Movies are the ultimate escape from reality – we all love getting lost in visual art for two-plus hours. While some of us swoon over romcoms, others can’t get enough of action-packed blockbusters, and then some worship at the altar of cinematic geniuses like Stanley Kubrick and Quentin Tarantino. Taste in cinema varies, of course, but finding the best classics can be a fraught process. We are not just talking about films that were popular or won a bunch of awards, but ones that are truly timeless and cinematic genius. From the directing and writing perspective, we have curated a list of 8 movies that are considered masterpieces and have stood the test of time. We believe that these deserve to be on your watchlist, if not already.
The Godfather (1972)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this epic crime drama has had an indelible mark on cinema. It greatly portrays the intricacies of power and family loyalty within the Italian-American mafia. That’s why the film is still hailed as a top-notch example of the gangster genre. The movie revolves around the story of an old patriarch of an organized crime family who passes on his business to his son—who doesn’t really want to take over. It’s no wonder why the film scored three Academy Awards and a total of 11 nominations.
Watch the trailer here:
Citizen Kane (1941)
With this film, Orson Welles made his first directorial debut. The movie had a different way of telling the story and exploring characters, which changed how movies were made at that time. It is about a reporter investigating a mysterious word spoken by a wealthy businessman before he dies. Citizen Kane didn’t take time to gain recognition like many other classics; it was immediately celebrated upon release in 1941 and quickly gained popularity before it even hit theaters. Though it wasn’t a box office success, it still fairly made it to the Oscars, being nominated for nine awards, winning one in the Best Original Screenplay category.
Watch the trailer here:
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
In an industry where opinions shift constantly, The Shawshank Redemption remains everyone’s favorite go-to flick. Apart from being a cinematic gem, the 1994 flick has consistently topped IMDb’s list of best movies. Frank Darabont adapted Stephen King’s novella into a moving story about hope, friendship, and resilience in a prison. Not only do Freeman and Robbins deliver some of the best performances ever, but the whole film is filled with brilliantly realized supporting characters that keeps you coming back for more. Though Darabont’s tragic portrayal of hardship and the prison system did land seven nominations in 1995’s Academy Awards, it went home empty handed.
Watch the trailer here:
Casablanca (1942)
This romantic drama set during World War II, directed by Michael Curtiz, still remains one of the most adored movies ever. Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch nailed it with the screenplay, earning praise as one of the smartest and most quotable scripts ever. Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart’s chemistry however is quite noteworthy and another reason why we love this movie. Rick and Ilsa show us the importance of doing what’s right for others, even in tough times like wartime. Casablanca’s timeless messages about selflessness and honour always resonate with the audience.
Watch the trailer here:
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
This Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking sci-fi masterpiece takes storytelling to new heights. With its amazing visuals and deep ideas, the film secured four Oscar nods and ultimately won in that category (Best Visual Effects). It’s a magnum opus of cinematography that has aged like fine wine. The film follows the story when humanity stumbles upon a mysterious artificial object buried on the moon’s surface. And, with the help of HAL 9000 (a super-smart computer), people set out on a fascinating journey.
Watch the trailer here:
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Quentin Tarantino’s crime thriller interweaves the stories of different criminals of Los Angeles (all somehow connected). The film’s story is presented in a non-linear fashion, with events that are not chronological. The plotline revolves around Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson), Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis), Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman), Zed (Peter Greene) and Maynard (Duane Whitaker) respectively. Throughout the film, the characters’ paths cross and recross, which is what sets it apart. The way the film was structured, edited, and filmed introduced new techniques that influenced cinema for decades to come.
Watch the trailer here:
Schindler’s List (1993)
The historical drama film tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saves the lives of over 1,000 mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. The movie follows the story of how Schindler hires these Jews in his factory and how he maintains friendly relations with the Nazis to protect them. Directed by Steven Spielberg, there is no doubt why ‘Schindler’s List’ won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It’s always worth rewatching this classic Hollywood gem.
Watch the trailer here:
Goodfellas (1990)
The legendary movie is based on the true story of Henry Hill, a mobster who became an FBI informant. The film follows Henry’s rise and fall in the world of organized crime, his relationships with his wife and mob buddies, and his eventual betrayal of his former associates. Directed by Martin Scorsese, Goodfellas is known for its gritty realism, intense scenes, and some of the most iconic lines in cinema history. The mind-bending screenplay and the direction in this flick offer a cinematic view you won’t find elsewhere.
Watch the trailer here:
You can thank us later; and enjoy.
