Best Films Before and After 1990
Millions of people are currently attending college right now, and when it comes to film interest they can be neatly divided into three different categories.
On one end of the spectrum there are hipster film “experts” who thumb their noses at every film made since the ‘60s and anything lauded by more than eight people. On the other end are those who cannot tell Tommy Lee Jones from Philip Seymour Hoffman and think The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is the easiest way to differentiate the Kardashians. And then there are those who go to the movies a few weekends every year to watch the annual “blockbusters” and are otherwise content to catch bits and pieces of films on television.
If you fall into either of the last two categories, it is likely that you are unfamiliar with many great films released before you were born. Everyone has at least heard of Star Wars, Gone with the Wind, and The Godfather, and if you have not seen The Wizard of Oz there is a 100 percent chance that your childhood was awful. These are just four films, though, and there were countless other extraordinary films released before current college students took their first breath.
So, since most college students were born after 1990, that is where the dividing line will be drawn. Here are my choices for the five best films released before 1990, and the five best since. The criteria used includes award recognition, critical reception, and audience reception (according to IMDb.com and Rotten Tomatoes), as well as my personal opinion.
On one end of the spectrum there are hipster film “experts” who thumb their noses at every film made since the ‘60s and anything lauded by more than eight people. On the other end are those who cannot tell Tommy Lee Jones from Philip Seymour Hoffman and think The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is the easiest way to differentiate the Kardashians. And then there are those who go to the movies a few weekends every year to watch the annual “blockbusters” and are otherwise content to catch bits and pieces of films on television.
If you fall into either of the last two categories, it is likely that you are unfamiliar with many great films released before you were born. Everyone has at least heard of Star Wars, Gone with the Wind, and The Godfather, and if you have not seen The Wizard of Oz there is a 100 percent chance that your childhood was awful. These are just four films, though, and there were countless other extraordinary films released before current college students took their first breath.
So, since most college students were born after 1990, that is where the dividing line will be drawn. Here are my choices for the five best films released before 1990, and the five best since. The criteria used includes award recognition, critical reception, and audience reception (according to IMDb.com and Rotten Tomatoes), as well as my personal opinion.
Before 1990
5. Taxi Driver (1976)
Oscars: Four nominations (Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Music, Best Picture)
IMDb: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
“You talking to me? Well then who the hell else are you talking to, you talking to me?” One of the most quoted lines in film history was improvised by Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver, the movie that helped propel him and director Martin Scorsese into film superstardom. De Niro plays Vietnam veteran Travis Bickle, a New York City cab driver whose perception of the city’s prostitution and drug problems as filth leads him to act out violently. The film features Jodie Foster, Cybil Shepperd, Harvey Keitel and Scorsese in supporting roles.
IMDb: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
“You talking to me? Well then who the hell else are you talking to, you talking to me?” One of the most quoted lines in film history was improvised by Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver, the movie that helped propel him and director Martin Scorsese into film superstardom. De Niro plays Vietnam veteran Travis Bickle, a New York City cab driver whose perception of the city’s prostitution and drug problems as filth leads him to act out violently. The film features Jodie Foster, Cybil Shepperd, Harvey Keitel and Scorsese in supporting roles.
4. Rear Window (1954)
Oscars: Four nominations (Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Directing, Best Editing)
IMDb: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
James Stewart stars as a photojournalist whose broken leg prevents him from leaving his apartment, where he spends his time looking out his window and watching his neighbors and the courtyard below. The actions of one of his neighbors lead him to believe that a murder may have happened, but his condition makes it difficult for him to be sure. Perhaps the greatest film by Hitchcock, Rear Window was revolutionary in its camera work. The 2007 film Disturbia is a modern, albeit lesser, interpretation of Rear Window.
IMDb: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
James Stewart stars as a photojournalist whose broken leg prevents him from leaving his apartment, where he spends his time looking out his window and watching his neighbors and the courtyard below. The actions of one of his neighbors lead him to believe that a murder may have happened, but his condition makes it difficult for him to be sure. Perhaps the greatest film by Hitchcock, Rear Window was revolutionary in its camera work. The 2007 film Disturbia is a modern, albeit lesser, interpretation of Rear Window.
3. 12 Angry Men (1957)
Oscars: Three nominations (Best Director, Best Writing, Best Picture)
IMDb: 8.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
12 Angry Men is a courtroom drama that follows the deliberations of a murder trial jury. Similar to Rear Window, this film takes place in a confined area; the entire film takes place in one room. The jury cannot leave with a verdict until all twelve men come to a unanimous decision, and one man’s stubbornness causes an apparent open-and-shut case to become more complex. Many of today’s college students might be turned off by some aspects of this movie. It is in black and white, and it is almost entirely dialogue. However, anyone who is interested in well-written, well-acted films, this is definitely for you.
IMDb: 8.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
12 Angry Men is a courtroom drama that follows the deliberations of a murder trial jury. Similar to Rear Window, this film takes place in a confined area; the entire film takes place in one room. The jury cannot leave with a verdict until all twelve men come to a unanimous decision, and one man’s stubbornness causes an apparent open-and-shut case to become more complex. Many of today’s college students might be turned off by some aspects of this movie. It is in black and white, and it is almost entirely dialogue. However, anyone who is interested in well-written, well-acted films, this is definitely for you.
2. The Godfather (1972)
Oscars: Eleven nominations, three wins (Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Writing, Best Picture)
IMDb: 9.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” The Godfather follows the actions of the Corleone family, who are kingpins in the . This film has everything that a great movie should have: an interesting plot, precise directing, great acting across the board, perfect editing and an incredible ending sequence. One of the greatest casts ever assembled (Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, John Cazale, and Diane Keaton) is highlighted by Brando’s performance as Don Corleone, which is one of the most memorable in film history.
IMDb: 9.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” The Godfather follows the actions of the Corleone family, who are kingpins in the . This film has everything that a great movie should have: an interesting plot, precise directing, great acting across the board, perfect editing and an incredible ending sequence. One of the greatest casts ever assembled (Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, John Cazale, and Diane Keaton) is highlighted by Brando’s performance as Don Corleone, which is one of the most memorable in film history.
1. Apocalypse Now (1979)
Oscars: Eight nominations, two wins (Best Cinematography, Best Sound)
IMDb: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Here it is, the greatest film released before today’s college students were born. Set during the Vietnam War, Apocalypse Now follows Captain Willard (Martin Sheen), a man who was sent back to the war to assassinate General Kurtz (Marlon Brando), who has gone rogue and set himself up as a god among Cambodian natives. This film is great not just because of the action sequences and war setting. It is an incredible journey into the psyche of men in an inhumane, almost animalistic setting who are pushed to the brink of sanity, and how these men all react differently. The cast features Sheen, Brando, Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, and Laurence Fishburne.
IMDb: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Here it is, the greatest film released before today’s college students were born. Set during the Vietnam War, Apocalypse Now follows Captain Willard (Martin Sheen), a man who was sent back to the war to assassinate General Kurtz (Marlon Brando), who has gone rogue and set himself up as a god among Cambodian natives. This film is great not just because of the action sequences and war setting. It is an incredible journey into the psyche of men in an inhumane, almost animalistic setting who are pushed to the brink of sanity, and how these men all react differently. The cast features Sheen, Brando, Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, and Laurence Fishburne.
Since 1990
5. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Oscars: Seven nominations, one win (Best Writing)
IMDb: 9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Pulp Fiction, director Quentin Tarantino’s follow-up to the critically acclaimed Reservoir Dogs, is probably the best sophomore effort ever. There are a few interweaving stories told in a non-linear fashion, which could spell disaster if a lot of attention was not paid to details. Thankfully, it is incredibly well-done. Though it jumps around section to section, each part plays off of the part before it, leading to a very entertaining viewing experience. The star-packed cast includes Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, and Christopher Walken.
IMDb: 9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Pulp Fiction, director Quentin Tarantino’s follow-up to the critically acclaimed Reservoir Dogs, is probably the best sophomore effort ever. There are a few interweaving stories told in a non-linear fashion, which could spell disaster if a lot of attention was not paid to details. Thankfully, it is incredibly well-done. Though it jumps around section to section, each part plays off of the part before it, leading to a very entertaining viewing experience. The star-packed cast includes Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, and Christopher Walken.
4. Memento (2000)
Oscars: Two nominations (Best Editing, Best Writing)
IMDb: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
This one-of-a-kind thriller from director Christopher Nolan is told from the ending to the beginning from the perspective of Leonard (Guy Pearce), who has no short-term memory and can no longer create new memories. He is searching for the man who murdered his wife and injured him, causing his unique condition. It begins with the last few minutes of the narrative, followed by the previous few minutes, etc. This manner of storytelling puts the viewer in the same position as Leonard, whose condition leaves him unaware of what just happened. He trusts only photographs,his own handwriting, and his tattoos, which are systematically inked clues he has discovered about his wife’s murderer.
IMDb: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
This one-of-a-kind thriller from director Christopher Nolan is told from the ending to the beginning from the perspective of Leonard (Guy Pearce), who has no short-term memory and can no longer create new memories. He is searching for the man who murdered his wife and injured him, causing his unique condition. It begins with the last few minutes of the narrative, followed by the previous few minutes, etc. This manner of storytelling puts the viewer in the same position as Leonard, whose condition leaves him unaware of what just happened. He trusts only photographs,his own handwriting, and his tattoos, which are systematically inked clues he has discovered about his wife’s murderer.
3. Pan’s Labrinyth (2006)
Oscars: Six nominations, three wins (Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Makeup)
IMDb: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Many people will be immediately deterred from this movie for one reason: subtitles. Pan’s Labrinyth is a Spanish fantasy film that centers on a little girl who, along with her mother, is visiting her step-dad, a sadistic Spanish army officer. She is actually a reincarnated princess, and is visited by a few supernatural creatures that test her to see if she is worthy of achieving immortality. Though it may seem childish, it is very violent and even disturbing at times. It is a fairy-tale narrative told in a way that caters to adults. I would definitely not show this movie to a child. The story is told visually more than audibly, so the subtitles should not be a determining factor for people thinking about watching it.
IMDb: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Many people will be immediately deterred from this movie for one reason: subtitles. Pan’s Labrinyth is a Spanish fantasy film that centers on a little girl who, along with her mother, is visiting her step-dad, a sadistic Spanish army officer. She is actually a reincarnated princess, and is visited by a few supernatural creatures that test her to see if she is worthy of achieving immortality. Though it may seem childish, it is very violent and even disturbing at times. It is a fairy-tale narrative told in a way that caters to adults. I would definitely not show this movie to a child. The story is told visually more than audibly, so the subtitles should not be a determining factor for people thinking about watching it.
2. Goodfellas (1990)
Oscars: (Nominated for six, won one (Best Actor in a Supporting Role)
IMDb: 8.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Goodfellas is the ultimate gangster film. It tells the true story of Henry Hill a man who has lived the gangster life since childhood. Hill becomes addicted to drugs and his operation eventually turns cannibalistic, with members killing off other members. The direction, score and acting are all superb. It is directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco.
IMDb: 8.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Goodfellas is the ultimate gangster film. It tells the true story of Henry Hill a man who has lived the gangster life since childhood. Hill becomes addicted to drugs and his operation eventually turns cannibalistic, with members killing off other members. The direction, score and acting are all superb. It is directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco.
1. Magnolia (1999)
Oscars: Three nominations (Best Actor in a Supporting Role; Best Music, Original Song; and Best Writing)
IMDb: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Magnolia is in my opinion the greatest film to be released in current college students’ lifetimes, and my favorite film ever. It is directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood) and has an ensemble cast including Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, and William H. Macy. The film tells a few different intertwining stories, similar to Pulp Fiction. However, Magnolia is told from start to finish and only covers roughly 24 hours. The characters are all related in some way to at least one other character, and the storylines intersect beautifully. Each character has some issue and at the end there is a huge surprise that leads to the resolution of these issues. If you ever have three hours to kill, throw on Magnolia.
IMDb: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Magnolia is in my opinion the greatest film to be released in current college students’ lifetimes, and my favorite film ever. It is directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood) and has an ensemble cast including Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, and William H. Macy. The film tells a few different intertwining stories, similar to Pulp Fiction. However, Magnolia is told from start to finish and only covers roughly 24 hours. The characters are all related in some way to at least one other character, and the storylines intersect beautifully. Each character has some issue and at the end there is a huge surprise that leads to the resolution of these issues. If you ever have three hours to kill, throw on Magnolia.