IMDb's Top 250 list curates and ranks the highest-rated films on its site, based on scores from its users. While a lot of classic cinema is, of course, to be found there, some of the most interesting entries come from the most recent releases. For example, The Godfather has had close to fifty years to impress the world, yet it's only 0ne position away from The Dark Knight which has had considerably less time.
This may be due to the fact that some films are still fresh in the memory, but it's not all down to the hype; significantly, there are no entries from the past ten years in the top twenty.
Avengers: Infinity War (April 27th, 2018)
Coming in at number 62 Avengers: Infinity War is, by far, the highest-ranked MCU in the list and it's not hard to see why. All the various sprawling threads of the MCU finally came to ahead in this movie, making it the biggest cross-over event ever. However, it goes beyond the MCU's core fan base. The action never lets up for its entire run time, managing to balance multiple characters and battle sequences over several different locations, all while remaining coherent, entertaining, and funny. It is a landmark achievement in movie making.
Capernaum (September 20th, 2018)
Capernaum is a heartbreaking Lebanese drama about a young boy who tries to sue his own parents for neglect. Directed by Nadine Labaki it was met with almost universal praise on its release and received an Oscar nomination for Best International Picture. Primarily using non-actors the film offers a very real study of the generational effects of war. While older generations may take part in conflicts, the fallout will often trickle down through the years. It is a very affecting drama, made all the more significant that the film it lost to (Roma) doesn't even feature in the Top 250.
Andhadhun (October 5th, 2018)
Despite the sheer number of Bollywood movies made each year they're not as frequently discussed in the common zeitgeist. This is why it is encouraging to see so many featured in the Top 250 as they should, hopefully, inspire a wider international audience, and Andhadhun is no exception.
A black comedy following a pianist who pretends to be blind, in many ways the movie is a classic caper with several twisting and elaborate plot threads. Watch it for the hilarious scenes where murders are committed in front of the pianist, who has to continue to pretend he hasn't noticed.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (December 14th, 2018)
Very few films have been so universally acclaimed as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Just as the super-hero genre was beginning to feel fatigued this film managed to breathe new life into it. The story of Peter Parker is always inspiring, but through Miles Morales, this film extends that story to prove that anyone could be Spider-Man. It's not the highest-ranked animated film on the list but those that beat it are significantly older than this modern classic.
Avengers: Endgame (April 26th, 2019)
After Infinity War left the world with one of the most devastating cliffhangers ever, Marvel were almost guaranteed that the sequel would be the biggest film in the world. What followed was an incredible feat. Not only is Endgame the biggest grossing film of all time, it is also a near-perfect ending to over ten years of storytelling. Over a year since it's release it still enjoys a relatively high position on the Top 250. For the 22nd installment in a franchise that's unprecedented.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (September 18th, 2019)
Nearly every frame of this film is like a painting. It marks a crowning achievement in director Céline Sciamma's career. The film is so universally loved, not just for its technical mastery but because its story seems to speak to nearly everyone. Primarily a romance in 18th century France, the film is also a study on art, class divides, feminism, myth and legend. It is an infinitely watchable movie, and given time it would not be surprising if it climbs higher from its current position at number 232.
Joker (October 4th, 2019)
For a film that still inspires controversy and division, it is impressive that it is ranked as high as 54. This is certainly partly due to the enduring popularity of the character. However, Joaquin Phoenix's oscar-winning performance truly carries this film.
Phoenix is mesmerizing as Joker, striking an amazing balance of sympathy and revulsion; comedy and tragedy. It is a performance for the ages, while the film itself is a new watermark of what comic book movies are capable of.
Parasite (November 8th, 2019)
Parasite's success almost speaks for itself. It is certainly deserving of the highest rank amongst the newest entries, coming in at 27. One of Bong-Joon Ho's many masterpieces it offers a fair and exacting criticism of capitalism while remaining titanically entertaining.
Its global success speaks to the universality of its themes. While its Oscar glory (as well as its high position on the Top 250) will hopefully see more international cinema getting a wider reach.
Ford v. Ferrari (November 15th, 2019)
Some films are just inherently likable and Ford V. Ferrari seems to tick all those boxes; father/son adventure; two charismatic leads; a true underdog story. Christian Bale plays a gruff mechanic and racing car driver who has to team up with Matt Damon's Ford exec to create a new car that can beat Ferrari, the Grand Prix's reigning champion. The film is a lot of fun and could get easily dismissed as a 'Dad' movie, but at its heart is a genuinely enjoyable and inspiring story.
1917 (January 10th, 2020)
1917 positioned at number 87 is an amazing achievement for a film that was only released six months ago. Rather than tell an epic story of history, or recount a deadly battle, 1917 instead picks a small story of a single soldier. Presented as one continuous shot the film perfectly captures the claustrophobia of war while detailing, in real-time, the traumatic tasks a soldier has to perform. All of which makes 1917 one of the most engaging and personal accounts of war ever made.