# A list of 100 movies, which are a must see, which are overrated? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 12, 2012, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054 "2012-07-12T22:55:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2012, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/61 "2012-08-05T04:10:08Z")
> [@awldune](#): > > …Cinema Paradiso (1988) – Pleasant movie, a bit sentimental for my taste… > [@divemaster](#): > > If you do watch this, MAKE SURE to see the extended version. So much richer! That is, as long as you like an extra spoonful of sentiment. (I certainly did.) > [@stegon66](#): > > If you do watch this, do NOT watch the longer version. Definitely a case of more is not necessarily better! This is one of my favorite films, but I had no idea there were two versions. I read the description on Wiki, and I’m sure the one I say was the shorter, more popular version, which BTW is available on Netflix Streaming. I just wanted to throw in my two cents on the long version, which oddly enough I haven’t seen. I won’t link to the Wiki description, because it’s basically a spoiler, but the long version contains an additional plot thread that completely changes the relationship between the main two characters. It makes the film much darker, and to me that would be a very bad thing. ---
**Author:** ![lisiate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f05b48/32.png) [@lisiate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisiate)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2012, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/62 "2012-08-05T06:45:28Z")
\*\*The Battle of Algiers \*\*is a truly great movie, which I’d recommend to anyone. It could also be a training film for both terrorists and counter-insurgents. In fact the trajectory in Iraq after the 2003 invasion almost makes me suspect that one side at least had watched it closely. ---
**Author:** ![Horatio\_Hellpop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2012, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/63 "2012-08-05T07:17:45Z")
**Diabolique** , though nicely shot, is neither better nor worse than a better-than-average M. Night Shyamalan movie. **Rashomon** , also beautifully shot, is about 80% as good as it’s reputed to be. Both of these broke some ground, but not enough to make up for their shortcomings. A couple of movies I wish were on your list: **Monika at the Beach, My Life as a Dog** and **Boogie Nights**. ---
**Author:** ![oreally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7ab992/32.png) [@oreally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oreally)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2012, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/64 "2012-08-05T15:09:29Z")
I think a few of you might want to re-read the title/OP. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/65 "2012-08-06T01:03:39Z")
It turns out that _Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind_ is about a massive attack of gastroenteritis that breaks out at a conclave of movie critics. ---
**Author:** ![Beware\_of\_Doug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/66 "2012-08-06T01:19:26Z")
> [@oreally](#): > > I think a few of you might want to re-read the title/OP. Yeah! As I read it, the OP wants a list of 100 movies, each of which must be a must-see, yet still overrated. WTF? Now back to listomania, already in progress. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/67 "2012-08-06T01:22:59Z")
> [@Beware\_of\_Doug](#): > > Yeah! As I read it, the OP wants a list of 100 movies, all of which which must be _ **both** must-see **and** overrated._ > > WTF? > > Now back to listomania, already in progress. No, he wants the list divided up into two lists: a must see list, and an overrated list. ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/68 "2012-08-06T01:40:16Z")
I think you would be better off going to IMDB where you can find many lists of movies that people have put together and they all have descriptions and ratings and lot of other info and links. Here are a few to get you started: SOME GOOD RECOMMENDED MOVIE LISTS Battle of Los [Angeles-imdb.com/title/tt1217613](http://Angeles-imdb.com/title/tt1217613) -\> leads to 5 other lists: . Best Movies of [2011-2012-www.imdb.com/list/r0jUkri88Js](http://2011-2012-www.imdb.com/list/r0jUkri88Js) . Dubbs Movie [List-www.imdb.com/list/JwiSrlXj504](http://List-www.imdb.com/list/JwiSrlXj504) . Movies I Think Are Worth A [Watch-www.imdb.com/list/e0yQ4Bl30Kg](http://Watch-www.imdb.com/list/e0yQ4Bl30Kg) . Top 90 movies of [2011-www.imdb.com/list/20xZlMOTMEI](http://2011-www.imdb.com/list/20xZlMOTMEI) . Movies I Want To See(324 titles)-imdb.com/list/j0RdZ3CiXBI . The Cinema [Quest-www.imdb.com/list/Ec\_F8w7KDY0](http://Quest-www.imdb.com/list/Ec_F8w7KDY0) . My Movie Ratings(1371 titles)-www.imdb.com/list/G05xERaXQOs . Every Movie I’ve Ever [Seen-www.imdb.com/list/JELOSBFwvR4](http://Seen-www.imdb.com/list/JELOSBFwvR4) By the way, when it comes to Bogart films, I have watched most all of them many times and I would recommend the following as his very best: Treasure of the Sierra Madre 1948 The Maltese Falcon 1941 Also the following is pretty close: The African Queen 1951 There are a few others that are also excellent but they depend on what kind of films you like. Some are more crime adventure movies where others are mostly love stories. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/69 "2012-08-06T01:41:03Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > [As to _Cinema Paradiso_]…the long version contains an additional plot thread that completely changes the relationship between the main two characters. It makes the film much darker, and to me that would be a very bad thing. I’ve seen both versions, and far, far prefer the shorter one. It packs much more of a dramatic punch, and doesn’t feel padded (and even self-indulgent) as the longer version does. Of the movies on the OP’s list, I’ve seen about half. I found these overrated: _Rebecca The Apartment Barry Lyndon_ I particularly enjoyed: _Castle in the Sky Notorious Yojimbo The Third Man Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid_ Personal favorites of mine that weren’t on the list include: _Casablanca Breaker Morant 2001: A Space Odyssey Glory Excalibur Aliens The Fellowship of the Ring Hot Fuzz The Incredibles Dark City Trading Places True Lies_ And _Kiki’s Delivery Service_ really ought to be on any list so heavy with Japanamation. ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/70 "2012-08-06T03:07:44Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > … > \*\* Once Upon a Time in the West is a Must See, however. +1 ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/71 "2012-08-06T03:31:47Z")
I would also like to add my opinion that when seeking for a list of excellent films or when seeking to rate films in most any way, it is just no good to say that you are looking for “excellent films” and leave it at that. Films that I like may not be films that you like and without stating any qualifying conditions, it just places too much of a burden on the reader. IMO, it is extremely important to help the reader by giving them some kind of help in identifying the kind of films you seek. If you don’t specify any kind of qualifying criteria, it is just about impossible for anyone to make a serious attempt at providing you with any kind of list of films. ---
**Author:** ![JMH125](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ee59a6/32.png) [@JMH125](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JMH125)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/72 "2012-08-06T16:02:18Z")
Come And See is an absolutely amazing war film, but it is disturbing. I’ve seen it probably 3 times and would watch it again. ---
**Author:** ![Musky\_Moon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90db22/32.png) [@Musky\_Moon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musky_Moon)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/73 "2012-08-06T17:50:13Z")
**The Best Years of Our Lives** - Worth watching for Harold Russell. It hasn’t aged well, but Russell’s frustration stands out. **The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance** - Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Lee Marvin and Andy Devine. What’s not to like? It’s a movie that turns Wild West mythology and romanticism on it’s head. A must see. **All Quiet on the Western Front** - To me, it was loooong, boring and overrated. **Grapes of Wrath** - Ditto **Nosferatu** - Watch this movie! Max Shreck is downright other-worldly. There was even a 2000 movie ( **The Shadow of the Vampire** ) that was written about Shreck’s performance being so creepy that he could have been the real thing. **Castle in the Sky** - My second favorite Myazaki film. **The Diving Bell and the Butterfly** - While it’s been debated how much Jean-Do actually contributed to the book they were writing, this movie was stunning, gut-wrenching and inspiring. I expected to be horrified by the lead’s medical condition, but came out of it feeling uplifted. Not an easy task for someone as cynical as me. **Roman Holiday** - Hepburn is effervescent and flawless. Worth it just to bask in her considerable screen presence. **Rosemary’s Baby** - Often imitated, but nothing quite matches Mia Farrow’s descent into paranoia. **Bridge on the River Kwai** - Plenty of controversy over the actual people and events being misrepresented in this movie. However, it doesn’t take away (for me) from the performances. The smaller more personal conflicts in this movie do a better job at defining the larger world at war than many war movies have ever managed. Guiness was magnificent. As was Hayakawa as Colonel Saito. **The Apartment** - My favorite performances by both Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. Fran will break your heart. If you haven’t seen it, add **In Harm’s Way** to your list. Great WWII movie with some great performances by Kirk Douglas and Patricia Neal. ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/74 "2012-08-06T20:48:42Z")
FWIW this thread is serving its purpose quite nicely. I got enough answers about some being must sees and others being duds. The ones people have been suggesting that are not on the original list are welcome as well. While people are suggesting great movies, what are some must-see movies that are on Netflix instant? I’ve used [http://instantwatcher.com/](http://instantwatcher.com/) with some success. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/75 "2012-08-06T21:27:49Z")
Quite a few of the ones on your list are available, though I don’t have the patience to look them all up. Maybe not exactly your cup of tea, but [here is a thread from just a few weeks ago](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=657732) about great documentaries streaming on Netflix. I’ve rated these with 5 stars: _Girl With the Dragon Tattoo_, which you can watch as one really long movie or a 3 part serial. Truly outstanding movie. _Fight Club Bull Durham Silence of the Lambs Annie Hall The Andromeda Strain_ (the original) \*The Full Monty Defiance The Big Lebowski Das Boot The Battleship Potemkin Gladiator Being John Malkovich Reservoir Dogs District B13 Apocalypse Now Redux Lonely Hearts Ronin The Game The Last of the Mohicans Donnie Brasco 1984 Hombre The Patriot True Grit \*(both versions) _Die Hard Black Rain Marathon Man The Terminator Good Will Hunting From Dusk Till Dawn Dog Day Afternoon RoboCop Groundhog Day A Clockwork Orange Eight Men Out_ ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054/76 "2012-08-07T17:26:40Z")
That’s a pretty good list. I think I’ll start adding some of them. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-100-movies-which-are-a-must-see-which-are-overrated/628054.md?page=3)