All time favourite post-war movies
This is a list of movies that I don't mind watching again and again. There are other films that I may rate higher from a technical standpoint or may have enjoyed more on first viewing, but this are the ones that I would watch every chance I get. Listed in chronological order. This started off as a Top 10 list and eventually expanded to 35. It was a nice problem to have. Then about an hour later, I started having second thoughts, so I came back and expanded it to 40.
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40 titles
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsHumphrey BogartIngrid BergmanPaul HenreidA cynical expatriate American cafe owner struggles to decide whether or not to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis in French Morocco.For Ingrid Bergman's luminous presence and Claude Rains charming, engaging performance.
- DirectorYasujirô OzuStarsChishû RyûChieko HigashiyamaSô YamamuraAn old couple visit their children and grandchildren in the city, but receive little attention.For the bittersweet story of the twilight years of an elderly couple...although this is a Japanese film, this could be happening anywhere in the world.
- DirectorAkira KurosawaStarsToshirô MifuneTakashi ShimuraKeiko TsushimaFarmers from a village exploited by bandits hire a veteran samurai for protection, who gathers six other samurai to join him.For humour, bravery, pathos and fellowship. And for the incredible 3 minute sword fight sequence between Kyuzo and the bandit chieftain.
- DirectorAkira KurosawaStarsToshirô MifuneEijirô TônoTatsuya NakadaiA crafty ronin comes to a town divided by two criminal gangs and decides to play them against each other to free the town.For Toshiro Mifune and one of the coolest opening sequences ever (both in terms of framing and music)
- DirectorJohn FordStarsJames StewartJohn WayneVera MilesA senator returns to a Western town for the funeral of an old friend and tells the story of his origins.It was rare for me to see John Wayne playing such a vulnerable character. Memorable performances from him, James Stewart and Lee Marvin.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsJohn WayneElsa MartinelliHardy KrügerA group of men trap wild animals in Africa and sell them to zoos before the arrival of a female wildlife photographer threatens to change their ways.For yet another unusual John Wayne performance, for the fellowship and camaraderie. And for Elsa Martinelli...I fell in love with her after the scene where she is dancing by herself on the porch outside while the rest of the gang are inside listening to music.
- DirectorStanley KramerStarsSpencer TracyMilton BerleEthel MermanA group of motorists witnesses a car crash in the California desert, and after the driver's dying words indicate the location of a hidden stash of loot, they turn against each in a race across the state to get to it.Never before and never again will so many legendary comedians grace the screen together. Not to mention, a genuinely well made film with great cinematography and editing.
- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsMarlon BrandoAl PacinoJames CaanThe aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.For every scene and every actor. Incomparable.
- DirectorSatyajit RayStarsSanjeev KumarSaeed JaffreyShabana AzmiIn 1856, two obsessed noblemen ignore everything while playing chess and fail to notice British rule extending into their Indian province.For the banter and 'bromance' between Sanjeev Kumar and Saeed Jaffrey. And the scathing commentary on Indian ruling class during the British Raj.
- DirectorIrvin KershnerStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter the Rebel Alliance are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett.For the Hoth sequence, for Han and Leia, and of course, for the scene between Luke and Vader on Cloud City.
- DirectorJûzô ItamiStarsTsutomu YamazakiNobuko MiyamotoKin SugaiWhen Wabisuke's father-in-law unexpectedly dies, the family goes through a series of events and occurrences as the funeral unfolds over three days in their home.For the quietly hilarious prayer sequence interrupted by the phone call. For the unexpected joy of seeing an aged Chishu Ryu in a small but significant role.
- DirectorJûzô ItamiStarsKen WatanabeTsutomu YamazakiNobuko MiyamotoA truck driver stops at a small family-run noodle shop and decides to help its fledgling business. The story is intertwined with various vignettes about the relationship of love and food.For the opening ramen eating sequence and many other food scenes thereafter. For the joy of seeing the underdog win in the end.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSigourney WeaverMichael BiehnCarrie HennDecades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is sent out to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony but finds herself battling the Alien Queen and her offspring.For the performances from Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton, Jenette Goldstein, William Hope and the rest of the soldiers. Perhaps the finest performances of their respective careers. And of course, the immortal line from Sigourney Weaver to the Alien Queen.
- DirectorGabriel AxelStarsStéphane AudranBodil KjerBirgitte FederspielDuring the late 19th century, a strict religious community in a Danish village takes in a French refugee from the Franco-Prussian War as a servant to the late pastor's daughters.For all the cooking (including the extraordinary Cailles en Sarcophage) and for the wonderful performance by legendary Swedish character actor Jarl Kulle, particularly his speech at the end of the dinner.
- DirectorHayao MiyazakiStarsHitoshi TakagiNoriko HidakaChika SakamotoWhen two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.This film should be compulsory viewing for any family. Everything about is magical.
- DirectorJonathan LynnStarsJoe PesciMarisa TomeiRalph MacchioTwo New Yorkers accused of murder in rural Alabama while on their way back to college call in the help of one of their cousins, a loudmouth lawyer with no trial experience.For the hilarious verbal jousting between Vinny Gambini and Judge Haller played by Fred Gwynne just before his death (Mr. Gwynne played the Frankenstein character Herman in the '60s TV sitcom The Munsters). Marisa Tomei's performance on the witness stand is classic.
- DirectorMasayuki SuôStarsMasahiro MotokiMisa ShimizuNaoto TakenakaChronicling the turmoil and pandemonium that ensues at a derelict university sumo club, and the rise of some unlikely heroes.One of the funniest films I have ever seen, but equally filled with moments of warmth and camaraderie. Naoto Takenaka is priceless.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsSam NeillLaura DernJeff GoldblumA pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned dinosaurs to run loose.For the greatest thrill ride I have ever experienced in a movie theater.
- DirectorJames IvoryStarsAnthony HopkinsEmma ThompsonJohn HaycraftA butler who sacrificed body and soul to service in the years leading up to World War II realizes too late how misguided his loyalty was to his lordly employer.The scene towards the end when Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson's characters say goodbye to each other in the rain is perhaps the most heartbreaking scene in cinema.
- DirectorMike NewellStarsHugh GrantAndie MacDowellJames FleetOver the course of five social occasions, a committed bachelor must consider the notion that he may have discovered love.For Hugh Grant's speech to Andy McDowell ("in the words of David Cassidy..."). For Simon Callow's memorable performance as Gareth and John Hannah's heartbreaking speech at the funeral. For the sequence where Hugh Grant sneaks into the closet. And of course, the final set of wedding pictures.
- DirectorMarc CaroJean-Pierre JeunetStarsRon PerlmanDaniel EmilforkJudith VittetA scientist in a surrealist society kidnaps children to steal their dreams, hoping that they slow his aging process.For its visual inventiveness and unique and memorable characters.
- DirectorAng LeeStarsEmma ThompsonKate WinsletJames FleetRich Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his second wife and her three daughters poor by the rules of inheritance. The two eldest daughters are the title opposites.Incredible performances from Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman. The moment when Elinor Dashwood (Thompson) learns that Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant) has been released from his engagement is one of my all-time sentimental favourites.
- DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsWilliam H. MacyFrances McDormandSteve BuscemiMinnesota car salesman Jerry Lundegaard's inept crime falls apart due to his and his henchmen's bungling and the persistent police work of the quite pregnant Marge Gunderson.For the sweet relationship between Marge Gunderson and her husband. And for William H. Macy's performance as the semi-unhinged Jerry Lundegaard. And for Steve Buscemi's performance as the completely unhinged Carl Showalter.
- DirectorMasayuki SuôStarsKoji YakushoTamiyo KusakariNaoto TakenakaA successful but unhappy Japanese accountant finds the missing passion in his life when he begins to secretly take ballroom dance lessons.For the script. And for another hilarious performance from Naoto Takenaka (incidentally, his character Tomio Aoki shares the same name as his character in Sumo Do, Sumo Don't)
- DirectorMike NicholsStarsRobin WilliamsNathan LaneGene HackmanA gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée's right-wing moralistic parents.In my opinion, this remake is superior to the French original. Perhaps the finest big screen performances from Nathan Lane and Hank Azaria. And for the fun of seeing Gene Hackman in drag. The dinner sequence with the soup bowls is one of the all-time great comic sequences.
- DirectorRoger MichellStarsHugh GrantJulia RobertsRichard McCabeA set of circumstances makes Anna Scott, a famous actress, fall in love with William Thacker, owner of a bookstore in Notting Hill. But the paparazzi's fascination with her complicates their bond.This is probably the real guilty pleasure on this list which doesn't stack up against the other heavyweights. But I don't mind seeing it again and again. Rhys Ifans' Spike is a standout.
- DirectorLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsKeanu ReevesLaurence FishburneCarrie-Anne MossWhen a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.For opening my mind. For the fight sequence between Neo and Morpheus. And for Agent Smith. And for introducing me to Carrie Ann Moss in leather.
- DirectorM. Night ShyamalanStarsBruce WillisHaley Joel OsmentToni ColletteMalcolm Crowe, a child psychologist, starts treating a young boy, Cole, who encounters dead people and convinces him to help them. In turn, Cole helps Malcolm reconcile with his estranged wife.For everything. The scene towards the end where Cole talks to his mother in the car is another one of my all-time sentimental favourites. Incredible performance by Toni Collette right through the film as a single mother trying to keep it all together...I wish she could have converted that Oscar nomination into a win.
- DirectorLasse HallströmStarsJuliette BinocheJohnny DeppJudi DenchA French woman and her young daughter open up a chocolate shop in a small remote village that shakes up the rigid morality of the community.For the chocolates. And for Alfred Molina's performance as Comte de Reynaud. Carrie Ann Moss is a nice bonus!
- DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsGeorge ClooneyJohn TurturroTim Blake NelsonIn the deep south during the 1930s, three escaped convicts search for hidden treasure while a relentless lawman pursues them.For the two separate performances of Man of Constant Sorrow. And everything else in between.
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodIan McKellenOrlando BloomA meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.For the opening sequence, when I realized that Peter Jackson had exceeded my wildest expectations in bringing this beloved story to life.
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodIan McKellenViggo MortensenWhile Frodo and Sam edge closer to Mordor with the help of the shifty Gollum, the divided fellowship makes a stand against Sauron's new ally, Saruman, and his hordes of Isengard.For the Ent attack on Isengard. And the scene where Gandalf breaks the spell on Theoden.
- DirectorYôji YamadaStarsHiroyuki SanadaRie MiyazawaNenji KobayashiAs the feudal Japan era draws to a close, a widower samurai experiences difficulty balancing clan loyalties, 2 young daughters, an aged mother, and the sudden reappearance of his childhood sweetheart.Fantastic performance by Hiroyuki Sanada. Part of Yoji Yamada's samurai trilogy.
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodViggo MortensenIan McKellenGandalf and Aragorn lead the World of Men against Sauron's army to draw his gaze from Frodo and Sam as they approach Mount Doom with the One Ring.A most satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Classic action sequence involving Legolas and a Mumakil during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Coronation scene when the crowd bows to the hobbits always gets a lump in my throat.
- DirectorYôji YamadaStarsMasatoshi NagaseTakako MatsuHidetaka YoshiokaA 19th Century samurai, held in low esteem due to an action by his late father, must resolve his history with a maid and with his close friend.For the sequence at the end, when we realize what the hidden blade is. Part of Yoji Yamada's samurai trilogy.
- DirectorWoody AllenStarsScarlett JohanssonJonathan Rhys MeyersEmily MortimerAt a turning point in his life, a former tennis pro falls for an actress who happens to be dating his friend and soon-to-be brother-in-law.For the script and the fantastic performances. And a very satisfying ending.
- DirectorYôji YamadaStarsTakuya KimuraRei DanMitsugorô BandôA look at the relationship between a young blind samurai (Kimura) and his wife, who will make a sacrifice in order to defend her husband's honor.A believable, understated performance by Kimura Takuya. Dan Rei is superb as his wife. Part of Yoji Yamada's samurai trilogy.
- DirectorBrad BirdJan PinkavaStarsBrad GarrettLou RomanoPatton OswaltA rat who can cook makes an unusual alliance with a young kitchen worker at a famous Paris restaurant.For Lou Romano's voice as Linguini, for the kitchen sequences, for the scene when critic Anton Ego tastes the ratatouille dish and for the closing scene. The best animated film that Pixar has made and along with The Incredibles and The Iron Giant, proof that Brad Bird is one of the great directors of our time.
- DirectorYôjirô TakitaStarsMasahiro MotokiRyôko HirosueTsutomu YamazakiSoon after buying an expensive cello, Daigo learns that his orchestra is disbanding. He moves back to his hometown with his wife, where he answers an ad for what Daigo thinks is a travel agency but is, in actuality, a mortuary.For the story and the music score by Joe Hisaishi.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSam WorthingtonZoe SaldanaSigourney WeaverA paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.For the utterly believable world that James Cameron has created...the flora, fauna and technology.