If you haven’t seen these movies, what are you waiting for? You won’t find any hidden gems on this list; you may have already seen most of them. If there are any on this list that you still need to see, bump them up your watchlist. These are bucket-list movies you can’t possibly justify leaving unwatched.
1. The Godfather I & II (1972 and 1974)
Don’t overthink it or get cute when it comes to the top spot on any list. Francis Ford Coppola blessed the world with two masterpieces in a two-year span, offering over six total hours of Don Corleone, Michael Corleone, Fredo, Clemenza, Tom Hagen, Don Fanucci, Sollozzo, the Feast of San Gennaro, Sicily, vendettas, revenge, domestic disputes, fraternal backstabbing, and cinematic excellence.
For what the films are, there will never be anything better than Godfather I and II.
2. The Departed (2006)
It wouldn’t be right to publish this list without Martin Scorsese. While Goodfellas, Casino, Taxi Driver, and other Scorsese films are must-see-before-you-die material, The Departed proved that Scorsese could adapt seamlessly to cinema’s never-ending evolution.
A thoroughly modern crime flick that embodies Scorsese’s reliance on memorable characters and powerhouse actors, The Departed takes a thrilling look at Boston’s seedy underbelly while loosely nodding to real-world gangsters (namely Whitey Bulger).
3. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Does any film turn your stomach as consistently (or relentlessly) as The Silence of the Lambs? Jonathan Demme’s thriller based on Thomas Harris’ source novel brought Hannibal Lecter to life in a horrifying fashion, delivering twists and unexpected turns until the very end.
From Anthony Hopkins’ Lecter to Ted Levine’s Buffalo Bill and Anthony Heald’s Dr. Frederick Chilton, few films deliver as many characters that compel you to take a shower immediately post-viewing. For a horrifying thriller that’s an indisputably excellent film, The Silence of the Lambs is the call.
4. The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix is much more than an ahead-of-its-time sci-fi classic that broke cinematic barriers and worked out viewers’ neurons with an original premise inspired by Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, though it is certainly that.
The Matrix has also proven to be a warning and a rallying call for those who strive for truth in a world that sometimes feels like a computer simulation.
5. 12 Angry Men (1957)
While the 1997 television movie remake is a standout film in its own right, the original 12 Angry Men earned a rare 9.0 rating on IMDb, a feat so uncommon that it may as well be a 10. A teleplay by Reginald Rose that was adapted into a play and a film, 12 Angry Men, is a masterclass in keeping the audiences in rapt attention without a single gimmick.
Elite dialogue, a truly unpredictable storyline, and a seasoned cast of serious actors make 12 Angry Men a black-and-white film that holds its own next to modern dramatic thrillers with far greater budgets.
6. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Stanley Kubrick’s movies could occupy several spots on this list, but Eyes Wide Shut claims the podium because it is Kubrick’s final film. Speculation is that the movie, which is an unnerving adventure into mansion parties guarded by iron gates and code words, is more derived from reality than audience members would like to believe.
7. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Veterans noted that Saving Private Ryan is an unmatched portrayal of the horror of war. From the unbridled gore of the Omaha Beach landing to the sobering scene at Arlington National Cemetery, director Steven Spielberg strikes all the cords of war’s devastating effects.
In addition to being an indelible feat of filmmaking, Saving Private Ryan has an inherent message for those who tend to speak flippantly about armed conflict.
8. The Dark Knight (2008)
It’s difficult to communicate how big a deal it is that a comic book movie is ranked third on IMDb’s Top 250 movies list. It’s a testament to Christopher Nolan’s masterful directing, Heath Ledger and Christian Bale’s timeless hero-villain dynamic, and the film’s status as completely genre-bending and cliche-shattering.
9. Airplane! (1980)
While countless comedies could claim a spot on this list (Superbad, Blazing Saddles, and A Princess Bride come to mind), Airplane! typifies what it means not to take yourself too seriously.
Every Leslie Nielsen film lets no more than five seconds pass without delivering a new gag, and Airplane! may just be the best of the lot. Lines like “Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue” signal the utter ridiculousness of Airplane!, which you have to see yourself to believe.
10. Schindler’s List (1993)
Schindler’s List combines a rare formula of a legendary director, a blank-check budget, a compelling story, and fearless grappling with one of the most sensitive periods in history. A phenomenon when it hit theaters, Schindler’s List has remained among the top echelon of must-see movies, even with studios churning out an endless torrent of films since its release in 1993.
Source:Â Reddit
10 Movies That Were Deemed Horrible When They Released, But People Love Now
Image Credit: Universal Studios Movies can surprise us, sometimes in ways we least expect. Some films initially dismissed as terrible or received lukewarm responses upon their release have gone on to win the hearts of audiences worldwide. These movies have managed to transcend their early setbacks and gain a dedicated following over time.
10 Harrowing Movies People Love Despite the Disturbingness
Image Credit: Universal Studios The magic of cinema has the incredible power to captivate, entertain, and transport us to different worlds. While many films offer uplifting stories or thrilling adventures, a subset of movies delve into the darker recesses of the human psyche, presenting narratives that challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of our comfort zones. People love these “messed up or harrowing movies”—films that disturb, unsettle, and provoke intense emotions.
10 Movies That Had a 3/10 Concept But a 10/10 Execution
Image Credit: Summit Entertainment Movies can surprise and captivate us, sometimes even when their initial concepts may not seem promising. It’s fascinating how certain films can take a seemingly average idea and transform it into a masterpiece through exceptional execution. These movies prove that the true magic of cinema lies in the hands of talented filmmakers who can elevate simple concepts into extraordinary storytelling experiences.
10 Movies That Will Blow Your Mind No Matter How Many Times You Watch Them
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Some movies are so captivating and thought-provoking that they leave a lasting impression, no matter how often you watch them. These cinematic gems take you on unforgettable journeys, challenging your perceptions and immersing you in their intricately crafted worlds. From mind-bending sci-fi thrillers to psychological mysteries, these films offer a feast for the senses, inviting you to delve deeper into their narratives with each viewing.
10 Celebrities That Have Suspiciously Clean Reputations
Image Credit: Shutterstock Celebrities often find themselves amid scandals and controversies that capture public attention. However, a select few stars seem to have remarkably pristine reputations, leaving many wondering if there might be more than meets the eye. These individuals have managed to maintain a squeaky-clean image despite the constant scrutiny of the public eye.
    This article was produced and syndicated by The Cents of Money.
