The Top 10 IMDb Rated Films Streaming on HBO Max
#10 -
Casablanca (1942)
You can find Casablanca on pretty much every list on the subject of the greatest films of all time. Released in 1942, it scored eight Oscar nominations while securing three wins, including the big prize of Best Picture. Starring Hollywood royalty Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, this romantic war time drama gave us some of the most famous movie quotes. “Round up the usual suspects” and give it a watch.
Photo © Warner Bros.
#9 -
Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Released in 1969, this spaghetti western marks a return to the genre for director Sergio Leone. He previously retired from making westerns after his smash hit The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (also on IMDb’s list). Getting to work with his favorite actor, Henry Fonda, was what convinced Leone to make the film. You can find this film on many top movie lists, including Time Magazine’s list of the top 100 films of all time.
Photo © Paramount Pictures
#8 -
City Lights (1931)
One of the oldest films featured on the IMDb top rated films list, City Lights was released in 1931. This film stars Hollywood legend Charlie Chaplin, who gives one of his greatest performances of his career. This silent film follows Chaplin’s lovable Tramp character as he falls in love with a blind woman. You can find City Lights featured on many of AFI’s movie lists, including being ranked the best romantic comedy film of all time.
Photo © Charles Chaplin Productions
#7 -
Modern Times (1936)
Yes, it’s back to back entries for Chaplin with his 1936 film Modern Times. With a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this classic is still thought to be one of the best movies of all time. This film is the last movie to feature Chaplin’s Tramp character, a decision he regretted some 20 years later. One of the last silent films made in America (Chaplin was a great resistor of “talkies”), Modern Times will forever be remembered as one of the best of the era.
Photo © Charles Chaplin Productions
#6 -
Spirited Away (2001)
A far leap technology wise from silent movies featured in the previous two slots, Spirited Away is a Japanese animated fantasy film. Released in 2001, this film is still known as one of the greatest anime films of all time, leaving an impression on critics and moviegoers all around the globe. It won nearly all of the awards that it was nominated for, including the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. If you’re looking to get started in anime, this is a great place to begin.
Photo © Tokuma Shoten/Studio Ghibli
#5 -
Seven Samurai (1954)
Since its release in 1954, Seven Samurai has been listed in many lists of the greatest films of all time, including being called the greatest foreign-language film of all time in a BBC poll conducted in 2018. This film’s story and action sequences have made a lasting impression in Hollywood, influencing future filmmakers such as Geogre Lucas and Quentin Tarantino.
Photo © Toho Company
#4 -
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
The second film in the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers is considered the worst by IMDb, but still ranks as the 15th greatest film of all time. If that doesn’t tell you how great these films are I don’t know what will. The fantasy films, based on the books written by J.R.R. Tolkien, have made a lasting impression in Hollywood for their revolutionary special effects. The Two Towers features one of the best battle scenes in cinema history (The Battle of Helm’s Deep). If you’ve never seen the series and have a spare 10 hours, then we highly suggest you give the trilogy a watch.
Photo © New Line Cinema
#3 -
Fight Club (1999)
Breaking the first rule of Fight Club, here’s a little bit of info on director David Fincher’s cult classic. Released in 1999, this movie stars Edward Norton and Brad Pitt at the height of their careers. Fight Club is one of those movies where people either love it or hate it, which has led to many debates amongst critics. It was one of the most talked about films of the 90s, and thanks to its position on many best films list, it remains so today.
Photo © Fox 2000 Pictures/Regency Enterprises
#2 -
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The first film of The Lord of the Rings saga won four of the 13 Oscars that it was nominated for (tied 4th for most nominations by a single film). As mentioned in #4 on this list, Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy is known for its dazzling effects and breathtaking battles. Fellowship introduces viewers to classic characters we discovered in Tolkien’s novels. From Frodo to Gollum, everyone will enjoy this fantasy adventure.
Photo © New Line Cinema
#1 -
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
One ring to rule them all, one Lord of the Rings to rule this list. The climatic ending to The Lord of the Rings trilogy has thrilled audiences around the globe since its release in 2003. The culmination of the series finally brings resolution to the story that we’ve invested nearly 10 hours of our lives to. But it was time well worth it. Winning every Oscar that it was nominated for, The Return of the King’s 11 Oscar wins tied Ben-Hur for the most Oscar wins for any single movie. It was well deserved, as Peter Jackson’s series will forever be looked back on as some of the great movie magic of all time.
Photo © New Line Cinema
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