527 Films from the Directors' Poll
516 titles
- 501
Touki BoukiMovie · 1973 · 91m · Drama, RomanceMory, a simple cowherd yearning for something more, and Anta, a driven student with limited funds, connect over a shared goal: to travel to Paris. They work various jobs – from tending cattle to navigating city life – to raise money for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. As they pursue their dream, Mory and Anta face life's obstacles while deepening their friendship, revealing their vulnerabilities, growth, and strength. They discover important lessons about happiness, hope, and appreciating contentment in everyday life.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 502
The Thin Blue LineMovie · 1988 · 103m · Crime, DocumentaryDocumentarian Errol Morris uses detailed re-enactments to explore the difficult events following the murder of a Dallas police officer. He reconstructs the crime scene and investigation to examine the complicated mix of truth, deception, and emotions involved in such a tragedy. Combining cinematic storytelling with investigative journalism, Morris creates a compelling narrative that reveals the human side of the story behind the news. The film examines themes of justice, trust, and loyalty, while also highlighting the difficulties faced by law enforcement today.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6 - 503
Aguirre, the Wrath of GodMovie · 1972 · 95m · History, Adventure, DramaFollowing the collapse of the Inca Empire, a bold Spanish expedition journeys into the Amazon to find the legendary city of El Dorado. Captain Aguirre leads the men on a dangerous trek through unexplored territory, driven by the hope of great wealth.
As they travel down the river, the pursuit of fortune transforms into a desperate struggle for power. Aguirre's control over his crew intensifies, breeding suspicion and madness.
This intense story of exploration and ambition explores the darker side of humanity, depicting a harrowing fight for survival amidst extreme hardship. The expedition’s quest for El Dorado raises the question of whether the promise of riches will ultimately save or ruin them.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 504
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 DaysMovie · 2007 · 114m · DramaTwo college roommates have 24 hours to decide as they make final preparations for an illegal abortion.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 505
PersepolisMovie · 2007 · 95m · Animation, DramaIn 1970s Iran, young Marjane "Marji" Satrapi experiences the Iranian Revolution of 1979 as a hopeful moment for her family, who had long desired the overthrow of the Shah. But as Marji matures, she witnesses firsthand how the new Iran, governed by Islamic fundamentalists, transforms into a repressive and tyrannical regime.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.9 - 506
Silent LightMovie · 2007 · 136m · Drama, RomanceJohan and his family are Mennonites from northern Mexico. He defies both religious and societal expectations when he falls in love with someone else.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 507
Secret SunshineMovie · 2007 · 143m · DramaAfter her husband's death, Shin-ae relocates to his hometown, struggling to find her place in the quiet, unfamiliar community. Following a devastating event, she finds solace in Christianity, but even this comfort is denied to her, leading her to a defiant conflict with God.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 508
Johnny GuitarMovie · 1954 · 110m · Western, Drama, RomanceIn a lawless frontier town, Vienna owns a saloon frequented by outlaws like the Dancin' Kid and his gang. Johnny Guitar, an ex-gunslinger and Vienna's lover, is among her regulars. When a robbery goes wrong and a man dies, Emma Small, Vienna’s rival, stirs up the townspeople to seek revenge against Vienna’s saloon, despite lacking any proof. This Western examines loyalty, power, and the cost of vengeance in a wild, lawless society.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 509
PerformanceMovie · 1970 · 106m · Crime, DramaChas Devlin is a highly skilled enforcer in the criminal underworld, where loyalty is paramount and betrayal has severe consequences. Turner is a reclusive rock superstar, living a life dedicated to music and creativity. Their lives unexpectedly intersect, creating a compelling mix of danger and attraction. As Chas and Turner navigate this complicated connection, they must grapple with their own principles and difficulties, as their worlds increasingly overlap, blurring the boundaries between art, crime, and survival.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 510
GummoMovie · 1997 · 89m · Drama, ComedyIn San Francisco, a team of dedicated trauma specialists at City Hospital race against time to provide life-saving care during emergencies. Using land vehicles, boats, and helicopters, these professionals quickly reach patients across the city – from high-rise buildings like the Transamerica Pyramid to the San Francisco Bay. They risk their own safety while working to help people in extreme conditions, finding deep meaning in their efforts. This documentary offers a powerful look into urban trauma care and its effect on both those who are injured and the people who rescue them.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6 - 511
PlayTimeMovie · 1967 · 115m · ComedyThis charming comedy follows Monsieur Hulot as he tries to get through modern Paris, a city full of new technology and busy people. His trip to meet a business associate becomes a series of unexpected events, similar to an American tourist's experience in the same city. The two men, each dealing with their own problems, occasionally meet and become interested in each other.
As they both navigate Paris, they get involved in funny situations with all sorts of quirky locals. The story builds to a chaotic but heartwarming scene in a lively restaurant where everyone comes together. The film playfully looks at ideas about connecting with others, differences in culture, and finding happiness even when things are complicated.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7 - 512
The InnocentsMovie · 1961 · 100m · Horror, Mystery, DramaA young governess takes a job caring for two bright children at a remote, grand estate. She starts to suspect the peaceful household hides dark secrets. Strange things happen, and she believes malevolent spirits haunt the house, possibly tormenting the children. Fear clouds her judgment as she tries to protect them from this unseen danger, confronting the unsettling possibility that the greatest threats can come from within.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 513
Five Easy PiecesMovie · 1970 · 98m · DramaA young man leaves behind a comfortable life for the harsh reality of oil rigs and rough environments. He moves from job to job, motel to motel, searching for meaning. In bars, gas stations, and other places where he finds temporary refuge with others like himself, he struggles with who he is and how to fit in – a world very different from his past. This story explores feelings of isolation, the gap between social classes, and the difficulty of finding one's place in a world that often seems uncaring.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 514
Funny GamesMovie · 1997 · 109m · Drama, Horror, ThrillerDuring a vacation, a family – a mother, father, and child – meets two dangerous young men. What begins as a relaxing getaway quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal. The antagonists subject the family to cruel games, forcing them to compete against each other for the captors' entertainment. The film explores how fear and desperation can reveal the worst in people as the family fights to survive.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 515
F for FakeMovie · 1973 · 89m · DocumentaryThe film explores the stories of Elmyr de Hory and Clifford Irving, two famous con artists who committed elaborate frauds that impacted the art and publishing worlds. De Hory became known for selling fake paintings by artists like Picasso and Matisse, and ultimately died by suicide to avoid further jail time. Irving gained attention for creating a false autobiography attributed to Howard Hughes.
Directed by Welles, the film blends documentary and fictional storytelling to examine the complexities of fraud and the people who carefully plan these deceptions. It looks closely at these individuals and their reasons, offering a detailed look at deception, identity, and the human urge to distort reality for personal benefit.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 516
Cries and WhispersMovie · 1972 · 95m · DramaThis film is a deeply emotional story about three sisters facing a loved one’s approaching death and their own personal difficulties. As Agnes battles cancer, her sisters are consumed by their own emotional struggles, making it hard for them to offer the support she needs in her final days. The drama explores how family can both comfort and hinder healing during difficult times. It examines themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and complicated relationships, offering a close look at the painful process of dealing with loss and mortality.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.9
