49 Must See Movies of all time

Here are the 49 must see movies of all time that you absolutely must see once in your life.

“Grease” made several generations sing and dance, “Titanic” made tens of millions of spectators cry in the late 90s, “Scarface” glamorized bad boys, “Psychosis” kept many people away from everything shower curtain, “ET L’Etraterrestre” has made many children want to go elsewhere, “Fight Club” showed Brad Pitt at its peak, “Drive” raised Ryan Gosling to the status of a sex symbol, “Matrix “has sent us into the womb for a round trip,” The Big Lebowski “has given its bowling acclaim, and” Edward with silver hands “has opened the doors to the magical world of Tim Burton. 

These are strokes of genius, stories that touched us, moved us, made us laugh, made us cry, made us dream. Many have become cult films that we keep watching. They enchanted the Venice Film Festival, won over the Cannes Film Festival, won numerous Oscars. Some were even shunned by critics, but not by the public, and today, they are anchored in the collective memory. This is a non-exhaustive selection of feature films that we should all see at least once in our lives. Review of essentials. 

Must See Movies of all time- Hollywood

“FORREST GUMP”, BY ROBERT ZEMECKIS

Must-See Movies of all time

The synopsis> Forrest is a rather simple boy, whom Robert Zemeckis stages from his childhood, in the 1950s, to his adult life, in the 1980s.

Why you have to watch it > Because the feature film, which won six Oscars, is poetic. So much so that some aftershocks have become more than cult: “Life is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you are going to come across”. 

“AND THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL”, BY STEVEN SPIELBERG

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> An alien ship arrives on Earth, towards Los Angeles. One of its occupants goes into exploration and meets Elliott, a ten-year-old boy. A rare and fusional friendship is established between the human and the creature. 

Why you should watch it> Released in 1982, Spielberg’s film rocked our childhood. To see it again today is almost therapeutic!

“TITANIC”, BY JAMES CAMERON

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> We are in April 1912 when Rose and Jack board the Titanic. The ocean liner is sold as a feat of technology, unsinkable … Despite everything, it sinks after hitting an iceberg, while Rose and Jack live a passionate love story.

Why you have to watch it> Because Rose and Jack, interpreted by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, form one of the most brilliant duets in cinema. 

“AMERICAN HISTORY X”, BY TONY KAYE

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Derek is a violent and hateful young man who evolves within a group of neozazi skinheds. One evening, when African-Americans try to steal his father’s car, he savagely shoots them and gets three years in prison. When he leaves, the man is transformed and has learned tolerance, but realizes that his little brother has taken over from the group of Nazis.

Why You Should Watch It> Edward Norton is absolutely overwhelming in this role, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award in 1999.

Must See Movies of all time 

“PRETTY WOMAN” BY GARRY MARSHALL

"Pretty Woman" by Garry Marshall

Synopsis> One evening like the others, Vivian, a young prostitute from Los Angeles, gets into the car of wealthy businessman Edward Lewis. The man does not want to sleep with her, but simply that she keep him company for a week, in his sublime hotel suite.

Why you should watch it> Because Garry Marshall signs one of the best romantic comedies of all time, thanks to a sparkling and sexy Julia Roberts. 

“PULP FICTION”, BY QUENTIN TARANTINO

Must See Movies of all time

The synopsis> Quentin Tarantino stages three stories of gangsters in Hollywood, all of which will skillfully intertwine.

Why you have to watch it> references to pop culture, humor mixed with merciless violence, flawless casting: Tarantino is making a genius film here. 

Must See Movies of all time

“EVERYTHING ABOUT MY MOTHER”, BY PEDRO ALMODÓVAR

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> To celebrate the seventeen years of her son Esteban, whom she raises alone, Manuela takes her to the theater to see “A tram called Désir”. At the exit, the young man is knocked down and dies in front of his mother. She then goes in search of Esteban’s father.

Why you should watch it> Because Pedro Almodóvar films women like no one. 

“PSYCHOSIS”, BY ALFRED HITCHCOCK

Must See Movies of all time

The synopsis> Marion does not lead a fulfilling life: her job bothers her, her lover is ruined and cannot marry her. One day, her boss sends her to deposit a large sum of money in the bank. She then decides to run away with it and her troubles begin.

Why you should watch it> Because Janet Leigh is one of the actresses who best embodied panic in the cinema!

Must See Movies of all time

“DALLAS BUYERS CLUB”, BY JEAN-MARC VALLÉE

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> In the 80s in Dallas, Ron learns that he is HIV positive and that he has only one month left to live. Outraged by the lack of involvement of the medical profession, he founded the Dallas Buyers Club, to help people with AIDS to self-medicate.

Why you have to watch it> Matthew McConaughey offers an exceptional artistic performance, as does Jared Leto, his partner on screen. 

“THE WINNER”, BY MIKE NICHOLS

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Benjamin Braddock is a young, somewhat confused student who meets Mrs. Robinson at a cocktail party hosted by her parents. Very quickly, the young man begins a romantic relationship with the mother, older than him. Things get tough when Mr. Robinson introduces Benjamin to his daughter.

Why you have to watch it> To (re) discover Dustin Hoffman in the film that revealed him. 

“TAXI DRIVER”, BY MARTIN SCORSESE

"Taxi Driver", by Martin Scorsese

Synopsis> Former navy returning from the Vietnam War, Travis (Robert De Niro) now drives his taxi through the streets of New York. Over the course of his nocturnal encounters, the young man gradually loses his mind and sinks into violent madness.

Why you have to watch it> Palme d’or at the Cannes Festival in 1976, “Taxi Driver” is a marvel on all levels, from directing to acting and script. 

“BACK TO THE FUTURE”, BY ROBERT ZEMECKIS

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Marty McFly is a high school student like the others … Until the day when Professor Emmett Brown takes him back in time thanks to his DeLorean. The young man finds himself projected thirty years earlier and prevents him from meeting his parents…

Why you have to watch it> Funny, full of references to pop culture and crazy objects of the future, the feature film has given birth to a whole saga that has become cult. 

Must See Movies of all time

“MATRIX”, BY LILLY AND LANA WACHOWSKI

Must See Movies of all time

The synopsis> He is Thomas Anderson by day, Neo by night. Behind this pseudo hides one of the most sought-after hackers, navigating between two worlds, deciphering the messages of Morpheus. The two begin a merciless fight against the Matrix. 

Why you should watch it> Genius mixing action and science fiction, the film is dressed in unstoppable visual effects and takes us into a unique universe. 

Must See Movies of all time

“FIGHT CLUB”, BY DAVID FINCHER

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Edward Norton plays here a man who wanders aimlessly in his life. Tired of his dismal existence, he became a member of Fight Club, an organization of clandestine fights directed by Tyler Durden, brilliantly embodied by Brad Pitt.

Why you should watch it> A widely controversial film in the 90s, “Fight Club” benefits from an exceptional final twist which gives free rein to all kinds of interpretations. 

Must watch Movies of all time

“RAIN MAN”, BY BARRY LEVINSON

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Rich young man to whom everything succeeds, Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) discovers on the death of his father that the latter bequeathed a good part of his fortune to a certain Raymond. When he goes to meet him, he discovers not only that this man is his brother, but also that he has autism. 

Why you should watch it> Because “Rain Man” is one of the first films dealing with autism in the cinema. 

Must watch Movies of all time

“RUST AND BONE”, BY JACQUES AUDIARD

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Ali has no money, a son he barely knows and a sister who accepts to house them at her home in Antibes, where he meets Stéphanie. Stéphanie is an orca trainer in the region. One day, one of the mammals becomes aggressive causing him to lose both of his legs. Alone and desperate, she sees only one person to help her without pity or compromise: Ali.  

Why you have to watch it> Because Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts form a fabulous duo, touching as much as possible. 

must watch movies 2019

“MULHOLLAND DRIVE”, BY DAVID LYNCH

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Following a car accident on the road to Mullholland Drive, Rita becomes amnesiac. She then meets Betty, an actress who has just landed in Los Angeles. In search of identity, Rita will get closer to the young woman. 

Why you have to watch it> David Lynch and his two actresses exert a rare fascination on the spectator, from which it takes time to recover!

“THE GODFATHER”, BY FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Located between 1945 and 1955 in New York, the story focuses on the rise of the mafia Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino. 

Why you should watch it> Because it remains one of the best gangster movies of all time. 

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“LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL”, BY ROBERTO BENIGNI

Must See Movies of all time

The synopsis> 1943, Guido, Dora and their son Giosué are happy despite the racial laws imposed by the fascist regime. But Guido is Jewish and ends up being deported to a camp with his little boy. Wishing at all costs to spare him the horror, he makes his son believe that the camp is the scene of a life-size game, the objective of which is to win a tank.

Why you have to watch it> Touching fable and superbly carried by Roberto Benigni, “La Vie est belle” sheds unique light on the concentration camps. 

“MUSTANG”, BY DENIZ GAMZE ERGÜVEN

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> In a small village in Turkey, five sisters play carefree with their classmates. Very badly interpreted by their parents, this behavior will earn them confinement in the family home, deprivation of all liberty and the organization of arranged marriages.

Why you have to watch it> For the boundless complicity of these sisters, which generates lots of hope. 

“BIRDMAN”, BY ALEJANDRO GONZÁLEZ IÑÁRRITU

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Riggan Thomson was a figure in pop culture when he played a famous superhero. Today, he struggles to fill theaters and dreams of his past glory.

Why you have to watch it> Because Michael Keaton has a bit of the same story as the character he plays here … And we were delighted to reconnect with him!

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“SCARFACE”, BY BRIAN DE PALMA

Must See Movies of all time

The synopsis> Originally Tony “Scarface” Montana was just a little guy. In 1980, he benefited from an amnesty from the Cuban government which allowed him to return to Florida, where he murdered a dealer to take his place. Little by little, he will establish himself as one of the biggest traffickers in the region. 

Why you have to watch it> For its casting, its cult replicas, its incredible and extravagant staging. 

“SHINING”, BY STANLEY KUBRICK

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Jack Torrance accepts a guard post in a huge hotel, closed in winter and isolated from all people. Her son Danny, medium, then begins to have terrifying visions of all the things which took place in the past in this establishment.  

Why you have to watch it> Because it is one of the best-made horror films, with real acting prowess. 

“ORANGE MECANIQUE”, BY STANLEY KUBRICK

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Alex is a young man full of violence and cruelty, at the head of a gang of little thugs. Imprisoned, he becomes the guinea pig for a group of psychoanalysts seeking to rationalize the idea of ​​sadism in order to reduce crime. 

Why you should watch it> Futuristic and deeply psychological, Kubrick’s anticipation film has not aged and remains as intelligent and relevant as ever in its madness. 

“FLIGHT OVER A CUCKOO’S NEST”, BY MILOS FORMAN

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Accused of rape of a minor, Randle (Jack Nicholson) is interned in an establishment dedicated to people with mental disorders. Very quickly, he leads his room neighbors into a rebellion which will do much damage. 

Why you should watch it> Because the film is a wonderful allegory in the history of the director, who fled Czechoslovakia in the spring of Prague. 

10 must watch movies

“LIFE IS A LONG, CALM RIVER”, BY ETIENNE CHATILIEZ

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> In the North of France, the Currants form a large family with meager incomes. For their part, the Le Quesnoys live easily and should never have had to do with the Gooseberries. But one day, they learn that their daughter Bernadette was exchanged at birth with Maurice, the prodigal son of the Currants. 

Why you have to watch it> The well-crafted scenario portrays with humor and accuracy the social differences of an unequal France. 

must see movies of all time

“THE JOURNAL OF BRIDGET JONES”, BY SHARON MAGUIRE

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> As she prepares to celebrate her 32nd birthday, Bridget Jones, an eternal single Londoner, takes certain resolutions. She then begins to write a diary and takes us into her life full of funny twists. 

Why you should watch it> Sharon Maguire’s film stages the amorous tribulations of a blunderer full of humanity, in which everyone can (a little) find themselves!

“VIRGIN SUICIDES”, BY SOFIA COPPOLA

"Virgin Suicides", by Sofia Coppola

Synopsis> In a Puritan suburb of Detroit in the 1970s, the suicide attempt by young Cecilia disrupts neighborhood life. His four sisters gradually lose their innocence, bond with their fascinated young neighbors, while their parents increasingly deprive them of their freedom.

Why you should watch it> Because Sofia Coppola takes a fair and unique look at adolescence. 

must see movies of all time

“THE NEW SAVAGES”, BY DAMIAN SZIFRON

"The New Savages", by Damian Szifron

Synopsis> Succession of short stories, Damian Szifron’s film stages the nervous cracks of modern day heroes in the form of a funny and satirical homage. A hysterical bride, trapped travelers, or an overwhelmed father: all lose their composure in the face of incredible situations.

Why you should watch it> Because it is rare to laugh so sincerely and intensely at our society. 

“LA HAINE”, BY MATHIEU KASSOVITZ

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Three friends from a Ile-de-France city the day after a series of riots. The day is long, full of aimless wanderings and distractions. But so far so good…

Why you should watch it> Because “La Haine” is an essential film on the French suburbs. 

“THE FIFTH ELEMENT”, BY LUC BESSON

Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis > We are in 2263. If Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis) does not discover the fifth element, humanity will die out. It is only with the precious help of Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) that he will accomplish his mission.

Why you have to watch it> Superb soundtrack, brilliant visual effects, ideal casting and rhythmic scenario: Luc Besson signs an essential in science fiction. 

must see movies of all time

“DIRTY DANCING”, BY EMILE ARDOLINO

"Dirty Dancing", by Emile Ardolino Must See Movies of all time

The synopsis> It’s summer vacation, we are in the 60s, in the heart of a holiday club. Baby spends a quiet family vacation there… Until she meets Johnny, an outstanding dancer who will introduce her to “dirty dancing”.

Why you should watch it> Because we have never wanted to dance so much in front of a film. 

“MAD MAX: FURY ROAD”, BY GEORGE MILLER

"Mad Max: Fury Road", by George Miller Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Inveterate loner, Mad Max finds himself embarked on board a convoy led by Furiosa through Desolation, a vast inhospitable desert. In their kit? Immortan Joe and his men, each more crazy and violent than the other. 

Why you should watch it> Because Tom Hardy growls better than anyone and demonstrates it here!

must see movies of all time

“DRIVE”, BY NICOLAS WINDING REFN

"Drive", by Nicolas Winding Refn  Must See Movies of all time

The synopsis> During the day, he is a stuntman on set. At night, he drives gangsters from Los Angeles without ever getting involved in their business. Cold, indifferent to everything around him, this mysterious driver sees his life transformed when he meets his neighbor Irene.

Why you have to watch it> A minimalist scenario, an anthology of anthology, shots of rare aesthetics, often made with a wide angle lens and an 80’s atmosphere make this film a little gem. 

“EDWARD IN SILVER HANDS” BY TIM BURTON

"Edward in Silver Hands" by Tim Burton  Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Edward is like all humans, except that instead of his hands, there are long sharp scissors. Refugee with a family from an upscale suburb, he manages to integrate into the neighborhood by using his difference, especially thanks to Kim, a teenager with whom he will fall in love.

Why you have to watch it> It is in this pastel and sanitized universe that Johnny Depp and Tim Burton collaborate for the first time. 

“ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF A SPOTLESS MIND”, BY MICHEL GONDRY

"Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind", by Michel Gondry Must See Movies of all time

The synopsis> To forget the sad turn of her love story, Clementine has her memory erased. Desperate, his companion Joel decides to do the same and welcomes the inventors of the machine to his home. Before his eyes, the marvelous memories that bind him to Clementine pass by.

Why you have to watch it> Because the film is Gondry in the text, bizarre and magnificent. 

“STAR WARS”, BY GEORGES LUCAS

"Star Wars", by Georges Lucas Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> “Long ago, in a distant galaxy”, the Jedi confront the Sith, while Anakin Skywalker falls on the dark side of the Force and becomes Darth Vader.

Why you have to watch it> Because the saga was created by George Lucas in 1977 and continues to attract crowds to dark rooms. 

“MOMMY”, BY XAVIER DOLAN

"Mommy", by Xavier Dolan Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Diane raises her son Steve, diagnosed hyperactive and suffering from attention deficit disorder, on his own. Unstable, even violent, he sometimes manages to channel himself with the help of Kyla, a neighbor who will quickly become part of the small family.

Why you have to watch it> Xavier Dolan, Jury Prize at Cannes, is making a feature film with an exceptional aesthetic, full of hope, accuracy and moments of grace. 

“GREASE” BY RANDAL KLEISER

"Grease" by Randal Kleiser  Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Danny and Sandy had a summer love that they still remember at the start of the school year. The day of the recovery, they realize that they joined the same school. But Danny, wishing to look good in front of his friends at Perfectos and big motorcycles, snubs Sandy, the girl from a good family.

Why you have to watch it> Because the final has always been remembered!

“YOUTH”, BY PAOLO SORRENTINO

"Youth", by Paolo Sorrentino Must See Movies of all time

The synopsis> Fred and Mick, friends since always, approach the eighty years and offer themselves like every year a peaceful vacation in the Alps. One is a retired composer and conductor, while the other, a director, is still active. Together, they philosophize about the past and what remains to be lived.

Why you have to look at it> Poetic and realistic at the same time, “Youth” shows with sincerity two men facing the few possibilities that life still offers them.

“REQUIEM FOR A DREAM”, BY DARREN ARONOFSKY

"Requiem for a Dream", by Darren Aronofsky Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Harry, his only friend Tyron and his girlfriend Marion, do little more than use heroin in a grim suburb of New York. We are witnessing their tumble here, while Harry’s mother is addicted to a TV show for which she is sure she will be called soon.

Why you should watch it> Because rarely has a film been so oppressive and disturbing. 

“THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL”, BY WES ANDERSON

"The Grand Budapest Hotel", by Wes Anderson Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Wes Anderson stages the Grand Budapest Hotel at different times, from its splendor in the 1930s to its decrepitude in the 1960s. We meet the concierge M. Gustave and his faithful companion, the waiter Zero Moustafa .

Why you have to watch it> The film paints a quirky and almost parodic portrait of Europe in the early twentieth century, against a backdrop of political changes. 

“THE VOYAGE OF CHIHIRO”, BY HAYAO MIYAZAKI

"The Voyage of Chihiro", by Hayao Miyazaki Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> At ten, Chihiro is not looking forward to his new life, when his parents have decided to move. Arriving in her new house, the little girl sets off on an adventure and then enters a fantastic parallel universe, where the witch Yubata reigns.

Why you have to watch it> Master of the Japanese animated film, Miyazaki signs a wonderful dreamlike tale that we never tire of (re) seeing. 

“MIDNIGHT EXPRESS”, BY ALAN PARKER

"Midnight Express", by Alan Parker Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Billy Hayes, a simple traveler, is arrested in Turkey with two kilos of drugs on him. The government wishing to set an example, the man was sentenced to life imprisonment and then began his painful journey through Turkish prisons.

Why you should watch it> Because the film is so powerful that it prompted the United States and Turkey to start negotiations on the eve of the 1980s. 

“THE PIANO LESSON”, BY JANE CAMPION

"The Piano Lesson", by Jane Campion Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> In the 19th century, Ada left with her daughter for New Zealand, where a new husband awaited her whom she did not know. While he is organizing the move of the two Scottish women, he does not understand the interest of his new wife at his piano and therefore decides to abandon her. The play finishes its race at a neighbor and Ada will then undertake to answer the least requirements of this one to recover its piano. 

Why you have to watch it> Because it was the first time that a woman was awarded the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1993. 

“THE CIRCLE OF MISSING POETS”, BY PETER WEIR

"The Circle of Missing Poets", by Peter Weir Must See Movies of all time

The synopsis> Todd Anderson has been accepted into the prestigious University of Welton, in the United States. It was there that he met an unusual professor of English literature. Contrary to the conventional world in which he evolves, Mr. Keating encourages his students to be critical and to rebel against the established order.

Why you have to watch it> To find Robin Williams in one of his most beautiful roles.  

“OUT OF AFRICA”, BY SYDNEY POLLACK

"Out of Africa", by Sydney Pollack Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> Karen got married and moved to Africa to start a new life. The Danish woman, neglected by her husband, is passionate about growing coffee and gets closer to Denys, an elusive hunter of wild beasts. 

Why you should watch it> Because Meryl Streep and Robert Redford are more passionate than ever. 

“THE BIG LEBOWSKI”, BY JOEL AND ETHAN COEN

"The Big Lebowski", by Joel and Ethan Coen Must See Movies of all time

The synopsis> Jeff Lebowski, alias Le Duc, leads a quiet existence, only disturbed by the bowling games he shares with his friend Walter. One day, he gets beaten up, confused with his namesake, a millionaire living in Pasadena. The Duke will then go looking for him.

Why you have to watch it> Quirky and crazy characters, completely barred scenes and hilarious dialogues gave the feature film by the Coen brothers the status of a cult film. 

“THE LORD OF THE RINGS”, BY PETER JACKSON

"The Lord of the Rings", by Peter Jackson Must See Movies of all time

Synopsis> The trilogy features the hobbit Frodo and members of the Ring community in the Middle-earth. All are in search of the Ring, which will cause the loss of Sauron if it is destroyed. 

Why you should watch it> Because the visual effects easily compare with the films that are released in theaters today. 

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