120 Movies That Made Cinema History

1994 | 2h 22m | Directed by Robert Zemeckis
 

Starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright and Gary Sinise

It is not uncommon for people to consider Forrest Gump an all-time great film. The movie is full of unforgettable scenes and quotes that are still popular today. Forrest Gump tells the story of a slow-witted but kind-hearted guy from Alabama living through some significant American historical events, like Kennedy’s presidency, the Vietnam war, and the Watergate scandal. His only friend is Jenny Curran, with whom he has been friends since they were kids. As they go through school together, they fall in love, but her troubled past keeps her from having a real relationship with Forrest. The acting by Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, who play Forrest and Jenny respectively, is phenomenal. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it greatly contributed to the movie’s success.

1994 | 2h 22m | Directed by Frank Darabont
 

Starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman and Bob Gunton

No movie has ever captured the exhilaration of freedom as eloquently as Frank Darabont’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novella. Andy Dufresne is a quiet, mild-mannered banker who one day finds his life shattered when he is sent to prison for murdering his wife and her lover. While there, he makes friends with a fellow inmate, Ellis “Red” Redding, an older man who has spent most of his life in prison. The two men form a strong bond, and Andy begins to make plans for their future out of Shawshank State Prison. The Shawshank Redemption was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Writing.

1972 | 2h 55m | Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
 

Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and James Caan

Many old movies made cinema history, but this gangster classic is still widely considered the greatest movie ever made. It’s not just great because of its cinematography or dialogue, though both are exquisite. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino are absolutely stunning in their respective roles, and the rest of the cast is every bit as good. The movie tells the story of a Mafia family in New York City during the 1940s and 1950s, focusing on Michael Corleone, the youngest son of Vito Corleone, who is now taking over as the don of his family. The Godfather is a three-hour epic about an antihero who must do terrible things to protect himself and the people he cares about most. The Godfather was also ahead of its time in many ways. It was one of the first films to use a disjointed narrative structure, relying heavily on flashbacks to tell its story. This style has become common in cinematic storytelling, but The Godfather did it first and arguably did it best.

1991 | 1h 58m | Directed by Jonathan Demme
 

Starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins and Ted Levine

The Silence Of The Lambs is the psychological horror thriller that continues to be celebrated by movie lovers and critics alike. It's one of the only three movies to have won Academy Awards in all of the top five categories – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. When it was released back in 1991, the critics praised its tense atmosphere, intelligent story, and exceptional performances from Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster, who played Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling, respectively. test

1995 | 1h 21m | Directed by John Lasseter
 

Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Don Rickles

The first feature-length computer-animated film and the first feature film produced by Pixar, Toy Story became a blockbuster hit when it was released in 1995. It received widespread critical acclaim, earning three Academy Award nominations (including Best Original Screenplay) and winning a Special Achievement Academy Award for its visual effects. Toy Story is a hilarious and heartwarming tale of an old-fashioned cowboy doll named Woody and his rivalry with space ranger Buzz Lightyear for the affections of their young owner, Andy.

1999 | 3h 8m | Directed by Frank Darabont
 

Starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan and David Morse

The movie tells the story of Paul’s life as a death row corrections officer during the United States Great Depression. The Green Mile was very well received by critics, especially for its performances (particularly those of Hanks and Duncan), Darabont’s direction, cinematography, and musical score. It received multiple award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards. Stephen King called this movie the most faithful adaptation of his work.

1985 | 1h 56m | Directed by Robert Zemeckis
 

Starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and Crispin Glover

From the moment Marty McFly appears on screen, Back To The Future instantly sweeps you up in its wild adventure! It’s a tense, funny, sweet, and thrilling ride. The performances are all iconic: from Michael J. Fox’s star-making turn as Marty McFly to Christopher Lloyd’s incredible Doc Brown to Lea Thompson’s amazingly complex Lorraine Baines McFly. The visuals are amazing, even almost 40 years later. Let’s not forget the easy-to-follow plot that nevertheless keeps you guessing at every turn and still leaves room for some incredible surprises!

1998 | 2h 49m | Directed by Steven Spielberg
 

Starring Tom Hanks, Edward Burns and Matt Damon

Saving Private Ryan is an epic war drama film set during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film is notable for its graphic and realistic portrayal of war and the intensity of its opening 27 minutes, which depict the Omaha Beach assault of June 6, 1944. It follows United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller and his squad as they search for a paratrooper, Private First Class James Francis Ryan, the last-surviving brother of four servicemen. In 2014, Saving Private Ryan won five Oscars and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

1993 | 3h 15m | Directed by Steven Spielberg
 

Starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley and Ralph Fiennes

“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.” Set in Krakow during World War II, Schindler’s List tells the true story of industrialist Oskar Schindler, who becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis. He gradually involves himself in their lives through bribes and favors, ultimately saving over 1000 Jews from certain death in concentration camps. Steven Spielberg was able to get permission to film inside Auschwitz but chose not to, out of respect for the victims, so the death camp scenes were filmed outside the gates on a set constructed in a mirror image of the real location on the other side. This masterpiece earned 91 wins (including several Academy Awards) and 49 nominations.

1977 | 2h 1m | Directed by George Lucas
 

Starring Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamil

Star Wars (later rebranded as Episode IV: A New Hope) is perhaps the most revolutionary piece of popular entertainment ever created and forever changed the face of filmmaking as we know it. It’s the movie that defined a generation and launched an empire. The film that is still, after all these years, the most talked-about and beloved science fiction of all time. The series has spawned an extensive media franchise including books, television series, computer, video games, theme park attractions and lands, comic books, and other spin-off merchandise, and holds a Guinness World Records title for the “Most successful film merchandising franchise”.

2008 | 2h 32m | Directed by Christopher Nolan
 

Starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Aaron Eckhart

Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins was a breath of fresh air in 2005, the first in a spate of superhero origin stories that rethought and redefined what made a good comic book movie. But it’s 2008’s The Dark Knight that stands out as Nolan’s best, for several reasons. What makes it so great is how Nolan takes the Batman mythos which is so well known by millions of fans worldwide and makes it fresh and original. He takes a character who is so incredibly popular and makes him relevant again. He gives us a new take on the character while at the same time making him true to his comic book origins. Bale and Oldman are superb, but the late Heath Ledger gives an award-winning performance as the Joker.

2003 | 3h 21m | Directed by Peter Jackson
 

Starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen and Liv Tyler
 

Visually breathtaking and emotionally powerful, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a moving and satisfying conclusion to a great trilogy. Its scale and grandeur made it the most highly anticipated event of 2003. With its predecessors having won several awards, it had a lot to live up to, and it certainly did not disappoint. The final installment in Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy centers on the War of the Ring, with Frodo Baggins close to completing his quest to destroy the One Ring. You’ll never miss it among movie recommendations lists!

1981 | 1h 55m | Directed by Steven Spielberg
 

Starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen and Paul Freeman

This 1981 classic is, and probably always will be the ultimate Indiana Jones film. Though prerelease polling showed little interest in the movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark became the highest-grossing film of 1981. It was a critical success, receiving praise for its modern take on the serial film, its non-stop action and adventure, and the cast. The fact that Indiana Jones is still around today is a testament to the enduring appeal of this movie.

2000 | 2h 35m | Directed by Ridley Scott
 

Starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix and Connie Nielsen

Former Roman General turned slave sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family. Gladiator was met with critical acclaim and won multiple awards, including Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. Gladiator is a film that knows how to play to its audience and take risks: the death of Maximus’ family is shockingly brutal; Commodus is never painted as a black hat villain, and Maximus isn’t painted as an entirely good guy either. This complexity and willingness to venture into grey areas make Gladiator such an enduring favorite.

1974 | 3h 22m | Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
 

Starring Al Pacino, Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton
 

The sequel to one of the most influential films of all time is a staggering achievement and something as great as its predecessor, if not more. The movie guides the audience deeper into the world of the Corleone family. It’s both a continuation of Michael Corleone’s story and a prequel to his father’s, covering a wider span of time and cast of characters. The film received universal acclaim from critics and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 1993. It also became the first sequel to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, establishing itself as one of the major works in American cinema. A true masterpiece.

1990 | 2h 26m | Directed by Martin Scorsese
 

Starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci

Martin Scorsese’s gangster epic is among the most acclaimed crime films of the last three decades. Based on a true story, this tale has been hailed for its technical achievements and powerful performances from Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta, as well as the observations it makes about the criminal lifestyle. The fact-based story is endlessly fascinating, but GoodFellas wins repeat viewers with its gripping tension, black humor, and ability to make us sympathize with a group of cold-blooded killers.

2002 | 2h 21m | Directed by Steven Spielberg
 

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks and Christopher Walken

When a movie is made by Steven Spielberg and stars Tom Hanks, it’s bound to be a hit. Based on the story of real-life Frank Abagnale, Catch Me If You Can follows Frank’s life as an expert con artist. After running away from home to escape his dysfunctional family, Frank manages to forge checks worth $2.5 million before he’s even old enough to drink in most states. With Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role, Catch Me If You Can is a fun crime film that touches on more serious issues like family relationships and coming of age.

1997 | 3h 15m | Directed by James Cameron
 

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Billy Zane

A fictionalized account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as members of different social classes who fall in love aboard the ship during its ill-fated maiden voyage. With 125 wins and 83 nominations, Titanic became a massive phenomenon in cinema history and among romance fans. At the time, it was the most expensive film ever made, with an estimated budget of $200 million! Right now, it ranks third among the highest grossing movies of all time.

1980 | 2h 4m | Directed by Irvin Kershner
 

Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher

An epic space drama and the second installment of the original Star Wars trilogy. After the Rebel Alliance has been brutally overpowered by the Imperial Forces of Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda. At the same time, his friends are pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke. In a way, the trilogy’s second film is the most important of them all since it’s the one that introduced so many of the series’ most iconic elements.

1976 | 1h 59m | Directed by John G. Avildsen
 

Starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire and Burgess Meredith

The Rocky movies are the ultimate sleeper hit and have been a staple in worldwide pop culture for the past 40 years. They are based on an underdog trying to make it to the top of his career. The training scenes are epic and high-energy, and the dramatic boxing matches win the audience with their suspenseful outcomes. It was incredible to see Sylvester Stallone write and act this movie because it made the whole franchise that much more personal.