As of today Hollywood is synonymous with American Film and Television Industry. Over time Hollywood has produced some of the most iconic films. Although, a collection of 50 films is too short a list to encompass them all; we bring you the most unconventional, creatively made and the must watch Hollywood Movies of all time.
In 1908, the filming of The Count of Monte Cristo was completed in Hollywood. And, soon after the area saw a sharp rise in filmmaking. Subsequently, film studios established in the area. And by 1915, Hollywood became the centre of American film industry. Over the years, Hollywood has been known for making some of the most hard hitting, powerful and amazing movies which are watched by people from all across the globe.
Also read: 20 Best Indian Web Series You Can Binge Watch This Weekend
So here we go with this list of some of the must watch Hollywood movies of all time.
1. 12 Angry Men – 1957
The verdict of a jury of 12 men would decide the fate of a teenage boy. The most beautiful aspect of the film is that from start till the end you see 12 men. And yet, it is an immersive experience.
2. A Beautiful Mind
The film is based on the life of mathematical genius John Forbes Nash Jr. A series of events in his life bring forth the fact that he is suffering from schizophrenia. The film successfully captures his battle with the disease.
3. A Clockwork Orange
A psychopathic criminal undergoes a transformation in prison. Earlier he used to commit crimes passionately, but after an experiment in prison, any act of crime or reminder of his past action haunts him. Thereby, leaving him helpless.
4. Apocalypse Now – 1979
Captain Williard is on a mission to Cambodia: To locate and kill a rebellious colonel who has befriended the local tribes.
5. Avatar – 2009
Avatar, written and directed by James Cameroon, is one of the finest animated film that you’ll watch in the recent times.The film revolves around paraplegic Jake who becomes a part of Na’vi’s world. A movie which brought revolutionary technology and never-seen-before visual effects, Avatar is one of the must watch Hollywood movies of all time.
6. Braveheart
Braveheart is a historical fiction and completely compelling narrative. King Edward 1 of England kills a Scottish rebel’s wife. The rebel, William Wallace sets out with his tribe to avenge his wife’s death.
7. Cast Away – 2000
Chuck Nolan’s plane crashes in mid-Atlantic and he is the lone survivor. He drifts ashore to a deserted island. He manages to live there for years ; hoping to re-unite with the love of his life.
8. Dead Poets Society
Professor John Keating pushes his students to appreciate the inherent beauty of life and live it on their own accord. His unorthodox ways of teaching and guiding students irks the parents and the school authorities.
9. Eternal Sunshine Of A Spotless Mind – 2004
One of the most romantic films of Hollywood, this film underscores our belief in soulmates: Two people who are destined to be together in life. But, there’s a lot more to the film and that’s for you to watch and find out.
10. Fight Club – 1999
Two men form an underground fight club and fight against other men. Pretty soon things spiral into something much worse than they had imagined.
Also read: 13 Fight Club Quotes That’ll Give You Insightful-Chills
11. Forrest-Gump – 1994
When we are in the company of people who love us unconditionally, nothing can go wrong; let alone a low IQ. And, that sums up pretty much of Forrest Gump’s life, accomplishment and relationships. You must go and watch this stellar cinema with Tom Hanks in the lead. One of the best romantic movies of all time, Forrest Gump is a gem from Hollywood.
12. Gladiator – 2000
The film is based on the ancient roman kingdom. One of the generals of Marcus Aurelius is demoted by his son, to fight as a Gladiator. However, the general fights back to regain his old position and avenge the death of his family.
13. Good Will Hunting
Will hunting is a janitor at MIT. He solves a difficult- graduate level maths problem with an ease. And that’s when professor Gerald Lambeau decides to help the talented boy achieve his dreams.Good Will Hunting is a timeless film: It shows that men are just as vulnerable to love, life and dreams.
14. Goodfellas
Goodfellas is a film about a youngster who aspires to become a gangster rather than the President. However, he is oblivious to the price he has to pay for his dreams.
15. Inception
Dom Cobb has an exceptional gift: He can enter a person’s subconscious and steal their secrets. This makes him an exceptional commodity in the corporate crime. Do watch Cobb playing hide and seek in the minds of the people he robs.
16. Inglourious Basterds
The film dates back to World War 2 days, when Germany was ruled by the Nazi dictator, Adolf Hitler. The Nazi atrocities on the Jew community was on its peak. This led to a bunch of Jews operate undercover and join hands with the allied force: To get even with the Nazis and kill their leaders.
17. Interstellar – 2014
Interstellar is a sci-fi by Christopher Nolan, who, plays with the concept of space and time in the film. Earth is gradually turning out to be inhabitable for humans. A team of astronauts are on a mission to explore the universe, for a habitable place for humanity. One of the most iconic sci-fi movies of all times, Interstellar should be in your watchlist!
Also read: 10 Powerful Interstellar Quotes About Space, Human Race, Life & More
18. Into the Wild
Christopher McCandless is everything you want to be: young, rich and a top performer in his college. Once he graduates, he donates his wealth and possessions to a charity. And hitch-hikes to the Alaskan wilderness. Besides being one of the must-watch Hollywood movies ever, the movie is like an anthem for travelers and backpackers.
Also read: 20 Best Into The Wild Quotes About Life, Travel & Adventure
19. Lawrence of Arabia -1962
The film has a phenomenal story line which is supported by strong acting of the lead cast. Lawrence is an English man who unites the Arabs in the battle against Turks during the First World War. The 227 minutes historical drama is so popular that people don’t even mind the absence of any female character.
20. No Country For Old Men – 2007
No Country for Old Men is a crime drama.It is about an old man who goes for hunting but comes across dead men, dogs and a hell lot of money. Little does he know that taking the money would make him the prime target of the drug mafia.
21. 2001: A Space Odyssey
Dr. Dave and a bunch of astronauts are on a space mission when they encounter a peculiar problem: The spaceship’s computer system, HAL, behaves in an odd way which leads to man versus machine kind of situation in the outer space.
22. One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest – 1975
McMurphy is shifted from prison to a mental institute. Here, the cruel nurse Ratched abuses the patients with medicines and electroconvulsive therapy. How would McMurphy survive her?
23. Psycho -1960
Psycho was one of the biggest hits of Alfred Hitchcock. It served as a catalyst for Hollywood cinema, challenging the filmmakers to experiment and push their creativity further. In the film, one of the characters is murdered in the shower. What’s so special about it? Well, the scene lasted for 45 seconds. An all-time
24. Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarintino’s pulp fiction is a showcase of different characters’ journey in life and how their actions impact on another. The beauty of the film is that at some point in time the character’s find themselves in each other’s shoes and take decisions.
25. Raging-Bull
Raging Bull is the story of Jake LaMotta, and his rise and fall in personal and professional life . Constant struggle with his anger, rage, and jealousy negatively affect his life: It becomes a tale of loss despite his grand achievements.
26. Rain Man
Charlie’s father left behind his fortunes to his autistic brother’s mental institution. Charlie tries to get the money by getting his brother out of the rental institution. But ,will he succeed? You must watch this Bollywood film and find out!
27. Saving Private Ryan -1998
During World War 2, Captain Miller along with his men enter the enemy area to find and save Private Ryan. You must watch the film to see the life threatening journey of these men.
28. Schindlers List -1993
Oskar Schindler arrives in Germany during the Second World War. He wants to make a fortune in the city and therefore brides the German Armed Forces to operate his factory in the war torn Germany. Unassumingly, he ends up saving a lot of ; but, later when he sees Nazi atrocities on them he saves as many Jews until the war ends. A movie that stands out in the illustrious career of ace film maker Steven Spielberg, Schindler’s list is a heart touching tale during World War II and one of the must watch Hollywood movies.
29. Shutter Island -2010
US marshals,Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule are sent on a mission to a remote mental asylum on an island. They are there to investigate the dissapearance of a woman from a locked room. However, as the investigation deepens some of the most horrifying secrets are unveiled. A thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat, Shutter Island is going to mess with your mind and imagination and is one of the must watch Hollywood movies that cannot just be missed.
30. Star Wars
Star Wars is a series of sci-fi films with the sub -genre of space opera. The series is divided in sets of three trilogies: The Original Trilogy ( released between the years 1977 and 1983), The Prequel Trilogy ( released between 1999 and 2005) and The Sequel Triology( released between 2015 and 2019). Over the years the series has grossed more than $10 Billion in revenue and remains one of the most popular films of all times.
31. Taxi Driver -1976
Taxi Driver is about a Vietnam War Veteran who has troubled sleeping. So, he works as Taxi Driver in the streets of Manhattan throughout the night.And he witnesses the city’s darkness come alive.
32. The Dark Knight
Batman along with the District Attorney Harvey Dent and Lt. Gordon has managed to keep the crime in check in Gotham. But, the crime lords have hit back with their trump card: Joker.
Also read: 14 Quotes From The Joker Which Prove Why He Makes More Sense Than Batman
33. The Departed
The Departed is the classic chase film between the cops and a criminal gangs. Wherein both parties have planted their moles to gain insights of the other’s whereabouts. High on action, drama and powerful performances this film is one of the best action packed films in Hollywood..
34. The Exorcist
An actress notices changes in her daughter’s nature after she’s plays with an Ouija board and befriends Captain Howdy, an imaginary entity. These behaviours are physical, psychological and behavioural. She consults doctors, but they are unable to diagnose any disease. A priest suggests that she might be possessed and thus, begins the exorcism.
35. The Godfather -1972
The Godfather is about the five Italian Mafia family who’ve settled in the US. Among them is “Godfather” Don Vitto Corleone, the head of the Corleone family. Vitto Corleone has the most influential politicians. businessmen and bureaucrats in his clout and hems use his political power to assist other families in conducting their business; if not, there are prices to pay. An all time classic known for its powerful performances, badassery and iconic dialogues, The Godfather is one of the must watch Hollywood movies of all time.
Also read: 16 Powerful Quotes & Dialogues From The Godfather
36. The Good the Bad and the Ugly -1966
Two men form a partnership to find a hidden treasure. However, the duo is together more out of necessity than friendship. Adding to their restrained relationship is Angel Eyes, who wants to find the treasure for his own sake.
37. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Grand Budapest Hotel’s concierge is framed for a murder in the hotel. Zero, a lobby boy becomes his friend and protege as he tries to prove his innocence.
38. The Lion King -1994
The Lion King is the story of Simba, the lion cub, who was chased out of his kingdom when his uncle, Scar, killed his father, King Musafa. Years later, Simba arrives with his friends to fight for his kin and kingdom.
39. The Lord Of The Rings
The Lord of The Rings reinforce the fact that the evil cannot touch the selfless and the honest.It is a journey of Frodo Baginns, who is the ring bearer, to Mount Doom: The only place where the ring can be destroyed. For, the ring belongs to Dark Lord Sauron and only empowers him to be the supremely powerful.
40. The Notebook – 2004
A classic tale of romance, this film is about Noah and Allie’s pure love. Nova and Allie met as teenagers one summer and then parted ways. And yet, Noah’s true feelings for Allie, marks her return into his life.
41. The Pianist – 2002
The Pianist dates back to World War 2 and presents us a clear picture of the war torn Warsaw through the eyes of a Jewish pianist. As the situation in Warsaw go from worse to worst, the Pianist struggles for his job, family and life.
42. The Pursuit of Happyness
Chris Gardner lives a life of misery: His wife left him for her lover; he has a son to provide for and has no job or money. But, determined to fight his fate Chris eventually bags an internship at a brokerage firm and relentlessly chases financial freedom.
43. The Shawshank Redemption – 1994
Andy Dufresne is convicted of double murder of his wife and her lover. However, unknown to anyone he is innocent of the crime. He is sentenced to double lifetime in Shawshank prison, a place equivalent to living hell. A movie
44. The Shining – 1980
Jack moves to a hotel with his family as a caretaker. His main objective is to overcome his writer’s block. However, the hotel has a history of its own: it is haunted and known for violent past. And, it haunts Jack and his family in the most ruthless way.
45. The Silence of the Lambs – 1991
The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller. An FBI agent has zeroed in on a plan to nab an evading serial killer. However, is the plan going to work? Watch the film to know more.
46. The Usual Suspects – 1995
Five criminals are rounded up together for questioning by police.However, they are all innocent and have been wrongly accused. By the time they’re done they plan for a heist to seek revenge from the police.
47. Titanic – 1997
Jack and Rose meet on the voyage of Titanic. They both come from very different backgrounds and families. However, they find true love in each other. A movie that was a massive hit across the globe winning several Oscars, Titanic is one of the most iconic and must-watch Hollywood movies.
48. To Kill a Mockingbird – 1962
Atticus Flinch, a lawyer, defends a black man accused of raping a white woman. As he tries to prove his client’s innocence he and his family bear the wrath of the local communities and expose them selves to the most racist and cliched populace.
49. Troy – 2004
Troy is a historical fiction film. It depicts the war between the ancient kingdoms of Troy and Sprata. The prince of Troy was in love with Sprtan queen nd eventually elopes with her. And , this causes the Spartans to retaliate. Watch this epic historical drama and let us know if you find this film interesting.
50. Citizen Kane
The film is a brilliant piece of art. It revolves around a dying man’s last words, “Rosebud”. The entire narrative is a sketch of his life as people try to decode the mystery behind those words.
How many of these must watch Hollywood movies have you watched? Have we missed any of your favorites? Do let us know in the comments below!