The film industry produces millions of new cinematographic stories every year, but there are a handful of movies you must see before you die. From black and white terror thrillers, to epic historic dramas and imaginative fantasy sets with magical creatures, the spread of must-see movies is vast. And while film taste is as diverse as human beings, we can all agree on the fact that some visual and theatrical creations simply can’t be ignored as masterpieces.
Much like the top 10 places you must see in Europe before you die, this list features 10 movies that will change your perspective on cinema and fiction altogether. Whether you’re a film buff or not, these award-winning stories should be on everyone’s repertoire for their cult status and commercial impact. So, here’s our list of movies you must see before you die.
10. Chinatown (1974)
Director: Roman Polanski
One of film noirs masterpieces, Chinatown features a young Jack Nicholson, who takes on the role of a private detective looking into a dark and unsolved crime. With Faye Dunaway as the femme fatale, this movie will leave you in awe at every plot twist and its ending is particularly powerful. A definite must-see thriller.
9. Casablanca (1942)
Director: Michael Curtiz
“We’ll always have Paris” is one of the most famous lines of this marvellous film script, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman as the lead roles and love interests. The cult movie meshes high-strung romance, action, original soundtrack and climatic perfection, making it one of the most popular on-screen creations of all time.
8. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Kubrick’s genius lies in his clever use of perspective and narrative tension to tell a compelling story, and I could make a case of why any film by this director should make this list. However, 2001 is probably his greatest sci-fi masterpiece ever written, focusing on universal concepts like life, death, evolution, and rebirth. Accompanied by special effects and visual composition that remain outstanding, this movie is undoubtedly one of the greatest film pieces ever created.
7. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Considered a modern classic, this movie helped solidify an emerging Tarantino’s career as bizarre and creatively superb director. Not only is the cast impeccable, featuring Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Travolta, amongst others, but it’s dance sequel is one of the most famous scenes of all times. It’s also action packed and considering its cult status, is one of the movies you must see before you die.
6. The Godfather I & II (1972, 1974)
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
While I can name at least 5 ground breaking mafia movies, I believe The Godfather is the one you truly can’t miss out on. Not only does it star some of the greatest industry names, like Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, and Robert Duvall, but the godfather himself, portrayed by Marlon Brando, is simply superb. In fact, Brando studied the dialect and mannerisms of mob-boss Frank Costello, in order to make his character more realistic.
5. Back to the Future (1985)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
This epic tale of a teenage Michael J. Fox, who finds himself catapulted into the 1950’s through a time machine created by his crazy scientist friend Doc Brown, defined the entire 80’s movie culture. While its special effects may be outdated by now, the storyline is still one of the funniest and holds some of the most entertaining dialogues in film history.
4. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Director: Frank Darabont
This heart-wrenching, yet hopeful story of two prison inmates (played by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins) finding a sense of peace inside a jail is a definite must-see. The profound conversations detail the pains and struggles of an imprisoned life, while also showing the beauty of male friendship. Realistic, sober, and truly powerful, this film will change your perspective on what’s important in life.
3. Amelie (2001)
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
There’s nothing normal or casual about this movie, but its protagonist, Amelie (Audrey Tautou), is one of the most magnificently imaginative characters ever created. The film tells the tale of Amelie’s change of heart at the death of Princess Diana and follows her on a mission to bring joy to all the people she encounters. But the true beauty of this movie lies in Tautou’s portrayal of a highly sensitive and charming girl, who lives life with the astonishment inherent to a child.
2. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Director: Wes Anderson
Probably Anderson’s strongest creation in terms of a coherently detailed storyline, character casting, and artistic direction, The Royal Tenenbaums is a must-see. The eccentric family of three genius prodigies, matured into neurotic adults, an absent father and ambitious mother, make this movie incredibly entertaining. Bizarre dialogues, excellent visual concepts, and a profoundly sad underlying message make this a trademark Wes Anderson film and a movie you must see before you die. Also, Gwyneth Paltrow’s role will change your entire perception of her acting skills.
1. Fight Club (1999)
Director: David Fincher
Based on the Chuck Palahniuk novel, David Fincher applies his dark vision to tell the story of a man and his new best friend, who share a series of questionable activities together, before creating an underground free-fighting club. The dynamite combination of Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter takes the portrayal of “craziness” to a whole new level and will make your heart beat from excitement, while still questioning everything we ever thought to be true about human existence and society.
