While internet popularity can be a fickle and fleeting thing, in the case of IMDb, there are a few top-rated movies that tower above their rivals and stand the test of time. Moviegoers can rate the films they see on the website, and some are cemented as being at the top of their class. Seen by many as the go-to resource for film ratings and opinions, the ten most-voted films are usually, if not some of the best movies of all time. At the very least, IMDb’s top movies are comfortably the internet’s favorite movies and are likely recognizable to most viewers.
As IMDb continues to be a popular resource for those looking for must-see 10-star movies, its ratings and number of voters also constantly change as more viewers flock to the site to share their opinions about their favorite films. For the most-voted movies on the platform, they remain above these shifts, except for some subtle differences in their ranking and number of votes.
35. ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)
Votes: 1.3 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.4
Once the highest-grossing movie of all time as well as the cinematic event that aimed to cap off the first era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Endgame stuck the landing and became the defining blockbuster of the modern era. The film directly follows the disastrous events of Avengers: Infinity War, with the remaining Avengers embarking on a quest to defeat Thanos and restore the half of the universe that was wiped away in the snap.
Acting as a culmination of over a decade’s worth of films with various characters, moments, and callbacks to Marvel’s history, Avengers: Endgame was a glorious love letter to fans that became an instant fan favorite. The film has also quickly become the staple and icon for the entire MCU as a whole, increasing its popularity not just with fans of the franchise but with general audiences as well. Considering IMDb’s love for various other MCU projects, it would make sense that they would have an overwhelming love and support for the franchise’s biggest success story.
Avengers: Endgame
- Cast
-
Chris Hemsworth
, Anthony Mackie
, Paul Rudd
, Robert Downey Jr.
, Scarlett Johansson
, Mark Ruffalo
, Evangeline Lilly
, Sebastian Stan
, Josh Brolin
, Elizabeth Olsen
, Tom Holland
, Don Cheadle
, Samuel L. Jackson
, Bradley Cooper
, Karen Gillan
, Brie Larson
, Paul Bettany
, Chris Evans
, Jeremy Renner
, Chadwick Boseman - Runtime
-
182 Minutes
34. ‘Back to the Future’ (1985)
Votes: 1.4 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.5
One of the most influential and acclaimed sci-fi comedies of the 80s, the classic misadventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown in the original Back to the Future have been widely beloved by audiences for decades. The film follows young Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) who is accidentally sent back in time to 1955, where he accidentally gets in the way of his parents’ first meeting. Before Marty can travel back to the present, he will have to find a way to get his parents back together or else he risks erasing himself from history.
Back to the Future has surmounted a powerful legacy as the quintessential time travel comedy film, making the most out of the changes in culture over 30 years with its cast of wildly lovable characters and moments. After various sequels and being deeply ingrained into pop culture as an iconic 80s classic, Back to the Future continues to be one of the most popular sci-fi films of all time thanks to its inherent charm and endless sense of style.
Back to the Future
- Release Date
-
July 3, 1985
- Director
-
Robert Zemeckis
- Cast
-
Michael J. Fox
, Christopher Lloyd
, Crispin Glover
, Lea Thompson
, Claudia Wells
, Thomas F. Wilson
, Marc McClure
, Wendie Jo Sperber
, George DiCenzo
, Frances Lee McCain
, Billy Zane
, J.J. Cohen
, Casey Siemaszko
, James Tolkan
, Harry Waters, Jr.
, Donald Fullilove
, Lisa Freeman
, Cristen Kauffman
, Elsa Raven
, Will Hare
, Ivy Bethune
, Jason Marin
, Katherine Britton
, Jason Hervey
, Maia Brewton - Runtime
-
116 minutes
33. ‘Memento’ (2000)
Votes: 1.4 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.4
Nearly all of Christopher Nolan‘s films have found themselves getting great deals of praise and attention from IMDb users, with this sentiment similarly being reflected in one of the director’s first big hits, Memento. The film follows Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a man who is dealing with crippling short-term memory loss while at the same time on a determined hunt for the man who murdered his wife. While he remembers his life before his accident, Leonard ends up forgetting anything else that happened to him beyond the past 15 minutes.
Memento is what helped cement and define Nolan as a visionary when it came to exceptional and non-standard storytelling, with the film’s groundbreaking non-chronological sequence of events feeling brilliant and seamless in its execution. The film jumps back and forth between the chronological beginning and end of its story, slowly but surely meeting in the middle at the end of the film, where a monumental twist serves to contextualize everything and tie it all together.
- Release Date
-
May 25, 2001
- Runtime
-
113 minutes
32. ‘The Godfather Part II’ (1974)
Votes: 1.4 Million | IMDb Rating: 9.0
One of the most critically acclaimed and widely beloved sequels of all time, The Godfather Part II is a certified masterpiece of gangster drama filmmaking and further amplified the strengths of the already masterful original film. The film acts as both a sequel and a prequel to the original films, balancing the continued story of Michael Corleone’s rising power and influence as well as the humble beginnings of a young Vito Corleone growing up in Sicily and 1910s New York.
Nearly all of the fundamental strengths and praises that are sung towards the original Godfather film can be similarly said about this masterfully crafted sequel, in some ways even going beyond the original film. The film is often right alongside its predecessor in conversations of the greatest films of all time, as well as easily being considered the greatest sequel of all time. The film’s legacy and impact continues to grow year after year as one of the finest pieces of art that cinema can provide.
The Godfather Part II
- Release Date
-
December 20, 1974
- Director
-
Francis Ford Coppola
- Runtime
-
202minutes
31. ‘Avatar’ (2009)
Votes: 1.4 Million | IMDb Rating: 7.9
The current highest-grossing movie of all time, James Cameron’s science fiction masterpiece Avatar is one of the greatest feats of technology on film to date, bringing to life a vast alien world in a way never seen before. The film follows paraplegic space Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), who in the 22nd century finds himself being dispatched to the intergalactic moon Pandora on a reconnaissance mission. While there, his mind is sent into an alien Pandora body, where he will travel among the Pandora people and end up learning their ways and civilization.
Thanks to its status as the highest-grossing film of all time and being at the forefront of visual effects in blockbuster filmmaking, it’s no shock that Avatar ranks among the most-watched films on IMDb. While the film doesn’t have nearly as high of a rating as the other massively watched films on the site, its impact and legacy on modern filmmaking is still largely undeniable, with the series continuing to have a stranglehold on the industry with Avatar: The Way of Water and the various other upcoming sequels.
- Release Date
-
December 18, 2009
- Director
-
James Cameron
- Runtime
-
162 minutes
30. ‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)
Votes: 1.4 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.7
Star Wars is one of the most acclaimed and recognizable names not just in the world of sci-fi but filmmaking as a whole, with the first true sequel in the franchise, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back possibly being the best in the franchise. The film sees Luke Skywalker and the rebel forces continuing their struggle against the nefarious Galactic Empire, with Luke traveling off to a barren planet to receive training from the aging Jedi master, Yoda. At the same time, Darth Vader proves to be more determined than ever to lay waste to rebel forces and capture Luke.
The Empire Strikes Back features some of the most iconic and defining moments in sci-fi cinematic history, from deeply creative worlds and possibilities to one of the greatest twists in movie history. It found a way to build upon the stakes and up the ante over the original film in nearly every way, giving additional depth and excitement to the franchise that would define it in the decades to come. As Star Wars continued to grow and become one of the biggest franchises on the planet, the popularity and rewatchability of The Empire Strikes Back would grow alongside it.
- Release Date
-
May 20, 1980
- Director
-
Irvin Kershner
- Cast
-
Harrison Ford
, Mark Hamill
, Carrie Fisher
, Billy Dee Williams
, Anthony Daniels
, David Prowse
, Peter Mayhew
, Kenny Baker
, Frank Oz
, Alec Guinness
, Jeremy Bulloch
, Jason Wingreen
, John Hollis
, Jack Purvis
, Des Webb
, Kathryn Mullen
, Marjorie Eaton
, Clive Revill
, Kenneth Colley
, Julian Glover
, Michael Sheard
, Michael Culver
, John Dicks
, Milton Johns
, Mark Jones - Runtime
-
124 minutes
29. ‘The Green Mile’ (1999)
Votes: 1.5 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.6
One of the most legendary and beloved Stephen King adaptations of all time, The Green Mile has held a powerful reputation as one of cinema’s most powerful tearjerkers. The film follows the story of gentle giant John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), who while on death row in a Southern prison finds that he’s attained the unexplainable ability to heal people’s ailments. The cell block’s head guard Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), attempts to do all that he can to delay the execution in order to make the most out of John’s wonderful gift.
The Green Mile is often in conversation as one of the best period dramas of all time, with IMDb having similar levels of praise for the film, with it holding a spot as the #27 top-rated film of all time. This high status has resulted in more and more eyes being brought to the masterful piece of filmmaking, made even further by the fact that director Frank Darabont is also known for directing another one of IMDb’s highest-rated films (one that will appear later in this list).
The Green Mile
- Release Date
-
December 10, 1999
- Director
-
Frank Darabont
- Runtime
-
189 Minutes
28. ‘The Departed’ (2006)
Votes: 1.5 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.5
One of many masterful films by director Martin Scorsese, The Departed was the film that finally earned him his coveted win for Best Director at the Academy Awards, as well as winning Best Picture in the process. The film is a duo story that sees an ongoing struggle between the police force of South Boston and the Irish Mafia, with both sides sending an undercover spy to infiltrate the other. While the undercover cop begins currying favors with the kingpin and the career criminal rises through the police ranks, both groups begin to realize that there are moles within.
The Departed has the type of instantly recognizable and exhilarating premise that it’s no surprise that the film became as much of a cultural and critical hit as it ended up becoming. Scorsese has also always been a widely popular filmmaker on IMDb, with each of his filmmaking efforts receiving great amounts of attention and praise, yet The Departed still stands out as one of his finest efforts thanks to its Best Picture victory.
The Departed
- Release Date
-
October 6, 2006
- Runtime
-
151 minutes
27. ‘The Prestige’ (2006)
Votes: 1.5 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.5
One of many mind-melting and exciting films from director Christopher Nolan, The Prestige sees his take on the wild world of magicians, combining it with technology to create a gripping high-stakes drama. The film follows the increasingly fierce rivalry between former co-working magicians Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), as they are constantly trying to find ways to one-up the other and discover the secrets of their respective tricks. Their rivalry soon takes a dangerous turn as the obsession reaches its apex point, where the only inevitability remaining is death.
Nolan’s entire filmography is among the most popular films on IMDb, with The Prestige being no exception, yet still standing out thanks to its lack of fantastical special effects or action setpieces. The inherent mystery and story in The Prestige, however, is perfectly in line with Nolan’s filmmaking tendencies, with a powerful and iconic twist that has left IMDb members coming back again and again. The film also holds a spot as the #43 highest-rated film on IMDb, adding to the attention that it receives from the site’s users as a whole.
- Release Date
-
October 20, 2006
- Runtime
-
130 minutes
26. ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’ (1977)
Votes: 1.5 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.6
The first entry in what is arguably the most iconic and recognizable movie franchise of all time, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope changed the landscape of sci-fi filmmaking forever and has enchanted audiences for decades. The film follows plucky young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and renegade pilot Han Solo (Harrison Ford) as they find themselves on an unexpected rescue mission to save Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) from the clutches of the evil galactic Empire.
Being the first installment in what would become one of the longest-running and widely acclaimed cinematic franchises of all time, it’s no question that A New Hope would receive so much attention and praise from IMDb users. While other Star Wars films and series may have higher average IMDb ratings, A New Hope‘s status as the first installment ends up drawing in the most attention when it comes to new viewers as well as those reexperiencing the franchise as a whole.
- Release Date
-
May 25, 1977
- Director
-
George Lucas
- Cast
-
Mark Hamill
, Harrison Ford
, Carrie Fisher
, Alec Guinness
, David Prowse
, James Earl Jones
, Frank Oz
, Anthony Daniels
, Kenny Baker
, Peter Mayhew
, Peter Cushing - Runtime
-
121 Minutes
25. ‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)
Votes: 1.5 Million | IMDb Rating: 9.0
The magnum opus of legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, Schindler’s List has consistently been in conversation as one of the greatest and most acclaimed films of all time ever since its release 30 years ago. The film follows the incredible true story of businessman Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), in his pivotal and important role in using factory jobs as a way to save over a thousand Jewish lives from the Nazis during the holocaust and World War II.
Much like many of the other movies in the IMDb Top 250, Schindler’s List‘s high placement on the site as the #6 best film of all time brings many more eyes and attention to check it out and provide their own votes. This is all on top of the massive legacy that the film had already cemented for itself before this point, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture and being one of the most influential dramas of the 90s. The only thing holding this back from having as many votes as others in the top 10 is the movie’s gargantuan 3+ hour length, which is daunting to some casual viewers.
- Release Date
-
December 15, 1993
- Runtime
-
195 minutes
24. ‘The Avengers’ (2012)
Votes: 1.5 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.0
The first true crossover and quintessential chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers proved the concept of a shared universe and took the world by storm in a way that had never truly been seen before. The film follows Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., who enacts the “Avengers Initiative” in calling together a group of heroes in order to stop a new global threat.
Seeing characters from four different blockbuster movies coming together in a beautiful, hilarious, and action-packed thrill ride made a massive splash among audiences, and set the MCU up for success in the decade to come. Even still, as the franchise has seen theoretically higher highs and greater moments, the original crossover event film still has a special place in the eyes of the IMDb user base, as it’s still the most voted and popular among the entire franchise.
The Avengers
- Release Date
-
May 4, 2012
- Director
-
Joss Whedon
- Cast
-
Chris Evans
, Robert Downey Jr.
, Mark Ruffalo
, Chris Hemsworth
, Scarlett Johansson
, Jeremy Renner
, Tom Hiddleston
, Clark Gregg
, Cobie Smulders
, Stellan Skarsgård
, Samuel L. Jackson
, gwyneth paltrow
, Paul Bettany
, Alexis Denisof
, Tina Benko
, Jerzy Skolimowski
, Kirill Nikiforov
, Jeff Wolfe
, M’laah Kaur Singh
, Rashmi Rustagi
, Powers Boothe
, Jenny Agutter
, Arthur Darbinyan
, Donald Li
, Warren Kole - Runtime
-
143 minutes
23. ‘Shutter Island’ (2010)
Votes: 1.5 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.2
One of many iconic and masterful films by director Martin Scorsese, Shutter Island‘s high tension, powerful mystery, and iconic twist has helped the film become a fan favorite among the IMDb user base. The film follows the story of soldier turned U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is in the middle of investigating the mysterious disappearance of a patient from the hospital for the criminally insane. However, his search proves to be much more difficult than expected, as he is riddled with an array of troubling visions as well as a strange, unknown doctor.
While Scorsese has certainly had higher-rated and more beloved films both before and since Shutter Island, its timing of release, all-star cast, and mystery element have helped it find a massive audience on IMDb. The film’s 2010 release coincides with the most popular era of the site’s history, bringing many eyes to the newest release from one of the most beloved and acclaimed directors of all time following up on his legendary Best Picture win, The Departed. This, combined with the also high popularity of DiCaprio in 2010, skyrocketed the film to being one of the most watched and rated on the site.
Shutter Island
- Release Date
-
February 19, 2010
- Runtime
-
138 minutes
22. ‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)
Votes: 1.5 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.6
A technological marvelstone and one of many masterpieces from Steven Spielberg at the height of his career, Saving Private Ryan is one of the first films that people think of when they think of war dramas. The film follows a group of U.S. troops who, after storming the beaches of Normandy in World War II, come to the realization that three brothers died on the battlefield, with the fourth now being trapped behind enemy lines. In order to save him and give the family some refugee, Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) and a group of seven men are tasked with going behind enemy lines in able to bring Private Ryan home.
The film’s striking and nightmarishly realistic portrayal of WWII battles and the carnage of warfare left a powerful impact on audiences that can still be felt today as one of the most influential American war films of all time. The film was largely touted as one of Spielberg’s best throughout the 2000s and 2010s, leading to many IMDb users watching and raving about the film and its masterful execution. The film now sits on IMDb as the #24 highest-rated movie of all time, continuing to draw in a larger and larger audience atop its pedestal as one of the highest rated war films on the site.
- Release Date
-
July 24, 1998
- Runtime
-
169 minutes
21. ‘Joker’ (2019)
Votes: 1.6 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.4
One of the most infamous and controversial superhero movies of all time, Joker‘s gritty, R-rated origin story of the clown prince of crime quickly made a name for itself as one of the most defining films of the generation. The film follows the story of failed stand-up comedian Arthur Fleck as the struggles and tribulations of society slowly but surely fracture his mind and transform him into the vicious villainous figure, The Joker. The film also featured a brilliant lead performance by Joaquin Phoenix, who won his first Academy Award for his work in the film.
Joker found the perfect balance between awards contention and mass controversy that quickly made it a must-watch film. Critics were widely divided on the film, audiences fell in love with the film, news outlets were discussing the dangerous aspects of the film’s themes and messaging, and all of this combined quickly made Joker one of the biggest films of recent memory. It became the first R-rated film to gross over a billion dollars, and with the upcoming sequel on the horizon, the film’s legacy and popularity only continue to grow day by day.
Joker
- Release Date
-
October 2, 2019
- Runtime
-
122 minutes
20. ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)
Votes: 1.6 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.6
A cinematic masterpiece and still the first movie many think of when considering psychological horror, The Silence of the Lambs is an award-winning film directed by Jonathan Demme based on Thomas Harris‘ eponymous 1988 novel. It tells the story of a young FBI trainee, Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), who asks the imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) for help in her pursuit of a serial killer, “Buffalo Bill” (Ted Levine).
Hopkins’ performance as the brilliant psychiatrist and notorious cannibal helps cement the character as a pop culture icon. The timeless film’s cat-and-mouse game between Clarice and Lecter, coupled with Buffalo Bill’s gruesome crimes, creates a suspenseful atmosphere that’s still just as riveting upon a well-deserved rewatch today. The votes on IMDb prove that Silence of the Lambs deserves all the praise it received.
The Silence of the Lambs
- Release Date
-
February 14, 1991
- Runtime
-
118 Minutes
19. ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)
Votes: 1.6 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.2
Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort‘s career as a stockbroker as outlined in his eponymous 2007 memoir, director Martin Scorsese‘s The Wolf of Wall Street is a renowned dark comedy movie. It revolves around the charismatic stockbroker’s (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) experiences as he rises to financial success after opening his own firm, which engages in fraud and other criminal activities. It also chronicles his epic downfall after his infamy catches the attention of the authorities.
A fantastic movie about excess, the high-energy, darkly comedic exploration of Belfort’s unbridled ambition is wholly original and wildly entertaining. This unapologetic portrayal of the chaotic and hedonistic world of Wall Street in the 1990s has understandably been a point of debate among critics and audiences, but it doesn’t take away from the film’s enduring popularity.
- Release Date
-
December 25, 2013
- Runtime
-
180 Minutes
18. ‘Batman Begins’ (2005)
Votes: 1.6 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.2
Christian Bale‘s Batman is introduced to millions of fans in Christopher Nolan‘s first entry in The Dark Knight trilogy, Batman Begins. The first in the legendary superhero movie trilogy tells the origin story of the legendary DC anti-hero, all the way to his fight against Ra’s al Ghul (Liam Neeson) and the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy), who want nothing more than to see Gotham in shambles.
The 2005 movie would mark an important turn in the superhero genre, proving that blockbusters can be infused with gritty realism and psychological depth, particularly for the iconic character it portrays. Its depiction of Batman’s journey from a traumatized orphan to the caped crusader captures the character’s complexities and inner turmoil with ease, laying the groundwork for what many still consider to be the best film series that depicts the anti-hero.
- Release Date
-
June 15, 2005
- Cast
-
Ken Watanabe
, Liam Neeson
, Gary Oldman
, Tom Wilkinson
, Linus Roache
, Christian Bale
, Katie Holmes
, Mark Boone Junior
, Michael Caine
, Rutger Hauer
, Cillian Murphy
, Morgan Freeman - Runtime
-
140 Minutes
17. ‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)
Votes: 1.6 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.4
One of Quentin Tarantino‘s most iconic films, Inglourious Basterds is a unique war movie set during World War II that follows a group of American soldiers led by Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), as they embark on a mission to hunt and exterminate Nazis. Another plot running alongside this is Shosanna Dreyfus’ (Mélanie Laurent) plan to assassinate Nazi Germany’s leadership, and the two stories collide in an explosive way.
Tarantino’s movie is a remarkable combination of historical drama, dark humor, and intense action, with its unexpected narrative structure only enhancing the unfolding events. It’s a one-of-a-kind humorous portrayal of what is one of the darkest periods of history. Of course, career-best performances from actors like Christoph Waltz (for his portrayal of the villainous Colonel Hans Landa) add depth and an element of rewatchability to the 2009 film.
- Release Date
-
August 21, 2009
- Runtime
-
153 minutes
16. ‘Gladiator’ (2000)
Votes: 1.7 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.5
Director Ridley Scott‘s Gladiator is a masterwork in the historical drama genre. Starring Russell Crowe as Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius, the film portrays his great fall following a betrayal by the emperor’s overly ambitious son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Instead of accepting defeat, Maximus works his way up in the arena and swears vengeance, fighting against numerous foes to reach the very top and leave an important message for the emperor himself (with many onlookers).
The film is full of thunderous spectacles that are flawlessly choreographed battles between gladiators, perfectly complemented by a powerful score by Hans Zimmer. Crowe’s commanding performance anchors the film, which traces his path to Commodus – and to revenge – in a way that will have viewers rooting for him until the very end. At this point, Gladiator is an essential revenge movie with a dramatic story that benefits from Scott’s direction.
- Release Date
-
May 5, 2000
- Cast
-
Russell Crowe
, Joaquin Phoenix
, Connie Nielsen
, Oliver Reed
, Richard Harris
, Derek Jacobi
, Djimon Hounsou
, David Schofield
, John Shrapnel
, Tomas Arana
, Ralf Moeller
, Spencer Treat Clark
, David Hemmings
, Tommy Flanagan
, Sven-Ole Thorsen
, Omid Djalili
, Nicholas McGaughey
, Chris Kell
, Tony Curran
, Mark Lewis
, John Quinn
, Alun Raglan
, David Bailie
, Chick Allan
, David J. Nicholls
, Al Hunter Ashton
, Billy Dowd
, Giannina Facio
, Giorgio Cantarini - Runtime
-
155 minutes
15. ‘Django Unchained’ (2012)
Votes: 1.8 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.5
A fan-favorite Western directed by Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained tells the story of the titular slave (played by Jamie Foxx) who gains his freedom when he encounters a German bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz). The duo embarks on a dangerous journey across the country to look for Django’s wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), who is revealed to have been sold to a cruel plantation owner, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio).
Widely regarded as one of Quentin Tarantino’s best movies, Django Unchained is a modern masterpiece that is unflinching in its use of irreverent humor and stylistic violence to delve into racism and slavery. With stellar performances from its cast (most notably resulting in DiCaprio’s glass scene) and no shortage of sharp dialogue, it’s easy to see why the offbeat film became mainstream.
- Release Date
-
December 25, 2012
- Runtime
-
165 Minutes
14. ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ (2002)
Votes: 1.8 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.8
It’s hard to call any of director Peter Jackson‘s The Lord of the Rings movies bad, but if fans had to pick the weakest entry in the trilogy, it would probably be The Two Towers. Picking up where the first movie left off, the film follows Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam’s (Sean Astin) increasingly risky journey to Mordor, as well as Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli’s (John Rhys-Davies) literally breathtaking pursuit of the Uruk-hai who have kidnapped the lovable duo Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd).
The epic LotR masterpiece does an excellent job of accomplishing the gargantuan task of bridging the two movies in an exciting enough way that leaves audiences wanting more, but not dissatisfied. One of its many highlights and arguably the best is its dramatic portrayal of the Battle of Helm’s Deep, also called the Battle of the Hornburg, which sees some beloved characters up against impossible odds. Its high number of votes on IMDb is a testament to just how many people likely have this bookmarked as part of their annual marathons of the acclaimed film trilogy.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
- Release Date
-
January 15, 2002
- Runtime
-
179 Minutes
13. ‘Se7en’ (1995)
Votes: 1.9 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.6
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The twisty crime thriller to end all twisty crime thrillers, director David Fincher‘s Se7en set a new standard and elevated the genre when it first premiered in the late 90s. The legendary film is centered on two detectives, the disillusioned William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and his rookie partner David Mills (Brad Pitt). The detectives are assigned to a bizarre case about a serial killer using the seven deadly sins as inspiration for his gruesome yet meticulous murders.
Famous for its unforgettable twist ending, Se7en gives viewers an enthralling story with brilliantly suspenseful moments that build up to its wild conclusion. It was a surprisingly especially dark entry from Fincher, who established numerous trademarks in this film. Fantastic performances from Freeman and Pitt make the flawless material they have to work with even better. It’s a movie that captured lightning in a bottle, and one that continues to be referenced, discussed, and studied today.
- Release Date
-
September 22, 1995
- Runtime
-
127 minutes
12. ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012)
Votes: 1.9 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.4
Set eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, director Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises is the gripping conclusion to his award-winning film trilogy. It depicts Gotham in a state of uncharacteristic peace thanks to the Dent Act, which is unsurprisingly soon disturbed by the iconic villain, Bane (Tom Hardy). Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is forced to come out of retirement one last time to face this new threat, with the help of the reliable Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) and an exciting new ally, Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman (Anne Hathaway).
A great example of a final movie done right, The Dark Knight Rises is a proper send-off for the beloved anti-hero, who’s impossible not to root for at this point. Gotham’s fate hangs in the balance as the caped crusader meets yet another foe. Of course, it’s Tom Hardy’s portrayal of the villainous Bane that manages to outshine heroic attempts from the protagonist, and will forever be associated with this massively successful trilogy.
- Release Date
-
July 16, 2012
- Runtime
-
164 Minutes
11. ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)
Votes: 2 Million | IMDb Rating: 9.0
The closer to Peter Jackson’s trilogy of films adapting J.R.R. Tolkien‘s seminal fantasy novels is blockbuster filmmaking done right. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King provides a satisfying conclusion to the nearly nine hours of story. This film sees Aragorn claim his birthright as the King of Gondor, possibly the most outstanding cavalry charge ever put to film, after an unbelievable struggle. It also includes the final leg of Frodo and Samwise’s grueling journey towards the eventual destruction of the ring and the defeat of the big bad, Sauron.
This film holds a three-way tie for the most-awarded film in Oscars history, with Ben-Hur and Titanic all sharing the illustrious honor of taking home 11 awards. Perhaps as much an acknowledgment by the academy of the monumental achievement the trilogy as a whole was, The Return of the King also marked one of the rare times in history where the big winner was an epic, crowd-pleasing fantasy film.
- Release Date
-
December 17, 2003
- Cast
-
Elijah Wood
, Ian McKellen
, Liv Tyler
, Viggo Mortensen
, Sean Astin
, Cate Blanchett
, John Rhys-Davies
, Bernard Hill
, Billy Boyd
, Dominic Monaghan
, Orlando Bloom
, Hugo Weaving
, Miranda Otto
, David Wenham
, Karl Urban
, John Noble
, Andy Serkis
, Ian Holm
, Sean Bean - Runtime
-
201 Minutes
10. ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001)
Votes: 2.1 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.9
The task of adapting The Lord of the Rings trilogy that Tolkien spent most of his lifetime developing — and had a massive influence on the genre as a whole — was perhaps rightly seen as one that was, for all intents and purposes, impossible. However, Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema decided to take on the challenge — and it paid off.
Is the beginning of a tale better than the end? The internet certainly seems to think so, as The Fellowship of the Ring places above the conclusion to the trilogy. Why this is so is anyone’s guess — but The Fellowship of the Ring is certainly an excellent, well-made film that does a great job of introducing the characters, their motivations, and the stakes of the story. It sees gorgeous depictions of the Shire, the creation of the Fellowship, and the first hints of the terrible antagonists they’ll be facing along the way (including themselves). Among the three films, it’s the most rewatchable, not just because it came first, but also due to the magical and nostalgic viewing experience it offers.
- Release Date
-
December 19, 2001
- Cast
-
Elijah Wood
, Ian McKellen
, Liv Tyler
, Viggo Mortensen
, Sean Astin
, Cate Blanchett
, John Rhys-Davies
, Billy Boyd
, Dominic Monaghan
, Orlando Bloom
, Christopher Lee
, Hugo Weaving
, Sean Bean
, Ian Holm
, Andy Serkis - Runtime
-
178 Minutes
9. ‘The Godfather’ (1972)
Votes: 2.1 Million | IMDb Rating: 9.2
Rarely does a film so completely transcend the medium’s limits to become a staple of popular culture, but The Godfather is an odd confluence of factors. A niche Hollywood had thought dead, a young, maverick filmmaker with the vision to revitalize the gangster movie genre, and one of the best casts of all time combine to bring this all-time classic to life.
The Godfather portrays Mario Puzo‘s mob novel on the big screen, depicting the life of the head of a mafia, Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), as well as his reluctant son’s – Michael (Al Pacino) – path to joining him and eventually taking control. It’s mobster drama at its best, portraying the betrayals, violence, and familial conflicts, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at a compelling crime family. It’s tough to find fault with this film — everything from the script to the production design, the cinematography, pacing, action, and acting are all top-notch. The Godfather gave viewers a glimpse into the inner workings of a mafia, which revolutionized an entire genre of filmmaking.
The Godfather
- Release Date
-
March 24, 1972
- Director
-
Francis Ford Coppola
- Cast
-
Marlon Brando
, Al Pacino
, James Caan
, Robert Duvall
, Richard S. Castellano
, Diane Keaton
, Talia Shire
, Gianni Russo
, Sterling Hayden
, John Marley
, Richard Conte
, Al Lettieri
, Abe Vigoda
, Rudy Bond
, Al Martino
, Morgana King
, Lenny Montana
, John Martino
, Salvatore Corsitto
, Richard Bright
, Alex Rocco
, Tony Giorgio
, Vito Scotti
, Tere Livrano - Runtime
-
175 minutes
8. ‘The Matrix’ (1999)
Votes: 2.1 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.7
“What is the Matrix?” is a seemingly simple question, but one that perplexed and intrigued audiences as part of one of the most effective marketing campaigns in history. An odd combination of the height of stunt work, exciting new technologies, and philosophical contemplation of humanity’s relationship with machines combined to make The Matrix a massive hit and a cultural phenomenon. It introduced the world to Keanu Reeves‘ Neo, who could be the one that could save humanity from a grand illusion, at least according to Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne).
This film holds a special place in many people’s hearts, and it’s easy to see why. It changed the way blockbusters were made, introducing the world to bullet-time and revolutionary special effects, not to mention toe Keanu Reeves’ acting chops as an action star. It’s worth noting that it’s still considered the best one in the Matrix franchise, and is still worth watching again today.
The Matrix
- Release Date
-
March 31, 1999
- Runtime
-
136 minutes
7. ‘Interstellar’ (2014)
Votes: 2.2 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.7
Another ambitious film from Nolan, Interstellar is considered one of the best sci-fi movies of all time. Set in a dystopian future where blight is causing the rapid decline of life on earth, the film focuses on a former pilot and now farmer named Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), who finds a secret NASA location and is soon placed in charge of a mission that could be humanity’s last hope. As he leads his team through a wormhole, they don’t expect what they find on the other side.
Interstellar hit every mark, from its stunning visual effects and commendable scientific accuracy to its outstanding performances and surprising emotional depth. Alongside its epic intergalactic story, it tells a more intimate father-daughter narrative that eventually influences Cooper’s mission. Judging by its number of votes, it’s safe to say that it is the movie for sci-fi fans who have likely gotten their dose of space, mind-bending physics, and dystopian settings on more than one rewatch.
- Release Date
-
November 7, 2014
- Runtime
-
169 Minutes
6. ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)
Votes: 2.3 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.9
Pulp Fiction is the film that cemented Quentin Tarantino as a creative force in Hollywood. It uses a non-linear narrative structure to depict a variety of arcs, which include two hitmen who have darkly humorous conversations, an actress who gets in trouble after a fun night out, and a Bonnie-and-Clyde-esque couple who hype themselves up for a robbery.
It’s hard to put a finger on precisely what makes this film so good — an all-star cast trading barbs with each other from Tarantino’s whip-smart script and playing with editing conventions to tell a non-linear story are two of the top reasons. But perhaps most of all, Pulp Fiction is just cool. There’s no other word for it. From the stylish hitmen played with panache by Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta to the soundtrack of absolute bangers from start to finish, this film epitomized the mid-90s. It’s one of the most influential American films of the decade.
- Release Date
-
October 14, 1994
- Runtime
-
154 minutes
5. ‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)
Votes: 2.3 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.8
Known for his crowd-pleasing films, director Robert Zemeckis is at his most crowd-pleasing when he introduces the world to the journey of Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) as he goes from being an impoverished child in Alabama to having an unlikely impact on events that shaped the world in the 20th century. Life is like a box of chocolates for the protagonist, whose stories range from participating in the Vietnam war to working on a shrimp
While undeniably a heartwarming affair and being incredibly acted across the board, particularly in Hanks’ case as the titular character, the film isn’t known for its subtlety. Some of its aspects haven’t aged well, but the 1994 classic hasn’t lost its place in the hearts of many fans. Forrest Gump is undoubtedly very charming, and still holds an important place in pop culture.
Forrest Gump
- Release Date
-
July 6, 1994
- Runtime
-
142 minutes
4. ‘Fight Club’ (1999)
Votes: 2.4 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.8
David Fincher’s grungy, punk-infused adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk‘s novel of the same name is one of the defining cult classics of the 1990s. Combining psychological thriller, comedy, and fight movie into one tantalizing package, Fight Club is dirty, unapologetic, depressing, and exhilarating all in the same breath — not to mention pulling off one of the best twists in cinema history.
It tells the story of the Narrator (Edward Norton), a man living with insomnia who one day meets an eccentric soap salesman, Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). Together, they start an underground fight club for men with similar pent up rage and frustration about the world – it also comes with a set of important rules. Presenting a nihilistic worldview that many disaffected young people resonate with, Fight Club reflects the youth culture of the 1990s as disillusionment and a sense of hopelessness are the defining traits of the story. Tyler Durden’s powerful words and well-written story left a lasting impression on an entire generation.
Fight Club
- Release Date
-
October 15, 1999
- Runtime
-
139 minutes
3. ‘Inception’ (2010)
Votes: 2.6 Million | IMDb Rating: 8.8
Having proven his ability to make money at the box office, Christopher Nolan was given a large budget and relative creative freedom for his next big hit. Inception was a concept that had been in Nolan’s head since the days of Memento — and a perfect combination of timing, funding, and ideas came together for him to make it in the style that he had always envisioned.
The wild sci-fi film follows the mysterious Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his team as they go on their most ambitious heist yet. The professional thief is used to stealing information from the subconscious, but it’s his first attempt at implanting an idea. In the process, Cobb’s personal demons begins to bleed into the various dreamscapes they walk into, endangering his and his team’s lives. Nolan was able to take this complex plot and combine it with some of the most spectacular visual effects ever seen in film, easily turning Inception into one of the most popular movies of all time.
- Release Date
-
July 16, 2010
- Cast
-
Leonardo DiCaprio
, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
, elliot page
, Tom Hardy
, Ken Watanabe
, Dileep Rao
, Cillian Murphy
, Tom Berenger
, Marion Cotillard
, Pete Postlethwaite
, Michael Caine
, Lukas Haas
, Tai-Li Lee
, Claire Geare
, Magnus Nolan
, Taylor Geare
, Johnathan Geare
, Tohoru Masamune
, Yuji Okumoto
, Earl Cameron
, Ryan Hayward
, Miranda Nolan
, Russ Fega
, Tim Kelleher - Runtime
-
148 minutes
2. ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)
Votes: 3 Million | IMDb Rating: 9.0
Proving just as adept at adapting existing material as he is at crafting his own unique stories, Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy has stood the test of time. While the other two films form practical bookends for the trilogy, The Dark Knight genuinely stands out. It’s centered on Batman (Christian Bale) as he attempts to clean up Gotham with the support of Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). But when a new and dangerous antagonist emerges, the city is plunged into chaos.
Considered by many to not be so much a great superhero film but instead, a sprawling crime epic where the protagonist and antagonist happen to dress in costume, The Dark Knight — elevated by the late great Heath Ledger’s distinct and legendary take on the Joker — is quite simply one of the best blockbusters ever made, and an undeniably brilliant, engaging piece of cinema. It’s rightly never excluded from any discussion of the highest-rated movies of all time and narrowly makes it as one of the 10/10 movies on IMDb.
- Release Date
-
July 18, 2008
- Cast
-
Christian Bale
, Heath Ledger
, Michael Caine
, Morgan Freeman
, Nestor Carbonell
, Ritchie Coster
, Cillian Murphy
, Chin Han
, Gary Oldman
, Eric Roberts
, William Fichtner
, Aaron Eckhart
, Maggie Gyllenhaal
, David Dastmalchian
, Anthony Michael Hall - Runtime
-
152 Minutes
1. ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)
Votes: 3 Million | IMDb Rating: 9.3
After being put in prison for a crime he says he didn’t commit, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sent to Shawshank — one of the worst prisons in the state. Not the kind of man who is cut out for prison life, Dufrense befriends Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman), and the two men bond during their time inside together, maintaining their hope in a place where it appears there’s none to be had.
The closest to a 10/10 as the film with the highest IMDb rating (at 9.3), The Shawshank Redemption is, without a doubt, a triumph. One of the best films ever made about hope and the human spirit, Frank Darabont directs the best-rated movies among his Stephen King adaptations — showing another side to the horror master. Anchored by Freeman and Robbins’ fantastic chemistry, it is a great film that has stood the test of time.
The Shawshank Redemption
- Release Date
-
October 14, 1994
- Director
-
Frank Darabont
- Runtime
-
142 minutes
- Main Genre
-
Drama
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