300 Essential Movies To Watch Now

Welcome to our updated guide to the 300 Essential Movies To Watch Now, which features incredible must-watch movies from the 1920s to today! In our annual refresh, we’re sticking with the list’s original vision as a definitive source of movie guidance and education for all ages and stages, whether you’re a seasoned film buff or just starting out, while reflecting new trends and significant movies uncovered over the past year. We’re also just making sure we give you some really good movies to watch.

You may remember from years past that this guide was capped at 200 movies. By adding space for 100 more, we’re skipping the annual internal staff debate about what to add and what to take out while upholding the guide’s mission of a balanced, entertaining document. We’ve now expanded the silent era selections (like Pandora’s Box and Dracula), inserted plenty of sparkling Golden Age Hollywood classics (The Lady Eve, The Philadelphia Story, To Be Or Not To Be), and got in more animation (from Pinocchio to Princess Mononoke). We continued to survey the contemporary scene and their wide breadth of subjects, selecting the ones that will endure, from Portrait of a Lady on Fire and Call Me By Your Name, to Creed and The Hate U Give.

The list is sorted by alphabetically. Feel free to start tackling the list with whatever is the most interesting to you first…or just start at the top and work your way down. We think you’ll have fun either way. And best of all, every movie on the list is Certified Fresh!

Ready to take on the watching challenge? Click here and head to FandangoNOW where you can sort the list and buy or rent any of the movies! For now, enjoy this list of 300 Essential Movies to Watch Now.

#8 Akira (2020) 90% #8 Adjusted Score: 91.563% Critics Consensus: Akira is strikingly bloody and violent, but its phenomenal animation and sheer kinetic energy helped set the standard for modern anime. Synopsis: One of the best-known examples of contemporary Japanese animation, this cyberpunk adventure takes place in the post-apocalyptic city of Neo-Tokyo.... One of the best-known examples of contemporary Japanese animation, this cyberpunk adventure takes place in the post-apocalyptic city of Neo-Tokyo.... [More] Starring: Cameron Clarke, Mitsuo Iwara, Nozomu Sasaki, Jan Rabson Directed By: Katsuhiro Ôtomo

#10 Aliens (1986) 97% #10 Adjusted Score: 104.131% Critics Consensus: While Alien was a marvel of slow-building, atmospheric tension, Aliens packs a much more visceral punch, and features a typically strong performance from Sigourney Weaver. Synopsis: Big-budget special effects, swiftly paced action, and a distinct feminist subtext from writer/director James Cameron turned what should have been... Big-budget special effects, swiftly paced action, and a distinct feminist subtext from writer/director James Cameron turned what should have been... [More] Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser Directed By: James Cameron

#14 Almost Famous (2000) 89% #14 Adjusted Score: 95.068% Critics Consensus: Almost Famous, with its great ensemble performances and story, is a well-crafted, warm-hearted movie that successfully draws you into its era. Synopsis: Writer and director Cameron Crowe's experiences as a teenage rock journalist -- he was a regular contributor to Rolling Stone... Writer and director Cameron Crowe's experiences as a teenage rock journalist -- he was a regular contributor to Rolling Stone... [More] Starring: Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee Directed By: Cameron Crowe

#16 Amélie (2001) 88% #16 Adjusted Score: 94.014% Critics Consensus: The feel-good Amelie is a lively, fanciful charmer, showcasing Audrey Tautou as its delightful heroine. Synopsis: One woman decides to change the world by changing the lives of the people she knows in this charming and... One woman decides to change the world by changing the lives of the people she knows in this charming and... [More] Starring: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Serge Merlin, Rufus Directed By: Jean-Pierre Jeunet

#17 Amour (2012) 93% #17 Adjusted Score: 101.291% Critics Consensus: With towering performances and an unflinching script from Michael Haneke, Amour represents an honest, heartwrenching depiction of deep love and responsibility. Synopsis: Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician,... Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician,... [More] Starring: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, Alexandre Tharaud Directed By: Michael Haneke, Michaelhaneke

#19 Annie Hall (1977) 98% #19 Adjusted Score: 106.196% Critics Consensus: Filled with poignant performances and devastating humor, Annie Hall represents a quantum leap for Woody Allen and remains an American classic. Synopsis: "Annie Hall" is a comical look at the up and down relationship between a New York City TV writer and... "Annie Hall" is a comical look at the up and down relationship between a New York City TV writer and... [More] Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Paul Simon Directed By: Woody Allen

#24 Badlands (1974) 98% #24 Adjusted Score: 104.352% Critics Consensus: Terrence Malick's debut is a masterful slice of American cinema, rife with the visual poetry and measured performances that would characterize his work. Synopsis: "He wanted to die with me and I dreamed of being lost forever in his arms." A young couple goes... "He wanted to die with me and I dreamed of being lost forever in his arms." A young couple goes... [More] Starring: Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek, Warren Oates, Ramon Bieri Directed By: Terrence Malick

#27 Being There (1979) 95% #27 Adjusted Score: 99.724% Critics Consensus: Smart, sophisticated, and refreshingly subtle, Being There soars behind sensitive direction from Hal Ashby and a stellar Peter Sellers performance. Synopsis: Hailed as a genius for his simplistic approach to life, an aging gardener with a childlike naïveté rises, by accident,... Hailed as a genius for his simplistic approach to life, an aging gardener with a childlike naïveté rises, by accident,... [More] Starring: Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine, Melvyn Douglas, Jack Warden Directed By: Hal Ashby

#33 Birdman (2014) 91% #33 Adjusted Score: 105.45% Critics Consensus: A thrilling leap forward for director Alejandro González Iñárritu, Birdman is an ambitious technical showcase powered by a layered story and outstanding performances from Michael Keaton and Edward Norton. Synopsis: BIRDMAN or The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance is a black comedy that tells the story of an actor (Michael Keaton)... BIRDMAN or The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance is a black comedy that tells the story of an actor (Michael Keaton)... [More] Starring: Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Stone Directed By: Alejandro González Iñárritu

#34 Black Hawk Down (2001) 76% #34 Adjusted Score: 81.629% Critics Consensus: Though it's light on character development and cultural empathy, Black Hawk Down is a visceral, pulse-pounding portrait of war, elevated by Ridley Scott's superb technical skill. Synopsis: A quickly forgotten chapter in United States military history is relived in this harrowing war drama from director Ridley Scott,... A quickly forgotten chapter in United States military history is relived in this harrowing war drama from director Ridley Scott,... [More] Starring: Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana Directed By: Ridley Scott

#37 Blade Runner (1982) 90% #37 Adjusted Score: 101.551% Critics Consensus: Misunderstood when it first hit theaters, the influence of Ridley Scott's mysterious, neo-noir Blade Runner has deepened with time. A visually remarkable, achingly human sci-fi masterpiece. Synopsis: A blend of science fiction and noir detective fiction, Blade Runner (1982) was a box office and critical bust upon... A blend of science fiction and noir detective fiction, Blade Runner (1982) was a box office and critical bust upon... [More] Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Daryl Hannah Directed By: Ridley Scott

#43 Breathless (1961) 97% #43 Adjusted Score: 104.276% Critics Consensus: Breathless rewrote the rules of cinema -- and more than 50 years after its arrival, Jean-Luc Godard's paradigm-shifting classic remains every bit as vital. Synopsis: Enjoy brunch in the Torpedo Room before screening BREATHLESS hosted by John DeSando and Johnny DiLoretto. There was before BREATHLESS,... Enjoy brunch in the Torpedo Room before screening BREATHLESS hosted by John DeSando and Johnny DiLoretto. There was before BREATHLESS,... [More] Starring: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg, Daniel Boulanger, Jean-Pierre Melville Directed By: Jean-Luc Godard

#44 Bridesmaids (2011) 90% #44 Adjusted Score: 99.222% Critics Consensus: A marriage of genuine characters, gross out gags, and pathos, Bridesmaids is a female-driven comedy that refuses to be boxed in as Kristen Wiig emerges as a real star. Synopsis: This spring, Universal Pictures and producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) invite you to experience Bridesmaids. Kristen Wiig... This spring, Universal Pictures and producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) invite you to experience Bridesmaids. Kristen Wiig... [More] Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey Directed By: Paul Feig

#48 Brokeback Mountain (2005) 87% #48 Adjusted Score: 95.456% Critics Consensus: A beautiful, epic Western, Brokeback Mountain's love story is imbued with heartbreaking universality thanks to moving performances by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. Synopsis: Set against the sweeping landscapes of Wyoming and Texas, this epic love story tells of two young men -- a... Set against the sweeping landscapes of Wyoming and Texas, this epic love story tells of two young men -- a... [More] Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams Directed By: Ang Lee

#50 Cabaret (1972) 93% #50 Adjusted Score: 98.28% Critics Consensus: Great performances and evocative musical numbers help Cabaret secure its status as a stylish, socially conscious classic. Synopsis: Adapted from the Broadway show, this hard-hitting musical drama is set in decadent 1930s Berlin during Hitler's rise to power.... Adapted from the Broadway show, this hard-hitting musical drama is set in decadent 1930s Berlin during Hitler's rise to power.... [More] Starring: Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey, Michael York, Marisa Berenson Directed By: Bob Fosse

#53 Carol (2015) 94% #53 Adjusted Score: 105.965% Critics Consensus: Shaped by Todd Haynes' deft direction and powered by a strong cast led by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, Carol lives up to its groundbreaking source material. Synopsis: In this adaptation of the novel "The Price of Salt" by Patricia Highsmith, Therese (Rooney Mara), a young department-store clerk... In this adaptation of the novel "The Price of Salt" by Patricia Highsmith, Therese (Rooney Mara), a young department-store clerk... [More] Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kyle Chandler, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson Directed By: Todd Haynes

#54 Casablanca (1942) 99% #54 Adjusted Score: 113.883% Critics Consensus: An undisputed masterpiece and perhaps Hollywood's quintessential statement on love and romance, Casablanca has only improved with age, boasting career-defining performances from Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Synopsis: One of the most beloved American films, this captivating wartime adventure of romance and intrigue from director Michael Curtiz defies... One of the most beloved American films, this captivating wartime adventure of romance and intrigue from director Michael Curtiz defies... [More] Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Paul Henreid Directed By: Michael Curtiz

#55 Casino Royale (2006) 95% #55 Adjusted Score: 104.03% Critics Consensus: Casino Royale disposes of the silliness and gadgetry that plagued recent James Bond outings, and Daniel Craig delivers what fans and critics have been waiting for: a caustic, haunted, intense reinvention of 007. Synopsis: James Bond's first 007 mission takes him to Madagascar, where he is to spy on a terrorist Mollaka. Not everything... James Bond's first 007 mission takes him to Madagascar, where he is to spy on a terrorist Mollaka. Not everything... [More] Starring: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Judi Dench Directed By: Martin Campbell

#57 Chinatown (1974) 99% #57 Adjusted Score: 107.508% Critics Consensus: As bruised and cynical as the decade that produced it, this noir classic benefits from Robert Towne's brilliant screenplay, director Roman Polanski's steady hand, and wonderful performances from Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. Synopsis: "You may think you know what you're dealing with, but believe me, you don't," warns water baron Noah Cross (John... "You may think you know what you're dealing with, but believe me, you don't," warns water baron Noah Cross (John... [More] Starring: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez Directed By: Roman Polanski

#61 City Lights (1931) 98% #61 Adjusted Score: 105.775% Critics Consensus: One of the best underdog romance movies ever, with an ending that will light up any heart. Synopsis: A homeless tramp befriends a lovely blind flower seller and convinces her he is a millionaire while he secretly labors... A homeless tramp befriends a lovely blind flower seller and convinces her he is a millionaire while he secretly labors... [More] Starring: Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Harry Myers, Virginia Cherrill Directed By: Charles Chaplin

#62 Clerks (1994) 88% #62 Adjusted Score: 90.97% Critics Consensus: With its quirky characters and clever, quotable dialogue, Clerks is the ultimate clarion call for slackers everywhere to unite and, uh, do something we guess? Synopsis: When Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran) is reluctantly put in charge of the Quick Stop market on his day off, he... When Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran) is reluctantly put in charge of the Quick Stop market on his day off, he... [More] Starring: Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Lisa Spoonhauer Directed By:

#64 Clueless (1995) 82% #64 Adjusted Score: 86.442% Critics Consensus: A funny and clever reshaping of Emma, Clueless offers a soft satire that pokes as much fun at teen films as it does at the Beverly Hills glitterati. Synopsis: Jane Austen might never have imagined that her 1816 novel Emma could be turned into a fresh and satirical look... Jane Austen might never have imagined that her 1816 novel Emma could be turned into a fresh and satirical look... [More] Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd Directed By: Amy Heckerling

#67 Creed (2015) 95% #67 Adjusted Score: 106.965% Critics Consensus: Creed brings the Rocky franchise off the mat for a surprisingly effective seventh round that extends the boxer's saga in interesting new directions while staying true to its classic predecessors' roots. Synopsis: Adonis Johnson Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, attempts to follow in his father's... Adonis Johnson Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, attempts to follow in his father's... [More] Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad Directed By: Ryan Coogler

#74 Die Hard (1988) 94% #74 Adjusted Score: 99.76% Critics Consensus: Its many imitators (and sequels) have never come close to matching the taut thrills of the definitive holiday action classic. Synopsis: It's Christmas time in L.A., and there's an employee party in progress on the 30th floor of the Nakatomi Corporation... It's Christmas time in L.A., and there's an employee party in progress on the 30th floor of the Nakatomi Corporation... [More] Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Reginald VelJohnson, Bonnie Bedelia Directed By: John McTiernan

#77 Dog Day Afternoon (1975) 96% #77 Adjusted Score: 100.516% Critics Consensus: Framed by great work from director Sidney Lumet and fueled by a gripping performance from Al Pacino, Dog Day Afternoon offers a finely detailed snapshot of people in crisis with tension-soaked drama shaded in black humor. Synopsis: Based on a true 1972 story, Sidney Lumet's 1975 drama chronicles a unique bank robbery on a hot summer afternoon... Based on a true 1972 story, Sidney Lumet's 1975 drama chronicles a unique bank robbery on a hot summer afternoon... [More] Starring: Al Pacino, John Cazale, Charles Durning, Chris Sarandon Directed By: Sidney Lumet

#78 Don't Look Now (1973) 94% #78 Adjusted Score: 101.409% Critics Consensus: Don't Look Now patiently builds suspense with haunting imagery and a chilling score -- causing viewers to feel Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie's grief deep within. Synopsis: A married couple is haunted by a series of mysterious occurrences after the death of their young daughter in this... A married couple is haunted by a series of mysterious occurrences after the death of their young daughter in this... [More] Starring: Julie Christie, Donald Sutherland, Hilary Mason, Clelia Matania Directed By: Nicolas Roeg

#79 Double Indemnity (1944) 97% #79 Adjusted Score: 106.91% Critics Consensus: A dark, tautly constructed adaptation of James M. Cain's novel -- penned by Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler -- Double Indemnity continues to set the standard for the best in Hollywood film noir. Synopsis: Directed by Billy Wilder and adapted from a James M. Cain novel by Wilder and Raymond Chandler, Double Indemnity represents... Directed by Billy Wilder and adapted from a James M. Cain novel by Wilder and Raymond Chandler, Double Indemnity represents... [More] Starring: Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, Edward G. Robinson, Porter Hall Directed By: Billy Wilder

#81 Dracula (1931) 91% #81 Adjusted Score: 97.932% Critics Consensus: Bela Lugosi's timeless portrayal of Dracula in this creepy and atmospheric 1931 film has set the standard for major vampiric roles since. Synopsis: "I am....Drac-u-la. I bid you velcome." Thus does Bela Lugosi declare his presence in the 1931 screen version of Bram... "I am....Drac-u-la. I bid you velcome." Thus does Bela Lugosi declare his presence in the 1931 screen version of Bram... [More] Starring: Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners, Dwight Frye Directed By: Tod Browning

#82 Drive (2011) 92% #82 Adjusted Score: 100.439% Critics Consensus: With its hyper-stylized blend of violence, music, and striking imagery, Drive represents a fully realized vision of arthouse action. Synopsis: Ryan Gosling stars as a Los Angeles wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway... Ryan Gosling stars as a Los Angeles wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway... [More] Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks, Bryan Cranston Directed By: Nicolas Winding Refn

#84 Duck Soup (1933) 92% #84 Adjusted Score: 101.692% Critics Consensus: Fueled by inspired silliness and blessed with some of the Marx brothers' most brilliant work, Duck Soup is one of its -- or any -- era's finest comedies. Synopsis: Arguably the Marx Brothers' funniest film, this comedy masterpiece contains several famous scenes, including the hilarious mirror sequence. A wealthy... Arguably the Marx Brothers' funniest film, this comedy masterpiece contains several famous scenes, including the hilarious mirror sequence. A wealthy... [More] Starring: Groucho Marx, Chico Marx, Harpo Marx, Zeppo Marx Directed By: Leo McCarey

#85 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) 98% #85 Adjusted Score: 110.711% Critics Consensus: Playing as both an exciting sci-fi adventure and a remarkable portrait of childhood, Steven Spielberg's touching tale of a homesick alien remains a piece of movie magic for young and old. Synopsis: Both a classic movie for kids and a remarkable portrait of childhood, E.T. is a sci-fi adventure that captures that... Both a classic movie for kids and a remarkable portrait of childhood, E.T. is a sci-fi adventure that captures that... [More] Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton Directed By: Steven Spielberg

#88 Election (1999) 92% #88 Adjusted Score: 96.799% Critics Consensus: Election successfully combines dark humor and intelligent writing in this very witty and enjoyable film. Synopsis: In this satiric comedy, Jim McAllister is a popular and well-respected instructor at George Washington Carver High School in Omaha,... In this satiric comedy, Jim McAllister is a popular and well-respected instructor at George Washington Carver High School in Omaha,... [More] Starring: Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein, Jessica Campbell Directed By: Alexander Payne

#89 The Elephant Man (1980) 92% #89 Adjusted Score: 96.363% Critics Consensus: David Lynch's relatively straight second feature finds an admirable synthesis of compassion and restraint in treating its subject, and features outstanding performances by John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins. Synopsis: John Hurt stars as John Merrick, the hideously deformed 19th century Londoner known as "The Elephant Man". Treated as a... John Hurt stars as John Merrick, the hideously deformed 19th century Londoner known as "The Elephant Man". Treated as a... [More] Starring: John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud Directed By: David Lynch

#94 The Farewell (2019) 98% #94 Adjusted Score: 112.565% Critics Consensus: The Farewell deftly captures complicated family dynamics with a poignant, well-acted drama that marries cultural specificity with universally relatable themes. Synopsis: The film follows a Chinese family who, when they discover their beloved Grandmother has only a short while left to... The film follows a Chinese family who, when they discover their beloved Grandmother has only a short while left to... [More] Starring: Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Shuzhen Zhao Directed By: Lulu Wang

#102 Frankenstein (1931) 100% #102 Adjusted Score: 107.1% Critics Consensus: Still unnerving to this day, Frankenstein adroitly explores the fine line between genius and madness, and features Boris Karloff's legendary, frightening performance as the monster. Synopsis: "Frankenstein" is a film about a mad, obsessed scientist, Dr. Henry Frankenstein", who creates a monster, by taking body parts... "Frankenstein" is a film about a mad, obsessed scientist, Dr. Henry Frankenstein", who creates a monster, by taking body parts... [More] Starring: Colin Clive, Boris Karloff, Mae Clarke, John Boles Directed By: James Whale

#105 Gallipoli (1981) 91% #105 Adjusted Score: 94.188% Critics Consensus: Peter Weir's devastating anti-war film features a low-key but emotionally wrenching performance from Mel Gibson as a young soldier fighting in one of World War I's most deadly and horrifying battles. Synopsis: The first of two consecutive films to see director Peter Weir team with Mel Gibson (the other being The Year... The first of two consecutive films to see director Peter Weir team with Mel Gibson (the other being The Year... [More] Starring: Mel Gibson, Mark Lee, Harold Hopkins, RONNY GRAHAM Directed By: Peter Weir

#106 Gandhi (1982) 85% #106 Adjusted Score: 90.434% Critics Consensus: Director Richard Attenborough is typically sympathetic and sure-handed, but it's Ben Kingsley's magnetic performance that acts as the linchpin for this sprawling, lengthy biopic. Synopsis: It was Richard Attenborough's lifelong dream to bring the life story of Indian political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi to... It was Richard Attenborough's lifelong dream to bring the life story of Indian political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi to... [More] Starring: Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergen, Trevor Howard, John Mills Directed By: Richard Attenborough

#107 Gattaca (1997) 82% #107 Adjusted Score: 85.459% Critics Consensus: Intelligent and scientifically provocative, Gattaca is an absorbing sci fi drama that poses important interesting ethical questions about the nature of science. Synopsis: In a futuristic society where commerce has overridden more humanistic concerns, the rich and successful, eager to obtain physical and... In a futuristic society where commerce has overridden more humanistic concerns, the rich and successful, eager to obtain physical and... [More] Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal Directed By: Andrew Niccol

#116 Goldfinger (1964) 99% #116 Adjusted Score: 105.627% Critics Consensus: Goldfinger is where James Bond as we know him comes into focus - it features one of 007's most famous lines ("A martini. Shaken, not stirred") and a wide range of gadgets that would become the series' trademark. Synopsis: To many, the quintessential Bond film and a brilliant third entry in the series. Here Bond gets his Aston Martin,... To many, the quintessential Bond film and a brilliant third entry in the series. Here Bond gets his Aston Martin,... [More] Starring: Sean Connery, Gert Fröbe, Honor Blackman, Shirley Eaton Directed By: Guy Hamilton

#122 Grease (1978) 75% #122 Adjusted Score: 82.854% Critics Consensus: Grease is a pleasing, energetic musical with infectiously catchy songs and an ode to young love that never gets old. Synopsis: "Grease," said the poster and the Barry Gibb song, "is the word." Transferring its setting from Chicago to sunny California,... "Grease," said the poster and the Barry Gibb song, "is the word." Transferring its setting from Chicago to sunny California,... [More] Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway Directed By: Randal Kleiser

#124 Groundhog Day (1993) 96% #124 Adjusted Score: 102.595% Critics Consensus: Smart, sweet, and inventive, Groundhog Day highlights Murray's dramatic gifts while still leaving plenty of room for laughs. Synopsis: Bill Murray plays Phil, a TV weatherman working for a local station in Pennsylvania but convinced that national news stardom... Bill Murray plays Phil, a TV weatherman working for a local station in Pennsylvania but convinced that national news stardom... [More] Starring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky Directed By: Harold Ramis

#126 Hairspray (1988) 98% #126 Adjusted Score: 100.687% Critics Consensus: Hairspray is perhaps John Waters' most accessible film, and as such, it's a gently subversive slice of retro hilarity. Synopsis: Forever interested in the kitsch built into past eras, director John Waters chooses the TV dance show craze of the... Forever interested in the kitsch built into past eras, director John Waters chooses the TV dance show craze of the... [More] Starring: Divine, Ricki Lake, Sonny Bono, Ruth Brown Directed By: John Waters

#132 Heat (1995) 87% #132 Adjusted Score: 92.362% Critics Consensus: Though Al Pacino and Robert De Niro share but a handful of screen minutes together, Heat is an engrossing crime drama that draws compelling performances from its stars -- and confirms Michael Mann's mastery of the genre. Synopsis: A successful career criminal considers getting out of the business after one last score, while an obsessive cop desperately tries... A successful career criminal considers getting out of the business after one last score, while an obsessive cop desperately tries... [More] Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight Directed By: Michael Mann

#133 Heathers (1988) 93% #133 Adjusted Score: 97.004% Critics Consensus: Dark, cynical, and subversive, Heathers gently applies a chainsaw to the conventions of the high school movie -- changing the game for teen comedies to follow. Synopsis: A deliciously nasty black comedy, Heathers is set at a cliquish high school in Ohio. The most exclusive of those... A deliciously nasty black comedy, Heathers is set at a cliquish high school in Ohio. The most exclusive of those... [More] Starring: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Kim Walker, Penelope Milford Directed By: Michael Lehmann

#136 High Noon (1952) 96% #136 Adjusted Score: 106.281% Critics Consensus: A classic of the Western genre that broke with many of the traditions at the time, High Noon endures -- in no small part thanks to Gary Cooper's defiant, Oscar-winning performance. Synopsis: In this classic western, a marshal prepares to retire from law enforcement because of his marriage to a Quaker. But... In this classic western, a marshal prepares to retire from law enforcement because of his marriage to a Quaker. But... [More] Starring: Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges Directed By: Fred Zinnemann

#139 Ikiru (1956) 98% #139 Adjusted Score: 103.554% Critics Consensus: Ikiru is a well-acted and deeply moving humanist tale about a man facing his own mortality, one of legendary director Akira Kurosawa's most intimate films. Synopsis: Akira Kurosawa's drama stars Takashi Shimura as Kanji Watanabe, a government clerk who learns he has only months to live.... Akira Kurosawa's drama stars Takashi Shimura as Kanji Watanabe, a government clerk who learns he has only months to live.... [More] Starring: Takashi Shimura, Miki Odagiri, Nobuo Kaneko, Kyoko Seki Directed By: Akira Kurosawa

#142 Inception (2010) 87% #142 Adjusted Score: 98.315% Critics Consensus: Smart, innovative, and thrilling, Inception is that rare summer blockbuster that succeeds viscerally as well as intellectually. Synopsis: Visionary filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight) writes and directs this psychological sci-fi action film about a thief who... Visionary filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight) writes and directs this psychological sci-fi action film about a thief who... [More] Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard Directed By: Christopher Nolan

#146 Iron Man (2008) 94% #146 Adjusted Score: 104.833% Critics Consensus: Powered by Robert Downey Jr.'s vibrant charm, Iron Man turbo-charges the superhero genre with a deft intelligence and infectious sense of fun. Synopsis: Billionaire industrialist and genius inventor Tony Stark is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence... Billionaire industrialist and genius inventor Tony Stark is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence... [More] Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow Directed By: