Must-See Films: Exploring The Greatest Movies Of All Time!

17 May, 2025

Are lists of the greatest films of all time inherently subjective and ultimately meaningless? The elevation of "Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles" to the top spot in the Sight and Sound poll signals a seismic shift in how we define cinematic greatness.

For decades, the same titans of cinema dominated these rankings, their positions seemingly immutable. Now, a film directed by a woman, Chantal Akerman, has ascended to the throne, sparking debate and challenging long-held assumptions. This isn't just about one film; it's about the very nature of evaluating art and the power structures that have historically shaped our perceptions. It’s about questioning the canon itself. It’s a moment that demands a closer look at the criteria, the biases, and the evolving tastes that inform such pronouncements.

Aspect	Details
Film Title	Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles
Director	Chantal Akerman
Year	1975
Country	Belgium
Genre	Drama, Art House
Synopsis	A middle-aged widow meticulously performs her daily routine, which includes cooking, cleaning, and engaging in prostitution.
Significance	First film directed by a woman to top the Sight and Sound poll. Marks a significant shift in cinematic canon.
Themes	Femininity, routine, alienation, social commentary
Impact	Influenced experimental and feminist cinema. Continues to be analyzed for its unique approach to storytelling.
Further Reading	Sight and Sound Website

The Sight and Sound poll, conducted once a decade, has long been considered a barometer of critical opinion. It aggregates the votes of hundreds of film critics, historians, and academics from around the world. The resulting list, while not definitive, provides a snapshot of the films considered most significant and influential within the cinematic landscape. The dethroning of "Citizen Kane," a film that held the top spot for decades, by "Jeanne Dielman" is akin to an artistic revolution. It speaks to a re-evaluation of what constitutes "greatness" in cinema, prioritizing perhaps slow-burn narratives, female perspectives, and a rejection of traditional Hollywood storytelling.

But what exactly is it about "Jeanne Dielman" that has resonated so profoundly with critics? The film is a minimalist masterpiece, a nearly three-and-a-half-hour portrait of a woman's monotonous daily routine. Jeanne, played with stoic precision by Delphine Seyrig, cooks, cleans, cares for her son, and engages in prostitution to make ends meet. The film's deliberate pacing, long takes, and focus on the mundane create a sense of unease and alienation. It's a challenging watch, demanding patience and attention from the viewer. It’s a film that forces you to confront the often-invisible realities of women's lives and the societal pressures that shape their existence. It avoids the conventional dramatic arcs and emotional cues of mainstream cinema, opting instead for a more observational and detached approach.

The film's impact extends far beyond its placement on a list. It has influenced generations of filmmakers, particularly those working in experimental and feminist cinema. Its unflinching portrayal of female subjectivity and its critique of patriarchal structures have made it a touchstone for feminist film theory. "Jeanne Dielman" is not just a film; it's a statement. A statement about the power of cinema to challenge conventions, to provoke thought, and to give voice to marginalized perspectives. It challenges the very notion of cinematic entertainment, demanding engagement on a deeper, more intellectual level.

Of course, the elevation of "Jeanne Dielman" has not been without its detractors. Some critics argue that the film is overly long, slow, and lacking in narrative drive. Others question whether it deserves to be ranked above more traditionally acclaimed films like "The Godfather," "The Wizard of Oz," or "Star Wars," which have entertained and inspired countless viewers. These criticisms are valid, but they miss the point. "Jeanne Dielman" is not intended to be a crowd-pleaser. It's a work of art that demands to be approached on its own terms. It’s a film that asks us to question our assumptions about what cinema can be and what it can achieve.

The debate surrounding "Jeanne Dielman" also raises broader questions about the nature of lists themselves. Are they useful tools for understanding and appreciating art, or are they simply arbitrary rankings that reflect the biases of those who compile them? As one astute observer noted, "All lists of the greatest movies are propaganda. They have no deeper significance." This is a cynical view, perhaps, but it highlights the inherent limitations of any attempt to quantify subjective experiences. Ultimately, the value of a list lies not in its definitive pronouncements but in its ability to spark conversation and encourage viewers to explore new and challenging films.

The most interesting lists, as some argue, are those compiled by individual filmmakers. What are Scorsese's favorites? Or Herzog's? These personal lists offer a glimpse into the minds of artists and provide valuable insights into their creative processes. They reveal the films that have inspired and influenced them, shaping their own unique visions. A filmmaker’s personal canon can be far more revealing than any consensus-driven ranking.

The ongoing discussion about the "greatest films of all time" is a testament to the enduring power of cinema. It demonstrates our deep emotional connection to these works of art and our willingness to engage in passionate debate about their merits. Whether we agree with the Sight and Sound poll or not, it serves as a reminder that cinema is a constantly evolving medium, capable of challenging our perceptions and expanding our horizons. It forces us to reconsider our definitions of beauty, significance, and artistic achievement.

The film landscape is vast and varied, encompassing everything from Hollywood blockbusters to independent art-house films. Each genre and style offers its own unique pleasures and challenges. There are the adrenaline-pumping thrills of action movies, the heartwarming sentiments of romantic comedies, the chilling suspense of horror films, and the thought-provoking narratives of dramas. The best movies transcend genre, offering something profound and universal to audiences of all backgrounds.

Consider, for example, "Saving Private Ryan," a film that immerses viewers in the brutal realities of war. Captain John Miller, played by Tom Hanks, leads his men behind enemy lines to find Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat. Surrounded by the horrors of war, each man embarks on a personal journey, discovering their own strength and courage. The film’s unflinching portrayal of violence and its exploration of themes like duty, sacrifice, and the human cost of war have made it a modern classic.

The artistry of filmmaking extends to all aspects of production, from the cinematography to the sound design to the acting. Gregg Toland's groundbreaking work on "Citizen Kane" captured the open spaces and big skies of rural America, while the normally conservative director, John Ford, put forward a sympathetic portrayal of ordinary people struggling to survive. The use of innovative camera angles and lighting techniques helped to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.

Similarly, the masterful use of music can elevate a film to new heights. The iconic scores of Ennio Morricone in Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns, or John Williams's soaring themes in "Star Wars," have become instantly recognizable and deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. Music can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and fear, enhancing the overall viewing experience and creating a lasting impact on the audience.

The performance of the actors is also crucial to the success of a film. Marlon Brando's portrayal of Vito Corleone in "The Godfather," or Meryl Streep's nuanced performances in countless films, have set a new standard for acting excellence. Actors have the ability to inhabit their characters completely, bringing them to life with authenticity and emotional depth. Their performances can resonate with viewers long after the credits have rolled.

But beyond the technical aspects of filmmaking, it is the story itself that ultimately determines a film's success. A compelling narrative, filled with memorable characters, surprising twists, and universal themes, can captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. The best stories are those that explore the complexities of human relationships, the challenges of overcoming adversity, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.

The impact of a film can extend far beyond the realm of entertainment. Films can inspire social change, challenge political ideologies, and promote empathy and understanding. Documentaries, in particular, have the power to shed light on important issues and to give voice to marginalized communities. They can raise awareness about pressing global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, and inspire viewers to take action.

The world of cinema is constantly evolving, with new technologies and new voices emerging all the time. The rise of streaming services has democratized access to films, allowing viewers to discover a wider range of content than ever before. Independent filmmakers are now able to reach global audiences without the need for traditional distribution channels. This has led to a greater diversity of voices and perspectives in cinema, enriching the art form and challenging established norms.

The best movies are those that stay with us long after we have seen them. They are the films that we revisit again and again, each time discovering something new. They are the films that spark conversations, challenge our beliefs, and inspire us to see the world in a different light. They are the films that remind us of the power of storytelling and the importance of human connection. These are the films that truly deserve to be called "great."

Whether it's "The Dark Knight" with its impressive average IMDb rating of 9.10 from over 2.5 million ratings and a high Rotten Tomatoes audience score, or a lesser-known gem that resonates with you on a personal level, the experience of watching a film is ultimately subjective and deeply personal. The "best" movie is the one that speaks to you, challenges you, and stays with you long after the credits have rolled. Don't let lists dictate your tastes; explore, discover, and find the films that move you.

The search for the "greatest movies ever made" is a never-ending quest, a journey of discovery and self-reflection. It's a journey that takes us through different genres, different cultures, and different eras of filmmaking. It's a journey that ultimately leads us to a deeper appreciation of the art of cinema and its enduring power to shape our understanding of the world.

So, embrace the debate, explore the vast landscape of cinema, and discover your own personal canon of "greatest films of all time." Don't be afraid to challenge conventional wisdom, to question established rankings, and to celebrate the films that truly resonate with you. After all, the beauty of cinema lies in its diversity and its ability to inspire and entertain audiences of all backgrounds.

The next time someone asks you what your favorite movie is, don't just rattle off a title from a list. Think about the films that have truly moved you, the films that have challenged your perceptions, and the films that have stayed with you long after the credits have rolled. These are the films that define your personal cinematic landscape and that reveal something about who you are as a person.

And remember, the "greatest movie ever made" is not necessarily the most popular, the most critically acclaimed, or the most commercially successful. It's the movie that speaks to you, the movie that touches your heart, and the movie that inspires you to see the world in a new and different way. So, keep searching, keep exploring, and keep celebrating the magic of cinema.

In conclusion, while the debate about the greatest films of all time may never be definitively settled, the very act of engaging in that debate is what makes cinema such a vibrant and enduring art form. It challenges us to think critically about our own tastes, to explore new and diverse perspectives, and to celebrate the power of storytelling to connect us all. So, let the discussion continue, and let the search for cinematic greatness never end.

30 of the Greatest Movies of All Time To Add to Your Watch List

Details

Details

Details

Detail Author:

Name : Vicky Streich
Username : gwindler
Email : schuppe.fanny@gmail.com
Birthdate : 1971-10-04
Address : 320 Moises Court Vidaborough, CA 82509
Phone : 928-637-7071
Company : Dickens LLC
Job : Roof Bolters Mining
Bio : Ad repellat error aut tempora. Omnis voluptas blanditiis quisquam et quia. A placeat atque voluptas. Cupiditate consectetur error ducimus est.

Socials

instagram:

url : https://instagram.com/leffler1978
username : leffler1978
bio : Maxime error et amet molestias dolores voluptatem. Necessitatibus porro voluptate quas.
followers : 6268
following : 2997

twitter:

url : https://twitter.com/gabriella_leffler
username : gabriella_leffler
bio : Illum dolorum dolorem vel et deserunt velit. Et labore ut id ut velit. Recusandae voluptatem neque tempore dolor sint magni temporibus.
followers : 3178
following : 1450