A list of exceptional films
to experience.

Art has it's own truth.
~ DANDIANANDA



A rare unrated list, In alphabetical order
IMDB clickable titles in red.

 

Sam Mendes
1917
A visually stunning one-shot film, "1917" masterfully captures the harrowing journey of two soldiers in World War I. The film's artistic direction immerses viewers in the stark and desolate landscapes of war, highlighting the brutal reality and the relentless passage of time.


Stanley Kubrick
2001: A Space Odyssey
A pioneering work of science fiction, "2001: A Space Odyssey" blends avant-garde visuals with profound philosophical questions. Kubrick's meticulous craftsmanship and groundbreaking special effects create a mesmerizing journey through space and time, exploring human evolution and the rise of artificial intelligence.


Sidney Lumet
12 Angry Men
In "12 Angry Men," Sidney Lumet transforms a claustrophobic jury room into a dynamic stage for intense human drama. The film's stark black-and-white cinematography and masterful direction highlight the tensions and moral dilemmas faced by the jurors, making it a powerful exploration of justice and prejudice.


Terrence Malick
A Hidden Life
This visually stunning, meditative drama tells the story of an Austrian farmer who refuses to fight for the Nazis, standing firm in his moral convictions. Poetic direction captures the quiet beauty of rural life, juxtaposed with the profound spiritual struggle of its protagonist. Rich cinematography and a reflective pace weave themes of conscience, sacrifice, and unshakable faith into a powerful narrative.


Milos Forman
Amadeus
Exploring the life of Mozart, "Amadeus" is a visually sumptuous film that blends historical drama with lavish period detail. Forman's direction captures the opulence of 18th-century Vienna, while the music and performances bring an emotional depth to this tale of genius and jealousy.


Fred Zinnemann
A Man for All Seasons
Zinnemann's powerful portrayal of integrity and moral courage is set against the backdrop of Tudor England. The film's careful attention to historical accuracy and its strong performances bring this timeless story of principle and sacrifice to life.


Justine Triet
Anatomy of a Fall
Anchored by a powerful performance from Sandra Hüller, this gripping, emotionally charged drama masterfully blends a suspenseful courtroom thriller with a deep exploration of relationships and trust. A dog trained to help the blind son plays a surprisingly pivotal role, adding a unique layer of tension to the unfolding story.


Asghar Farhadi
A Separation
This gripping and emotionally complex drama delves into the intricacies of family and societal tensions in modern Iran. Farhadi's nuanced direction and the film's compelling performances make it a profound exploration of justice, truth, and empathy.


Joe Wright
Atonement
With its lush cinematography and hauntingly beautiful score, "Atonement" weaves a tragic tale of love and misunderstanding. Wright's adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, capturing the devastating impacts of a single lie.


Jean-Pierre Jeunet
A Very Long Engagement
Combining the horrors of World War I with a poignant love story, "A Very Long Engagement" is a visually rich and emotionally powerful film. Jeunet's unique style and the film's intricate narrative create a deeply affecting and memorable cinematic journey.


Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Amélie
A whimsical and heartwarming story set in the enchanting streets of Montmartre, "Amélie" is brought to life by Jeunet's inventive visual style and Audrey Tautou's charming performance. The film creates an unforgettable portrait of a young woman's quest to bring happiness to those around her.


Otto Preminger
Anatomy of a Murder
This gripping courtroom drama tackles complex issues of justice and morality. Preminger's meticulous direction and the film's powerful performances provide a uniquly compelling exploration of legal, ethical and moral dilemmas.


Stanley Kubrick
Barry Lyndon
Visually opulent and meticulously crafted, "Barry Lyndon" captures the rise and fall of an 18th-century Irish adventurer. Kubrick's use of natural lighting and period-accurate settings creates a stunningly authentic portrayal of the era.


Hal Ashby
Being There
Exploring themes of identity and media influence through the story of a simple gardener, "Being There" is both satirical and poignant. Ashby's subtle direction and Peter Sellers' masterful performance make this a thought-provoking and timeless work.


Blake Edwards
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
A romantic classic featuring Audrey Hepburn in her iconic role as Holly Golightly, "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" is stylish and emotionally engaging. Edwards' direction, combined with Henry Mancini's unforgettable score, creates a film that remains beloved by audiences.


Michael Haneke
Caché
A psychological thriller that delves into themes of guilt, surveillance, and the lingering impacts of colonialism, "Caché" is both gripping and thought-provoking. Haneke's unsettling direction and the film's tense atmosphere leave a lasting impression.


Roman Polanski
Chinatown
Exploring corruption and moral ambiguity in 1930s Los Angeles, "Chinatown" is a masterful neo-noir. Polanski's direction, combined with Jack Nicholson's iconic performance, creates a timeless classic that remains compelling and relevant.


Orson Welles
Citizen Kane
Often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, "Citizen Kane" features groundbreaking narrative techniques and innovative cinematography. Welles' portrayal of the enigmatic Charles Foster Kane provides a deep and complex study of the abuse of power in the quest for legacy.


Juan Antonio Bardem
Death of a Cyclist
This gripping critique of moral decay and social inequality in post-war Spain highlights Bardem's directorial prowess. The film's stark visuals and emotional turmoil make it a powerful and thought-provoking piece.


Henri-Georges Clouzot
Diabolique
A classic suspense thriller that masterfully combines elements of horror and psychological tension, "Diabolique" remains chilling and unforgettable. Clouzot's direction and the film's eerie atmosphere are key to its lasting impact.


Billy Wilder
Double Indemnity
Exploring themes of greed, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, "Double Indemnity" is a quintessential film noir. Wilder's sharp direction and the film's tight script make it a classic example of the genre.


James Algar
Samuel Armstrong
Ford Beebe, Jr.

Fantasia
An innovative and visually stunning blend of animation and classical music, "Fantasia" uses groundbreaking techniques and imaginative sequences to create a timeless masterpiece of traditional animation.


Alfonso Cuarón
Gravity
Visually spectacular and intensely immersive, "Gravity" is a space thriller that grips from start to finish. Cuarón's direction and the film's cutting-edge visual effects create an unforgettable cinematic genre defying thriller.


Grigoriy Kozintsev
Hamlet
Kozintsev's adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy is visually powerful and emotionally profound. The film's striking cinematography and intense performances breathe new life into this timeless story.


Fred Zinnemann
High Noon
A tense and tightly paced Western, "High Noon" explores themes of duty and courage with great skill. Zinnemann's direction and Gary Cooper's iconic performance make it a standout film in the genre.


Martin Scorsese
Hugo
"Hugo" pays tribute to the early days of cinema with its visually enchanting and heartfelt narrative. Scorsese's direction and the film's magical atmosphere create a story that captivates and delights our deep sense of wonder.


Martin McDonagh
In Bruges
A darkly comedic and emotionally complex film, "In Bruges" blends humor and drama in a unique way. McDonagh's sharp script and the many strong performances make it a memorable and engaging one-of-a-kind crime film.


Denis Villeneuve
Incendies
Emotionally intense and gripping, "Incendies" delves into themes of family, war, and identity. Villeneuve's direction and the film's powerful narrative make it a deeply moving and thought-provoking work.


Kar-Wai Wong
In the Mood for Love
Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, "In the Mood for Love" captures the fleeting nature of love and desire. Wong's exquisite direction and the film's lush cinematography create a hauntingly beautiful experience.


Chantal Akerman
Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles
A groundbreaking and meticulously crafted film, "Jeanne Dielman" explores the daily routines of a woman's life in profound detail. Akerman's innovative direction and the film's deliberate pacing create a powerful and immersive experience.


Iain Softley
K-PAX
Thought-provoking and emotionally engaging, "K-PAX" explores themes of identity and reality through a compelling narrative. Softley's direction and the film's intriguing storyline make it a captivating experience.


Giuseppe Tornatore
Legend of 1900
Telling the story of a piano prodigy who spends his life on a ship, "Legend of 1900" is both visually and emotionally rich. Tornatore's direction and the film's beautiful music create a deeply moving and enchanting experience.


Kenneth Lonergan
Manchester By The Sea
Deeply affecting, "Manchester By The Sea" explores themes of grief, guilt, and redemption with remarkable sensitivity. Lonergan's direction and the film's powerful performances make it a poignant and unforgettable work.


John Schlesinger
Marathon Man
Combining elements of suspense and drama, "Marathon Man" is a tense and thrilling film. Schlesinger's direction and the film's gripping narrative make it a compelling experience.


Tony Gilroy
Michael Clayton
A smart and gripping legal thriller, this film delves into themes of corporate corruption and personal redemption. Gilroy's masterful direction and the strong performances create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.


Jaco Van Dormael
Mr Nobody
Visually stunning and philosophically rich, "Mr Nobody" explores themes of choice, destiny, and identity. Van Dormael's direction and the film's imaginative narrative create a unique and captivating experience.


Alfred Hitchcock
North by Northwest
A classic thriller showcasing Hitchcock's masterful direction and suspenseful storytelling, this cinematic gem remains timeless and exhilarating. Its iconic scenes and strong performances leave an indelible impression.


Alfred Hitchcock
Notorious
Its blend of romance and suspense exemplifies Hitchcock's talent for creating tension and intrigue. The film's compelling narrative and memorable star performances make it a standout in his oeuvre.


Bong Joon Ho
Parasite
Dark humor blended with social commentary creating a searing critique of class inequality. Bong Joon Ho's masterful storytelling and the film's stunning visuals create a powerful and unforgettable experience.


Ed Harris
Pollock
Exploring the turbulent life of artist Jackson Pollock, it is both a biographical drama and an exploration of creative genius. Harris' direction and performance bring depth to this compelling story.


Dent-de-Lion du Midi
Portrait² | A Work of Art about a Work of Art
Combining artistically stunning visuals sans narrative, this unique film without words illuminates the creative process and the poety of life. Du Midi's direction captures the essence of artistic expression in a masterful way.


Céline Sciamma
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
A visually stunning and emotionally powerful film, exploring themes of love and desire with remarkable sensitivity. Sciamma's direction and the film's lush cinematography create a deeply affecting and memorable experience.


Akira Kurosawa
Rashomon
Exploring the nature of truth and perspective, and a groundbreaking film that has influenced generations of filmmakers. Kurosawa's direction and the film's innovative narrative structure make it a timeless classic.


Atom Egoyan
Remember
A haunting exploration of memory and revenge, the film delves into the psychological impact of trauma. Egoyan's direction and the film's gripping narrative create a powerful and thought-provoking experience.


Tom Tykwer
Run Lola Run
Fast-paced and visually dynamic, combining innovative storytelling with a thrilling narrative. Tykwer's direction and the film's energetic style make it an exhilarating cinematic experience.


John Carpenter
Starman
Blending science fiction with romance, "Starman" is a touching and imaginative film that explores themes of love and humanity. Carpenter's direction and the film's heartfelt performances make it a unique and memorable work.


Todd Field
Tár
An intense and captivating exploration of music and ambition, "Tár" delves into the life of a renowned conductor. Field's direction and the film's powerful narrative create a compelling and thought-provoking experience.


Harald Zwart
The 12th Man
A gripping tale of survival and resilience during World War II, "The 12th Man" showcases the endurance of the human spirit. Zwart's direction and the film's intense narrative create a powerful and emotional journey.


Oriol Paulo
The Body
A tense and suspenseful thriller, "The Body" keeps audiences guessing with its intricate plot and unexpected twists. Paulo's direction and the film's atmospheric tension make it a gripping watch.


Robert Lepage
The Confessional
Blending historical mystery with personal drama, "The Confessional" offers a compelling exploration of secrets and identity. Lepage's direction and the film's layered narrative create a rich and engaging story.


Krzysztof Kieslowski
The Double Life of Veronique
With its poetic visuals and hauntingly beautiful score, "The Double Life of Veronique" explores themes of fate and identity. Kieslowski's direction and the film's ethereal atmosphere create a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.


Ridley Scott
The Duellists
A visually stunning period piece, "The Duellists" portrays the relentless pursuit of honor and revenge. Scott's meticulous direction and the film's historical authenticity create a gripping and beautifully crafted story.


Anthony Minghella
The English Patient
Epic in scope and deeply emotional, "The English Patient" weaves a complex tale of love and loss during World War II. Minghella's direction and the film's lush cinematography create a hauntingly beautiful narrative.


Tarsem Singh
The Fall
A visually extravagant film, "The Fall" blends fantasy and reality in a unique and captivating way. Singh's direction and the film's stunning visuals make it a mesmerizing cinematic experience.


Thomas Vinterberg
The Hunt
An intense and emotionally charged drama, "The Hunt" delves into the devastating impact of false accusations. Vinterberg's direction and the film's powerful performances make it a compelling and thought-provoking work.


Anne Fontaine
The Innocents
Set in post-World War II Poland, "The Innocents" is a harrowing and deeply moving film that explores themes of trauma and recovery. Fontaine's sensitive direction and the film's poignant narrative make it a powerful and unforgettable experience.


Oriol Paulo
The Invisible Guest
A masterfully crafted thriller, "The Invisible Guest" keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and shocking twists. Paulo's direction and the film's engaging narrative make it a standout in the genre.


Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
The Lives of Others
An intense exploration of surveillance and humanity in East Germany, "The Lives of Others" offers a compelling and emotional narrative. Von Donnersmarck's direction, coupled with the film's powerful performances, ensures its lasting impact on viewers.


Yorgos Lanthimos
The Lobster
Darkly comedic and surreal, "The Lobster" explores themes of love and societal pressure in a unique and thought-provoking way. Lanthimos' direction and the film's distinctive style create a captivating and memorable work.


Roman Polanski
The Pianist
A haunting portrayal of survival during the Holocaust, "The Pianist" is both harrowing and deeply moving. Polanski's direction and Adrien Brody's powerful performance bring this true story to life with profound emotional impact.


Andrey Zvyagintsev
The Return
Exploring themes of family and redemption, "The Return" is a visually stunning and emotionally complex film. Zvyagintsev's direction and the film's evocative atmosphere create a compelling narrative.


Ingmar Bergman
The Seventh Seal
With its iconic imagery and philosophical depth, "The Seventh Seal" explores themes of life, death, and faith. Bergman's masterful direction and the film's haunting atmosphere make it a timeless classic.


Víctor Erice
The Spirit of the Beehive
A poetic and evocative film, "The Spirit of the Beehive" captures the innocence and curiosity of childhood against a backdrop of political unrest. Erice's direction and the film's lyrical visuals create a haunting and unforgettable atmosphere.


Atom Egoyan
The Sweet Hereafter
A deeply moving exploration of grief and community, "The Sweet Hereafter" delves into the aftermath of a tragic accident. Egoyan's sensitive direction and the film's poignant narrative create a powerful and emotional story.


John Frankenheimer
The Train
A thrilling wartime drama, "The Train" combines action and suspense with a compelling narrative. Frankenheimer's direction and the film's tense atmosphere make it an engaging and memorable work.


Bryan Singer
The Usual Suspects
Known for its intricate plot and unexpected twists, "The Usual Suspects" is a standout in the crime thriller genre. Singer's direction and the film's memorable performances create a captivating and surprising narrative.


Henri-Georges Clouzot
The Wages of Fear
A tense and gripping thriller, "The Wages of Fear" showcases Clouzot's skill in building suspense and character. The film's intense narrative and compelling performances make it a classic in the genre.


Jonathan Glazer
The Zone of Interest
An unsettling and provocative exploration of human nature and morality, "The Zone of Interest" delves into dark and complex themes. Glazer's direction and the film's haunting atmosphere make it a powerful and thought-provoking work.


Robert Mulligan
To Kill a Mockingbird
A timeless classic, "To Kill a Mockingbird" explores themes of racial injustice and moral integrity. Mulligan's direction and Gregory Peck's iconic performance bring this beloved novel to life with emotional depth and resonance.


Alfred Hitchcock
Vertigo
With its psychological depth and visual style, "Vertigo" is a masterpiece of suspense and intrigue. Hitchcock's direction and the film's haunting atmosphere make it one of his most enduring works.


Billy Wilder
Witness for the Prosecution
A courtroom drama with unexpected twists, "Witness for the Prosecution" is a captivating and entertaining film. Wilder's direction and the film's strong performances make it a standout in the genre.