Cinema has been around for over a century and has seen some of the greatest minds of the industry contribute to the art form. Through the decades, certain movies have had a major impact on the way we look at cinema.
From genre-defining classics to groundbreaking special effects and innovative storytelling, these ten movies have had a lasting impact on cinema and will continue to be remembered as some of the most influential of all time. Whether it’s the introduction of a new genre or the exploration of a timeless theme, these movies have changed the way we look at cinema forever.
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
Often referred to as the greatest movie of all time, it was both the first true film noir and the first movie to win more than one Academy Award for Best Picture. It also featured the first modern explorations of the themes of power, greed, and the rise and fall of a man. It is also considered the first movie to make significant use of the technique of camera tilting, as well as an early example of the use of sound-on-film technology.
The movie starred Orson Welles in his first major film role, and it was directed by Welles, as well as co-written and produced by him. The movie was initially met with mixed reviews, but its reputation has grown considerably over the years, with many critics praising its cinematography, narrative, and use of metaphors. It was also listed as one of the greatest films ever made by several publications, such as Sight and Sound and the American Film Institute.
2. The Godfather (1972)
Considered one of the greatest films ever made and a pinnacle of the crime genre, The Godfather has had a lasting impact on cinema. Released in 1972, the movie followed the story of a fictional Mafia family in New York. It was often noted for its depiction of the real American Mafia, with many of the actors receiving death threats from real-life mobsters. The movie was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning two for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
It also became the first sequel to win the Best Picture Oscar. It has been named one of the best movies ever made by Time and AFI. The movie is widely credited with reviving the gangster genre, which had been declining in popularity since the end of the 1930s. It is also credited with legitimizing the Mafia in American culture and showing that they are more than just criminals. The movie has continued to be influential, inspiring many other movies and pop culture references, such as the TV series The Sopranos.
3. Star Wars (1977)
Considered one of the most influential movies ever made, the original Star Wars movie changed the face of sci-fi movies forever. Released in 1977, the movie followed a group of rebels who fight against an evil Galactic Empire. It quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, creating a new generation of sci-fi fans. The movie was praised for both its innovative special effects and its engaging storyline, which became an archetypal story for an entire generation.
The movie also featured many cultural references, which were enjoyed by all generations. The movie was later acknowledged as a landmark achievement in film and science fiction, and it was inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 2010 as a culturally significant film. It has received many awards and nominations, including 10 Academy Awards. It has been named one of the best movies ever made by many publications and has inspired countless other sci-fi movies.
4. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Considered one of the greatest movies ever made, The Shawshank Redemption explored timeless themes of hope, friendship, and finding a way to prevail in a harsh world. Released in 1994, the movie told the story of a man who is wrongly convicted of murder and is sent to a prison where he befriends an old man and finds a way to survive in a difficult environment.
It was often noted for its upbeat ending, which many saw as a hopeful message in the face of a grim situation. The movie received mostly positive reviews from critics, with many praising the acting and the uplifting message. It won several awards, including two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and five BAFTA Awards. It has been named one of the best movies ever made by many publications and has had a lasting influence on cinema.
5. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Considered one of the greatest movies ever made, Pulp Fiction explored timeless themes of greed, lust, and the corruption of innocence. Released in 1994, the movie followed a collection of characters who are connected by a briefcase full of drugs. The movie was noted for its nonlinear storytelling and distinct structure, as well as its unusual blend of dark humor and violence.
It received largely positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised the movie for its inventiveness and the performances of the actors, particularly John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson. It was also noted for its quotable dialogue, particularly the famous “Are we cool?” scene. The movie was also nominated for several awards, and it has been named one of the best movies ever made by many publications.
6. The Matrix (1999)
The first installment in the famous Matrix trilogy, this movie introduced many sci-fi themes that are still relevant today. Released in 1999, the movie followed a computer programmer who discovers that he is living in a false reality created by intelligent machines that harvest humans as an energy source.
The movie was noted for its vivid imagery and ground-breaking visual effects, as well as its engaging storyline and thematic exploration of topics such as virtual reality, identity, and humanity. The movie received mostly positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised its innovative storytelling and special effects. It was also noted for its recognition of Asian actors and often cited as one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time.
7. Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
The famous Lord of the Rings trilogy changed the way fantasy movies were made forever. Released from 2001 to 2003, the trilogy followed a group of people who set out on a perilous journey to destroy an evil ring. The movie was noted for its innovative storytelling and use of breaking the novel into three parts. The movie was also noted for its realistic portrayal of the characters and their journey, as well as its extensive use of visual effects that created a new world for audiences to explore.
The movie received mostly positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised its epic storyline and special effects. It was also nominated for many awards, winning a total of 17 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The movie has been named one of the best movies ever made by many publications and has had a lasting impact on cinema, particularly fantasy.
8. Avatar (2009)
The first movie in the famous Avatar series, this movie introduced many sci-fi themes that are still relevant today. Released in 2009, the movie followed a disabled ex-soldier who travels to an alien planet to explore its resources and ends up in a conflict with the planet’s residents. The movie was noted for its vivid imagery and ground-breaking visual effects, as well as its engaging storyline and thematic exploration of topics such as greed, exploitation, and colonialism.
The movie received mostly positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised its innovative storytelling and special effects. It was also recognized for its recognition of Asian actors and often cited as one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time.
9. Black Panther (2018)
The latest movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther is a groundbreaking movie that introduced many African themes to mainstream audiences. Released in 2018, the movie followed a young king of a fictional African country who faces an existential challenge when an old enemy reappears. The movie was noted for its cultural themes, including a celebration of African traditions, a cast consisting mostly of black actors, and an almost entirely black crew.
It was also noted for its inclusion of strong female characters and its exploration of topical issues, such as the relationship between the West and Africa and the role of technology in society. The movie received mostly positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised its cultural themes and cast. It also became the highest-grossing movie by a black director.
Conclusion
Cinema has been around for over a century and has seen some of the greatest minds of the industry contribute to the art form. Through the decades, certain movies have had a major impact on the way we look at cinema.
From genre-defining classics to groundbreaking special effects and innovative storytelling, these ten movies have had a lasting impact on cinema and will continue to be remembered as some of the most influential of all time. Whether it’s the introduction of a new genre or the
