20 films that true cinephiles think everyone must watch at least once

If you haven’t seen The Godfather, you might want to keep it to yourself. This film and its sequels are some of the best films ever made, and their popularity all these years later proves that they’re going to hold up well into the future. 

Even if you hate horror films, film buffs will tell you to watch Psycho so you can get a glimpse into the genius that was Alfred Hitchcock. His influence on the art of directing goes far beyond the horror genre. 

If you want to get a well-rounded look at great films, you’ve got to pick from a variety of genres. And if you’re going to watch a sci-fi film, start with Star Wars: Episode IV. But beware: you may love it and get sucked into the Star Wars universe. And it’ll be a long, long time until you’re able to get out of it. 

If you’re only going to watch one holiday film in your life, make sure you watch It’s a Wonderful Life. It didn’t get the credit it deserved when it was first released, but it’s since become a December staple for millions, and it’s widely considered one of the best movies ever made. 

There are so many romance movies to pick from, but few will be as good as Casablanca. A beautiful story and great acting, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a classic. It’s also got some of the best movie quotes ever uttered. There’s no shortage of reasons to watch Casablanca. 

Everyone should watch at least one Morgan Freeman movie in their lifetime, and The Shawshank Redemption is undoubtedly the best. 

There are loads of great animated movies to see, but if you’re only going to see one, let it be The Lion King. Shakespearean influence, incredible music, and gripping drama that audiences of all ages can enjoy, The Lion King is a must-see. 

Everyone needs to see at least one Steven Spielberg film in their life, and Jaws is the way to go. Considered a perfect movie by many, it’s as influential a film today as it was when it was first released. 

Everyone should also see at least one Martin Scorsese film in their lifetime. The Wolf of Wall Street checks that box, along with a modern classic, a Leonardo DiCaprio film, a tremendous biopic, and a movie that’s acclaimed by both critics and general audiences. 

An absolute classic, The Wizard of Oz could be put up against any modern film and hold its own. In fact, it’s better than most films that are being made today. It’s that good. And if you haven’t seen it, what are you doing?

As far as musicals go, there aren’t many that have been as influential as Singin’ in the Rain. It’s considered a perfect musical by many, and it’s got the legendary performer Gene Kelly doing what he arguably did best: dance. 

If you love quotable movies, there is no better film to watch than Forrest Gump. Its lines are still being uttered today, and if you’re watching it for the first time, you’ll likely hear some lines you didn’t know originated with Forrest Gump. 

Stanley Kubrick dedicated his life to the art of filmmaking, and audiences benefited from his work. 2001: A Space Odyssey was so cinematic that it still gets referenced in film today. 

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon really did it big their first time out. Good Will Hunting is a perennial fall favorite for many, but it's also a movie you need to see if you haven't yet. 

Citizen Kane is a very important movie in film history. And what makes it even better is that it’s only a couple of hours long. You can knock out a classic in the time it would take you to watch two episodes of Euphoria. 

Another modern film that’s already a must-see, Everything Everywhere All At Once shows how filmmaking has evolved and where the medium is capable of going. Even if you’re not a sci-fi fan, it’s a film worth checking out. 

There are so many iconic shots in Pulp Fiction . It’s worth watching just to see Uma Thurman holding a cigarette, as well as John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson holding guns. 

Parasite was the first non-English language film in Academy Awards history to win Best Picture. That is reason enough to give it a watch. 

A David Fincher film starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jared Leto? Why wouldn’t you want to watch Fight Club?

The best thing about watching old films in the present day is that there are tons of online discussions and think pieces available to help you out if you don’t understand it. Because of this, there’s no reason not to watch The Matrix.