20 fantastic films that best celebrate the cinema world

Singin’ in the Rain is one of the defining movies of Hollywood’s Golden Age of cinema. Starring screen legends Gene Kelly and Debby Reynolds, it follows a silent film star who falls for a chorus girl while he and his co-star are making the transition to talking pictures during the 1920s. From the film’s titular song to the vibrant and colorful production design, it is often regarded as one of the best movie musicals ever made and is sure to leave your toes tapping.

From legendary director Martin Scorsese, Hugo is a whimsical adventure film that tells its story through historical fiction. Set in 1930s Paris, the film follows young Hugo, an orphan living in the walls of a train station. While trying to figure out how to power up his late father’s automaton, which he believes holds a secret, he meets a toy merchant, who may be the key. The merchant, played by Ben Kingsley, is revealed to be Georges Méliès, one of cinema’s most innovative figures. 

One of the best Italian films ever made is undoubtedly Cinema Paradiso, an unabashed love letter to the magic of movies. The film follows Salvatore, a filmmaker who returns to his hometown in Sicily for the funeral of the local cinema’s film projectionist, Alfredo. There, he reminisces about his relationship with Alfredo, who introduced him to film, and his journey growing up and falling in love with it. The film’s highly emotional and cinematic ending makes it utterly memorable. 

Winner of the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor in 2012, The Artist is one of the rare modern films that has no sound for most of its runtime. Made in the style of and paying homage to the silent era, the film sees movie star George meet dancer Peppy, and sparks fly between the two. However, the introduction of talking pictures affects their relationship and dynamic. It heavily relies on visual style and the expressive performances of the actors to tell its story. 

Steven Spielberg, the world’s most famous director, tells the story of his childhood and his discovery of filmmaking in his autobiographical film, The Fabelmans. Growing up in a post-World War II era, Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker and makes his own films at home with his friends and family. However, after discovering a devastating family secret, Sammy questions everything and realises the power that film holds in telling the truth. It is Spielberg’s most personal project.

Damien Chazelle’s La La Land is a modern-day masterpiece that pays tribute to the dreamers in Los Angeles. Emma Stone plays actress Mia, and Ryan Gosling is jazz pianist Sebastian. They fall in love, but their differing career paths threaten to tear them apart. The film’s hit soundtrack features tracks like ‘City of Stars’ and ‘Another Day of Sun’, and it won seven Academy Awards. La La Land celebrates Hollywood, as well as all the creatives who are trying to make it there. 

Another film about the movie industry, directed by Damien Chazelle, is Babylon, but it couldn’t be more different from La La Land. This three-hour epic set in 1920s Hollywood follows several individuals as the film industry transitions from silent to sound films. These characters lead lives of excess and depravity, which results in both their rise and downfall. The movie stars Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, and Diego Calva, and features a roaring jazz soundtrack from frequent Chazelle collaborator Justin Hurwitz. 

Me and Early and the Dying Girl is a touching dramedy that is equally funny as it is devastating. The story follows Greg, a high schooler who spends most of his time making parodies of movies with his friend Earl. When his mother forces him to befriend Rachel, who has leukemia, the three form a bond that changes them forever. The DIY films that Greg and Earl make are delightful to watch, and they use their love of cinema to help Rachel and lift her up.

Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is both a love letter to the 1960s and the film industry. Nearing the end of Hollywood’s Golden Age of Cinema, washed-up actor Rick Dalton and his stunt double, Cliff Booth, try to recapture the success they once had. They encounter several famous figures along the way, including Sharon Tate, Bruce Lee, and, of course, Charles Manson. It also boasts an A-lister cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. 

Directed by Sam Mendes, Empire of Ligh t is a romantic British drama starring Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, and Colin Firth. Set in a seaside town during the 1980s, the film follows cinema manager Hilary, who struggles with her mental health. She meets and forms a relationship with Stephen, a new employee, and the pair connect over their unique struggles. By using a cinema as its main setting, Empire of Light celebrates the art of theatregoing and its ability to heal.

Directed by Tim Burton, Ed Wood is a biographical comedic drama starring Johnny Depp. Depp plays the titular role, who is an ambitious but unfortunately untalented filmmaker. He even scored the title of ‘the worst director of all time’ by many. Regardless, he tries his best to fulfil his dreams, and even develops a cult following. Bringing his signature offbeat tone to the film, Burton creates an underdog who you cannot help but root for. It’s as heartfelt as it is wacky and absurd. 

Another film about a ridiculed filmmaker who found unlikely success is The Disaster Artist. It is based on the true story of director Tommy Wiseau and the making of 2003’s The Room, often regarded as one of the worst movies ever made. Tommy, a strange and eccentric figure, faces multiple rejections, and the production is a total disaster. However, over twenty years later, The Room plays in monthly screenings all over the world and has garnered a dedicated fan base.

From the team behind the Spider-Verse movies, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a chaotic and vibrant outing that is now streaming on Netflix. The film follows the dysfunctional titular Mitchells, who are on a family road trip that gets interrupted by a robot apocalypse. Their daughter, Katie, has just been accepted into film school, and the family intended to drive her for some last-minute bonding. The film is infused with Katie’s creativity and artistic touch. 

Directed by the Coen brothers, Hail, Caesar! is a star-studded comedy mystery set in 1950s Hollywood. Eddie Mannix, who works as a fixer for Capitol Pictures, struggles to keep his stars in line. Set over one day, things get even messier when one of the studio’s big movie stars is kidnapped. Full of extravagant sets that recapture the era and old school glamour, Hail, Caesar! makes for a wonderfully fun romp and features Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, and more. 

Jacĸass: The Movie is the literal definition of “do not try this at home”. In the comedic documentary, actor Johnny Knoxville and his friends carry out an array of dangerous stunts and shocking gags. The entire franchise pays tribute to the work of Buster Keaton, a pioneer in stunt work in film. In the second film, Knoxville even recreates Keaton’s famous falling house scene. As he and others put their lives on the line, they do it all for the sake of entertainment. 

Following in the vein of Ed Wood and The Disaster Artist, Dolemite Is My Name is another true story that follows a naive and unconventional creative individual. Eddie Murphy plays Rudy Ray Moore, a struggling comedian who proves his critics wrong when he adopts the alter-ego of Dolemite. The comedic and kung-fu fighting character gets his own film and becomes a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon. Murphy stars alongside Wesley Snipes, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and many others.

Be Kind Rewind is a little-known indie comedy directed by Michel Gondry, who also directed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind , and starring Jack Black. The story follows friends Mike and Jerry, who accidentally wipe all the content from the tapes at the video store Mike works at. To save face, they create their own versions of each film. Their homemade movies become a hit all over their neighborhood, and bring the community together as a result. 

Sunset Boulevard is a bona fide classic and has even been adapted into a stage musical. The 1950 film follows aging silent-screen star Norma Desmond, who gets a chance to return to the spotlight when a screenwriter agrees to write a script for her. However, their relationship takes a dangerous turn. The story offers a darker take on the Golden Age of Hollywood, critiquing the industry’s obsession with youth and making the film distinct from others of the same era. 

Comedy legends Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy star alongside each other in Bowfinger, directed by Franz Oz and also written by Martin. Martin plays a desperate movie producer who wants to bring his dream project to life. When he fails to get major movie star Kit Ramsey to star in the film, he secretly shoots the film around Ramsey without his knowledge. Bowfinger’s absurd premise is a testament to the lengths filmmakers will go to realize their vision, even if it means breaking the law. 

Watching a film can transport the viewer to the world it is set in, which becomes quite literal in The Last Action Hero . The story follows young Danny, who receives a golden ticket and is transported into the fictional universe of his favourite action hero, Jack Slater. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Slater, and conflict ensues when a villain from his world enters Danny’s world. This comedic fantasy sees Danny, who is played by Austin O’Brien, live out every movie fan’s dream.