What movies do you think everybody should have seen?

I think its a good idea by watching what's considered are great (or the best?) example of a genre, then perhaps the best of great directors and last perhaps movies which are interesting from a (movie) history standpoint.

Examples (sci-fi and action heavy since thats fun):

  • Star Wars: Sci-Fi, movie history & technology (A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back at least)

  • Indiana Jones: Adventure, movie history and Spielberg (only Rasiders of the Lost Ark)

  • Alien: Horror & Sci-Fi, technology (2 years after Star Wars) and Ridley Scott (additionally Aliens if you like it, more action)

  • Se7en: psycho/horror/thriller, David Fincher

  • Schindler's List: history, Spielberg

  • Saving Private Ryan: history, war movie, Spielberg (a modern contrast could be Jarhead and a modern "imitation" Black Hawk Down by Ridley Scott)

  • Pulp Fiction: movie history, comedy(kinda), Quentin Tarantino in a nutshell

  • Hot Fuzz: satire, action comedy, Edgar Wright (same goes for Shaun of the Dead with Zombies instead of action)

  • Heat: movie history, crime drama/action, Michael Mann (features the argubly best shootout in movies so far)

  • Matrix: sci-fi, action, movie technology & history (interesting anime and philosphic influences - don't bother with the sequels!)

  • Akira: cyberpunk, anime, movie history (is on youtube?)

  • Blade Runner: cyberpunk, movie history & technology, Ridley Scott

  • Rear Window: mystery/thriller, Hitchcock (you could watch many other Hitchcocks instead but its a good example I think)

  • Lawrence of Arabia: epic(!) historical drama, movie history

  • 12 Angry Men: courtroom drama, chamber piece, movie history (old but very enjoyable)

  • The Lord of the Rings: fantasy, adventure, movie history (yes you have to watch all three and the extended cut in the case of Return of the King)

  • Life of Brian: movie history(?!), history(?!), Monty Python(!)

  • Goodfellas: crime drama, Scorcese (lots of other Scorcese stuff is a very viable alternative)

...and yes, there is still missing a ton - primary older stuff.

/r/movies Thread