When it comes to deciding the best food, sport, car, music genre or television show, the choice is difficult because it's all based on individual preferences. The same principles occur when choosing movies. Each one is unique in its own way. There are multiple nominations, but only one is awarded "Best Picture." After watching the Oscars, there is a huge selection of movies that are worth checking out for the first time or once again. Here are 13 films that you search for on Netflix.
1. "The Godfather" (1972)
This is a film that can be described as a cinematic masterpiece. After all, it did get two sequels. The acting of Marlon Brando and Al Pacino is great, the cinematography is amazing, and the story delivers enough action, humor and drama to keep you interested. It is definitely worth the three hours of viewing time.
2. "Schindler's List" (1993)
This historical drama movie will make you feel sad and astonished. Steven Spielberg's powerful and emotionally driven Holocaust story is told from the perspective of a German businessman who works to save his Jewish factory employees from the Nazis. Although the film is shot mainly in black-and-white (except for one color that is for symbolic purposes) should not prevent you from seeing it. You will get a new understanding of this horrifying and tragic period in history.
3. "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991)
One of the weirdest and scariest movies to be awarded best picture is this psychological horror drama. The movie combines mystery and suspense as it tells the story of Hannibal Lecter, the cannibal serial killer and Clarice Starling, the FBI student that interviews him as she works to solve a case. The film delivers thrills, scares, and dark humor. It is a classic you should watch if you are brave enough.
4. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975)
Drama mixed with comedy help to make up this classic movie. Jack Nicholson's performance as a patient in a mental institution is well-acted. The way he interacts with the friends he meets provides humor and takes the tension away from the more grim scenes in the movie. It is definitely worth checking out.
5. "Crash" (2004)
While the film itself is not the greatest ever, the cast does a great job. Topics like race, class, family, gender, and xenophobia are explored. The movie connects the stories of Los Angeles residents after the attacks on 9/11. This is a film that should be viewed at least once.
6. "Driving Miss Daisy" (1989)
Here is a comedy drama that is successful due to the acting performances of Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy who play a chauffeur driver and the elderly woman he forms a friendship with. The movie touches on race relations and social norms. This is classic film that does not take itself too seriously. Give it a watch.
7. "Slumdog Millionaire" (2008)
The music and acting really bring this movie together, even though the transitions are a little off. The story is about a young orphan who goes from living in the slums of India to winning "Who Wants to be a Millioanire?" The music and dancing is a nice tribute to Bollywood films, but does become distracting at times. Overall, it is a fantastic movie that you will love watching.
8. "Forrest Gump" (1994)
Brilliant acting and cinematography are done in this movie. Tom Hank's performance as a kind, but slow-witted man who journeys across the world and "interacts" with famous historical icons is told in a creative manner. You will experience moments in history through the perspective of Forrest. The movie has action, drama, romance, suspense, and humor so you will not get bored. You should check out this Hollywood classic.
9. "The Sound of Music" (1965)
While the music and acting is great, this film has not aged that well. Not saying it is bad though. The story, which is about a nun abandoning her commitment to the church to be a caregiver to wealthy children, marries their dad, and escapes from the Nazis is an unusual concept, it's still an enjoyable movie. It is worth seeing once just for the old-fashioned setting, elegance, and performances of Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.
10. "Braveheart" (1995)
Here is a movie that delivers action, suspense, and drama. The historical war epic based on the First Scottish War of Independence starring Mel Gibson does get exaggerating at certain times, and is historically inaccurate, but the fight scenes make up for it. With this movie, you get an intense violent war drama, but it's still entertaining. I would recommend watching this one with friends at least once.
11. "The King's Speech" (2010)
This true story from director Tom Hooper tells the story about England's King George VI overcame his speech impediment due to the guidance of a therapist. The movie is well done, despite having some flaws. The acting by Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush is also great. It's an extraordinary story that you have to see.
12. "The Hurt Locker" (2009)
This is the first movie directed by a woman that won "Best Picture." The story is about a risk-taking bomb-defusing expert who is obsessed with war. The film is amazing. It is filled with action, dry humor, and the cinematography is wonderful. The sub-plot can get distracting at times, but you will enjoy this film overall, not only for the story but the achievement of a woman in a film category that's been won by a male director for the past 80 years.
13. "Moonlight" (2016)
If you remember the "Best Picture" mix-up during the 2017 Oscars, this is the movie that actually won. Even though that moment was a disaster, this film is not. It's a wonderful and elegant cinematic motion picture. The film is about the life of a young African American man struggling to escape from poverty and drug addiction while he tries to discover his identity and sexuality. The movie is told across three decades and is based on a play and the author's life story.
