These Honorable Mentions at list of 100+ highly rated, widely loved movies released before 2015

Here is a list of 100+ highly rated, widely loved movies released before 2015 that weren’t used in any of the earlier genre lists. These Honorable Mentions will include a mix of fun, iconic, classic, and influential titles from across the globe and cinematic history.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – IMDb: 9.3 – Top Stars: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton – An inspiring prison drama about hope and friendship that has become one of the most beloved films ever made (The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – IMDb).
12 Angry Men (1957) – IMDb: 9.0 – Top Stars: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam – A taut jury-room showdown that turns one man’s reasonable doubt into a gripping battle for justice (proof that an intense drama can unfold in a single room!).
Fight Club (1999) – IMDb: 8.8 – Top Stars: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter – A darkly comic mind-bender about an insomniac and his soap-making alter ego that gleefully satirizes consumer culture while packing plenty of anarchic twists.
Forrest Gump (1994) – IMDb: 8.8 – Top Stars: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise – The heartfelt tale of a lovable simple man unwittingly influencing decades of American history (and reminding us that life is like a box of chocolates, full of surprises).
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – IMDb: 8.7 – Top Stars: Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Will Sampson – A rebellious free-spirit shakes up a mental institution in this stirring, Oscar®-sweeping drama that celebrates individuality against a tyrannical system.
Se7en (1995) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey – A veteran and rookie detective hunt a serial killer obsessed with the seven deadly sins in a chilling thriller with a gut-punch ending (Taxi Driver (1976) – FAQ – IMDb).
The Green Mile (1999) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse – A death-row prison guard discovers miracles (and a gentle giant with a mysterious gift) in this emotional, supernatural-tinged drama that will move you to tears.
Life Is Beautiful (1997) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini – A loving father uses humor and imagination to shield his son from the horrors of a WWII concentration camp in this uniquely uplifting tragicomedy (La vie est belle (1997) – FAQ – IMDb).
City of God (2002) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele – A riveting, fast-paced journey through the favelas of Rio, following two boys on very different paths amid violence, photography, and the fight to escape crime (City of God (2002) – FAQ – IMDb).
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore – A despairing man gets to see what the world would be like without him in this timeless, life-affirming Christmas classic that continues to warm hearts every year.
Spirited Away (2001) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino – An imaginative animated adventure in which a young girl enters a bewitched bathhouse world of spirits, bringing Hayao Miyazaki’s wondrous fantasy to life with heart and magic.
The Intouchables (2011) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny – A feel-good French comedy where a wealthy quadriplegic and his free-spirited caretaker from the projects form an unlikely, life-changing friendship (prepare to laugh and tear up).
Casablanca (1942) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid – A cynical expat nightclub owner in WWII Morocco rediscovers love and honor in a glamorous, quote-filled romance (“Here’s looking at you, kid”) that’s often hailed as Hollywood’s finest love story.
Whiplash (2014) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist – A jazz drumming prodigy endures a ferocious music teacher’s relentless abuse in a white-knuckle thriller about ambition and perfection that will leave your heart pounding by the finale.
Cinema Paradiso (1988) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Philippe Noiret, Enzo Cannavale, Antonella Attili – A nostalgic love letter to cinema centered on a little boy and a projectionist in a small Italian village, guaranteed to charm you and maybe provoke a happy tear or two.
City Lights (1931) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee – Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp falls in love with a blind flower girl in this silent rom-com gem that deftly balances hilarity and heart (its touching final scene is legendary).
Rear Window (1954) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey – A wheelchair-bound photographer spies on neighbors from his apartment and suspects a murder in Alfred Hitchcock’s masterclass of suspense that turns voyeurism into edge-of-your-seat thrills.
The Prestige (2006) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson – Rival magicians in Victorian London engage in an escalating battle of wits and illusions in Christopher Nolan’s twisty, engrossing tale of obsession (featuring one jaw-dropping final trick).
Léon: The Professional (1994) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman – A taciturn hitman becomes the reluctant guardian of a 12-year-old girl in this stylish, violent, yet surprisingly tender crime thriller set in New York’s underworld.
The Usual Suspects (1995) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri – Five criminals meet in a lineup and form a heist crew in a twisting neo-noir famous for its devilish mystery and one of the greatest surprise endings in film (The Usual Suspects (1995) – FAQ – IMDb).
The Lion King (1994) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones – Disney’s epic animated musical about a young lion prince exiled by his evil uncle is packed with unforgettable songs, colorful characters, and a triumphant story of destiny.
Dr. Strangelove (1964) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden – A razor-sharp Cold War satire (directed by Stanley Kubrick) that finds dark comedy in nuclear Armageddon, featuring Peter Sellers in multiple hilarious roles and absurd lines like “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room!” (Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love … – IMDb).
The Great Dictator (1940) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Jack Oakie – Chaplin boldly mocks fascism in this political satire, where he plays both a ruthless dictator and a kind Jewish barber, culminating in a hopeful speech that still resonates today (The Great Dictator (1940) – FAQ – IMDb).
Inglourious Basterds (2009) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Diane Kruger – Quentin Tarantino’s audacious WWII fantasy packs tense standoffs and dark humor as a squad of Allied “basterds” and a vengeful theater owner conspire to take down Nazis in explosively unorthodox ways.
Amadeus (1984) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s genius and excess drive rival composer Salieri mad with envy in this lavish, Oscar®-laden period drama that’s as operatic, witty, and tragic as Mozart’s own music (Amadeus (1984) – FAQ – IMDb) (Amadeus (1984) – FAQ – IMDb).
Sunset Boulevard (1950) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim – A cynical screenwriter becomes the pet project of a faded silent-film star in this noir Hollywood satire famous for its biting one-liners (“I am big, it’s the pictures that got small!”) and eerie look at Tinseltown’s dark side.
Witness for the Prosecution (1957) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton – A witty courtroom thriller (based on Agatha Christie’s play) loaded with twists and turns, as an ailing barrister defends a man accused of murder – just when you think you’ve solved it, this movie pulls the rug out from under you.
The Lives of Others (2006) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck, Sebastian Koch – In 1980s East Berlin, a lonely Stasi agent monitoring a playwright’s every move finds his conscience awakened in this tense and poignant Cold War drama about surveillance and humanity.
Three Idiots (2009) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi – A crowd-pleasing Bollywood comedy about three engineering students and their unconventional friend “Rancho,” whose philosophy to pursue excellence, not success, leads to hilarious antics and heartfelt life lessons.
Memento (2000) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano – A man with short-term memory loss hunts his wife’s killer using tattoos and notes in Christopher Nolan’s inventive thriller that unfolds in reverse (keeping you as disoriented as the protagonist).
Grave of the Fireflies (1988) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi – A beautiful and devastating animated film about two orphaned siblings struggling to survive in WWII Japan – it’s profoundly moving and shows the human cost of war through a child’s eyes.
Oldboy (2003) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong – A man imprisoned without explanation for 15 years is suddenly freed to seek revenge in this shocking South Korean thriller that combines brutal action with jaw-dropping plot revelations (definitely not for the faint of heart!).
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst – A man undergoes a procedure to erase memories of his ex, only to relive their love in his mind, in this wildly imaginative romantic dramedy that’s as tender as it is trippy.
Vertigo (1958) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes – Alfred Hitchcock’s hypnotic thriller about obsession and deception, as a detective with a fear of heights falls for a mysterious woman he’s been hired to follow – a dizzying spiral of romance and suspense often cited as one of the greatest films ever (Vertigo (1958) – FAQ – IMDb).
Citizen Kane (1941) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore – The rise and fall of a newspaper tycoon told through multiple perspectives – famous for its “Rosebud” mystery – this landmark drama is a technical and narrative masterpiece that changed filmmaking forever (Citizen Kane – Wikipedia) (Citizen Kane – Wikipedia).
Good Will Hunting (1997) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck – A genius South Boston janitor needs a therapist and best friends to help him find direction in this heartfelt, funny drama about reaching one’s potential (featuring a monologue from Williams that’ll give you goosebumps).
Double Indemnity (1944) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson – A smooth-talking insurance salesman and a femme fatale housewife plot the “perfect” murder for money – a crackling film-noir full of snappy dialogue and shadowy suspense that set the standard for the genre (Double Indemnity (1944) – FAQ – IMDb).
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton – Harper Lee’s classic comes to life as lawyer Atticus Finch defends a Black man in 1930s Alabama, seen through the eyes of his young children – a poignant story of justice and morality anchored by Peck’s legendary performance.
Amélie (2001) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus – A shy Parisian waitress secretly improves the lives of those around her through whimsical good deeds, in a charming French rom-com bursting with color, imagination, and sweetness that will leave you grinning ear to ear.
American Beauty (1999) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch – A suburban father experiences a midlife awakening – quitting his job, crushing on his daughter’s friend, and finding beauty in the mundane – in this darkly comic critique of the American Dream that’s both provocative and poignant.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle – The Monty Python crew irreverently spoof the legend of King Arthur and his knights in a barrage of absurd sketches (coconut “horse” galloping, a killer rabbit, etc.), making it one of the funniest cult comedies ever made.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie – An outrageous, no-holds-barred look at the rise and fall of a hedonistic stockbroker, stuffed with wild parties, excess and dark humor – a Scorsese ride that’s as exhilarating as it is appalling.
Bicycle Thieves (1948) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, Lianella Carell – In postwar Italy, a poor man and his little boy search desperately for their stolen bicycle (his livelihood), creating an emotionally powerful neo-realist drama about dignity and hope amid hardship (Bicycle Thieves (1948) – FAQ – IMDb).
Taxi Driver (1976) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd – An unstable NYC cabbie descends into violent vigilantism in Martin Scorsese’s gritty character study, famous for De Niro’s iconic “You talkin’ to me?” scene and its intense, noir atmosphere.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú – A dark fairy tale meets historical drama: a young girl in 1944 Spain escapes into a fantastical labyrinth of creatures and tests, while around her the real-world brutality of Fascist rule rages – visually stunning and emotionally haunting in equal measure.
No Country for Old Men (2007) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin – A tense cat-and-mouse chase across Texas ensues when a hunter finds a satchel of drug money – featuring an unforgettable, chilling villain (Bardem as silenced-shotgun-wielding Anton Chigurh) in a neo-Western thriller about fate and conscience.
There Will Be Blood (2007) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds – A fiercely ambitious oil prospector goes from rags to ruthless tycoon in early 1900s California, in a sprawling epic of greed, family, and religion – anchored by Day-Lewis’s towering performance (“I drink your milkshake!”).
The Lives of Others (2006) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck, Sebastian Koch – (See above entry at #27.)
The Third Man (1949) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli – In postwar Vienna’s shadowy underground, a pulp novelist investigates a friend’s suspicious “death” amid iconic zither music and famous ferris-wheel confrontations – a noir thriller as stylish and sharp as they come.
Sholay (1975) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Amjad Khan – This action-packed “Curry Western” from India finds two lovable crooks hired to protect a village from a ruthless bandit; with its mix of bromance, drama, songs, and high-stakes showdowns, it’s one of Bollywood’s most adored classics.
On the Waterfront (1954) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb – A dockworker struggles against corrupt union bosses on the New Jersey docks in this powerful drama (Brando’s “I coulda been a contender” speech still stirs the soul) that tackles conscience and corruption head-on.
Ben-Hur (1959) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd – An epic sword-and-sandals spectacle about a Jewish prince betrayed by his Roman friend, enduring slavery and seeking vengeance – famous for its breathtaking chariot race and sheer grandeur (a true Golden Age blockbuster).
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley – A swashbuckling pirate adventure featuring Johnny Depp’s now-legendary Captain Jack Sparrow – it’s a perfect blend of supernatural curses, sword fights, humor, and rollicking fun on the high seas.
Stand by Me (1986) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman – Four boys go on a hike to find a rumored dead body and end up finding themselves – a nostalgic coming-of-age classic filled with humor, heart, and the bonds of childhood friendship.
Dead Poets Society (1989) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke – An unorthodox English teacher at a strict boarding school inspires his students to “seize the day” through poetry, in a deeply moving drama that celebrates free thinking (and will make you want to stand on your desk in salute).
The Big Lebowski (1998) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore – This offbeat cult comedy follows laid-back bowler “The Dude” as he gets entangled in a kidnapping caper – it’s endlessly quotable, hilariously bizarre, and abides as a fan favorite for its quirky characters and slacker wisdom.
Memories of Murder (2003) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Roi-ha – Based on a true story, two very different detectives (one local, one from Seoul) desperately hunt a serial killer in 1980s South Korea – a masterful crime thriller by Bong Joon-ho that deftly mixes procedural drama with haunting social commentary.
Gran Torino (2008) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley – A cantankerous, big-hearted retired auto worker confronts the gang trouble plaguing his immigrant neighbors – Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this unexpectedly touching story of unlikely friendship and redemption on a suburban battlefield.
Roman Holiday (1953) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert – A sheltered princess plays hooky in Rome with an American reporter for a whirlwind day of gelato, scooter rides, and freedom – a delightful romantic escapade that introduced the world to Audrey Hepburn’s radiant charm.
Akira (1988) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama – A groundbreaking adult anime set in Neo-Tokyo, where a biker gang’s troubled member develops psychic powers that could trigger apocalypse – famed for its stunning animation and cyberpunk intensity that revolutionized anime worldwide (Akira (1988) – IMDb).
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor – An 18-year-old orphan from Mumbai recounts unbelievable life stories to explain how he knows the answers on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, in a vibrant rags-to-riches romance-adventure bursting with energy and destiny.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith – A struggling salesman and devoted father battles homelessness while pursuing a stockbroker internship – an inspiring true story of perseverance and hope that proves you can overcome any obstacle to achieve your dreams.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper – A ragtag bunch of intergalactic misfits (including a wisecracking raccoon and a lovable tree-creature) team up to save the galaxy – a wildly fun Marvel space opera overflowing with ’70s music, humor, heart, and epic sci-fi action (Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – FAQ – IMDb).
Black Swan (2010) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel – A ballerina’s obsession with perfection and her dark alter-ego spirals out of control as she prepares for Swan Lake – a psychologically thrilling descent into madness with dazzling (and disturbing) visuals and an Oscar®-winning performance by Portman.
The Blues Brothers (1980) – IMDb: 7.9 – Top Stars: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Cab Calloway – “On a mission from God,” two deadpan brothers in sunglasses embark on a chaotic musical road trip to save their old orphanage – featuring spectacular car chases and electrifying blues/soul performances that make it a musical-comedy cult favorite (The Blues Brothers (1980) – FAQ – IMDb).
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) – IMDb: 7.9 – Top Stars: Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi – A visually poetic wuxia adventure where warriors leap across rooftops and duel on treetops in ancient China – Ang Lee’s martial arts epic balances elegant fight choreography with a poignant tale of love, honor, and destiny.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – IMDb: 7.8 – Top Stars: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara – A charismatic high schooler fakes sick to give himself (and us) the ultimate day off in Chicago – complete with a Ferrari joyride, a parade sing-along, and gleeful breaking of the fourth wall – a joyful salute to teenage freedom.
The Breakfast Club (1985) – IMDb: 7.8 – Top Stars: Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald – Five high school stereotypes spend a Saturday detention together and discover they’re not so different after all – a defining ’80s dramedy that’s equal parts funny and heartfelt, reminding us that each one of us is “a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal.”
Mary Poppins (1964) – IMDb: 7.8 – Top Stars: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson – A practically perfect magical nanny drops into Edwardian London with her talking umbrella to turn a family’s life upside-down (in the most delightful way) – full of timeless songs, whimsy, and “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” fun.
When Harry Met Sally… (1989) – IMDb: 7.7 – Top Stars: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher – Can men and women ever just be friends? This witty rom-com explores that question over years of chance meetings, sharp banter, and one famous fake-orgasm scene in a deli – an irresistibly charming look at friendship, love, and timing.
Donnie Darko (2001) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell – A troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man-sized rabbit who warns him the world will end in 28 days – a mind-bending mix of teen drama, sci-fi and dark humor that has become a modern cult classic (and will keep you guessing about its meaning).
Metropolis (1927) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Gustav Fröhlich – A silent-era sci-fi epic set in a towering futuristic city where the wealthy live above and workers toil below, until a mad scientist’s robot wreaks havoc – its visionary cityscapes and social message still astonish, making it the granddaddy of all sci-fi world-building (Metropolis (1927) – IMDb).
The Apartment (1960) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray – An office everyman lends his apartment to philandering bosses in hopes of a promotion, but complications ensue when he falls for the boss’s mistreated mistress – a bittersweet comedy that’s equal parts cynical and tender (and won the Oscar® for Best Picture).
Jurassic Park (1993) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum – Scientists bring dinosaurs back to life in a lavish theme park…what could go wrong? Spielberg’s blockbuster adventure set the standard for special effects and thrilling set-pieces (you’ll never look at rippling water the same way again when a T-Rex is coming).
The Sting (1973) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw – A pair of lovable con men in the 1930s team up to swindle a mob boss in this wonderfully twisty caper – complete with clever schemes, a ragtime score, and chemistry for days – that leaves you grinning when all the cards are finally played (The Sting (1973) – FAQ – IMDb).
The Graduate (1967) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross – “Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me.” A recent college grad drifts aimlessly, then sparks an affair with an older family friend – only to fall for her daughter – in this satirical coming-of-age classic defined by its superb soundtrack and wry take on youthful disillusionment.
Gladiator (2000) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen – A betrayed Roman general-turned-gladiator fights his way through the Colosseum for revenge against a cruel emperor – a grand, visceral epic with spectacular battles and the rousing cry of “Are you not entertained?!” echoing through film history.
Cool Hand Luke (1967) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin – A free-spirited prisoner refuses to be broken by a Southern chain gang’s punishments in this classic rebel-against-the-system drama – Newman’s cool charisma and egg-eating bravado make Luke an enduring symbol of defiance who “can be a natural born world-shaker.”

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – IMDb: 9.3 – Top Stars: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman – An inspiring prison drama about hope and friendship that has become one of the most beloved films ever made. [ ]

2. 12 Angry Men (1957) – IMDb: 9.0 – Top Stars: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb – A jury-room showdown turns one man’s reasonable doubt into a gripping battle for justice. [ ]

3. Fight Club (1999) – IMDb: 8.8 – Top Stars: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton – A mind-bending satire of consumer culture led by a soap-making anarchist. [ ]

4. Forrest Gump (1994) – IMDb: 8.8 – Top Stars: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright – A lovable simple man unwittingly influences decades of American history. [ ]

5. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – IMDb: 8.7 – Top Stars: Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher – A free-spirited rebel shakes up a mental institution, celebrating individuality. [ ]

6. Se7en (1995) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt – Detectives track a serial killer whose murders are inspired by the seven deadly sins. [ ]

7. The Green Mile (1999) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan – A death row guard discovers a miraculous prisoner with a gift that defies explanation. [ ]

8. Life Is Beautiful (1997) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi – A father uses humor to protect his son in a Nazi concentration camp. [ ]

9. City of God (2002) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino – Two boys take divergent paths in the violent slums of Rio de Janeiro. [ ]

10. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: James Stewart, Donna Reed – A man sees what the world would be like if he never existed. [ ]

11. Spirited Away (2001) – IMDb: 8.6 – Top Stars: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette – A young girl enters a magical world ruled by gods, spirits, and witches. [ ]

12. Casablanca (1942) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman – An American expatriate must choose between love and virtue during WWII. [ ]

13. The Prestige (2006) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman – Rival magicians vie to create the ultimate illusion, with dark consequences. [ ]

14. The Lion King (1994) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons – A lion cub’s journey to reclaim his rightful place as king of the savannah. [ ]

15. The Intouchables (2011) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: François Cluzet, Omar Sy – An unlikely friendship forms between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caregiver. [ ]

16. Whiplash (2014) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons – A jazz student faces the wrath of a brutal instructor in pursuit of greatness. [ ]

17. Cinema Paradiso (1988) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Philippe Noiret, Enzo Cannavale – A filmmaker reminisces about his childhood and the projectionist who inspired him. [ ]

18. City Lights (1931) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Charlie Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill – Chaplin’s Tramp falls for a blind flower girl in a silent-era gem. [ ]

19. Rear Window (1954) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: James Stewart, Grace Kelly – A man under house arrest believes he’s witnessed a murder across the courtyard. [ ]

20. Léon: The Professional (1994) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman – A hitman mentors a young girl with revenge in her heart. [ ]

You’re absolutely right! That was just the first part. Here’s the continuation from 21 to 100 of your Honorable Mentions – Top 100 Movies Before 2015, properly formatted:

21. The Usual Suspects (1995) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne – Five criminals meet in a lineup and form a heist crew with one legendary twist. [ ]

22. Dr. Strangelove (1964) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Peter Sellers, George C. Scott – A dark Cold War comedy that turns nuclear apocalypse into satire. [ ]

23. The Great Dictator (1940) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard – Chaplin skewers fascism in a moving dual-role performance. [ ]

24. Inglourious Basterds (2009) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz – A WWII reimagining with vengeance and dark humor. [ ]

25. Amadeus (1984) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce – The operatic battle between genius Mozart and jealous Salieri. [ ]

26. Sunset Boulevard (1950) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: William Holden, Gloria Swanson – A faded silent film star schemes her way back to stardom. [ ]

27. Witness for the Prosecution (1957) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich – A courtroom drama loaded with twists and sharp wit. [ ]

28. The Lives of Others (2006) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck – A Stasi agent becomes humanized while spying on artists. [ ]

29. Three Idiots (2009) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan – Indian engineering students challenge the status quo with heart. [ ]

30. Memento (2000) – IMDb: 8.4 – Top Stars: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss – A man with memory loss solves his wife’s murder in reverse. [ ]

31. Grave of the Fireflies (1988) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi – Two siblings endure WWII in Japan in this heartbreaking anime. [ ]

32. Oldboy (2003) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae – A man seeks vengeance after 15 years of imprisonment with no explanation. [ ]

33. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet – A sci-fi love story about memory erasure and second chances. [ ]

34. Vertigo (1958) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: James Stewart, Kim Novak – Hitchcock’s hypnotic tale of obsession and illusion. [ ]

35. Citizen Kane (1941) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten – A media tycoon’s mysterious last word sparks an epic inquiry. [ ]

36. Good Will Hunting (1997) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Matt Damon, Robin Williams – A troubled genius confronts his potential and his past. [ ]

37. Double Indemnity (1944) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck – A classic noir of murder, lust, and insurance fraud. [ ]

38. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham – A lawyer defends an innocent Black man in racially charged Alabama. [ ]

39. Amélie (2001) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz – A whimsical Parisian woman secretly changes lives. [ ]

40. American Beauty (1999) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening – A suburban dad finds beauty in chaos and breakdown. [

41. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Graham Chapman, John Cleese – A ridiculous and endlessly quotable spoof of Arthurian legend. [ ]

42. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill – The rise and fall of a wildly excessive stockbroker. [ ]

43. Bicycle Thieves (1948) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola – A man’s livelihood depends on a stolen bike in postwar Italy. [ ]

44. Taxi Driver (1976) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster – A mentally unstable veteran prowls New York in search of justice. [ ]

45. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Ivana Baquero, Sergi López – A dark fairy tale unfolds amid Francoist Spain’s brutality. [ ]

46. No Country for Old Men (2007) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin – A tense thriller where chance and violence rule. [ ]

47. There Will Be Blood (2007) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano – Oil, greed, and ambition erupt in turn-of-the-century America. [ ]

48. The Third Man (1949) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten – A pulp writer uncovers secrets in postwar Vienna. [ ]

49. Sholay (1975) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra – A Bollywood western with heroes, outlaws, and epic stakes. [ ]

50. On the Waterfront (1954) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden – A dockworker stands up to corruption with iconic defiance. [ ]

51. Ben-Hur (1959) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins – A Jewish prince battles betrayal and fate in Roman times. [ ]

52. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley – Ghost pirates and swashbuckling fun on the high seas. [ ]

53. Stand by Me (1986) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix – Four boys journey to find a dead body and grow up on the way. [ ]

54. Dead Poets Society (1989) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke – An English teacher inspires students to seize the day. [ ]

55. The Big Lebowski (1998) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman – The Dude gets caught in a web of mistaken identity and bowling. [ ]

56. Memories of Murder (2003) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung – A Korean detective faces a real-life serial killer case. [ ]

57. Gran Torino (2008) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang – A grumpy vet finds redemption protecting his neighbors. [ ]

58. Roman Holiday (1953) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck – A princess escapes duty for a magical day in Rome. [ ]

59. Akira (1988) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki – A biker gang discovers psychic power in post-apocalyptic Tokyo. [ ]

60. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto – A game show contestant’s life story reveals all the answers. [

61. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Will Smith, Jaden Smith – A homeless salesman clings to hope and a dream for his son’s future. [ ]

62. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana – A misfit band of space rogues saves the galaxy with heart and mixtapes. [ ]

63. Black Swan (2010) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis – A ballerina loses herself in obsession while chasing perfection. [ ]

64. The Blues Brothers (1980) – IMDb: 7.9 – Top Stars: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd – Two soul-loving brothers race to save their childhood orphanage—with car crashes and rhythm. [ ]

65. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) – IMDb: 7.9 – Top Stars: Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh – A martial arts fantasy with flying warriors and forbidden love. [ ]

66. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – IMDb: 7.8 – Top Stars: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck – A charming teen skips school for the best day ever. [ ]

67. The Breakfast Club (1985) – IMDb: 7.8 – Top Stars: Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald – Five high schoolers bond in detention and break stereotypes. [ ]

68. Mary Poppins (1964) – IMDb: 7.8 – Top Stars: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke – A magical nanny brings joy and music to a London family. [ ]

69. When Harry Met Sally… (1989) – IMDb: 7.7 – Top Stars: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan – Can men and women be friends? This rom-com has thoughts. [ ]

70. Donnie Darko (2001) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone – A teen’s visions of a demonic rabbit foretell the end of the world. [ ]

71. Metropolis (1927) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel – A futuristic city’s class struggle plays out in silent sci-fi grandeur. [ ]

72. The Apartment (1960) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine – A lonely clerk lends out his apartment with surprising consequences. [ ]

73. Jurassic Park (1993) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Sam Neill, Laura Dern – Dinosaurs are back, and chaos follows in Spielberg’s iconic thriller. [ ]

74. The Sting (1973) – IMDb: 8.3 – Top Stars: Paul Newman, Robert Redford – Con men pull off the ultimate grift with style and ragtime. [ ]

75. The Graduate (1967) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft – An aimless college grad gets involved with a friend’s mother. [ ]

76. Gladiator (2000) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix – A betrayed general seeks vengeance in the Roman Colosseum. [ ]

77. Cool Hand Luke (1967) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Paul Newman, George Kennedy – A defiant prisoner refuses to be broken by authority. [ ]

78. The Iron Giant (1999) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Vin Diesel, Eli Marienthal – A boy befriends a misunderstood robot in Cold War America. [ ]

79. The Princess Bride (1987) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright – A fairy tale adventure filled with sword fights and true love. [ ]

80. Annie Hall (1977) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton – A neurotic comedian analyzes love and breakups in New York. [ ]

81. The Incredibles (2004) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter – A superhero family struggles with normal life and a secret mission. [ ]

82. Life of Pi (2012) – IMDb: 7.9 – Top Stars: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan – A young man survives a shipwreck with a Bengal tiger. [ ]

83. The Truman Show (1998) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: Jim Carrey, Ed Harris – A man discovers his life is actually a TV show. [ ]

84. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil – A retired detective reopens a haunting unsolved case. [ ]

85. The Last Emperor (1987) – IMDb: 7.7 – Top Stars: John Lone, Joan Chen – The life story of China’s last imperial ruler. [ ]

86. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) – IMDb: 8.1 – Top Stars: James Stewart, John Wayne – A senator and a gunslinger recount a legendary shootout. [ ]

87. Patton (1970) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: George C. Scott, Karl Malden – The complex portrait of a controversial WWII general. [ ]

88. The Right Stuff (1983) – IMDb: 7.8 – Top Stars: Ed Harris, Scott Glenn – The story of America’s first astronauts and test pilots. [ ]

89. Dances with Wolves (1990) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell – A soldier finds peace and purpose among the Sioux. [ ]

90. The Color Purple (1985) – IMDb: 7.7 – Top Stars: Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey – A Black woman’s powerful journey in the early 1900s South. [ ]

91. The Big Short (2015) – IMDb: 7.8 – Top Stars: Christian Bale, Steve Carell – A smart, sharp take on the 2008 financial meltdown. [ ]

92. A Beautiful Mind (2001) – IMDb: 8.2 – Top Stars: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly – A brilliant mathematician battles schizophrenia and triumphs. [ ]

93. Malcolm X (1992) – IMDb: 7.7 – Top Stars: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett – The dynamic and transformative life of civil rights icon Malcolm X. [ ]

94. Hugo (2011) – IMDb: 7.5 – Top Stars: Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley – A boy living in a Paris train station uncovers cinematic magic. [ ]

95. Children of Men (2006) – IMDb: 7.9 – Top Stars: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore – Humanity faces extinction, until hope arrives. [ ]

96. The King’s Speech (2010) – IMDb: 8.0 – Top Stars: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush – A stammering king finds his voice through unlikely friendship. [ ]

97. Ray (2004) – IMDb: 7.7 – Top Stars: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington – The life and music of soul legend Ray Charles. [ ]

98. The Artist (2011) – IMDb: 7.9 – Top Stars: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo – A silent film actor struggles with the rise of talkies. [ ]

99. Walk the Line (2005) – IMDb: 7.8 – Top Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon – The rise, fall, and love of Johnny Cash. [ ]

100. The Pianist (2002) – IMDb: 8.5 – Top Stars: Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann – A Jewish pianist survives WWII in Nazi-occupied Warsaw. [ ]

You now have 100 carefully selected, highly rated, pre-2015 classic films across all styles and themes — all in checklist format.

Let me know your favorites or have any to add to list

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