The best movies of all time, according to the biggest rankings, are The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, The Dark Knight, Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Pulp Fiction, Schindler’s List and Parasite. No single film wins every list, but these titles appear again and again on IMDb’s Top 250, the AFI 100 Years…100 Movies list and the Rotten Tomatoes best-of lists.
Ask ten film lovers to name the greatest movie ever made and you will get ten different answers. That is what makes the question fun. But if you want a reliable starting point, you can combine the major rankings, the awards history and decades of critical opinion to find the films that keep earning respect.
This guide does exactly that. Below you will find a ranked list of 25 landmark films, picks sorted by genre, a look at how the big critics’ polls work, and practical advice on where to watch each one. It is an evergreen guide, so you can come back to it any time you need your next great movie night.
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How We Ranked the Best Movies of All Time
Ranking art is never purely objective, so we use a transparent method. Our list is an editorial consensus built from five kinds of evidence:
- Audience ratings. Millions of votes feed IMDb’s Top 250 and the Letterboxd Top 250 narrative features.
- Critic polls. The BFI’s Sight and Sound poll is run every ten years and is considered the most prestigious critics’ survey.
- Institutional lists. The American Film Institute ranks American cinema, and the Library of Congress National Film Registry preserves culturally significant films.
- Awards history. The Academy Awards and festivals like Cannes show how films were received in their own time.
- Lasting influence. Does the film still shape how movies are made and discussed today?
A film that scores well on most of these measures earns a spot. We also balance eras, countries and genres so the list is not just a collection of American dramas.
One honest note: rankings shift. IMDb’s list changes daily as votes arrive, and critics revise their opinions each decade. Treat this as a trusted shortlist, not a final verdict.
The 25 Greatest Movies of All Time, Ranked
1. The Godfather (1972)
Francis Ford Coppola’s crime saga about the Corleone family is the film most often called the best ever made. It won the Oscar for Best Picture and launched two sequels. It consistently sits near the top of IMDb and appears high on the AFI list. Read more on the Wikipedia page for The Godfather. Genre: Crime drama.
2. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Frank Darabont’s prison drama was only a modest box-office performer at release, then became a home-video and TV favorite and rose to the top of IMDb’s audience ranking. Its themes of hope and friendship explain why viewers return to it. See the Shawshank Redemption overview. Genre: Drama.
3. Citizen Kane (1941)
Orson Welles’s debut feature topped the AFI’s lists in 1998 and 2007 and was long the top film in the Sight and Sound poll. Its deep-focus photography, nonlinear storytelling and unforgettable “Rosebud” mystery changed filmmaking. Learn more on Citizen Kane’s Wikipedia entry. Genre: Drama, mystery.
4. The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan’s Batman sequel proved a comic-book film could be a serious crime epic. Heath Ledger’s Joker earned a posthumous Oscar. It remains a fixture in IMDb’s top three. Read the Dark Knight page. Genre: Superhero, crime thriller.
5. Casablanca (1942)
A wartime romance with endlessly quotable dialogue, it won Best Picture and still feels fresh. Browse classic-film coverage at Turner Classic Movies. See the Casablanca article. Genre: Romance, drama.
6. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Quentin Tarantino’s interlocking crime stories won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and reshaped independent cinema with sharp dialogue and a nonlinear structure. The Pulp Fiction page covers its legacy. Genre: Crime, dark comedy.
7. Schindler’s List (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s black-and-white Holocaust drama won seven Oscars including Best Picture. It is demanding viewing but widely regarded as one of cinema’s most important works. See Schindler’s List. Genre: Historical drama.
8. 12 Angry Men (1957)
Sidney Lumet’s jury-room drama proves that a single room, twelve actors and a great script can be gripping. It remains a staple of the IMDb top five. See 12 Angry Men. Genre: Courtroom drama.
9. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Peter Jackson’s finale won all 11 Oscars it was nominated for, including Best Picture, tying the record for most wins by a single film. The whole trilogy is on most all-time lists. Genre: Fantasy epic.
10. Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s class-war thriller became the first non-English-language film to win the Best Picture Oscar, after taking the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Read about it on the Parasite page. Genre: Thriller, dark comedy.
11. Vertigo (1958)
Alfred Hitchcock’s obsessive psychological thriller topped the 2012 Sight and Sound poll and ranked second in the 2022 edition. See the Vertigo article. Genre: Thriller.
12. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Stanley Kubrick’s science-fiction landmark set the visual standard for space movies and still sparks debate. Explore the 2001 entry. Genre: Science fiction.
13. Seven Samurai (1954)
Akira Kurosawa’s epic shaped the modern action ensemble film and inspired Western remakes. See Seven Samurai. Genre: Action, historical drama.
14. Goodfellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese’s kinetic mob biography is the template for the modern gangster film. Genre: Crime biography.
15. Star Wars (1977)
George Lucas’s space fantasy transformed blockbuster filmmaking and merchandising. The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is often rated even higher by fans and critics. Genre: Space opera.
16. Inception (2010)
Another Nolan favorite, this layered heist-through-dreams thriller is a modern audience-favorite staple of IMDb’s top 20. Genre: Science fiction, heist.
17. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
One of the rare films to win all five major Oscars: Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Screenplay. Genre: Psychological thriller.
18. Spirited Away (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki’s fantasy won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and proves animation belongs on every all-time list. See the Spirited Away page. Genre: Animated fantasy.
19. Psycho (1960)
Hitchcock’s shocking horror classic changed what audiences expected from scary movies. Genre: Horror, thriller.
20. Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975)
Chantal Akerman’s slow, meticulous portrait of domestic routine topped the 2022 Sight and Sound poll, a headline-making result. It is challenging but rewarding. Genre: Art-house drama.
21. Fight Club (1999)
David Fincher’s cult favorite divides critics but is beloved by audiences and remains endlessly discussed. Genre: Psychological drama.
22. Forrest Gump (1994)
A crowd-pleasing American epic that won Best Picture and Best Actor. Genre: Comedy-drama.
23. The Matrix (1999)
The Wachowskis’ cyberpunk breakthrough changed action cinematography and visual effects. Genre: Science fiction, action.
24. Tokyo Story (1953)
Yasujirō Ozu’s quiet family drama is a favorite of directors and critics and a regular in the Sight and Sound top ten. Genre: Family drama.
25. Interstellar (2014)
Nolan’s emotional space odyssey remains a modern fan favorite and a showcase for big-screen sound and imagery. Genre: Science fiction.
Honorable mentions: Lawrence of Arabia, Rear Window, Some Like It Hot, Singin’ in the Rain, Apocalypse Now, Alien, Blade Runner, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Back to the Future, City of God, Whiplash, Moonlight and Toy Story.
Best Movies by Genre
Sometimes you do not want a general all-time list. You want the best in a particular mood. Here are strong starting points.
Best Drama Movies
The Shawshank Redemption, 12 Angry Men, Schindler’s List, Moonlight, Forrest Gump. Dramas dominate the Oscars; browse past winners on the Academy’s site and the Best Picture list.
Best Crime Movies
The Godfather, Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, The Dark Knight, Se7en. Crime is the most represented genre in the IMDb top ten.
Best Science Fiction Movies
2001: A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner, Alien, The Matrix, Inception, Interstellar.
Best Action and Adventure Movies
Seven Samurai, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mad Max: Fury Road.
Best Horror Movies
Psycho, The Exorcist, Alien, Get Out, The Shining. Horror is also well covered by Letterboxd’s community lists.
Best Comedy Movies
Some Like It Hot, Dr. Strangelove, Groundhog Day, The Grand Budapest Hotel. Comedy is the hardest genre to rank because taste is so personal.
Best Animated Movies
Spirited Away, Toy Story, WALL-E, The Lion King, Akira. Animation is no longer a niche: both critics and audiences place it among the greatest art forms.
Best Romance Movies
Casablanca, Roman Holiday, Before Sunrise, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Best War Movies
Apocalypse Now, Saving Private Ryan, Paths of Glory, 1917.
Best Documentaries
Documentary lists are best explored through Criterion and MUBI, which curate acclaimed non-fiction and world cinema.
How the Major “Best Movies” Lists Disagree (And Why)
If you look at the big rankings side by side, you will notice different winners. This is not a mistake. Each list measures something different.
| List | Who Votes | Typical Top Picks | What It Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMDb Top 250 | Registered users (weighted) | The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, The Dark Knight | Broad audience love |
| Sight and Sound | Critics and filmmakers | Jeanne Dielman, Vertigo, Citizen Kane | Artistry and influence |
| AFI 100 Years…100 Movies | Film professionals | Citizen Kane, The Godfather, Casablanca | American cinema history |
| Letterboxd Top 250 | Film enthusiasts | Mix of classics and modern favorites | Cinephile community taste |
| Rotten Tomatoes | Critics (percent positive) | Very high consensus titles | Critical agreement |
| Metacritic | Critics (weighted score) | Acclaimed art-house and classics | Intensity of praise |
What this tells you: Audience rankings favor emotionally satisfying, rewatchable stories. Critics’ polls favor formal innovation and historical importance. Neither is “right.” If you love both, look for films that appear on every list, such as The Godfather, Citizen Kane and Casablanca.
Best International Movies of All Time
The greatest films are not only American. Some of the most important cinema ever made comes from around the world. Starting points:
- Japan: Seven Samurai, Tokyo Story, Spirited Away, Rashomon. Explore director Akira Kurosawa.
- South Korea: Parasite, Oldboy, Memories of Murder.
- France: The 400 Blows, Amélie, Breathless.
- Italy: Bicycle Thieves, Cinema Paradiso, Life Is Beautiful.
- Brazil: City of God, Central Station.
- Mexico: Pan’s Labyrinth, Y Tu Mamá También.
- India: Pather Panchali, Lagaan, 3 Idiots, Drishyam.
- Germany: Metropolis, Das Boot, The Lives of Others.
Festivals are the best place to discover new world cinema. Follow Cannes, Venice, TIFF and the BAFTAs.
Best Movies by Decade
Another way to explore: pick a decade and watch its landmark.
| Decade | Essential Pick |
|---|---|
| 1920s–30s | Metropolis, Modern Times, The Wizard of Oz |
| 1940s | Citizen Kane, Casablanca, It’s a Wonderful Life |
| 1950s | 12 Angry Men, Seven Samurai, Vertigo |
| 1960s | Psycho, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Lawrence of Arabia |
| 1970s | The Godfather, Star Wars, Taxi Driver, Jaws |
| 1980s | Raiders of the Lost Ark, Blade Runner, Back to the Future |
| 1990s | The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, Schindler’s List |
| 2000s | The Lord of the Rings, The Dark Knight, Spirited Away |
| 2010s | Inception, Parasite, Whiplash, Moonlight |
| 2020s | Recent standouts including Everything Everywhere All at Once and Oppenheimer |
The 2020s list is still being written. Check the most recent Best Picture winners on Oscars.org and trending titles on Letterboxd.
How to Watch the Best Movies Today
Classic does not mean hard to find. Here is where to look.
Streaming Services
Rotating libraries mean availability changes often. Use JustWatch to see exactly where a title streams in your country. Major platforms with strong catalogs include Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Peacock.
Classic and Art-House Platforms
The Criterion Channel and MUBI focus on restored classics and international cinema. Turner Classic Movies is a trusted source for golden-age Hollywood.
Free Options
Tubi and Kanopy (with a library card) offer free films, including many acclaimed titles. Libraries also lend Blu-rays, which often include excellent extras.
Back in Theaters
Classics frequently return to the big screen. Check Fandango and Fathom Events for anniversary screenings. Seeing The Godfather or 2001 in a cinema is a completely different experience.
Buying and Collecting
Physical media from the Criterion Collection offers the best picture quality and special features for collectors.
Tip: Before you buy or rent, check ratings and content guidance on Common Sense Media, especially if you are watching with family.
How to Build Your Own “Best Movies of All Time” List
The best list is the one that fits you. Try this simple process.
- Start with the consensus. Watch the top ten from the list above.
- Note what you loved. Was it the story, performances, visuals or music?
- Follow the filmmaker. If you loved The Dark Knight, explore more Christopher Nolan films. If you loved Parasite, watch Bong Joon-ho’s earlier work.
- Cross genres. Pick one film from a genre you usually avoid each month.
- Track what you watch. Use Letterboxd or the IMDb watchlist to log ratings and write short reviews.
- Read smart criticism. RogerEbert.com’s Great Movies series is a beloved resource for understanding why classics endure.
- Revisit. Great films change as you do. Rewatch your favorites every few years.
Why Some Movies Last Forever
What turns an ordinary hit into a timeless classic? Film historians and critics usually point to five qualities.
- Universal themes. Family, justice, love, ambition, freedom and loss resonate in every culture and era.
- Craft that holds up. Writing, acting, photography, editing and music work together so well that the movie still feels sharp decades later.
- Cultural influence. The film changes what later filmmakers attempt, from camera techniques to storytelling structure.
- Rewatchability. Great films reveal new details every time you see them.
- Shared conversation. Quotes, scenes and debates keep the movie alive in everyday life.
This is why Casablanca from 1942 can sit beside Parasite from 2019 on the same list. Time does not erase a film that gets these things right.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Classic Movies
- Judging by the poster or the age. Black-and-white does not mean boring. Try 12 Angry Men or Casablanca first; both move quickly.
- Starting with the hardest titles. Slow art-house films like Jeanne Dielman are better after you have built up viewing stamina.
- Believing one list is final. IMDb, critics and the AFI measure different things, as shown in the table above.
- Watching on a tiny, noisy screen. Dim the lights, silence your phone and use good speakers or headphones.
- Skipping subtitles. Subtitled films are some of the best in the world. Give them one chance.
- Rushing a marathon. Space out the heavy titles; do not watch three dark dramas in a row.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of all time?
There is no single answer, but The Godfather, The Shawshank Redemption and Citizen Kane are the three titles most often named, depending on whether you trust audience votes or critics’ polls. Check the live ranking on IMDb.
What is the number one movie on IMDb?
For many years the top spot on IMDb’s Top 250 has been held by The Shawshank Redemption, with The Godfather and The Dark Knight close behind. The list updates continuously, so confirm the current order on the site.
What is the greatest movie according to critics?
In the 2022 Sight and Sound poll, Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles took first place, followed by Vertigo and Citizen Kane. The AFI has ranked Citizen Kane first on its American-film lists.
What movie has won the most Oscars?
Three films share the record with 11 Academy Awards each: Ben-Hur, Titanic and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. See the full history at Oscars.org.
Which movie was the first non-English film to win Best Picture?
Parasite (2019), directed by Bong Joon-ho, made history at the 2020 Academy Awards.
What are the best movies to watch first if I am new to classics?
Start with approachable, fast-paced favorites: Casablanca, 12 Angry Men, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Back to the Future and Jaws. Then move into slower or older titles.
What are the best movies of all time on Netflix or other streaming services?
Libraries change monthly. Search each title on JustWatch to see which service currently has it in your country.
Where can I watch classic movies for free?
Try Tubi, Kanopy through your public library, and free trials on major services.
Are the best movies of all time all old?
No. Modern films such as The Dark Knight, Inception, Parasite and Interstellar regularly appear in the top lists alongside older classics.
How do I find movies similar to my favorites?
Use Letterboxd’s similar-film tools, TMDB recommendations or IMDb’s “More like this” section.
Where to Start
If you only have time for a few, begin here:
- For pure storytelling: The Godfather
- For hope and heart: The Shawshank Redemption
- For cinema history: Citizen Kane
- For modern thrills: The Dark Knight or Inception
- For a global masterpiece: Parasite
- For a perfect classic romance: Casablanca
The best movies of all time are not a finish line. They are an invitation to keep watching, debating and discovering. Pick one tonight, check where it is streaming on JustWatch, and enjoy.
Want more? Browse our Entertainment section for new releases and watch guides, and bookmark this page. We update it as rankings and streaming availability change.
