100 Must See Movies: The Ultimate List Every Film Lover Needs

If you’re searching for must see movies that truly define cinema, you’re in the right place. Movies have the power to inspire, comfort, challenge, and transport us to entirely new worlds. Whether you’re a casual viewer looking for something great to watch tonight or a hardcore cinephile building the ultimate watchlist, this guide covers it all.

This carefully curated 100 must see movies list spans genres, decades, cultures, and storytelling styles. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these films have shaped cinema and continue to influence audiences worldwide. Grab some popcorn—this is the definitive list of movies everyone should see at least once.

🎬 The 100 Must See Movies of All Time

1. The Godfather (1972)

A landmark in filmmaking, The Godfather redefined crime dramas with its rich storytelling, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes of family and loyalty.

2. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

An emotionally resonant story about hope, friendship, and resilience, this film consistently ranks as one of the most beloved must see movies ever made.

3. Citizen Kane (1941)

Often cited as the greatest film of all time, Citizen Kane revolutionized cinematography, narrative structure, and visual storytelling.

4. The Dark Knight (2008)

Christopher Nolan’s gritty superhero epic elevated the genre, anchored by Heath Ledger’s legendary performance as the Joker.

5. Pulp Fiction (1994)

With razor-sharp dialogue and a nonlinear narrative, Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic reshaped modern independent cinema.

6. Schindler’s List (1993)

A haunting yet essential film, this powerful historical drama captures humanity amid one of history’s darkest chapters.

7. Forrest Gump (1994)

Heartwarming and humorous, Forrest Gump tells a simple yet profound story about life, love, and destiny.

8. Inception (2010)

A visually stunning, mind-bending thriller that challenges perception and reality, making it a modern must see movie.

9. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

The film that launched one of the biggest franchises in history and changed blockbuster filmmaking forever.

10. The Matrix (1999)

A groundbreaking sci-fi film that blended philosophy, action, and visual innovation into a cultural phenomenon.

11. Fight Club (1999)

A provocative exploration of identity and consumerism, this cult classic remains endlessly discussed and rewatched.

12. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

An epic fantasy journey that set a new standard for world-building and storytelling.

13. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Darker and more intense, this chapter deepens the saga with unforgettable battles and character arcs.

14. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

A triumphant conclusion that swept the Oscars and cemented its place among must see movies.

15. Goodfellas (1990)

Martin Scorsese’s electrifying portrayal of mob life is stylish, brutal, and endlessly influential.

16. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

A chilling psychological thriller featuring one of cinema’s most iconic villains.

17. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Renowned for its realistic depiction of war, this film is both harrowing and deeply human.

18. Jurassic Park (1993)

Steven Spielberg’s dinosaur adventure combined cutting-edge effects with timeless storytelling.

19. Titanic (1997)

A sweeping romance set against historical tragedy, Titanic remains one of the highest-grossing must see movies.

20. Avatar (2009)

A visual spectacle that pushed cinematic technology and world-building to new heights.

21. Casablanca (1942)

Romance, sacrifice, and unforgettable dialogue make this classic a timeless favorite.

22. Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock’s genre-defining thriller changed horror films forever.

23. Rear Window (1954)

A masterclass in suspense, voyeurism, and storytelling confined to a single location.

24. Vertigo (1958)

A haunting psychological mystery that grows richer with every viewing.

25. Back to the Future (1985)

An endlessly entertaining time-travel adventure beloved by all generations.

26. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

A heartfelt story of friendship that captures the wonder of childhood.

27. Jaws (1975)

The original summer blockbuster that redefined suspense and popular cinema.

28. Rocky (1976)

An underdog sports drama that resonates far beyond the boxing ring.

29. Gladiator (2000)

A powerful historical epic fueled by revenge, honor, and unforgettable performances.

30. Braveheart (1995)

A sweeping tale of freedom and rebellion that left a lasting mark on historical epics.

31. The Lion King (1994)

An animated masterpiece that blends Shakespearean themes with unforgettable music.

32. Toy Story (1995)

Pixar’s groundbreaking debut proved animated films could be emotionally rich and universally appealing.

33. Finding Nemo (2003)

A visually stunning underwater adventure with heart and humor.

34. Spirited Away (2001)

A magical, imaginative animated film that introduced many to the brilliance of Studio Ghibli.

35. Up (2009)

An emotional journey that begins with one of the most touching openings in film history.

36. Parasite (2019)

A genre-blending masterpiece that explores class, inequality, and human nature.

37. Oldboy (2003)

A shocking and stylish thriller that leaves a lasting impact.

38. Seven Samurai (1954)

Akira Kurosawa’s epic influenced countless action and adventure films.

39. City of God (2002)

A raw and gripping portrayal of life in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas.

40. Life Is Beautiful (1997)

A poignant blend of humor and tragedy that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.

41. The Departed (2006)

A tense crime thriller packed with twists, stellar performances, and moral complexity.

42. No Country for Old Men (2007)

A haunting, minimalist thriller about fate, violence, and inevitability.

43. There Will Be Blood (2007)

A chilling character study driven by ambition and obsession.

44. La La Land (2016)

A modern musical that pays homage to classic Hollywood while exploring love and dreams.

45. Whiplash (2014)

An intense and electrifying film about ambition, mentorship, and obsession.

46. The Social Network (2010)

A sharp, modern drama about ambition, innovation, and betrayal.

47. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

A relentless, visually stunning action film that redefined the genre.

48. Interstellar (2014)

A science fiction epic that blends emotional storytelling with cosmic wonder.

49. Blade Runner (1982)

A visually iconic film that explores humanity, identity, and artificial intelligence.

50. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

A worthy sequel that expands the original’s themes with breathtaking visuals.

51. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

A magical journey that has enchanted audiences for generations.

52. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

A joyful celebration of music, dance, and Hollywood history.

53. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

A visually poetic exploration of humanity’s past, present, and future.

54. Alien (1979)

A masterful blend of science fiction and horror.

55. Aliens (1986)

A thrilling, action-packed sequel that expanded the franchise.

56. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

A groundbreaking action film with heart and revolutionary effects.

57. Die Hard (1988)

The gold standard for action movies and holiday debates alike.

58. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

An adventurous, globe-trotting classic featuring one of cinema’s greatest heroes.

59. The Truman Show (1998)

A clever and emotional exploration of reality, freedom, and media.

60. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

A beautifully unconventional love story about memory and loss.

61. Her (2013)

A thoughtful and intimate look at love in the age of technology.

62. The Big Lebowski (1998)

A cult comedy filled with quirky characters and endlessly quotable dialogue.

63. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

A brilliantly absurd comedy that remains endlessly rewatchable.

64. Groundhog Day (1993)

A clever comedy with philosophical depth and heart.

65. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

A visually delightful film packed with humor, style, and charm.

66. Amélie (2001)

A whimsical French film that celebrates love and small joys.

67. The Pianist (2002)

A powerful and intimate portrayal of survival during wartime.

68. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

A provocative and visually striking exploration of free will and morality.

69. The Green Mile (1999)

A moving drama that blends supernatural elements with human compassion.

70. Django Unchained (2012)

A bold and stylish revenge western with unforgettable performances.

71. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

A nostalgic love letter to Hollywood’s golden era.

72. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

An outrageous and energetic look at excess, ambition, and greed.

73. Heat (1995)

A tense crime epic featuring legendary performances and iconic scenes.

74. Logan (2017)

A gritty, emotional superhero film that redefined the genre.

75. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

A massive crossover event that delivered high emotional stakes.

76. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

An epic conclusion that rewarded years of storytelling.

77. The Prestige (2006)

A clever, twist-filled thriller about obsession and illusion.

78. The Sixth Sense (1999)

A suspenseful mystery famous for its unforgettable twist.

79. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

An uplifting story of fate, love, and perseverance.

80. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

A deeply emotional sports drama about sacrifice and resilience.

81. The Sound of Music (1965)

A beloved musical that continues to charm audiences worldwide.

82. Annie Hall (1977)

A witty and honest exploration of modern relationships.

83. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

A powerful love story that challenged conventions and expectations.

84. The Breakfast Club (1985)

A defining teen film that still resonates decades later.

85. Stand by Me (1986)

A nostalgic coming-of-age story about friendship and loss.

86. The Exorcist (1973)

One of the most terrifying and influential horror films ever made.

87. Halloween (1978)

A minimalist slasher that set the template for the genre.

88. Get Out (2017)

A smart, socially relevant horror film with lasting impact.

89. The Thing (1982)

A paranoia-fueled sci-fi horror classic.

90. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

A dark fairy tale blending fantasy with historical tragedy.

91. The Irishman (2019)

A reflective crime epic about time, regret, and legacy.

92. Raging Bull (1980)

A raw and unflinching portrait of self-destruction and ambition.

93. Network (1976)

A prophetic satire about media, power, and spectacle.

94. Dr. Strangelove (1964)

A dark comedy that skewers politics and nuclear paranoia.

95. Chinatown (1974)

A noir mystery with a haunting, unforgettable ending.

96. The Usual Suspects (1995)

A clever crime thriller built around one of cinema’s best twists.

97. L.A. Confidential (1997)

A stylish neo-noir packed with intrigue and moral complexity.

98. Moonlight (2016)

A tender and powerful coming-of-age story told with beauty and honesty.

99. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

A wildly inventive film blending family drama, action, and multiverse chaos.

100. The Godfather Part II (1974)

A rare sequel that rivals—and arguably surpasses—the original.

🎥 Final Thoughts

This list of 100 must see movies is designed to be timeless, diverse, and endlessly rewarding. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering classics for the first time, these films represent the very best of what cinema has to offer. Bookmark this list, share it with fellow movie lovers, and let it guide your next great movie night.

Happy watching!