The Most Important Movies Ever Made!
This is a list of movies that had such a profound impact that they should be required viewing, perhaps even in our schools.
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- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsLiam NeesonRalph FiennesBen KingsleyIn German-occupied Poland during World War II, industrialist Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis.I personally cannot think of a more important movie ever made in the history of cinema. This is a film that many schools already show around the world, and many more should. One of the darkest periods in human history requires the spotlight of awareness so that we never forget.
- DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinPaulette GoddardJack OakieDictator Adenoid Hynkel tries to expand his empire while a poor Jewish barber tries to avoid persecution from Hynkel's regime.A movie that is as relevant today as it was when it first came out, and Charlie Chaplin's speech at the end is perhaps the most powerful speech ever given.
- DirectorMel GibsonStarsAndrew GarfieldSam WorthingtonLuke BraceyWorld War II American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, serving during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people and becomes the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot.Yes, heroes do, indeed, exist, and I have never seen a more inspirational story in my life than this story of Desmond Doss, a man who saved well over a hundred men single-handedly and without a weapon.
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsJames StewartDonna ReedLionel BarrymoreAn angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.Whenever anyone is in despair, this "Christmas" classic reminds you that you do, indeed, have a wonderful life. One life touches so many.
- DirectorEdward ZwickStarsMatthew BroderickDenzel WashingtonCary ElwesRobert Gould Shaw leads the U.S. Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices from both his own Union Army, and the Confederates.One of the most pivotal films ever made about some of the very first Black troops to fight in the Civil War and how their courage and bravery paved the way for future generations of soldiers.
- DirectorRichard AttenboroughStarsBen KingsleyJohn GielgudRohini HattangadiThe life of the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent protest.As Albert Einstein poignantly stated, "Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth." And even MLK stated, "I have often found it challenging to live by the words of Christ, but Gandhi proved it can be done."
- DirectorKevin CostnerStarsKevin CostnerMary McDonnellGraham GreeneLieutenant John Dunbar, assigned to a remote western Civil War outpost, finds himself engaging with a neighbouring Sioux settlement, causing him to question his own purpose.Aside from "Broken Arrow" no other movie depicted the beauty of Native American culture like this epic masterpiece.
- DirectorVictor SalvaStarsScott MechlowiczNick NolteAmy SmartDan, a college student and a world-champion gymnast, is disturbed and wants to add some meaning to his life. A chance encounter leads him to discover an enlightened way ahead.One of those little gems filled with tremendous wisdom and spiritual truths about how to live. Watch, and you may very well learn something about yourself and ask those deep questions about how YOU want to live.
- DirectorTom McCarthyStarsMark RuffaloMichael KeatonRachel McAdamsThe true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.Sometimes the most horrible evil people are wolves in sheep's clothing. It's twice as bad when an entire institution covers it up and pays people off to be silent. That is true evil.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsCharlie SheenTom BerengerWillem DafoeChris Taylor, a neophyte recruit in Vietnam, finds himself caught in a battle of wills between two sergeants, one good and the other evil. A shrewd examination of the brutality of war and the duality of man in conflict.The first true anti-war movie that demonstrated that war is neither exciting nor glamorous as most Hollywood films prior made it appear to be. My father took me to see this film when I was just 15. I've never looked at war the same way since.
- DirectorElia KazanStarsGregory PeckDorothy McGuireJohn GarfieldA reporter pretends to be Jewish in order to cover a story on anti-Semitism, and personally discovers the true depths of bigotry and hatred.A movie that is as relevant today as it was then. There are actually worse things than prejudiced people. It's those people who know when something is wrong, and yet they do nothing about it. It's said that evil spreads because good people do nothing. This movie will make you think and perhaps give you the courage to stand up when bigotry and inappropriateness turn their ugly heads!
- DirectorDavid AnspaughStarsSean AstinJon FavreauNed BeattyRudy has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame.It's hard to think of a better film about doing whatever it takes to fulfill your dreams and to never let anyone tell you that you can't.
- DirectorRichard LaGraveneseStarsHilary SwankImelda StauntonPatrick DempseyA young teacher inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves and pursue education beyond high school.True story of how a rookie teacher helped to change and inspire kids in an inner-city high school and show them that they are, indeed, worthy of being loved and important. Teaching isn't as much about imparting knowledge as it is about making connections.
- DirectorPeter WeirStarsJim CarreyEd HarrisLaura LinneyAn insurance salesman discovers his whole life is actually a reality TV show.Beautiful allegory of a man trapped in a false world who decides that it's time to wake up and break out.
- DirectorPeter WeirStarsRobin WilliamsRobert Sean LeonardEthan HawkeMaverick teacher John Keating returns in 1959 to the prestigious New England boys' boarding school where he was once a star student, using poetry to embolden his pupils to new heights of self-expression.So many wonderful gems in this film about being true to yourself, following your passions, learning how to see things differently, and not allowing anyone to stop you from being who you want to be.
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodViggo MortensenIan McKellenGandalf and Aragorn lead the World of Men against Sauron's army to draw his gaze from Frodo and Sam as they approach Mount Doom with the One Ring.Culmination of the greatest trilogy ever made. The story demonstrates that even the smallest person can make a difference, and that sometimes, you do have to fight.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodBee VangChristopher CarleyAfter a Hmong teenager tries to steal his prized 1972 Gran Torino, a disgruntled, prejudiced Korean War veteran seeks to redeem both the boy and himself.Power of redemption is the theme here, in a Korean War vet who finds a way to overcome his own racism and save the lives of his neighbors while teaching them about the true horror of taking a life.