Discover the Top 20 Masterpieces – Must-See Movies of All Time

---

Sometimes, all we need is a good movie that can entertain us, teach us and leave us with food for thought. Movies that we can’t get out of our minds for days, weeks or even months after watching them. These type of films are true masterpieces of cinema and the ones that outlive generations. Get ready to embark on a journey where every movie lover should travel.

The Godfather (1972)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

It’s impossible to start this list without including “The Godfather”. This timeless classic takes us to the mafia world where honor, family and power come together to create an epic tragedy. The film explores themes of loyalty, brutality, family and morality, while introducing iconic characters that have become cultural references.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

“Forrest Gump” is a tale of one man’s journey through a life filled with adventure, heartbreak and the power of kindness. This Oscar-winning film teaches us about perseverance, forgiveness and living life to the fullest, by seeing the world through the eyes of an unlikely protagonist, Forrest Gump.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Directed by Frank Darabont

“The Shawshank Redemption” is a powerful story that explores the themes of hope, friendship and the search for redemption. This film follows the life of two prisoners as they develop a bond through their shared experiences of imprisonment, and strive towards gaining their freedom.

Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

Directed by George Lucas

This science fiction masterpiece introduced audiences to a futuristic world of adventure, romance and epic battles. The film teaches us the value of bravery, friendship and the importance of fighting for what we believe in. It’s no wonder this film has become a cultural phenomenon.

Titanic (1997)

Directed by James Cameron

“Titanic” is an epic romantic drama that explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of love. Set against the backdrop of the ill-fated Titanic’s voyage, this movie is a story of sacrifice, heartbreak and the resilience of the human spirit.

Psycho (1960)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

“Psycho” is a psychological thriller that has become infamous for revolutionizing the way audiences experience fear on screen. The film follows the haunted life of a young man who grapples with his mental health, while murder looms in the background threatening the very foundation of his existence.

Citizen Kane (1941)

Directed by Orson Welles

“Citizen Kane” is an exploration of power, corruption and ego. This film tells the story of a media mogul and his obsession with control, as well as the experiences of the people who knew him best. Welles’ masterpiece is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made due to its innovative direction and hauntingly self-reflective script.

12 Angry Men (1957)

Directed by Sidney Lumet

“12 Angry Men” is a blistering commentary on the American justice system through the lenses of twelve jurors. This film challenges concepts of innocence and guilt, perception, prejudice and personal biases, as well as the finer points of law that can make or break a man’s life.

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

“Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” combines adventure and action with a historical fiction-packed plot and humor, making for an unforgettable ride from beginning to end. Harrison Ford’s ​​Indiana Jones reminds us of the heritage of the adventurer within all of us and He reveals courage and valor over quick-wittedness in all the mesmerizing stunts and action pieces.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

“Saving Private Ryan” is a poignant movie about sacrifice, brotherhood, war, masculinity and relationships. This is one of Spielberg’s greatest works, incorporating themes only cinema could convey with visuals and music in a way that’s enduring.

Ben-Hur (1959)

Directed by William Wyler

“Ben-Hur” is a sprawling epic packed with action, emotion and unforgettable visuals. The film recounts the journey of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince whose life takes an unexpected turn leading him on an ambitious quest for its audience’s redemption.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Directed by David Lean

“Lawrence of Arabia” is about taking a leading figure and placing it amidst incredibly romantic and intoxicating locations. For an experience that’s breath-taking, stars Peter O’Toole as T.E. Lawrence, a British Officer assigned to work with native Mohammedans during World War I.

Jaws (1975)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

This film set the standard for big summer blockbusters—an edge of your seat journey to catch a giant man-eating shark. Amidst all of the suspense, action, and science fiction situations sunk a commentary on environmental negligence.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

Directed by Milos Forman

Hallowed Melvladges in Peck’s Academy D&Block, this movie won 5 Academy Award Icons and still shines bright among others. Set in an in-patient psychiatric ward for disturbed patients—it stars Jack Nicholson trying to rally up patients to rebel against Nurse Ratched, played exemplary by Louise Fletcher.

Terminator Judgment Day (1991)

Directed by James Cameron

“Terminator Judgment Day” continued fleshing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic T-800 character where the cyborg machine is set the mission to deter Skynet’s overthrow as a humanity’s protector. Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor changed things & her sole effort to avert robots from taking over humanity make us embrace awareness for future.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

If you are deep into cinema experimentation, there is no way you ditch “Pulp Fiction” that embodies non-linear storytelling; equally refreshing as unconventional, a cast filled with prevalent characters ahead of its time including Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace, Samuel L. Jackson as Jules Winnfield and John Travolta

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Directed by Irvin Kershner

The fifth episode of the world wide phenomenon marked Fett mania and Jedi lightsaber fixations onto screens. But what drove more than enthusiasm is Lucas elevating his game to another level, with a chilling storyline involving Hoth Weather battling the empire and the interplay between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker.

Fight Club (1999)

Directed by David Fincher

“Fight Club” is an often-discussed breed comprising brutally good action,chimeras, psychedelic portrayal of split-personality. Making dressing statements and highlighting conformity through big house mortgage ideologies and credit card ties—finishing minutes onboard a collapsing glass paradise does away with flings and opinions you cherish into the world shredder and what remain standing could be often glazing and awakening.

The Matrix (1999)

Directed by The Wachowski Brothers ({akaTheWachowskis)

A superhero melee movie was tagged to frame social consciousness, Neo is less of a hero than it is representative of everyone and unlike other dark superhero flicks, his whole message is extrapolated with thoughtful, intelligent contemplation about the way we see ourselves as individualistic failures who needs visual encouragement for a change. “The Matrix” has jaw collective references to “Alice in Wonderland,” and even more specifically “Nineteen Eighty-Four” and Luis Bunuel.

The Godfather: Part II (1974)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

Rarely do sequels measure up to their former, however, “The Godfather: Part II” is an exception to this practice. Stunningly picturing Michael Corleone’s ascension to the top mantle, alternate storyline serves depth and closer examination. Coppola portrayed a finale tune that stimulated melancholy reflecting the vision of death and what is lost in pursuit of power.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Directed by Jonathan Demme

“The Silence of the Lambs” is not your average MGM bloodthirsty fest rebroadcast on Cinema or TV. It’s nuanced revisionism was uniquely untouched off-limits anatomically-aimed misery to prove itself profitable grade motion pictures and the most memorable psychological thriller yet evident, running truly bone-chilling cinematography combined with Director Demme craft and subverting gender-gaze acting powerhouses like Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins.

These top 20 masterpieces combine crafted narratives and memorable characters with other-worldly directors and an abundance of perspective to stand-in time as testaments to cinematic genius. Whether you define the superhero in The Matrix, drama in The Godfather to race through Pulp Fiction, one thing’s for certain: you won’t regret the journey that each of these movies will take you on.