Hollywood has always been known to produce some of the finest productions, man has ever seen. Ranging from action to sci-fi to psychological thrillers and romance, the industry has mastered all genres of filmmaking. Here are the best Hollywood films to help you decide which one to watch next.
1. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
An autobiography on the life Nobel Prize winning Mathematician, John Nash, the film is truly one of a kind. Based on the book of the same name by Sylvia Nasar, the story revolves around the life of the brilliant John Nash who accepts a mission for the United States government and his life completely changes. The film went on to be a massive hit and got 4 academy awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay.
2. The Dark Knight (2008)
The second part of the Batman trilogy by Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight has left its audience speechless. Christian Bale’s incredible acting as the caped crusader was overshadowed by the disturbing yet splendid performance of Heath Ledger as Joker. The film deeply discusses mental illness as an issue with the Joker being of the creepiest characters to ever appear on the big screen. Heath Ledger went on to win the award for the Best Supporting Actor in the Academy Awards.
3. Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Banker Andy Dufresne is wrongly convicted for the murder of his wife. In the prison, the warden uses his banking skills to make a lot of illegal money. The film explores the life of prisoners in American prisons and the misuse of authority by the officers in power. The impactful movie also focuses on the injustice faced by such prisoners especially Andy Dufresne in spite of evidence proving him innocent.
4. Forrest Gump (1994)
Following the life of the simple-minded Forrest Gump, the film truly takes its audience on a roller coaster ride. Forrest’s life changes when the teachers at his school, discover his immense potential for running. From there on, Forrest’s life takes a complete turn as he joins the Army and goes to fight in Vietnam. Throughout the movie, Forrest tries to pursue the one girl he has loved, for his entire life. The movie is a perfect blend of humour, emotion and the purity of human nature.
5. Dead Poet Society (1989)
When professor John Keating, arrives to a class of mischievous teenagers, they are unaware about the massive change he is going to bring in their lives. The unconventional English teacher, gives them a renewed purpose and brings the beauty of poetry into their lives. Starring Robin Williams, the film provides an amazing outlook towards life. The constant battle between academics and one’s true passion is the major theme that fuels the film. The progression of the students from the teenage life to being mature adults through poetry is a beautiful journey.
6. Inception (2010)
Go beyond the capabilities of the mind and divulge into the world of dreams. Yet another masterpiece by Christopher Nolan, Inception is a sci-fi movie, unlike anything you have ever seen before. The director himself, a lucid dreamer has beautifully explained the concept of dreams in this film. Leonardo DiCaprio’s exceptional portrayal as a professional thief who steals people’s memories is a concept that has never been explored before. It was nominated for a total 8 categories including Best Picture, and took home 4 Academy Awards which included best cinematography and visual effects. It is safe to say that this film is a visual treat.
7. Schindler’s List (1993)
One of the most decorated films in the history of Hollywood, Schindler’s List is one of director Steven Spielberg’s biggest masterpiece. The plot revolves around the life of a German businessman, named Oskar Schindler and his efforts to save thousands of Polish Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employing them in his factory. The film is shot in black and white and in the form of a documentary to make the story feel more authentic. The film brings about hope in humanity among its viewers and is a must watch to experience the best of Hollywood.
8. The Man from Earth (2007)
A lesser known film among cinema critics, man from earth is picture that could change your whole understanding of the world. The complete film is shot within the area of a single room and is mainly a conversation. The intellectual dialogues among the people in the room are enough to startle anyone watching the film. The protagonist John Oldman says that he is not who he seems to be and throughout the film he gives arguments to how he is different from everyone else.
9. Wall-E (2008)
One of the finest animated films of all time, Wall-E revolves around the life of a small, trash collecting robot. Based in a post-apocalyptic world, the film shows the world too polluted to be inhabited by humans and hence they choose to go live in space. The beautiful robot romance between Wall-E and a space robot, brings the remaining obese and lethargic humans back to earth to start a new life. This kids’ movie has a much deeper meaning that could not be more relevant today, in this time of climate change of dependence on technology.
10. Joker (2019)
Todd Philips’ recent masterpiece, the Joker has turned head all around the world. Based in Gotham during the 80’s, the film portrays the ugly truths of life and mental illness. Arthur Fleck is a struggling comedian, who battles depression. His life takes a change for the worse when he is attacked by three rich brats. The film tries to emphasize the importance of mental health in this collapsing society. Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the clown prince of crime has received standing ovations all around the world, with the actor receiving the Oscar for Best Actor.
The variety of genres and the efforts of ingenious directors and actors have made the Hollywood film industry truly marvellous. The films adhere to each sort of audience and never lets its viewers down.