Imagine being at a party with friends, a topic overcomes dinner, enthusiasm raises the sound in the room and the topic, “ What is the top movie list of all time?”  Movie lists are opinions but masses can sometimes agree to have likeness over their bias.  The list provided is not made to upset, but to open your mind about why these are some of the top movies of all time and if you have not seen one of the titles, go for it and have a movie night!

The Silent Era (1920s): When Pictures Spoke Louder Than Words 

1. The General (1926)  

Buster Keaton’s deadpan brilliance shines in this comedic adventure. It’s a slapstick symphony that proves you don’t need dialogue to make audiences laugh—or hold their breath during a runaway train sequence.  

2. Metropolis (1927)  

Fritz Lang’s sci-fi masterpiece is a visual feast that still feels light-years ahead of its time. With its dystopian themes and groundbreaking special effects, *Metropolis* is the granddaddy of all futuristic films. 

The Golden Age of Hollywood (1930s-1960s): Glamour, Drama, and a Dash of Noir 

3. Gone with the Wind (1939)  

Frankly, my dear, this epic romance is a must-watch. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable’s chemistry is as fiery as Atlanta burning in the background.  

4. Casablanca (1942)  

Here’s looking at you, kid. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman deliver timeless performances in this tale of love, sacrifice, and wartime intrigue.  

5. Singin’ in the Rain (1952) 

A Technicolor triumph that’s pure joy from start to finish. Gene Kelly’s rain-soaked dance number is the definition of movie magic.  

6. Psycho (1960)  

Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller redefined horror and left us forever scared of showers. Anthony Perkins’ Norman Bates is the stuff of nightmares.  

The New Hollywood Era (1960s-1980s): Rebels with a Cause  

7. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) 

Stanley Kubrick’s cosmic odyssey is a mind-bending journey through space, time, and the meaning of existence. Also, who can forget that haunting score?  

8. The Godfather (1972) 

Francis Ford Coppola’s epic saga of family, power, and betrayal is the offer you can’t refuse. Marlon Brando’s mumbling is forever iconic.  

9. The Shining (1980) 

Kubrick strikes again with this chilling tale of isolation and madness. Jack Nicholson’s “Here’s Johnny!” is etched into cinematic history.  

The Blockbuster Era (1980s-2000s): Big Budgets, Bigger Dreams  

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

Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming tale of a boy and his alien friend made us all want to phone home and eat Reese’s Pieces.  

11. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)  

Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter is the most terrifying dinner guest you’ll ever meet. This psychological thriller is a masterclass in suspense.

12. Schindler’s List (1993) 

Steven Spielberg’s haunting Holocaust drama is a powerful reminder of humanity’s capacity for both evil and redemption. Liam Neeson’s performance is unforgettable.  

13. Forrest Gump (1994)  

Life is like a box of chocolates, and this film is the sweetest of them all. Tom Hanks’ portrayal of Forrest is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.  

14. Pulp Fiction (1994) 

Quentin Tarantino’s nonlinear crime caper is as cool as it is quotable. Say “what” again, I dare you.  

The Modern Era (2000s-Present): Innovation and Inclusion

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

Peter Jackson’s epic conclusion to Tolkien’s saga is a triumph of storytelling, special effects, and emotional depth. For Frodo!  

16. Inception (2010)  

Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending heist film left us questioning reality and spinning tops.  

17. The Social Network (2010)  

David Fincher’s tale of Facebook’s creation is as sharp and biting as Mark Zuckerberg’s wit or lack thereof. 

18. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) 

George Miller’s high octane masterpiece is a visual and emotional rollercoaster. Witness!  

19. Parasite (2019)  

Bong Joon-ho’s darkly comedic thriller is a scathing critique of class inequality and a masterclass in storytelling.   

20. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) 

A multiverse of madness, heart, and hot dog fingers. This film is a wild, existential ride that reminds us to be kind.  

And there you have it folks the top 20 movies of all time, served up with a side of wit and a sprinkle of sophistication. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, each film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of cinema. The thing to remember about movies is that everyone’s palette is different.  You may have some top movies of your own that may not be on this list but that is the fun of viewing someone else’s top cinema. So if you haven’t heard or seen any of these movies I advise you to make a date with your couch and a bowl of popcorn.