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When it comes to cinema, we all have our preferences. Some of us are more into horror films, and others like comedies. But there’s a certain type of movie that unites us all: the aesthetically pleasing movies. 

If you’re unfamiliar with the term “aesthetically pleasing,” let us explain. It’s a film that has beautiful cinematography and aesthetics. But an aesthetic movie doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good one (even if tons of them are)—it just looks good. It’s so good your eyes could pop out to say, “Thank you for deciding to watch this.”

What Is It About an Aesthetic Movie That Works?

There’s something about the way some good films look, feel, and sound that can make them a truly special experience. The graceful transitions from one scene to another, the lighting, the special effects. This kind of movie makes you stop rummaging through your popcorn and stare, even if it’s just for a minute or two during the opening scene or a change of pace.

It’s undoubtedly one of the best parts about being a film lover, wanting to see what filmmakers do with their skills and creativity. You want to see how they’re using their craft. That’s why we’ve created this list of the most aesthetic movies (according to cinephiles)—so you can give them a watch, know exactly what we’re talking about, and appreciate their beauty even more!

#1

Howl’s Moving Castle

A couple from Howl’s Moving Castle is standing on a field with flowers and huge clouds in their background

2004 | 1h 59m | Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Studio Ghibli has quite a reputation for making visually stunning movies, but Howl’s Moving Castle is arguably one of Studio Ghibli’s greatest and most beautiful films. The story follows Sophie, a teenage girl who ends up cursed by a witch to look like an old woman. The film contains strong anti-war messages and depicts aging as something positive that grants the main character freedom.

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#2

2001: A Space Odyssey

A man in a red astronaut costume walks in a space shuttle

1968 | 2h 29m | Directed by Stanley Kubrick
 

A masterpiece of film-making, Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is a visual feast that has inspired many generations of filmmakers. It is an influential epic science fiction film that explores the themes of human evolution, technology, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrial life. Upon its release, the movie received critical acclaim and won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects.

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#3

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Grand Budapest Hotel on the hill with pine tree woods

2014 | 1h 39m | Directed by Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson’s 2014 film is a quirky comedy-drama that draws you in with its colorful sets and an offbeat ensemble cast of characters. The Grand Budapest Hotel is his most visually stunning movie yet, with an aesthetic so unique it’s hard to believe he built it from scratch. It’s the kind of film you want to pause every few minutes and marvel at what you’re looking at.

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#5

The Fall

A man on the horse is in the dunes

2006 | 1h 57m | Directed by Tarsem Singh

The Fall’s cinematography is absolutely stunning. The director, Tarsem Singh, is a visual master who makes the movie look like the world has been painted on film. It’s not just about the visuals, though: the plot of this criminally overlooked movie is phenomenal, and it’s so interesting how Roy Walker and Alexandria, the two main characters, see the events differently and based on their own life experiences.

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Hawkmoon
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just look at the black and white intro scene (avalaible on YT). A masterpiece in itself. The rest of the movie is visualy stunning and if you're curious about the way an elephant swim, well...

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How to Build Aesthetic Movie Scenes?

When you’re aspiring to make an aesthetic film, everything matters! There are no insignificant details in the shot. A good director and their team will always ensure that the way the characters are dressed, the space is set and decorated down to the smallest trinkets, how symmetrically the scene is blocked, and how interesting the lighting is. And since movies aren’t only what you see onscreen, many go as far as creating aesthetic movie posters that reflect the beauty behind their film.

#6

Dune

Couple running from monster eye rising from dunes in the background

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LeeAnne B
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This movie had absolutely amazing visuals. The scenery was not simply background but gave depth to the storyline.

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#7

The Lord Of The Rings

Frodo Baggins standing on the balcony in mountain city

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Ranger Kanootsen
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh, this is one of my favourite series of all time! The scenery is stunning and the story is so awesome

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#8

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

Stranger in the High Plains Drifter standing with a cigarette in his mouth and mountains in his background

1966 | 2h 58m | Directed by Sergio Leone
 

Let’s jump back in time to the spaghetti western era of the 1960s. Spaghetti westerns are so-called because they were typically filmed in Europe, often with Italian directors and crews, even though most of them are set in the American Southwest. Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone was the king of this genre, and despite creating many beautiful movies, this film is arguably his masterpiece and shows off incredible cinematography.

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Dash Blue
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am only at movie #6, and I have all ready forgotten the theme of this thread. What is wrong with me?

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#9

What Dreams May Come

A man with the dog walks in the garden with a lot of flowers

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DennyS (denzoren)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember watching this a few years ago and my goodness was it worth it. A very unique story and the wonderful Robin Williams.

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#10

Blade Runner 2049

Man on the bridge and a big girl like hologram pointing a finger at him

2017 | 2h 44m | Directed by Denis Villeneuve

We’re sure everyone knows about this movie by now, but if not, it’s the sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi classic starring Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard. Blade Runner 2049’s runtime has been criticized, but those (almost) 3 hours are mostly worth it. The cinematography is top-notch, with some really beautiful shots throughout the film. The story is great, too, but it’s safe to say that this movie hits more for the visuals than the plot’s pacing and lacks the dramatic depth of the first movie.

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#11

Annihilation

Two deer in a forest

2018 | 1h 55m | Directed by Alex Garland
 

Annihilation follows a group of military scientists who enter “The Shimmer,” a mysterious quarantined zone full of mutating landscapes and creatures. It’s beautifully shot, has an incredible soundtrack, and features amazing performances by the entire cast. Aside from being a gorgeous movie, it also has a fascinating story that stands out from other sci-fi movies that use similar tropes.

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DennyS (denzoren)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The movie was awesome but please also check out the book (part of The Southern Reach Trilogy). I can't recommend it enough, the books are amazing.

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#12

Hero

Asian man in black clothes standing and the armored army stands behind him

2002 | 2h | Directed by Yimou Zhang

Hero is an excellent introduction to Chinese cinema with its remarkable story of loyalty, honor, and brotherhood. The action sequences are truly marvelous, but it isn't just all flash — the characters and story are what make it shine. It became the first Chinese-language movie to place first at the American box office and was also nominated for Best Foreign-Language Film at the Academy Awards. Its outstanding cinematography has been awarded at the Hong Kong Film Awards and the New York Film Critics Circle Awards.


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#13

Marie Antoinette

A woman in a cream dress relaxing in a chair surrounded by many cakes and a maid near her

2006 | 2h 3m | Directed by Sofia Coppola
 

Sofia Coppola’s film about the life of Marie Antoinette before she became Queen of France stars Kirsten Dunst as the title character, who is portrayed as a charming but naive teenager forced to marry Prince Louis XVI. From the stunning costume design that uses beautiful and vibrant colors to the art direction and sets, the whole movie is like watching a fairy tale come to life on screen!

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#15

Lawrence Of Arabia

A man riding a camel in the plain desert

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Ranger Kanootsen
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I so hoped to see this film on here, and I'm glad that I have! One of my all time faves in terms of scenery, and the soundtrack is awesome too!

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Is Movie Aesthetic More Important Than the Story? 

Some filmmakers are well-known for their obsession with film aesthetics. One name that immediately comes to anyone’s mind is Wes Anderson, whose movies are so visually recognizable. Other masters of the craft include Hayao Miyazaki, Stanley Kubrick, and many more.

Some beginner filmmakers try to copy their visual styles and build their movie aesthetic with meticulous detail. But there’s one thing every director should remember: while the image is important and contributes to the film a lot, no amount of aesthetically pleasing shots will save your movie if your story is weak, incoherent, or boring.

#16

The Green Knight

A man standing on the rocks with a large axe lifted up in his right hand

2021 | 2h 10m | Directed by David Lowery
 

David Lowery’s epic medieval fantasy follows the journey of King Arthur’s reckless nephew, who embarks on a quest to battle against the legendary Green Knight. It’s a beautiful movie, made even more so by its inventive use of color and composition. The cinematography is spectacular, with wide shots and close-ups that are both gorgeous to look at and great for storytelling purposes.

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Wintermute
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great movie if you're a hard core anglophile or history major. So much of it was in subtext that if you're not familiar with the source material (and there's a lot) then you'd be forgiven for thinking it's a dud. Fortunately for me, I AM an anglophile, so personally I think it's a masterpiece.

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#17

Interstellar

Two men walking in a unreal rocky place

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Dash Blue
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please, somebody tell me that I should watch Interstellar. I have thought about watching the movie many times, over many years, but I have been hesitant.

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Chich
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Worth a watch although parts can be slow for some. I grew quite fond of the robots.

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Alex Robinsky
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11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good sci-fi? Yes. Brainy? Yes. Aesthetically pleasing and "blessing for eyes"? Not even close. Nolan films are never about aesthetics.

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#24

Avatar

Two Avatars walking in purple glowing unrealistic nature

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LeeAnne B
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This, for me, was the first step into immersive CGI. I had never experienced a concept of an alien planet so similar and yet so different, with its own particular magic. Stunning visuals if a bit heavyhanded on the message.

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#25

Pan's Labyrinth

Ofelia is in the forest with the monster tree

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DennyS (denzoren)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Excellent movie, more graphic than I expected but it was all worth the progression of the story.

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#26

The Prince Of Egypt

Two persons on a horse in front of the city

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#32

TRON: Legacy

Woman and man in cyberspace preparing for disc battle

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Enrique
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heavily underrated movie, with one of the best soundtracks in history (Daft Punk!)

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#33

Life Of Pi

A young man with a tiger in a white boat is in the waters

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LeeAnne B
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This stands out as one of the most memorable films I've ever seen. There are scenes that still stay with me, like photographs I recall back to. It was a magnificent piece of storytelling. The scene where Pi in his lifeboat floats on a perfectly still ocean, slick as a mirror is incomparable.

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#39

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

Willy Wonka and four other characters wear funky sunglasses and are in a chocolate factory

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Stephanie Did It
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's either W***y Wonka (1st film version) or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2nd film version, pictured here).

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#40

Black Swan

Black Swan

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Onion Cutting Ninja
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fun fact: for this scene, the cameraman is not showed in the mirror because he is not a character in the movie.

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#43

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

 Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

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DennyS (denzoren)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you've only seen Jim Carrey in wacky comedies, please please watch this.

#46

The Martian

The Martian

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DennyS (denzoren)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What I enjoyed most about this movie is that at no point did any of what happened seemed unfeasible. You believed it happened. One of the only movies I've been able to watch twice at theatres.

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#48

Everything Is Illuminated

 Everything Is Illuminated

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spirit wolf
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finally!! Finally this movie is being acknowledged. I think about this movie all the time for years some odd reason.

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