New movies are released every few seconds. Some are fantastic, and others are less so. While our opinions are subjective, certain movies stand out and garner universal appreciation. If you’ve missed the following movies, it’s time to up your game.
The Godfather
No greater mafioso movie exists, now or ever. Aside from featuring a cast of leading actors offering magnificent performances, you’ll be enveloped by the dark world of mob crime and one man’s evolution towards becoming The Godfather. The level of acting will blow you away.
The Wizard Of Oz
As the world’s most influential movie, The Wizard Of Oz is to movies what Michael Jackson is to music. This famous classic fantasy movie is beautifully simple in its execution, with heartwarming characters and magnificent performances. Judy Garland’s Dorothy belts out the numbers with such conviction that we can’t help but shed a small tear.
Die Hard
There’s no wrong time to watch Bruce Willis as grubby tank-top-wearing New York cop John McClane. He fearlessly saves the day with his quickfire-thinking, famous one-liners and cheeky demeanor. You’ll be hard-pushed to find a better action movie. The question remains: is it a Christmas movie, or isn’t it?
The Lion King
Disney’s famous animation with deep African roots features an astounding soundtrack, all-star voiceover talent, and an impossibly heartwarming story. You can’t live your days out without sobbing at the underlying tragedy.
The Silence Of The Lambs
Few movies can send shivers down our spines, but this one does. The collaboration of two of Hollywood’s finest actors, Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, makes this spine-chilling movie a must-watch. You’ll never look at meat the same way again.
The Shining
Horror movies are ten a penny in Hollywood, but if you’re looking for a horror with a brain, look no further than Stephen King’s supernatural masterpiece, The Shining. Jack Nicholson takes on his most sinister character to date as a possessed father who murderously harangues his family.
Almost Famous
If you’re looking for the feel-good factor, you’ll find it in Cameron Crowe’s coming-of-age movie Almost Famous. You get to follow a famous rock band, devour their colorful groupies, led by Kate Hudson’s insatiable Penny Lane, and experience the highs and lows of simply existing. The soundtrack has been dubbed the best of all time.
Pulp Fiction
Aptly described as a shot of adrenaline to Hollywood’s heart, it has to be Pulp Fiction if you watch any of Quentin Tarantino’s movies. Never will you experience a more diverse range of characters and quirky script than within this eccentric masterpiece.
Goodfellas
In this rare and unglorifying move in film, award-winning Martin Scorsese offers an insight into the dark side of mob life. Through rich character development and quick-paced delivery, few performances can outwit those of the cast of Goodfellas. It’s a rare opportunity to see Hollywood’s finest actors in collaboration.
The Matrix
As a standalone movie, The Matrix innovatively illustrates one man’s battle against the system. Expect fantastic fight scenes like you’ve never seen before, expertly crafted character arcs, and a mind-blowing soundtrack. Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Neo was cooler than cool.
Thelma And Louise
It’s an all-American movie that features two kickass female leads running from the law. Their friendship is incomparable, their conviction is admirable, and their fierce autonomy steals our hearts. You even get to see Brad Pitt in the role that changed the landscape of leading men.
Rocky
Even if you watch Rocky solely for the training montages, you’ll be richer for it. No other boxing movie will get your adrenaline pumping like this one, and you’ll champion down-on-his-luck Rocky Balboa (Sylvester ‘Sly’ Stallone) until the last few seconds. The soundtrack has as much gumption as the film itself.
The Shawshank Redemption
Described as one of the greatest movies of all time, you must see this movie to experience so many highs and lows in one sitting. It is a tale of freedom and friendship that features award-winning performances from Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. We never thought a prison movie could be quite so inspirational.
Good Will Hunting
If the prospect of a movie about a mathematical genius makes you groan, think again. With its beautifully written script and luminous onscreen chemistry, this movie is a must-watch for the astounding performances of Matt Damon and Robin Williams.
Jaws
It’s hard to believe anyone could go through life without seeing Jaws. The world’s greatest shark attack movie instilled the ‘Jaws Effect’ in all of us and continues to deter holiday-goers from the ocean to date. Even the dubious CGI shark could not ruin this movie classic.
Schindler’s List
Winner of seven Oscars, Steven Spielberg’s epic Schindler’s List remains one of the important films in history for its depiction of mass genocide at the hands of the Nazi party during World War II. Running at 3 hours 15 minutes, it is undeniably a soul-crushing watch that portrays the impossibility of hope during the Holocaust.
Carrie
A 1970s movie that’s often described as a cult classic, Carrie reaches viewers on a visceral level, quite unlike other vacuous horrors of the time. We’re privy to a vulnerable high schooler with the ability of telekinesis, yet the movie is like no other with its depth of story. It might lack classic scares, but it certainly gets under your skin.
Home Alone
As the ultimate Christmas movie, you’ll struggle to replicate the warm glow that Home Alone offers. Macaulay Culkin is remarkably resourceful and savvy in his portrayal of the abandoned Kevin McCallister, and the famous one-liners have gone down in movie history.
