Top 10 Greatest American Films of All Time

12 Years a Slave (2013) is based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free man who was kidnapped and enslaved for 12 years before regaining his freedom. The story begins in 1841, with the protagonist, talented violinist Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) - a free black man with a happy family including a wife and two children in New York. One day, he is approached by two white men who offer him a well-paid job playing music. Solomon gladly accepts without knowing that it is the beginning of the most agonizing years of his life.

The film 12 Years a Slave became the best film addressing the pressing issue of slavery that still persists and the human rights issue globally. Its authenticity, acting performances, and touching upon a sensitive issue led to its considerable success. It won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress, and grossed $187 million after its release.

12 Years A Slave also boasts a perfect cast. The portrayal of Solomon truly impresses viewers with his resilience and patience, culminating in emotional outbursts in the final scenes, after having accompanied this character through countless trials and tribulations.

IMDb Rating: 8.1
Tomatometer: 95%
Audience Score: 90%

The Dark Knight (2008) is the sequel to Batman Begins, portraying Gotham City in turmoil due to a series of murders without a culprit. The mastermind behind this dark plot is the Joker, hired by the city's gangs to eliminate the Dark Knight. Thus, Batman rises to defend the city against the sinister schemes of the Joker.

The Dark Knight is a cinematic landmark in the superhero genre, acclaimed by critics worldwide as the greatest superhero film of all time. It shattered records for advance ticket sales and box office revenue, along with numerous prestigious film nominations and awards. The Dark Knight is a culmination of action, visual effects, sound design, and a compelling yet intricate storyline, filled with high-stakes and rational, accessible complexity.

The Dark Knight features the highest caliber of actors ever assembled for a superhero film, with 5 actors receiving Oscars for their performances. Among them, Heath Ledger's portrayal of the iconic, deranged character - the Joker - is most memorable.

IMDb Rating: 9.0
Tomatometer: 94%
Audience Score: 94%

Avatar (2009) tells the story of the most-watched extraterrestrial film in the world. It follows the unlikely hero, Jake Sully - a disabled former Marine.

His twin brother is chosen to participate in a genetic program with the Na’vi, an alien race, to create a new hybrid called an Avatar. However, due to an accident resulting in the death of his brother, Jake is selected to replace him and becomes an Avatar. Jake's mission is to explore and research the planet Pandora. The information he gathers is invaluable for the human campaign to conquer this second blue planet.

Securing victory with record-breaking revenue on January 26, 2010, Avatar became the second film to be crowned the world's film king after Titanic in 1997 by the acclaimed director James Cameron. It remains Hollywood's most successful phenomenon in 2009, with records to break in the future.

IMDb Rating: 7.8

Tomatometer: 82%

Audience Score: 82%

Titanic – The Titanic Ship (1997) narrates a romantic tale based on one of the most horrific disasters in history, released in 1997 by director James Cameron. Inspired by the Titanic ship disaster, the director aims to convey the message that romantic feelings can still flourish in the harshest circumstances.

The film achieved resounding success in both revenue and critical acclaim. It swept awards such as the Golden Globe for Best Director, Best Original Score, and more, receiving a total of 14 Oscar nominations and 90 awards and 47 nominations from various other awarding bodies. The film's revenue reached a record-breaking $1 billion. Many actors who later joined the film became leading movie stars worldwide.

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Tomatometer: 87%

Audience Score: 69%

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) is a film adapted from the trilogy with fantasy adventures produced by Peter Jackson. It is one of the most popular fantasy films of all time. The film has a rich and captivating storyline with many interesting twists and turns. It has become a classic film and has received numerous prestigious Oscar nominations.

The film tells the journey of the ring of power unwittingly falling into the hands of the young hobbit Frodo. When the wizard Gandalf discovers that this ring once belonged to the dark lord Sauron, Frodo is tasked with bringing the ring to Mount Doom to destroy it. Not alone in the arduous journey, Frodo is accompanied by companions from different races: Legolas the Elf; Gimli the Dwarf; Aragorn, Boromir, and his three loyal hobbit friends.

The film mesmerizes viewers with its epic battles. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King has become a cinematic masterpiece, winning a total of 17 Oscars.

IMDb Rating: 9.0

Tomatometer: 93%

Audience Score: 86%

ET - The Extra Terrestrial is a science fiction film from the United States. The film tells the story of a small alien creature who gets lost on Earth. Luckily, he is helped and hidden by a group of Earth friends who assist ET in building a 'phone' to contact his family from a distance of 3 million light-years away.

This film is considered one of the box office phenomena of world cinema. With an investment budget of only about 10 million USD, the revenue generated was many times higher. In 2002, the film grossed a total of 792.9 million USD worldwide, 80 times the initial investment.

The film not only succeeded in terms of revenue but also in many other aspects. Additionally, the film won 4 Oscars along with numerous other awards, all of which speak to the quality of this film.

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Tomatometer: 99%

Audience Score: 72%

Schindler’s List is one of the greatest cinematic works of all time. The film is ranked 8th on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest American films of all time.

Schindler’s List – Schindler's Record (1993) is set during World War II when Hitler's regime was rampant and brutally oppressing the Jewish population. The film tells the story of a German businessman who used his power and influence to save Jews from the Nazi genocide. It is also the most haunting war film for cinema lovers, containing deep human values that recall the darkest period of humanity. The film won 7 Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and more, grossing $321 million.

Especially in Germany, the film had the highest audience attendance in the international market with over 5.8 million tickets sold at the time of its release. Most of the viewers were young people who were shocked by what they saw on the screen. They left the cinema with tear-stained faces and heavy hearts. They couldn't believe that their ancestors could commit such heinous crimes against humanity. Some German viewers, when encountering unfamiliar Jews, hugged them and cried, or bowed before them as if seeking forgiveness for the mistakes of their ancestors.

IMDb Rating: 9.0

Tomatometer: 98%

Audience Score: 97%

Continuing the success of the first installment, The Godfather II is considered a masterpiece of world cinema with perfect performances by Al Pacino. Released 2 years after the first part, The Godfather II (1974) received many positive reviews from film critics and enthusiasts.

Some critics commented that this second part surpasses the first in many aspects. The plot of this part continues with the story of the Corleone family and the character of Vito Corleone from childhood to becoming a mafia boss. The film received 11 nominations and 6 Oscars, including Best Picture. The film grossed $80 million in the US market alone.

The Godfather II dispelled all doubts with the quality of showcasing the finest of director Francis Ford Coppola and the performances worthy of inclusion in acting textbooks by stars Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.

IMDb Rating: 9.0
Tomatometer: 96%
Audience Score: 97%

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) is a film adapted from the novel of the same name produced in 1975. The film tells the story of patients in a mental institution with a desire for freedom and fear.

With its unique theme and profound insight, the film won prestigious Oscars, becoming the second film to win the 'Big Five' awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Jack Nicholson as McMurphy), Best Actress (Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched), Best Director, and Best Screenplay. The film ranks 33rd on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest American films. The film crew grossed a whopping $112 million worldwide.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a film that is both refreshing and poignant, touching on the deepest and most complex questions of freedom and confinement, individuality and systems, normalcy and abnormality, sobriety and madness…

IMDb Rating: 8.7

Tomatometer: 93%

Audience Score: 96%

The Godfather (1972) is a cinematic masterpiece adapted from the novel of the same name by author Mario Puzo. It is considered the greatest American film of all time.

The film revolves around the events of an Italian-American mafia family with gripping plot twists. The cast includes seasoned actors. The Godfather grossed $268 million worldwide, won the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Actor, 5 Golden Globes, 1 Grammy, and numerous other awards. It consistently ranks among the greatest films in the world, the finest works in cinematic history.

The film tops the list of 'Top 10 Gangster Films' and ranks second on the American Film Institute's (AFI) '100 Greatest Films' list. On IMDb, it ranks second on the list of the 250 highest-rated films of all time, with 1.7 million votes.

IMDb Rating: 9.2

Tomatometer: 97%

Audience Score: 98%