Pick Or Pass On The Top 50 Movies Of All Time And We'll Guess Your Favorite Actor
- by William Caruana
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Movies, what else can be said about them. They have been a pastime beloved around the world for over 100 years as told in the Oxford History of World Cinema, and have been beloved for generations upon generations. The vast majority of films are varying shades of ok to good, with some outliers on both sides. While there can truly be a lot of stinkers, that does not mean there are not as many if not more great cinematic achievements. While the number of truly influential films that have shaped the hearts and minds of many is large, there are approximately 250 films that are beloved above all else: the IMDb top 250.
From that list, we have selected a number that we feel best represents a generation of film lovers, as well as added a few films we feel to be glaring omissions. These films are diverse, ranging across numerous countries, genres, and formats. Some are old, many are surprisingly new, and some lie in the middle. Players will be tasked to pick and pass from our carefully curated selection. From there, we will take our best guess at their favorite actor. All that being said, kick back, relax, maybe pop some popcorn, it is quiz time! Best of luck and be sure to tell us how we did!
Pick or Pass on The Shawshank Redemption?
This film is currently at the top of IMDb's list of the greatest films of all time, and it is not that hard to see why. It is a beloved film, featuring strong writing, thoughtful direction, and brilliant performances. Many found it to be a real snub when Forrest Gump won Best Picture over it (Wikipedia). Is this film worth a pick or a pass?
What about The Godfather?
This film has been hailed as one of the best of all time by many critics as well as audience members (Wikipedia). It is a moving drama that pulls no punches but is thoroughly engaging. Marlon Brando, in particular, shines in a role that arguably defined his legacy. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
The Dark Knight?
This movie was as much a detective feature as it was a superhero movie. Batman was given a bit of a make-over with a grittier appearance and demeanor. Gone are the days of Adam West's Batman to be sure. The late Heath Ledger also delights as a more grounded version of The Joker. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on The Godfather Part II?
A truly great sequel can be hard to come by. While many sequels try to up the original, they can sometimes fall short of expectations. This movie is a definite exception to that rule. It doubles down on a lot of what made the original great, and seamlessly integrates flashbacks into the main narrative. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
What about The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King?
This trilogy capper upped the original two in a number of key ways, including larger battle sequences, a thrilling finale and more of the characters we know and love. It was hard to part Middle Earth after this movie... somewhat literally, as there are many, many endings to this one. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Pulp Fiction?
This movie also caused an upset at the Oscars when Forrest Gump won Best Picture. Featuring stunning lead performances by John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson, this movie really put director Quentin Tarantino on the map. Is it worth a pick or is a pass better suited for it?
Pick or Pass on Schindler's List?
This movie was the second to be released by director Steven Spielberg that year, the first was Jurassic Park (IMDB). Needless to say, in many regards, these two movies could not be more different. A sobering but well-made film, Schindler's List will surely go down as one of Spielberg's finest cinematic achievements. Is this film worth a pick or a pass?
What about The Good, The Bad and The Ugly?
This movie is in many regards the first that comes to mind when people mention the Western genre. It is a beautiful cinematic achievement with stunning visuals, innovative editing and a legacy-defining performance by the one and only Clint Eastwood. The musical score is iconic. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
The Shape of Water?
This movie is the most recent Best Picture winner at the Academy Awards. It was directed by Guillermo Del Toro and features a silent Sally Hawkins in the lead role. The movie is deeply sad, sentimental, fun and moving. Despite the off-beat central romance, it is worth a watch... or is it? The choice is yours as to whether it gets a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on Inception?
This mind-bending thriller from director Christopher Nolan, who is also known for his work on The Dark Knight and more recently Dunkirk, is among the most confusing films out there. Confusing does not mean bad in this instance, as this film has inspired lively debates for nearly a decade. Is it worth a pick or a pass?
What about Fight Club?
This movie is beloved by many... but we cannot talk about it. Seriously, that is the first rule of Fight Club... we do not talk about it. So... Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 is pretty good, Widows is thoroughly exciting. Yeah, we would talk about the movie at hand, but Tyler Durden would not likely be pleased. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring?
This movie was the first to be released in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and it set a pretty high bar for the trilogy, as well as for the fantasy genre as a whole. It was exciting, innovative and pushed the limits of technology. Is this movie worth a pick or is a pass better suited for it?
Pick or Pass on Forrest Gump?
This movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture, beating out other beloved hopefuls The Shawshank Redemption and Pulp Fiction. While some may argue the values of those films over this one, the one thing often agreed is that all three films are genuinely stellar in their own different ways. Is this one worth a pick or a pass?
What About The Empire Strikes Back?
This movie is in many regards one of the best sequels ever made. It improves upon the original in a number of key ways, featuring many surprising twists, a darker tone and a cliff-hanger that left audiences guessing for years. It is the threshold many modern sequels are held up to. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers
This film is the weakest link of the trilogy on IMDb... not that that is saying much. When your weakest link is still considered a crowning achievement of filmmaking, and one of the best middle chapters period. it is easy to say that your trilogy was an undeniable success. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on The Matrix?
This movie made audiences question their surroundings when it was released in 1999 (IMDb). It was subversive, mind-bending and featured top-notch special effects that are still influential to this day. The in-camera stunts are also exceptionally well done. Is this movie worth a pick or is a pass better suited for it?
What about Goodfellas?
This mobster movie directed by Martin Scorsese was the 90s equivalent of the Godfather movies. It was slickly edited, sharply written and competently directed. The performances are top notch and the tone often imitated but only rarely ever duplicated. Is this movie worth a pick or is a pass better suited?
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest?
This movie, starring Jack Nicolson, was very difficult for many audiences to watch. However, for those who stick with it despite its admittedly dark tone, they found a lot to love. It is considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made and ranks highly on IMDB's top 250. Is it worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on Titanic?
This movie caused audiences around the world to fall in love, weep, and question the intricacies of a door submerged in cold water and whether or not it could hold two human beings atop it. Yes, we are still not over that. Anyhow, is this classic movie worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for it?
What about Interstellar?
This movie bent minds around the world when it was released. So much so that initially, many audiences and critics were upset with the twists and turns of the plot. However, as time has gone by, opinions have changed on Interstellar with many coming to love the risks and achievements on display. Is this film worth a pick or a pass?
City of God?
This movie was produced in Brazil and was released in 2002 to critical and audience success. It is considered one of the best films to come out of the country, as well as one of the best films period. Surprisingly, it was not nominated for Best Foreign Language feature, a snub that still smarts to this day (Wikipedia). Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on Spirited Away?
This movie from legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki delighted audiences around the world with its stunning animation, mature themes, and surprisingly melancholy tone. An easy watch, it is hard not to become enthralled by the beautiful world on display. Is this movie worth a pick or is a pass better suited?
What about Saving Private Ryan?
This movie is in many regards a difficult watch, as it is one of the most realistic portrayals of war on the big screen. However, it is exceptionally well made and will go down in history as one of the greats. It still smarts that Shakespeare in Love, an admittedly good feature, won Best Picture over this (Wikipedia). Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
La La Land?
This beautiful movie reimagined the classic MGM musical for a modern generation. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling shine in this contemporary yet traditional romance, and it is hard not to find yourself whistling City of Stars or Another Day of Sun upon leaving the theater. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on The Usual Suspects?
This movie kept audiences guessing to the very end. It has one of the best twists in cinematic history and has earned its place in IMDB's top 50 for that reason alone. It is not always an easy watch, but there is plenty to keep audiences guessing to the end. Try to go in unspoiled if you have not seen it already. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
What about Se7en?
Speaking of movies with great twists, this mind-bending thriller from acclaimed director David Fincher, who is also known for his work on movies such as Gone Girl and Fight Club, features one heck of a twist at the very end. Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman star in the lead roles of this neo-noir masterpiece. Is this film worth a pick or a pass?
Get Out?
Who said that comedians are at their best doing comedy? Jordan Peele, half of the comedy duo Key and Peele, had a great thing going for him in comedy. Then he decided to take a try at a suspenseful movie, and boy did he ever succeed. Get Out was a critical and commercial success, and made Peele a voice to watch in the genre community. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on The Silence of the Lambs?
This movie scared audiences around the world when it was released. Jodie Foster is excellent in the lead role, but the biggest star of the movie by far is the great Anthony Hopkins as the notorious Hannibal Lector. Not an easy movie to watch by any means, but most definitely a great one. Is it worth a pick or a pass?
What About Star Wars: A New Hope?
This movie started one of the largest franchises in cinematic history, and that is worthy enough. The fact that it is as good as it truly is is in many regards the icing on the cake. An iconic adventure movie that influenced countless people across the world, it is hard to top! Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
It's a Wonderful Life?
This movie is a staple around the world when it comes to the Holidays. It features a number of iconic performances, a great premise, and a large amount of heart, making it hard to resist when the Holidays come around. While some parts may be a bit corny by modern standards, there is a timeless feel to this movie that will make it last generations to come. Is it worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on Avatar?
This movie, directed by the visionary director James Cameron, is currently the highest grossing film of all time at the box office, when unadjusted for inflation (Box Office Mojo). It is a thrilling film with a timely message and some truly groundbreaking special effects. 4 sequels are planned for release in the near future (Wikipedia). Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
What about Avengers: Infinity War?
This movie, which was released earlier this year, delighted and surprised audiences around the world with its special effects, plot and the amazing final twist. If you are one of the few who has yet to see this movie, please do. It is in many regards The Empire Strikes Back of this generation. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Whiplash?
This movie, directed by Damien Chazelle, is a thrilling drama about Jazz drumming (IMDb). While that may not seem the most interesting on paper, Chazelle's direction and writing, as well as the performances from his cast, make Whiplash a genuinely thrilling movie that can be uncomfortable to watch at times. Is it worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on The Intouchables?
This movie from France tells the touching true story of a rich quadriplegic and his working-class caretaker as they put aside their differences to become true friends. The movie is touching, modern and warms the heart. A remake starring Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart entitled The Upside is set for release early next year (IMDb). Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
What about The Prestige?
This movie takes a deeper look into the world of magic and is thoroughly exciting from start to finish. It was directed by Christopher Nolan and was released around the same time as another magic-themed movie The Illusionist (Wikipedia). Both are great, but The Prestige is arguably a bit better. Is it worth a pick or a pass?
The Departed?
This movie featuring an all-star cast was directed by Martin Scorsese and landed him his first Oscar win. What many may not know is it is actually a remake of a much older movie that already existed, although it features a number of differences from that film (Wikipedia). Is this movie worth a pick or is it worth a pass instead?
Pick or Pass on The Pianist?
This movie stars Adrien Brody and won a number of Oscars the year it was released. Brody stars in the titular role as a Pianist caught in the middle of World War II in Poland. The film was acclaimed by both audiences and critics alike. Is this movie worth a pick or is it worth a pass instead?
What about Memento?
This movie was in many regards the one that put director Christopher Nolan on the map (Wikipedia). It was modestly budgeted but featured a great story as well as an enthralling central mystery. It is up there with his best work. The question is, is Memento worth a pick, or is it worth a pass instead?
Gladiator?
It is hard not to be entertained by this thoroughly exciting Swords and Sandals thriller. It was directed by Ridley Scott, who is also known for his work on the Alien Franchise. Russell Crowe stars in the lead role and made a real impression. There have been talks about a sequel, but none have come to fruition as of the time of writing (Wikipedia). Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on The Green Mile?
This movie was directed by Frank Darabont and based off of a penitentiary-set novel written by Stephen King. Does that set-up sound familiar? It should! Yes, the same creative team behind The Shawshank Redemption made this movie, and actors such as Sam Rockwell, Tom Hanks, and Michael Clarke Duncan joined (IMDb). Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
What about Jaws?
Many have credited this movie with kickstarting the modern era of blockbuster filmmaking (Wikipedia). It was a highly influential movie and is talked about for its contributions so much, sometimes we forget just how good it really is. It was a stunning step for Steven Spielberg and set the stage for his great work to come. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
The Lion King?
This movie was released to critical and commercial acclaim. It is a beautifully animated movie with a stunning amount of detail and some really great song. A partially live-action remake is currently scheduled for release next year, and early responses to the trailer have been positive (Twitter). Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on Terminator 2: Judgement Day?
This movie had some pretty big shoes to fill. James Cameron had to follow up his acclaimed original movie in a way that was unique but would satisfy fans of the original film. He succeeded, and many believe this is one of the rare sequels that tops the original, as evidenced by its IMDb rating. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
What about Logan?
This movie in many regards gave the iconic X-Men hero The Wolverine the send-off that many have been wanting. While the movie is pretty bleak and can be rather difficult to watch, there are some moments of genuine heart as well as an overall message of hope. Is this movie worth a pick or is it worth a pass instead?
Your Name?
This movie was a massive success when it was released a few years ago. It is surprisingly melancholy at points but is stuffed with heart and moments of genuine joy. The animation is jaw-droppingly good, and the music is beautiful. We cannot wait to see what the director does next. Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on Back to the Future?
This movie delighted audiences when it was released in the 1980s. It was a film that could be enjoyed by both parents and children alike, and in many regards implemented the generational shift in a unique way into its story. Two sequels followed, but there are currently no plans to revisit the franchise with a fourth film (Wikipedia). Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
What about Raiders of the Lost Ark?
This movie was released to critical and commercial success and spawned a large franchise that is set to continue in the near future. This movie was the child of two brilliant filmmakers: George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Beloved writer Lawrence Kasdan also contributed (Wikipedia). Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Apocalypse Now?
This movie went through a very troubled production, and for a little while, it looked like it may never even see the light of day (Wikipedia). Despite the hardships encountered, the film was released to critical and commercial success, with many considering it one of the best films of all time (IMDb). Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
Pick or Pass on Alien?
This movie, directed by Ridley Scott, was a massive success, spawning a franchise that is still continuing to this day. It combined elements of suspense and science fiction beautifully, creating a movie that is tense yet rich in world-building. It is set to celebrate its fortieth anniversary next year (IMDb). Is it worth a pick or a pass?
What about Once Upon a Time in the West?
This movie belongs to a genre of Spaghetti Westerns, which is to say it is a Western movie funded partially by and filmed predominantly in the country of Italy. Henry Fonda stars in the lead role, and legendary director Sergio Leone is behind the camera (Wikipedia). Is this movie worth a pick or a pass?
