Whether you’re in a calming mood or feeling lonely, movies will always keep you entertained. If you’re a movie enthusiast like me, you’re constantly looking for more stories to unravel. Always on the lookout for recommendations from friends and movie websites to discover what films are must-sees. We all know that filmmaking is a form of art. To make a decent film, multiple components must work together flawlessly. We’re talking about the best films that begin with the letter “S.” We chose to exclude the “Superman,” “Spiderman,” and “Star Wars” series for a variety of reasons, including the fact that everyone knows they are all outstanding films that would take up the majority of the slots on our film list.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
The decade of the 1990s delivered us some of the best films ever made. It is a military film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks and Matt Damon. The opening part of the film included some of the most brutal war scenes ever seen. The film depicts the reality of a war. The plot revolves around rescuing a soldier from behind enemy lines who had lost all of his brothers in the war yet continued to fight. That was an extremely difficult assignment for British forces to undertake. The story’s visualization is stunning. Tom Hanks and Matt Damon deliver outstanding acting performances. The film has received 74 awards and nominations, including five Academy Awards. These enticing statistics should persuade you to see Saving Private Ryan.
Saw (2004)
Saw was a low-budget twisted horror picture with a dark, mysterious flavor that was wonderfully packaged. The picture opens with two strangers being kidnapped and shackled in a filthy bathroom, with a dead body lying in between them, seemingly shot in the head. They become immersed in a life-or-death game, unraveling many mysteries from both of their lives. Then there is a madman clown who is operating everything and detectives are trying to chase him own. The picture had a shock factor to it, which helped it gain a lot of attention. The film has garnered 8 awards and 10 nominations.
Scarface (1983)
It’s a crime drama directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino. It may be classified as an Al Pacino show, owing to his outstanding performance. A compelling acting part that depicts the mind of a vicious, selfish, and lustful drug dealer. It’s an almost three-hour gangster film that won’t let you down because it’s packed with thrills, action, and a few spectacular gunfights. Whether it’s the characters’ clothing or the language used in the film, the entire thing has a dark mafia arrogance to it. Three Golden Globes and four other nominations have been given to the film.
Schindler’s List (1993)
The film tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German who saved the lives of thousands of Jews by employing them at his factory during World War II. The film not only demonstrates Schindler’s humanity, but it also emphasizes the horrors of war. The film is directed by Steven Spielberg and acted by Liam Neesam and Ben Kingsley. Schindler’s List is 3 hours and 17 minutes long, making it difficult to watch for many in today’s world where everyone demands entertainment in small doses. The film, on the other hand, is one of Steven Spielberg’s masterpieces, shot in black and white to give it a somber tone. Liam Neeson and Ben Kingsley have excelled in their respective roles. The film has received 78 other awards and 44 nominations in addition to 7 Oscar nominations.
Seven Samurai (1954)
A small village that has been disturbed by bandits seeks assistance from an old samurai master, who gathers a group of seven to assist them. They instill in them the ability to defend oneself. Akira Kurosawa is a legendary filmmaker. He made a film shortly after the war with a restricted budget and resources that depicted every character in such detail. The film’s direction, acting, and progression keep you riveted to your seat until the very end. The film has received two Oscar nominations and has received five other prizes and nominations.
Another film from the 1990s that has become a cult favorite. It is a crime mystery drama directed by David Fincher and starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt. The story revolves around two detectives who are on the trail of a serial murderer who preys on those who have committed one of the seven deadly sins. It’s like one of the most violent crime and mystery films ever made. The film is about more than simply killings; it is also about the mental processes that both detectives had regarding society and their disagreements on the subject. The film also does not have a typical conclusion in which everything is resolved. The performances by the actors are fantastic. Brad Pitt was given the opportunity to break free from his handsome boy persona and offer a serious performance. In his depiction as the twisted, tormented criminal, Kevin Spacey also sparkled. The film has received 25 accolades and nominations, including an Oscar nomination. The film is dark, and the acting is outstanding.
Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Stephen Chow directed and starred in this comedic film. If you think a comedy or a kung fu picture can’t be on the list, think again. It’s a mix of both humor and badass kung fu. A broke, miserable Shaolin master who wants kung fu to become popular so he may utilize his skills to make things better for himself. A retired soccer coach approaches him and encourages him to play soccer and form a team. He collects all of his impoverished brothers with similar kung fu skills to form a superhuman team that goes on to win a soccer competition organized by the film’s antagonist. The movie is quite entertaining, and you will thoroughly like it. The film has been nominated for 14 awards and has received 12 of them.
Shutter Island (2010)
The plot of the film Shutter Island centres around two US Marshalls on the lookout for a missing patient on an island that was created as a safe haven for the most violent and unstable mental patients. Agent Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) endeavor to solve the riddles of Shutter Island, but things take an unexpected turn. Although many people say it is a Martin Scorsese masterpiece, I believe it is Leo’s acting excellence and the plot’s beauty that make this film so captivating. It’s the kind of film that tests your mind while also shocking and horrifying you. The film incorporates flashbacks and dreams that leave the audience unsure if they are watching reality or a dream. In 2010, the film won the Teen Choice Award, and it has received nine other accolades and 62 nominations.
Silver Lining Playbook (2012)
The film Silver Lining Playbook is about Bradley Cooper’s character Pat, who is bipolar and has struggled with mental illness. It’s difficult to deal with the challenges of a dysfunctional family while also dealing with the mental illness of a family member. You should see this film if you haven’t seen anything like it before. Jennifer Lawrence also performed admirably in the part of Tiffany, a melancholy lady who is attempting to pull herself out of her funk. We also get a glimpse of Robert De Niro, who is as good as he has always been. The film’s subject matter is what distinguishes it. The film has received a total of 88 awards and 145 nominations, including an Oscar.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Jamal Malik is a young man who is a contestant on the Indian television show “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire” and is only a question away from earning a million dollars when he is detained by police on suspicion of cheating. Jamal Malik, who grew up in the slums, was mostly self-taught and had no formal schooling or college degree. As a result, getting to the final question seemed improbable, leading to suspicions that he was cheating. He began detailing how he got his replies correct after being questioned by the police. Every question posed to him was a part of his existence, and his recollections of them were the only source of answers. His story about his brother’s bonds and his hunt for his long-lost girlfriend is told in a distinctive Indian color. If you grasp the core value and feeling behind each event that lead to an answer, the film is quite moving. The film has received 144 additional awards and 126 nominations in addition to 8 Oscar nominations.
Source Code (2011)
Captain Colter Stevens’ remains was discovered by government officials after he was slain in the Afghan war and is now being used to trace a bomber in a train using a technology called source code. With only 8 minutes to find the aircraft, Captain Colter is having trouble locating the bomber. However, the computer conducts numerous iterations in virtual reality to discover the bomber, in which those 8 minutes are repeated over and over again. Jake’s acting as a troubled, bewildered, and perplexed character has been outstanding. The film received one award and eight nominations.
Spirited Away (2001)
It is, without a doubt, one of the best animated films ever made. The plot is well-conceived and intriguing, and it makes you wonder about the level of creativity involved. The plot is around a little girl attempting to save her parents from a haunted town. Her adventure, on the other hand, takes her through a number of things that will leave you speechless. Every character in the film had a purpose, and the entire tale was masterfully woven around a message about environmental protection. It also deals on human characteristics such as greed, dirt, compassion, and love. The plot is straightforward, but the execution is brilliant. The film has received 56 awards and nominations, including an Oscar.
Spotlight (2015)
The events shown in this film are based on genuine events. The story revolves around how the Boston Globe began investigating a priest in a child abuse case and was astounded to discover more instances, more victims, and more priests. The actual incidents occurred around 2002, when these complaints initially came in, yet despite the abundance of evidence, the police, legislators, and the church themselves covered it up. The film is one of the best dramas of the year, and you should see it to get a sense of the sensitivity and anxiety surrounding the situation. The film has received 119 additional awards and 138 nominations in addition to two Oscar nods.
Sully (2016)
After the jet’s engines failed, Captain Sulleberger, also known as Sully, became a national hero for safely landing the plane on the Hudson River with minimal loss of life. He became a hero because all of the passengers on board were safe. But it’s how the events unfolded later, and Captain Sully’s ability to maintain his cool despite an emotional breakdown, that’s impressive. The hidden lesson of the film is the genuine meaning of experienced hands and self-belief. Tom Hanks has once again delivered a superb performance. The film has received 33 nominations and has been nominated for 12 Oscars.
Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of the Fleet Street (2007)
Benjamin Barker, whose life was devastated by the cruel judge Turpin, returns to London in search of vengeance and meets his match in the mission. It is a Drama, Horror Musical directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. This film is worth seeing because of Tim Burton’s comedic sensibility and Johnny Depp’s electrifying dark fantastic shade. It’s a wild, entertaining, and unconventional choice because it’s a musical. Both Depp and Bonham Carter are fantastic in their respective performances. The music is excellent, and the dark comedy works well. The film has received 33 other awards and 77 nominations in addition to an Oscar.