Buzz
If you're anything like us, you've exhausted every bit of "event TV" available. The Parks & Recreation reunion brought a much-needed dose of optimism, but Tiger King left a lingering aftertaste, much like an overindulgent fast-food meal. By now, you've cleared your watchlists on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. You even ventured into TV shows your friends raved about—and they were right! But now, those are finished too. (Why does Fleabag have to be so brief?) It's time for something new.
You’ve been putting off the classics, but there’s no better moment than now. With ample time and no distractions, it’s the perfect opportunity. Trust us, these films are truly exceptional! Even those with seemingly dull descriptions often deliver unexpected entertainment, insight, and yes, even education. (There’s a reason they’re hailed as classics.) For over 35 years, Criterion has championed the finest achievements in global cinema, and The Criterion Channel—their streaming platform launched last year—provides a handpicked selection of world-class films. Whether you're a casual viewer or a devoted film enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to discover.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of undeniable masterpieces—consider them the foundation or the must-sees—to kick off your cinematic journey.
1. M (1931)
Fritz Lang’s groundbreaking first sound film tracks a child-murdering serial killer, while also depicting the collective efforts of the community, law enforcement, and even the criminal underworld to stop him before his next attack. Lang’s work is a masterclass in tension, with stunning visuals and profound thematic depth. M presents a stark—and historically enduring—depiction of society’s reaction to evil, contrasting the police’s frantic hunt with a surprisingly empathetic portrayal of the killer’s humanity.
2. Bicycle Thieves (1948)
Directed by Vittorio De Sica, this neorealist masterpiece tells the story of a struggling father in post-World War II Rome whose bicycle, essential for his new job posting advertisements, is stolen. The film’s narrative and themes remain strikingly relevant, from Antonio’s relentless fight to secure employment to the systemic neglect of those in dire need. By filming on real locations and casting non-professional actors, De Sica immortalizes a specific era in Italian history while highlighting the universal plight of those battling poverty.
3. The Red Shoes (1948)
Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, whose partnership stands as one of the most celebrated in British film history, created The Red Shoes, a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally devastating. The story revolves around a gifted ballerina torn between her love for a composer and her loyalty to a director who sees her as his muse. This conflict between life and art is depicted through some of the most breathtaking and surreal visuals ever filmed, alongside a poignant exploration of artistic sacrifice. Powell and Pressburger’s masterpiece feels like a theatrical performance, leaping off the screen and deeply moving its audience.
4. Rashômon (1950)
Directed and co-written by Akira Kurosawa, this timeless drama delves into a rape and murder case through the conflicting accounts of four witnesses. As the narrative shifts between perspectives, the film masterfully explores the subjectivity of truth and how personal experiences shape our understanding of reality. While its structure has been widely copied, Rashômon remains unparalleled in posing the haunting question—What truly occurred?—while leaving the answer deliberately ambiguous.
5. The Wages of Fear (1953)
Henri-Georges Clouzot’s gripping French thriller follows four desperate European men tasked with transporting volatile nitroglycerin across treacherous terrain to an American oil site. The film is a tense examination of human desperation and the extremes people will endure to escape dire circumstances. Upon its release, Clouzot’s work redefined cinematic melodrama, showcasing humanity’s vulnerability in the face of an unforgiving destiny.
6. Paths of Glory (1957)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this adaptation of Humphrey Cobb’s novel tells the story of a French Colonel who stands up for his soldiers accused of cowardice after they refuse to undertake a suicidal mission during WWI. Kirk Douglas delivers a powerful performance as Colonel Dax, whose moral outrage intensifies as he witnesses the injustices faced by his men, condemned by their superiors for failing an impossible task. This remarkable anti-war film combines a searing critique of military hierarchy with an unprecedented level of realism in its portrayal of war.
7. The Seventh Seal (1957)
Distinct from the parody in Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, Ingmar Bergman’s iconic film revolves around a medieval knight (played by the legendary Max Von Sydow) who engages in a chess match with Death to delay his inevitable demise. The film delves into profound themes of morality, faith, and existential doubt, all while showcasing Bergman’s signature storytelling and stunning cinematography. Though less humorous than Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, it offers a far richer and more thought-provoking experience.
8. The 400 Blows (1959)
Drawing from his personal experiences, François Truffaut’s first film presents a quintessential coming-of-age tale centered on Antoine Doinel (Jean-Pierre Leaud), a neglected child whose struggles at home and school spiral into situations beyond his comprehension. Truffaut’s heartfelt and authentic depiction of Antoine’s life serves as a universal mirror, allowing viewers to reflect on their own youthful trials. With remarkable sensitivity, the film captures the bittersweet essence of adolescence.
9. Breathless (1960)
Inspired by the French New Wave movement, Jean-Luc Godard crafted this stylish drama about a reckless criminal (Jean-Paul Belmondo), obsessed with Humphrey Bogart, who hides out with an American woman (Jean Seberg) while on the run from the police. The film’s groundbreaking use of jump cuts and innovative camera techniques revolutionized cinematic storytelling, altering perceptions of time and narrative structure. Belmondo exudes effortless charm, while Seberg’s iconic pixie cut and sharp wit cemented her status as a cultural phenomenon.
10. La Dolce Vita (1960)
Federico Fellini’s masterpiece, which introduced the term paparazzi, paints a vibrant picture of Italy on the brink of modernity, seen through the lens of a tabloid journalist. Marcello (Marcello Mastroianni) wrestles with the choice between a life of superficial glamour and the more meaningful path of intellectual fulfillment as a writer. Through a series of extravagant encounters, the film explores the tension between decadence and humanity, leaving Marcello—and the audience—to grapple with the consequences of his decisions.
11. The Leopard (1963)
Directed by Luchino Visconti, this refined and subtle drama follows Don Fabrizio (Burt Lancaster), an Italian Prince, as he observes the inevitable and unpredictable shifts in society as his generation yields to the next. Lancaster delivers a commanding performance, portraying a man who views his children and successors with a mix of amusement, disdain, and eventual acceptance as their aspirations reflect the broader cultural and political transformations eroding his once-unquestioned authority.
12. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
Jacques Demy’s visually stunning and emotionally poignant film tells the story of a young woman (Catherine Deneuve), the daughter of an umbrella shop owner, who falls deeply in love with a car mechanic (Nino Castelnuovo) before he is drafted into war. This vibrant musical is a feast for the eyes and ears, with every line of dialogue sung, capturing the characters’ romantic longing and heartache as they navigate life’s challenges toward a deeply moving and bittersweet conclusion.
13. Playtime (1967)
By the time Jacques Tati created this ambitious, nearly plotless comedy, he had already portrayed the endearing and bumbling Monsieur Hulot twice. This film, which was a financial gamble at the time, follows Hulot and a young American tourist through sprawling, meticulously designed sets that were unprecedented in French cinema. Tati’s magnum opus is a masterclass in subtle humor, featuring intricately staged sequences that grow increasingly hilarious. Though its quiet brilliance may seem challenging at first, the film rewards repeated viewings, inviting audiences to explore its wide 70mm frames and uncover hidden details that piece together its narrative.
14. Do The Right Thing (1989)
Spike Lee’s powerful depiction of life in New York City captures the simmering tensions in a Brooklyn neighborhood that erupt into violence on the hottest day of the year. As a pizza delivery man, Lee presents a vivid tapestry of black life, exploring the struggles of people of color as they navigate the arrival of white residents and confront their own prejudices and societal pressures. Do the Right Thing is as thrilling for its innovative filmmaking as it is heartbreaking for its unflinching portrayal of racial and social tensions.
15. In The Mood For Love (2000)
Wong Kar-wai’s masterpiece, often hailed as one of the greatest Chinese-language films ever made, tells the story of two neighbors who grow closer after discovering their spouses’ infidelity. With breathtaking cinematography by Christopher Doyle, the film captures the emotional complexity of their fractured marriages and the delicate, bittersweet bond that forms between them. Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung deliver poignant performances, portraying the pain of their failing relationships and the hesitant hope of a new connection. A perfect choice for a meaningful cinematic experience, this film is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
