Three Colors: Blue
The intentionality of Kieslowski combined with the emotionally engaging, well-acted attempt at listlessness from Binoche carry Three Colors: Blue to a place of cinematic greatness.
Billy Elliot
The characters and story of Billy Elliot, portrayed excellently by its leading cast, turn this coming-of-age tale into something even more universal and topical and earn this film a place among the greats.
Inside Llewyn Davis
If the Coen Brothers, folk music, good acting, and/or great writing are your thing, Inside Llewyn Davis has them all in spades, and that amalgamation earns it a spot among the Greatest Films of All Time.
The Decline of Western Civilization
The way that Penelope Spheeris presents the world of Los Angeles punk in The Decline of Western Civilization leaves plenty of open-endedness for the audience to explore it further, piquing the interest without trying to take a preachy stance about the music, earning it a spot in music and cinematic history worthy of reverence.
This Is Spinal Tap
This Is Spinal Tap is the perfect mockumentary – self-aware, intelligent, hilarious, and authentic in its message – and it stands the test of time in both its portrayal of the music industry and in its many bits of humor, earning it an irrefutable place among the Greatest Films of All Time.
Walk the Line
With Johnny Cash’s music underpinning the whole thing, Walk the Line shines among 21st century biopics thanks to its director’s (and subject’s) willingness to air out all the dirty laundry and thanks to the unforgettable performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon in the leading roles.
Amazing Grace
Aretha Franklin’s enrapturing performance takes the audience to church while showcasing her formidable abilities as one of the greatest musicians and vocalists of all time in this classic take on a new “concert” film, earning Amazing Grace a place among the Greatest Films of All Time.
Amy
Amy’s celebration of Winehouse’s music, life, and career does justice to the incredibly talented young star who was taken too soon while also serving as a critique of the increasingly vocal public and our response to anything other than “perfection” from our celebrities, making it a documentary worthy of a place among the Greatest Films of All Time.
Searching for Sugar Man
By utilizing cinematography seldom seen in documentaries and by allowing its subject’s music to be the driving force of the documentary, Searching for Sugar Man wins the audience over easily and earns its place among the Greatest Films of All Time.
The Blue Angel
Josef von Sternberg adapts the work of Heinrich Mann well, bringing out the best in his two leads – Jannings and Dietrich – as they weave the tale of a fall from grace in classic style, achieving a place among the greats.
The Fabulous Baker Boys
Pfeiffer and the Bridges brothers bring plenty of talent to the table in The Fabulous Baker Boys, and the film’s iconic piano-top scene and excellent score help elevate it to a place where it feels believably deserving of a place among the greats.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
John Cameron Mitchell’s many roles as director, actor, and writer coalesce into a singular piece of excellent film in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, bolstered also by his co-writer Stephen Trask’s musical pieces, making the film one of the greatest ever made.
Anvil: The Story of Anvil
By telling a story that transcends the norms of its genre by focusing on the characters at the heart of the band, Anvil: The Story of Anvil elevates itself to a place of honor among music documentaries.
Crazy Heart
An excellent original country music soundtrack interplaying with an all-time great performance from Jeff Bridges turns Crazy Heart from a run-of-the-mill music fictional biography into one of the Greatest Films of All Time.
Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me
Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me provides a touching tribute to a great artist and a meaningful look into the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s, highlighting the good parts without ignoring the difficulties.
20 Feet from Stardom
20 Feet from Stardom has reached its place of greatness because it provides a plethora of familiar connections for audiences while introducing them to something new that they may never have thought to ask about in a beautiful blend of storytelling and interviews that touches on industry and societal issues.