukebox Musical, Musical
Joe Gideon is at the top of the heap, one of the most successful directors and choreographers in musical theater. But he can feel his world slowly collapsing around him – his obsession with work has almost destroyed his personal life, and only his bottles of pills keep him going.
All That Jazz is an unparalleled fusion of autobiographical storytelling and dazzling choreography. Bob Fosse’s innovative use of music and editing captures the essence of his tumultuous life, offering a visually arresting and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
Top10nerScore83.948 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Alejandro Jodorowsky
WRITERS: Alejandro Jodorowsky
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Rafael Corkidi
STARRING: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Horacio Salinas, Zamira Saunders, Juan Ferrara
GENRE: Surrealism, Satire, Adventure
In a corrupt, greed-fueled world, a powerful alchemist leads a messianic character and seven materialistic figures to the Holy Mountain, where they hope to achieve enlightenment.
The Holy Mountain mesmerizes with its surreal visuals and thought-provoking symbolism. Jodorowsky’s audacious direction pushes the boundaries of cinema, inviting viewers on a transcendental journey that challenges perceptions and explores the depths of the human psyche.
Top10nerScore84.036 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Luis Buñuel
WRITERS: Luis Buñuel, Jean-Claude Carrière
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Edmond Richard
STARRING: Fernando Rey, Delphine Seyrig, Bulle Ogier, Paul Frankeur, Stéphane Audran, Jean-Pierre Cassel
GENRE: Surrealism, Satire, Black Comedy
In Luis Buñuel’s deliciously satiric masterpiece, an upper-class sextet sits down to dinner but never eats, their attempts continually thwarted by a vaudevillian mixture of events both actual and imagined.
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is a surreal and satirical masterpiece that skewers societal norms with wit and elegance. Buñuel’s direction blends humor and absurdity, offering a thought-provoking critique of the bourgeoisie’s hypocrisy and existential angst.
Top10nerScore84.132 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Robert Altman
WRITERS: Joan Tewkesbury
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Paul Lohmann
STARRING: Lily Tomlin, Keith Carradine, Ronee Blakley, Ned Beatty, Geraldine Chaplin, Henry Gibson, Barbara Harris, Shelley Duvall, Allen Garfield, Michael Murphy, Karen Black, Jeff Goldblum
GENRE: New Hollywood, Drama, Music, Hyperlink Cinema, Slice of Life
The intersecting stories of twenty-four characters—from country star to wannabe to reporter to waitress— connect to the music business in Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville intricately weaves together Altman’s signature ensemble storytelling with an audacious exploration of American culture and politics. Its groundbreaking use of overlapping dialogue and music delivers an immersive experience, reflecting the pulse of a nation in flux.
Top10nerScore84.160 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Alan J. Pakula
WRITERS: William Goldman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gordon Willis
STARRING: Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jason Robards, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam
GENRE: Political Drama, New Hollywood, Political Thriller
In the run-up to the 1972 elections, Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward covers what seems to be a minor break-in at the Democratic Party National Headquarters. He is surprised to find top lawyers already on the defense case, and the discovery of names and addresses of Republican fund organizers on the accused further arouses his suspicions. After the editor of the Post runs with the story and assigns Woodward and Carl Bernstein to it, they find the trail leading higher and higher in the Republican Party—and eventually into the White House itself.
All the President’s Men is a riveting political thriller that immerses viewers in the heart of investigative journalism. Pakula’s direction, coupled with Redford and Hoffman’s dynamic performances, delivers a tense and gripping portrayal of truth-seeking in the face of corruption.
Top10nerScore84.527 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Federico Fellini
WRITERS: Federico Fellini, Tonino Guerra
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Giuseppe Rotunno
STARRING: Bruno Zanin, Pupella Maggio, Armando Brancia, Ciccio Ingrassia, Magali Noël, Maria Antonietta Beluzzi
GENRE: Comedy, Coming-of-Age, Drama, Slice of Life
In an Italian seaside town, young Titta gets into trouble with his friends and watches various local eccentrics as they engage in often absurd behavior. Frequently clashing with his stern father and defended by his doting mother, Titta witnesses the actions of a wide range of characters, from his extended family to Fascist loyalists to sensual women, with certain moments shifting into fantastical scenarios.
Amarcord captivates with its vivid portrayal of 1930s Italian provincial life. The film skillfully intertwines nostalgia and satire, showcasing Fellini’s mastery in blending personal recollections with societal commentary. A visually rich and emotionally resonant cinematic journey.
Top10nerScore85.097 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: William Friedkin
WRITERS: William Peter Blatty
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Owen Roizman
STARRING: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow, Jason Miller, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran
GENRE: Supernatural Horror, New Hollywood
12-year-old Regan MacNeil begins to adapt an explicit new personality as strange events befall the local area of Georgetown. Her mother becomes torn between science and superstition in a desperate bid to save her daughter, and ultimately turns to her last hope: Father Damien Karras, a troubled priest who is struggling with his own faith.
The Exorcist is a groundbreaking horror film that terrifies with its chilling atmosphere and psychological depth. Friedkin’s direction, combined with unforgettable performances, delivers a visceral and haunting exploration of faith, doubt, and the battle between good and evil.
Top10nerScore85.105 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Woody Allen
WRITERS: Woody Allen, Marshall Brickman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gordon Willis
STARRING: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Michael Murphy, Mariel Hemingway, Meryl Streep, Anne Byrne
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Drama, New Hollywood
Manhattan explores how the life of a middle-aged television writer dating a teenage girl is further complicated when he falls in love with his best friend’s mistress.
Manhattan mesmerizes with its lush cinematography, evocative jazz score, and Woody Allen’s trademark wit. The film’s vibrant portrayal of New York City serves as both backdrop and character, enhancing its timeless exploration of love, art, and the human condition.
Top10nerScore85.209 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Víctor Erice
WRITERS: Francisco J. Querejeta, Ángel Fernández Santos
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Luis Cuadrado
STARRING: Ana Torrent, Fernando Fernán Gómez, Isabel Tellería, Teresa Gimpera
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Drama, Period Drama
In a small Castilian village in 1940, in the wake of the country’s devastating civil war, six-year-old Ana attends a traveling movie show of Frankenstein and becomes possessed by the memory of it. A bewitching portrait of a child’s haunted inner life.
The Spirit of the Beehive delicately captures the nuanced complexities of childhood through its haunting visuals and subtle storytelling. Erice’s direction and Torrent’s performance contribute to a cinematic exploration of innocence, curiosity, and the enigmatic nature of growing up.
Top10nerScore85.267 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Peter Bogdanovich
WRITERS: Alvin Sargent
CINEMATOGRAPHY: László Kovács
STARRING: Ryan O’Neal, Tatum O’Neal, Madeline Kahn, John Hillerman
GENRE: Road Movie, Comedy, New Hollywood, Buddy, Drama
A bible salesman finds himself saddled with a young girl who may or may not be his daughter, and the two forge an unlikely partnership as a money-making con team in Depression-era Kansas.
Paper Moon is a delightful blend of nostalgia and humor, anchored by the charming dynamic between Ryan O’Neal and real-life daughter Tatum. Bogdanovich’s direction infuses the film with warmth and wit, creating a timeless classic that continues to enchant audiences.
Top10nerScore85.473 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Peter Bogdanovich
WRITERS: Larry McMurtry, Peter Bogdanovich
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Surtees
STARRING: Jeff Bridges, Timothy Bottoms, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn
GENRE: Coming-of-Age, New Hollywood, Drama, Slice of Life, Period Drama
High school seniors and best friends, Sonny and Duane, live in a dying Texas town. The handsome Duane is dating local beauty, Jacy, while Sonny is having an affair with the coach’s wife, Ruth. As graduation nears, both boys contemplate their futures. While Duane eyes the army and Sonny takes over a local business, each boy struggles to figure out if he can escape this dead-end town and build a better life somewhere else.
The Last Picture Show stands as a poignant reflection of small-town America in the early 1950s. Bogdanovich’s keen observation and a stellar ensemble cast deliver a compelling narrative, capturing the complexities of adolescence and the decay of a once-vibrant community.
Top10nerScore85.557 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: George Roy Hill
WRITERS: David S. Ward
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Surtees
STARRING: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw
GENRE: Buddy, Heist Film, New Hollywood
Set in the 1930s this intricate caper deals with an ambitious small-time crook and a veteran con man who seek revenge on a vicious crime lord who murdered one of their gang.
The Sting is a timeless classic lauded for its intricate plot, charismatic performances, and stylish direction. With its clever twists and period charm, it captivates audiences, earning praise for its seamless blend of humor and suspense. A cinematic triumph that stands the test of time.
Top10nerScore85.558 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Terry Jones
WRITERS: Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Biziou
STARRING: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam
GENRE: Satire, Absurdist Comedy, Parody, Black Comedy, Classical Antiquity
Brian Cohen is an average young Jewish man, but through a series of ridiculous events, he gains a reputation as the Messiah. When he’s not dodging his followers or being scolded by his shrill mother, the hapless Brian has to contend with the pompous Pontius Pilate and acronym-obsessed members of a separatist movement. Rife with Monty Python’s signature absurdity, the tale finds Brian’s life paralleling Biblical lore, albeit with many more laughs.
Life of Brian captivates with its satirical brilliance, expertly navigating controversial themes through razor-sharp humor. Clever writing and the ensemble’s impeccable comedic timing elevate this cinematic gem, offering a timeless commentary on societal absurdities.
Top10nerScore85.707 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Terrence Malick
WRITERS: Terrence Malick
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Néstor Almendros, Haskell Wexler
STARRING: Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, Sam Shepard, Linda Manz, Robert J. Wilke
GENRE: Drama, New Hollywood, Romance
In 1910, a Chicago steel worker accidentally kills his supervisor and flees to the Texas panhandle with his girlfriend and little sister to work harvesting wheat in the fields of a stoic farmer. A love triangle, a swarm of locusts, a hellish fire—Malick captures it all with dreamlike authenticity, creating at once a timeless American idyll and a gritty evocation of turn-of-the-century labor.
Days of Heaven mesmerizes with its visually stunning cinematography, courtesy of Almendros and Wexler. The ethereal landscapes beautifully complement a poignant narrative, while Ennio Morricone’s score elevates this cinematic achievement into an unforgettable sensory experience.
Top10nerScore86.106 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Terrence Malick
WRITERS: Terrence Malick
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tak Fujimoto, Brian Probyn, Stevan Larner
STARRING: Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek, Warren Oates, Ramon Bieri
GENRE: Crime, Road Movie, Drama, New Hollywood
Dramatization of the Starkweather-Fugate killing spree of the 1950s, in which a teenage girl and her twenty-something boyfriend slaughtered her entire family and several others in the Dakota badlands.
Badlands is a cinematic triumph that seamlessly blends striking visuals with a haunting narrative. Its exploration of alienation and violence in the American heartland, coupled with impeccable performances, showcases Malick’s early genius and enduring impact on filmmaking.
Top10nerScore86.267 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Bernardo Bertolucci
WRITERS: Bernardo Bertolucci
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Vittorio Storaro
STARRING: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Stefania Sandrelli, Gastone Moschin, Dominique Sanda, Enzo Tarascio, Fosco Giachetti
GENRE: Political Drama, Psychological Drama
Set in 1930s Italy, Marcello has spent his life accommodating others, in search for a sense of belonging. When he is drawn into the fascist party, he agrees to assassinate a political refugee who turns out to be his former college professor.
The Conformist is a visually striking and psychologically complex film, directed with precision by Bertolucci. Its compelling narrative, rich in symbolism and atmosphere, delves into themes of identity, power, and moral compromise, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Top10nerScore86.426 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Ingmar Bergman
WRITERS: Ingmar Bergman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sven Nykvist
STARRING: Harriet Andersson, Liv Ullmann, Ingrid Thulin, Kari Sylwan, Erland Josephson
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Family Drama, Period Drama, Gothic
As Agnes slowly dies of cancer, her sisters are so deeply immersed in their own psychic pains that they can’t offer her the support she needs. Maria is wracked with guilt at her husband’s suicide, caused by his discovery of her extramarital affair. The self-loathing, suicidal Karin seems to regard her sister with revulsion. Only Anna, the deeply religious maid who lost her young child, seems able to offer Agnes solace and empathy.
Cries and Whispers stands as a cinematic triumph, seamlessly blending haunting visuals with intense psychological depth. The film’s exploration of familial bonds and human suffering is a testament to Bergman’s unparalleled storytelling prowess and cinematographic innovation.
Top10nerScore86.589 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Ingmar Bergman
WRITERS: Ingmar Bergman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sven Nykvist
STARRING: Ingrid Bergman, Liv Ullmann, Lena Nyman, Halvar Björk
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Family Drama
After a seven-year absence, Charlotte Andergast travels to Sweden to reunite with her daughter Eva. The pair have a troubled relationship: Charlotte sacrificed the responsibilities of motherhood for a career as a classical pianist. Over an emotional night, the pair reopen the wounds of the past. Charlotte gets another shock when she finds out that her mentally impaired daughter, Helena, is out of the asylum and living with Eva.
Autumn Sonata is a profoundly introspective exploration of familial dynamics, expertly crafted with insightful direction and powerhouse performances by Bergman and Ullmann. Its raw emotional honesty and hauntingly beautiful cinematography make it a timeless classic.