The 9 best Hollywood movies of all time is a hotly contested topic. There are countless classics that could easily make the list, but we've whittled it down to our personal favorites. From timeless epics to modern blockbusters, these are the films that we believe are the best of the best.
Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most beloved films of all time, and for good reason. It's a beautifully told story of hope and friendship, with two of Hollywood's greatest actors in the lead roles.
The film follows Andy Dufresne (Robbins), a banker who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to Shawshank State Prison. There, he befriends Red (Freeman), an inmate who has been at Shawshank for many years. Together, they form an unlikely bond that helps them both survive the harsh conditions of prison life.
The Shawshank Redemption is an uplifting film that reminds us of the power of hope in even the darkest of circumstances. It's a must-see for any movie fan, and is rightly considered one of the greatest films ever made.
The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and James Caan, the film tells the story of the Corleone crime family.
While The Godfather may be best known for its iconic characters and unforgettable scenes, it's also a technical masterpiece. Coppola's direction is impeccable, while Nino Rota's score perfectly complements the on-screen action.
With its combination of strong performances, incredible directing and a timeless story, it's no wonder The Godfather is regularly cited as one of the best films ever made.
The Godfather, Part II (1974)
The Godfather, Part II is widely considered to be one of the greatest sequels of all time. It picks up where the first film left off, with Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) now in charge of the family business. The film chronicles his attempt to legitimize the business and get out of the mafia lifestyle.
While the first film focused on Michael's father, Vito (Robert De Niro), The Godfather, Part II gives equal screen time to both characters. This allows us to see how different they are, yet how similar their stories are. Both men are trying to escape their pasts and create a better future for themselves and their families.
The Godfather, Part II is a masterful film that features some of the best acting, writing and directing ever put on screen. It's a must-see for any fan of cinema.
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight is a perfect example of a superhero movie done right. Christopher Nolan took the character of Batman and created a dark, realistic world in which he operates. The story is gripping, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the performances are some of the best you'll ever see. Heath Ledger's Joker is particularly memorable, and his scenes with Batman are some of the highlights of the film.
The action sequences in The Dark Knight are also some of the best you'll ever see. They're well choreographed and shot, and they'll leave you breathless. If you're looking for a great superhero movie, or just a great film in general, then The Dark Knight is definitely worth checking out.
Casablanca (1942)
Casablanca is one of the most beloved films of all time, and for good reason. The film is a masterclass in storytelling, with a complex plot that weaves together multiple threads seamlessly. The cast is also excellent, with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman giving some of the best performances of their careers.
The film is set during World War II, in the titular city of Casablanca. Bogart plays Rick Blaine, a cynical nightclub owner who becomes caught up in the world of Resistance fighters when his former lover, Ilsa Lund (Bergman), arrives in town with her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). Blaine must choose between his own self-interest and helping Laszlo escape the Nazis.
Casablanca is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. The film's themes of love, loss and sacrifice are as relevant now as they were when the film was first released. If you haven't seen Casablanca yet, do yourself a favor and watch it as soon as you can.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambs is a gripping thriller that features two of Hollywood's most iconic performances. Jodie Foster is believable as Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who is tasked with catching a serial killer nicknamed "Buffalo Bill" (Ted Levine). She turns to Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant but imprisoned psychopath, for help. The two form an unlikely alliance, and the film builds to a tense and exciting climax.
The Silence of the Lambs is one of those rare films that is both highly entertaining and deeply disturbing. It's a credit to both Demme's direction and Thomas Harris' source novel that the film never feels exploitative or gratuitous. The performances from Foster and Hopkins are both Oscar-worthy, and the film features some of the most memorable scenes in all of cinema. If you're looking for a suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, The Silence of the Lambs is essential viewing.
Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is a horror classic featuring one of the most iconic scenes in all of cinema and a performance from Anthony Perkins that is both chilling and sympathetic.
Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is a horror classic that features one of the most iconic scenes in all of cinema. The film tells the story of Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), who steals $40,000 from her employer and goes on the run. She eventually ends up at the Bates Motel, where she meets the strange and sinister Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins).
The film is famous for its shower scene, which features Marion being brutally murdered by Norman. The scene is shot in such a way that it feels like we are right there with her, and it's truly chilling. Hitchcock masterfully builds tension throughout the film, making it one of the most suspenseful movies ever made.
Perkins' performance as Norman Bates is also worth mentioning. He perfectly captures the duality of Norman's character, making him both sympathetic and creepy at the same time. It's truly a tour-de-force performance that helped cement Psycho as one of the best films of all time.
The Godfather, Part III (1990)
The Godfather Part III is widely considered to be one of the weaker entries in Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece trilogy. However, upon closer inspection it is clear that this film is not only a fitting conclusion to one of cinema's greatest sagas, but also a powerful character study in its own right.
Michael Corleone, now middle-aged and weary from years of violence and betrayal, tries to legitimize his family's business dealings and finally make his peace with his estranged daughter Mary (Diane Keaton). But old habits die hard, and when an assassination attempt is made on his life, Michael must reluctantly take up arms once again to protect himself and those he loves.
Al Pacino gives one of his most nuanced and complex performances as Michael Corleone, a man who is struggling to break free from the cycle of violence that has defined his entire life. The Godfather Part III may not be as iconic as its predecessors, but it is a worthy addition to one of Hollywood's greatest cinematic achievements.
Taxi Driver (1976)
A dark and gritty movie set in the seedy underbelly of 1970s New York City, Taxi Driver stars Robert De Niro as a mentally unstable Vietnam vet who becomes a taxi driver to cope with his insomnia and slowly descends into madness.
The film features one of De Niro's most iconic performances, as well as an Oscar-winning turn from Jodie Foster as a young prostitute that he befriends.
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver is a bleak but powerful look at loneliness, desperation and violence.