Introduction
When it comes to movies, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question “what is the best movie in the world?” Everyone has their own personal preferences when it comes to what makes a great film, and opinions can vary drastically from person to person. Some people might prefer action movies, while others might opt for a classic romantic comedy. With so many different types of movies out there, it can be difficult to identify which one can truly be considered the “best”.
In order to determine which movie is the best, it’s important to first define what makes a movie the “best.” Generally speaking, a good movie should have strong acting, an engaging story, and interesting characters. It should also be able to captivate its audience with stunning visuals and/or an emotionally resonant soundtrack. Ultimately, the best movie should be one that is able to move people on an emotional level and leave them feeling inspired and uplifted.
Analyzing the Top 10 Greatest Movies of All Time
To get an idea of what makes a movie the “best,” it’s helpful to look at some of the most critically acclaimed films of all time. The American Film Institute (AFI) has compiled a list of the top 10 greatest movies of all time, selected by a panel of over 1,500 filmmakers, critics, scholars, and other experts in the field. This list provides an excellent starting point for exploring the qualities that make a movie the “best.”
The criteria used to evaluate these films were based on four main factors: storytelling, character, style, and importance. Storytelling refers to how well the plot was developed and executed, character looks at how well the characters were developed and portrayed, style examines the visual elements of the film, and importance looks at the impact the film had on culture and society. By analyzing these four criteria, we can gain a better understanding of what makes a movie the “best.”
The top 10 movies on the AFI list are Casablanca (1942), Citizen Kane (1941), The Godfather (1972), Gone with the Wind (1939), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Wizard of Oz (1939), Singin’ in the Rain (1952), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), Sunset Boulevard (1950), and Vertigo (1958). Each of these movies is highly acclaimed in its own right, and they all exemplify the qualities that make a movie the “best.”
Comparing the Best Movies of Different Decades
Another way to examine what makes a movie the “best” is to compare the most popular films of different decades. By looking at the most influential movies of each decade, we can gain a better understanding of how tastes have changed over time and how certain genres have become more or less popular.
In the 1940s, the most popular genres were musicals, romance, and war movies. Films such as Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, and The Wizard of Oz were all immensely popular during this era. In the 1950s, science fiction, horror, and westerns became increasingly popular, with films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) and High Noon (1952) achieving critical acclaim. The 1960s saw the rise of the “New Hollywood” era, with films such as The Graduate (1967) and Easy Rider (1969) becoming hugely popular.
Fast forward to the present day, and the most popular genres are superhero movies, action, and horror. Films such as Avengers: Endgame (2019) and Joker (2019) have achieved both commercial and critical success, proving that these genres still have the power to captivate audiences. While tastes in movies have certainly evolved over time, the underlying qualities that make a movie the “best” remain largely unchanged.
Exploring the History of Movie Genres and Their Most Popular Films
Movie genres have been around since the dawn of cinema, and have evolved significantly over time. To gain a deeper understanding of what makes a movie the “best,” it’s helpful to take a closer look at the history of some of the most popular genres and the films that have defined them.
One of the oldest and most enduring genres is the western, which first emerged in the early 1900s. Classic westerns such as Stagecoach (1939) and The Searchers (1956) are widely regarded as some of the best movies ever made, and they continue to influence modern films such as No Country for Old Men (2007) and The Revenant (2015). Another popular genre is the romantic comedy, which has been around since the 1930s. Some of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time include When Harry Met Sally (1989) and Notting Hill (1999).
Of course, no discussion of movie genres would be complete without mentioning the horror genre. Horror films have been around since the silent era, and have grown increasingly popular in recent years. Classics such as Psycho (1960) and The Shining (1980) paved the way for modern horror films such as Get Out (2017) and Hereditary (2018).
Interviewing Film Industry Professionals to Discover Their Favorite Movies
Another way to explore what makes a movie the “best” is to ask industry professionals for their perspective. For example, we could interview directors, producers, actors, and writers to find out their favorite movies and why they believe they are the best.
By gathering insight from professionals, we can gain a better understanding of the qualities that make a movie the “best” from an industry perspective. We can also get a better sense of how different professionals approach filmmaking and what elements they consider to be most important when making a movie.
For example, we may find that some directors place a greater emphasis on storytelling, while others may prioritize visual elements or character development. By examining the perspectives of industry professionals, we can gain valuable insight into what makes a movie the “best.”
Examining the Impact of Classic Movies on Modern Cinema
Classic movies can also provide important insight into what makes a movie the “best.” By examining the legacy of classic films, we can gain a better understanding of how they have shaped modern cinema and why they are still considered to be among the greatest films ever made.
For example, Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time, and its influence can be seen in modern science fiction films such as Interstellar (2014) and Arrival (2016). Similarly, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) revolutionized the horror genre and remains one of the most iconic films of all time.
By exploring the impact of classic movies on modern cinema, we can gain a better understanding of why these films are still considered to be the “best” and how they have shaped the evolution of the film industry.
Reviewing the Best Movies of the Year
The films released each year provide another important source of information when it comes to determining which movie is the “best.” Awards shows such as the Oscars and Golden Globes can provide valuable insight into which films are considered to be the most outstanding, while box office numbers can give us an indication of which films are the most popular.
For example, the 2019 Academy Award for Best Picture went to Parasite (2019), while Avengers: Endgame (2019) was the highest grossing film of the year. Both of these films demonstrate the wide range of films that can be considered the “best,” from low-budget independent films to big budget blockbusters.
By analyzing the award-winning films and most popular movies of the year, we can gain a better understanding of what makes a movie the “best” in the eyes of both critics and audiences.
Investigating the Most Iconic Movie Scenes of All Time
Finally, it’s important to consider the most iconic movie scenes of all time when trying to determine which movie is the “best.” Certain scenes have become ingrained in pop culture, and they can provide valuable insight into what makes a movie the “best.”
For example, the shower scene in Psycho (1960) is one of the most iconic scenes in film history, and continues to shock audiences to this day. The dance sequence in Singin’ in the Rain (1952) is another classic scene that is remembered fondly by generations of moviegoers. These scenes demonstrate the power of cinema to move people on an emotional level, and they provide important insight into what makes a movie the “best.”
Conclusion
So, what makes the best movie in the world? Ultimately, it’s impossible to say with any certainty what makes the “best” movie, as opinions can vary drastically from person to person. However, by examining the top 10 greatest movies of all time, comparing the best movies of different decades, exploring the history of movie genres and their most popular films, interviewing film industry professionals, examining the impact of classic movies on modern cinema, reviewing the best movies of the year, and investigating the most iconic movie scenes of all time, we can gain a better understanding of what makes a movie the “best.