20 Highest-Rated Movies on IMDb, Ranked by Votes

While web reputation generally is a fickle and fleeting factor, within the case of IMDb, there are just a few top-rated motion pictures that tower above their rivals and stand the take a look at of time. Moviegoers can fee the movies they see on the web site, and a few are cemented as being on the prime of their class. Seen by many because the go-to useful resource for movie scores and opinions, the ten most-voted movies are normally, if not among the greatest motion pictures of all time. At the very least, IMDb’s prime motion pictures are comfortably the web’s favourite motion pictures and are seemingly recognizable to most viewers.

As IMDb continues to be a preferred useful resource for these searching for must-see 10-star motion pictures, its scores and variety of voters additionally always change as extra viewers flock to the positioning to share their opinions about their favourite movies. For the most-voted motion pictures on the platform, they continue to be above these shifts, apart from some delicate variations of their rating and variety of votes.

20 ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

Votes: 1,532,834 | IMDb Rating: 8.6

A cinematic masterpiece and nonetheless the primary film many consider when contemplating psychological horror, The Silence of the Lambs is an award-winning movie directed by Jonathan Demme based mostly on Thomas Harris‘ eponymous 1988 novel. It tells the story of a younger FBI trainee, Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), who asks the imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) for assist in her pursuit of a serial killer, “Buffalo Bill” (Ted Levine).

Hopkins’ efficiency because the good psychiatrist and infamous cannibal helps cement the character as a popular culture icon. The timeless movie’s cat-and-mouse recreation between Clarice and Lecter, coupled with Buffalo Bill’s ugly crimes, creates a suspenseful environment that is nonetheless simply as riveting upon a well-deserved rewatch at the moment. The votes on IMDb show that Silence of the Lambs deserves all of the reward it acquired.

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19 ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)

Votes: 1,561,759 | IMDb Rating: 8.2

Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort‘s profession as a stockbroker as outlined in his eponymous 2007 memoir, director Martin Scorsese‘s The Wolf of Wall Street is a famend darkish comedy film. It revolves across the charismatic stockbroker’s (performed by Leonardo DiCaprio) experiences as he rises to monetary success after opening his personal agency, which engages in fraud and different felony actions. It additionally chronicles his epic downfall after his infamy catches the eye of the authorities.

A improbable film about extra, the high-energy, darkly comedic exploration of Belfort’s unbridled ambition is wholly unique and wildly entertaining. This unapologetic portrayal of the chaotic and hedonistic world of Wall Street within the Nineties has understandably been some extent of debate amongst critics and audiences, but it surely would not take away from the movie’s enduring reputation.

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18 ‘Batman Begins’ (2005)

Votes: 1,564,028 | IMDb Rating: 8.2

Christian Bale‘s Batman is launched to tens of millions of followers in Christopher Nolan‘s first entry in The Dark Knight trilogy, Batman Begins. The first in the legendary superhero film trilogy tells the origin story of the legendary DC anti-hero, all the best way to his combat in opposition to Ra’s al Ghul (Liam Neeson) and the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy), who need nothing greater than to see Gotham in shambles.

The 2005 film would mark an essential flip within the superhero style, proving that blockbusters might be infused with gritty realism and psychological depth, significantly for the enduring character it portrays. Its depiction of Batman’s journey from a traumatized orphan to the caped crusader captures the character’s complexities and internal turmoil with ease, laying the groundwork for what many nonetheless think about to be the perfect movie collection that depicts the anti-hero.

17 ‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)

Votes: 1,565,763 | IMDb Rating: 8.4

One of Quentin Tarantino‘s most iconic movies, Inglourious Basterds is a singular conflict film set throughout World War II that follows a gaggle of American troopers led by Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), as they embark on a mission to hunt and exterminate Nazis. Another plot operating alongside that is Shosanna Dreyfus’ (Mélanie Laurent) plan to assassinate Nazi Germany’s management, and the 2 tales collide in an explosive method.

Tarantino’s film is a outstanding mixture of historic drama, darkish humor, and intense motion, with its sudden narrative construction solely enhancing the unfolding occasions. It’s a one-of-a-kind humorous portrayal of what is likely one of the darkest intervals of historical past. Of course, career-best performances from actors like Christoph Waltz (for his portrayal of the villainous Colonel Hans Landa) add depth and a component of rewatchability to the 2009 movie.

16 ‘Gladiator’ (2000)

Votes: 1,603,191 | IMDb Rating: 8.5

Director Ridley Scott‘s Gladiator is a masterwork within the historic drama style. Starring Russell Crowe as Roman normal Maximus Decimus Meridius, the movie portrays his nice fall following a betrayal by the emperor’s overly formidable son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Instead of accepting defeat, Maximus works his method up within the enviornment and swears vengeance, preventing in opposition to quite a few foes to succeed in the very prime and go away an essential message for the emperor himself (with many onlookers).

The movie is filled with thunderous spectacles which can be the flawlessly choreographed battles between gladiators, completely complemented by a robust rating by Hans Zimmer. Crowe’s commanding efficiency anchors the movie, which traces his path to Commodus – and to revenge – in a method that can have viewers rooting for him till the very finish. At this level, Gladiator is an important revenge film with a dramatic story that advantages from Scott’s path.

15 ‘Django Unchained’ (2012)

Votes: 1,675,535 | IMDb Rating: 8.5

A fan-favorite Western directed by Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained tells the story of the titular slave (performed by Jamie Foxx) who beneficial properties his freedom when he encounters a German bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz). The duo embarks on a harmful journey throughout the nation to search for Django’s spouse, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), who’s revealed to have been offered to a merciless plantation proprietor, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio).

Widely thought to be one among Quentin Tarantino’s greatest motion pictures, Django Unchained is a contemporary masterpiece that’s unflinching in its use of irreverent humor and stylistic violence to delve into racism and slavery. With stellar performances from its solid (most notably leading to DiCaprio’s glass scene) and no scarcity of sharp dialogue, it is simple to see why the offbeat movie turned mainstream.

14 ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ (2002)

Votes: 1,766,174 | IMDb Rating: 8.8

It’s arduous to name any of director Peter Jackson‘s The Lord of the Rings motion pictures unhealthy, but when followers needed to decide the weakest entry within the trilogy, it might most likely be The Two Towers. Picking up the place the primary film left off, the movie follows Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam’s (Sean Astin) more and more dangerous journey to Mordor, in addition to Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli’s (John Rhys-Davies) actually breathtaking pursuit of the Uruk-hai who’ve kidnapped the lovable duo Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd).

The epic LotR masterpiece does a wonderful job of conducting the gargantuan activity of bridging the 2 motion pictures in an thrilling sufficient method that leaves audiences wanting extra, however not dissatisfied. One of its many highlights and arguably the perfect is its dramatic portrayal of the Battle of Helm’s Deep, additionally known as the Battle of the Hornburg, which sees some beloved characters up in opposition to not possible odds. Its excessive variety of votes on IMDb is a testomony to simply how many individuals seemingly have this bookmarked as a part of their annual marathons of the acclaimed movie trilogy.

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13 ‘Se7en’ (1995)

Votes: 1,778,854 | IMDb Rating: 8.6

The twisty crime thriller to finish all twisty crime thrillers, director David Fincher‘s Se7en set a brand new commonplace and elevated the style when it first premiered within the late 90s. The legendary movie is centered on two detectives, the disillusioned William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and his rookie companion David Mills (Brad Pitt). The detectives are assigned to a weird case a few serial killer utilizing the seven lethal sins as inspiration for his ugly but meticulous murders.

Famous for its unforgettable twist ending, Se7en offers viewers an enthralling story with brilliantly suspenseful moments that construct as much as its wild conclusion. It was a surprisingly particularly darkish entry from Fincher, who established quite a few emblems on this movie. Fantastic performances from Freeman and Pitt make the flawless materials they need to work with even higher. It’s a film that captured lightning in a bottle, and one which continues to be referenced, mentioned, and studied at the moment.

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12 ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012)

Votes: 1,810,278 | IMDb Rating: 8.4

Set eight years after the occasions of The Dark Knight, director Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises is the gripping conclusion to his award-winning movie trilogy. It depicts Gotham in a state of uncharacteristic peace because of the Dent Act, which is unsurprisingly quickly disturbed by the enduring villain, Bane (Tom Hardy). Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is compelled to return out of retirement one final time to face this new risk, with the assistance of the dependable Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) and an thrilling new ally, Selina Kyle, a.ok.a. Catwoman (Anne Hathaway).

An awesome instance of a closing film carried out proper, The Dark Knight Rises is a correct send-off for the beloved anti-hero, who’s not possible to not root for at this level. Gotham’s destiny hangs within the stability because the caped crusader meets yet one more foe. Of course, it is Tom Hardy’s portrayal of the villainous Bane that manages to outshine heroic makes an attempt from the protagonist, and can without end be related to this massively profitable trilogy.

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11 ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)

Votes: 1,959,116 | IMDb Rating: 9.0

The nearer to Peter Jackson’s trilogy of movies adapting J.R.R. Tolkien‘s seminal fantasy novels is blockbuster filmmaking carried out proper. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King supplies a satisfying conclusion to the practically 9 hours of story. This movie sees Aragorn declare his birthright because the King of Gondor, probably essentially the most excellent cavalry cost ever put to movie, after an unbelievable battle. It additionally consists of the ultimate leg of Frodo and Samwise’s grueling journey in the direction of the eventual destruction of the ring and the defeat of the massive unhealthy, Sauron.

This movie holds a three-way tie for the most-awarded movie in Oscars historical past, with Ben-Hur and Titanic all sharing the illustrious honor of taking dwelling 11 awards. Perhaps as a lot an acknowledgment by the academy of the monumental achievement the trilogy as an entire was, The Return of the King additionally marked one of many uncommon occasions in historical past the place the massive winner was an epic, crowd-pleasing fantasy movie.

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10 ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001)

Votes: 1,986,863 | IMDb Rating: 8.9

The activity of adapting The Lord of the Rings trilogy that Tolkien spent most of his lifetime growing — and had a large affect on the style as an entire — was maybe rightly seen as one which was, for all intents and functions, not possible. However, Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema determined to tackle the problem — and it paid off.

Is the start of a story higher than the tip? The web actually appears to assume so, as The Fellowship of the Ring locations above the conclusion to the trilogy. Why that is so is anybody’s guess — however The Fellowship of the Ring is actually a wonderful, well-made movie that does an excellent job of introducing the characters, their motivations, and the stakes of the story. It sees attractive depictions of the Shire, the creation of the Fellowship, and the primary hints of the horrible antagonists they’re going to be dealing with alongside the best way (together with themselves). Among the three movies, it is essentially the most rewatchable, not simply because it got here first, but additionally because of the magical and nostalgic viewing expertise it affords.

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9 ‘The Godfather’ (1972)

Votes: 1,992,510 | IMDb Rating: 9.2

Rarely does a movie so fully transcend the medium’s limits to grow to be a staple of standard tradition, however The Godfather is an odd confluence of things. A distinct segment Hollywood had thought lifeless, a younger, maverick filmmaker with the imaginative and prescient to revitalize the gangster film style, and the most effective casts of all time mix to convey this all-time traditional to life.

The Godfather portrays Mario Puzo‘s mob novel on the massive display, depicting the lifetime of the top of a mafia, Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), in addition to his reluctant son’s – Michael (Al Pacino) – path to becoming a member of him and finally taking management. It’s mobster drama at its greatest, portraying the betrayals, violence, and familial conflicts, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes have a look at a compelling crime household. It’s robust to search out fault with this movie — the whole lot from the script to the manufacturing design, the cinematography, pacing, motion, and appearing are all top-notch. The Godfather gave viewers a glimpse into the internal workings of a mafia, which revolutionized a whole style of filmmaking.

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8 ‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Votes: 2,032,223 | IMDb Rating: 8.7

“What is the Matrix?” is a seemingly easy query, however one which perplexed and intrigued audiences as a part of probably the most efficient advertising campaigns in historical past. An odd mixture of the peak of stunt work, thrilling new applied sciences, and philosophical contemplation of humanity’s relationship with machines mixed to make The Matrix a large hit and a cultural phenomenon. It launched the world to Keanu Reeves‘ Neo, who might be the one that would save humanity from a grand phantasm, no less than in response to Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne).

This movie holds a particular place in many individuals’s hearts, and it is simple to see why. It modified the best way blockbusters have been made, introducing the world to bullet-time and revolutionary particular results, to not point out toe Keanu Reeves’ appearing chops as an motion star. It’s value noting that it is nonetheless thought-about the greatest one within the Matrix franchise, and remains to be value watching once more at the moment.

7 ‘Interstellar’ (2014)

Votes: 2,061,256 | IMDb Rating: 8.7

Another formidable movie from Nolan, Interstellar is taken into account one among the perfect sci-fi motion pictures of all time. Set in a dystopian future the place blight is inflicting the fast decline of life on earth, the movie focuses on a former pilot and now farmer named Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), who finds a secret NASA location and is quickly positioned answerable for a mission that might be humanity’s final hope. As he leads his group by means of a wormhole, they do not count on what they discover on the opposite aspect.

Interstellar hit each mark, from its gorgeous visible results and commendable scientific accuracy to its excellent performances and shocking emotional depth. Alongside its epic intergalactic story, it tells a extra intimate father-daughter narrative that finally influences Cooper’s mission. Judging by its variety of votes, it is secure to say that it’s the film for sci-fi followers who’ve seemingly gotten their dose of house, mind-bending physics, and dystopian settings on a couple of rewatch.

6 ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)

Votes: 2,196,360 | IMDb Rating: 8.9

Pulp Fiction is the movie that cemented Quentin Tarantino as a artistic power in Hollywood. It makes use of a non-linear narrative construction to depict a wide range of arcs, which embody two hitmen who’ve darkly humorous conversations, an actress who will get in bother after a enjoyable evening out, and a Bonnie-and-Clyde-esque couple who hype themselves up for a theft.

It’s arduous to place a finger on exactly what makes this movie so good — an all-star solid buying and selling barbs with one another from Tarantino’s whip-smart script and enjoying with enhancing conventions to inform a non-linear story are two of the highest causes. But maybe most of all, Pulp Fiction is simply cool. There’s no different phrase for it. From the fashionable hitmen performed with panache by Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta to the soundtrack of absolute bangers from begin to end, this movie epitomized the mid-90s. It’s probably the most influential American movies of the last decade.

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5 ‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)

Votes: 2,232,534 | IMDb Rating: 8.8

Known for his crowd-pleasing movies, director Robert Zemeckis is at his most crowd-pleasing when he introduces the world to the journey of Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) as he goes from being an impoverished baby in Alabama to having an unlikely affect on occasions that formed the world within the twentieth century. Life is sort of a field of sweets for the protagonist, whose tales vary from collaborating within the Vietnam conflict to engaged on a shrimp

While undeniably a heartwarming affair and being extremely acted throughout the board, significantly in Hanks’ case because the titular character, the movie is not identified for its subtlety. Some of its facets have not aged nicely, however the 1994 traditional hasn’t misplaced its place within the hearts of many followers. Forrest Gump is undoubtedly very charming, and nonetheless holds an essential place in popular culture.

4 ‘Fight Club’ (1999)

Votes: 2,295,487 | IMDb Rating: 8.8

David Fincher’s grungy, punk-infused adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk‘s novel of the identical title is likely one of the defining cult classics of the Nineties. Combining psychological thriller, comedy, and combat film into one tantalizing package deal, Fight Club is soiled, unapologetic, miserable, and exhilarating all in the identical breath — to not point out pulling off the most effective twists in cinema historical past.

It tells the story of the Narrator (Edward Norton), a person dwelling with insomnia who someday meets an eccentric cleaning soap salesman, Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). Together, they begin an underground combat membership for males with related pent up rage and frustration in regards to the world – it additionally comes with a set of essential guidelines. Presenting a nihilistic worldview that many disaffected younger folks resonate with, Fight Club displays the youth tradition of the Nineties as disillusionment and a way of hopelessness are the defining traits of the story. Tyler Durden’s highly effective phrases and well-written story left a long-lasting impression on a whole era.

3 ‘Inception’ (2010)

Votes: 2,523,037 | IMDb Rating: 8.8

Having confirmed his capability to generate income on the field workplace, Christopher Nolan was given a big finances and relative artistic freedom for his subsequent huge hit. Inception was an idea that had been in Nolan’s head because the days of Memento — and an ideal mixture of timing, funding, and concepts got here collectively for him to make it within the type that he had at all times envisioned.

The wild sci-fi movie follows the mysterious Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his group as they go on their most formidable heist but. The skilled thief is used to stealing data from the unconscious, but it surely’s his first try at implanting an thought. In the method, Cobb’s private demons begins to bleed into the assorted dreamscapes they stroll into, endangering his and his group’s lives. Nolan was in a position to take this complicated plot and mix it with among the most spectacular visible results ever seen in movie, simply turning Inception into probably the most standard motion pictures of all time.

2 ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

Votes: 2,841,487 | IMDb Rating: 9.0

Proving simply as adept at adapting present materials as he’s at crafting his personal distinctive tales, Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy has stood the take a look at of time. While the opposite two movies type sensible bookends for the trilogy, The Dark Knight genuinely stands out. It’s centered on Batman (Christian Bale) as he makes an attempt to wash up Gotham with the assist of Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). But when a brand new and harmful antagonist emerges, the town is plunged into chaos.

Considered by many to not be a lot an excellent superhero movie however as an alternative, a sprawling crime epic the place the protagonist and antagonist occur to decorate in costume, The Dark Knight — elevated by the late nice Heath Ledger’s distinct and legendary tackle the Joker — is kind of merely the most effective blockbusters ever made, and an undeniably good, partaking piece of cinema. It’s rightly by no means excluded from any dialogue of the highest-rated motion pictures of all time and narrowly makes it as one of many 10/10 motion pictures on IMDb.

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1 ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)

Votes: 2,860,257 | IMDb Rating: 9.3

After being put in jail for a criminal offense he says he did not commit, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is shipped to Shawshank — one of many worst prisons within the state. Not the form of man who’s reduce out for jail life, Dufrense befriends Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman), and the 2 males bond throughout their time inside collectively, sustaining their hope in a spot the place it seems there’s none available.

The closest to a ten/10 because the movie with the very best IMDb ranking (at 9.3), The Shawshank Redemption is, for sure, a triumph. One of the perfect movies ever made about hope and the human spirit, Frank Darabont directs the best-rated motion pictures amongst his Stephen King diversifications — displaying one other aspect to the horror grasp. Anchored by Freeman and Robbins’ improbable chemistry, it’s a nice movie that has stood the take a look at of time.

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