Best Western film from the year you were born

Westerns are one of the oldest genres of cinema, with many of the earliest big-screen adventures recounting tales of rough-and-tumble life in the Old West. The first Western film ever produced wasn’t made in the Wild West itself but in the countryside of England. That short 1899 film, “Kidnapping by Indians,” was just a minute long (and filled with stereotypes about Native Americans, which had been conveyed through tales brought back to the United Kingdom by cotton workers).

That was followed by 1903’s “The Great Train Robbery,” inspired by Butch Cassidy and considered the movie that brought the genre into public view. From there, these yarns progressed from simply amusing stories about cowboys and Native Americans to deeply compelling motion pictures in which the lines between lawman and outlaw are blurred. They also launched the careers of some of film history’s most iconic actors—from John Wayne to Roy Rogers to Clint Eastwood.

In the latter half of the 20th century, there was a steep decline in Westerns Hollywood released each year. Still, other countries like Italy, Korea, Russia, Germany, and Australia picked up the mantle and provided their own unique contributions to the genre. These days, we’re beginning to see a resurgence in Western films, as audiences express a craving for more grounded and authentic movies. The long-delayed Alec Baldwin film “Rust” was released in May 2025; “The Unholy Trinity,” starring Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson, hit theaters in June 2025; and the Sydney Sweeney-fronted neo-Western “Americana” just hit theaters on Aug. 15, 2025.

Westerns also provide a good vehicle for tackling the cultural reckoning America has been facing for the last several years, namely our realization that the national myths and histories we’ve established haven’t always been honest and have often come at the expense of many of our fellow citizens’ lived experiences. In some cases, movies can address and explore more recent history and culture classes, as in Ari Aster’s “Eddington,” released in July 2025, which focuses on COVID-19 conspiracy theories.

From silent films to recent Hollywood blockbusters, Stacker compiled a list of the best Western films, one representing each year since 1925. Data was pulled from IMDb (as of Dec. 19, 2024), with the rankings based on user votes. To make this list, movies had to be both the highest-rated Westerns in their given release years and had to have more than 2,000 IMDb user votes. For years when no Western movie had 2,000 votes on IMDb, the film with the highest user rating was included, regardless of the number of votes.

Now it’s time to giddy up and embark on a journey through the Wild West. Along the way, you will find not only the best Western film from the year you were born but also a few ace-high Westerns with which you may have yet to be acquainted. Head ’em up and move ’em out: This is one chronological hoedown that will turn even a tenderfoot into a true buckaroo.

1925: The Gold Rush

– Director: Charles Chaplin
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 95 min

In this silent comedy, Charlie Chaplin plays a prospector named Little Tramp who joins the Klondike Gold Rush, gets trapped in a blizzard with another prospector (Mack Swain) and a fugitive (Tom Murray), and falls for a barmaid (Georgia Hale). Some of the movie’s famous scenes include Chaplin making dinner rolls dance on the end of his forks, and another where he tries to eat a boiled shoe.

1926: By the Law

– Director: Lev Kuleshov
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 80 min

Based on a Jack London short story called “The Unexpected,” “By the Law” is a Soviet silent film that follows a small group of gold miners in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. Fed up by how poorly other members of the group have treated him, the film’s protagonist, Michael Dennin (Vladimir Fogel), murders two of his fellow prospectors, which results in his fate being placed in the hands of the survivors who have differing opinions on how to handle his transgressions. While the movie was widely claimed across Europe and in the U.S., it was poorly received in its home country for its lack of propaganda.

1927: White Gold

– Director: William K. Howard
– IMDb user rating: 6.5
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 73 min

A young rancher brings his new bride home, only to have their relationship threatened by his unhappy, meddling father and a nomadic shepherd in the 1927 silent film “White Gold.” The movie, which has a decidedly unhappy ending, won critical praise for its scripting technique (scenes were written sequentially and based entirely upon the actors’ reactions to the preceding narrative turns) which made it feel closer to “realism than anything ever before attempted in motion pictures” according to the Ottawa Citizen.

1928: The Wind

– Director: Victor Sjöström
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 95 min

In “The Wind,” Lillian Gish plays an impoverished young woman from Virginia who moves in with her cousin (Edward Earle) in Texas and has trouble adapting to life in the Wild West. The silent film was originally set to end with Gish’s character being driven to insanity and wandering off into the desert. However, MGM ordered a happy ending before the movie’s release.

1929: Hell’s Heroes

– Director: William Wyler
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 68 min

Directed by William Wyler (who also directed “Ben-Hur,” “The Best Years of Our Lives,” and “Funny Girl”), “Hell’s Heroes” chronicles a crew of bank robbers (Charles Bickford, Fred Kohler, and Raymond Hatton) who promise a dying woman they’ll take her son to his father—who just happens to be the bank cashier they killed. This film was originally released in two alternate formats: silent and “talkie.”

1930: The Big Trail

– Director: Raoul Walsh, Louis R. Loeffler
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 125 min

John Wayne’s first big role came with “The Big Trail,” in which he played a fur trapper who sought revenge for his friend’s death and took to the Oregon Trail to track the potential killers. Director Raoul Walsh told Wayne, then an inexperienced actor, that he only had to “sit good on a horse and point.” Though the Library of Congress deemed the film of historical importance, it wasn’t the film that launched Wayne to mega-stardom; credit for that goes to 1939’s “Stagecoach.”

1931: Cimarron

– Director: Wesley Ruggles
– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– Metascore: 70
– Runtime: 123 min

The plot of “Cimarron” spans 40 years, beginning with the Oklahoma land rush of 1889. A newspaperman (Richard Dix) and his young wife (Irene Dunne) move to the town of Osage. They begin a life there, one marked by outlaws, conflict, and oil drilling. In recent years, the film has come under fire for its portrayal of racist stereotypes.

1932: The Big Stampede

– Director: Tenny Wright
– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 54 min

A near shot-for-shot remake of the 1927 film “The Land Beyond the Law,” “The Big Stampede” recycles much of the footage from the original and spends little time or effort ensuring that the two projects blend well together. But audiences didn’t seem to be too bothered by the discrepancies, distracted as they were by John Wayne’s lively performance as a deputy sheriff tasked with scaring off a band of cattle rustlers.

1933: Secrets

– Director: Frank Borzage
– IMDb user rating: 6.5
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 90 min

“Secrets” tells the story of a New England debutante (Mary Pickford) who accompanies her husband (Leslie Howard) to California on a quest to build a fortune and a family. Once there, the couple is challenged by the Wild West’s way of life but finds success and happiness. A remake of a 1924 silent film by the same name, Pickford was originally set to star in an adaptation three years earlier, but was unhappy with the results and ordered the footage to be destroyed.

1934: Viva Villa!

– Director: Jack Conway, Howard Hawks, William A. Wellman
– IMDb user rating: 6.3
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 115 min

This fictional retelling of the life of Pancho Villa stars Wallace Beery as Villa and Fay Wray, fresh off of “King Kong,” as a character named Teresa. The movie opens in 1880s Mexico with a young Villa avenging his father’s death and spans his entire life through to his assassination. At the time, the film was criticized for its violence—not because its plot strays far from reality.

1935: Ruggles of Red Gap

– Director: Leo McCarey
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 90 min

In “Ruggles of Red Gap,” Charles Laughton plays a Gentleman’s Gentleman (aka a valet) who becomes the property of an American cowboy following a poker bet gone awry. His transition from the formal, traditional culture of English manor houses to the laid-back, egalitarian culture of the Wild West isn’t always an easy one. Still, it sure served up lots of laughs for the audience. The film was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar in 1936, and Laughton’s performance also helped him earn the Best Actor award at the inaugural New York Film Critics Circle Awards.

1936: The Plainsman

– Director: Cecil B. DeMille
– IMDb user rating: 6.8
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 113 min

Opening at the end of the Civil War, “The Plainsman” is a fictionalized account of the relationship between the Western heroes Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill Cody, and General Custer. Starring Gary Cooper, Jean Arthur, James Ellison, and John Miljan, the film is a classic mix of romance, rousing cowboy and Indian battle scenes, and sweeping shots of wide-open plains. A massive hit with audiences, the movie was the first collaboration between director Cecil B. DeMille and Gary Cooper. However, the pair would go on to do three more projects together.

1937: Way Out West

– Director: James W. Horne
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 66 min

This comedy film stars the iconic duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. The film follows the pair attempting to deliver the deed to a valuable gold mine to the rightful heir, only to have it stolen by a scheming saloon owner. Other stars include James Finlayson and Sharon Lynn. Although the film received no major awards then, it was considered one of Laurel and Hardy’s best works.

1938: Of Human Hearts

– Director: Clarence Brown
– IMDb user rating: 6.8
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 103 min

This film adaptation of the book, “Benefits Forgot,” chronicles a family comprised of a preacher father (Walter Huston), a kind mother (Beulah Bondi), and a petulant son named Jason, who is played by a young James Stewart—more famously known as Jimmy Stewart. When Jason goes off to fight in the Civil War, abandoning his mother without writing to her for years, President Lincoln (John Carradine) tells the young man he’s ungrateful and inspires him to return home.

1939: Stagecoach

– Director: John Ford
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Metascore: 93
– Runtime: 96 min

A group of strangers rides a stagecoach through dangerous Apache territory in “Stagecoach.” John Wayne and Claire Trevor lead a cast that also includes Thomas Mitchell, Louise Platt, and Donald Meek, with Andy Devine playing the stage driver and George Bancroft playing his shotgun guard. Director John Ford was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on the film, which was also nominated for Best Picture and scored a Best Supporting Actor win for Mitchell.

1940: The Mark of Zorro

– Director: Rouben Mamoulian
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 94 min

Tyrone Power plays a swordsman who masquerades as a bandit to save California’s common folk from an oppressor (J. Edward Bromberg) in “The Mark of Zorro.” During his quest to restore justice, he falls in love with the oppressor’s daughter (Linda Darnell). The movie is a remake of a 1920 silent film with the same title, and various other movies and properties based on the characters have been created.

1941: They Died with Their Boots On

– Director: Raoul Walsh
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: 75
– Runtime: 140 min

“They Died with Their Boots On” is a fictionalized account of Gen. George Custer’s life, beginning with his training at West Point United States Military Academy, continuing through his time in the American Civil War, and culminating with his death at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. General Custer was portrayed by Errol Flynn in this, his last of eight roles opposite actress Olivia de Havilland.

1942: The Ox-Bow Incident

– Director: William A. Wellman
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 75 min

In “The Ox-Bow Incident,” members of a posse capture three men suspected of killing a local farmer and debate whether or not to lynch them. Henry Fonda plays one of the posse members, while Dana Andrews plays one of the men suspected of murder. Other stars include Mary Beth Hughes, Harry Morgan, Harry Davenport, Frank Conroy, William Eythe, George Meeker, Anthony Quinn, and Francis Ford (brother of film director John Ford).

1943: The Outlaw

– Director: Howard Hughes, Howard Hawks
– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 116 min

Fictionalized versions of Billy the Kid (Jack Buetel) and Doc Holliday (Walter Huston) appear in yet another Western, this time as rivals-turned-partners who find themselves both ganging up against a corrupt sheriff and bickering over the same woman. The woman in question was played by none other than Jane Russell in her breakout role. Russell’s performance was considered so sultry that the Hayes office launched a massive campaign against the movie, which ultimately led to director Howard Hughes making some significant changes to the original cut.

1944: Tall in the Saddle

– Director: Edwin L. Marin
– IMDb user rating: 6.9
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 87 min

Starring John Wayne, “Tall in the Saddle” tells the story of a quiet cowboy who arrives in Arizona to begin his new job as a ranch hand, only to discover that his employer has been murdered. Ella Raines plays Wayne’s love interest, the fiery owner of a neighboring ranch, and other stars include Ward Bond, George “Gabby” Hayes, Audrey Long, Elisabeth Risdon, and Donald Douglas.

1945: Along Came Jones

– Director: Stuart Heisler
– IMDb user rating: 6.5
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 90 min

In “Along Came Jones,” Gary Cooper plays an easygoing man who is mistaken for an outlaw. Meanwhile, the real criminal (Dan Duryea) hides out in the home of his girlfriend (Loretta Young), who slowly but surely develops feelings for Cooper’s character. It is the only film for which Cooper served as a producer during his long movie career.

1946: My Darling Clementine

– Director: John Ford
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 97 min

“My Darling Clementine” starred Henry Fonda as Wyatt Earp, who takes a job as the sheriff of Tombstone, Arizona, to bring in the men who stole his family’s cattle and killed his brother. John Ford directed the motion picture, which was inspired by the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The cast also included Victor Mature, Linda Darnell, Walter Brennan, Tim Holt, Cathy Downs, and Ward Bond.

1947: Pursued

– Director: Raoul Walsh
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 101 min

In “Pursued,” Robert Mitchum plays a man who is haunted by the memory of the night his whole family was murdered. Having grown up with a neighboring family, he falls in love with his adoptive sister (Teresa Wright), much to the dismay of her brother (John Rodney) and dangerous uncle (Dean Jagger). Film historians refer to the film as a “psychological” Western.

1948: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

– Director: John Huston
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 98
– Runtime: 126 min

In “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” Humphrey Bogart and Tim Holt play unemployed drifters who convince an old prospector (Walter Huston) to help them mine for gold in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Huston won an Academy Award for his performance in the film, as did his son John for his writing and directing duties. The movie was also nominated for Best Picture, but it lost to “Hamlet.”

1949: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon

– Director: John Ford
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: 87
– Runtime: 104 min

John Wayne plays an aging U.S. Cavalry captain who, on the eve of retirement, takes out one final patrol to stop an impending attack by Native Americans, in “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.” Director John Ford initially did not want to cast Wayne as the motion picture’s protagonist, due to the age difference between the actor and the character. However, once production had been completed, Ford was far and away impressed with Wayne’s performance—as was Wayne himself.

1950: The Gunfighter

– Director: Henry King
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Metascore: 94
– Runtime: 85 min

Gregory Peck is Jimmy Ringo, a gunslinger haunted by the cycle of violence perpetrated by his very existence. Though the script was written with John Wayne in mind, he turned it down because he refused to work for Columbia Pictures. The film is considered a classic, in part, because it was among the first in the subgenre of “psychological Westerns,” which prized character development over action scenes.

1951: Westward the Women

– Director: William A. Wellman
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 118 min

In “Westward the Women,” Robert Taylor plays a wagon master hired to escort 140 women from Chicago to a ranching community in California, to marry the men there. Along the way, he falls in love with one of the women looking to start a new life (Denise Darcel). Frank Capra, who wrote the story, was originally set to direct the film, with Gary Cooper in the lead. However, Capra later sold the story to his neighbor, William A. Wellman.

1952: High Noon

– Director: Fred Zinnemann
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 89
– Runtime: 85 min

Gary Cooper plays a town marshal who resigns his post to please his new wife (Grace Kelly) in “High Noon.” However, as the town is threatened by the arrival of an outlaw and the new marshal fails to show up, Cooper’s character makes plans to face the foe himself at high noon. Cooper scored an Academy Award for his performance in the film, which won a total of four out of the seven Oscars for which it was nominated.

1953: Shane

– Director: George Stevens
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 85
– Runtime: 118 min

In “Shane,” Alan Ladd plays a weary gunfighter whose hopes of settling down with a family are dashed when a settler-rancher conflict forces him to take action. Brandon De Wilde and Jack Palance earned Academy Award nominations for their supporting performances in the film, and director George Stevens and screenwriter A.B. Guthrie, Jr. were also nominated. The movie was also nominated for Best Picture, but ultimately walked away with just one Oscar, for cinematography.

1954: Johnny Guitar

– Director: Nicholas Ray
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 83
– Runtime: 110 min

In “Johnny Guitar,” Joan Crawford plays a strong-willed saloon owner who helps a wounded gang member (Sterling Hayden) but is then framed for murder and bank robbery by a rival rancher (Mercedes McCambridge). Film historians claim the movie is particularly notable because it reverses the roles of the standard Western.

1955: Bad Day at Black Rock

– Director: John Sturges
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 81 min

Spencer Tracy stars in “Bad Day at Black Rock” as a one-armed veteran who arrives in an isolated desert town only to discover that its residents will go to violent lengths to keep its past a secret. Tracy earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance in the film, while John Sturges and Millard Kaufman scored nominations for their direction and writing, respectively.

1956: The Searchers

– Director: John Ford
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Metascore: 94
– Runtime: 119 min

In “The Searchers,” John Wayne plays a Civil War veteran who tracks down the Native American tribe that slaughtered his family and abducted his niece (Natalie Wood). The movie was a financial success, but it failed to score any Academy Award nominations. However, it has since been the subject of multiple documentaries and earned a score of accolades, including at the top of the American Film Institute’s list of the 10 best Western films ever made.

1957: 3:10 to Yuma

– Director: Delmer Daves
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 80
– Runtime: 92 min

In “3:10 to Yuma,” Van Heflin plays a broke rancher who is hired for the simple task of putting a captured outlaw (Glenn Ford) on the 3:10 train to Yuma. However, things get far more complicated for him when the outlaw’s gang attempts to free him. Ford was originally tapped to play the protagonist but turned down the role for a chance to try his hand as the film’s villain. The movie was remade in 2007, with Christian Bale and Russell Crowe in Heflin’s and Ford’s roles, respectively.

1958: The Big Country

– Director: William Wyler
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 61
– Runtime: 166 min

Gregory Peck plays a Maryland shipping magnate and former sea captain who travels west only to become embroiled in two families’ feud over a patch of land in “The Big Country.” Other key cast members include Jean Simmons, Carroll Baker, Charlton Heston, and Burl Ives, the last of whom won an Academy Award for his supporting performance in the film.

1959: Rio Bravo

– Director: Howard Hawks
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 93
– Runtime: 141 min

In “Rio Bravo,” John Wayne plays a small-town sheriff who enlists the help of a handicapped man (Walter Brennan), an alcoholic (Dean Martin), and a young gunslinger (Ricky Nelson) to keep the brother of a ruthless cattle baron behind bars. Angie Dickinson, Ward Bond, John Russell, and Claude Akins round out the cast. Wayne and director Howard Hawks later collaborated on two companion pieces to the motion picture: 1966’s “El Dorado” and 1970’s “Rio Lobo.”

1960: The Magnificent Seven

– Director: John Sturges
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Metascore: 74
– Runtime: 128 min

Seven American gunmen join together to protect a Mexican peasant village from bandits in “The Magnificent Seven,” a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 Japanese film “Seven Samurai.” The movie’s all-star cast includes Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, Brad Dexter, James Coburn, and Horst Buchholz. The property spawned three sequels, a 1990s television series, and a 2016 remake.

1961: The Misfits

– Director: John Huston
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: 77
– Runtime: 125 min

Marilyn Monroe stars in “The Misfits” as a divorcée who falls in love with an aging cowboy who is used to a life free from romantic entanglements (Clark Gable). The movie was both Monroe’s and Gable’s final film. Gable passed away less than two weeks after production ended and Monroe just over a year later.

1962: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

– Director: John Ford
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 94
– Runtime: 123 min

“The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” marked James Stewart and John Wayne’s first pairing on the big screen. Stewart played a senator famous for shooting a notorious outlaw. He attends the funeral of a rancher (Wayne) and recounts the true story of the incident. Unlike many other Westerns of the era, the movie was shot and released in black-and-white instead of color.

1963: Hud

– Director: Martin Ritt
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Metascore: 62
– Runtime: 112 min

Paul Newman headlines as Hud Bannon, a heavy-drinking, womanizing man angling to seize control of his father’s cattle business. Patricia Neal won an Academy Award for her lead role as a housekeeper, and actor Melvyn Douglas won for his supporting role as Newman’s aging father. Chinese American cinematographer James Wong Howe also won one of his two Oscars for his camerawork on this film.

1964: A Fistful of Dollars

– Director: Sergio Leone
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 65
– Runtime: 99 min

Spaghetti Westerns became popularized with this Clint Eastwood film, directed by Italian Sergio Leone. “A Fistful of Dollars” birthed Eastwood’s famous character, the “Man with No Name,” which he went on to play in “For a Few Dollars More” and “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” Interestingly, the film was an unlicensed remake of the Japanese samurai film “Yojimbo”; director Akira Kurosawa successfully sued in return for some of the film’s rights.

1965: For a Few Dollars More

– Director: Sergio Leone
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 74
– Runtime: 132 min

In the second part of the “Man with No Name” trilogy, Eastwood returns as a bounty hunter on the hunt for a villainous bank robber. “For a Few Dollars More” was an international co-production between Italy, Spain, and West Germany. Eastwood’s character wears the same poncho throughout the trilogy—a close viewing reveals bullet holes and mended sections from “wounds” inflicted during the first film.

1966: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

– Director: Sergio Leone
– IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Metascore: 90
– Runtime: 178 min

In “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef play men who form an uneasy alliance to track down a fortune in gold that has been buried in a cemetery. The movie’s theme song is widely considered one of the most recognizable and popular movie themes ever, even climbing as high as #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

1967: Hombre

– Director: Martin Ritt
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Metascore: 80
– Runtime: 111 min

Paul Newman stars in this revisionist Western about a White man raised by Apaches who becomes a group’s only hope of survival when their stagecoach is robbed. The film was widely praised for Newman’s performance—he has comparatively little dialogue but manages to convey a lot through his mannerisms and posturing—and marks the final time he would work with Martin Ritt (who famously directed him five other times, including in “The Long, Hot Summer”).

1968: Once Upon a Time in the West

– Director: Sergio Leone
– IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Metascore: 82
– Runtime: 166 min

A mail-order bride (Claudia Cardinale) arrives in Arizona to discover that her new husband has been killed by a gunman (Henry Fonda). He was hired by a mogul (Gabriele Ferzetti) who wants the land this distraught bride has inadvertently inherited. When another gunman (Charles Bronson) comes on the scene—carrying a vendetta against Fonda’s character—the three personalities become entangled, and violence ensues. Fonda famously plays against type in this film, taking on a villainous role.

1969: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

– Director: George Roy Hill
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 66
– Runtime: 110 min

In “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” Paul Newman and Robert Redford play the title characters, the leaders of a band of outlaws. When their attempt to rob a train goes awry, they find themselves on the run with the hope of escaping to Bolivia. The movie was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It ultimately won four of those awards, including Best Original Song for Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.”

1970: White Sun of the Desert

– Director: Vladimir Motyl
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 84 min

“White Sun of the Desert” breaks the mold for Western films, taking place amid the Russian Civil War. Set in what’s now Turkmenistan, a Red Army soldier (Anatoly Kuznetsov) travels home, only to be caught up in a melee between the Red Army and Basmachi guerillas in the desert. Russian astronauts are known to watch the film before preparing for liftoff, as a sort of good luck ritual.

1971: McCabe & Mrs. Miller

– Director: Robert Altman
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 93
– Runtime: 120 min

Described by director Robert Altman as an “anti-Western,” “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” turns many of the genre’s traditional tropes on their heads. It follows a mysterious gambler (Warren Beatty) and a sex worker (Julie Christie) as they team up to create a thriving business in the sleepy town of Presbyterian Church, Washington, only to have their success threatened by a greedy mining company. Named one of the American Film Institute’s Top 10 Western Movies, the film also earned Christie an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

1972: The New Land

– Director: Jan Troell
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 102 min

This is part of a Swedish epic, which takes place over two movies and tells the story of a farming family that immigrates to America. “The New Land” followed “The Emigrants,” focusing on the family’s life in Minnesota. Lead actor Max von Sydow would later become famous for “The Exorcist,” while his co-star Liv Ullman became known as a muse of director Ingmar Bergman.

1973: High Plains Drifter

– Director: Clint Eastwood
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Metascore: 69
– Runtime: 105 min

Clint Eastwood directed and starred in “High Plains Drifter,” a revisionist Western in which a mysterious gunslinger arrives in a small settlement and helps its residents hold off three approaching outlaws. Eastwood drew much of his inspiration for the film’s direction from his previous collaborations with directors Sergio Leone and Don Siegel, and he gives them an honorary nod during the movie’s final scene, in which their names can be seen on tombstones in a graveyard.

1974: Blazing Saddles

– Director: Mel Brooks
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Metascore: 73
– Runtime: 93 min

In “Blazing Saddles,” Harvey Korman plays a corrupt politician who convinces a dimwitted governor (Mel Brooks) to appoint a Black railroad worker (Cleavon Little) as the new sheriff of an Old West town to create chaos. An alcoholic gunslinger (Gene Wilder), however, helps the new sheriff beat the odds and bring law and order to the town. Madeline Kahn earned an Academy Award nomination for her supporting performance in the comedic Western, which was also nominated for Best Film Editing and Best Original Song.

1975: Rooster Cogburn

– Director: Stuart Millar
– IMDb user rating: 6.8
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 108 min

In “Rooster Cogburn,” John Wayne stars as the title character, an aging U.S. Marshal who joins a minister’s daughter (Katharine Hepburn) on a quest to track down the band of outlaws who killed her father. Wayne reprised the character he originally played in 1969’s “True Grit”—a role for which he won his only Academy Award.

1976: The Outlaw Josey Wales

– Director: Clint Eastwood
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Metascore: 69
– Runtime: 135 min

In “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” Clint Eastwood plays a peaceful farmer who joins a Confederate guerrilla unit when his family is murdered by Union soldiers during the Civil War. After the war, he is branded an outlaw and pursued by bounty hunters. Eastwood directed the film himself after firing writer and director Philip Kaufman, who adapted the story from a book written by Asa Earl Carter.

1977: A Man Called Blade

– Director: Sergio Martino
– IMDb user rating: 6.5
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 101 min

Maurizio Merli plays Blade, a hatchet-wielding bounty hunter. When he arrives in a mining town, the mayor hires him for a hit. In the process, he disrupts the system of power and unleashes a cascade of violence. The film is also known by its original title, “Mannaja.”

1978: Lucky Luke: Ballad of the Daltons

– Director: René Goscinny, Henri Gruel, Morris
– IMDb user rating: 6.9
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 82 min

This French animated film chronicles the comic book character Lucky Luke, a cowboy known for shooting faster than his own shadow. The comic book series was created by the Belgian cartoonists René Goscinny and Morris, who based Luke’s enemies, the Daltons, on the real Dalton brothers, a Wild West family of train and bank robbers.

1979: The Electric Horseman

– Director: Sydney Pollack
– IMDb user rating: 6.4
– Metascore: 64
– Runtime: 121 min

Robert Redford plays a washed-up rodeo champion-turned-cereal spokesman who kidnaps the breakfast company’s horse after realizing they’ve been mistreating it in this late ’70s Western. Jane Fonda adds to the fun as the reporter covering the story, as does country legend Willie Nelson who has a small role. A huge commercial success—it was the 11th highest-grossing film the year it came out—the movie received mixed critical reception. Still, the general consensus today is that it’s a fun, classic romp with outsized bad guys and overly moralized good ones.

1980: The Long Riders

– Director: Walter Hill
– IMDb user rating: 6.9
– Metascore: 68
– Runtime: 100 min

Director Walter Hill sympathetically explored the origins, the adventures, and the ultimate fate of the James-Younger gang in 1980’s “The Long Riders.” The film follows two bands of brothers who join forces to become bank robbers, and the actors who played the brothers were themselves related: James and Stacy Keach portrayed Jesse and Frank James, while David, Keith, and Robert Carradine played Cole, Jim, and Bob Younger. Dennis and Randy Quaid also played brothers in the film, as did Christopher and Nicholas Guest.

1981: Death Hunt

– Director: Peter R. Hunt
– IMDb user rating: 6.9
– Metascore: 40
– Runtime: 97 min

In “Death Hunt,” Charles Bronson plays a trapper whose feud with a dog owner escalates to him being wrongfully accused of murder. Suddenly finding himself a fugitive, his expert knowledge of the frigid Canadian wilderness allows him to survive and evade the law amidst the manhunt. Robert Aldrich was initially hired to direct the movie, originally titled “Arctic Rampage,” but he was fired and replaced by Peter R. Hunt.

1982: The Grey Fox

– Director: Phillip Borsos
– IMDb user rating: 7.3
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 92 min

“The Grey Fox” is based, in part, on the true story of Bill Miner, a stagecoach robber who spent 30 years behind bars before being released in the early 1900s and taking up a career as a train robber. Richard Farnsworth, decades into a Hollywood career that had thus far been not all that noteworthy, played the titular character in what Roger Ebert called “the loveliest adventure of the year.” The role was perhaps the biggest of Farnsworth’s career, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance in a Drama.

1983: Lone Wolf McQuade

– Director: Steve Carver
– IMDb user rating: 6.3
– Metascore: 65
– Runtime: 107 min

In “Lone Wolf McQuade,” Chuck Norris plays a Texas Ranger and martial arts expert whose attempt to catch a dangerous drug lord (David Carradine) selling U.S. military weapons to Central American terrorists results in the kidnapping of his daughter. He teams up with an FBI agent (Leon Isaac Kennedy) to bring a stop to the criminal and save his kidnapped daughter. The movie was shot in Texas, in locations including a desert with a high rattlesnake population. There are even reports of a rattlesnake crawling into bed and interrupting a love scene between Norris and his love interest in the film, Barbara Carrera.

1984: Lust in the Dust

– Director: Paul Bartel
– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 84 min

Divine stars in this Western spoof as Rosie Velez, a dancer who meets a gunman (Tab Hunter) who brings her to a local town called Chili Verde. Things heat up when she discovers that the local saloon owner has half of a treasure map tattooed on her buttocks—the other half of which is, coincidentally, tattooed on Rosie. A song by Divine, “These Lips,” was featured on the film’s soundtrack.

1985: Pale Rider

– Director: Clint Eastwood
– IMDb user rating: 7.3
– Metascore: 61
– Runtime: 115 min

In “Pale Rider,” Clint Eastwood plays a mysterious preacher who helps defend the residents of a small village against a greedy mining company trying to take their land. The movie grossed $41 million against a $6.9 million production budget, earning it the title of the highest-grossing Western released in the 1980s.

1986: Three Amigos

– Director: John Landis
– IMDb user rating: 6.5
– Metascore: 52
– Runtime: 104 min

In “Three Amigos,” Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short play a trio of silent movie stars who inadvertently find themselves mixed up with a ruthless Mexican gang leader (Alfonso Arau). Martin, who co-wrote the screenplay, was always attached to the project. However, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi were at one time tapped to costar—as were Bill Murray and Robin Williams at a later date—before Chase and Short signed on to the project.

1987: A Man from Boulevard des Capucines

– Director: Alla Surikova
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 98 min

“A Man from Boulevard des Capucines” stands out in the history of Westerns for two reasons: it’s a rare example of a “red Western” produced by the Soviet Union, and it was directed by a woman. It tells the story of a film-loving cowboy who changes the course of one wild town when he introduces them to his favorite movies. While it manages to avoid sermonizing for the most part, the film makes a deft point about the influence and responsibility of the industry.

1988: Young Guns

– Director: Christopher Cain
– IMDb user rating: 6.8
– Metascore: 50
– Runtime: 107 min

“Young Guns” stars Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Charlie Sheen, Dermot Mulroney, and Casey Siemaszko as gunslingers who become deputies to avenge the murder of one of their friends. Estevez portrays Old West gunslinger Billy the Kid in the film, which spawned a 1990 sequel in which Estevez, Sutherland, and Phillips reprised their roles.

1989: Sundown: The Vampire in Retreat

– Director: Anthony Hickox
– IMDb user rating: 6.1
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 104 min

In “Sundown: The Vampire in Retreat,” David Carradine plays the leader of a colony of vampires who reside in an isolated desert town. Their peaceful existence is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a descendant of Van Helsing (Bruce Campbell), who is hell-bent on destroying them.

1990: Dances with Wolves

– Director: Kevin Costner
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 72
– Runtime: 181 min

Kevin Costner plays a soldier who leaves his remote Civil War outpost to join a nearby Sioux tribe in 1990’s “Dances with Wolves.” Costner also directed the film, which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, making it the first Western to do so since 1931’s “Cimarron.” The movie was not just a critical success but a financial one, grossing $184.2 million at the U.S. box office and revitalizing the Western genre.

1991: City Slickers

– Director: Ron Underwood
– IMDb user rating: 6.8
– Metascore: 70
– Runtime: 113 min

In this slapstick comedy, three city-dwelling friends (Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, and Bruno Kirby) vacation together on a dude ranch. Though they’re enamored with classic Western films of the past, the two-week cattle drive with other city slickers and a band of real cowboys (including Jack Palance playing the trail boss, a role which earned him an Oscar) ends up being more than they bargained for.

1992: Unforgiven

– Director: Clint Eastwood
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 85
– Runtime: 130 min

Clint Eastwood plays a retired gunslinger who reluctantly agrees to take on a corrupt sheriff (Gene Hackman) in “Unforgiven.” Eastwood won an Academy Award for his directing duties on the film, which also won Best Picture. Hackman, meanwhile, won for his supporting performance. Audiences appreciated the movie—which Eastwood decided would likely be his last Western—to the tune of $101.2 million at the U.S. box office.

1993: Tombstone

– Director: George P. Cosmatos, Kevin Jarre
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Metascore: 50
– Runtime: 130 min

In “Tombstone,” Kurt Russell portrays Wyatt Earp, whose hopes of retiring anonymously in Tombstone, Arizona, are dashed when he is called back into action to fight a vicious band of outlaws threatening the town. Val Kilmer costars in the film as Doc Holliday, with Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, and Dana Delany rounding out the principal cast. Western staple Robert Mitchum agreed to narrate the story after a back injury forced him out of a planned onscreen role.

1994: Legends of the Fall

– Director: Edward Zwick
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Metascore: 45
– Runtime: 133 min

Anthony Hopkins, Brad Pitt, Aidan Quinn, and Henry Thomas play a father and his three sons, respectively, who succumb to the tragedies of war and romantic rivalry in “Legends of the Fall.” Pitt’s popularity propelled the movie to a total gross of $160.6 million worldwide. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, winning one for cinematography.

1995: Dead Man

– Director: Jim Jarmusch
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Metascore: 62
– Runtime: 121 min

In “Dead Man,” Johnny Depp plays a wounded accountant who, while on the run for murder, travels to the Western frontier. Once there, he encounters a Native American (Gary Farmer) who prepares him for his journey into the next life. Director Jim Jarmusch has described his film as a “psychedelic Western.”

1996: Lone Star

– Director: John Sayles
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Metascore: 79
– Runtime: 135 min

Described as a “masterwork” and “a great American movie,” “Lone Star” follows lawmen in a small Texas town as they try to learn who’s behind the murder of one of their own. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Chris Cooper, Kris Kristofferson, and Elizabeth ​​Peña, the mystery is not only engaging on a surface level but also in the way that it deftly tackles tougher topics like racism and who decides what gets canonized as history. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

1997: Once Upon a Time in China and America

– Director: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
– IMDb user rating: 6.3
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 102 min

Variety’s Derek Elley deemed this martial arts Western crossover a “cross-cultural actionfest.” It is the sixth film in the “Once Upon a Time in China” series. Jet Li’s character, Wong Fei-Hung, travels to San Francisco from China. On the route, and once in the California city, Wild West-style chaos ensues, including a Native American ambush and a bank robbery.

1998: The Mask of Zorro

– Director: Martin Campbell
– IMDb user rating: 6.8
– Metascore: 62
– Runtime: 136 min

Antonio Banderas plays a thief seeking revenge for his brother’s death in “The Mask of Zorro.” He is trained by an aging swordsman (Anthony Hopkins) who shares the same enemy. Catherine Zeta-Jones also stars in the film as the aging swordsman’s long-lost daughter and the eventual love interest of the thief. The movie earned $250.3 million worldwide against a $95 million production budget, and Banderas and Zeta-Jones reprised their roles seven years later in a far less successful sequel.

1999: Ravenous

– Director: Antonia Bird
– IMDb user rating: 6.9
– Metascore: 46
– Runtime: 101 min

The sole horror Western on our list, “Ravenous” follows a group of high-ranking Army officials and civilian misfits as they set out on a rescue mission only to find themselves being trailed by a crazed cannibal. Despite its star-studded cast, which consists of Guy Pearce, Robert Carlyle, Jeffrey Jones, and David Arquette, the production of the film was a complete mess with two directors (Milcho Manchevski, Raja Gosnell) being fired before Antonia Bird was brought in to take over mid-shoot. While the film wasn’t a massive success at the time, it has since become something of a cult classic, with many critics praising the way it addresses things like Manifest Destiny and capitalism.

2000: A Dog’s Will

– Director: Guel Arraes
– IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 104 min

A surrealistic Brazilian comedy, the original title of the film was “O Auto da Compadecida,” which translates to “The Compassionate Woman’s Play” in Portuguese. Actors Matheus Nachtergaele and Selton Mello play poor men in Northeast Brazil who, in the afterlife, face judgment for their wrongdoings. It was adapted from a play by Ariano Suassuna and was a major theatrical hit in Brazil.

2001: Manitou’s Shoe

– Director: Michael Herbig
– IMDb user rating: 6.7
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 87 min

This German film was intended to be a parody of Westerns. Not only did Michael Herbig direct the film, but he also wrote the screenplay, produced, and starred in it. He plays an Apache chief who, along with his “blood brother,” tries to buy a saloon. However, they end up making a bad deal with a fake investor named Santa Maria. The premise for the movie was based on the “Winnetou” sketches performed on the late-night comedy show “Bullyparade.”

2002: The Tracker

– Director: Rolf de Heer
– IMDb user rating: 7.3
– Metascore: 71
– Runtime: 90 min

An Australian contribution to the cannon, “The Tracker” follows a group of four men— three white, one Aboriginal— who are on a journey to find the Black killer of a white woman in the early 20th-century outback. While it may seem on the surface like a standard tale of racial politics, director Rolf de Heer takes pains to undermine the expectations of the audience and keep them off kilter enough that they must fully engage with the material.

2003: Open Range

– Director: Kevin Costner
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Metascore: 67
– Runtime: 139 min

In “Open Range,” Kevin Costner plays a former Civil War soldier living a peaceful life as a hired hand for an open-range cattleman (Robert Duvall). However, that tranquility is interrupted when a corrupt land baron (Michael Gambon) threatens his frontier friends, forcing him to take up arms once again. Costner also directed the film, which co-starred Annette Bening and Diego Luna and earned $58.3 million at the U.S. box office against a $22 million budget.

2004: Hidalgo

– Director: Joe Johnston
– IMDb user rating: 6.7
– Metascore: 54
– Runtime: 136 min

In “Hidalgo,” Viggo Mortensen portrays cowboy Frank Hopkins, who travels to Arabia with his mustang Hidalgo to compete in a deadly cross-desert horse race. The titular Mustang was portrayed by five American Paint horses, one of which was later purchased by Mortensen. Screenwriter John Fusco, who also worked on 1988’s “Young Guns” and 2002’s “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” bought the movie’s main stunt horse and retired him at his horse conservancy Red Road Farm.

2005: The Proposition

– Director: John Hillcoat
– IMDb user rating: 7.3
– Metascore: 73
– Runtime: 104 min

The screenplay for this Australian Outback Western was written by rock musician Nick Cave. A renegade (Guy Pearce) can only save his younger brother from law enforcement officers by hunting down and killing his murderous older brother. The movie takes on themes of racism, family bonds, and colonialism. Ty Burr of The Boston Globe called it “a near-masterpiece of mood and menace, and one that deserves to be seen on the largest screen possible.”

2006: Seraphim Falls

– Director: David Von Ancken
– IMDb user rating: 6.6
– Metascore: 62
– Runtime: 115 min

Liam Neeson plays a Confederate colonel who, at the end of the Civil War, hunts down a Union soldier (Pierce Brosnan) against whom he has a grudge. Richard Gere was originally tapped to play Brosnan’s role in the film, which received mild praise from critics who appreciated its unique, sans-villain approach. Still, it failed to make much of a dent at the box office. The revisionist Western topped out with a mere $1.2 million gross worldwide.

2007: 3:10 to Yuma

– Director: James Mangold
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 76
– Runtime: 122 min

This 2007 remake of the 1957 film “3:10 to Yuma” tells the story of a broke rancher (Christian Bale) who is hired for the simple task of putting a captured outlaw (Russell Crowe) on the 3:10 train to Yuma. However, things get far more complicated for him when the outlaw’s gang attempts to free him.

2008: The Good, the Bad, the Weird

– Director: Kim Jee-woon
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: 69
– Runtime: 130 min

This South Korean Western action film was inspired by “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” The story takes place in Manchuria just before World War II. A bounty hunter (Jung Woo-sung), a thief (Song Kang-ho), and a hitman (Lee Byung-hun) set out on an adventure to find a treasure map dating back to the Qing Dynasty … all while being pursued by bandits and the Imperial Japanese Army.

2009: Lucky Luke

– Director: James Huth
– IMDb user rating: 4.7
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 103 min

Based on a comic strip of the same name, “Lucky Luke” is a French Western that follows a fearless gunslinger who has been tasked by the President with bringing peace to Daisy Town. A fun spoof on the more serious tropes, the screwball comedy has been praised by critics for its visually arresting production design and the performances of its actors, like Jean Dujardin. Unlike many of the other films on our list, this one has some family-friendly tropes, with nothing more risque than a chaste kiss and some “Road Runner” style violence.

2010: True Grit

– Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 80
– Runtime: 110 min

Starring Hailee Steinfeld in her film debut, alongside Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, and Barry Pepper, “True Grit” follows a grizzled lawman, a precious teenager, and a U.S. Marshal as they set out to track down the outlaw responsible for the murder of the girl’s father. An adaptation of Charles Portis’ 1968 novel, the film is not the first adaptation of the source material (there was a 1969 version that starred John Wayne, Kim Darby, and Glen Campbell), but it’s by far the grittiest. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, the movie came home with no trophies but won at the box office with over $252 million in global ticket sales.

2011: Rango

– Director: Gore Verbinski
– IMDb user rating: 7.3
– Metascore: 75
– Runtime: 107 min

In “Rango,” Johnny Depp voices the title character, a pet chameleon who accidentally winds up in a lawless Wild West town in the middle of the Mojave Desert. He is appointed sheriff when he inadvertently kills the hawk terrorizing the town’s residents. He quickly discovers, however, that he is in way over his head. The Best Animated Feature winner at that year’s Academy Awards was also a hit at the box office, earning $245.7 million worldwide against a $135 million production budget.

2012: Django Unchained

– Director: Quentin Tarantino
– IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Metascore: 81
– Runtime: 165 min

Jamie Foxx plays a freed enslaved person who, with the help of a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz), sets out to rescue his wife (Kerry Washington) from a Mississippi plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio) in “Django Unchained.” Quentin Tarantino wrote and directed the film, which grossed nearly $450 million worldwide, making it the filmmaker’s biggest box-office total ever. Tarantino also won an Academy Award for his writing duties on motion pictures and Waltz for his supporting performance.

2013: No Man’s Land

– Director: Ning Hao
– IMDb user rating: 7.3
– Metascore: Not available
– Runtime: 118 min

A neo-Western thriller in the style of the Coen brothers, “No Man’s Land” is a nihilistic tale of a lawyer and two soulless poachers set in the Gobi desert. The film was shot and completed in 2009 but wasn’t released for several years, reportedly due to pushback from China’s film bureau over how it depicted police officers. Hardly a feel-good movie, it’s not an easy watch, but it’s well worth viewing for its art-house style and commentary on man’s baser instincts.

2014: The Salvation

– Director: Kristian Levring
– IMDb user rating: 6.7
– Metascore: 64
– Runtime: 92 min

Dubbed “a gripping revenge Western” by Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian, “The Salvation” follows a Danish man as he seeks revenge against a notorious gang leader following the murder of his wife and young son. The movie stars Mads Mikkelsen, Eva Green, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. While it wasn’t a huge box-office hit, nor did it garner many award nominations, it’s still a beautifully shot, excellently choreographed nod to Westerns of decades past.

2015: The Revenant

– Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 76
– Runtime: 156 min

Leonardo DiCaprio plays a frontiersman who is mauled by a bear and left for dead during a fur trading expedition in “The Revenant.” He struggles to survive absolutely brutal conditions on his journey home to confront his former friend (Tom Hardy). DiCaprio won an Academy Award for his performance, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu won another for his directing duties on the film, which earned 10 other Oscar nominations and a $533 million box-office haul.

2016: Hell or High Water

– Director: David Mackenzie
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 88
– Runtime: 102 min

In “Hell or High Water,” Chris Pine plays a divorced father who reunites with his ex-con brother (Ben Foster) to rob branches of the bank that is threatening to foreclose on their family’s ranch. Their plan appears to work until a retiring Texas Ranger (Jeff Bridges), desperate for one last notch in his belt, begins to close in on them. The neo-Western crime thriller scored four Academy Award nominations and a lot of acclaim from critics for its complex narrative, confident pacing, and well-rounded characters.

2017: Wind River

– Director: Taylor Sheridan
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Metascore: 73
– Runtime: 107 min

Set on the Wind River Indian Reservation, “Wind River” follows a Fish and Wildlife Agent (Jeremy Renner) and an FBI Agent (Elizabeth Olsen) as they attempt to solve the murder of a young Indigenous girl. Following its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, the movie received mixed reviews from critics, with some calling it gripping and satisfying while others, namely those from indigenous communities, criticizing director Taylor Sheridan for choosing to tell a story that was not his, as a white man, to tell.

2018: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

– Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: 79
– Runtime: 133 min

Two years after their feature-length series of connected Golden Age Hollywood vignettes “Hail, Caesar!,” the Coen brothers returned with a more staunchly divided feature-length piece. “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” comprises six short Western films with no plot connections diverse in cinematography, style, and tone. The film’s unique style, bombastic characters, sing-songy pleasantries, directorial stamps, and strong thematic throughline rendered it a popular and critical success.

2019: True History of the Kelly Gang

– Director: Justin Kurzel
– IMDb user rating: 6
– Metascore: 75
– Runtime: 124 min

Ned Kelly was an Australian escaped convict, gang leader, and a cultural icon akin to Robin Hood. His life has been fictionalized many times, including in this 2019 film with George MacKay playing the titular character. The movie follows him and his gang trying to escape law enforcement in the 1870s. Other actors in the film include Essie Davis, Charlie Hunnam, Russell Crowe, and Nicholas Hoult.

2020: News of the World

– Director: Paul Greengrass
– IMDb user rating: 6.8
– Metascore: 73
– Runtime: 118 min

In “News of the World,” an aging Civil War captain sets out to return a young girl who had been raised by the Kiowa tribe to her birth family. Starring Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel, the movie is predictable at times and fairly thin in terms of its themes. However, the stellar performances of its lead actors and attention to detail in every aspect still managed to set it apart. Nominated for several Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Critic’s Choice trophies, the project won none of the accolades but was placed on a few best-of-the-year lists.

2021: Old Henry

– Director: Potsy Ponciroli
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: 69
– Runtime: 99 min

A widower with a mysterious past must defend his son after they get mixed up with a group of double-crossing criminals carrying a load of cash in “Old Henry.” Tim Blake Nelson plays the titular character alongside Scott Haze and Gavin Lewis. Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, the movie became a surprise hit for streaming services. It remained on Apple’s Top 10 list for two months and landed a spot on the National Board of Review’s Top Independent Films of the Year list.

2022: Butcher’s Crossing

– Director: Gabe Polsky
– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– Metascore: 55
– Runtime: 105 min

Based on a 1960s novel of the same name, “Butcher’s Crossing” follows a late-19th-century Ivy League dropout as he joins a buffalo hunting group in Colorado and learns a lesson about remorseless brutality. Shot on the Blackfeet reservation in Montana, the movie was praised for its near-perfect casting (Nicolas Cage, Fred Hechinger, Jeremy Bobb, Paul Raci, Xander Berkeley, and Rachel Keller). Still, it was slammed for failing to capture the tension and psychological drama of its source material. Still, the gorgeous cinematography—and Cage’s excellent character work—make it well worth a watch.

2023: Killers of the Flower Moon

– Director: Martin Scorsese
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 89
– Runtime: 206 min

Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, “Killers of the Flower Moon” tells the story of the murders of several Osage tribal members after oil was discovered on their lands. Based on the 2017 nonfiction book of the same name by David Grann, the movie had a cast jam-packed with big names, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, John Lithgow, and Brendan Fraser. A massive commercial and critical hit, the movie has been classed as a masterpiece and frequently praised for the way it seamlessly blends several genres and serves as a requiem for a country that, in its greed and desire for dominance, has strayed far from its founding principles.

2024: ‘Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 1’

– Director: Kevin Costner
– IMDb user rating: 6.7
– Metascore: 49
– Runtime:  181 min

Though “Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 1” made headlines for all of the wrong reasons in 2024—less-than-glowing critical reviews and a box office return so poor that further theatrical release plans were quickly scrapped—the movie still has quite a few fans. Fresh off his leading role on the hit TV series “Yellowstone,” Kevin Costner directs and stars in this sweeping Civil War-set epic, the first of a four-part film series. Film critics took issue with the movie’s plodding pace and tone-deaf portrayals of Native Americans, but “Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 1” managed to pick up steam after debuting on the streaming platform Max in August 2024. And in a year of few Western movies, this controversial pick managed to come out on top.

Additional writing by Cu Fleshman and Madison Troyer. Story editing by Cynthia Rebolledo. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.

Best Emmy-nominated shows of all time

The first Emmy Awards show took place at the Hollywood Athletic Club in 1949. Hosted by Walter O’Keefe, tickets to the show were five dollars and only six awards were handed out—one award went to a ventriloquist. Named after the image-orthicon camera tube, or “immy,” which was instrumental in capturing images for television, the Emmys were created by the Television Academy to award excellence in the television industry. The Emmy Award statue was designed to be a winged woman, representing the arts, holding up an atom, representing science and was modeled after television engineer Louis McManus’s wife, Dorothy McManus. As time went on, the Emmy Award gained acclaim and grew into one of the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry.

Over the years, the Emmys have come to be known as an awards show where anything might happen. From an impromptu make-out between “Veep’s” Julia Louis-Dreyfus and “Breaking Bad’s” Bryan Cranston to an unsuccessful prank to steal Betty Thomas’s award to Viola Davis’s powerful speech on diversity in the entertainment industry—the Emmy Awards have always brought together visionaries and artists with diverse perspectives. With a new era of television comes a new format for awards shows. Following in the footsteps of 2019’s host-less Academy Awards ceremony, the Emmys will go without a host for the first time this year.

In celebration of the upcoming 2020 Emmy Awards, Stacker has compiled a comprehensive ranking of the best Emmy-nominated shows of all time based on IMDb user ratings. Data was sourced in September 2020. All drama, comedy, competition, variety, anthology, and limited series that have been nominated for at least one Emmy and have over 5,000 IMDb user votes were considered in the ranking. However, nature documentary series were not considered in this list.

Read on to see if your favorite shows make the list.

You may also like: 25 most popular Emmy-nominated shows of 2019

#50. Mr. Robot (2015–2019)

– IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Votes: 321,404

With its feverish plot and striking cinematography, anarchist-oriented “Mr. Robot” felt like nothing else on TV when it premiered in 2015. Examining issues like corporate capitalism and mental health, and tapping into societal fears around computer security and surveillance, “Mr. Robot” centers on brilliant, depressed Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a computer hacker drawn into an Anonymous-style hacker collective bent on erasing debt. Malek won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, while composer Mac Quayle won Outstanding Musical Composition for his tense electronic score.

#49. Daredevil (2015–2018)

– IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Votes: 353,822

Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) is a blind lawyer by day who transforms into the vigilante Daredevil by night, using finely honed senses and martial arts skills to bring down bad guys in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. “Daredevil” is part of the television branch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Daredevil’s escapades influenced by the film franchise, as when the Avengers demolished much of New York City in “Avengers: Infinity War.” “Daredevil” was nominated for several technical Emmy awards, including Outstanding Main Title Design, Outstanding Sound Editing, and Outstanding Stunt Coordination.

#48. Dexter (2006–2013)

– IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Votes: 630,023

A show about everyone’s favorite murderer with a heart of gold, “Dexter” made gruesome crime scenes complex and binge-able. Earning five nominations for his starring role, Michael C. Hall plays sociopathic Dexter, a blood-spatter analyst by day and killer of wrong-doers at night. Miami has never looked the same.

#47. Cobra Kai (2018–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 61,934

The modern-day sequel to “The Karate Kid,” “Cobra Kai” premiered on YouTube Premium and was co-executive produced by the original “Karate Kid” himself, Ralph Macchio. Long after their 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament fight, Daniel and Johnny’s rivalry has taken a new form: competing dojos.

#46. The Shield (2002–2008)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 70,298

This lauded FX crime series follows a corrupt police unit that was based on corrupt police divisions in the LAPD in the late 90s. Star Michael Chiklis took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series after the first season made waves. It was nominated for six Primetime Emmy’s total.

#45. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 72,698

The second hit from “Gilmore Girls” creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, this bubbly New York comedy follows a ’50s housewife-turned-comedian through a series of precarious events with just the right amount of provocative edge. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” earned Sherman-Palladino her much-deserved first Emmy nominations.

#44. Fleabag (2016–2019)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 84,841

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s British dramedy follows Fleabag, a complicated, viciously funny Londoner played by a magnetic Waller-Bridge. While season one explored Fleabag’s trauma, its second season delivered a transcendent and devastating love story as Fleabag falls in love with an attractive priest (Andrew Scott). The Academy took notice, with the second season nominated for 11 Emmy awards and taking home six, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress for Waller-Bridge, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.

#43. Oz (1997–2003)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 86,896

One of HBO’s early forays into long-form dramatic television, Oz takes place in (and is short for) the maximum security Oswald State Correctional Facility. Only ever nominated for two Emmys, it was heralded for its guest stars and ensemble performance.

#42. This Is Us (2016–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 96,783

“This is Us” follows three generations of the Pearson family, with their sometimes-tragic stories told through flashbacks over the course of four seasons (with a fifth coming in November 2020). The ensemble cast includes Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, and Milo Ventimiglia, among many more. The show has garnered 10 Emmy nominations, with Sterling K. Brown taking home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

#41. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 98,983

With a whopping 42 nominations dating back to 2002, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” took “Seinfeld” co-creator Larry David out from behind the camera to spotlight his signature deadpan comedy style. Only winning two awards out of its 42 nominations, what this comedic series lacks in awards, it makes up for in very quotable dialogue.

#40. BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 103,542

An imaginative blend of self-deprecation, snappy pop culture wit, and thorough character development, Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s animated dramedy has been nominated for Outstanding Animated Program for the past two years as its come to a close. Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul, Paul F. Tompkins round out the stacked principal cast, but the series has even more star power in its long list of A-list guests.

#39. The Crown (2016–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 118,022

While “The Crown” is most notable for its exorbitant production budget of $130 million, making it the most expensive TV series ever made, the Netflix show has earned its place as a TV heavy hitter. Following the intriguing life of Queen Elizabeth II (played by Claire Foy in the first two seasons and Olivia Coleman in the upcoming third season), “The Crown” takes the audience through the difficult ins and outs of navigating royal life. The show’s impressive cast and dedicated following earned it 13 Emmy nominations in 2018, with the show winning five that year.

#38. Six Feet Under (2001–2005)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 118,156

A favorite of film buffs, the dark HBO comedy “Six Feet Under” captures the lives of a dysfunctional family who own a funeral home in Los Angeles. Led by Oscar-winning “American Beauty” screenwriter Alan Ball, the show received 23 Emmy nominations in its first season alone. The same year, the series won a Golden Globe for best drama series and a Peabody Award for entertainment.

#37. Battlestar Galactica (2004–2009)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 149,652

“Battlestar Galactica” tells the story of a society obliterated by their android enemies, the Cylons. The last of this society remains to venture forth to the fabled 13th planet: Earth. As a much-loved sci-fi series, it’s no surprise that this show earned several nominations in special effects, but the show has also earned a notable number of nominations for its strong writing.

#36. Rome (2005–2007)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 151,357

This historic drama set in the last days of the Roman Republic stars Kevin McKidd as Lucius Vorenus, a Roman soldier serving the republic as it transitions to an empire. It features many well-known figures of the Roman era including Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, making it an easy favorite for history buffs. With recurring nominations in costume design, makeup, and visual effects, this show excels at its ability to transport viewers back in time.

#35. Downton Abbey (2010–2015)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 157,680

This BBC creation took the U.S. by storm, quickly gaining a massive cult following from American audiences. This unlikely hit transports audiences back to the post-Edwardian era and into the Grantham family’s sprawling estate, from which the show gets its title. Led by notable British stars like Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville, the show also helped launch the careers of newcomers like Michelle Dockery.

#34. The Boys (2019–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 174,323

After an avalanche of superhero films and series over the past decade, show developer Eric Kripke swooped in to capture the anti-hero sentiment. The dark show investigates questions like, “What happens when a superhero kills an innocent bystander in the process of saving the city?” and other such unaddressed aspects of caped crusading. Karl Urban leads the principal cast. The series has received one Emmy nomination for Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Aeries (One Hour).

#33. The Mandalorian (2019–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 189,064

Disney’s first live-action TV show in its ever-growing roster of adventures set in a galaxy far, far away, “The Mandalorian” follows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and “Baby Yoda”—a colloquial name for the adorable puppet creature that is not actually Yoda but another creature of the same species who is a toddler at age 50. “The Mandalorian” was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series and won several Emmys in the award show’s creative categories, including Visual Effects, Production Design, and Sound Editing.

#32. Arrested Development (2003–2019)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 271,309

“Arrested Development” follows the ridiculous misadventures of the Bluth family in Orange County, California. The once-wealthy family faces trouble when its patriarch is charged with a white-collar crime, which leaves them all penniless. Through five seasons and one movie, “Arrested Development” charmed audiences with its somewhat frustrating humor, and it solidified the careers of many of its actors, including Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, and Portia de Rossi.

#31. Better Call Saul (2015–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 306,039

An off-shoot of TV sensation “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” follows the life of character Saul Goodman before the events of “Breaking Bad.” Before he was Saul Goodman, Walter White’s morally corrupt lawyer, he was Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer in Albuquerque, N.M., just trying to survive in an exploitative world. While this spin-off has gained recognition through the success of “Breaking Bad,” it has earned accolades in its own right, pulling an impressive 32 Emmy nominations throughout the lifespan of the show.

#30. South Park (1997–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 323,661

From the comedic minds of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this long-running animated series follows the boisterous, troublemaking adventures of foul-mouthed friends Cartman, Kenny, Stan, and Kyle. The show often borders on the offensive but has kept viewers engaged by putting a comedic spin on topical political and social issues that are otherwise very serious.

#29. The Simpsons (1989–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 356,617

Premiering in 1989 and still going strong, “The Simpsons” follows the suburban lives of the Simpson family from Springfield, Ill. with some offbeat twists and turns. Approaching the premiere of the show’s 31st season, the show has become the longest-running prime-time scripted series in the history of television.

#28. House (2004–2012)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 404,372

“House” brought to life everyone’s favorite curmudgeonly genius: Dr. Gregory House. Actor Hugh Laurie’s highly referenced role on “House” earned him six Emmy nominations. The always-skeptical Dr. House brought the flawed world of medical diagnosis into people’s homes, while inevitably winning audiences over with his keen sense of humanity.

#27. Westworld (2016–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 411,649

This HBO sci-fi series invents a western amusement park like no other. Wealthy guests can live out their fantasies by interacting with AI “hosts,” with no consequences. Based on the 1973 Michael Crichton movie of the same name, the series is lead by a star-studded cast, including Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, and Thandie Newton.

#26. House of Cards (2013–2018)

– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Votes: 456,666

Based on the BBC series of the same name, this U.S.-based version follows Frank Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey), a Democrat from South Carolina who is passed over for Secretary of State and exacts his revenge with his equally manipulative wife, Claire Underwood (played by Robin Wright). After sexual assault allegations against Kevin Spacey surfaced, the show made the executive decision to remove his character from the script, moving Robin Wright to the starring role.

#25. Chappelle’s Show (2003–2006)

– IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Votes: 51,884

Regarded as one of the greatest comedy sketch shows of all time, Chappelle’s Show became the avenue through which the world met Dave Chappelle. Known for his boundary-pushing comedy that cuts to the socio-economic core of America’s racist past and present, Chappelle was nominated for two of the shows three Emmy’s (Writing and Outstanding Variety or Comedy Series). The third nomination was for Outstanding Directing.

#24. The West Wing (1999–2006)

– IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Votes: 60,962

Written by Oscar-winner Aaron Sorkin and Emmy-winner Felicia Wilson, “The West Wing” took audiences inside the personal lives of White House staffers in the presidential West Wing. Over seven seasons, the show earned an incredible 95 nominations with 26 wins.

#23. Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

– IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Votes: 126,190

The show that launched a thousand careers, “Freaks and Geeks” remains a one-season legend. Conceived from the mind of a young Judd Apatow, the series captured the uncomfortable angst and confusion of teens growing up in 1980s suburbia. With a cast including James Franco, Busy Phillips, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Linda Cardinelli, it’s hard to fathom this show doing poorly in the ratings.

#22. Twin Peaks (1990–1991)

– IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Votes: 169,570

David Lynch’s iconic first television series follows an FBI agent, played by Kyle MacLachlan, as he investigates the murder of a young woman in the town of Twin Peaks. Known for its unconventional narrative, and eerie, surreal tone, this series introduced the masses to what is now David Lynch’s signature filmmaking style.

#21. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Votes: 185,133

This sitcom follows the depraved and scheming exploits of Mac, Charlie, Dennis, Frank, and Dee—a group of friends dubbed “The Gang.” With many of the outlandish, moral-bending plotlines resulting in slapstick humor, it’s not surprising that this show earned all three of its Emmy nominations in stunt coordination.

#20. Seinfeld (1989–1998)

– IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Votes: 247,205

A live-action sitcom written by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, “Seinfeld” follows four single friends battling the absurdities of living in New York City. Solidifying the term “New York humor,” the show grew a strong national audience and maintains its devoted following 30 years later.

#19. Narcos (2015–2017)

– IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Votes: 341,050

This Netflix series chronicles the life of Columbian drug lord Pablo Escobar and other drug cartels through the region. With the rise of the cocaine trade, the cartels gained power that they enforced through bloodshed. The series has been followed by another centered on the drug trade in Mexico, titled “Narcos: Mexico.”

#18. Black Mirror (2011–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Votes: 418,508

Netflix’s sci-fi anthology of dystopian, technology-based scenarios has earned a cult following with its particular brand of psychological storytelling. From killer robot bees to a cartoon bear elected to office, each episode encapsulates a different fear that audiences didn’t know they had. In 2018, Netflix released a film in addition to the series titled “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” with multiple endings. This was the streaming service’s first foray into interactive movies.

#17. Stranger Things (2016–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Votes: 768,391

This beloved Netflix show satisfied the country’s craving for ’80s sci-fi kitsch. The story follows a group of childhood friends in a typical-Midwestern-town, complete with government labs, alternate realities, and monsters.“Stranger Things” has earned an impressive 30 Emmy nominations (and six wins) in its short three-season tenure.

#16. Gravity Falls (2012–2016)

– IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Votes: 67,891

The Disney series “Gravity Falls” follows the story of twins named Dipper and Mabel Pines who are sent to spend the summer with their great-uncle in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls. This animated children’s show has an unlikely star-studded cast, including Jason Ritter and Linda Cardellini.

#15. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Votes: 76,525

After earning an Emmy for his work as a writer and contributor on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” John Oliver’s distinct voice got the attention of HBO. The series includes Oliver’s comedically British takes on world news that happened throughout the week. The show has earned him nine additional Emmy awards.

#14. Fargo (2014–present)

– IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Votes: 310,008

Based on the Coen brothers’ feature film of the same name, this anthology series follows various stories of crime that inevitably lead back to Fargo, North Dakota. In fact, the Coen brothers co-produced the series with writer Noah Hawley, who wrote each season to exist in a different era with an entirely new cast and story. The show has featured a number of highly acclaimed actors including Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, and Ted Danson.

#13. The Office (2005–2013)

– IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Votes: 379,582

Welcome to the Scranton, Pa. branch of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. Under the guidance of branch manager Michael Scott, a group of oddball office workers brings humor (and heart) to the workplace. Shot as a single-camera mockumentary, the show earned itself 42 nominations and launched the comedy careers of huge stars like Steve Carell, John Krasinski, and Mindy Kaling.

#12. Friends (1994–2004)

– IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Votes: 786,211

“I’ll be there for you…” And they were. They were there for us through thick and thin, through heartbreaks and gut-wrenching laughs, through awkward weddings and recipes gone wrong. With a whopping 62 nominations, the decade-long series launched the careers of some of the biggest stars of the 1990s and 2000s, including Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, and Courtney Cox. This year marks the show’s 25th anniversary, and through all the years since, the show has seemingly only gained fans.

#11. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)

– IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Votes: 68,779

With a two-note theme song that instantly makes your heart race and raises the hairs on your neck, “The Twilight Zone” set the precedent for shows that blur the boundaries between horror, sci-fi, and drama. With an impressive 150-episode run, the series has become a prominent part of pop culture. A reboot premiered earlier this year.

#10. Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)

– IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Votes: 84,374

This iconic show from the DC Universe followed the escapades of the dark, moody protagonist, Batman, and his trusty sidekick Robin. While the Batman series of the 1960s largely represented its main characters as campy crime-fighters, this show was praised for its film noir aesthetic and the complexity of its characters.

#9. Firefly (2002–2003)

– IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Votes: 239,492

In an odd mashup of genres, “Firefly” is a Western space drama set in the year 2517, when humans have occupied a new star system. It follows the ragtag renegade crew who live aboard a spaceship named Serenity. The show gained accolades for its stunning narrative and its popularity lead to the creation of a feature film titled “Serenity.”

#8. True Detective (2014–present)

– IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Votes: 484,682

Much like “Fargo,” “True Detective” is a crime anthology series that switches up stories and casts each season. Written and created by Nic Pizzolatto, the HBO series follows detectives over various eras and has earned excellent reviews from critics for its strong casts and unique cinematography. Casts over various seasons have featured Matthew McConaughey, Colin Farrell, Mahershala Ali, Woody Harrelson, and Rachel McAdams.

#7. Sherlock (2010–2017)

– IMDb user rating: 9.1
– Votes: 779,052

This modern update of British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original series of stories stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the ever-perceptive detective Sherlock Holmes. Set in current times, “Sherlock” brings his Victorian-era archetypal detective expertise into today’s forensic landscape. A TV movie titled “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride” was also released in relation to the series.

#6. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)

– IMDb user rating: 9.2
– Votes: 232,867

This animated series portrays a world divided into four nations—the Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads—with the Fire Nation hoping to overthrow the other three. The Avatar, who can control all four elements, has disappeared but returns to bring back peace to the world. The Nickelodeon series has become known for its innovative incorporation of the Japanese tradition of anime with Western animation.

#5. The Sopranos (1999–2007)

– IMDb user rating: 9.2
– Votes: 287,587

“The Sopranos” was an iconic precedent-setting drama from HBO that changed how television shows portray nuanced and complex stories with character development that rivals feature films. This year marks the show’s 20th anniversary and the announcement of a prequel named “The Many Saints of Newark” starring James Gandolfini’s son, Michael Gandolfini.

#4. Rick and Morty (2013–present)

– IMDb user rating: 9.2
– Votes: 354,729

After sociopathic scientist Rick Sanchez reunites with his adult daughter and moves in with her family, he takes his grandchildren traveling through alternate dimensions. The adult animated series is created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland and is broadcast on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim.

#3. The Wire (2002–2008)

– IMDb user rating: 9.3
– Votes: 275,038

Created by former police reporter David Simon, “The Wire” portrays the lives of criminals and corrupt police in West Baltimore, Maryland. The show takes on the perspectives of both drug dealers and of law enforcement, and despite earning only two Emmy nominations, gained a dedicated following over its five seasons.

#2. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

– IMDb user rating: 9.3
– Votes: 1,706,463

Based on George R. R. Martin’s best-selling fantasy book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” “Game of Thrones” took the world by storm becoming a show that the nation watched together every Sunday night for nine years. Arguably one of the most iconic shows of this decade, “Game of Thrones” integrated strong visual effects, strong character development, and sophisticated writing to create cliffhangers that left viewers on the edge of their seats until the following week. With a whopping 160 nominations, the show won 47 Emmys total in its lifetime of airing.

#1. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

– IMDb user rating: 9.5
– Votes: 1,392,827

The best Emmy nominated show of all time is Vince Gilligan’s drama “Breaking Bad.” Following the story of high school-chemistry-teacher-turned-meth-dealer Walter White, “Breaking Bad” introduced viewers to the ultimate antihero of our time. Pushed into cooking meth by the financial burden of his inoperable lung cancer, the series juggles Walt’s unfortunate situation with the moral slippery slope that eventually destroys his life.

Movies where it was all a dream (or was it?)

Was it a dream? Was it a hallucination? Is anything in the world actually real? These are the fundamental questions that many filmmakers have tackled from the beginning of cinema to regale audiences with mind-bending twists and confounding tales.

The concept of “was it all a dream” is a common trope in films that can help characters learn crucial lessons, find hidden truths, unveil dark secrets, or simply find the meaning of life. Movies like “The Wizard of Oz,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “Inception” take audiences on wild rides in which guessing what is real is part of the fun and the mystery of the film.

While some movie critics deride the dream concept as a cop-out that allows a movie to get away with certain plot holes, audiences can never seem to get enough of them as everything from “The Matrix” to “La La Land” allows viewers to lose themselves in other worlds for a couple of hours.

To find a comprehensive list of movies that tackle the question of reality, Slumber Yard compiled IMDb data from June 30 on movies with dream twists or reality-altering endings and organized them chronologically.

The movies on the list are filled with all-time classics, littered with A-list actors, and filled with the best directors in movie history. Some of these movies have won major awards, such as “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie,” which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

If you’re into movies that delve into the subconscious and keep you guessing all the way until the end, you’re going to love this list. But be warned: This list is filled with spoilers and reveals all the secrets and twist endings. So, if you haven’t seen these movies, get streaming, and come back to see if your favorites make the list.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

– Directors: Victor Fleming (credited); George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, King Vidor (uncredited)
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 100
– Runtime: 102 minutes

Based on the L. Frank Baum book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” the movie adaptation is widely considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time. The story falls on Dorothy, played by Judy Garland, who is knocked unconscious during a tornado after running away from home. While knocked out, Dorothy dreams up the colorful world of Oz and ultimately learns the most valuable lesson of all: “There’s no place like home.”

Invaders From Mars (1953)

– Director: William Cameron Menzies
– IMDb user rating: 6.3
– Metascore: Data not available
– Runtime: 78 minutes

According to Paul Meehan, author of the book “Saucer Movies,” “Invaders From Mars” was the first film to show aliens in color. As for the plot, a young kid named David is awakened by a large UFO disappearing into a sandpit behind his house. When the military gets involved, it winds up blowing up the alien ship, which wakes David up from what was seemingly a dream. Feeling reassured, David attempts to go back to sleep, when he suddenly hears another noise and sees another UFO—for real this time?—disappearing into his sandpit once again.

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)

– Director: Luis Buñuel
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 93
– Runtime: 102 minutes

“The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1973 and has been confounding audiences with its interwoven dream sequences ever since. This French film focuses on a group of uppity friends who attempt to dine together but seemingly can never figure it out. Part of the film is about their outward outrage, but ultimately, it delves into the group’s inner insecurities through dream sequences that meld into one another in the most unexpected ways.

The Mirror (1975)

– Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: Data not available
– Runtime: 107 minutes

Some say it’s incomprehensible, while others call it a masterpiece. One thing’s for sure when it comes to Andrei Tarkovsky’s Russian film “The Mirror”—you can’t walk away without a strong opinion. The movie is a semi-biographical tale of Tarkovsky’s life that covers a time period before, during, and after World War II. The film has no chronology, though, and is unveiled through dream sequences, voice-overs, memories, and other unreliable narratives.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

– Director: Wes Craven
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Metascore: 76
– Runtime: 91 minutes

Wes Craven’s masterpiece “A Nightmare on Elm Street” frightened moviegoers to the core when it came out in 1984, and spawned eight additional films within the horror franchise. The movie is about a killer named Freddy Krueger who murders his victims within their dreams while they sleep. Ultimately, the film is about confronting fear as Freddy preys on the secret fears of his victims.

Wisdom (1986)

– Director: Emilio Estevez
– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– Metascore: 37
– Runtime: 109 minutes

Emilio Estevez was already becoming a movie star when he decided to try his hand at writing and directing a film, while also acting as the lead. In “Wisdom,” Estevez teams up with Demi Moore, and the two portray sort of modern-day Robin Hoods mixed with Bonnie and Clyde. As the cops begin to chase the duo down, Moore’s character is shot, and Estevez is surrounded. When he reaches for his gun, the cops shoot him, and it’s at that moment he wakes up and realizes it was all a dream.

Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

– Director: Adrian Lyne
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Metascore: 62
– Runtime: 113 minutes

In the Old Testament book of “Genesis,” Jacob’s Ladder is a stairway to heaven. In the movie “Jacob’s Ladder” starring Tim Robbins, the title is used as a metaphor for Robbins’ character letting go of his own demons. The movie is a brain-bending tale of a Vietnam War vet who was given an experimental drug and who can’t distinguish reality from his hallucinations and dreams. In the end, Jacob is able to die peacefully once he discovers the truth about the drug and what really happened to him in Vietnam.

Total Recall (1990)

– Director: Paul Verhoeven
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Metascore: 57
– Runtime: 113 minutes

The Arnold Schwarzenegger thriller “Total Recall” takes place in the not-too-distant future where humans have colonized Mars and fake memories can be implanted into their brains. When Douglas Quaid, played by Schwarzenegger, wants a trip to Mars implanted in his mind, it triggers a series of memories that reveal him to be an unwitting participant in a scheme to take over the red planet and kill the leader of a rebel group. Quaid ends up thwarting the bad guys, unleashing an endless supply of oxygen on Mars, and of course, getting the girl.

North (1994)

– Director: Rob Reiner
– IMDb user rating: 4.5
– Metascore: Data not available
– Runtime: 87 minutes

Not exactly well-received by critics, or by moviegoers—it was a box office bomb—“North” is about a kid who thinks his parents don’t appreciate him, so he sets off around the world to find new ones who will. North, played by Elijah Wood, emancipates himself with the help of a scheming lawyer who tries to kill North in the end for ruining his practice. Just as he’s about to be shot, North wakes up and realizes his adventure was all a dream; or was it? When North awakens and goes back to his parents, he finds a silver dollar in his pocket with a bullet hole in it. It’s the same silver dollar that he got while on his trip to Texas earlier in the movie.

Perfect Blue (1997)

– Director: Satoshi Kon
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: Data not available
– Runtime: 81 minutes

“Perfect Blue” is a beautifully animated psychological thriller that follows the main character Mima as she goes from innocent pop star to serious actress. With legions of fans, including stalkers who know way too much about her personal life, Mima begins to struggle with distinguishing real life from her on-set life as the two worlds intertwine and nearly get her killed. It’s revealed in the end that her manager Rumi was her real stalker and imitating her through an online diary. Rumi tries to kill Mima and ends up in a mental institution.

The Devil’s Advocate (1997)

– Director: Taylor Hackford
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Metascore: 60
– Runtime: 144 minutes

Starring Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino, “The Devil’s Advocate” is about a lawyer named Kevin Lomax, played by Reeves, who is recruited to work at a bigger law firm in New York by John Milton, played by Pacino. The movie begins with Lomax defending a child molester, and despite knowing his client is guilty, he still wins the case. When Lomax and his wife Mary, played by Charlize Theron, move to New York, strange things start to happen. Mary starts to go crazy as she sees demons everywhere, and it’s revealed that Milton is actually the devil and Lomax is his son. The climactic moment comes when Lomax has to choose to join his father or not, and instead kills himself. At that moment, he wakes up, staring at a mirror back at the original trial with the child molester. He then decides to recuse himself because he can no longer defend the man, knowing he’s guilty.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

– Director: Stanley Kubrick
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Metascore: 68
– Runtime: 159 minutes

Stanley Kubrick’s psycho-sexual thriller starring a then-married Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman is a morality tale that delves into the theme of infidelity. The movie is adapted from a 1926 novella titled “Dream Story” where Dr. Bill Hartford, played by Cruise, explores the underbelly of illicit sex hiding among the uber-wealthy amid secret societies. After Hartford has a brief encounter with a prostitute and crashes a masked orgy in a mansion, he comes clean to his wife about everything when he discovers the mask he wore at the orgy lying on his pillow.

American Psycho (2000)

– Director: Mary Harron
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 64
– Runtime: 101 minutes

Adapted from the Bret Easton Ellis book of the same name, “American Psycho,” starring Christian Bale, is a story about a yuppie 1980s serial killer. Patrick Bateman, played by Bale, eventually confesses to his crimes, but when he does, it’s revealed that one of his victims is alive and well, so he couldn’t have killed him. Bateman doesn’t know if he’s been hallucinating his murders or not and realizes he’s going to get away with everything.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

– Director: David Lynch
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Metascore: 85
– Runtime: 147 minutes

Known for his mind-bending narratives, David Lynch does not disappoint with the hard-to-comprehend “Mulholland Drive.” The movie follows the exploits of two women played by Naomi Watts and Laura Harring. The twisting tale—not unlike the actual Mulholland Drive itself—unravels when it’s found out that Betty, played by Watts, dreamt most of the movie and is a failed actress whose affair with Camilla, played by Harring, went awry. She ends up killing herself as she’s unable to shake her hallucinations.

Donnie Darko (2001)

– Director: Richard Kelly
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 88
– Runtime: 113 minutes

“Donnie Darko” follows Donnie, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, after he’s told by a giant, freakish rabbit that the world is going to end in 28 days. Throughout the movie, Donnie keeps seeing the rabbit, which leads him to discover secrets about different people around town. You don’t find out if Donnie is hallucinating or not until the end, when he wakes up in his bed on the same day he started seeing the rabbit. Suddenly, a jet engine crashes through his house and kills him, revealing everything was a dream, except for the déjà vu certain characters experience after seeing the engine crash through the house.

Waking Life (2001)

– Director: Richard Linklater
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Metascore: 82
– Runtime: 99 minutes

Any list of dreamlike movies would be incomplete without Richard Linklater’s “Waking Life,” which is an investigation into the world of dreams, lucid states, and even the meaning of life. The animated film follows a young man as he engages with seemingly random people on topics of metaphysics, the concept of time, and free will, among others. The young man comes to realize that he’s perpetually in a dream state, which is only interrupted by small awakenings. The film ultimately presses the questions: what is reality and what is the true nature of life?

Vanilla Sky (2001)

– Director: Cameron Crowe
– IMDb user rating: 6.9
– Metascore: 45
– Runtime: 136 minutes

David Aames, played by Tom Cruise, is drastically disfigured when he gets into a car accident with his jilted lover. Trying to repair his life and his face, Aames finds himself experiencing the world in strange ways with bizarre hallucinations. Aames comes to realize that he’s been placed in a dream state for well over 100 years since the accident and ultimately has a choice to stay in his dream world or come back to reality. He decides to come back to reality, but has to make a literal leap of faith off a building to wake up. We don’t know what is real and what is a dream until he’s told to open his eyes in the very last moment of the film.

Click (2006)

– Director: Frank Coraci
– IMDb user rating: 6.4
– Metascore: 45
– Runtime: 107 minutes

Starring Adam Sandler as Michael Newman, “Click” is about a dad who discovers a magical universal remote control that can change his miserable life. Soon enough, the powers of the remote begin to backfire, and Newman can no longer control his life the way he wanted and starts missing important milestones. Newman learns the ultimate lesson, that life is short, and you need to savor every moment. But after waking up and thinking it was all a dream, he sees the remote again, but this time throws it in the trash.

Repo Men (2010)

– Director: Miguel Sapochnik
– IMDb user rating: 6.3
– Metascore: 32
– Runtime: 111 minutes

Jude Law and Forest Whitaker play Remy and Jake, two men whose job it is to repossess artificial organs from people who can’t pay their debts. Getting squeamish about the job, Remy tries to quit, but then finds himself on the run from the repo men who are trying to get his own artificial heart back. In the end, you see that Remy is actually in a dream state, hooked up to a neural machine that places him in an artificial reality. His partner Jake is still in the real world, and ultimately saved Remy’s life after an accident that left him in a coma.

Inception (2010)

– Director: Christopher Nolan
– IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Metascore: 74
– Runtime: 148 minutes

“Inception” is about a thief who steals information from inside the heads of high-profile targets while they’re asleep. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Dominick Cobb, the story follows Cobb as he tries to do one last job that will clear his name and allow him to go home to his kids. Throughout the movie, Cobb uses a spinning top to help him know if he’s in a dream or in reality. If the top spins indefinitely, he’s still in a dream. As he gets deeper into dream states of his victim, Cobb doesn’t know if he ever fully reemerged. In the end, you see that he’s back with his children, and as he spins the top, you don’t find out if it topples over or not.

Life of Pi (2012)

– Director: Ang Lee
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 79
– Runtime: 127 minutes

Based on the award-winning book of the same name, “Life of Pi” is about a teenager who is stranded on a life raft with a tiger after a storm sinks the freighter on which he was a passenger. As the story unfolds, Pi tells an incredible tale of survival that includes crashing on an island with meerkats and acid tide pools. In the end, you find out that the tiger, and other animals stranded on the life raft, were really people: his mother was the orangutan, a sailor was the zebra, the ship’s chef was the hyena, and he was the tiger all along.

Enemy (2013)

– Director: Denis Villeneuve
– IMDb user rating: 6.9
– Metascore: 61
– Runtime: 91 minutes

A brilliant analysis of the subconscious, “Enemy,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Adam/Anthony, is about the duality of life and how people are able to hide their deepest, darkest secrets. The movie slowly unfolds as Adam discovers Anthony is identical to him. The two men become obsessed with one another, uncovering secrets and sleeping with each other’s wife and girlfriend. Anthony ultimately dies in a car crash, leaving Adam with Anthony’s wife, but also in a seeming loop of consciousness that plays out over and over again.

Swiss Army Man (2016)

– Directors: Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert
– IMDb user rating: 7
– Metascore: 64
– Runtime: 97 minutes

“Swiss Army Man” is about a person stranded on an island who encounters a corpse and finds that he can manipulate the body like a Swiss Army knife. The two men, Hank and Manny, played by Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe, form an odd bond as Hank teaches Manny how to live like a normal human after having been a corpse for so long. The film culminates when Manny brings Hank to the house of a woman whom Hank was stalking. When they arrive, Manny turns into a corpse again, Hank is arrested, and Manny ends up floating away in the ocean.

100 best documentaries of all time, according to critics

At their best, documentaries shine a light on captivating, important true stories that would often go unnoticed otherwise. By doing so, the filmmakers can help spark greater conversations about political, historical, and social phenomena after viewers have seen them.

To highlight the best of nonfiction filmmaking, Stacker set out to discover the 100 best documentaries ever released, according to film critics. In order to do so, the site compiled data on all feature-length documentaries with at least four critical reviews through the review aggregation website Metacritic. Stacker then ranked those 100 films according to their Metascores as of Jan. 25, 2021, with ties broken internally by Metacritic.

The earliest documentary films date back to the late 19th century, as the Lumière brothers created short films like “Workers Leaving the Lumière” and “The Gardener” to document things that were happening in the world around them. Documentaries now come in a variety of forms and tackle a number of important subjects, but they all use storytelling to give real-life events deeper meaning through artistry and research.

Nevertheless, there are common threads that can be found in many successful modern-day documentaries. Some, like Amir Bar-Lev’s “The Tillman Story” and Alexander Nanau’s “Collective,” work to uncover hidden scandals like a military cover-up and a dangerous Romanian health care fraud. Others, such as Spike Lee’s “David Byrne’s American Utopia” and Alan Elliott and Sydney Pollack’s “Amazing Grace,” are in-depth concert documentaries about major musical figures.

Documentary filmmaking can also help viewers and filmmakers alike process harrowing atrocities in human history. Some documentarian auteurs built careers out of doing just that. Claude Lanzmann provided an intimate look at how the Holocaust happened through his films “Shoah” and “Shoah: Four Sisters.” Meanwhile, Rithy Panh uncovered the Cambodian genocide and its aftermath through films like “Graves Without a Name.”

Keep reading to find the right documentary for your next movie night.

#100. The Tillman Story (2010)

– Director: Amir Bar-Lev
– Metascore: 86
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Runtime: 94 minutes

“The Tillman Story,” tells the true story of NFL player-turned-soldier Pat Tillman, who died in Afghanistan in 2004. Bar-Lev’s documentary follows his family’s discovery that the military lied and covered up the truth about how Tillman actually died. Rolling Stone critic Peter Travers wrote that “this documentary succeeds triumphantly on so many levels that its full impact doesn’t hit you until you have time to register its aftershocks…it will get under your skin.”

#99. Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounters (2012)

– Director: Ben Shapiro
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 78 minutes

This documentary centers on celebrated photographer Gregory Crewdson, who’s known for his haunting photos of small-town America. Variety’s Ronnie Scheib described the film as “a perfect canvas for Crewdson’s epic creations” and a “must-see for art lovers.”

#98. The Autobiography of Nicolae Ceausescu (2010)

– Director: Andrei Ujica
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Runtime: 180 minutes

Using over 1,000 hours of filmed Romanian propaganda, director Andrei Ujica uses “The Autobiography of Nicolae Ceausescu” to explore the public image of the country’s former dictator. The New York Times critic Manohla Dargis described the film as “a cinematic tour de force that tracks the rise, reign, and grim fall of its subject.”

#97. Grizzly Man (2005)

– Director: Werner Herzog
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Runtime: 103 minutes

In “Grizzly Man,” German director Werner Herzog uses late conservationist Timothy Treadwell’s personal footage to track the man’s life with wild Alaskan grizzly bears. The film also tells the story of how one of the bears ultimately turned on Treadwell and his girlfriend, Amie Huguenard, resulting in their deaths. Critic Roger Ebert noted that “the documentary is an uncommon meeting between Treadwell’s loony idealism and Herzog’s bleak worldview.”

#96. Bisbee ’17 (2018)

– Director: Robert Greene
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 6.7
– Runtime: 112 minutes

Robert Greene’s “Bisbee ’17” is part-documentary, part-historical fiction. It examines the 1917 Bisbee Deportation, in which 1,200 immigrant workers were violently deported from Bisbee, Arizona, by featuring both re-enactments and interviews with Bisbee citizens 100 years later.

#95. Rewind (2019)

– Director: Sasha Joseph Neulinger
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Runtime: 86 minutes

In “Rewind,” documentary filmmaker Sasha Joseph Neulinger works through his childhood sexual abuse by going back through his old home videos. Variety critic Owen Gleiberman gave it a positive review, noting that “watching the movie is like staring at a blurred image of the past that gradually, over 86 minutes, comes into terrifying focus.”

#94. Life Itself (2014)

– Director: Steve James
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Runtime: 121 minutes

“Life Itself” examines the life and work of acclaimed film critic Roger Ebert, looking at the final months of his life and his rivalry with fellow journalist Gene Siskel. It won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Editing: Documentary & Long-Form, and was named for Ebert’s 2011 memoir of the same name.

#93. Murderball (2005)

– Directors: Henry Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Runtime: 88 minutes

In “Murderball,” the quadriplegic U.S. rugby team describes the impact that the sport has had on their lives while gearing up to play against the Canadian team at the 2004 Paralympic Games. It was later nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2006 Oscars.

#92. Tarnation (2003)

– Director: Jonathan Caouette
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.1
– Runtime: 88 minutes

Through “Tarnation,” director Jonathan Caouette uses multimedia like VHS tapes and answering machine messages to work through his relationship with his schizophrenic mother. Memorably, he made it on an iPhone, with an ultra-low budget of under $250.

#91. Particle Fever (2013)

– Director: Mark Levinson
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 99 minutes

“Particle Fever” follows a team of physicists as they attempt to figure out the origins of the universe by recreating the big bang. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews, as the Rotten Tomatoes consensus noted that while “the concepts behind its heady subject matter may fly over the heads of most viewers […] ‘Particle Fever’ presents it in such a way that even the least science-inclined viewers will find themselves enraptured.”

#90. The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara (2003)

– Director: Errol Morris
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Runtime: 107 minutes

“The Fog of War” centers on controversial former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara’s work and thoughts on the ideology surrounding warfare. It won the Best Documentary Feature Oscar at the 2004 Academy Awards, and was named after the military idea of “the fog of war.”

#89. Gideon’s Army (2013)

– Director: Dawn Porter
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Runtime: 96 minutes

“Gideon’s Army” follows three Southern public defenders who dedicate their lives and careers to serving people who cannot afford lawyers otherwise. New York Times critic Stephen Holden noted that it was a “bare” documentary approach, and Dawn Porter’s documentary won the Candescent Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

#88. Listen to Me Marlon (2015)

– Director: Stevan Riley
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 103 minutes

“Listen to Me Marlon” allows famous actor Marlon Brando to reflect on his life and work in his own words, using hours of audiotape recordings. Vulture critic David Edelstein named it one of the “most searching” and best documentaries made about any actor, and it was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.

#87. My Journey Through French Cinema (2016)

– Director: Bertrand Tavernier
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Runtime: 201 minutes

“My Journey Through French Cinema” looks back at some of the country’s notable auteurs, from Jean-Luc Godard to Edmond T. Gréville. Its filmmaker, Bertrand Tavernier, is regarded as one of the most respected directors in the French film world.

#86. Portrait of Jason (1967)

– Director: Shirley Clarke
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Runtime: 105 minutes

This groundbreaking documentary was filmed over 12 hours, as Shirley Clarke spoke with aspiring cabaret dancer and Black gay sex worker Jason Holliday. While some have argued that it’s exploitative, it provided key insights into Black LGBTQ+ life in the 1960s.

#85. Jane (2017)

– Director: Brett Morgen
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Runtime: 90 minutes

Using more than 100 hours of National Geographic archival footage, “Jane” explores the life and work of famous primatologist Jane Goodall. “It’s most evocative as a memorable portrait of a woman […] Who, in doing so, helped make the world a better place,” wrote Seattle Times critic Moira Macdonald.

#84. Level Five (1997)

– Director: Chris Marker
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.1
– Runtime: 106 minutes

In the French documentary “Level Five,” actress Catherine Belkhodja is the only human featured in an otherwise total virtual reality. The movie was meant to hypothesize the primarily digital world that has become a reality in 2021 in many ways.

#83. F for Fake (1973)

– Directors: Orson Welles, Gary Graver, Oja Kodar, François Reichenbach
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Runtime: 89 minutes

In Orson Welles’ 1973 docudrama “F for Fake,” Elmyr de Hory looks back on his work as an infamous art forger. Incorporating Welles playing himself, the director felt he was creating “a new kind of film.“

#82. Fire at Sea (2016)

– Director: Gianfranco Rosi
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 6.8
– Runtime: 114 minutes

“Fire At Sea” explores how Italy’s island of Lampedusa became an important location for European migrants fleeing in search of a better life. Meryl Streep called it “a daring hybrid of captured footage and deliberate storytelling that allows us to consider what documentary can do.”

#81. Stray (2021)

– Director: Elizabeth Lo
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.1
– Runtime: 72 minutes

“Stray” follows stray dogs on the streets of Istanbul, Turkey, as they fight to survive and form close bonds with nearby humans. Specifically, it centers on three dogs: Zeytin, Nazar, and a puppy named Kartal.

#80. To Be and To Have (2002)

– Director: Nicolas Philibert
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Runtime: 104 minutes

“To Be and To Have” spotlights the work of rural French school teacher Georges Lopez, who teaches 12 kids ranging in age from 4 to 11. The movie was celebrated by critics for its focus on the impact a tireless, dedicated educator can have on young minds.

#79. The Farthest (2017)

– Director: Emer Reynolds
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Runtime: 121 minutes

This Irish documentary revolves around the creation of the Voyager program, which resulted in the probe Voyager 1 becoming the first human creation to ever bypass our Solar System. Los Angeles Times writer Noel Murray praised director Emer Reynolds for “weaving together insightful and unexpectedly poetic interviews.”

#78. Of Men and War (2014)

– Director: Laurent Bécue-Renard
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.0
– Runtime: 142 minutes

This documentary takes place at a now-closed veteran treatment facility called “Of Men and War.” There, it features interviews with several Iraq and Afghan war veterans, shedding light on the trauma that these people often face in the aftermath.

#77. The Missing Picture (2013)

– Director: Rithy Panh
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 92 minutes

The Cambodian documentary “The Missing Picture” recounts the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge regime. Director Rithy Panh lived through the regime when he was a young teenager, and recreates major events using clay figurines and archival footage.

#76. Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan (2016)

– Directors: Linda Saffire, Adam Schlesinger
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 7.1
– Runtime: 90 minutes

This documentary follows renowned ballerina Wendy Whelan, who was a longtime principal dancer in the New York City Ballet. As she confronts the reality of aging, the film raises questions about the physical limitations and constantly changing relationship to art that many dancers face.

#75. Newtown (2016)

– Director: Kim A. Snyder
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 6.8
– Runtime: 85 minutes

“Newtown” shines a light on the town of Newtown, Connecticut, who suffered a mass shooting resulting in the deaths of several teachers and elementary school children in 2012. Vulture’s Bilge Ebiri gave the documentary a positive review, noting that “it is as much about the complex, dull horror of memory as it is about the brute, sharp horror of that day.”

#74. Jane Fonda in Five Acts (2018)

– Director: Susan Lacy
– Metascore: 87
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Runtime: 133 minutes

Susan Lacy’s documentary dives deep into the public highs and lows of beloved actor Jane Fonda. It tackles many elements of her life and career, from her marriage to a billionaire to her anti-war activism.

#73. Everything Is Copy (2015)

– Directors: Jacob Bernstein, Nick Hooker
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 89 minutes

“Everything Is Copy” is a documentary tribute to renowned writer and filmmaker Nora Ephron. It features interviews with many of her well-known frequent collaborators, such as Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

#72. Apollo 11 (2019)

– Director: Todd Douglas Miller
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 93 minutes

“Apollo 11” didn’t receive widely positive critical reviews, with The New Yorker’s Richard Brody arguing it’s remarkable that the movie manages to be dull in spite of its historic subject matter. Nevertheless, Todd Douglas Miller’s documentary about the well-known space mission includes exclusive footage from the event.

#71. 45365 (2009)

– Directors: Bill Ross IV, Turner Ross
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 7.1
– Runtime: 90 minutes

“45365” is named for the zip code of the small town of Sidney, Ohio, where this documentary takes place. The filmmaking brother duo uses it to shine a light on the everyday lives and dreams of Middle Americans, providing a portrait of life in the late 2000s.

#70. Shirkers (2018)

– Director: Sandi Tan
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 97 minutes

“Shirkers” tells the story of Singaporean filmmaker Sandi Tan’s lost first film, which was hijacked and stolen by her older American mentor. Tan’s honest examination of loss and creativity won the World Cinema Documentary Directing Award after premiering at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.

#69. Inside Job (2010)

– Director: Charles Ferguson
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 109 minutes

“Inside Job” examines the factors that led to the 2008 financial crash and plunged the United States into a serious economic recession. It went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2011 ceremony.

#68. Citizenfour (2014)

– Director: Laura Poitras
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Runtime: 114 minutes

“Citizenfour” examines what happened when Edward Snowden released classified documents to director Laura Poitras and journalist Glenn Greenwald, resulting in a whistleblower scandal. The Guardian writer Peter Bradshaw noted that Poitras’ documentary was “as gripping as any thriller,” and like “a [Michael] Moore film with the gags and stunts removed.”

#67. A Film Unfinished (2010)

– Director: Yael Hersonski
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 88 minutes

In “A Film Unfinished,” director Yael Hersonski contextualizes a recently discovered film reel from an unfinished Nazi film called “Das Ghetto.” Using interviews with surviving cameramen, he shines a light on a dark propaganda machine filmed amid the Holocaust’s greatest atrocities.

#66. Quest (2017)

– Director: Jonathan Olshefski
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 7.0
– Runtime: 104 minutes

“Quest” centers on the ups and downs of the Raineys, a Black family raising their daughter in Philadelphia. The documentary takes place over eight years, utilizing moments from over 300 hours of footage.

#65. In Transit (2015)

– Directors: Albert Maysles, Lynn True, David Usui, Nelson Walker III, Ben Wu
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 7.3
– Runtime: 76 minutes

“In Transit” gives a rare voice to the everyday passengers and employees on the Empire Builder Amtrak train. Because the movie’s financier Al Jazeera America shuttered in 2016, the film was not distributed for some time.

#64. City Hall (2020)

– Director: Frederick Wiseman
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 7.3
– Runtime: 272 minutes

Documentarian Frederick Wiseman’s picture of the Boston city government’s inner workings is on the longer side, clocking in at 4.5 hours. In reviewing the film, Austin Chronicle critic Josh Kupecki noted, “While the phrase ‘required viewing’ gets thrown around a lot, I cannot think of another film that plainly and comprehensively lays bare both the complex apparatus at work, and the people dedicated to serving its populace.”

#63. Crime + Punishment (2018)

– Director: Stephen T. Maing
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 112 minutes

“Crime and Punishment” details how a number of Black and Latinx NYPD police officers attempted to expose the police department’s systemic wrongdoings. The Guardian writer Jake Nevins lauded it as a “shocking” film taking aim at a corrupt American institution.

#62. 4 Little Girls (1997)

– Director: Spike Lee
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Runtime: 102 minutes

Spike Lee’s “4 Little Girls” focuses on the 1963 Alabama church bombing that killed four young Black girls. It was nominated for Best Documentary at the 1998 Academy Awards.

#61. Democrats (2014)

– Director: Camilla Nielsson
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 100 minutes

Camilla Nielsson’s “Democrats” documents the tenuous political situation in modern Zimbabwe, where a new constitution is being put together in the face of personal political interests threatening to weigh it down. Variety’s Guy Lodge said that “even the slyest political satire couldn’t outdo this riveting docu study of Zimbabwe’s troubled coalition government.”

#60. The Arbor (2010)

– Director: Clio Barnard
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 7.3
– Runtime: 94 minutes

“The Arbor” chronicles acclaimed Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar’s difficult early years living in the U.K. The film uses a blend of fictional recreations (including direct quotes from Dunbar’s real life) and nonfictional accounts.

#59. The Last Waltz (1978)

– Director: Martin Scorsese
– Metascore: 88
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 117 minutes

This Martin Scorsese documentary follows the iconic rock group The Band’s final concert together, reflecting on their legacy. While it’s been praised as one of the best concert movies out there, it has faced a degree of criticism for largely leaving out musician Robbie Robertson.

#58. Dick Johnson Is Dead (2020)

– Director: Kirsten Johnson
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Runtime: 89 minutes

Director Kirsten Johnson made this film as a way to help process her father’s impending death by dementia. In the documentary, she stages different ways in which he could die, and Washington Post critic Ann Hornaday gave it a positive review for making “a dread-filled fantasy that brims with love, humor, and of all things, life.”

#57. Dead Souls (2018)

– Director: Wang Bing
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Runtime: 495 minutes

“Dead Souls” features intimate interviews with over 100 survivors of China’s labor detention camps. As Wang Bing notes, these camps have a long-spanning history, as they were established in the 1950s.

#56. The Winding Stream (2014)

– Director: Beth Harrington
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Runtime: 90 minutes

“The Winding Stream” takes a close look at the Carters, an endlessly influential family within the world of American country music. It’s particularly notable given that it features an exclusive interview with an older Johnny Cash, which was conducted right before his death.

#55. Stop Making Sense (1984)

– Director: Jonathan Demme
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Runtime: 88 minutes

The concert documentary “Stop Making Sense” revolves around the iconic band the Talking Heads, particularly their lead singer, David Byrne. A spiritual sequel about Byrne’s Broadway show titled “American Utopia” premiered on HBO in 2020.

#54. Western (2015)

– Directors: Bill Ross IV, Turner Ross
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– Runtime: 92 minutes

“Western” centers on border politics and increasing cartel violence threatening the peaceful relationship between the border towns of Piedras Negras, Mexico, and Eagle Pass, Texas. Variety writer Scott Foundas called it an “elegiac portrait of modern frontier life.”

#53. No End in Sight (2007)

– Director: Charles Ferguson
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 102 minutes

“No End in Sight” offers a scathing look at the American invasion of Iraq, and why the Bush administration insisted on unnecessarily perpetuating the war. It received a nomination for Best Documentary Feature at the 2008 Academy Awards.

#52. National Gallery (2014)

– Director: Frederick Wiseman
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 7.3
– Runtime: 180 minutes

“National Gallery” offers an in-depth glimpse of the many art pieces within London’s National Gallery. The Washington Post critic Stephanie Merry called it “remarkably engaging” and “bursting with beauty.”

#51. Uncertain (2015)

– Directors: Ewan McNicol, Anna Sandilands
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Runtime: 82 minutes

In the rural Texas town of Uncertain (which is spotlighted in “Uncertain”), elderly fisherman Henry’s livelihood is thrown into jeopardy when a parasitic infestation takes over the local lake. The Museum of Modern Art’s official description for the film calls it “an exemplary portrait of three generations of men processing personal and political trauma with the scarcest of resources.”

#50. When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006)

– Director: Spike Lee
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Runtime: 255 minutes

This documentary by renowned filmmaker Spike Lee dives deep into the American government’s handling of the cataclysmic disaster that was Hurricane Katrina. Lee features interviews with many New Orleans residents impacted by the hurricane and allows them to explain how the city has rebuilt itself since.

#49. For Sama (2019)

– Directors: Waad Al-Kateab, Edward Watts
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Runtime: 100 minutes

This film follows a Syrian woman named Waad Al-Kateab as she recounts five years of living through the war in Aleppo, Syria. The movie was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2020 Academy Awards.

#48. Man on Wire (2008)

– Director: James Marsh
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Runtime: 94 minutes

“Man on Wire” explains the famous 1974 event in which tightrope artist Philippe Petit walked on a high wire in between New York City’s Twin Towers. It was later turned into a 2015 feature-length movie starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

#47. Scheme Birds (2019)

– Directors: Ellen Fiske, Ellinor Hallin
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Runtime: 90 minutes

“Scheme Birds” centers on pregnant Scottish teenager Gemma, who runs into trouble in the fading town of Jerviston. In the Tribeca Film Festival’s synopsis for the film, Julie Rozite describes it as an “absorbing story of survival.”

#46. 63 Up (2019)

– Director: Michael Apted
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 145 minutes

In “63 Up,” documentarian Michael Apted once again follows up with several British people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds after seven years. NPR critic Ella Taylor commented on the “fundamental decency of just about every participant in this long cultural experiment.”

#45. The Overnighters (2014)

– Director: Jesse Moss
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 102 minutes

“The Overnighters” highlights North Dakota pastor Jay Reinke, who became a controversial figure in the town of Williston after providing housing for many homeless people. Indiewire’s Katie Walsh called it a “starkly bleak and devastatingly humane” film.

#44. The River and the Wall (2019)

– Director: Ben Masters
– Metascore: 89
– IMDb user rating: 6.1
– Runtime: 97 minutes

“The River and the Wall” follows five friends as they travel from El Paso to the Gulf of Mexico, hoping to expose the American-Mexican border wall’s negative impacts on the environment. The New York Times critic Jeannette Catsoulis wrote that it was a “passionate and spectacularly photographed political message.”

#43. Minding the Gap (2018)

– Director: Bing Liu
– Metascore: 90
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Runtime: 93 minutes

“Minding the Gap” centers on three young men in a Rust Belt Illinois town who use skateboarding as an escape from abusive homes and systemic prejudice, as they ponder their futures. New Yorker critic Richard Brody wrote that the film’s “near-at-hand intimacy gives rise to a film of vast scope and political depth.”

#42. Capturing the Friedmans (2003)

– Director: Andrew Jarecki
– Metascore: 90
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Runtime: 107 minutes

In “Capturing the Friedmans,” Andrew Jarecki explores the trial of two men from the same family who were convicted of child sexual abuse in the 1980s. Although it was nominated for an Oscar in 2004, some of the subjects’ family members protested the nomination.

#41. Big Men (2013)

– Director: Rachel Boynton
– Metascore: 90
– IMDb user rating: 7.1
– Runtime: 99 minutes

This Rachel Boynton film shines a light on corruption within Africa’s oil industry. The movie drew acclaim for its nuance from New York Times’ critic Jeannette Catsoulis, and for being a “cool and incisive snapshot of global capitalism at work.”

#40. This Is Not a Film (2011)

– Directors: Mojtaba Mirtahmasb, Jafar Panahi
– Metascore: 90
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 75 minutes

Iranian documentarian Jafar Panahi made “This Is Not a Film” about modern life in Iran in response to the government threatening him. The movie was smuggled to the Cannes Film Festival using a flash drive hidden in a birthday cake.

#39. My Perestroika (2010)

– Director: Robin Hessman
– Metascore: 90
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Runtime: 88 minutes

“My Perestroika” tracks the series of events that led to the USSR’s collapse in 1991. Robin Hessman examines the fallout by interviewing five Russians who were there about how their perception of their national identity has changed.

#38. My Voyage to Italy (1999)

– Director: Martin Scorsese
– Metascore: 90
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 246 minutes

“My Voyage to Italy” recounts acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese’s upbringing in New York City. He also lists his own film influences, noting Roberto Rossellini’s work in particular.

#37. Gunda (2020)

– Director: Viktor Kossakovsky
– Metascore: 90
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Runtime: 93 minutes

“Gunda” follows a day in the life of a pig and its fellow farm animals: a one-legged chicken and two cows. Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix serves as an executive producer on this documentary.

#36. I Called Him Morgan (2016)

– Director: Kasper Collin
– Metascore: 90
– IMDb user rating: 7.3
– Runtime: 92 minutes

“I Called Him Morgan” chronicles the relationship between jazz musician Lee Morgan and his wife Helen, who was implicated in his 1972 murder. The Guardian writer Jordan Hoffman praised it, calling the film “spellbinding, mercurial, hallucinatory, exuberant, tragic.”

#35. The Girls in the Band (2011)

– Director: Judy Chaikin
– Metascore: 90
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 81 minutes

“The Girls in the Band” spotlights often-forgotten all-women bands who toured America in the 1930s and 1940s. Jeannette Catsoulis, critic for The New York Times, praised Judy Chaikin’s documentary for including “humor, determination, and raw talent,” while still investigating the music industry sexism that let these women’s reputations be largely buried in history.

#34. The Gatekeepers (2012)

– Director: Dror Moreh
– Metascore: 91
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Runtime: 101 minutes

“The Gatekeepers” interviews six members of Shin Bet, Israel’s central intelligence agency. The interviewees speak about the agency’s handling of the Six-Day War, although some Israeli citizens weren’t happy with its generally positive depiction of the organization.

#33. Nostalgia for the Light (2010)

– Director: Patricio Guzmán
– Metascore: 91
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Runtime: 90 minutes

“Nostalgia for the Light” is set in Chile’s Atacama Desert. It follows a group of astronomers, as well as a team of archaeologists searching for ancient civilization relics.

#32. Over the Limit (2017)

– Director: Marta Prus
– Metascore: 91
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 74 minutes

“Over the Limit” follows Russian gymnast Margarita Mamun as she prepares to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games. Variety writer Guy Lodge compared it to Darren Aronofsky’s ballet psychodrama “Black Swan.”

#31. Ex Libris: The New York Public Library (2017)

– Director: Frederick Wiseman
– Metascore: 91
– IMDb user rating: 7.4
– Runtime: 197 minutes

“Ex Libris: New York Public Library” provides an in-depth look at the various branches and inner workings of the New York Public Library. The documentary also looks at how the library functions as an equalizer by providing accessible books and education to all.

#30. They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

– Director: Peter Jackson
– Metascore: 91
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Runtime: 99 minutes

Although Peter Jackson is arguably best known for directing the “Lord of the Rings” films, he also was nominated for a BAFTA Award for helming this documentary about World War I. “They Shall Not Grow Old” uses archival footage from the Imperial War Museum to tell the story of what it was like for World War I soldiers fighting in the trenches.

#29. The Act of Killing (2012)

– Directors: Joshua Oppenheimer, Anonymous, Christine Cynn
– Metascore: 91
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 117 minutes

“The Act of Killing” details the mass killings of exposed Indonesian communists. Because of its sensitive nature, one of the directors is an anonymous Indonesian filmmaker.

#28. Stories We Tell (2012)

– Director: Sarah Polley
– Metascore: 91
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Runtime: 108 minutes

This Sarah Polley documentary dives deep into her family’s complicated personal history, such as the fact that she was born out of an extramarital affair. The film is composed using Super 8 footage meant to look like home movies, as well as interviews with close friends and family members.

#27. Graves Without a Name (2018)

– Director: Rithy Panh
– Metascore: 91
– IMDb user rating: 6.5
– Runtime: 115 minutes

With “Graves Without a Name,” filmmaker Rithy Panh continues his journey of documenting the aftermath of the Cambodian genocide through documentary footage. In this follow-up to his film “The Missing Picture,” he follows a young boy who attempts to search for his family’s graves after losing them in the Cambodian Civil War.

#26. Time (2020)

– Director: Garrett Bradley
– Metascore: 91
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Runtime: 81 minutes

This Garrett Bradley documentary follows matriarch Fox Rich, who fights for prison abolition while working to free her incarcerated husband, who was sentenced to 60 years. Utilizing home video footage from two decades, “Time” looks at the impact American mass incarceration disproportionately has on families of color.

#25. Mr. Soul! (2018)

– Directors: Melissa Haizlip, Sam Pollard
– Metascore: 91
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 104 minutes

“Mr. Soul!” tells the story of Ellis Haizlip, who hosted the TV show of the same name from 1968 to 1973. The documentary explores how it was an early series aimed at a Black audience, and won the 2020 Critic’s Choice Documentary Award for Best First Documentary Feature.

#24. Tower (2016)

– Director: Keith Maitland
– Metascore: 92
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Runtime: 82 minutes

“Tower” recounts a 1966 mass shooting at the University of Texas at Austin, in which a gunman opened fire from the main campus tower, and ultimately killed 16 people. It features interviews with survivors and recreates their accounts of what happened using animation.

#23. The Look of Silence (2014)

– Director: Joshua Oppenheimer
– Metascore: 92
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Runtime: 103 minutes

“The Look of Silence” spotlights Indonesian optometrist Ali, who confronts the men who killed his brother during a series of mass killings in the 1960s. It’s regarded as a companion film to the documentary “The Act of Killing,” and was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars.

#22. A Man Vanishes (1967)

– Director: Shôhei Imamura
– Metascore: 92
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Runtime: 130 minutes

This Japanese documentary tells the story of a businessman who suddenly disappears without a trace. The New York Times writer Manohla Dargis praised the documentary, calling its filmmaking “wildly startling.”

#21. Let It Fall: L.A. 1982-1992 (2017)

– Director: John Ridley
– Metascore: 92
– IMDb user rating: 7.8
– Runtime: 144 minutes

“Let It Fall” tracks the racial tension in Los Angeles that culminated in the 1992 race riots. Vogue’s Julia Felsenthal noted that “‘Let It Fall,’ in the broadest sense, is about memory: what we remember, how we remember it, and how the collective accretion of individual memories can illuminate the complexity of history in a way that official institutional memory cannot.”

#20. Out of the Clear Blue Sky (2012)

– Director: Danielle Gardner
– Metascore: 92
– IMDb user rating: 6.7
– Runtime: 107 minutes

“Out of the Clear Blue Sky” examines the devastating impact that 9/11 had on the firm Cantor Fitzgerald, a company that lost hundreds of employees killed during the terrorist attacks. In his review of the film, Slate Magazine critic Rob Humanick wrote, “Danielle Gardner’s work also suggests how Americans might yet unify even as the world around them threatens to tear itself apart.”

#19. One More Time With Feeling (2016)

– Director: Andrew Dominik
– Metascore: 92
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Runtime: 113 minutes

“One More Time With Feeling” follows Nick Cave after he records an album following the death of his 15-year-old son. The movie was shot in 10 days, utilizing a crew of over seven people.

#18. Crumb (1994)

– Director: Terry Zwigoff
– Metascore: 93
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Runtime: 119 minutes

Terry Zwigoff uses “Crumb” to provide an intimate look at his famous and controversial cartoonist friend Robert Crumb’s complicated family life. San Francisco Examiner critic Jeffery M. Anderson later called it “the greatest documentary ever made” in 2012.

#17. Brother’s Keeper (1992)

– Directors: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky
– Metascore: 93
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Runtime: 104 minutes

“Brother’s Keeper” details a 1990 murder case in which a young upstate New York man named Delbert Ward is accused of murdering his brother William. The documentary also looks at how the media clash with the inhabitants of the brothers’ small town.

#16. The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)

– Director: Penelope Spheeris
– Metascore: 93
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Runtime: 100 minutes

This Penelope Spheeris documentary examines the ’70s Los Angeles punk scene, including bands like X, Catholic Discipline, and Black Flag. Although the film received critical acclaim, the Los Angeles chief of police wrote a letter demanding it not be shown in the city again upon its release.

#15. Sherpa (2015)

– Director: Jennifer Peedom
– Metascore: 93
– IMDb user rating: 7.7
– Runtime: 96 minutes

“Sherpa” recounts a deadly 2014 Mount Everest avalanche from the perspectives of sherpas who lived through it. In his review, Empire critic Patrick Peters wrote, “This is a spectacular, intimate, and politically provocative exposé of the dangers, racial tensions, and harsh economic realities on the world’s highest mountain.”

#14. Shoah: Four Sisters (2018)

– Director: Claude Lanzmann
– Metascore: 93
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 273 minutes

“Shoah: Four Sisters” features interviews conducted in the 1970s with four female Holocaust survivors. The movie is made up of footage from Claude Lanzmann’s previous “Shoah” documentary and debuted on TV as a four-part series.

#13. David Byrne’s American Utopia (2020)

– Director: Spike Lee
– Metascore: 93
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Runtime: 105 minutes

Acclaimed director Spike Lee helmed this recording of longtime Talking Heads frontman David Byrne’s Broadway show of the same name. The A.V. Club’s writer Erik Adams praised the movie, writing, “The key to [the film’s] resonance isn’t so much one of joy versus despair as it is connection versus isolation.”

#12. Faces Places (2017)

– Directors: JR, Agnès Varda
– Metascore: 94
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Runtime: 94 minutes

“Faces Places” centers on the unlikely friendship between directors JR and Agnés Varda, who reflect upon life and art as they travel France together. It was the last movie that Varda released during her lifetime, and Film Comment critic Amy Taubin referred to it as “an exploration of the arts in the face of mortality.”

#11. First Cousin Once Removed (2012)

– Director: Alan Berliner
– Metascore: 94
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Runtime: 78 minutes

“First Cousin Once Removed” tells the story of poet and university professor Edwin Honig’s life, career, and struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. The title comes from the fact that Honig and director Alan Berliner are first cousins once removed.

#10. We Were Here (2011)

– Directors: David Weissman, Bill Weber
– Metascore: 94
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Runtime: 90 minutes

Filmmaker David Weissman moved to San Francisco in 1976, just as Harvey Milk was elected as the city’s openly gay mayor. He later worked on “We Were Here,” which memorializes gay San Franciscans who lost their lives throughout the AIDS epidemic.

#9. Amazing Grace (2018)

– Directors: Alan Elliott, Sydney Pollack
– Metascore: 94
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Runtime: 89 minutes

This concert documentary follows legendary singer Aretha Franklin as she performs in Los Angeles in 1972. While the movie was first planned back in the 1970s, it was only released in the late 2010s because of technical troubles syncing audio and visuals.

#8. Collective (2019)

– Director: Alexander Nanau
– Metascore: 95
– IMDb user rating: 8.4
– Runtime: 109 minutes

“Collective” centers on Romanian journalists from the newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor as they expose a secret health care fraud behind a 2015 Bucharest nightclub fire that killed numerous people. Variety critic Jay Weissberg praised it as “a documentary for our times, deserving of widespread exposure.”

#7. Woodstock (1970)

– Director: Michael Wadleigh
– Metascore: 95
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 184 minutes

“Woodstock” dives deep into the history of the iconic 1969 music festival of the same name, which attracted half a million people. In 1996, Entertainment Weekly called it one of the most entertaining documentaries in history, as well as a “benchmark” of concert films.

#6. I Am Not Your Negro (2016)

– Director: Raoul Peck
– Metascore: 95
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Runtime: 93 minutes

Raoul Peck’s documentary explores the history of systemic anti-Blackness in America by using passages from James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, “Remember This House.” Samuel L. Jackson narrated the film, which also spotlights Baldwin’s friendships with civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

#5. Virunga (2014)

– Director: Orlando von Einsiedel
– Metascore: 95
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Runtime: 100 minutes

“Virunga” follows a team of park rangers in the Congo Virunga National Park, who work to protect endangered mountain gorillas from poachers. It was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2015 Academy Awards.

#4. King In The Wilderness (2018)

– Director: Peter W. Kunhardt
– Metascore: 97
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Runtime: 111 minutes

“King In the Wilderness” explores the work and interiority of Martin Luther King Jr. during the final 18 months of his life. The Hollywood Reporter critic Owen Gleiberman described it as “a searing portrait” that “captures the Civil Rights leader in a purgatory of anxiety and conflict.”

#3. Hoop Dreams (1994)

– Director: Steve James
– Metascore: 98
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Runtime: 170 minutes

“Hoop Dreams” follows two inner-city Chicago boys who work to become college basketball players by playing at a predominantly white high school known for its basketball program. It was originally meant to be a 30-minute short film but resulted in over 250 hours of footage.

#2. Shoah (1985)

– Director: Claude Lanzmann
– Metascore: 99
– IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Runtime: 566 minutes

The harrowing 9.5-hour documentary “Shoah” recounts the atrocities of the Holocaust, as told by witnesses, survivors, and perpetrators. The movie received plenty of critical acclaims, winning Best Documentary at the BAFTA Awards and the New York Film Critics Circle Awards.

#1. Best Kept Secret (2013)

– Director: Samantha Buck
– Metascore: 100
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Runtime: 85 minutes

Because many educational documentaries disproportionately focus on white, middle- to upper-class kids, it’s refreshing to see the lives of special needs children and children of color spotlighted in “Best Kept Secret.” The documentary centers on a special needs student teacher, who works with her students in the 18 months before graduation.

25 best Western films of all time, according to critics

For decades, the most popular movie genre in America was the Western. Audiences loved gun-slinging sheriffs, dashing outlaws, thundering cattle drives, horseback pursuits, and majestic landscapes. That love ran so deep that more Westerns were produced in the 1950s than all other genres combined. And while the Western has attracted substantially smaller crowds in the decades since, it continues to hold a persistent appeal.

Early Westerns set the standard with cowboys played by the likes of Gary Cooper and John Wayne before spaghetti Westerns—products of the Italian film industry in the ’60s and ’70s—came along and demythologized the conventions and traditions canonized by those first iterations. More modern Westerns subvert the genre standards even more in that they tend to be more romantic and thoughtful; think “Hell or High Water” and “First Cow.”

In 2025, Ari Aster gave Western fans an entirely new take on the genre with “Eddington,” which hit theaters on July 18 and immediately divided critics over the way it blended classic genre tropes with the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the 1880s-set “Long Shadows,” released Sept. 26, aims to prove that more traditional Westerns are still viable today.

In celebration of the genre and all that it’s offered audiences over the years, Stacker compiled the 25 best Western films of all time using data from Metacritic, which rates films based on reviews from respected critics. To qualify, the film had to have at least seven reviews from Metacritic-approved publications. Ties are broken internally at Metacritic, and data was collected in July 2024. Whether you’re a longtime movie fan checking in on your favorites or new to the genre, there are films on this list for you.

#25. Meek’s Cutoff (2010)

– Director: Kelly Reichardt
– Metascore: 85
– Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes

This Western survival film follows a group of settlers traveling across an Oregon desert. It becomes apparent that their guide is lost. The ensemble cast includes Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, Shirley Henderson, and Neal Huff.

#24. Unforgiven (1992)

– Director: Clint Eastwood
– Metascore: 85
– Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes

Clint Eastwood directed, produced, and starred in this highly lauded Western. Eastwood plays William Munny, a retired bandit who takes on one final job in hopes of putting the money toward his failing hog farm. It won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Film Editing.

#23. Shane (1953)

– Director: George Stevens
– Metascore: 85
– Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes

In his book “The Life and Times of the Western Movie,” author Jay Hyams writes that “Shane” “marks the beginning of graphic violence in Westerns.” There’s definitely a good amount of gunfighting in the film, given that it tells the story of a wandering ex-gunslinger who joins a community of homesteaders intent on defending their land from a greedy cattle baron. But modern audiences shouldn’t be too worried—compared to more recent Westerns like “The Power of the Dog,” the violence is nothing to write home about.

#22. El Dorado (1966)

– Director: Howard Hawks
– Metascore: 85
– Runtime: 2 hours 6 minutes

John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and James Caan star in the story of a gunfighter and a sheriff caught up in a battle between rival ranchers over water. Hawks also directed such acclaimed films as “Scarface,” “His Girl Friday,” “To Have and Have Not,” “The Big Sleep,” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” A racist scene of Caan impersonating a Chinese man is often edited out of television rebroadcasts.

#21. The Rider (2017)

– Director: Chloé Zhao
– Metascore: 85
– Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes

Chloé Zhao directed this Western drama, which centers on Brady Blackburn, a young man struggling to find his purpose after a brain injury halts his rodeo career. “The Rider” won the Art Cinema Award at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.

#20. Bisbee ’17 (2018)

– Director: Robert Greene
– Metascore: 87
– Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes

Robert Greene’s documentary centers on a town bordering Arizona and Mexico. The community grapples with its past by holding a reenactment of a day that occurred 100 years earlier when 1,200 immigrant miners were deported.

#19. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949)

– Director: John Ford
– Metascore: 87
– Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes

“She Wore a Yellow Ribbon,” the second installment in John Ford and John Wayne’s “The Cavalry Trilogy,” follows a mounted army captain (Wayne) who, on the eve of his retirement, attempts to stop a war with the Native Americans before it begins. Beautifully shot, the film won the Academy Award for Best Color Cinematography at the 1950 ceremony.

#18. Hell or High Water (2016)

– Director: David Mackenzie
– Metascore: 88
– Runtime: 1 hour 42 minutes

Chris Pine and Ben Foster play two brothers who carry out a series of bank robberies to avoid losing their family ranch in “Hell or High Water.” Dubbed “so good, it’s criminal” by The Guardian’s Adam Fleet, the movie isn’t your typical cops and robbers story, electing to focus more on the morally grey areas in many of these tales.

#17. Sweet Country (2017)

– Director: Warwick Thornton
– Metascore: 88
– Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes

Set in the Australian outback, “Sweet Country” explores what happens when an Aboriginal farmer kills a white man in self-defense and is forced to flee for his life. Warwick Thornton directs this Western starring Sam Neill, Bryan Brown, and Hamilton Morris.

#16. High Noon (1952)

– Director: Fred Zinnemann
– Metascore: 89
– Runtime: 1 hour 25 minutes

Will Kane (Gary Cooper) faces a dilemma when outlaws threaten to kill him. His wife (Grace Kelly) wants him to leave town rather than defend himself. Several U.S. presidents have listed “High Noon” as one of their favorite films.

#15. The Power of the Dog (2021)

– Director: Jane Campion
– Metascore: 89
– Runtime: 2 hours 6 minutes

Equal parts Western and psychological drama, “The Power of the Dog” follows a coarse, cruel cowboy who meets his match in the son of his brother’s new wife. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee, the movie was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, including one for Jane Campion as Best Director (which she won, becoming only the third woman to ever take home that particular honor).

#14. Western (2015)

– Directors: Bill Ross, Turner Ross
– Metascore: 89
– Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes

This documentary by the Ross brothers focuses on the small border towns of Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Mexico. It explores the lives of the residents in these communities with intimate storytelling capturing their daily experiences in the context of increasing drug-related violence and tensions along the border. The film is the third installment of the filmmakers’ Americana trilogy.

#13. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

– Director: Martin Scorsese
– Metascore: 89
– Runtime: 3 hours 26 minutes

Based on the 2017 book of the same name by David Grann, “Killers of the Flower Moon” tells the true story of the Osage Nation murders after oil was discovered on their reservation. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Brendan Fraser, John Lithgow, and Jesse Plemons, the film—which New York Times Chief Film Critic Manohla Dargis called an “unsettling masterpiece“—was nominated for 10 Academy Awards in 2024.

#12. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

– Director: Sergio Leone
– Metascore: 90
– Runtime: 2 hours 58 minutes

The epic spaghetti Western stars Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach as rough characters seeking Confederate gold. Italian director Sergio Leone did not speak English, and he had to use an interpreter to communicate with his English-speaking actors. The film is part of a trilogy that includes “A Fistful of Dollars” and “For a Few Dollars More.”

#11. First Cow (2019)

– Director: Kelly Reichardt
– Metascore: 90
– Runtime: 2 hours 2 minutes

In “First Cow,” two outsiders on the western frontier form a friendship—and gamble on their future—when they begin an illicit business. Set in 1820s Oregon, the movie’s deceptively simple premise has much to say about relationships and the tensions capitalism places on them.

#10. Ride the High Country (1962)

– Director: Sam Peckinpah
– Metascore: 92
– Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes

A classic tale of double-crossing, “Ride the High Country” tells the story of two friends tasked with transporting a load of gold from a mining community to the bank. While studio executives didn’t have much faith in the project—MGM’s chief executive reportedly fell asleep during a screening—critics loved it as did audiences in Europe.

#9. Stagecoach (1939)

– Director: John Ford
– Metascore: 93
– Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes

The story of passengers on a besieged stagecoach is John Wayne’s first starring role in a John Ford film. Wayne had worked as an extra, a stuntman, and an actor in other low-budget productions. He wore his own cowboy hat, which he would continue to wear in six Westerns, that sold at auction in 2014.

#8. McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)

– Director: Robert Altman
– Metascore: 93
– Runtime: 2 hours

Warren Beatty and Julie Christie play a gambler and a sex worker who are business partners in a remote Western town that comes under threat for its mining riches. Roger Ebert said the movie was a perfect film and “one of the saddest” he has ever seen.

#7. Rio Bravo (1959)

– Director: Howard Hawks
– Metascore: 93
– Runtime: 2 hours 21 minutes

A sheriff played by John Wayne teams up with the town drunk (Dean Martin), an elderly deputy named Stumpy (Walter Brennan), and a young cowboy (Ricky Nelson) to help keep the murderous brother of a wealthy rancher in jail. Director Howard Hawks gave his daughter Barbara Hawks writing credit on the film (listed under the pseudonym B.H. McCampbell) for giving him the idea to throw dynamite.

#6. The Gunfighter (1950)

– Director: Henry King
– Metascore: 94
– Runtime: 1 hour 25 minutes

Gregory Peck plays Jimmy Ringo, a gunfighter who runs into his estranged wife. Even though trouble seems to follow him everywhere, he hopes to convince her he has reformed and win her back. The film focuses on themes of guilt and regret, setting it apart from the more action-oriented Westerns of the time.

#5. The Searchers (1956)

– Director: John Ford
– Metascore: 94
– Runtime: 1 hour 59 minutes

John Wayne plays a Confederate Army veteran tracking down Comanche Indians who massacred his family, burned their ranch, and kidnapped his young niece. The film is based on the novel by Alan LeMay and inspired by the true-life story of Cynthia Ann Parker, who was kidnapped by Comanches in 1836.

#4. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)

– Director: John Ford
– Metascore: 94
– Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes

When U.S. Sen. Ranse Stoddard returns to the West to attend a funeral, he is forced to rehash his past, including the truth regarding the killing of an infamous outlaw. This black-and-white film was directed by John Ford and stars James Stewart, John Wayne, and Vera Miles. For the movie, Ford returned to filming on soundstages and in monochrome lending to the melancholic undertones of the film.

#3. Red River (1948)

– Directors: Howard Hawks, Arthur Rosson
– Metascore: 96
– Runtime: 2 hours 13 minutes

A dramatized retelling of the Chisholm Trail cattle drives, “Red River” examines the feud between the tyrannical ranch owner and his adopted son. Starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift (in his breakout role), the movie was a massive commercial hit, earning over $4 million in its first run.

#2. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

– Director: John Huston
– Metascore: 98
– Runtime: 2 hours 6 minutes

Penniless Americans Fred Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) and Bob Curtin (Tim Holt) go on a gold-prospecting trip, joined by an older prospector named Howard. Director John Huston won the Academy Award for Best Director, and his father, Walter Huston (who played Howard), won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Bogart was not nominated for playing Dobbs, which was considered a snub.

#1. The Wild Bunch (1969)

– Director: Sam Peckinpah
– Metascore: 98
– Runtime: 2 hours 15 minutes

William Holden and Ernest Borgnine play gang members heading to Mexico to execute one final heist as the traditional American West dies around them in the early 20th century. The movie used more than 90,000 rounds of blank ammunition, and Warner Bros. said in publicity material for the film that it was more ammunition than had been used in the Mexican Revolution.

Additional writing by Madison Troyer. Story editing by Cynthia Rebolledo. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.