Man on Wire
It transcends the typical trappings of nonfiction film, incorporating techniques typically only found in crime thrillers to make a truly entertaining documentary that’s almost a crowd-pleaser.
Good Night, and Good Luck.
Arguably, the importance of the message and themes of Good Night, and Good Luck. has only increased in the twenty years since its release.
We Were Here
The barebones style of documentary filmmaking showcased in We Were Here makes it a highly effective form of information distribution, earning it a place among the all-time greats.
The Brutalist
Strong performances and fantastic visuals earned The Brutalist enough recognition from critics, audiences, and awards bodies to earn it the title of top film of 2024 according to this blog’s formula.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a powerfully acted film that reminds us of our duty to stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves, especially in the world we currently live in, certainly deserving of mention alongside great films.
Letters from Iwo Jima
Clint Eastwood has given us a superior war film in Letters from Iwo Jima that brilliantly portrays the dehumanizing nature of warfare with poignant stories that humanize those we often view as the enemy, fully deserving of a spot among the Greatest Films of All Time.
The Lion in Winter
Across the board, the film is well acted and well-put-together, providing a weighty and deeply engaging treat for any who give it the time of day, fully deserving of recognition among the greats.
Beyond Utopia
Their stories still make it worth catching if that’s something you’re interested in learning more about, and it is an impressive documentary on those fronts, mostly deserving of its accolades.
Inside Job
If you care about bringing lasting change in modern politics and economics, you need to watch this film.
Chimes at Midnight
Welles takes the lion’s share of the credit for the greatness of Chimes at Midnight in both his direction and acting, giving us a portrayal of the works of Shakespeare that stay true to the original content while highlighting their universal nature, earning the film a spot among the greats along the way.
Son of Saul
While Son of Saul is not quite as ubiquitously digestible as Spielberg’s Schindler’s List or Benigni’s Life Is Beautiful, it still offers yet another unique and impactful take on the Holocaust that goes beyond showcasing its horrors or garnering sympathy for its victims to celebrate the will of those who lived through it, earning this film also a spot among the greats.
Harlan County U.S.A.
Harlan County U.S.A. presents a hopeful and realistic look at the plight of laborers and unions in the United States, showcasing the potential efficacy of media in cooperation with the common person and earning a place of greatness in the process.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
The ways that Won’t You Be My Neighbor stays true to the message and legacy of Mr. Rogers are what makes the film so excellent, offering an equal parts biography of Rogers and life lesson from the man himself even beyond the grave.
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.
The Nun’s Story
Between Audrey Hepburn’s strong leading character study and the thematically appropriate cinematography, The Nun’s Story captures something about an era of film that deserves a place among the greats.