1. The Lord of the Rings, 2001 (Fellowship), 2002 (Two Towers), 2003 (Return of the King)
The Lord of the Rings is a super successful trilogy because of its extraordinary and unprecedented proportions. Every film can utilize the spectacle of computer-made special effects as well as mind-numbing action to hide a weak plot and dull characters. Only a very special type of film can use the same means to strengthen an already touching movie experience – for its visual glory, this milestone trilogy is known as a wonderfully realized image of courage, power, and lasting friendship.
At the same time, the films’ director Peter Jackson includes the ideas connected to war: loss, regret, and pain. This approach is a bittersweet one, unlike in the other films in fantasy. And this is exactly what makes it so more powerful; despite Middle-earth being a place foreign place to us, the experienced hand of Jackson made it so home-like for us, the viewers.
The trilogy is the torchbearer of what it is to admire the world of film. With such attention to design details at the level of a solid documentary and genuine emotions that became possible thanks to the endless hours of hard work, these Oscar-showered films are evidence to love and devotion put into each and every frame.
2. The Wizard of Oz, 1939
This is a film you definitely know, even if you haven’t seen it (which you probably have). With its famous reminder “there’s no place like home,” the adventures of Dorothy and her funny and sincere companions have remained a shared experience for many generations, and this is likely to continue for decades to come.
The songs, similar to characters, have become an integral part of the national consciousness, and for a good reason. The film explodes with optimism and delight in almost every frame, even when Dorothy comes back to the Kansas farm.
We can’t talk about The Wizard of Oz without noticing that marvelous transition into beautiful technicolor. Even though this wasn’t the first color film, it was still a breakthrough.
Oz became a world of bright greens, reds, and yellows in the eyes of whole generations. The film proved that the use of color wasn’t just a phase, and led it to become the new stunning form of filmmaking.
3. King Kong, 1933
The first movie about the giant monster is still considered by many people as the best one, and rightfully so. Who could have imagined that in 1933 someone could create stop-motion effects of that caliber? The audiences were amazed, Hollywood had finally produced a film great enough to be worthy of the big screen. It is a wonderful adventure that has a love story at its heart, and not between the characters you thought about.
The iconic story of a beauty and a beast is relived in the mysterious jungles of Skull Island. Kong covets the lovely actress Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) and fights dinosaurs and monstrosities of time to defend her. While the more modern adaptations have shown Kong as a tenderer creature for Ann, the original movie tends to mention the word “monster” more often.
To the giant creature, Ann is more of a prize here, and he desires her out of primal selfishness. The original movie King Kong became a true milestone for Hollywood.
4. Toy Story, 1995
For most of us, childhood is associated with unlimited imagination, thanks, and the adventures we created using our toys. But what if the toys came alive when we’re not playing with them? This great in its simplicity concept led to one of the best animated films ever. A young boy called Andy has lots of toys, but his favorite is Woody (brilliantly voiced by beloved actor Tom Hanks), the brave cowboy.
But after Andy’s birthday, there was a new arrival – the brand-new space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). Buzz causes Woody to experience a full-on existential crisis: what is a toy supposed to do if Andy doesn’t want to play with him? This interesting premise is used in Toy Story for a tale of finding meaning in life and true friendship.
Buzz reflects on these ideas, too. At first, he is unaware that he even is just a toy that is meant for a child to play. They both face mortal problems and the consequences are touching and amusing at the same time.