
Top 50 highest-rated movies of all time on IMDb

50. Cinema Paradiso (1988) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Cinema Paradiso is a beautiful Italian film that captures the magic of movies and the power of human connection, relying purely on storyline and acting. Without flashy effects or high-budget stars, the film tells the story of a young boy who grows up, discovers his passion for film, achieves success, and yearns for the love that slipped away. | © TF1 International

49. Django Unchained (2012) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Django Unchained is one of the greatest explorations of genre by Quentin Tarantino who combines Western elements with a brutal examination of America's past. The film has clever and sharp dialogues, stylized violence, and Tarantino's signature flair that makes it a provocative ride through the horrors of slavery. | © Sony Pictures Releasing

48. The Intouchables (2011) / 8.5 (IMDb)
The Intouchables delivers a difficult subject humorously, even if it’s somewhat predictable. The film relies on excellent performances rather than special effects, with a strong cast and well-chosen locations that provide a solid foundation for the movie based on a real story. | © Gaumont

47. Dune: Part Two (2024) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Dune: Part Two is an epic masterpiece that elevates the world-building and storytelling of its predecessor to new heights. It stays true to the book while making a few changes, the biggest being the lack of a time jump, which means some characters don't fully appear as in the novel, though they are used in a different, creative way. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

46. The Usual Suspects (1995) / 8.5 (IMDb)
The Usual Suspects is nothing but a great piece of cinematography with a gritty script, beautifully acted characters, and what many have called the greatest movie ending of all time. If you're looking for flashy CGI, bikinis, and quirky camera angles, you won't find them in this modestly budgeted masterpiece. | © Gramercy Pictures

45. Casablanca (1942) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Casablanca is one of the greatest films ever made not just for the stellar acting cast and iconic cinematography, but for unforgettable dialogues. We owe Michael Curtiz for timeless lines like 'Here's looking at you, kid' and 'We'll always have Paris'. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

44. Harakiri (1962) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Harakiri is a film of the rare power of humanism, tragic and moving like the best of Shakespeare's plays, even though it tells the story from 1630 Japan. The movie combines stunning sword fights, gripping drama, and deep humanism to create a powerful critique of tradition and a timeless exploration of honor. | © Shochiku

43. The Prestige (2006) / 8.5 (IMDb)
The Prestige might not receive as much recognition as the greatest works of Christopher Nolan, but it still stands as one of his finest achievements. The character development and nonlinear storytelling reveal the transformation of the protagonist into an antagonist, while the antagonist's character stays intriguingly consistent. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

42. Leon: The Professional (1994) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Leon: The Professional is one of the most emotionally intense movies ever made that immerses viewers into the world of heightened reality. Luc Besson uses every tool to create truly unforgettable experiences, from actors to music and cinematography. | © Disney

41. American History X (1998) / 8.5 (IMDb)
American History X is a brutal and honest portrayal of hate, redemption, and the impact of violence. Edward Norton's performance is masterful, so you could read every ounce of pain and regret in his eyes, understanding it without a word spoken. His transformation is so striking that even without knowing the language, you can grasp his emotions. | © New Line Cinema

40. Grave of the Fireflies (1988) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Grave of the Fireflies is a deeply emotional movie about two children struggling to survive in the final days of World War II. Director Isao Takahata presents the war through the eyes of children and creates a heart-wrenching story that refuses to shy away from the grimness of reality. | © Toho

39. Whiplash (2014) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Whiplash is a psychological thriller hidden under the student-mentor story. It pulls no punches in questioning the limits of ambition and how far one should go to achieve true excellence. | © Sony Pictures Classics

38. The Departed (2006) / 8.5 (IMDb)
The Departed finally earned Martin Scorsese his long-deserved Best Director Oscar, and for good reason. With outstanding performances and a storyline full of unpredictable twists, this thriller keeps you hooked from start to finish. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

37. The Lion King (1994) / 8.5 (IMDb)
The Lion King is a great movie that along with an interesting story, terrific animation, and a star cast of voices delivers meaningful lessons about responsibility and honor. Because of that, the movie continues to be a beloved classic for audiences of all ages. | © Disney

36. Gladiator (2000) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Gladiator is one of the finest works by Ridley Scott who delivers flawless pacing and unforgettable character arcs. Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix deliver career-defining performances, bringing this tragic tale of revenge and honor to life. | © Universal Pictures

35. Psycho (1960) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Psycho is an unforgettable thriller that defined horror and introduced one of the most iconic characters of modern cinema, Norman Bates. The daring direction, black-and-white visual, and low-key settings create an atmosphere so tense it’s impossible to look away. | © Paramount Pictures

34. Parasite (2019) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Parasite is a genre-bending masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact with a story full of unpredictable twists and a phenomenal ending. Bong Joon-Ho brilliantly explores the class struggle, transforming it into one of the most powerful and unforgettable films of the decade. | © CJ Entertainment

33. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) / 8.6 (IMDb)
Across the Spider-Verse is a visual masterpiece that surpasses even predecessors. Every frame feels like art, packed with stunning animation and endless easter eggs, making it impossible to look away. | © Sony Pictures Releasing

32. The Pianist (2002) / 8.6 (IMDb)
The Pianist is truly a heart-wrenching story of survival between the horrors of the Holocaust. Comparable to Schindler's List in the portrayal of human suffering, this movie captures the emotional devastation of individuals and the cultural collapse of the Jewish community. | © BAC Films

31. Spirited Away (2001) / 8.6 (IMDb)
Spirited Away is a breathtaking masterpiece that stands among the finest anime movies. From the opening scene to the final moments, it's no wonder this film took home the Oscar — it’s a timeless journey full of wonder, magic, and pure cinematic brilliance. | © Toho

30. Back to the Future (1985) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Back to the Future is a timeless piece of filmmaking that is impossible to forget about. Perfectly cast and brilliantly performed, this film is clever and thought-provoking, making you want to dive into the complexities of time travel. No matter how many times you watch it, there's always something new to discover. | © Universal Pictures

29. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) / 8.6 (IMDb)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is not just one of the greatest action movies, but one of the greatest films ever made. From groundbreaking special effects to unforgettable action sequences, this movie is crafted with precision to redefine the genre and become one of the best pieces of cinema. | © 20th Century Studios

28. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) / 8.6 (IMDb)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is not just one of the greatest action movies, but one of the greatest films ever made. From groundbreaking special effects to unforgettable action sequences, this movie is crafted with precision to redefine the genre and become one of the best piece of cinema. | © TriStar Pictures

27. The Green Mile (1996) / 8.6 (IMDb)
The Green Mile is a three-hour masterpiece that pulls you in with its powerful performances, both from Tom Hanks and the supporting cast that brings just as much depth. It’s a thought-provoking journey that will have you questioning justice and the different shades of good and evil. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

26. Life Is Beautiful (1997) / 8.6 (IMDb)
Life Is Beautiful is a heartwarming yet heartbreaking movie that combines the harshness of reality with the beauty of love and hope. Guido in the face of unimaginable darkness reminds us that even in the worst of times, light can still be found. | © Miramax Films

25. City of God (2002) / 8.6 (IMDb)
City of God is one of the finest films about life in the overlooked slums of Rio de Janeiro. Narrated by Rocket, the movie tells a unique story about a young man trying to escape the fate of gang violence and drugs that claim so many around him | © Miramax Films

24. Saving Private Ryan (1988) / 8.6 (IMDb)
Saving Private Ryan is a realistic portrayal of the chaos and sacrifice of war, as well as the brutality of D-Day. This film doesn’t just tell a story, but immerses you in the soldiers' experience, showing not only the horrors of battle but also the lasting scars left on those who lived through it. | © Paramount Pictures

23. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) / 8.6 (IMDb)
The Silence of the Lambs is one of the best horror movies that follows young FBI agent Clarice Starling as she turns to the brilliant but dangerous Dr. Hannibal Lecter for help. The film’s psychological tension grips you from start to finish, as the chilling dynamic between Clarice and Lecter is an unforgettable cat-and-mouse game. | © Orion Pictures

22. Seven Samurai (1954) / 8.6 (IMDb)
Seven Samurai is one of the best samurai movies, it's epic rich in character and complexity that can’t be fully absorbed in just one sitting. The film combines action, moral dilemmas, and cultural tension into a gripping tale of honor and survival. | © Toho

21. It's a Wonderful Life (1946) / 8.6 (IMDb)
It's a Wonderful Life is a timeless movie about finding the beauty in life. Although it wasn't much of a success when it was first released, it has since become renowned worldwide. It’s the movie that touches your soul, reminding us all just how wonderful life can be. | © RKO Radio Pictures

20. Se7en (1995) / 8.6 (IMDb)
Se7en is a gripping thriller that descends into darkness and doesn’t shy away from the disturbing or grotesque. The grimness of the tone and no humor wear you down, but that's appropriate considering the subject matter. | © New Line Cinema

19. Interstellar (2014) / 8.7 (IMDb)
Interstellar goes with an uncommon scenario for a sci-fi movie and asserts that advanced technologies will save us in the future. Christopher Nolan’s vision, paired with stunning visual effects, creates a cosmic adventure where Matthew McConaughey's heartfelt performance and Hans Zimmer’s phenomenal score elevate every scene to being magic. | © Paramount Pictures

18. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) / 8.7 (IMDb)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is one of the greatest films that proves the power of cinema without relying on flashy effects or grand explosions. The film's deeply human story immerses you into the world of a psychiatric ward, where performances from actors are so authentic they seem like real patients rather than characters. | © United Artists

17. Goodfellas (1990) / 8.7 (IMDb)
Goodfellas can be described as perfection; every song, voice-over, and frame come together at the exact right moment to create the perfect film experience. It doesn't happen very often that every person involved in the process of making a film is at the peak of their performance. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

16. The Matrix (1999) / 8.7 (IMDb)
From the first 40 minutes, The Matrix transports you into a world that leaves you questioning everything you know. With iconic quotes like "Reality is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain," this film will keep you rethinking its profound ideas long after the credits roll. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

15. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) / 8.7 (IMDb)
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is one of the greatest sequels that transforms thrilling space adventure into an unforgettable saga. By splitting up the heroes and testing them through relentless trials, the film keeps you on the edge of your seat and combines tension with perfectly timed moments of respite. | © 20th Century Studios

14. Inception (2010) / 8.8 (IMDb)
Inception is a brilliant movie that could be created only by Christopher Nolan, who masterfully blends beauty, complexity, and emotional depth. It takes you on a journey through the layers of the subconscious, crafting a narrative so intricate you'll be thinking about it long after the credits roll. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

13. Fight Club (1999) / 8.8 (IMDb)
Fight Club is a mind-bending cinematic experience that challenges everything you think you know about identity and society. Brad Pitt and Edward Norton deliver electrifying performances. It's an adaptation that not only entertains but also forces you to confront your own beliefs. | © 20th Century Studios

12. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) / 8.8 (IMDb)
The Two Towers as the second installment proves that the success of the first movie was no fluke. The movie not only delivers epic battles and stunning visuals but also attention to character-driven moments that make this film feel so personal. It’s a must-see, but best experienced after The Fellowship of the Ring. | © New Line Cinema

11. Forrest Gump (1994) / 8.8 (IMDb)
Forrest Gump is a good reminder that life is often simpler and more beautiful than we make it out to be. Through Forrest's incredible journey, we learn to cherish the small moments and not let life's challenges hold us back. | © Paramount Pictures

10. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) / 8.8 (IMDb)
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a masterpiece that redefines the Western genre with a combination of style, tension, and unforgettable characters. Sergio Leone's brilliant direction, paired with Ennio Morricone's breathtaking cinematography forever marks the movie in the film's history. | © United Artists

9. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) / 8.9 (IMDb)
The Fellowship of the Ring manages to stay engaging every single minute during its three-hour runtime. The performances are nothing short of flawless, and special effects set a new standard for visual storytelling. Every element of this movie is precise and careful. | © New Line Cinema

8. Pulp Fiction (1994) / 8.9 (IMDb)
Pulp Fiction is Tarantino at his finest, where every casual conversation turns into an iconic pop culture moment. With sharp dialogue and unforgettable characters, the film masterfully blends humor, power plays, and moral ambiguity. | © Miramax Films

7. Schindler's List (1993) / 9.0 (IMDb)
Schindler's List starts as an innocent movie, but it quickly plunges into the harrowing reality of the Holocaust. Steven Spielberg's haunting direction makes this film an unforgettable testament to the strength of the human spirit amidst unimaginable horrors. | © Universal Pictures

6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) / 9.0 (IMDb)
The Return of the King is the grand conclusion to Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Tolkien’s legendary saga. Nearly four hours of stunning battles and emotional depth, this film is a breathtaking mix of drama, action, and unforgettable character moments. Peter Jackson delivers a masterpiece where every victory feels earned and every goodbye tugs at the heart. | © New Line Cinema

5. 12 Angry Men (1957) / 9.0 (IMDb)
12 Angry Men is one of the greatest films that has ever been created showcasing that less is more. Set entirely in one room, the film delivers a powerful exploration of justice through the incredible acting talents of its 12 jurors who deliver top-notch performances. | © United Artists

4. The Godfather Part II (1974) / 9.0 (IMDb)
The Godfather Part II is a noteworthy sequel that even surpasses the original Godfather movie in some moments. And a lot of that is thanks to Robert De Niro’s Oscar-winning portrayal of the young Vito, which is a masterclass in acting, bringing extraordinary depth to the character’s origins. | © Paramount Pictures

3. The Dark Knight (2008) / 9.0 (IMDb)
The Dark Knight is a superhero movie on a completely different level, even compared to the best pieces in the niche. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film boasts impressive action sequences and a rich story. Heath Ledger delivers a career-defining, Oscar-worthy performance as the Joker, elevating the film far beyond its genre. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

2. The Godfather (1972) / 9.2 (IMDb)
The Godfather is a cinematic masterpiece that redefined the gangster genre. Beyond the crime and power struggles, it's a profound exploration of loyalty, family, and the cost of ambition. Visually stunning and flawlessly crafted, this movie is a timeless lesson in filmmaking. | © Paramount Pictures

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) / 9.3 (IMDb)
The Shawshank Redemption is a breathtaking movie and emotional journey that will captivate your spirit and heart. Thanks to phenomenal acting and a gripping storyline, the movie is compelling, but the real magic lies in how it leaves you feeling: hopeful, uplifted, and utterly transformed. | © Columbia Pictures
Related News
More