Special Report

The Best Movies That Defined the Boomer Generation

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The baby boomer generation, born between the mid-1940s and mid-1960s, experienced a transformative era in American film history. Characterized by the emergence of new voices, auteur-driven filmmaking, blockbuster culture, sociocultural reflections, and technological advancements, the movies they would have watched as teenagers and young adults shaped the landscape of modern cinema and continue to influence filmmakers and audiences to this day.

To identify the best movies that defined the baby boomer generation, 24/7 constructed an index using average ratings on IMDb, an online movie database owned by Amazon, and a combination of audience scores and Tomatometer scores on Rotten Tomatoes, an online movie and TV review aggregator. We considered only major motion pictures released between 1967 and 1985, ranking them based on their combined index score. (Information on cast and directors also comes from IMDb.) for major films released between 1967 and 1985.

The 1970s saw the rise of a new generation of filmmakers. Directors such as Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick, Francis Ford Coppola, John Hughes, John Carpenter, Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese, and Milos Forman emerged during this era, pushing boundaries with their innovative approaches. The shift toward auteur-driven filmmaking, where directors infused their personal visions into their films, led to the emergence of distinctive directorial styles and signature storytelling techniques. (These are the most popular movie directors in America.)

The 1970s and 1980s also witnessed the rise of blockbuster films. High-concept ideas, large-scale productions, and extensive marketing campaigns for films like “Jaws” (1975), “Star Wars” (1977), and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) captured the imagination of audiences and created a new era of event cinema.

Click here to read about the 50 best movies that defined the boomer generation

Themes such as political disillusionment, social unrest, gender dynamics, racial tensions, and the impact of technology were also explored more openly and critically during the 1970s and 1980s, a time of significant social and cultural change. Films like “The Graduate” (1967), “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975), and “Blade Runner” (1982) challenged societal norms and provided commentary on the changing times.

Advances in film technology during this period allowed for groundbreaking special effects and visual storytelling. Filmmakers embraced new techniques, such as Industrial Light & Magic’s pioneering work in “Star Wars,” which revolutionized the industry and expanded the possibilities of cinematic storytelling. (Here’s a list of the most successful movies of the 1970s.)

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

50. Grease (1978)
> IMDb user rating: 7.2/10 (253,446 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 87% (1,161,472 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 75% (73 reviews)
> Directed by: Randal Kleiser
> Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway

“Grease” is a classic musical comedy-drama set in the 1950s, telling the story of two high schoolers, Danny and Sandy, who fall in love against the backdrop of teenage life in California. Featuring iconic musical numbers and a memorable cast of characters, “Grease” is an enduring classic.

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49. Gremlins (1984)
> IMDb user rating: 7.3/10 (207,647 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 78% (451,959 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 85% (72 reviews)
> Directed by: Joe Dante
> Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, John Louie

“Gremlins” tells the tale of a young man who receives a strange creature called a Mogwai as a Christmas gift. It spawns other creatures who transform into small, destructive, evil monsters. The story follows the young man and his friends as they attempt to stop the gremlins from taking over their town.

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

48. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
> IMDb user rating: 7.3/10 (174,081 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 82% (377,753 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 83% (53 reviews)
> Directed by: Martin Brest
> Starring: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher

Murphy stars as Axel Foley, a Detroit cop who travels to Beverly Hills to investigate the murder of his best friend. With the help of two bumbling detectives, he uncovers a major crime syndicate, leading to a thrilling and comedic showdown.

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

47. Sixteen Candles (1984)
> IMDb user rating: 7/10 (110,041 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 85% (257,059 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 84% (43 reviews)
> Directed by: John Hughes
> Starring: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Justin Henry, Michael Schoeffling

“Sixteen Candles” is about a teenage girl, Samantha, who is trying to navigate the highs and lows of turning 16 while her family is preoccupied with her older sister’s wedding.

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46. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
> IMDb user rating: 7.5/10 (465,229 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 81% (717,093 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 83% (69 reviews)
> Directed by: Steven Spielberg
> Starring: Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan, Amrish Puri

Ford stars as the daring archaeologist of the title, embarking on a perilous mission to save his kidnapped friends from an evil cult in an ancient temple in India. Along the way, he faces peril, puzzles, and deadly traps as he attempts to survive and rescue those he loves.

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

45. The Karate Kid (1984)
> IMDb user rating: 7.3/10 (208,387 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 82% (316,745 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 89% (44 reviews)
> Directed by: John G. Avildsen
> Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove

This classic coming-of-age movie features Macchio as a young karate student who learns martial arts to defend himself against bullies, with Morita as his wise teacher. The film deals with themes of friendship, perseverance, and the power of self-improvement. “The Karate Kid” has remained a beloved classic over the years, inspiring multiple sequels and remakes.

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44. Carrie (1976)
> IMDb user rating: 7.4/10 (175,705 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 77% (353,181 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 93% (67 reviews)
> Directed by: Brian De Palma
> Starring: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, John Travolta

“Carrie” is a 1976 horror film based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. It follows high school student Carrie White as she discovers and struggles to control her telekinetic powers. The film is widely recognized for the iconic scene in which she unleashes her powers in a fit of rage. It has become a classic in the horror genre and has spawned numerous follow-ups

Courtesy of United Artists

43. Rocky (1976)
> IMDb user rating: 8.1/10 (539,768 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 69% (33,403,994 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 93% (67 reviews)
> Directed by: John G. Avildsen
> Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers

This iconic film tells the story of an underdog boxer from Philadelphia (Stallone) who finds unexpected victory through perseverance. The movie was hugely influential in America, becoming a symbol of hope and determination for American movie-lovers. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won three, including Best Picture. Numerous sequels have followed.

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

42. The Blues Brothers (1980)
> IMDb user rating: 7.9/10 (190,151 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 92% (256,099 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 73% (90 reviews)
> Directed by: John Landis
> Starring: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Cab Calloway, John Candy

Belushi and Aykroyd star as Jake and Elwood Blues, two blues musicians who reunite to save an orphanage from foreclosure. Along the way, they are pursued by the police, a rival band, and the Nazis. The movie is filled with humor, memorable musical numbers, and cameos from some of the biggest stars of the time.

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41. The Goonies (1985)
> IMDb user rating: 7.8/10 (255,535 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 91% (579,769 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 76% (59 reviews)
> Directed by: Richard Donner
> Starring: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman

This classic adventure-comedy features a group of young friends who search for an old pirate’s lost treasure. Along the way, they encounter a variety of obstacles, including a notorious criminal family, and must rely on their wits and courage to make it out alive. The film is filled with memorable characters and exciting action.

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

40. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
> IMDb user rating: 7.8/10 (387,268 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 72% (32,314,349 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 99% (133 reviews)
> Directed by: Steven Spielberg
> Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace

“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is a classic science fiction film, following a young boy who helps an alien stranded on Earth find his way home. Along the way, the two develop a bond of friendship and learn the importance of family and humanity. The film has remained popular for decades and is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

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39. Superman (1978)
> IMDb user rating: 7.3/10 (166,833 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 86% (286,127 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 94% (70 reviews)
> Directed by: Richard Donner
> Starring: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando

A classic superhero movie, “Superman” tells the story of a powerful alien sent to Earth to protect its inhabitants from evil. The movie follows the iconic hero as he battles villains, deals with human relationships, and fights for justice. The film features thrilling action sequences, an iconic soundtrack, and performances that still resonate with audiences today.

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

38. The Exorcist (1973)
> IMDb user rating: 8.1/10 (411,866 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 87% (420,561 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 83% (83 reviews)
> Directed by: William Friedkin
> Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb

In this horror classic, a priest attempts to rid a young girl of demonic possession. It is widely regarded as one of the scariest movies ever made, and features intense and disturbing sequences that remain some of the most memorable in film history.

Courtesy of New Line Cinema

37. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
> IMDb user rating: 7.5/10 (216,821 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 84% (415,796 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 94% (54 reviews)
> Directed by: Wes Craven
> Starring: Heather Langenkamp, Johnny Depp, Robert Englund, John Saxon

Teenagers are terrorized by the ghost of Freddy Krueger, a disfigured serial killer who hunts them in their dreams, in this Wes Craven masterpiece. The movie is considered to be one of the most influential horror films ever made, and is credited with helping to popularize the slasher movie genre.

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36. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
> IMDb user rating: 7.8/10 (188,358 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 87% (878,111 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 91% (53 reviews)
> Directed by: Mel Stuart
> Starring: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear

Wilder stars as an eccentric and mysterious candy maker in this classic musical fantasy film. After five children win a contest to enter his chocolate factory, they embark on a whimsical and magical journey filled with singing and dancing Oompa-Loompas, gigantic edible treats, and a few unexpected surprises.

Courtesy of MGM/UA Entertainment Company

35. A Christmas Story (1983)
> IMDb user rating: 7.9/10 (136,883 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 88% (286,048 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 89% (57 reviews)
> Directed by: Bob Clark
> Starring: Peter Billingsley ,Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz

In “A Christmas Story,” Ralphie, a nine-year-old boy, attempts to convince his parents to buy him a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The film has since become a cult classic and is now a staple of American popular culture, remembered for its nostalgic portrayal of the boomer generation’s childhood and its quotable lines. It is also widely remembered for its tongue-on-the-flagpole scene.

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34. The Graduate (1967)
> IMDb user rating: 8/10 (262,940 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 90% (183,691 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 87% (83 reviews)
> Directed by: Mike Nichols
> Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, William Daniels

In this romantic comedy-drama, Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate, finds himself torn between the beautiful young Elaine Robinson and his older lover, Mrs. Robinson – Elaine’s mother. Benjamin’s journey of self-discovery and his ultimate choice won the hearts of viewers in the ’60s, and continue to do so today.

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

33. The Breakfast Club (1985)
> IMDb user rating: 7.8/10 (372,267 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 92% (556,906 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 89% (65 reviews)
> Directed by: John Hughes
> Starring: Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy

This coming-of-age comedy-drama follows five high school students from different social groups who spend a Saturday in detention and come to realize that they are all more than just their respective stereotypes. “The Breakfast Club” is widely considered to be one of the greatest teen films of all time.

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

32. Scarface (1983)
> IMDb user rating: 8.3/10 (778,547 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 93% (488,892 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 82% (71 reviews)
> Directed by: Brian De Palma
> Starring: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

In “Scarface,” Cuban refugee Tony Montana rises to the top of Miami’s criminal underworld. Along the way, he faces off with rival drug lords and the authorities. The film was praised for its intense violence and iconic performances from Pacino and Pfeiffer.

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31. The Thing (1982)
> IMDb user rating: 8.1/10 (391,164 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 92% (132,442 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 86% (69 reviews)
> Directed by: John Carpenter
> Starring: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, Richard Masur

Legendary horror-film master Carpenter offers a film about a group of scientists who encounter a shape-shifting alien organism in Antarctica. The thing slowly assimilates and kills the scientists while they struggle to survive and find a way to stop it. The film was praised for its atmosphere, tension, and special effects.

Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

30. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
> IMDb user rating: 8.3/10 (986,400 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 94% (1,014,017 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 82% (96 reviews)
> Directed by: Richard Marquand
> Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams

The final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy, “Return of the Jedi” concerns Luke Skywalker’s journey to the forest moon of Endor, where he confronts Darth Vader and the Emperor in an epic battle for the fate of the galaxy. Along the way, he is joined by his friends, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and the rest of the Rebel Alliance, as they attempt to destroy the second Death Star. The movie culminates with a thrilling space battle and a spectacular celebration of the Rebels’ victory.

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29. Halloween (1978)
> IMDb user rating: 7.7/10 (244,066 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 89% (303,558 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 96% (73 reviews)
> Directed by: John Carpenter
> Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tony Moran, Nancy Kyes

A psychotic killer, Michael Myers, stalks and kills teenage babysitters on Halloween night in the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois. The movie was a commercial success and spawned a successful franchise with several sequels and remakes. It is considered one of the most influential horror films of all time.

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

28. The Shining (1980)
> IMDb user rating: 8.4/10 (942,587 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 93% (482,374 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 84% (96 reviews)
> Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
> Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers

Kubrick’s unforgettable horror film stars Nicholson as an aspiring writer who takes a job as an off-season caretaker for a remote Colorado hotel. The secluded location and supernatural events within the hotel slowly drive Nicholson’s character mad, leading to a terrifying climax.

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

27. Airplane! (1980)
> IMDb user rating: 7.7/10 (224,550 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 89% (292,094 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 97% (69 reviews)
> Directed by: David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, Jerry Zucker
> Starring: Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Inspired by aviation-disaster-themed blockbusters like the Airport franchise, the Zucker Brothers turned out this hilarious parody, based around Ted Striker, a former war pilot struggling to land a passenger jet. With its star-studded cast, “Airplane!” offers a unique take on the genre.

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26. Blade Runner (1982)
> IMDb user rating: 8.1/10 (721,985 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 91% (338,132 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 90% (121 reviews)
> Directed by: Ridley Scott
> Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos

This groundbreaking film left an indelible mark on American cinema. It was one of the first science fiction movies to explore the idea of artificial intelligence. The film’s visual style and atmosphere also helped to redefine the genre, and it has been cited as an influence on many modern science fiction films.

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

25. Ghostbusters (1984)
> IMDb user rating: 7.8/10 (373,097 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 88% (1,039,975 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 97% (73 reviews)
> Directed by: Ivan Reitman
> Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis

This comedy-fantasy follows three eccentric parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. The movie was a huge box-office success, and has been credited with ushering in a new wave of supernatural-themed comedies and gaining a cult-like following.

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24. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
> IMDb user rating: 8.3/10 (785,984 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 93% (437,137 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 86% (73 reviews)
> Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
> Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke

A dystopian crime film adapted from the Anthony Burgess novel of the same name, “A Clockwork Orange” centers around Alex, a charismatic and dangerous teenage delinquent, as he commits a series of heinous crimes and is subjected to a controversial form of psychological rehabilitation to reform him. Themes of free will, morality, and the consequences of violent behavior are explored in the film.

Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

23. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
> IMDb user rating: 8.3/10 (629,868 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 89% (299,429 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 92% (113 reviews)
> Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
> Starring: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter

“2001: A Space Odyssey” was a revolutionary piece of cinema that was a major influence on the American culture of the time. It showed the public a vision of the future that was both awe-inspiring and deeply unsettling. It was a film that helped to shape the attitudes of the boomer generation, giving them a greater appreciation of the unknown and the power of technology. The movie’s success was a major milestone for the science fiction genre, demonstrating that such films could be serious, thought-provoking works of art.

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22. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
> IMDb user rating: 8.4/10 (329,016 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 93% (75,039 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 87% (54 reviews)
> Directed by: Sergio Leone
> Starring: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams

Italian director Leone, best-known for his so-called Spaghetti Westerns, turned his attention here to a group of Italian-American gangsters in New York City between the early 1900s and 1968. It was highly acclaimed upon its release, becoming a classic of the crime film genre. Nominated for several Academy Awards, it won a BAFTA for Best Cinematography.

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21. The Deer Hunter (1978)
> IMDb user rating: 8.1/10 (324,627 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 92% (103,588 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 92% (78 reviews)
> Directed by: Michael Cimino
> Starring: Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Cazale, John Savage

This is the story of three steelworkers from Pennsylvania who serve in the Vietnam War and how their lives are changed by their experience. The movie was highly influential in America, exploring themes of patriotism, masculinity, and the psychological after-effects of war. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is often cited as one of the greatest films of the 1970s.

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

20. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
> IMDb user rating: 8/10 (259,430 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 90% (110,314 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 96% (48 reviews)
> Directed by: Sidney Lumet
> Starring: Al Pacino, John Cazale, Penelope Allen, Sully Boyar

“Dog Day Afternoon” tells the story of a bank robbery gone wrong, and the hostage situation that ensues. It was a critical success, and its cultural impact was immense, considered one of the most influential films of the 1970s for its treatment of such issues of the period as economic inequality, law enforcement, and systemic racism. I

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19. Jaws (1975)
> IMDb user rating: 8/10 (565,147 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 90% (945,011 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 97% (93 reviews)
> Directed by: Steven Spielberg
> Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary

The original “summer blockbuster,” “Jaws” tells the story of a great white shark terrorizing a small island town as its inhabitants try to survive the summer. The movie is renowned for its groundbreaking use of foreboding music and dazzling cinematography, and its iconic tagline, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

Courtesy of United Artists

18. Annie Hall (1977)
> IMDb user rating: 8/10 (258,110 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 92% (153,824 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 96% (84 reviews)
> Directed by: Woody Allen
> Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane

A major critical and commercial success, “Annie Hall” was widely credited with helping to popularize a new brand of personal, introspective comedy in American cinema. It is renowned for its clever dialogue and poignant look at relationships and growing up during the boomer generation. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Diane Keaton, and Best Original Screenplay for Woody Allen.

Courtesy of United Artists

17. Raging Bull (1980)
> IMDb user rating: 8.2/10 (356,943 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 93% (131,523 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 93% (76 reviews)
> Directed by: Martin Scorsese
> Starring: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent

A biographical sports drama film, “Raging Bull” follows the life of real-life professional boxer Jake LaMotta, depicting his struggles with his inner demons and how his destructive behavior affected his relationships and career. The film was a critical and commercial success, and was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

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16. The Terminator (1984)
> IMDb user rating: 8/10 (820,969 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 89% (776,923 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 100% (65 reviews)
> Directed by: James Cameron
> Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield

Schwarzenegger plays the title character here – a cyborg assassin sent back in time to 1984 to kill a woman whose unborn son will lead humanity in a future war against machines. The movie was a major commercial and critical success, becoming an iconic sci-fi classic and launching a multi-million dollar franchise.

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

15. Taxi Driver (1976)
> IMDb user rating: 8.2/10 (761,825 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 93% (260,919 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 96% (94 reviews)
> Directed by: Martin Scorsese
> Starring: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Albert Brooks

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese. It stars Robert De Niro as a troubled Vietnam War veteran who works as a taxi driver in New York City. His growing frustration with the corruption and immorality of the city leads him on a vigilante mission of redemption and justice. The film was critically acclaimed and received four Academy Award nominations. It has since become an iconic cult classic.

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14. The Sting (1973)
> IMDb user rating: 8.3/10 (250,672 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 95% (61,793 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 94% (63 reviews)
> Directed by: George Roy Hill
> Starring: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning

In this classic crime caper film, Redford and Newman star as two con men who plan an elaborate revenge scheme to swindle a crime boss. They must also use their wits, charm, and luck to stay one step ahead of the law as they carry out their plans. The movie won seven Academy Awards and has been praised for its sharp dialogue and clever plot twists.

Courtesy of Orion Pictures

13. Amadeus (1984)
> IMDb user rating: 8.4/10 (403,732 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 95% (180,242 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 93% (100 reviews)
> Directed by: Milos Forman
> Starring: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice

This is the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life and death, following the great composer through his career as a young musical prodigy, his struggles with society’s expectations, and his eventual untimely death. “Amadeus” won eight Oscars and was nominated for six more.

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

12. Chinatown (1974)
> IMDb user rating: 8.2/10 (309,557 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 93% (78,076 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 99% (76 reviews)
> Directed by: Roman Polanski
> Starring: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez

In one of his most memorable roles, Nicholson stars as private detective Jake Gittes in this neo-noir mystery film. Gittes investigates a case involving a wealthy and powerful family in 1930s Los Angeles, uncovering corruption and sexual scandal in the process.

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11. Monty Python & the Holy Grail (1975)
> IMDb user rating: 8.2/10 (536,985 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 95% (250,000 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 97% (79 reviews)
> Directed by: Terry Gilliam & Terry Jones
> Starring: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam

This highly influential comedy classic follows King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they search for the elusive Holy Grail. Its absurd humor and witty writing made it an instant hit, and it is still beloved by audiences to this day. The movie has been credited with launching the Monty Python troupe into international fame.

Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

10. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
> IMDb user rating: 8.6/10 (1,277,193 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 96% (863,326 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 92% (132 reviews)
> Directed by: George Lucas
> Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is an iconic space opera that follows the journey of Luke, Leia, Han, and Chewbacca as they battle the Empire in order to restore freedom. Along the way, they enlist the help of Obi-Wan Kenobi and use the Force to fight against the Empire’s forces. The movie has become a classic and is loved by generations of fans.

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Courtesy of Universal Pictures

9. Back to the Future (1985)
> IMDb user rating: 8.5/10 (1,113,249 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 94% (1,095,654 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 96% (83 reviews)
> Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
> Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover

In “Back to the Future,” teenager Marty McFly (Fox) is sent back in time to 1955 in a time machine created by his eccentric scientist friend, Dr. Emmett Brown (Lloyd). The movie became a cultural phenomenon and captivated a generation of young people by exploring themes of time travel, family, and friendship. It was the highest grossing movie of 1985 and won several awards, including an Oscar for Best Sound Effects Editing. The movie’s popularity continued to soar after its release and it remains a beloved classic to this day.

Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

8. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
> IMDb user rating: 8.5/10 (314,446 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 95% (65,906 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 95% (65 reviews)
> Directed by: Sergio Leone
> Starring: Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards

An epic Spaghetti Western, this film tells the story of a mysterious revenge-driven gunslinger on his quest to find a bandit who killed his brother. With epic cinematography and a memorable score, the movie has become a classic of the Western genre.

Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

7. Alien (1979)
> IMDb user rating: 8.4/10 (823,459 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 94% (460,436 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 98% (126 reviews)
> Directed by: Ridley Scott
> Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright

When the crew of a commercial spaceship investigates a distress signal from a distant planet, a horrific intruder comes on board. The film was groundbreaking in its use of special effects and its exploration of themes such as extraterrestrial life and the unknown. Stunning visual effects and a suspenseful plot make it an enduring classic among younger generations as well.

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Courtesy of United Artists

6. Apocalypse Now (1979)
> IMDb user rating: 8.4/10 (629,925 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 94% (286,235 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 98% (96 reviews)
> Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
> Starring: Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest

Loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s classic novel “Heart of Darkness,” “Apocalypse Now” is set during the Vietnam War, when an army officer, Captain Benjamin Willard, is sent on a mission to find and terminate the renegade Colonel Walter Kurtz. The film features an iconic soundtrack and surreal visuals to portray the horror and intensity of war and the psychological toll it takes on those who fight.

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

5. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
> IMDb user rating: 8.4/10 (917,143 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 96% (827,087 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 96% (84 reviews)
> Directed by: Steven Spielberg
> Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Rhys-Davies

The film that introduced the titular archeologist-adventurer, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” follows Jones as he attempts to find the Ark of the Covenant – the legendary sacred Biblical artifact – before the Nazis do. Along the way, he encounters booby traps, rival archaeologists, and supernatural threats. He also demonstrates why you should never bring a sword to a gunfight.

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Courtesy of United Artists

4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
> IMDb user rating: 8.7/10 (954,220 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 96% (279,963 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 94% (83 reviews)
> Directed by: Milos Forman
> Starring: Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco

Based on the Ken Kesey novel of the same name, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” stars Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal sent to a psychiatric hospital, where he clashes with the oppressive Nurse Ratched and rallies the other patients to take on the hospital’s authoritarian regime. The film won numerous awards, including five Academy Awards, and is considered a classic of American cinema.

Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

3. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
> IMDb user rating: 8.7/10 (1,205,389 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 97% (1,058,608 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 94% (105 reviews)
> Directed by: Irvin Kershner
> Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams

“The Empire Strikes Back” was the second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy. It follows the Rebel Alliance’s struggle against the Galactic Empire as they face Darth Vader and the Dark Side. The movie features memorable moments, including the introduction of Yoda and the iconic line “No, I am your father”. It is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

2. The Godfather: Part II (1974)
> IMDb user rating: 9/10 (1,183,912 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 97% (411,793 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 96% (114 reviews)
> Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
> Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton

“The Godfather: Part II,” the first of two sequels to the classic 1972 original, follows Michael Corleone, now the head of the Corleone crime family, as he attempts to expand his empire while dealing with the increasing pressures his power brings.

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Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

1. The Godfather (1972)
> IMDb user rating: 9.2/10 (1,704,373 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience rating: 98% (734,439 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer rating: 97% (133 reviews)
> Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
> Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton

One of the landmarks of late 20th-century cinema, “The Godfather” concerns the Corleone family, originally from Sicily, focusing on patriarch Vito Corleone and his son Michael as they navigate the world of organized crime in New York City. The movie was a box office sensation and critical hit, and was considered groundbreaking for its portrayal of the Mafia in a partially sympathetic light. It has been credited with inspiring generations of filmmakers.

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