The 25 Most Important Movies Of All Time, Ranked By Real Movie Fans

Premise: One of the most wildly popular crime films is The Godfather. This Academy Award-winning film is a cinematography masterpiece and an emotional glimpse into an Italian-American mafioso family. The Godfather follows a family of gangsters and their fight to maintain power in a period of change after World War II. What Makes It Important: The Godfather is considered important for several reasons. It had impeccable casting, with Al Pacino winning numerous accolades, including his first Oscar nomination for his gritty performance, and an iconic score. It also features a rich, complex story that moved audiences with its portrayal of loyalty, masculinity, and revenge. Audiences were taken in by its intricate exploration of power dynamics within the Mafia and the corrupting influence of power.

Premise: In Raiders of the Lost Ark, archaeologist Indiana Jones races against the Nazis to find the biblical Ark of the Covenant, navigating treacherous traps and ancient mysteries in a quest that spans the globe. Why It's Important: Although many Indiana Jones movies now exist, Raiders of the Lost Ark is undeniably the best of the lot. Not only is this film adventurous and filled with action, it offers the perfect blend of humor and suspense. From a story by George Lucas and directed by the peerless Steven Spielberg, Raiders is just a swell time at the movies, offering up an iconic hero in Dr. Jones and an adventure that stands the test of time.

Premise: The Shawshank Redemption is about a successful banker, Andy Dufresne, who has been wrongfully accused and arrested for the murders of his wife and her lover. As the film progresses, Dufresne is convicted and sentenced to life in prison at the infamous Shawshank prison, where he becomes one of the most unconventional prisoners the prison has seen. Why It Is Important: Every year, numerous individuals are sadly convicted and sentenced for crimes they did not commit, and Shawshank shines a light on this fact. This film tells the story of a falsely convicted man, yes, but it's also an allegory for holding onto one's feelings of hope and self-worth in the face of adversity. Besides hope, The Shawshank Redemption is also about redemption, integrity, and friendship.

Premise: Childhood classic The Wizard of Oz is about a young girl named Dorothy and her cute dog Toto, who get swept away from their Kansas farm during a tornado and deposited in the foreign magical land of Oz. What ensues is an adventure full of songs, delight, and flying monkeys. Why It's Important: The Wizard of Oz is a movie beloved for its fantastic world, enduring messages of friendship, courage, and the pursuit of one's dreams, and its memorable characters. The film also pioneered the use of technicolor, revolutionizing visual storytelling and setting a new standard for the industry.

Premise: The film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (originally released as simply Star Wars) begins with the abduction of Princess Leia by the insidious Darth Vader. Hero Luke Skywalker must leave his home planet to get her back and save the galaxy with the help of a few friends. Why It's Important: A New Hope continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. This film spawned the Star Wars franchise and introduced viewers to epic battles, iconic characters, and a galaxy far, far away. Its groundbreaking special effects dazzled audiences at the time and set a bold new standard for sci-fi and fantasy films.

Premise: The film It's a Wonderful Life is about a failing businessman who loses the will to live. Before he can take his own life, an angel appears before him and changes his heart by showing him what life would have been like without him. (Spoiler: Not very good!) Why It's Important: It's a Wonderful Life is one of the most heartwarming films in American movie history. It expertly tackles the sensitive themes of existential crisis and suicide, in a time when such topics were taboo. This movie is important because it continues to inspire people while educating them on the darker themes of bankruptcy, frustrated ambition, and the underbelly of small-town life in America.

Premise: In Schindlers List, a German businessman sees the evil perpetrated by his government during WWII, and plans to save his Jewish workers from extermination. Why It's Important: Schindler's List is one of the hardest movies to watch, because it portrays a very real, very dark chapter of human history. Set during World War II, this movie explores how a man can turn from self interest to altruism when confronted by unconscionable cruelty. After watching it, audiences are left with the message that one good person can make an immeasurable difference in the face of evil.

Premise: When a Great White shark begins attacking groups of swimmers off the shores of Amity Island, the town's sheriff and a marine biologist join forces with a local fisherman to hunt down the creature and end its rampage. Why It's Important: Jaws is a perfect mashup of the thriller, horror, and action genres, with hidden depths. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film arguably created the summer blockbuster, changing the way films were marketed and sold to consumers. It's also just a great character piece, showcasing some terrific interactions between the three main actors. The shark may not look super realistic, but the movie's so well made it scarcely matters. Another innovative aspect of "Jaws" is its mechanical shark, nicknamed "Bruce," which Spielberg famously used sparingly due to technical issues. This decision not only added to the suspense but also showcased Spielberg's skill in building tension through clever editing and cinematography.

Premise: This gritty period film is set during the Normandy Invasion of World War II and follows Captain John Miller and his platoon, who are tasked with saving Private Ryan after his three brothers die in battle. Why It's Important: Saving Private Ryan isn't just a thrilling movie, it's one of the most heartbreaking and realistic depictions of war in cinema history. Its powerful portrayal of this historic era highlights the human cost of war, and helps us glimpse behind the curtain at what true sacrifice requires.

Premise: Martin Scorsese has made many films during his expansive 50-year career, but the genre he is best known for is crime. His Goodfellas is one of the best films in the crime genre that tells the story of Wiseguy Henry Hill and his illustrious career as a mob member over several decades. It follows his relationships with his wife and fellow mob partners in the Italian Mafia without glorifying the mob, unlike many other mob movies. What Makes It Important: Although Goodfellas builds upon well-established crime film tropes, it provides a unique spin on the mob and what it truly means to be a mobster. Viewers are swept up in its epic story of friendship, violence, crime, drugs, and betrayal. Its stylish direction, intense dialogue, phenomenal soundtrack, humor, and inspiring narration make it an immersive film that's at the forefront of people's minds when they think of mob movies – even decades later.

Premise: Casablanca was released at the height of World War II, and follows Casablanca nightclub owner Rick. When his former lover Ilsa arrives with her husband and a desperate need to escape Morocco, Rick must confront his long-buried feelings. Why It's Important: Casablanca is an engaging tale of love and loss, and its central romance between Rick and Ilsa remains a classic of Hollywood's Golden Age. The story ruminates on the virtues of loyalty, honor, duty, and friendship, and how serving one's country may require hard sacrifices in other areas of one's life.

Premise: The horror movie Psycho is about a woman who steals from her employer to escape her boyfriend and goes on the run. During the film, she winds up at the Bates Motel and meets Norman Bates, who is on a trajectory toward chilling madness. Her sister and lover try to find her, but by then, it's too late for her - and possibly them. Why It's Important: Hitchcock's best and most important film is Psycho. This horror thriller challenged popular norms and ended with a twist that still informs films to this day. Psycho pushed the boundaries of what was and still is socially acceptable, which is why it influenced so many more thrillers and horrors in the years that came afterward.

Premise: The film 12 Angry Men is about a young teenager charged with murder and the 12 jury members who are tasked with determining if he should be acquitted or convicted based on reasonable doubt. Throughout the film, the jury members disagree and argue with each other, leading them to question their values and morals. What Makes It Important: Although the film 12 Angry Men is set within a minimalistic jury room for its entirety, it manages to captivate audiences. It creates enough psychological suspense and gripping and intense drama and dialogue that its setting doesn't bother viewers. In fact, despite there being no action set pieces or special effects, the ingenious narrative of 12 Angry Men is enough to showcase the power of a good story without eye-grabbing visuals. Its timeless themes of empathy, doubt, and the importance of individual conviction, resonate across generations.

Premise: Sporting movies are not for everyone, but Rocky is the exception to this rule. This movie depicts the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer with big dreams. During the movie, he sets his sights on fighting renowned heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. Why It's Important: Out of all the Rocky films, the original has the most heart. This sports film transcends the genre with its dramatic themes and emotional beats. It's not just a sports movie but a tale of a young man willing to risk it all to become the champion he's always wanted to be (and inspiring others to do the same). The film also features an exceptional musical score, impressive scriptwriting from Sylvester Stallone, and a tender love story.

Premise: Pulp Fiction follows a nonlinear narrative with intertwining storylines involving several main characters, including a boxer, a mob boss's wife, and two philosophical hitmen. Although the entirety of the film feels like separate events transpiring, the storyline links up near the end to give audiences the full picture. Why It's Important: Besides having one of the most entertaining screenplays in film history, Pulp Fiction is also filled to the brim with superb acting and unmatched dialogue. Almost every character introduced has a memorable line of dialogue, making each scene of this interconnected caper a rollicking good time.

Premise: Gone with the Wind is a movie that portrays a turbulent love story between Southern Belle Scarlett O'Hara and two of her suitors. It is set around the American Civil War. Why It Is Important: Gone with the Wind features one of the most infamous on-screen love stories. Vivien Leigh wowed audiences with her magnificent portrayal of a spiteful, cruel, and manipulative opportunist looking for love. Besides focusing on love, this movie also endeared itself to audiences with its painful reminders of one of the darkest times in American history, set against a backdrop of extravagant opulence and, later, bleak destitution.

Premise: It's not hard to see why The Dark Knight is considered the best Batman movie ever. The dark knight faces his greatest challenge yet in the form of the anarchic and unpredictable Joker, who plunges Gotham City into chaos. While trying to defeat the Joker and restore balance to Gotham, Batman grapples with moral dilemmas and the blurred lines between heroism and vigilantism. Why It Is Important: The Dark Knight is revered as one of the greatest comic book films ever made for its gripping storytelling, complex characters, and groundbreaking portrayal of the superhero genre. Christopher Nolan's direction weaves together themes of chaos, morality, and the nature of heroism, creating a dark and immersive cinematic experience that audiences have not forgotten. And Heath Ledger's award-winning performance as the Joker easily elevates the film to legendary status.

Premise: The Seven Samurai is a tale of seven warriors who band together to protect a village against the cruel bandits who would ransack it. The samurai train the villagers in the art of defense and warfare, leading up to an epic showdown with the enemy. Why It's Important: From master storyteller Akira Kurosawa, this sweeping, three-hour-long epic truly has it all: complex characters, gorgeous cinematography, humor and romance, and grand action sequences. The movie demonstrates that a community can work together to achieve a common goal and proves that much can be achieved through honor and great sacrifice.

Premise: Citizen Kane follows the life of Charles Foster Kane, whose vast wealth raises him to the very top of American society. Unfortunately, all the money in the world can't buy him self respect, or real love. He passes away uttering a single word, “Rosebud,” a mystery that remains unsolved till the very end. Why It Is Important: Citizen Kane is a great movie; everyone knows that by reputation, but what makes it so enduring? For one thing, the film popularized and invented numerous storytelling techniques. Its innovative technical advancements, historical significance, and thought-provoking themes profoundly impacted the film industry, leading to improvements and wonders that were never seen before in the thousands of movies that followed in its wake. Perhaps most importantly it's directed by and stars Orson Welles, one of America's greatest and most magnetic performers.

Premise: It's difficult to believe that a film set in the '20s is still beloved by millions to this day. Singin' in the Rain tells the story of an accomplished silent Hollywood film star, his jealous screen partner, and the chorus girl he falls in love with. The silent film partners try to transition to talking movies during the film but encounter numerous struggles and stumbling blocks. Why It's Important: This film has an unmatched, infectious energy, dazzling choreography, and timeless music not seen in today's movies. In addition, unlike other films of its time, Singin' in the Rain is an inspiration. It effortlessly blends iconic performances, romance, comedy, and musical numbers to create an enduring classic.

Premise: One of the greatest sci-fi films ever produced, 2001: A Space Odyssey centers on an exploration of Jupiter following the discovery of a mysterious artifact on the moon. Then the supercomputer goes insane, and then things get really weird. Why It Is Important: This imaginative masterpiece has transcended film history and become a cultural touchstone. Its ambitious storyline, imagination, cinematic setting, and visual effects still hold the power to enrapture, and its ending baffles and intrigues to this day. It broadened the popular perception of what a science fiction film could be, and undoubtedly expanded the genre.

Premise: The film West Side Story is about two young lovers who want to be together but tragically cannot because they have affiliations with rival street gangs. It's a beautifully retold Romeo and Juliet story set in New York City in the late 1950s. Why It's Important: Before West Side Story, no other film managed to combine social commentary, dance, and music in such an entertaining and insightful fashion. This film used innovative choreography and timeless music to tackle serious issues like discrimination, race, prejudice, and urban conflict, all through the lens of Shakespeare's immortal Romeo and Juliet.

Premise: Titanic is a film based on the historic tragedy that occurred on April 15, 1912. The story follows the fictionalized affair between talented artist Jack and the beautiful Rose, a woman being forced to marry a wealthy man. Their romance is short-lived, as their ship collides with an iceberg and slowly begins to sink. Why It's Important: Though it ultimately turned a record-breaking profit and became a global phenomenon, Titanic was a bit of a gamble for its studio. At the time, it was the most expensive film ever made, featuring groundbreaking visual effects to recreate this historic tragedy. Fortunately, the investment paid off, and in the hands of director James Cameron, Titanic set a new precedent for historic films. The doomed love of Jack and Rose remains one of the all-time great cinematic romances (and sparked near-endless conversation over Rose and Jack's controversial decision to save one and not both). Ultimately, it was the perfect blend of historical drama, romance, and tragedy to make it memorable.

Premise: Very few films can successfully communicate the essence of Black society with so much realism, but Boyz n the Hood manages to do just that. This film is a masterpiece with poignant storytelling. It follows the life of a high school student who moves in with his stern but loving father in Los Angeles, and must grapple with the influence of gangs, violence, and drugs in his neighborhood. Why It Is Important: Boyz n the Hood shows audiences what life was like in Los Angeles for many Black youths in the late ‘80s and early ’90s. Its compelling narrative offers themes of systematic inequality, violence, and race, delivered with unflinching honesty. It sparked important conversations surrounding community empowerment and social justice and delivered an enduring depiction of urban life.

Premise: Jack and Ernie are hired by a rancher to be sheep herders on his farm. During their time working together, they develop an attraction to one another that leads to romance. Despite having feelings for each other, they both marry their female partners. However, they continue to have a complex, sporadic, and tormented love affair. Why It's Important: Brokeback Mountain defies the conventions of the Western and takes a never-before chartered approach. Brokeback Mountain creatively and powerfully weaves the tale of societal expectations for gay men and how they grapple with personal identity, longing, and betrayal. It's as relevant now as it was in 2005.