Top 100 Best Films Ever Made

The greatest of the great, the list to end all lists.

To mark the end of Film Swot, we have created a list. Not like our usual Top 10s; this is different. This the 100 greatest films to ever grace our screens, the 100 greatest films you could ever have the pleasure of watching. We love our lists and we know you do too, so kick back and have a scroll.

100.	© – Paramount Mean Girls Release date: 2004 Consensus: “A refreshing teen flick that has become a cult love amongst teenagers and adults alike.”
99.	© – Fox Searchlight The Way, Way Back Release date: 2013 Consensus: “A career high performance from Sam Rockwell and an arsehole-turn from Steve Carrell help build this loveable indie film.
98.	© – Columbia Pictures Kramer vs Kramer Release date: 1979 Consensus: “A perfectly executed, raw tale of divorce’s impact on a family.”
97.	© – Warner Bros L.A. Confidential Release date: 1997 Consensus: “Engrossing noir with an outstanding cast and enough narrative turns to fill a James Ellroy novel – oh wait.”
96.	© – Columbia Pictures Step Brothers Release date: 2008 Consensus: “Carried by the side-splitting chemistry of Ferrell and Reilly, the film rose above presumed mediocrity to become a hit.”
95.	© – Columbia Pictures Spider-Man 2 Release date: 2004 Consensus: “Getting everything right, it’s the best Spider-Man movie to date and one of the best superhero films of all time.”
94.	© – Universal Pictures Hot Fuzz Release date: 2007 Consensus: “Infinitely quotable thanks to a brilliant script, the second film in the Cornetto trilogy is also the best.”
93.	© – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer The Champ Release date: 1979 Consensus: “Even the coldest of hearts will fall to The Champ. A painful, heartbreakingly memorable watch.”
92.	© – Fox Searchlight 500 Days of Summer Release date: 2009 Consensus: “Never has there been a more accurate look at young love, or rather, how we all approach love.”
91.	© – MGM GoldenEye Release date: 1995 Consensus: “Our introduction to the best James Bond of all time (sorry Connery & Craig) gave the beloved franchise a new lease of life.”
90.	© – Miramax Films Good Will Hunting Release date: 1997 Consensus: “For two relative newcomers, Damon and Affleck pulled off something greater than the maths equations Will solves; they warmed every single one of our hearts.”

89.	© – Marvel Captain America: Civil War Release date: 2016 Consensus: “Nothing gets the fans giddier than seeing all of their heroes in the same place – helps that the film is a cracker too.”
88.	Harry Potter & the Deathly © – Warner Bros Hallows: Part II Release date: 2011 Consensus: “You’ll cheer, you’ll laugh, you’ll definitely cry. What a way to conclude a legendary, truly magical saga.”
87.	© – 20th Century Fox Titanic Release date: 1997 Consensus: “The definitive romantic epic that lives up to the hype. You jump, I jump, remember?”
86.	© – Bryanston Pictures The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Release date: 1974 Consensus: “Absolutely horrifying and remarkably realistic, this is timeless nightmare fuel.”
85.	© – Columbia Pictures The Deer Hunter Release date: 1978 Consensus: “As psychologically tiring as a game of Russian Roulette, you won’t forget The Deer Hunter.”
84.	© – 20th Century Fox The Thin Red Line Release date: 1998 Consensus: “For Zimmer’s theme alone, The Thin Red Line establishes itself as an iconic war epic.”
83.	© – 20th Century Fox Gone Girl Release date: 2014 Consensus: “A modern thriller with a wicked bite, brilliantly adapted by Fincher.”
82.	© – Warner Bros The Fugitive Release date: 1993 Consensus: “Before the age of one-man revenge thrillers, The Fugitive, bolstered by star performances from Harrison and Jones, was ahead of its time.”
81.	© – Warner Bros The Shining Release date: 1980 Consensus: “Kubrick takes on the scariest hotel on Earth, with Nicholson, creepy twins and haunted rooms ready to petrify us.”
80.	© – United Artists The Good, The Bad And The Ugly Release date: 1966 Consensus: “Beautifully violent, expertly crafted spaghetti western. That is all.”

79.	© – Warner Bros Casablanca Release date: 1942 Consensus: “Step in, lose yourself in Bogart and Bergman’s romance, repeat – it’s a one of a kind, believe the hype.”
78.	© – Columbia Pictures Stand By Me Release date: 1986 Consensus: “A somber tale of friendship and family, great for kids, but perfect for adults looking back on their youth.”
77.	© – Orion Pictures Silence of the Lambs Release date: 1991 Consensus: “Yes its gruesome, but at its core, Silence of the Lambs is a riveting psychological drama, perfectly served with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.”
76.	© – Gramercy Pictures The Usual Suspects Release date: 1995 Consensus: This is far from your usual thriller; seductively crafted with one of the greatest pay offs in cinematic history.”
75.	© – Warner Bros Heat Release date: 1995 Consensus: “Michael Mann’s original crime epic remains as jaw-droppingly masterful on every front today as it did 20 years ago.”
74.	© – Paramount Pictures Top Gun Release date: 1986 Consensus: Bursting with pure testosterone and terrific action sequences, Top Gun is simply awesome – best enjoyed with your wingman.”
73.	© – Warner Bros Prisoners Release date: 2013 Consensus: “Parents beware; this is a pulse pounding nightmare, stunningly realised by Villeneuve.”
72.	© – United Artists Rocky Release date: 1976 Consensus: “The feel good movie of a generation, pioneering the formula we’ve come to learn so well.”
71.	© – 20th Century Fox Fight Club Release date: 1999 Consensus: “First rule of Fight Club, don’t talk about Fight Club – because it requires no words.”
70.	© – Warner Bros Slumdog Millionaire Release date: 2008 Consensus: “Boyle doesn’t try to cheat us. It’s impossible not to smile at his impeccably crafted tale of the underdog.

69.	© – Warner Bros A Clockwork Orange Release date: 1971 Consensus: “The ultra-violent nature of Kubrick’s classic may be off-putting for some, but its message goes beyond simply trying to shock you.”
68.	© – Gramercy Pictures The Big Lebowski Release date: 1998 Consensus: A wildly entertaining, delightfully irregular screwball comedy; but that’s just my opinion, man.”
67.	© – Columbia Pictures The Social Network Release date: 2010 Consensus: “Who knew the story of Facebook could provide a film so breathlessly gripping, aided by the golden combination of Sorkin and Fincher. clicks Like.”
66.	© – Paramount Pictures Grease Release date: 1978 Consensus: “Relentlessly cheesy and electrifying, trust me, you’ll be having a blast.”
65.	© – RKO It’s a Wonderful Life Release date: 1946 Consensus: “A frequent topper of Christmas movie lists, its a tearjerker that’ll touch you forever.”
64.	© – Miramax Pictures Trainspotting Release date: 1996 Consensus: “A generation defining film that has become essential to growing up in Scotland. It also remains one of the finest hits you can get.”
63.	© – Tartan Films Oldboy Release date: 2003 Consensus: “A neon-soaked bloodbath with “cult classic” written all over it.”
62.	© – Columbia Pictures A Few Good Men Release date: 1992 Consensus: “Even outside the iconic court battle, its a wildly entertaining and gripping old-fashioned affair.”
61.	© – Miramax Gangs of New York Release date: 2002 Consensus: “Massively ambitious, Scorcese’s bare-knuckle epic is the most thrilling history lesson you’ll ever get.”
60.	© – Open Road Films Spotlight Release date: 2015 Consensus: “An absolute triumph in modern historic filmmaking.”

59.	© – Paramount Pictures Breakfast at Tiffany’s Release date: 1961 Consensus: “A sharply written foresight into the age of popular rom-coms, with Hepburn leading the way faultlessly.”
58.	© – 20th Century Fox Taken Release date: 2008 Consensus: “Chilling to thrilling throughout. The finest one-man revenge thriller ever made, simple.”
57.	© – Paramount Pictures Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Release date: 1986 Consensus: “Expertly held by Broderick, this loveable and relatable teen flick has infinite charm.”
56.	© – Miramax Films Reservoir Dogs Release date: 1992 Consensus: “Tarantino’s first directorial effort made him a brutal force to be reckoned with; shocking, compelling and a bloody great time.”
55.	© – Universal Pictures Schindler’s List Release date: 1993 Consensus: “Utterly heartbreaking, captivating and breaking you completely. Knowing this stems from a true atrocity makes it so, so much worse.”
54.	© – Universal Pictures Boyhood Release date: 2014 Consensus: “Filmed over 12 years, to call this an epic would be an understatement; rather, it is life.”
53.	© – Summit Entertainment La La Land Release date: 2017 Consensus: “A musical masterpiece; I am unashamedly and unconditionally in love with La La Land.”
52.	© – MGM Casino Royale Release date: 2006 Consensus: “Skyfall may be Craig’s pinnacle, but Casino Royale changed the game forever. Never had James Bond been so deadly and brutal.”
51.	© – Warner Bros The Exorcist Release date: 1973 Consensus: “Hiding behind the couch, under the bed sheets, covering your eyes; none of that will help you escape. That is what makes The Exorcist the scariest film ever made.”
50.	© – RKO Citizen Kane Release date: 1941 Consensus: “A groundbreaking cinematic pioneer. Without Citizen Kane, who knows what film culture would have descended into.”

49.	© – Dreamworks Pictures American Beauty Release date: 1999 Consensus: “A meticulously acted, suburban exploration of stereotypes and what makes us all tick.”
48.	© – Disney Finding Nemo Release date: 2003 Consensus: A deep sea adventure that’ll hit close to home, busting with energy, love and everything you else you could want.”
47.	© – Warner Bros The Departed Release date: 2006 Consensus: “Scorcese juggles heavy hitters round a perfect, unpredictable gangster saga.”
46.	© – Universal Pictures Jurassic Park Release date: 1993 Consensus: “Spielberg’s post-historic thrill ride still manages to capture a pure sense of wonder in an age where special effects should be better, but aren’t.”
45.	© – New Line Cinema Dumb and Dumber Release date: 1994 Consensus: “Totally juvenile, ridiculously silly and absolutely ingenious. Carrey and Daniels are a revelation.”
44.	© – Picturehouse The Guest Release date: 2014 Consensus: “Stevens’ maniacal agent of fury and charm is the centrepiece of this ice-cold thriller.”
43.	© – Studio Ghibli Spirited Away Release date: 2001 Consensus: “Utterly spellbinding, Spirited Away is the most exceptional of the Studio Ghibli collection.”
42.	© – Toho Seven Samurai Release date: 1954 Consensus: “Undeniably critical to cinema, this seminal classic drove an entire genre, yet remains the sizzling high point even today.”
41.	© – New Line Cinema Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring Release date: 2001 Consensus: “Where the love for this glorious fantasy saga began. Jackson’s first adaptation is a landmark cinematic achievement.”
40.	© – Warner Bros The Green Mile Release date: 1999 Consensus: “Both uplifting and depressing, it’ll draw you in and move you in ways you couldn’t imagine.”

39.	© – United Artists Apocalypse Now Release date: 1979 Consensus: “Coppola’s burning vision refuses to bow down to Hollywood conventions, cementing itself as an unforgettable experience.”
38.	© – Miramax Films There Will Be Blood Release date: 2007 Consensus: This ruthless character driven piece, led by the charismatic Daniel Day Lewis, strikes gold.”
37.	© – Paramount Pictures Saving Private Ryan Release date: 1998 Consensus: “Starting with a hellishly accurate bloodbath on Normandy, Spielberg’s epic captures the unforeseen horror of war.”
36.	© – United Artists One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest Release date: 1975 Consensus: “Simply remarkable. Nicholson’s anti-hero is a cinematic icon.”
35.	© – Paramount Pictures Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom Release date: 1984 Consensus: “Indy’s totally bonkers prequel loses none of the charm which made the first film a sensation.”
34.	© – Warner Bros True Romance Release date: 1993 Consensus: “A dazzling, energetic, ultimately ‘cool’ piece of cinema. Zimmer’s theme will also have you humming long after.”
33.	© – Columbia Pictures Boyz N The Hood Release date: 1991 Consensus: “An indescribably powerful film, bringing gang violence to brutal, essential attention.”
32.	© – 20th Century Fox Die Hard Release date: 1988 Consensus: “Though seemingly unstoppable, John McClane is the most relatable action hero of all time. Yippee ki-yay!”
31.	© – The Weinstein Company The Intouchables Release date: 2011 Consensus: “Manages to be one of the most touching and hilarious films in recent memory; a real treat.”
30.	© – Miramax Films No Country for Old Men Release date: 2007 Consensus: “A darkly absorbing neo-western, with Bardem’s formidable Devil-on-Earth striking fear through all of us.”

29.	© – Paramount Pictures Collateral Release date: 2004 Consensus: “Michael Mann’s finest film is delectable, oozing with a slow charm that turns into an intense thrill ride.”
28.	© – Columbia Pictures Dr Strangelove Release date: 1964 Consensus: “Kubrick’s masterclass in biting political satire is alarmingly relevant today.”
27.	© – Universal Pictures The Breakfast Club Release date: 1985 Consensus: “Hits all the reliable 80s movie notes, carrying the likability that makes it a common favourite on everyone’s list.”
26.	© – Universal Pictures Gladiator Release date: 2000 Consensus: “An undisputed epic. Are you not entertained?”
25.	© – Columbia Pictures Taxi Driver Release date: 1976 Consensus: “One of the most captivating films of all time. You’ll never keep your eyes off De Niro’s unhinged performance.”
24.	© – Universal Pictures Back to the Future: Part II Release date: 1989 Consensus: “Buzzing with energy and inventiveness, the second part of this iconic trilogy amps up the fun, although try not be too sad you can’t have a hoverboard.”
23.	© – 20th Century Fox Aliens Release date: 1986 Consensus: “An appropriate response to the terror faced in Alien, the sequel is an exhilarating, kick-ass rollercoaster.”
22.	© – Warner Bros The Matrix Release date: 1999 Consensus: “The Wachowski Brothers boggled our minds and dropped our jaws, and that’s just the first 20 minutes.”
21.	© – Sony Pictures Classics Whiplash Release date: 2014 Consensus: “For Simmons’ ground-shattering performance alone, the insanely brilliant Whiplash is a modern classic.”
20.	© – MGM 2001: A Space Odyssey Release date: 1964 Consensus: “Haunting, ominous, majestic, extraordinary; 2001 is a constantly unravelling entity.”

19.	© – Warner Bros The Goonies Release date: 1985 Consensus: “Spielberg’s ragtag, talented group of youngsters lead this enthralling, loveable treasure hunt.”
18.	© – Warner Bros Blade Runner Release date: 1982 Consensus: “Hugely influential, visceral, hypnotic, timeless; a true masterpiece.”
17.	© – TriStar Pictures Terminator 2: Judgement Day Release date: 1991 Consensus: “A no-holds-barred, phenomenal sequel that is far more daring and impressive than its predecessor.”
16.	© – Warner Bros Inception Release date: 2010 Consensus: “It’s a throughly inventive, original, hair-raising dream for movie-goers, blowing our minds in ways we didn’t think were possible.”
15.	© – 20th Century Fox Alien Release date: 1979 Consensus: “Trust me, everyone can hear you scream when you watch Alien – a heart-pounding, claustrophobic nightmare.”
14.	© – Paramount Pictures Raiders of the Lost Ark Release date: 1981 Consensus: “The ultimate adventure film; a charming hero, witty script, brilliant action sequences and eh, nazis – what else could you want?”
13.	© – Warner Bros Goodfellas Release date: 1990 Consensus: “Joe Pesci’s psychotic performance steals the show, but at its core, Goodfellas is a masterclass in delicate, compelling storytelling.”
12.	© – Universal Pictures Jaws Release date: 1975 Consensus: “There may not be any ghosts or slashers in sight, but Jaws is one of the scariest films ever made. Its impact on people is unprecedented.”
11.	© – New Line Cinema Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Release date: 2003 Consensus: “The final entry in this legendary saga is humungous in scale. A constant goosebump-inducing adventure beyond our wildest fantasies.”

Time for the big hitters, get ready for the Top 10 Best Films Ever Made!

10.	© – Paramount Pictures The Godfather Release date: 1972 Consensus: “The revolutionary gangster saga has remained a cinematic milestone for every generation since its release.”
9.	© – Lionsgate Warrior Release date: 2011 Consensus: “Despite only being able to head in one direction, Warrior manages to induce goosebumps and trigger tears throughout. A familiar formula followed perfectly and more.”
8.	© – Miramax Pulp Fiction Release date: 1994 Consensus: “Tarantino broke down narrative barriers and changed the landscape of cinema forever. Yet, over 20 years later, it feels as fresh and stylish as ever.”
7.	© – Sony Pictures Classics The Raid 2 Release date: 2014 Consensus: “No film has ever been so perfectly choreographed. The finest, blood-soaked action spectacular ever made.”
6.	© – 20th Century Fox Star Wars: Episode V – Empire Strikes Back Release date: 1980 Consensus: The iconic twist aside, everything in this extraordinary entry took a step forward; darker, maturer, higher stakes and even more fun. Flawless.
5.	© – Walt Disney Toy Story Release date: 1995 Consensus: “The animation was groundbreaking, but never had a cartoon been so intelligently and fantastically crafted, writing and voice performances alike.”
4.	© – Paramount Pictures The Godfather: Part II Release date: 1974 Consensus: “To be better than the first is an achievement in itself, but Part II drew us in to the centre of its harrowingly powerful, corrupted world and never let go.”
3.	© – Warner Bros The Dark Knight Release date: 2008 Consensus: “Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker is arguably the finest of all time. Ultimately, The Dark Knight is more akin to a crime epic than a superhero film, cementing itself as a game changer in film history.”
2.	© – Columbia Pictures The Shawshank Redemption Release date: 1994 Consensus: “Poignant, gripping, remarkable; a tale of hope (which is a dangerous thing) led by the compelling duo of Robbins and Freeman.”

Number One is…

1. Forrest Gump

Release date: 1994

From the opening “life is like a box of chocolates”, the world fell in love with Hanks’ portrayal of the titular Forrest Gump. We watch us this unwittingly important figure runs through significant moments in history, such as meeting JFK and serving in the Vietnam War (where he develops a mean knack for table tennis).

Flawlessly directed, scripted and acted, everyone involved helped create this incredible masterpiece. It walked along a dangerous line of being overly sentimental, but thankfully Spielberg kept a steady hand, carrying our hearts delicately throughout Gump’s journey. Combining genres such as comedy, romance, war, and drama, it is undoubtedly an epic for the ages. When you first watch it, you never know what you’re gonna get, but it’ll stay with you till the end of time.

That’s it. We hope you enjoyed the list, if you have any thoughts please let us know in the comments, on the Facebook page or tweet us. But, from all of us here at Film Swot, this is farewell. Thank you all for reading and sharing. My new site, The Write-Up, will be up soon, so keep an eye out for that. Rest assured, “I’ll be back”.

Yours truly,

Cameron Frew

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The greatest of the great, the list to end all lists.

100.

Mean Girls

99.

The Way, Way Back

98.

Kramer vs Kramer

97.

L.A. Confidential

96.

Step Brothers

95.

Spider-Man 2

94.

Hot Fuzz

93.

The Champ

92.

500 Days of Summer

91.

GoldenEye

90.

Good Will Hunting

89.

Captain America: Civil War

88.

Harry Potter & the Deathly

Hallows: Part II

87.

Titanic

86.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

85.

The Deer Hunter

84.

The Thin Red Line

83.

Gone Girl

82.

The Fugitive

81.

The Shining

80.

The Good, The Bad

And The Ugly

79.

Casablanca

78.

Stand By Me

77.

Silence of the Lambs

76.

The Usual Suspects

75.

Heat

74.

Top Gun

73.

Prisoners

72.

Rocky

71.

Fight Club

70.

Slumdog Millionaire

69.

A Clockwork Orange

68.

The Big Lebowski

67.

The Social Network

66.

Grease

65.

It’s a Wonderful Life

64.

Trainspotting

63.

Oldboy

62.