Throughout the internet, you can find hundreds if not thousands of random people who have posted their top ten movies of all time. They act like someone is actually interested in their opinion of movies and desperately wants to find it. In this spirit and wishful optimism, I will now give my top ten movies of all time. This will certainly end the need for creating any more top ten movie list which is something we all can be grateful for. 

Additionally, I will not include any spoilers so that when you become moved to view them, you can fully appreciate them. 

So let’s begin. 

10. A Few Good Men (1992)

A Few Good Men directed by Rob Reiner is a great story surrounding the court-martial of two Marines who are on trial for murdering a fellow Marine. The movie has an excellent cast with actors such as Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Kevin Bacon. This provides for some all-time great scenes between these amazing actors. I’ve always believed this is Cruise’s best movie and one that especially shows off his great talent. The courtroom scene between Cruise and Nicholson will forever go down as one of the greatest scenes in movie history. The one scene is enough of a reason to watch the whole film. 

9. Braveheart (1995)

This 2005 box office hit directed by Mel Gibson who also plays the main character depicts William Wallace and his struggles for Scottish Independence against the English in the 13th century. As a descendant of Irish immigrants and an American, I love most stories that depict England as the bad guys and people fighting for freedom. This is the main reason I choose to overlook the numerous historical inaccuracies throughout the film. It is an amazing movie with brilliant scenes and moments which are truly unforgettable. 

8. Joyeux Noel (2005) 

The first foreign film on the list is Joyeux Noel by Christian Carion. The title directly translates to “Merry Christmas” in French. This movie is an amazing representation of the 1914 Christmas Truce during the First World War. The movie does require subtitles as the languages spoken by the actors are their native languages. For example, the German soldiers are played by German actors and speak German throughout the film. I really enjoyed this as it played towards the realism of the actual event and the miracle that was the Christmas truce. I also don’t mind subtitles which is a benefit to me.

7. Silence of the Lambs (1991)

This iconic horror film directed by Jonathon Demme is universally renowned for being simply brilliant. For every person that may not like the film, you will find several hundred who absolutely love it. It follows a young FBI trainee played by Jodie Foster who is trying to track down the serial killer Buffalo Bill. She is assisted by the cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lector, played by Anthony Hopkins, on her quest. This movie is another example of brilliant acting taking a movie to the next level. Scenes, where both Foster and Hopkins are acting, produce some legendary scenes that all movie fans still appreciate 20 years later. 

6. The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight directed by Christopher Nolan produced one of the most influential movies of my childhood. This movie is the reason Batman is my favorite superhero of all time and the main one whose storylines I follow. In a continuation of the great acting theme in all of these movies, Heath Ledger gives arguably the greatest performance of Joker in the history of Batman. Christian Bale also takes his rightful place as the true Batman. Both of these actors really captured their roles and made them fit who they were down to every last detail. You don’t even need to be a fan of superheroes to appreciate the story and acting. It is definitely a must-see. 

5. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

One of the most intense opening scenes in movie history immediately puts the viewer in the mindset to watch one of the greatest movies ever made, Saving Private Ryan follows the story of an army unit in their attempt to save Private Ryan following the death of his brothers. This story is inspiring and impactful as it follows along with one of the most difficult periods in human history as Europe as being occupied by Nazi Germany. Everything about this movie is amazing. Tom Hanks leads a cast of actors who are perfect for each role. You see the personality of all characters and make you deeply involved in their outcome in the movie. It is undisputedly a top five movie ever. 

4. Shawshank Redemptions (1994)

Another film that is close to universally beloved is Shawshank Redemption. This movie is full of characters that are so easy to root for. Andy, Red, and others all have unique stories and form a friendship that really is the driving point behind the film. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman play arguably their performances. The film has so many symbols and hidden meanings which really take it to another level. However, the film’s story is so good that someone who is just looking to relax can sit down and enjoy it as well. 

3. The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Perhaps the most controversial film on my list The Passion of the Christ directed by Mel Gibson in 2004. This movie is filmed about The suffering and crucifixion of Christ which is about as brutal as it sounds. This is by far one of the most intense movies you can watch. At its basic, you are watching a man being crucified which is one of the worst possible ways to die. Compared to all other Chrisitan movies this one blows them all away mainly because this one is actually good. It is one of the all-time great box office successes. Its accuracy from the timeline of it all the way to the languages of Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin makes it extremely realistic. It is definitely not for everyone but if you are old enough, I can not recommend this movie enough. 

2. Of Gods and Men (2010)

The second foreign film on this list is another French film directed by Xavier Beauvais. This 2010 masterpiece follows a group of nine monks who live amongst the Muslim Population of Algeria. It is peaceful until the Algerian Civil War breaks out and they find themselves in danger. This film which is entirely in French is absolutely brilliant in telling the amazing story of these monks. The story is really powerful and even with the subtitles tells a story that is inspiring. You go through all of the drama with the monks as the situation unfolds around them. 

1. The Godfather (1972)

Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 masterpiece The Godfather will always be the greatest film ever made for me. It encompasses everything a movie needs to be great. The amazing story of Michael Corleone’s rise to power and the brilliant acting of Pacino and Brando makes this movie the gold standard. Pacino’s performance as Michael Corleone is perhaps the greatest character in movie history. I could go on and on about how every detail is just perfect but that would be an entire column itself. If you exist, you need to watch the Godfather. It is simply the best.