20 Must-See Films Everyone Should Watch Before They Die
The term “must-see movie” is thrown around a little too lightly these days. While we agree that taste is subjective, some movies have universal charm and appeal. They’re able to reach out to a wide variety of moviegoers with various tastes and preferences.
With this list of movies, we really mean it: these are the films that you need to see before you die. You won’t regret it.
1. Inception
Few movies are as ambitious as Inception.
Between Christopher Nolan’s deft directorial hand, a cast that transcends the phrase “star-studded,” and a plot that will put your brain in a pretzel, Inception is arguably the most unique film of its era.
2. The Shining
No director had a more extraordinary skill for making audiences uncomfortable than Stanley Kubrick. A Clockwork Orange and The Shining are particularly unsettling, masterfully toeing the line of multiple genres (Is it a horror movie? Thriller?) but leaving no doubt when the film ends.
Stephen King’s source material and isolated setting make The Shining an incredibly memorable and must-see-before-you-die masterpiece.
3. Incendies
There are a handful of directors whose every movie is a must-watch release. Before director Denis Villeneuve was known for Blade Runner 2049, Dune, and Sicario, he announced his arrival into the limelight with Incendies.
This critically beloved film is beautiful, moving, and tragically under-viewed.
4. Reservoir Dogs
A classic “Who’s the Rat” narrative replete with Tarantino’s razor-sharp dialogue and a studly cast led by Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, Tim Roth, and Michael Madsen.
If you haven’t seen Reservoir Dogs, do it before your croak. You owe it to yourself.
5. It’s a Wonderful Life
Most moviegoers today will see a film made in 1946 and immediately pass. Please don’t make that mistake with It’s a Wonderful Life, as you’ll miss out on a truly remarkable film.
Stream this as soon as possible if your priorities are out of whack.
6. Schindler’s List
Never to be mistaken for a feel-good film, Schindler’s List confronts one of the most stomach-churning historical periods.
One of Spielberg’s most challenging and beloved films, Schindler’s List is a must-see that you won’t be able to look away from.
7. Whiplash
In an age where seemingly every movie is a remake, spin-off, or recycled version of a well-worn Hollywood cliche, Whiplash is a wholly original film.
Who would have guessed that the politics of a studio band could be so ruthless? The performance from J.K. Simmons puts it over the top.
8. The Lives of Others
Have you ever wondered how fellow citizens could spy on each other? The Lives of Others answers that question and then some, providing a gripping look at Cold War-era Germany and the domestic espionage that ruled the day.
What makes The Lives of Others a must-see movie, though, is the humanity that breaks through the cracked concrete façade.
9. The Man From Earth
One of the deepest sleepers on this list, The Man from Earth is anything but a blockbuster film.
However, the movie unravels in a fascinating manner that will, above all else, make you think.
10. 1984
Even if you’ve read the book, the cinematic rendition of Orwell’s classic makes Big Brother even more vivid. Aptly released in 1984, the film stars William Hurt and perfectly captures the paranoid, dystopian world ruled by nonsense.
The movie isn’t a feel-good affair, but the Ministry of Truth gives its stamp of approval.
11. The Silence of the Lambs
The Silence of the Lambs is cinematic horror at its finest. The scariest part is that director Jonathan Demme does not rely on supernatural monsters or fantastical beasts to frighten the audience. He depends on Thomas Harris’ source material, specifically Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter.
No film will leave you locking your doors and questioning your choice of psychiatrist like The Silence of the Lambs will.
12. Into the Wild
Into the Wild is a movie about adventure, family strife, and the double-edged nature of setting out on one’s own.
Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, Into the Wild will take you through the full range of emotions while providing plenty of natural beauty and great music for maximum sensory delight.
13. Braveheart
The 1995 epic historical drama stars Mel Gibson as Sir William Wallace, fighting for Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England.
Gibson also produced and directed the film, which won four Academy Awards at the 1996 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
14. Good Will Hunting
You need to see Gold Will Hunting solely for Robin Williams’ performance.
His acceptance of the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Good Will Hunting is the only time he’s truly been speechless.
15. The Lord of The Rings Trilogy
Based on the beloved fantasy novels by J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the best film adaptions and one of the greatest achievements in cinematic history.
The third and final entry in the trilogy, Return of the King, took home all 11 Oscars it was nominated for.
16. Fight Club
Fight Club is known to be one of the most influential movies of the late 1990s.
To this day, people still talk about how the ending of this film changed their minds about cinema.
17. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
This science fiction film is creative and makes us question if it’s better to love and lost or to never have remembered you were in love at all.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for a number of other major awards during its season.
18. Castaway
Lost on a deserted island in the middle of the ocean, Castaway is carried by the performance of Tom Hanks.
It says a lot about the film in that one of the main characters is a volleyball who we feel for throughout the movie. Hanks was nominated for Best Actor at the 73rd Academy Awards.
19. Forrest Gump
Another Tom Hanks film, Forrest Gump takes viewers through some of the most important historical events during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, all through the life of Forrest, who just wants to be in love and loved by others.
The notable achievement of Forrest Gump is that it beat out The Shawshank Redemption for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
20. The Godfather
This Francis Ford Coppola movie is still regarded as one of the most important films ever created.
The entire Godfather collection has stood the test of time. Well, maybe not the third one.
