Buzz
Movies are a form of art, and like all art, they evoke admiration, criticism, love, and dislike from those who experience them. One viewer might leave a film feeling offended and upset, while another could be moved to tears by the same experience. It’s all subjective, just like any art form.
That’s often the case, but there are films that have nearly universal praise. Sure, someone might have disliked Citizen Kane, but millions of others found it captivating. This list showcases ten distinct genres, each featuring the best film from that category, without any particular ranking.
Naturally, opinions will vary, so feel free to share your own favorites in the comments.
10. Comedy—Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
Comedy is one of the most subjective genres, as what some find hilarious, others may view as ridiculous or even offensive. That said, some aspects of comedy are universally funny, and the sub-genre that often gets the most laughs from audiences is slapstick. However, slapstick is often considered the lowest form of comedy. Its opposite, satire, taps into a more intellectual sense of humor, and few films manage to do it as well as Stanley Kubrick’s Doctor Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
The film is as absurd as Monty Python, yet as gravely serious as Patton. Making nuclear war funny is no simple feat, but with an actor like George C. Scott delivering over-the-top performances, a horrific nuclear annihilation scenario, and Peter Sellers playing three distinct characters, the result is comedic brilliance. Sellers’ performance alone elevates Dr. Strangelove to immortal comedy status. While Monty Python deserves recognition, Kubrick’s Strangelove is arguably the greatest comedy ever made.
9. Drama—Citizen Kane (1941)
As mentioned earlier, it was inevitable that Citizen Kane would appear on this list. The film stunned audiences, but not for the reasons one might expect. People were astonished by its sheer excellence, as Orson Welles produced, co-wrote, starred in, and had final cut over the film. Despite being a first-time director, Welles managed to create a masterpiece. He was heavily courted by RKO, and his contract guaranteed him the opportunity to direct two films.
Citizen Kane stands as Welles’ greatest cinematic accomplishment on numerous levels. It tells the story of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy industrialist who dies with the word “Rosebud” on his lips. The film follows the investigation into the meaning of his last words. Interestingly, despite being hailed as the greatest film of all time by critics, Citizen Kane was a box office disappointment. It failed to recoup its costs and faded into relative obscurity until a 1956 French review sparked a revival.
8. Science-Fiction—E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
While E.T. lacks the spectacular CGI that modern sci-fi movies boast, that is precisely what makes it so unique. Like many films from the early '80s, filmmakers relied on puppeteering, and the emotional depth of E.T. is so powerful that even the most stoic viewers can be moved to tears during the heartbreaking third act. This is a film almost everyone has seen at least once, and certain scenes have become so iconic that they’ve deeply influenced popular culture in ways few films ever manage.
The tale of a boy and an alien who form an extraordinary bond resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. The thrilling moments of escaping danger on a bike are relatable for both kids and adults, but when E.T. makes them soar into the sky, the film takes on a magical quality. While there are countless great Sci-Fi films, many of which have 'Star' in their titles, what sets E.T. apart and secures its top spot is its universal appeal—everyone who watches it loves it. This is not true for all science-fiction films, which often have more niche audiences, unlike E.T.
7. Romance—Casablanca (1942)
For those who feel Casablanca is too often hailed as the ultimate romance film, it might be time to revisit it. This timeless classic remains one of the most quotable films of all time, and it was released nearly eighty years ago. Casablanca tells the story of an impossible love, where only one of the two lovers acknowledges the harsh reality. Amidst the backdrop of a war-ravaged Europe and North Africa, a jaded American expatriate runs a bar and continues to long for the woman he briefly fell in love with in Paris.
The story is masterfully crafted and layered, making it a strong contender for one of the greatest films ever made. Other films such as An Affair to Remember, Titanic, Brokeback Mountain, and even Ghost fought for this position. But in the end, it’s always going to be Casablanca. Choosing this film was challenging, but if Casablanca didn’t claim the top spot, I’d regret it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of my life.
6. Horror—Psycho (1960)
Like every genre, horror has many subgenres, including slasher films, psychological thrillers, and even classic occult films like The Omen and The Exorcist. But the pinnacle of horror came from a film that redefined the genre, showing that fear could come from anyone. What Anthony Perkins achieved with Norman Bates was creating a villain who could easily be your neighbor, or the stranger next to you on a bus.
Yes, he was disturbed—dressing as his deceased mother, whose body he kept preserved at home—but beyond that, he was an oddly charming and attractive young man. He was a little awkward, appearing completely harmless. So harmless, in fact, you might feel safe stepping into the shower, even if it turns out to be your last. Psycho was a masterpiece in writing, direction, and acting. The cinematography was some of the finest seen up until that time, explaining why Psycho is regarded as one of the greatest suspense horror films ever made.
5. Action—Seven Samurai (1954)
There’s a saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If that holds true in filmmaking, Akira Kurosawa’s iconic classic, Seven Samurai, stands as one of the most imitated films ever made, with its story being adapted into countless films. If you’re familiar with Kurosawa’s body of work, you understand why he’s celebrated as one of the greatest directors in cinematic history. He poured everything he had into his films, inspiring legendary filmmakers like Kubrick, Scorsese, Tarantino, Lucas, Spielberg, and many more. His films were grand, original narratives, set in breathtaking environments, exemplifying the idea that 'every frame is a painting.'
Seven Samurai tells a story you may have already encountered, even if you haven’t seen the movie itself. A village plagued by bandits hires seven rōnin to protect them. It’s the premise behind The Magnificent Seven, Three Amigos, and A Bug’s Life, and it influenced Hollywood filmmakers for years to come. While there are many excellent action films, it’s hard to overlook Seven Samurai as one of the finest stories ever told on film, even with the rise of more commercially successful movies from recent years.
4. Adventure—Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
While action and adventure are often grouped together, some films truly shine in the adventure genre alone. Adventure is a genre with many facets—war films, westerns, or even science-fiction can all fall under its umbrella. In the end, an exceptional adventure movie is one that takes the viewer on a thrilling journey, and no one does it better than Indiana Jones. In his debut film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jones embarks on a thrilling global quest to find the Ark of the Covenant, battling Nazis and uncovering Jewish archaeological history along the way.
Throughout the movie, this college professor faces numerous enemies, swims to a submarine (thankfully, it doesn’t submerge with him on top!), and follows clues to unearth an artifact of immense significance, coveted by anyone who knows of its existence. This film launched one of the most successful adventure franchises ever, and while many of its sequels are outstanding, the very first Indiana Jones movie remains the greatest adventure film ever made.
3. Animation—Toy Story (1995)
Animated films can span a wide range of genres, but there is one that stands out as the greatest animated film of all time. Animation has been a storytelling medium for feature films since 1937 with the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and since then, countless animated films have captivated audiences. Out of all the choices, the one that resonates with both children and adults alike is the 1995 classic, Toy Story.
While many animated films could be contenders for the top spot, such as The Last Unicorn, The Iron Giant, or The Secret of NIMH, Toy Story achieved something unique. It managed to seamlessly bridge the generational gap between children and their parents. Featuring the very toys that parents grew up with, the movie was able to evoke nostalgia in adults while capturing the imagination of children. With its timeless appeal, Toy Story is a cinematic masterpiece, and despite the incredible sequels, the original remains the greatest animated film ever made.
2. Musical—Singin' In The Rain (1952)
Musicals are a fascinating film genre, though they don’t always translate well to the big screen. What works on the stage doesn’t always have the same magic on film, and as a result, musicals tend to evoke strong opinions—some love them, while others avoid them. However, there are a number of musical films that have achieved great success, winning numerous awards with their memorable songs, charismatic characters, and undeniable charm. At the end of the day, a good film is just that—whether it's filled with spontaneous songs or not.
The title of the greatest musical went to Singin’ In The Rain, although The Sound of Music was a strong contender. Both of these films are grand, sweeping epics that showcase stunning musical performances from some of the most talented stars in the industry. In the end, Singin’ in the Rain took the crown because of its upbeat, lighthearted story paired with unforgettable performances. While The Sound of Music presents a more somber tone, Singin' in the Rain consistently leaves audiences feeling joyous and uplifted.
1. Fantasy—The Wizard of Oz (1939)
When it comes to the greatest fantasy movie of all time, many might have expected The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King to take the top spot, but when reviewing the legacy of fantasy films, the timeless classic The Wizard of Oz claims the title. Like some science fiction movies, fantasy films often appeal to specific tastes, and not everyone is drawn to hobbits, elves, or fantasy universes like Dungeons & Dragons. Other notable contenders for this spot include fantasy films like Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal, which feature muppets in magical worlds.
The Wizard of Oz is one of those films that people watch at least once in their lifetime. Though most experience it as children, the movie lives on through generations, with parents introducing it to their own kids, all while reminiscing about their own childhood memories. The plot is straightforward, the songs are unforgettable, and the characters remain beloved long after the credits roll. Despite being over 80 years old, The Wizard of Oz remains the greatest fantasy film ever made, holding a special place in the hearts of audiences everywhere.
