Highly-Rated Movies You Should Watch
Here’s a curated list of highly-rated movies that have captivated audiences and critics alike. From epic fantasy to gripping crime dramas, these films offer a diverse range of cinematic experiences.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) - 8.8/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Writers: J.R.R. Tolkien (novel), Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson
Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom
About: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, released in 2001, is the first installment in Peter Jackson’s epic The Lord of the Rings trilogy, adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy novel. It sets the stage for an unforgettable journey.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) - 8.8/10
Director: Sergio Leone
Writers: Luciano Vincenzoni, Sergio Leone, Agenore Incrocci, Furio Scarpelli, Mickey Knox
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef
About: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, directed by Sergio Leone in 1966, is the final chapter in his Dollars Trilogy. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the film follows three gunslingers, each with a piece of the puzzle to a buried treasure. Their uneasy alliance and constant betrayals make for a thrilling Western.
Pulp Fiction (1994) - 8.8/10
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Writers: Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary
Stars: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson
About: Pulp Fiction, a 1994 American black comedy crime film directed and co-written by Quentin Tarantino, is a cinematic masterpiece. Known for its witty dialogue, violence, and non-linear storytelling, it’s a pop-culture phenomenon that has influenced countless films. Its darkly humorous style has led critics to consider it a “post-classical noir film.”
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) - 8.9/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Writers: J.R.R. Tolkien (novel), Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson
Stars: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen
About: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, released in 2003, is the epic conclusion to Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Based on the second and third volumes of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, it’s a cinematic triumph that swept the Academy Awards, winning all 11 of its nominations, a feat matched only by Ben-Hur and Titanic. It also marked the first time a fantasy film won Best Picture.
Schindler’s List (1993) - 8.9/10
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writers: Thomas Keneally (novel), Steven Zaillian
Stars: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley
About: Schindler’s List, a 1993 American film directed by Steven Spielberg, tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It’s a powerful and moving portrayal of courage and compassion in the face of unimaginable horror.
12 Angry Men (1957) - 8.9/10
Director: Sidney Lumet
Writers: Reginald Rose, Reginald Rose
Stars: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam
About: 12 Angry Men, a 1957 American black-and-white film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, is a compelling courtroom drama that explores the complexities of the American legal system. The film takes place almost entirely in a single jury room, where twelve jurors must decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. It’s considered one of the greatest films ever made, particularly for its exploration of justice, prejudice, and the power of reasonable doubt.
The Dark Knight (2008) - 9.0/10
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writers: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan
Stars: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
About: The Dark Knight, a 2008 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, is the second installment in his Dark Knight trilogy. Batman, along with James Gordon and Harvey Dent, forms an alliance to combat organized crime in Gotham City. However, their efforts are thwarted by the Joker, a criminal mastermind who plunges the city into chaos. Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The Godfather: Part II (1974) - 9.0/10
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Writers: Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo
Stars: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall
About: The Godfather: Part II, released in 1974, is both a sequel and a prequel to The Godfather. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, it tells two parallel stories: Michael Corleone’s rise to power and Vito Corleone’s early life as an immigrant in New York City. Widely considered one of the greatest sequels ever made, it won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The Godfather (1972) - 9.1/10
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Writers: Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola
Stars: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
About: The Godfather, a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is an adaptation of Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name. Starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, it tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful Mafia dynasty. The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in cinematic history, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) - 9.2/10
Director: Frank Darabont
Writers: Stephen King (short story), Frank Darabont
Stars: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
About: The Shawshank Redemption, a 1994 American film directed by Frank Darabont, is based on Stephen King’s novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. The film tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker wrongly convicted of murder, and his life in Shawshank State Penitentiary. Despite not being a box-office success upon its initial release, it has since become a cult classic and is consistently ranked as one of the greatest films of all time.
