Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Infinity War is one of the most ambitious films in the history of film, managing to bring together ten years of worldbuilding into one satisfying film with a seriously iconic villain.
I Lost My Body
I Lost My Body’s unique structure and premise are what make it so great. Simple narrative, basic themes, and a mildly problematic attempt at romance keep it from rising higher on this list, but originality makes it a film that still bears watching.
Boiling Point
Stephen Graham’s skilled performance as Chef Andy and the film’s genuinely stressful one-shot cinematography help the audience see past Boiling Point’s lack of major statements about the many issues that dance around its periphery.
What’s Love Got to Do with It
Powerful messaging about overcoming abuse and abusers to go along with stellar performances from Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne as Tina and Ike Turner make What’s Love Got to Do with It a difficult, but compelling watch.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Quality exploration of relevant themes and well-crafted makeup and costumes help sell Planet of the Apes as one of the greats.
The Breadwinner
The Breadwinner serves as a reminder of the importance of story to a world in crisis and an encouragement to those living under extremism and oppression that resistance is possible and a good thing to do.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Solid anime action combined with a deep exploration of what it means to be human keep Ghost in the Shell relevant more than twenty-five years after its original release.
East of Eden
The universal nature of East of Eden’s story, its fresh take on the biblical Cain and Abel narrative, and the phenomenal performances of James Dean and Jo Van Fleet establish the film as a truly Great Film.
We are the Best
A film that truly understands what it is to be punk and be a young teenager, We Are the Best, compels its audience to recall their own middle school days and friendships and to never give up on a dream.
Julia (1977)
Award-winning performances help keep Julia among the ranks of great films despite a convoluted story and lack of thematic cohesion.
Wonder Woman
Despite some minor plot holes and a less-than-satisfying final fight, Wonder Woman delivers a solid, funny, engaging superhero origin film with some of the best action sequences from the last ten years.
A Simple Plan
Compelling themes and solid story-work create the framework for a Great Film in A Simple Plan, despite hit-and-miss acting and a tough-to-stomach story
Spellbound (1945)
Thanks to a unique take on its genre, strong leading performances, and the tried-and-true formula of Hitchcock, Spellbound forms itself into a film worthy of the title “Great”.
Steve Jobs
An impressive script combined with skillful acting performances throughout help create a unique biopic that does more to explore the character of Steve Jobs than to give a summary of his life or to pass judgement on the man who made Apple what it is today.
tick, tick… BOOM!
tick, tick… BOOM! is one of the best films from 2021 thanks to a strong leading performance from Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson, very fun and catchy musical numbers, and a heartfelt story about human connection.
Men in Black
Charismatic leads and a host of well-crafted entertainment factors define Men in Black, making it not only one of the best sci-fi films ever but one of the greatest films ever.
Black Orpheus
Dance numbers with purpose, intentional cinematography, and innovative developments of a classic myth help make Black Orpheus a Great Film.
Beasts of the Southern Wild
The uniqueness of the setting combined with skillfully designed and portrayed character development and compelling thematic elements help make Beasts of the Southern Wilds a rewarding watch.
Footlight Parade
Some of the best musical choreography ever put on screen combined with mostly well-aged comedy and impressive acting performances help make Footlight Parade one of the greatest films of all time.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind succeeds as a film thanks to its resonant and well-communicated theming and its beautiful art style that is played out in its unique postapocalyptic setting.