Everyone knows that there are standout movies that have shaped cinema. But there are also movies that have contributed significantly in some way, and you just have to experience it to understand how much. So, here are 20 movies everyone should watch at least once:
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
It would be impossible to make a general list of movies to watch without including The Shawshank Redemption. It’s a film that has had a lasting impact on cinema. The powerful story and impressive performances of Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins come together to form perfection.
The Godfather (1972)
I think everyone who hasn’t needs to see the trilogy. But, hopefully, once you see the first installment, you’ll get into it. The Godfather inspired a whole subgenre of Italian mafia entertainment in Hollywood. Few have come close, but Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo’s storytelling still leads the pack.
Casablanca (1942)
Casablanca is one of those rare movies that masterfully combines a bit of everything you need for a good watch. Over eighty years since its release, it has cemented itself as a story that works regardless of the era, telling a tale of love and sacrifice in times of war.
Forrest Gump (1994)
This tells a touching story of a man who doesn’t let life’s obstacles bring him down, but maintains his big heart and great personality to go on and be an American hero. It’s easy to see why the movie won six Academy Awards.
The Lion King (1994)
Honestly, if you haven’t seen The Lion King (original musical animation) yet, I’ll assume you’re either really young or there’s nothing I could possibly say to convince you to see it. But in hopes of trying, I will say it’s a fantastic experience which is almost impossible to oversell, and the music is amazing.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Whether or not you fancy action films, Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction is a film that pulls you in. The plot starts non-linearly, but the story masterfully ties it all together. The characters are ordinarily fascinating, and the actors who play them deliver brilliant performances.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Again, a fan of comic superheroes or not, you have to give the greatest superhero movie ever made a chance. Nothing in the genre has come close to achieving character development for multiple characters (Batman, the Joker, and Harvey Dent). Under Nolan’s direction, it all clicks.
Jurassic Park (1993)
I can’t speak for the sequels, but this kicked off a $6 billion franchise, so you know it was good to the point it created dedicated fans. The use of CGI in the movie was transformative, and even though the technology has significantly advanced, it still has very believable dinosaurs.
Parasite (2019)
I saw this movie just once, but it’s a story I’ve never gotten out of my mind. A weighty story graced with powerful performances, it examines the social and financial class disparity in South Korea, which also exists in most parts of the world.
Citizen Kane (1941)
For a movie that wasn’t talked about for more than a decade after its release, Citizen Kane has done remarkably well to resurface and reestablish itself as a key event in the development of cinema. Many storytelling and cinematography techniques popular today were brilliantly established here.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
This is best summed up as a timeless film for everyone. It is filled with all the moments you’d want from a movie: highs and lows, comedy, inspiration, and all-around fun as an extraterrestrial being is introduced to life on Earth. Great for the family.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
A fair bit of warning: watching this introduces you to a whole new world (assuming you’ve not read the books yet), and you just might fall deeply in love. That’s the thing about fantasy, though; it widens your imagination, transporting you to new heights, which is why you must experience this.
Fight Club (1999)
This might come off as cliche, and I’m aware of all the criticisms, but it’s still a must-watch for me. Apart from the fact that it’s a story well told, it’s a story that had to be told, satirizing the capitalist culture and its negative effects.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Suppose we were to trace back the fascination with true crime and crime procedurals that are so rampant in entertainment today. I believe we would find that this film played a significant role in its popular acceptance. It was the beginning of something new in cinema.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Hear me out. This is a brilliant movie. It is not your typical romantic comedy that relies on the usual tropes to make it work. So hello, memory-wiping technology, because a terrible heartbreak can drive you to dark places. But the way the story is told and its climax are truly amazing.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
This is a poignant portrayal of diverse high school students coming together during a Saturday detention. It delves into their struggles, breaking down stereotypes and showcasing the power of human connection, growth, and understanding amidst adolescent challenges. Impressive dialogue and stunning performances seal the deal.
The Shining (1980)
If you love(d) the book, you might not fancy the movie. After all, the author does not. But it is undeniably a great movie. There is no doubt a thrill that comes with experiencing horror movies, and only very few deliver the right amount of a commercially acceptable level of horror with a great ending like this.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
It probably oversold 2001 a bit, but the visionary storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and thought-provoking exploration of human evolution, artificial intelligence, and the mysteries of the universe from a 1968 standpoint are stunning. Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece continues to captivate audiences with its timeless and enigmatic narrative.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The vibrant journey of Dorothy, her companions, and the iconic ruby slippers in the magical land of Oz continues to captivate audiences of all ages, making it an enduring classic. The unique ability of the story to relate to different people through its characters despite the era makes it timeless.
Spirited Away (2001)
The visual quality and symbolism of Spirited Away will be almost impossible without animation. But, apart from all of that, the story is unique and brilliant at its core. We follow a 10-year-old girl who has to work to free herself and her parents from a spiritual being’s resort that they stumble onto.
