Our lives would not be complete without films. They take us to other places, present us to interesting characters, and elicit a wide range of emotions in us. But what distinguishes a truly excellent film? Is it the suspenseful plot? The performances that won awards? beautiful visual effects? It is everything of that and more, is the answer. A film is said to be “basically perfect” if it is able to balance several themes and components while doing each one justice.
These flicks are thought-provoking as well as amusing. They make an impression on the audience that lasts, and long after the credits have rolled, people talk about them. They stretch the limits of storytelling and tackle difficult subjects in a way that is enlightening and relatable.
A flawless film relies on balance. Finding the ideal balance between humour and drama, romance and action, and imagination and reality is important. It’s about developing likeable people with intriguing backstories that we can get behind. A great film also conveys a message to the audience that sticks with them long after they leave the theatre.
But the capacity to move us emotionally is what truly distinguishes a wonderful film. A great movie has the ability to teleport us to another world and give us the impression that we are actually there with the characters, whether it’s through laughter, tears, or tense excitement. Finding a flawless movie is like striking gold since they are so uncommon. We can watch the movie repeatedly and never get bored with it. It’s the one we know our family and friends will adore just as much as we do, so we can confidently recommend it to them. So with this list of movies that are regarded as being virtually perfect, grab some popcorn and get ready to be taken to a world of cinematic perfection.
Updated May 2023: If you’re seeking for the ideal movie to watch, you’ll be delighted to know that Amira Abdel-Fadil has added new entries and updated this post with new information.
Before Sunrise (1995)
The story of Jesse and Celine, two strangers who meet on a train and spend one night together in Vienna, is told in the movie Before Sunrise. We see these two people fall in love in the course of one night as the movie is a masterclass in language and character development. The chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy is explosive, and they both deliver outstanding performances. The movie is a classic romance that examines how quickly love may fade and the impact of a single event.
Beginners (2010)
In the pleasant and emotionally stirring movie Beginners, a guy deals with his father’s passing and his own sexuality. The film’s examination of sorrow, love, and acceptance is both powerful and profound, and Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer give outstanding performances. Flashbacks and animation are cleverly combined throughout the movie to portray the story in a way that is both visually stunning and emotionally stirring. This movie will make you smile, cry, and ultimately feel incredibly moved and inspired.
Cinema Paradiso
In the Academy Award-winning movie Cinema Paradiso, an Italian man returns to his hometown after a lengthy absence. Tornatore’s boyhood love of films was sparked by his friendship with the projectionist at his neighbourhood theatre. He found his true calling, fell in love, and made the happiest moments in his hometown of Bagheria, Sicily.
He talks nostalgically and sweetly about his previous years while reflecting on his success as a director now. Life, stories, and the road that life leads us on are all topics covered in Cinema Paradiso. It respects one’s goals, history, and understanding of how everything is interconnected. The movie also explores the history and evolution of cinema. Given that it is a film about an enduring connection with films, it is ideal for anybody who enjoys watching films.
Citizen Kane (1941)
Citizen Kane, Orson Welles’ first film as a director, is still regarded as a masterpiece of motion pictures. The movie chronicles the life of Charles Foster Kane, an influential newspaper magnate, as seen through the eyes of those who knew him well. Welles does a fantastic job of directing and gives Kane a performance that is nothing short of spectacular. A truly cinematic experience is provided by the film’s creative use of lighting and camera angles, as well as its non-linear storytelling.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
A superb fusion of science fiction and romantic drama may be found in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The movie is about a couple that goes through a horrible split and has their memories of one another erased. The audience is kept on the edge of their seats by the unconventional storytelling structure and non-linear plot. The key actors’ performances are really mesmerising and excellently depict the nuanced feelings of the characters. The movie’s investigation into the human mind and the influence of memories is both profoundly emotional and thought-provoking.
Fight Club (1999)
The movie Fight Club is a mind-bending thriller as well as a satire on consumer culture. Both thought-provoking and action-packed, the tale of a man who founds an underground fight club in a bid to rebel against the tedium of his existence. David Fincher’s directing of the picture transports the audience on a journey through the protagonist’s spiral into madness. The movie is a visual feast.
Forrest Gump (1994)
A humble man who manages to be at the centre of some of the most important events of the 20th century is the subject of the movie Forrest Gump. Tom Hanks portrays Forrest with a career-best performance, and his depiction of a man with a small IQ but a huge heart is both heartwarming and motivational. This grand epic movie will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between as it tackles themes of love, friendship, and fate.
Her (2013)
A thought-provoking and emotionally powerful futuristic romance drama called Her examines the nature of love and human connection. In the movie, a man develops feelings for his artificially intelligent operating system. The film’s investigation of issues like technology, loneliness, and the human condition is sophisticated and incisive, with standout performances coming from Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson as the OS. The world-building in the movie, which is visually gorgeous and highly stylized, immerses the audience in a distinct and distinctive cinematic experience.
Interstellar
The science fiction film Interstellar, which won an Oscar, was directed by Christopher Nolan and stars Mathew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. Natural disasters, famines, and the planet’s rising temperatures are just a few of the issues that make life on Earth seem doomed. Armed with this knowledge, a team of astronauts makes the decision to travel to a recently found wormhole in the outer regions of our solar system to explore whether there might be a planet there that could support human survival.
A visual marvel that will transport you to another dimension, the movie explores how humanity fits within the cosmos. Simply told, Interstellar is an incredibly moving trip into the unknown. It will make you feel something, which is one of the best effects films can have, and it will intellectually challenge people who see it.
Juno (2007)
In the independent comedy Juno, a high school student becomes pregnant and decides to place the child for adoption. The movie takes a surprisingly open-minded look at teen pregnancies and the myriad difficulties they present. Elliot Page, the lead actor, and the rest of the ensemble all give flawless performances, and the film’s clever writing and biting humour keep viewers interested from start to finish. The movie’s examination of friendship, family, and growing up is endearing and relevant.
Lady Bird (2017)
In the coming-of-age comedy-drama Lady Bird, Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a senior in high school, searches for her place in the world. The movie is a gem in character development as we watch Lady Bird deal with the highs and lows of adolescence and her complicated mother-daughter relationship. As mother and daughter, Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf give strong performances that capture the nuances of their relationship in a way that is both understandable and realistic. Greta Gerwig, the film’s director, adds a distinctive viewpoint to the coming-of-age genre and crafts a comedy that is also deeply moving.
Les Intouchables
A very moving French film called Les Intouchables is based on the true story of Philippe Po Zo Di, Borgo, and his caretaker Abdel Sellou. The story of an aristocrat who has a paragliding accident that leaves him quadriplegic and employs a carer to take care of him is followed in the movie, which emphasises the strong friendship they developed.
In the Parisian setting, Phillipe leads a dreary life and has no chemistry with any of his carers. Driss only applies for the job to have his social security card signed as proof of unemployment; he has no intention of working to receive the financial benefit. Phillipe decides to hire him anyway and gives him a one-month trial period to decide whether or not to stay. Driss accepts the challenge, and as their friendship blossoms throughout the film, their lives are irrevocably altered. It gives something for everyone who encounters it and is brutally honest, hilarious, and empathetic.
Little Women (2019)
The film version of Louisa May Alcott’s classic book by director Greta Gerwig is a work of art. With their outstanding performances, Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Timothee Chalamet bring to life the tale of the March sisters and their coming of age in America during the Civil War.
Themes of love, family, and pursuing one’s ambitions are expertly woven together by Gerwig’s brilliant direction and script. The March sisters’ relationship is at the centre of the movie, which is a celebration of sisterhood. The score by Alexandre Desplat is stunning, and every historical aspect has been meticulously taken into account. For many years to come, Little Women will be adored and revered.
Manchester By The Sea (2016)
Long after the credits have rolled, Manchester by the Sea will be a movie you remember. The protagonist of this gripping and deeply moving drama is caretaker Lee Chandler, who follows his teenage nephew back to his birthplace after the death of his brother. Grief, remorse, and atonement are all topics that are explored in the movie in a real and honest way. As Lee, Casey Affleck offers in a performance that is both painful and realistic, conveying the character’s suffering and inner anguish. Kenneth Lonergan, the film’s director, strikes a balance between sombre subject matter and humane and humorous moments.
No Country For Old Men (2007)
This suspenseful thriller is a masterclass in narrative, with a plot that holds the audience’s attention from beginning to end. The morality, the essence of evil, and the effects of deeds are all explored in No Country for Old Men in a way that is both thought-provoking and profoundly unnerving. The performances are nothing short of remarkable, especially that of Javier Bardem as the frightening hitman Anton Chigurh. The film’s bleak, desolate settings and minimalistic, understated score only heighten the anxiety, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Parasite (2019)
The film Parasite by Bong Joon-ho is a masterwork that transcends genres. A social critique and an exciting suspense are both present in the tale of two families, one wealthy and the other poor, and how their worlds meet. The entire cast delivered nothing short of outstanding performances, with Song Kang-ho and Lee Sun-kyun receiving special recognition.
The story is masterfully told in the movie, with Bong Joon-ho deftly tying together themes of survival, family, and class conflict. The movie’s ending is absolutely mind-blowing and makes you wonder about what you’ve just seen. The movie Parasite will be with you long after the credits have finished. It’s a thought-provoking and fascinating movie that everyone who like films should see.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
A bunch of crooks band together for an unsuccessful diamond robbery in the crime drama Reservoir Dogs. The film is a true cinematic experience because of its non-linear storytelling and examination of issues like trust and betrayal. The performances in the movie, especially Harvey Keitel’s, are out of this world, and the conversation is still praised today.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Singin’ in the Rain is a musical that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. It is a genuine Hollywood classic. The movie follows Gene Kelly’s portrayal of silent movie legend Don Lockwood as he negotiates the switch from silent to talkies. Kelly’s performance in the movie’s renowned musical passages, particularly the title song Singin’ in the Rain, is nothing short of legendary.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
A narrative of rags to riches that will inspire and lift you up. The movie Slumdog Millionaire is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of hope, set against the brilliant and colourful backdrop of India. It follows the tale of a young orphan from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a competitor on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” The acting is superb, especially Dev Patel’s portrayal of the charming and tenacious Jamal. Drama, romance, and Bollywood-style musical numbers combine in the movie to create a really original and enjoyable viewing experience.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
A teenage teenager named Miles Morales finds out he possesses Spider-Man-like abilities and is dragged into a multiverse where he meets several Spider-Mans in this animated movie. With its use of vivid colours and exciting action sequences, the movie’s animation technique is genuinely ground-breaking.
The performances are flawless and accurately depict the character’s transformation from common teenager to superhero, especially Shameik Moore’s as Miles. The three directors of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, succeed in making a film that is both gorgeous to look at and compelling to watch.
Tampopo (1985)
Tampopo, directed by Juzo Itami, defies easy categorization. The narrative of Tampopo, a widowed ramen restaurant owner, and her quest to prepare the ideal bowl of ramen is told in this movie, which is equal parts comedy, romance, and food film. The movie features an eccentric ensemble of likeable people and is a celebration of Japanese tradition, cuisine, and culture. Aside from making you laugh and make you want to eat ramen, this movie will also make you feel good inside.
The Godfather: Part II (1974)
Many people believe The Godfather: Part II to be the best sequel ever created, and it is a deserving follow-up to the first movie in the series. The story of Michael Corleone, as portrayed by Al Pacino, as he rises to become the family’s patriarch is also explored in the movie. The film’s treatment of themes like power, loyalty, and family make it a true cinematic masterpiece. The performances, especially Pacino’s, are nothing short of remarkable.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
A famed concierge at a well-known hotel in Europe, Gustave H, and Zero, his apprentice and lobby boy, are the subjects of this eccentric and artistically spectacular movie. The movie is an exhilarating, comical journey through the made-up Republic of Zubrowka that also has a whiff of nostalgia and a dash of melancholy. Ralph Fiennes as Gustave and Tony Revolori as Zero have standout performances that wonderfully encapsulate the film’s whimsical tone. Wes Anderson, a director renowned for his distinct visual aesthetic and storytelling, is behind the camera. A real artistic masterpiece, The Grand Budapest Hotel is a motion picture.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
This coming-of-age tale is heartfelt and universal. In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie, a high school freshman, talks about his difficulties fitting in and making friends. The portrayals of the characters, especially Logan Lerman as Charlie, are superb, and the film’s treatment of subjects like friendship, love, and mental health is sincere and real. An original and moving touch is provided by the use of Charlie’s letters to an unnamed friend as a narrative technique throughout the movie. Anyone who has ever felt alienated will be able to relate to this movie.
The Pianist
Three Oscars—for best acting, best directing, and best writing—were won by The Pianist. It was based on Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist and composer, who wrote a memoir. Adrien Brody portrays a Polish Jewish singer who battles to survive the Warsaw ghetto’s demolition during World War II in the primary role of the movie.
The account is heartbreaking because it shows how the Holocaust reinforced isolation, anxiety, and emotional collapse brought on by the Nazis. Even though it is a story about tragic historical events and losing everything, it is also an engrossing account of survival. You’ll remember watching The Pianist for a very long time.
The Shawshank Redemption
Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman feature in the famous movie The Shawshank Redemption, which was directed by Frank Darabont. It received seven Oscar nominations, including ones for writing, cinematography, and acting. It depicts the tale of a prosperous banker who is imprisoned at Shawshank for a crime he didn’t commit. This adjustment to jail life is agonisingly painful.
The movie explores the negative aspects of jail and how it affects individuals who are imprisoned, but at its core, it provides a message of everlasting optimism through its main character, who makes friends with other inmates and using his intellect to try to make prison life more bearable for those around him. The Shawshank Redemption imparts a timeless message that you will keep in mind when things are dark, since many people must deal with unavoidable tragedy in life. You may watch this story about dreams, friendship, and silver linings repeatedly.
The Shining (1980)
The masterwork of horror directed by Stanley Kubrick will linger with you long after the final credits have rolled. As Jack Torrance, a poor writer who accepts a position as a caretaker at a remote hotel in the mountains, Jack Nicholson delivers a performance that will go down in history. The movie is a masterclass in suspense and tension, and Kubrick keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with his astute direction. The Shining is still studied and revered today because of its iconic visuals and score, which have come to represent the horror genre.
The Truman Show
Three Oscars were given to The Truman Show. Jim Carrey played Truman Burbank, the major character. The affable insurance salesman has ambition and a desire to explore. He isn’t aware that thousands of covert cameras have been recording and broadcasting his every action on the Truman Show around the world. When he gradually realises how he is being used and manipulated, he must choose whether to take action.
Through a comical parody, the movie gently shows the media’s destructive abilities and how we fail to recognise its influence over our lives. It makes you think, much like a lengthy Black Mirror episode.
The Usual Suspects (1995)
You’ll be left in suspense till the very conclusion of the movie The Usual Suspects. The plot is on a crew of thieves who are assembled for a heist only to learn that Keyser Soze, an enigmatic character, is controlling them. With a plot that will keep you wondering right up until the very end, the movie is a masterwork in narrative storytelling. Excellent acting is given, and the film’s well-known twist conclusion is still spoken about today.
Toy Story (1995)
The animation industry was revolutionised by the movie Toy Story, which is currently regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It’s both comforting and hilarious to hear the tale of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, two toys that come to life when their owner isn’t around. The animation in the movie is amazing, and both children and adults still adore it.
Whiplash (2014)
This gripping and moving movie is about a teenage drummer named Andrew who gets caught up in a vicious power struggle with his demanding and abusive music teacher. The performances, especially that of J.K. The film’s examination of subjects like ambition, art, and the price of success is passionate and thought-provoking. Miles Teller as Andrew and Simmons as the instructor are nothing short of remarkable.
This cinematic experience is made special and unforgettable by the use of music and drumming as a plot device. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time and wonder what it really means to be a true artist after watching this movie. The movie Whiplash will make you wonder about the thin line between passion and obsession and the extent people would go to in order to succeed.
