Top 100 English Movies [better]

The Great Unicorn Hunt: Why the "Top 100 English Movies" is a Beautiful Illusion

Every few years, a publication like the BBC, Sight & Sound, or the AFI drops a bomb: a newly updated list of the "Greatest Films of All Time." The internet promptly explodes. Arguments rage about why The Dark Knight is ranked below Some Like It Hot, or why Paddington 2 (a genuine modern masterpiece) didn't crack the top ten.

But let’s be honest. Chasing the definitive "Top 100 English Movies" is like trying to lasso a unicorn. It’s thrilling, mythical, and entirely subjective.

Yet, the pursuit tells us more about ourselves than it does about the films. So, let’s step back. Forget the ranking for a moment. Let’s look at the shape of that mythical mountain. What does a consensus Top 100 actually look like, and which shadows haunt its peak?

The Verdict

There is no Top 100. There are only Top 100s.

The list you prefer reveals your soul. Do you put Jaws at #1? (You value craft over message). Do you put 12 Angry Men at #1? (You believe in dialogue and civic duty). Do you put The Empire Strikes Back at #1? (You are a child of the 80s, and you are not wrong).

The fun isn't finding the definitive list. The fun is arguing that Heat (1995) is actually better than The Godfather, watching your friend’s eye twitch, and knowing that for two hours—your reality is the correct one.

The only rule: If Shawshank Redemption is #1 on IMDb, ignore it. That’s not a list of the "best" movies. That’s a list of the most "universally inoffensive" movies. And that is the most damning shadow of all.

Defining the "Top 100 English Movies" is an evolving task, as critical darlings from the Golden Age of Hollywood often compete with modern blockbusters for the top spot. While individual tastes vary, several prestigious organizations and platforms have established definitive rankings based on critical acclaim, historical impact, and audience popularity. The Consensus All-Time Classics

When looking at historical significance and critical consensus, a few titles consistently appear in the top 10 across major lists like the American Film Institute (AFI) and Sight & Sound: TOP 100 BEST MOVIES EVER MADE - IMDb

The Evolution of Cinematic Excellence: Analyzing the Top 100 English Movies

The "Top 100 English Movies" is more than just a list; it is a cultural map of the 20th and 21st centuries. These films represent the pinnacle of storytelling, technological innovation, and emotional resonance. Whether curated by the American Film Institute (AFI) or determined by public consensus on platforms like IMDb, these selections highlight the enduring power of English-language cinema. 1. The Foundations of Modern Cinema

The early entries in any "Top 100" list often focus on the pioneers who defined the language of film.

Citizen Kane (1941): Frequently cited by critics at Sight and Sound as the greatest film of all time, Orson Welles’ masterpiece introduced revolutionary techniques in cinematography and narrative structure.

Casablanca (1942): This film remains the gold standard for the "Hollywood Golden Age," blending romance, political tension, and iconic dialogue into a timeless wartime drama. 2. The Era of the Epic and New Hollywood

As cinema matured, it moved toward grander scales and grittier realism.

The Godfather (1972): Perennially ranked at the top of IMDb's Top 250, Francis Ford Coppola’s epic redefined the crime genre, transforming a pulp novel into a Shakespearean tragedy about power and family.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962): This film showcases the "epic" in its truest form, utilizing the vastness of the desert to tell an intimate story of identity and ego. 3. Emotional Resonance and Popular Appeal

Modern classics often earn their place through deep emotional connection or immense cultural impact.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994): Despite its modest box-office start, it has become the #1 rated film by users on IMDb, celebrated for its profound themes of hope and friendship.

Schindler’s List (1993): Steven Spielberg’s harrowing depiction of the Holocaust serves as a vital historical document and a testament to the moral weight cinema can carry. 4. Technological Milestones

Lists also account for films that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on screen.

Avatar (2009): While often debated for its narrative, its status as the highest-grossing film of all time underscores the global reach of English-language blockbusters and their role in advancing 3D and CGI technology.

The Dark Knight (2008): Christopher Nolan’s work proved that "genre" films (superhero movies) could achieve the same critical and artistic depth as traditional dramas. Conclusion

A list of the "Top 100 English Movies" is a living entity. It evolves as new perspectives emerge and older films are rediscovered. From the black-and-white brilliance of Citizen Kane to the immersive worlds of The Lord of the Rings, these films serve as a collective memory of our shared human experiences, aspirations, and fears.

Determining the "Top 100 English Movies" is a subjective task that varies across major film institutions and critics. However, several titles consistently occupy the highest echelons of these lists, such as the IMDb Top Rated English Movies and the American Film Institute's (AFI) 100 Years...100 Movies. The "Big Three" Staples Top 100 English Movies

The following films are almost universally ranked in the top five of major all-time lists: The Godfather

(1972): Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this crime epic is frequently cited by IMDb and Empire as one of the greatest achievements in cinema for its direction and screenplay. Citizen Kane

(1941): Often holding the #1 spot on the AFI list, Orson Welles' masterpiece is revered for pioneering narrative and technical filmmaking. The Shawshank Redemption

(1994): While it had a modest box office debut, it has reached legendary status and currently holds the #1 spot on the IMDb Top 250. Show more Defining Masterpieces by Era

Movies are often categorized by their historical impact and the decade they defined:

Golden Age Classics: These films set the standard for Hollywood storytelling and include Casablanca (1942), Gone with the Wind (1939), and The Wizard of Oz (1939).

The New Hollywood Era (60s-70s): A shift toward gritty realism and auteur-driven works brought us Taxi Driver (1976), Apocalypse Now (1979), and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975).

The Blockbuster Age (70s-80s): This period saw the rise of high-concept hits like Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), Jaws (1975), and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Modern Masterpieces (90s-Present): Contemporary favorites that frequently appear in top rankings include Pulp Fiction (1994), The Dark Knight (2008), and Schindler's List (1993). Notable Top 100 Rankings

For those looking for full lists, here are the most authoritative sources:

Top 100 Greatest Movies of All Time (The Ultimate List) - IMDb

Top 100 English movie lists combine critical acclaim and popularity, often highlighted by seminal works like The Shawshank Redemption The Godfather Citizen Kane

. These curated selections emphasize lasting impact, featuring foundational Hollywood classics, genre-defining sci-fi, and modern acclaimed masterpieces. For the full, live-updated top movies list, visit IMDb Top 250 movies

The cinematic landscape is vast, but a select few English-language films have achieved immortality by redefining storytelling, technology, and cultural impact. Whether you are looking for timeless classics or modern blockbusters, this list represents the pinnacle of English cinema as ranked by critics, audiences, and industry experts. The Top 10: The Untouchable Masterpieces

These films consistently top lists from IMDb and the American Film Institute (AFI).

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Often holding the #1 spot on IMDb, this Stephen King adaptation is a universal story of hope and friendship.

The Godfather (1972) – Widely regarded as the "Bible of cinema," it transformed the crime genre into a high-art family tragedy.

The Dark Knight (2008) – A rare superhero film that transcended its genre to become a gritty, philosophical crime thriller.

The Godfather Part II (1974) – Often cited as the greatest sequel ever made, exploring both the past and future of the Corleone dynasty.

12 Angry Men (1957) – A masterclass in dialogue and tension, set almost entirely within a single jury room.

Schindler’s List (1993) – Steven Spielberg’s definitive Holocaust drama, celebrated for its emotional depth and historical importance.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – The epic conclusion to a trilogy that set a new gold standard for high fantasy and visual effects.

Pulp Fiction (1994) – Quentin Tarantino’s non-linear narrative and razor-sharp dialogue redefined independent cinema in the 90s.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) – The definitive "Spaghetti Western" known for its iconic score and widescreen cinematography. The Great Unicorn Hunt: Why the "Top 100

Fight Club (1999) – A cult classic that became a generational touchstone for its exploration of consumerism and identity. Iconic Classics (The Golden Era)

The foundation of modern filmmaking was laid by these mid-20th-century titans.

Citizen Kane (1941) – Frequently cited by critics as the greatest film ever made for its innovative cinematography and structure.

Casablanca (1942) – The ultimate wartime romance, featuring immortal lines and legendary chemistry between Bogart and Bergman.

Singin' in the Rain (1952) – Often called the greatest movie musical, capturing the transition from silent films to "talkies".

Psycho (1960) – Alfred Hitchcock’s horror masterpiece that broke countless screen taboos.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – A massive historical epic known for its stunning desert visuals and Peter O'Toole's performance.

The Wizard of Oz (1939) – A technicolor fantasy that remains an essential part of childhood for generations.

Vertigo (1958) – A psychological thriller that grew in critical reputation until it dethroned Citizen Kane in some major polls.

Gone with the Wind (1939) – The quintessential Hollywood epic, which remains the highest-grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation. Modern Classics & Contemporary Hits

The 21st century has introduced a new wave of storytelling, from cerebral sci-fi to groundbreaking animation. IMDb Top 250 movies

Top 100 English Movies

Here's a curated list of iconic and influential English movies:

This list is not exhaustive, but it includes some of the most popular and influential English movies across various genres.

Given the subjective nature of film criticism, a definitive "Top 100" is impossible. Therefore, this list synthesizes data from major critics’ polls (Sight & Sound, BBC), industry rankings (AFI, IMDb), and Oscar history to represent a consensus of the most critically acclaimed, culturally impactful, and artistically significant English-language films of all time.

Top 100 English Movies — Definitive List & Quick Guide

Below is a curated list of 100 influential, widely acclaimed, and culturally significant English-language films across genres and decades. This list balances classics, modern masterpieces, popular crowd-pleasers, and landmark films that influenced filmmaking. Use it for blog posts, social media countdowns, watchlists, or movie-club picks.

Note: ordering is thematic rather than strictly ranked; starred items are especially influential picks to highlight in a post.

  1. Citizen Kane (1941) *
  2. Casablanca (1942) *
  3. The Godfather (1972) *
  4. The Godfather Part II (1974)
  5. 12 Angry Men (1957)
  6. Schindler’s List (1993) *
  7. Pulp Fiction (1994) *
  8. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) *
  9. Goodfellas (1990)
  10. Gone with the Wind (1939)
  11. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
  12. The Dark Knight (2008) *
  13. Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope (1977) *
  14. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
  15. Forrest Gump (1994)
  16. Fight Club (1999)
  17. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
  18. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
  19. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) *
  20. Apocalypse Now (1979)
  21. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
  22. Vertigo (1958)
  23. Psycho (1960)
  24. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
  25. Chinatown (1974)
  26. Taxi Driver (1976)
  27. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
  28. Back to the Future (1985)
  29. The Matrix (1999) *
  30. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
  31. The Social Network (2010)
  32. Amadeus (1984)
  33. The Prestige (2006)
  34. The Truman Show (1998)
  35. Gladiator (2000)
  36. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
  37. Blade Runner (1982)
  38. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
  39. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
  40. No Country for Old Men (2007)
  41. There Will Be Blood (2007)
  42. Se7en (1995)
  43. The Departed (2006)
  44. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
  45. Django Unchained (2012)
  46. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
  47. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) *
  48. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
  49. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
  50. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
  51. The Apartment (1960)
  52. Annie Hall (1977)
  53. Rocky (1976)
  54. The Breakfast Club (1985)
  55. Stand by Me (1986)
  56. The Lion King (1994)
  57. Toy Story (1995)
  58. Toy Story 3 (2010)
  59. Finding Nemo (2003)
  60. Spirited Away (2001) — English-language release widely seen (note: originally Japanese)
  61. The Irishman (2019)
  62. Parasite (2019) — influential internationally (note: Korean original; include only if mentioning global impact)
  63. Moonlight (2016)
  64. La La Land (2016)
  65. The Shape of Water (2017)
  66. Black Panther (2018)
  67. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
  68. Whiplash (2014)
  69. Her (2013)
  70. The Revenant (2015)
  71. The Hurt Locker (2008)
  72. Gravity (2013)
  73. The King's Speech (2010)
  74. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
  75. Fargo (1996)
  76. The Big Lebowski (1998)
  77. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
  78. Pan's Labyrinth (2006) — Spanish original; influential in English markets (optional inclusion)
  79. The Pianist (2002)
  80. Heat (1995)
  81. The Terminator (1984)
  82. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
  83. Alien (1979)
  84. Aliens (1986)
  85. The Sixth Sense (1999)
  86. The Graduate (1967)
  87. Sunset Boulevard (1950)
  88. On the Waterfront (1954)
  89. Raging Bull (1980)
  90. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
  91. The Social Network (2010) — if not duplicated
  92. Spotlight (2015)
  93. Double Indemnity (1944)
  94. The Third Man (1949)
  95. My Fair Lady (1964)
  96. The Great Dictator (1940)
  97. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
  98. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
  99. The Sound of Music (1965)
  100. Inside Out (2015)

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The Top 100 English Movies: A Cinematic Journey Through Time

English movies have been a cornerstone of the film industry, captivating audiences worldwide with their compelling stories, memorable characters, and exceptional filmmaking. From timeless classics to modern blockbusters, English movies have something to offer for every kind of viewer. In this list, we'll take you on a journey through the top 100 English movies that have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

The Classics (1-20)

  1. Casablanca (1942) - A iconic romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
  2. The Godfather (1972) - A crime saga that redefined the gangster film genre.
  3. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) - A highly acclaimed drama about hope and redemption.
  4. The Wizard of Oz (1939) - A beloved musical fantasy film that has become a cultural phenomenon.
  5. Gone with the Wind (1939) - A historical epic romance that won eight Academy Awards.
  6. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) - A war drama that explores the complexities of human nature.
  7. 12 Angry Men (1957) - A gripping drama about justice and morality.
  8. Singin' in the Rain (1952) - A joyous musical comedy starring Gene Kelly.
  9. Rear Window (1954) - A suspenseful thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
  10. Roman Holiday (1953) - A charming romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn.
  11. The Third Man (1949) - A gripping spy thriller set in post-war Vienna.
  12. The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) - A philosophical drama about vanity and morality.
  13. Rebecca (1940) - A gothic romance that launched Hitchcock's American career.
  14. The Philadelphia Story (1940) - A witty romantic comedy starring Katharine Hepburn.
  15. His Girl Friday (1940) - A screwball comedy starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.
  16. The Maltese Falcon (1941) - A classic film noir directed by John Huston.
  17. The African Queen (1951) - An adventure drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.
  18. The Night of the Hunter (1955) - A haunting thriller about obsession and redemption.
  19. The 400 Blows (1959) - A coming-of-age drama about a troubled young boy.
  20. Ben-Hur (1959) - A epic historical drama that won a record 11 Academy Awards.

Modern Masterpieces (21-50)

  1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - A chilling thriller about a young FBI agent.
  2. The Dark Knight (2008) - A superhero epic that redefined the genre.
  3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) - A fantasy adventure that won 11 Oscars.
  4. Pulp Fiction (1994) - A non-linear crime drama that redefined independent cinema.
  5. The Matrix (1999) - A thought-provoking sci-fi epic about reality.
  6. Forrest Gump (1994) - A heartwarming drama about a man with a low IQ.
  7. The Terminator (1984) - A sci-fi action classic that launched Arnold Schwarzenegger's career.
  8. The Princess Bride (1987) - A fantasy romance with a cult following.
  9. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) - A whimsical comedy-drama about a legendary hotel.
  10. The Social Network (2010) - A biographical drama about the founding of Facebook.
  11. The Avengers (2012) - A superhero blockbuster that united iconic Marvel characters.
  12. The English Patient (1996) - A romantic drama set during World War II.
  13. Schindler's List (1993) - A historical drama about the Holocaust.
  14. The Pianist (2002) - A biographical drama about a Polish Jewish pianist.
  15. The Bourne Identity (2002) - An action-thriller about a man with amnesia.
  16. The Hunger Games (2012) - A dystopian sci-fi epic about survival.
  17. Inception (2010) - A mind-bending sci-fi action film.
  18. The Prestige (2006) - A mystery drama about rival magicians.
  19. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - A romantic drama about memory.
  20. Reservoir Dogs (1992) - A crime drama about a group of thieves.
  21. The Truman Show (1998) - A thought-provoking sci-fi film about reality TV.
  22. American Beauty (1999) - A dark comedy-drama about suburban life.
  23. The Sixth Sense (1999) - A psychological horror-thriller with a twist.
  24. Fight Club (1999) - A subversive drama about toxic masculinity.
  25. The Green Mile (1999) - A fantasy drama about a death row supervisor.
  26. Se7en (1995) - A gritty crime thriller about two detectives.
  27. The Fugitive (1993) - A thriller about a man wrongly accused of murder.
  28. Goodfellas (1990) - A biographical crime drama about the mob.
  29. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) - A highly acclaimed drama about hope.
  30. Clueless (1995) - A comedy about a wealthy high school girl.

Recent Hits (51-100)

  1. Parasite (2019) - A black comedy thriller about class struggle.
  2. The Irishman (2019) - A crime drama about a hitman.
  3. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) - A comedy-drama about the 1960s film industry.
  4. Joker (2019) - A psychological thriller about the iconic villain.
  5. The Lion King (2019) - A photorealistic remake of the animated classic.
  6. Avengers: Endgame (2019) - A superhero epic that concluded the Infinity Saga.
  7. The Joker's Wild (2018) - A biographical drama about the making of a film.
  8. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) - A biographical drama about Freddie Mercury.
  9. The Post (2017) - A historical drama about the Pentagon Papers.
  10. Dunkirk (2017) - A war drama about the Dunkirk evacuation.
  11. The Shape of Water (2017) - A romantic fantasy film set in the 1960s.
  12. Moonlight (2016) - A coming-of-age drama about a young black man.
  13. La La Land (2016) - A romantic musical comedy-drama.
  14. The Revenant (2015) - A historical drama about survival.
  15. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) - An action film set in a post-apocalyptic world.
  16. The Martian (2015) - A sci-fi film about an astronaut stranded on Mars.
  17. The Big Short (2015) - A biographical comedy-drama about the 2008 financial crisis.
  18. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) - A black comedy-drama about a washed-up actor.
  19. The Theory of Everything (2014) - A biographical drama about Stephen Hawking.
  20. 12 Years a Slave (2013) - A historical drama about slavery.
  21. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) - A biographical comedy-drama about a stockbroker.
  22. Gravity (2013) - A sci-fi thriller about two astronauts.
  23. Argo (2012) - A historical drama about the CIA's rescue of six Americans.
  24. The Artist (2011) - A romantic comedy-drama about silent cinema.
  25. The King's Speech (2010) - A historical drama about King George VI.
  26. Inception (2010) - A mind-bending sci-fi action film.
  27. Avatar (2009) - A sci-fi epic about a paraplegic marine.
  28. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) - A superhero epic that concluded Christopher Nolan's trilogy.
  29. The Muppets (2011) - A musical comedy film featuring the Muppets.
  30. War Horse (2011) - A war drama about a young boy and his horse.
  31. The Town (2010) - A crime drama about a Boston bank robbery.
  32. Shutter Island (2010) - A psychological thriller about a U.S. Marshal.
  33. Inception (2010) - A mind-bending sci-fi action film.
  34. The Social Network (2010) - A biographical drama about the founding of Facebook.
  35. No Country for Old Men (2007) - A crime thriller about a cat-and-mouse game.
  36. The Departed (2006) - A crime drama about an

The flickering neon sign of "The Archive" buzzed, casting a cinematic blue glow over Elias as he stepped inside. This wasn’t just a video store; it was a cathedral of celluloid, a place where the air smelled of dust and vinegar.

Elias had one mission: to find the "Century Sequence." It was a legendary collection of the Top 100 English Movies, curated by a mysterious projectionist who claimed that watching them in order would reveal the secret history of the human soul.

He started at Shelf One: The Pioneers. There was Citizen Kane, its deep shadows whispering about the loneliness of power. Next to it, The Wizard of Oz promised a technicolor escape from the monochrome of reality. Elias felt the weight of the 1940s—the grit of The Maltese Falcon and the heartbreaking goodbye in Casablanca.

By Shelf Three: The Rebels, the tone shifted. The 70s roared to life with the operatic violence of The Godfather and the paranoid tension of Chinatown. Elias ran his fingers over the spine of Star Wars, a space opera that changed how the world dreamed.

As he reached the Modern Classics, the collection grew eclectic. There was the mind-bending architecture of Inception, the rhythmic tension of Whiplash, and the haunting silence of No Country for Old Men.

"You're looking for the final one," a voice rasped from the shadows.

It was the Old Man, the shop’s keeper. He handed Elias a blank, silver case. "The 100th movie?" Elias asked.

"The 100th is the one you haven't seen yet," the Old Man smiled. "The one that makes you want to go out and live a story worth filming."

Elias walked out into the night, the weight of a century of stories in his bag, realizing that the best movies don't just show us life—they teach us how to see it.

This "deep" dive into the top 100 English movies highlights the films that have shaped global cinema through their storytelling, innovation, and emotional depth. The Core Pillars: All-Time Essentials

While "top" lists vary by critic and era, these titles consistently appear across authoritative rankings like IMDb's Top 100 Empire Magazine The Shawshank Redemption

Often cited as the #1 film by fans, it’s a profound meditation on hope and human resilience within the confines of a prison. The Godfather

More than a mob movie; it is a Shakespearean tragedy about family, power, and the corruption of the American Dream. The Dark Knight

Redefined the superhero genre as a gritty, philosophical exploration of chaos versus order. Schindler's List

A harrowing, essential document of the Holocaust that explores the capacity for individual good amidst systemic evil. 12 Angry Men

A masterclass in dialogue and tension, examining the weight of justice and the power of a single dissenting voice. Modern Icons (21st Century)

Recent cinema has pushed technical and narrative boundaries, with lists from Letterboxd spotlighting new classics: Top 100 Poster - IMDb

The Animated Canon (Movies for Everyone)

Animation is not a genre; it is a medium. These films belong with the live-action greats.

  1. Spirited Away (2001) – Non-English (Japanese). Excluded.
    • Replacement: Toy Story (1995) – The first CGI feature. Pixar’s miracle: a film about a cowboy’s existential crisis.
  2. Up (2009) – The first ten minutes (the married life montage) is the best short film ever made.
  3. The Lion King (1994) – Hamlet with lions. The stampede scene and “Circle of Life” are etched in memory.
  4. Inside Out (2015) – A masterclass in emotional intelligence for children and adults.
  5. Wall-E (2008) – The first half hour has almost no dialogue. A lonely robot in space is more romantic than most live-action films.

The Golden Age & Classic Hollywood (Rank 11-25)

The era of the studio system (1930s–1950s) produced airtight screenplays and iconic stars.

The Missing Millions (The Bottom 20)

Usually, the bottom quintile of a Top 100 (films 80-100) is the most interesting. It is the "historical apology" section.

Here you find Singin' in the Rain—a film so joyful it almost feels unworthy of "greatness," but it is technically flawless. You find The Searchers, which is brilliant but also deeply, uncomfortably racist. You find Blade Runner—a flop in 1982 that grew into a redwood tree of influence.

The Shadow: This is where the list admits its failures. "We should have included a Buster Keaton film." "We forgot about female directors." "Oh god, we put Forrest Gump in the top 20 in 1995? Move it down to #92, quickly."

The Pantheon of Cinema: A Detailed Guide to the Top 100 English Movies

International English-Language & British Cinema (Rank 61-75)

The English language extends far beyond Hollywood. Classics: