The Complete Criterion Collection, a list by Evan Varisto

8.6

/1694744/

85

/35766/

83

/17428/

4.3

/2629175/

95

/157/

95

/29657/

86

/20/

3.5

age 17+

Clarice Starling is a top student at the FBI's training academy. Jack Crawford wants Clarice to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a violent psychopath, serving life behind bars for various acts of murder and cannibalism. Crawford believes that Lecter may have insight into a case and that Starling, as an attractive young woman, may be just the bait to draw him out.

86

8.1

/953475/

80

/29129/

80

/15636/

4.2

/2728073/

92

/313/

87

/5569/

88

/48/

4.0

age 16+

The Grand Budapest Hotel tells of a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars and his friendship with a young employee who becomes his trusted protégé. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting, the battle for an enormous family fortune and the slow and then sudden upheavals that transformed Europe during the first half of the 20th century.

87

8.2

/1168296/

79

/25746/

79

/12884/

4.3

/1903432/

93

/291/

86

/60251/

92

/39/

4.0

age 17+

Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon dead bodies, $2 million and a hoard of heroin in a Texas desert, but methodical killer Anton Chigurh comes looking for it, with local sheriff Ed Tom Bell hot on his trail. The roles of prey and predator blur as the violent pursuit of money and justice collide.

83

8.1

/762932/

80

/17335/

79

/10149/

4.2

/1083952/

90

/98/

93

/16408/

83

/28/

3.0

age 18+

Heroin addict Mark Renton stumbles through bad ideas and sobriety attempts with his unreliable friends --Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud and Tommy. He also has an underage girlfriend, Diane, along for the ride. After cleaning up and moving from Edinburgh to London, Mark finds he can't escape the life he left behind as Begbie and Sick Boy come knocking.

73

7.8

/738050/

76

/18585/

75

/13419/

3.7

/897207/

72

/254/

80

/37445/

70

/37/

2.5

age 15+

Born under unusual circumstances, Benjamin Button springs into being as an elderly man in a New Orleans nursing home and ages in reverse. Twelve years after his birth, he meets Daisy, a child who flits in and out of his life as she grows up to be a dancer. Though he has all sorts of unusual adventures over the course of his life, it is his relationship with Daisy, and the hope that they will come together at the right time, that drives Benjamin forward.

88

8.2

/741026/

80

/18180/

77

/11186/

4.2

/916678/

95

/239/

91

/62195/

98

/37/

4.0

age 15+

In post–civil war Spain, 10-year-old Ofelia moves with her pregnant mother to live under the control of her cruel stepfather. Drawn into a mysterious labyrinth, she meets a faun who reveals that she may be a lost princess from an underground kingdom. To return to her true father, she must complete a series of surreal and perilous tasks that blur the line between reality and fantasy.

78

7.8

/467932/

79

/16535/

77

/8361/

3.8

/1795896/

87

/114/

92

/29313/

66

/25/

3.0

age 15+

Five high school students from different walks of life endure a Saturday detention under a power-hungry principal. The disparate group includes rebel John, princess Claire, outcast Allison, brainy Brian and Andrew, the jock. Each has a chance to tell his or her story, making the others see them a little differently -- and when the day ends, they question whether school will ever be the same.

56

6.7

/474829/

71

/16554/

68

/8350/

3.1

/260194/

43

/176/

73

/32439/

42

/23/

1.0

age 13+

When an asteroid threatens to collide with Earth, NASA honcho Dan Truman determines the only way to stop it is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear bomb. This leads him to renowned driller Harry Stamper, who agrees to helm the dangerous space mission provided he can bring along his own hotshot crew. Among them is the cocksure A.J. who Harry thinks isn't good enough for his daughter, until the mission proves otherwise.

85

7.9

/379873/

75

/10243/

74

/5396/

3.8

/596359/

97

/331/

80

/5046/

100

/50/

4.0

age 15+

The film tells a story of a divorced couple trying to raise their young son. The story follows the boy for twelve years, from first grade at age 6 through 12th grade at age 17-18, and examines his relationship with his parents as he grows.

77

7.7

/464529/

78

/13989/

75

/7096/

3.8

/557749/

77

/64/

84

/5320/

63

/19/

3.5

age 16+

In honor of his birthday, San Francisco banker Nicholas Van Orton, a financial genius and a cold-hearted loner, receives an unusual present from his younger brother, Conrad: a gift certificate to play a unique kind of game. In nary a nanosecond, Nicholas finds himself consumed by a dangerous set of ever-changing rules, unable to distinguish where the charade ends and reality begins.

75

7.6

/422292/

76

/12109/

76

/6953/

3.8

/512444/

84

/174/

77

/13100/

74

/29/

2.5

age 14+

Grace is a religious woman who lives in an old house kept dark because her two children, Anne and Nicholas, have a rare sensitivity to light. When the family begins to suspect the house is haunted, Grace fights to protect her children at any cost in the face of strange events and disturbing visions.

82

7.8

/380286/

77

/10221/

76

/6173/

4.0

/996490/

93

/270/

86

/6758/

84

/43/

3.5

age 14+

Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle.

73

7.4

/376891/

76

/10913/

71

/5020/

3.6

/168290/

68

/74/

85

/11174/

58

/24/

3.5

age 16+

When vengeful General Francis X. Hummel seizes control of Alcatraz Island and threatens to launch missiles loaded with deadly chemical weapons into San Francisco, only a young FBI chemical weapons expert and notorious Federal prisoner have the skills to penetrate the impregnable island fortress and take him down.

77

7.6

/171878/

72

/5451/

70

/4776/

3.2

/340880/

88

/204/

84

/1012/

90

/58/

3.0

age 18+

Adèle's life is changed when she meets Emma, a young woman with blue hair, who will allow her to discover desire, to assert herself as a woman and as an adult. In front of others, Adele grows, seeks herself, loses herself, finds herself.

86

8.1

/310881/

80

/6457/

78

/3664/

4.3

/780715/

94

/181/

91

/5132/

91

/39/

3.5

age 16+

Nine years later, Jesse travels across Europe giving readings from a book he wrote about the night he spent in Vienna with Celine. After his reading in Paris, Celine finds him, and they spend part of the day together before Jesse has to again leave for a flight. They are both in relationships now, and Jesse has a son, but as their strong feelings for each other start to return, both confess a longing for more.

79

7.8

/220772/

78

/5431/

76

/3563/

4.1

/250950/

98

/62/

90

/7405/

84

/18/

2.0

age 17+

Low-level bureaucrat Sam Lowry escapes the monotony of his day-to-day life through a recurring daydream of himself as a virtuous hero saving a beautiful damsel. Investigating a case that led to the wrongful arrest and eventual death of an innocent man instead of wanted terrorist Harry Tuttle, he meets the woman from his daydream, and in trying to help her gets caught in a web of mistaken identities, mindless bureaucracy and lies.

80

7.6

/214080/

75

/5773/

73

/2189/

3.9

/537534/

94

/69/

90

/12144/

82

/21/

3.0

age 15+

The adventures of a group of Texas teens on their last day of school in 1976, centering on student Randall Floyd, who moves easily among stoners, jocks and geeks. Floyd is a star athlete, but he also likes smoking weed, which presents a conundrum when his football coach demands he sign a "no drugs" pledge.

69

7.2

/219743/

72

/5575/

70

/3067/

3.8

/445646/

57

/224/

82

/12604/

62

/38/

2.5

age 17+

Renowned oceanographer Steve Zissou has sworn vengeance upon the rare shark that devoured a member of his crew. In addition to his regular team, he is joined on his boat by Ned, a man who believes Zissou to be his father, and Jane, a journalist pregnant by a married man. They travel the sea, all too often running into pirates and, perhaps more traumatically, various figures from Zissou's past, including his estranged wife, Eleanor.

85

7.9

/183652/

76

/5143/

75

/2605/

4.0

/498950/

98

/202/

82

/1652/

94

/41/

4.0

age 16+

It has been nine years since we last met Jesse and Celine, the French-American couple who once met on a train in Vienna. They now live in Paris with twin daughters but have spent a summer in Greece at the invitation of an author colleague of Jesse's. When the vacation is over and Jesse must send his teenage son off to the States, he begins to question his life decisions, and his relationship with Celine is at risk.

82

7.4

/170804/

73

/4508/

71

/2847/

4.0

/362701/

92

/293/

74

/2187/

93

/53/

4.0

age 16+

In Greenwich Village in the early 1960s, gifted but volatile folk musician Llewyn Davis struggles with money, relationships, and his uncertain future.

79

7.7

/90613/

76

/3720/

75

/1821/

4.0

/91524/

91

/149/

92

/543/

79

/30/

2.5

age 18+

Based on the experiences of Agu, a child fighting in the civil war of a West African country. Follows Agu's journey as he's forced to join a group of soldiers. While he fears his commander and many of the men around him, his fledgling childhood has been brutally shattered by the war raging through his country, and he is at first torn between conflicting revulsion and fascination.

77

7.6

/210995/

73

/4922/

74

/3195/

4.1

/190325/

80

/106/

80

/5229/

78

/32/

3.0

age 15+

The story of a group of men, an Army Rifle company called C-for-Charlie, who change, suffer, and ultimately make essential discoveries about themselves during the fierce World War II battle of Guadalcanal. It follows their journey, from the surprise of an unopposed landing, through the bloody and exhausting battles that follow, to the ultimate departure of those who survived.

73

7.7

/240491/

75

/5385/

76

/3675/

4.1

/788011/

91

/141/

88

/5564/

75

/15/

1.0

age 18+

The discovery of a severed human ear found in a field leads a young man on an investigation related to a beautiful, mysterious nightclub singer and a group of psychopathic criminals who have kidnapped her child.

79

7.6

/206891/

75

/4783/

73

/2636/

3.9

/449570/

90

/107/

91

/8538/

87

/33/

2.5

age 16+

When a beautiful first-grade teacher arrives at a prep school, she soon attracts the attention of an ambitious teenager named Max, who quickly falls in love with her. Max turns to the father of two of his schoolmates for advice on how to woo the teacher. However, the situation soon gets complicated when Max's new friend becomes involved with her, setting the two pals against one another in a war for her attention.

76

6.8

/191182/

66

/3972/

67

/3260/

3.8

/268759/

86

/293/

60

/6428/

85

/50/

4.0

age 14+

The impressionistic story of a Texas family in the 1950s. The film follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack, through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father. Jack finds himself a lost soul in the modern world, seeking answers to the origins and meaning of life while questioning the existence of faith.

80

7.6

/119123/

77

/4049/

74

/2027/

3.8

/128367/

88

/77/

91

/4911/

83

/16/

age 15+

A martial artist agrees to spy on a reclusive crime lord using his invitation to a tournament there as cover.

82

7.6

/190147/

76

/4832/

75

/3739/

4.2

/473105/

87

/156/

82

/3588/

89

/13/

3.5

age 17+

Taking a break from their dreary lives, close friends Thelma and Louise embark on a short weekend trip that ends in unforeseen incriminating circumstances. As fugitives, both women rediscover the strength of their bond and their newfound resilience.

79

8.2

/279310/

79

/4362/

80

/3793/

4.3

/378282/

91

/65/

93

/3297/

78

/16/

2.0

age 14+

A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London.

87

8.1

/258853/

80

/7508/

80

/4349/

4.4

/850953/

95

/80/

92

/1038/

82

/18/

4.0

age 16+

During the late 1980s, two detectives in rural South Korea attempt to solve a series of gruesome rape-and-murders of young women that leave the community terrified using limited resources and outdated methods. But when the murderer strikes several more times with the same pattern, the detectives realize that they are chasing the country's first documented serial killer. They then attempt to piece together the clues in this thriller based on true events.

77

7.2

/184138/

72

/4287/

71

/3501/

3.9

/1131201/

80

/106/

81

/6368/

77

/31/

3.5

age 17+

A group of male friends become obsessed with five mysterious sisters who are sheltered by their strict, religious parents.

80

8.0

/151919/

74

/3523/

75

/1638/

3.9

/93495/

95

/172/

83

/6983/

72

/32/

3.5

age 17+

This is not a film about gun control. It is a film about the fearful heart and soul of the United States, and the 280 million Americans lucky enough to have the right to a constitutionally protected Uzi. From a look at the Columbine High School security camera tapes to the home of Oscar-winning NRA President Charlton Heston, from a young man who makes homemade napalm with The Anarchist's Cookbook to the murder of a six-year-old girl by another six-year-old. Bowling for Columbine is a journey through the US, through our past, hoping to discover why our pursuit of happiness is so riddled with violence.

86

7.9

/158922/

76

/4127/

74

/1562/

3.9

/211084/

98

/175/

92

/7950/

92

/30/

4.0

age 14+

"This Is Spinal Tap" shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.

63

6.5

/143653/

63

/3568/

66

/2746/

3.4

/230340/

53

/178/

55

/3624/

49

/34/

3.5

A grieving couple retreats to their cabin 'Eden' in the woods, hoping to repair their broken hearts and troubled marriage. But nature takes its course and things go from bad to worse.

70

6.1

/45475/

61

/2537/

59

/1280/

3.4

/99712/

81

/273/

53

/297/

77

/38/

4.0

age 17+

Maureen, mid-20s, is a personal shopper for a media celebrity. The job pays for her stay in Paris, a city she refuses to leave until she makes contact with her twin brother who previously died there. Her life becomes more complicated when a mysterious person contacts her via text message.

83

7.4

/57012/

75

/2442/

74

/1277/

3.8

/55380/

97

/202/

85

/314/

85

/44/

4.0

age 15+

In the post–World War II South, two families are pitted against a barbaric social hierarchy and an unrelenting landscape as they simultaneously fight the battle at home and the battle abroad.

65

7.1

/123706/

72

/3486/

68

/1331/

3.5

/166443/

78

/59/

80

/5091/

61

/21/

1.0

age 17+

Based on the real-life adventures chronicled by Cameron Crowe, Fast Times follows a group of high school students growing up in Southern California. Stacy Hamilton and Mark Ratner are looking for love, and are helped along by their older classmates, Linda Barrett and Mike Damone. Jeff Spicoli, a perpetually stoned surfer faces-off with the resolute teacher, Mr. Hand. Hilarity and heartbreak ensue.

81

7.3

/131467/

72

/2638/

70

/1529/

3.6

/211695/

93

/165/

84

/4229/

91

/32/

4.0

age 17+

Two quirky, cynical teenaged girls try to figure out what to do with their lives after high school graduation. After they play a prank on an eccentric, middle aged record collector, one of them befriends him, which causes a rift in the girls’ friendship.

84

8.1

/201094/

79

/3557/

79

/3067/

4.4

/364492/

78

/152/

92

/2590/

89

/21/

3.5

age 12+

An Irish rogue uses his cunning and wit to work his way up the social classes of 18th century England, transforming himself from the humble Redmond Barry into the noble Barry Lyndon.

83

7.7

/104960/

75

/2427/

75

/3250/

4.1

/147823/

91

/135/

81

/657/

86

/34/

4.0

age 17+

Jep Gambardella has seduced his way through the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades, but after his 65th birthday and a shock from the past, Jep looks past the nightclubs and parties to find a timeless landscape of absurd, exquisite beauty.

77

7.4

/101272/

75

/2955/

73

/1770/

4.0

/597933/

92

/192/

78

/1004/

82

/35/

2.5

age 16+

An aspiring dancer moves to New York City and becomes caught up in a whirlwind of flighty fair-weather friends, diminishing fortunes and career setbacks.

73

7.2

/111591/

71

/3684/

72

/2385/

3.9

/342287/

83

/60/

80

/2714/

58

/6/

As the president of a trashy TV channel, Max Renn is desperate for new programming to attract viewers. When he happens upon "Videodrome," a TV show dedicated to gratuitous torture and punishment, Max sees a potential hit and broadcasts the show on his channel. However, after his girlfriend auditions for the show and never returns, Max investigates the truth behind Videodrome and discovers that the graphic violence may not be as fake as he thought.

84

8.0

/184963/

81

/4269/

80

/3114/

4.4

/832331/

92

/192/

94

/3481/

87

/28/

3.0

Two neighbors form a strong bond after both suspect extramarital activities of their spouses. However, they agree to keep their bond platonic so as not to commit similar wrongs.

78

7.7

/148391/

75

/2830/

74

/1781/

4.0

/136953/

93

/71/

90

/3191/

66

/18/

3.0

Set in 1929, a political boss and his advisor have a parting of the ways when they both fall for the same woman.

82

8.0

/137105/

79

/2728/

78

/1790/

4.0

/100495/

94

/68/

95

/4494/

75

/19/

3.0

Chan Wing Yan, a young police officer, has been sent undercover as a mole in the local mafia. Lau Kin Ming, a young mafia member, infiltrates the police force. Years later, their older counterparts, Chen Wing Yan and Inspector Lau Kin Ming, respectively, race against time to expose the mole within their midst.

82

7.7

/118325/

75

/2734/

75

/1842/

3.9

/80082/

86

/126/

88

/1366/

76

/15/

4.0

age 14+

A dramatic history of Pu Yi, the last of the Emperors of China, from his lofty birth and brief reign in the Forbidden City, the object of worship by half a billion people; through his abdication, his decline and dissolute lifestyle; his exploitation by the invading Japanese, and finally to his obscure existence as just another peasant worker in the People's Republic.

71

7.0

/86798/

69

/2663/

67

/1581/

3.4

/72841/

75

/32/

71

/2111/

67

/8/

3.5

age 16+

Imagine a world where absolute conformity rules, and word and thought, including loyalty to Big Brother is demanded. It's the year 1984 and such a world exists. Divided into three vast states, whose inhabitants are dominated by all powerful governments, an illegal love affair begins. Soon, worker drone Winston becomes the target of a brain-washing campaign to force him back to conformity.

76

6.8

/107109/

70

/3106/

66

/1410/

3.4

/125009/

93

/54/

73

/2016/

75

/9/

4.0

age 16+

Meet Joel Goodson, an industrious, college-bound 17-year-old and a responsible, trustworthy son. However, when his parents go away and leave him home alone in the wealthy Chicago suburbs with the Porsche at his disposal he quickly decides he has been good for too long and it is time to enjoy himself. After an unfortunate incident with the Porsche Joel must raise some cash, in a risky way.

81

7.4

/121094/

72

/2621/

72

/1868/

3.8

/113984/

91

/54/

81

/2141/

88

/21/