My Favorite Movies
Recommendations by
Koda
Looking for something really good to watch? Here’s a list of my favorite films of all time. They may not all be worth buying, but I think they are all worth seeing. First check to see if your streaming service has the movie you want to watch. If not, the affiliate links will take you to the lowest prices I could find on Amazon for the Blu-ray versions, where you also have the option to rent or buy the digital version for instant streaming. (Prices may change.)
Enjoy these great movies!
(*) = Won Oscar for Best Picture Director names in (parentheses)
Avatar: (2009) Sci-fi/fantasy. A sci-fi epic set on the fictional moon Pandora where humans aim to exploit its resources. A paraplegic Marine, Jake Sully, is sent to infiltrate the Na’vi, an indigenous species. He becomes torn between his duty and his loyalty to the Na’vi and their way of life. Segourney Weaver, Sam Worthington. (James Cameron)
*Lord of the Rings: Fantasy. (2001 – 2003) A film trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel. Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous journey with a diverse fellowship to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth. The films feature stunning visuals, epic battles, and a talented cast. It is widely considered one of the greatest film trilogies of all time.. Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen. (Peter Jackson)
The Matrix: (1999 – 2003) Sci-fi/fantasy. A hacker named Neo discovers the reality around him is a computer simulation controlled by machines. He joins a rebellion to fight against the machines and their agents in a dystopian future. The series features groundbreaking action scenes and thought-provoking themes. Keanu Reeves, Carie-Anne Moss. (Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
*Titanic: (1997) Romance/drama. Jack and Rose meet on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic, a luxurious ocean liner. The film captures the ship’s grandeur, class struggles, and the tragedy that unfolds after it strikes an iceberg. Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet. (James Cameron)
Harry Potter: (2001 – 2011) Fantasy. 8-films based on the books by J.K. Rowling. They follow young wizard Harry Potter and his friends as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, battle the dark wizard Voldemort, and attempt to save the wizarding world. The series features an ensemble cast and imaginative world-building. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint. (Chris Columbus, others)
*Gone With the Wind: (1939) Drama/romance. Set during the American Civil War, we follow the story of Scarlett O’Hara, a headstrong southern belle, and her tumultuous relationship with Rhett Butler. The film is known for its sweeping scope, iconic characters, and stunning cinematography. It remains a classic of American cinema. Clark Gable, Vivian Leigh. (Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Sam Wood)
*Casablanca: (1942) Romance. Set during World War II, it tells the story of Rick Blaine, a cynical nightclub owner in Casablanca, and his former lover Ilsa Lund, who reappears in his life. The film is known for its iconic performances, memorable dialogue, and timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and patriotism. Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman. (Michael Curtiz)
*Lawrence of Arabia: (1962) Drama. An epic biographical film about T.E. Lawrence, a British soldier who led the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The film is known for its stunning visuals, memorable score, and the iconic performance of Peter O’Toole as Lawrence. It is widely considered a masterpiece of cinema. Peter O’Toole. (David Lean)
The Wizard of Oz: Fantasy. (1939) A beloved musical fantasy film based on L. Frank Baum’s novel. It follows Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as they are transported to the magical Land of Oz and seek the help of the Wizard to return home. The film features iconic characters, memorable songs, and a timeless message of friendship and home. Judy Garland. (Victor Fleming)
Jaws: Drama. (1975) A suspenseful horror film that tells the story of a great white shark terrorizing a New England beach town. A police chief, a marine biologist, and a fisherman team up to hunt the shark, leading to a thrilling showdown. The film is known for its iconic score and tense atmosphere. Richard Dreyfuss. (Steven Spielberg)
2001: A Space Odyssey: (1968) Sci-fi. The discovery of an alien artifact that influences human evolution prompts a mission to Jupiter were difficulties arise with the sentient computer, Hal. The film is known for its innovative visuals, ambitious themes, and enigmatic storyline. It is considered a landmark in cinematic history. Gary Lockwood. (Stanley Kubrick)
Game of Thrones (TV series 2011 – 2019): A fantasy drama series based on George R.R. Martin’s novels. Set in the fictional world of Westeros, it follows several noble families as they battle for control of the Iron Throne, while an ancient evil threatens the land. The series is known for its complex characters, political intrigue, and shocking twists. Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage. (David Benioff, D.B. Weiss)
Doctor Zhivago: (1965) A romantic drama set in Russia during the early 20th century. It follows the life of a physician and poet, Yuri Zhivago, who falls in love with a young woman (Lara) during the Russian Revolution. The film is known for its sweeping cinematography, memorable score, and iconic performances.. Omar Sharif, Julie Christie (David Lean)
Cleopatra: (1963) Drama. Epic period piece, the romance between the queen of Egypt and the rulers of Roma have political consequences. Spectacular production pieces and thousands of extras. Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton. (Joseph L. Mankiewicz)
Citizen Kane: (1941) Drama. A wealthy newspaper magnate dies and a journalist investigates his life to uncover the meaning of his last word. The film uses flashbacks to reveal the life of the enigmatic figure, exploring themes of power, corruption, and the influence of media. It’s considered a masterpiece of American cinema.. Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten. (Orson Welles)
*Gandhi: (1982) A historical drama about the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi, an Indian lawyer who leads the non-violent resistance movement against British colonial rule. Ben Kingsley. (Richard Attenborough)
*Braveheart: (1995) Drama. A historical epic set in medieval Scotland, a warrior fights for freedom against English rule after a personal tragedy. The film depicts the hero’s struggle, courage, and eventual leadership in the Scottish rebellion, as he inspires his people to fight for their independence.. Mel Gibson. (Mel Gibson)
Out of Africa: (1985) Romance with an epic feel. Based on a true story, a Danish woman moves to Kenya to start a coffee plantation with her husband. She falls in love with the land and a hunter, and must come to terms with her desires and the complexities of colonialism. Meryl Streep, Robert Redford. (Sydney Pollack)
*Schindler’s List: (1993) Drama. Based on a true story, a German businessman saves the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during World War II by employing them in his factories. The film depicts the horrors of the Holocaust and the power of individual action to make a difference.. Liam Neeson. (Stephen Spielberg)
Galaxy Quest: (1999) Sci-fi/Comedy. Aliens mistake actors from a canceled sci-fi show as real space heroes and enlist their help. Comedic homage to the sci-fi genre and its fandom. Sigourney Weaver, Tim Allen. (Dean Parisot)
Stardust: (2007) Fantasy/Comedy. Fun movie, similar in tone to Galaxy Quest only with magic. A young man crosses into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved, encountering witches, pirates, and other fantastical creatures. Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ricky Gervais. (Matthew Vaughn)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 & 2: (2014 – 2023) Sci-fi/Comedy. A group of misfits from different planetary races set out to save the world. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana. (James Gunn)
Alien: (1979) Sci-fi/Drama. In the first of these 4 films, the crew of a mining ship is diverted to a planet to find out why the colony there has stopped transmitting. Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt. (Ridley Scott)
*Forest Gump: (1994) Drama. A simple minded, handicapped child rises to great heights as his life progresses. Tom Hanks, Sally Fields. (Robert Zemeckis)