The Ultimate Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Movies of All Time

Judging movies is something that can be a tricky business. Of course first of all which films you enjoy is always going to be a very subjective matter with some people enjoying different things to others. At the same time there’s also the matter of deciding how you should judge the top films – sure there’s the amount of money made/ticket sales, but many factors can influence these numbers that aren’t necessarily a reflection on the film (such as the price of tickets, the popularity overseas, the economic climate, other films released at that time etc. etc.).

No matter how you measure them though, some films will always get a mention when you’re talking about the top 10 movies, and are regarding more highly than the rest. These are the films that accomplished such huge numbers, or that have become such indelible parts of popular culture that there’s no disputing their classic status. Here then are the top 10 movies across the board (though still subject to debate).

10. Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane is an old film today by anyone’s standards but the fact it’s so often counted among the top 10 movies is a testament to how important it was. Starring Orson Wells it’s one of the most revered films in the history of cinema and still a brilliant mystery to watch today.

Top 10 Movies of All Time – Citizen Kane

9. Exorcist

With so many films that could be counted as the top 10 movies, it seems only prudent to give a good showing from each genre. And if it’s the horror genre we’re talking about then few films are as influential or as memorable as the Exorcist. The original, obviously.

Top 10 Movies of All Time – Exorcist

8. Some Like it Hot

And for comedy it’s probably Some Like it Hot that has proven to be the most timeless and classic film of all. Of course this one also wins points for starring the iconic Marilyn Munroe.

Top 10 Movies of All Time – Some Like it Hot

7. Casablanca

For the number of quotes alone, and as a paragon of romances, Casablanca deserves a place on any list of top ten movies. We’ll always have Casablanca…

Top 10 Movies of All Time – Casablanca

6. The Avengers

The third highest grossing film of all time, one of the most incredible casts in recent memory, and an insanely ambitious and unique premise, the Avengers is a modern classic and a shining example of what the Super Hero genre should look like on film.

Top 10 Movies of All Time – The Avengers

5. The Sound of Music

While any number of musicals could have made it on to this list (Singing in the Rain being a very strong contender), it’s The Sound of Music that for many has transcended its medium to become an integral part of Christmas. And would you believe that it’s Jackie Chan’s favourite film?

Top 10 Movies of All Time – The Sound of Music

4. Avatar

In terms of the special effects Avatar was likely one of the most ground breaking films since Terminator 2, and is almost solely responsible for the current popularity of 3D in cinemas. The legendary director James Cameron is also the only person to appear twice on this list.

Top 10 Movies of All Time – Avatar

3. E.T.

Something from Spielberg had to be on this list, and what better than this classic story that appeals to almost every demographic and has more legendary moments and imagery than a hundred other films whether it’s the bike in front of the moon or ET getting drunk.

Top 10 Movies of All Time – E.T.

2. The Titanic

James Cameron’s other huge film (well there are plenty more that could have made this list from the Terminator to Aliens), the Titanic is the highest grossing film of all time and a brilliant love story/historical biopic.

Top 10 Movies of All Time – The Titanic

1. Star Wars (The Original Trilogy)

The top entry on this list of the top ten movies is not one film but rather three. Still though, there’s no arguing for many that Star Wars is completely in a league of its own in terms of the impact it’s had on popular culture and the influence it had on the industry. The prequels didn’t do enough to ruin that legacy, let’s hope that the new Disney produced sequels do them justice.