1. La Dolce Vita (1960)
Federico Fellini’s exuberant masterpiece introduces us to a world-weary journalist navigating the decadent nightlife of Rome. With its glamorous and enigmatic women, particularly Anita Ekberg’s captivating film star, “La Dolce Vita” remains an iconic exploration of urban ennui and the search for meaning.
2. Blow-Up (1966)
Michelangelo Antonioni’s cult classic follows a fashion photographer who stumbles upon a murder scene. Set against the backdrop of Swinging London, the film is a stylish thriller and a vibrant portrait of the era’s cultural landscape.
3. Taxi Driver (1976)
Martin Scorsese’s gritty masterpiece features a career-defining performance from Robert De Niro as a Vietnam War veteran-turned-cab driver. The film’s unflinching depiction of urban alienation and violence is tempered by haunting visuals and a memorable score.
4. Apocalypse Now (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola’s electrifying war epic follows a soldier on a secret mission to assassinate a rogue colonel. With its stunning visuals and unflinching depiction of combat, “Apocalypse Now” is a meditation on the absurdity of war and its psychological scars.
5. All That Jazz (1979)
Bob Fosse’s semi-autobiographical musical extravaganza delves into the mind of an eccentric choreographer. With its high-energy dance sequences, elaborate costumes, and bizarre insights into creativity, “All That Jazz” is a complex and fascinating exploration of artistic obsession.
6. Kagemusha (1980)
Akira Kurosawa’s samurai epic weaves together Shakespearean intrigue and explosive battles. The film features Tatsuya Nakadai in a dual role as a feudal lord and his double, exploring themes of identity and power.
7. Paris, Texas (1984)
Wim Wenders’s wistful road movie follows a drifter searching for his long-lost wife. Set against the vast landscapes of the American southwest, the film is a meditative exploration of love, loss, and the human condition.
8. The Piano (1993)
Jane Campion’s ravishing period drama features Oscar-winning performances from Holly Hunter and Anna Paquin. Set in 19th-century New Zealand, the film explores themes of female empowerment, cultural clash, and forbidden love.
9. Shoplifters (2018)
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s delicate study of poverty in modern-day Tokyo follows an unconventional family of shoplifters who take in an abused child. With its warmth, compassion, and clear-eyed view of the world, “Shoplifters” is a powerful indictment of societal inequality.
10. Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s audacious satire became the first film since 1955’s “Marty” to win both the Palme d’Or and the Oscar for Best Picture. Combining black comedy, Hitchcockian horror, and social realism, the film is a scathing indictment of capitalism and class warfare.
11. Titane (2021)
Julia Ducournau’s jaw-dropping thriller follows a young woman with a titanium plate in her skull as she navigates a surreal and violent world. An astounding performance from Agathe Rousselle anchors this uncompromising exploration of identity, trauma, and sexuality.
12. Triangle of Sadness (2022)
Ruben Östlund’s acerbic skewering of global consumer capitalism takes place on a luxury yacht where chaos reigns after a storm hits. With its pristine sets, biting dialogue, and unforgettable characters, “Triangle of Sadness” is a hilarious and thought-provoking film.
13. Decision to Leave (2022)
Park Chan-wook’s slippery thriller follows a frustrated novelist accused of murdering her husband. With its intricate plot, masterful direction, and superb performances, “Decision to Leave” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
