By Steffan Rhys
Copyright walesonline
What constitutes an incredible film? The answer to that question is inevitably subjective. One person’s cinematic masterpiece may be another’s snooze fest. You might argue that classics like Casablanca, Citizen Kane, or It’s A Wonderful Life are glaring omissions from this list, given their status as all-time greats.
However, I must confess that I found them somewhat tedious and have never felt compelled to revisit them – unlike the films on this list, some of which I could recite verbatim. You can check out my selection of the best books I’ve read here. As these older classics recede further into history, they face increasing competition for a place on any list of the greatest films ever made.
That being said, the lack of more contemporary films on this list can be attributed to the shift over the past two decades towards producing high-quality television series for streaming platforms, rather than cinema-worthy films.
But, at the end of the day, it’s all a matter of personal taste. While I believe it’s unlikely that a better film than the one topping this list will ever be made, others may find it so shockingly violent that they’d switch off before the opening credits have even finished rolling.
In this list, I’ve endeavoured to blend the subjective with the objective. For instance, Pulp Fiction holds a special place in my heart for its relentlessly sharp dialogue, its innovative narrative structure, and simply because it’s a cracking story.
But it also had a profound impact, catapulting actors to stardom and transforming obscure songs into defining anthems of the 1990s.
Similarly, The Matrix showcased special effects that were groundbreaking at the time and remain impressive 26 years on, despite technological advancements. The Lord of the Rings was a cinematic spectacle unlike any other, and I can still recall the palpable emotion in a Welsh cinema as Schindler’s List concluded, leaving audiences teary-eyed and riveted to their seats.
So, without further ado, here are my top 20 films of all time. These are my personal favourites, and I don’t profess to be a film scholar.
But like millions worldwide, I have a deep love for cinema. There are countless other films that could easily make the cut, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
A recent survey suggests that the average Brit will watch over 4,300 films in their lifetime. Given my age, and considering the rising popularity of streaming series over films, I’ve modestly estimated my own film consumption to be half that number.
