101 Best Films You Need to See: a Review of the Best of the Past 100 Years
Last updated on December 1st, 2023 at 10:32 pm
“101 best films you need to see” are certainly the films that would change you and your worldview forever.
The world of film has seen many changes over the past 100 years, from the earliest days of silent cinema to the modern era of CGI (computer-generated imagery) and streaming. With so many great films to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down a list of the top films of the past century. However, based on a combination of critical acclaim and cultural impact and educationally imperative, I have compiled a list of the top 101 films of the past 100 years.
This list includes a wide range of films from different genres, eras, and countries, showcasing the diversity and richness of the film medium.
From the silent comedies of Charlie Chaplin to the epic dramas of Martin Scorsese, this list has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a film buff or a casual moviegoer, these films are sure to entertain and inspire. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at these top films and explore their significance in the world of films. From the groundbreaking special effects of “Within Our Gate 1920” to the revolutionary storytelling of “Nomadland 2020,” these films have left an indelible mark on the medium and continue to be celebrated and revered today.
So, let’s dive into the world of cinema and explore the top 101 films of the past 100 years. But most of the suggestions came from the British Board of Film Certification, the American Film Institute, Wikipedia and IMDB.
It’s important to note that this list is not intended to be a definitive ranking of the best films ever made, but rather a collection of some of the most influential and impactful films of the past century I have found.
These films have stood the test of time and continue to be relevant, meaningful and educative for us today as well.
The list includes films from a variety of different countries and cultures, representing the global reach and impact of cinema. From the French New Wave to Indian Bollywood, these films showcase the diversity and richness of the film medium. I hope this list will inspire you to explore some of these films, whether you’re a film buff or a casual moviegoer.
These films have the power to entertain, educate, and inspire, and we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience them.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as we take a look at the top 101 films of the past 100 years.
101 Best Films You Need to See
2. All Quiet on The Western Fron (1930)
3. M (1931)
4. It Happened One Night (1934)
6. The Rules of the Game (1939)
The Rules of the Game is considered a masterpiece of French cinema and one of the greatest films ever made. The film is set in a French estate and focuses on the relationships between a group of wealthy upper-class characters, examining themes of class, love, and morality.
8. The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
9. Rebecca (1940)
12. Bicycle Thieves (1942)
Bicycle Thieves (also known as The Bicycle Thief) is considered a masterpiece of the neorealist movement, which depicted post-World War II Italy through a realistic and unembellished lens. The film follows a poor man in Rome who needs his bicycle to work, and the struggle to survive in post-war Italy.
13. Going My Way (1944)
14. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
16. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
19. An American in Paris (1951)
20. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
22. From Here to Eternity (1953)
25. The Night of the Hunter (1955)
26. Pather Panchali (1955)
27. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
28. The Searchers (1956)
30. Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
32. Vertigo (1958)
34. Imitation of Life (1959)
35. Ben-Hur (1959)
36. The Apartment (1960)
37. Psycho (1960)
38. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
39. The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
41. Cleopatra (1963)
42. My Fair Lady (1964)
44. A Man for All Seasons (1966)
45. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
46. The Graduate (1967)
47. Oliver (1968)
48. Midnight Cowboy (1969)
49. Patton (1970)
50. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
51. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
53. Chinatown (1974)
54. All the President’s Men (1976)
55. Annie Hall (1977)
57. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
58. Ordinary People (1980)
60. Gandhi (1982)
61. Amadeus (1984)
62. Platoon (1986)
64. Rain Man (1988)
66. Dances With Wolves (1990)
67. The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
69. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
70. Pulp Fiction (1994)
71. Forrest Gump (1994)
72. The Before Trilogy (1995-2013)
74. Se7n-Seven (1995)
75. Fargo (1996)
76. The English Patient (1996)
78. Titanic (1997)
79. Shakespeare In Love (1998)
80. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
82. In the Mood for Love (2000)
83. Gladiator (2000)
84. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
85. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
86. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
87. The Room (2003)
88. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
89. The Notebook (2004)
90. The Departed (2006)
91. The King’s Speech (2010)
92. The Tree of Life (2011)
93. Life of Pi (2012)
95. Birdman (2014)
97. Spotlight (2015)
98. Moonlight (2016)
100. Parasite (2019)
101. Nomadland (2020)
Conclusion
As we come to the end of our journey through the top 101 best films of the past 100 years, it’s clear that the medium of film has had a profound impact on the world.
From the earliest days of silent cinema to the modern era of CGI and streaming, these films have entertained, educated, and inspired audiences for decades. It’s important to note that this list is not intended to be a definitive ranking of the best films ever made, but rather a collection of some of the most influential and impactful films of the past century. These films have stood the test of time and continue to be relevant and meaningful today.
We hope that this list has inspired you to explore some of these films, whether you’re a film buff or a casual moviegoer.
These films have the power to entertain, educate, and inspire, and we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience them.
As you watch these films, we encourage you to share your thoughts on which ones you think should be included in a top film list. We would love to hear your thoughts on what films you think are the best of the best and why.
So, grab some popcorn, sit back and enjoy the cinematic journey that the top 101 best films have to offer.
