Introduction
Films have been a part of human life for over a century now, and over the years, filmmakers have created outstanding memorable films that we continue to love and enjoy. The invention of cinema amplifies our experience with films allowing us to relate better with the characters and capture the imagination of the viewer. Movies have also served different purposes, from commercials to entertainment, education, or reflection of life itself. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best films of all time categorized into different genres, their impact on society, and what makes them must-see classics.
Best Drama Films
One of the most popular film genres is Drama. It encompasses movies that tell stories with significant emotional content, dealing with themes and conflicts that define the human experience. Here are some of the best drama films of all time.
1. The Shawshank Redemption – Directed by Frank Darabont, The Shawshank Redemption remains one of the highest-rated films of all time, rated 9.3 on IMDB and considered a masterpiece. The film tells the story of a man, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who gets convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sentenced to life in prison. He spends his time in prison befriending a fellow inmate, Red (Morgan Freeman), and using his finance knowledge to work with the prison warden and staff to improve the prison library. Shawshank depicts the hope that still exists through the prison walls.
2. Titanic – The Titanic is one of the most famous dramas films of all time directed by James Cameron. The film is based on the tragic ship’s real story that sunk in the North Atlantic Ocean. The film features Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as the central characters, who fall in love as the descendant of struggling immigrants and socialite, respectively. The movie was a commercial success and grossed over $2 billion worldwide.
3. Gone with the Wind – Directed by Victor Fleming, the film boasts a runtime of almost four hours, and still captures the viewer’s interest from start to finish. It follows the story of a headstrong woman, Scarlett O’Hara (Vivian Leigh) during the Civil War. The plot evolves around Scarlett’s survival and obsession with winning back her true love, Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard), even as she’s courted by the dashing Rhett Butler (Clark Gable).
Best Action Films
Action films have a blend of physical activity and spectacular stunts, reflecting the popularization of martial arts and combat sports. Action-packed films are known for their thrilling and entertaining effects on viewers. Here are some of the best action films of all time.
1. The Matrix – The Matrix, directed by the Wachowskis, remains a top-rated action movie, released in 1999. The plot revolves around a hacker, Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) who discovered that he’s living inside a computer-generated world managed by machines in the future. It’s a fight against the system with fascinating cinematography and impressive choreography of action scenes.
2. Die Hard – Regarded as one of Bruce Willis’s best action films, Die Hard is a classic action film directed by John McTiernan. The main character, John McClane (Bruce Willis), who is a detective in New York, visits his estranged wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), at her workplace, where he ends up in a terrorist’s grasp. It started a series of films in its genre.
3. Lethal Weapon – Lethal Weapon is a classic from the ’80s, directed by Richard Donner. The movie follows the partnership between two police detectives, Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover), as they try to track down a drug dealer who murdered a teenage girl.
Best Comedy Films
Comedy films serve as a deviation from reality, allowing us to escape into worlds full of humor, laughter, and jokes. A good comedy film has the power to change our moods, brighten our day, and teach us not to take life too seriously. Here are the best comedy films of all time.
1. The Hangover – Directed by Todd Phillips, The Hangover is one of the most famous comedy films of the last decade. The plot revolves around three men on a bachelor party in Las Vegas who lost their groom-to-be. They wake up the next day without any recollection of the past night’s events and start trying to find clues leading to what happened, leading to hilarious scenes.
2. Home Alone – A Christmas comedy classic, directed by Chris Columbus, Home Alone tells the story of an eight-year-old boy, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who was mistakenly left behind by his family while on vacation during Christmas. He has to defend his house from burglars in hilarious ways. The film offers a unique blend of comedy, suspense, and slapstick humor.
3. The Big Lebowski – Directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, The Big Lebowski is one of the most popular comedy films of the late ’90s. Jeff Bridges plays Jeff Lebowski, who is drug during an altercation involving two men with the same name. Along the way, he meets extraordinary characters, including fellow bowlers, nihilists, and his ex-wife, providing a blend of eccentricity and comedy.
Best Science Fiction Films
Science fiction (Sci-fi) films use scientific or technological elements as their principal focus, often depicting imaginative scenarios. Sci-fi films often explore the possibilities of life yet to come or explore the technological advancements of human beings. Here are the best science fiction films of all time.
1. Blade Runner – Directed by Ridley Scott, Blade Runner is one of the best sci-fi films of all time. The movie depicts the story of a blade runner, Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), assigned to hunt down and kill replicants in a dystopian future Los Angeles. The movie features futuristic themes in a captivating and haunting setting.
2. Inception – Directed by Christopher Nolan, Inception remains one of the most intricate and imaginative sci-fi films of the 21st century. The film follows the story of a thief, Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is offered the chance to have his criminal records erased in exchange for implanting an idea into a person’s dream. It raises questions of what is or isn’t real and explores the psyche of the human mind.
3. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope – Directed by George Lucas, Star Wars: Episode IV revolutionized the science fiction film genre forever in 1977. It involves a young farm boy, Luke Skywalker and his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, fighting to save the galaxy from the evil Empire using the force. The films go on to become a global franchise with eight other entries to date.
Best FAQs on the Best Films of All Time
1. What are the factors to consider when rating the best films of all time?
Some of the factors to consider include general audience appeal, critical assessment, box-office earnings, cultural influence, and longevity.
2. Are all of these films available on streaming platforms?
Most of these films are available on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and HBO Max.
3. Are the criteria for good films different today from the past?
The criteria for good films are consistent; however, movies have evolved over time, so the criteria for modern classics differ from those of the past.
4. Can a film be considered a classic without grossing substantial box office returns?
Yes, a movie can attain classic status without necessarily being a commercial success. A perfect example of this is Citizen Kane, which lost money on its first release but is now a canonical work of American cinema.
5. Are all critically acclaimed films must-see classics?
Not all critically acclaimed films are must-see classics. Critical acclaim could result from cultural, social, and political factors and may not necessarily translate as a universally accepted classic.
Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices for Watching Must-See Classic Films
1. Engage with the movie – Classic films are not just a set of scenes but an experience. Engage with the movie and let yourself become immersed in the story, characters, and themes.
2. Identify the genre – Know the type of film you’re about to watch. Make sure it appeals to your taste, and if it’s not your favorite genre, approach it with an open mind.
3. Watch the movie without distractions – Turn off your phone and pay attention to the film to get the full experience and appreciate its nuances.
4. Read and watch reviews – Research beforehand and learn more about the film. It helps to have a background context of the movie and understand any references of past or current films.
5. Watch with others – Watching classic films with friends, family, and other fans offers a shared experience into the film and fosters discussion after the movie.
Conclusion
The best films of all time remain relevant in cinema culture. Regardless of how the movie was produced or its box office success, these films continue to be celebrated across genres and regions. For years, people have used classic films to laugh, ponder, escape, and appreciate the art of storytelling. When you’re ready to take a trip down memory lane, revisit a classic film, and reconnect with timelessness.
