66 Essential Films from The Criterion Collection
66 titles
- 1
Mulholland DriveMovie · 2001 · 147m · Thriller, Drama, MysteryNewly arrived in Hollywood and chasing stardom, blonde Betty Elms encounters a mysterious brunette suffering from amnesia. As Betty and the woman try to uncover her past, filmmaker Adam Kesher faces unsettling problems while casting his new film.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 2
Ghost WorldMovie · 2001 · 111m · Comedy, DramaTwo unconventional, skeptical teenagers grapple with their futures after graduating high school. Following a prank on an odd, middle-aged record collector, one of them develops a friendship with him, creating tension between the two girls.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 3
In Vanda's RoomMovie · 2001 · 171m · DramaThis film offers a raw and fragmented portrait of several individuals struggling with self-destruction and societal isolation, with a primary focus on Vanda Duarte, a woman battling heroin addiction.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 4
Medicine for MelancholyMovie · 2009 · 88m · Drama, RomanceMicah and Joanne wake up with no memory of their one-night stand. They spend the day together in San Francisco, talking over coffee as they try to build a connection.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.1 - 5
Amores PerrosMovie · 2000 · 154m · Drama, ThrillerA car crash in Mexico City triggers a series of unexpected events for three individuals: a supermodel, a young man planning to elope with his sister-in-law, and a homeless man. Their lives are dramatically altered by the seemingly insignificant fate of a dog.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6 - 6
Fat GirlMovie · 2001 · 86m · DramaTwelve-year-old Anaïs feels burdened by responsibility. She observes her fifteen-year-old sister, Elena, a captivating girl she both adores and resents. Elena, equally ordinary as Anaïs, struggles to grasp that she is seen as a possession. The film explores the theme of a young girl losing her virginity, an event that ultimately leads to tragedy during that summer.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 7
The Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonMovie · 2008 · 166m · Drama, Fantasy, RomanceBenjamin Button is born old in a New Orleans nursing home and ages backward. Twelve years later, he meets Daisy, a young girl who remains a presence in his life as she matures into a dancer. Throughout his unusual life, Benjamin experiences many adventures, but his connection with Daisy and the possibility of their lives aligning are what motivate him.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 8
La CiénagaMovie · 2001 · 101m · DramaIn the heat of a northern Argentina summer, two middle-class families seek respite in a decaying estate and a simple townhouse. The relaxed setting reveals underlying tensions and strained relationships among them, as well as the dynamics between parents, children, and servants. Their everyday lives – filled with leisure, conversation, and hidden longings – highlight the complexities of class, tradition, and faith.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 9
Throw DownMovie · 2004 · 96m · Drama, ActionA retired Judo champion gets a second chance at glory when he forms an unexpected bond with a fellow competitor and a hopeful singer.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 10
Beastie Boys: Video AnthologyMovie · 2000 · 65mThe Beastie Boys have been hugely influential for the past twenty years. They broadened hip-hop's appeal and redefined its sound, while their innovative music videos pushed the art form to new heights. This two-disc collection features eighteen videos with alternative visuals and different audio versions. It includes previously unseen footage, unreleased music, rare photos, and exclusive commentary from the band and video directors.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.2 - 11
In the Mood for LoveMovie · 2000 · 99m · Drama, RomanceTwo neighbors develop a close friendship when they both become suspicious about their spouses' fidelity. They decide to maintain a purely platonic relationship, wary of repeating the mistakes they suspect their partners are making.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.1 - 12
Fantastic Mr. FoxMovie · 2009 · 87m · Adventure, Animation, ComedyFeeling restless, Mr. Fox devises a daring plan to steal chickens from three nearby farmers. The farmers, fed up with the fox's constant raids, plot their revenge on him and his family.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 13
Before SunsetMovie · 2004 · 80m · Drama, RomanceNine years after a single night in Vienna, Jesse tours Europe, reading from a book inspired by his encounter with Celine. In Paris, Celine unexpectedly finds him, and they reconnect for the day before Jesse departs for another flight. Both are now in relationships, Jesse is a father, but as their feelings rekindle, they both admit they desire something more.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8 - 14
A Constant ForgeMovie · 2000 · 200mJohn Cassavetes is considered a pioneering figure in American independent film. The actor who became a filmmaker developed a realistic style, drawing heavily from documentary filmmaking. This film examines Cassavetes' life and career through interviews with his frequent collaborators and actors, and looks at the creation of his notable films, including "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie," "Opening Night," and "A Woman Under the Influence."IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.6 - 15
Man Push CartMovie · 2006 · 87m · DramaEach night, as New York City sleeps, Ahmad, a Pakistani immigrant and former rock musician, pushes his cart through the streets, selling coffee and donuts. This routine existence shifts when an opportunity for a better life presents itself.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 16
The Secret of the GrainMovie · 2007 · 151m · DramaIn southern France, a Franco-Arabic shipyard worker and his partner's daughter work together to realize their dream of opening a restaurant.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 17
BamboozledMovie · 2000 · 136m · Comedy, DramaProducer Pierre Delacroix, after being rejected by his network for his sitcom idea, deliberately pitches the worst concept imaginable: a 21st-century minstrel show, hoping to get fired. Instead, the network airs it and it unexpectedly becomes a huge success.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 18
Summer HoursMovie · 2008 · 103m · DramaFollowing the passing of their mother, three adult children discuss how to divide her possessions.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4 - 19
RevancheMovie · 2008 · 121m · Crime, Drama, RomanceAlex, a former convict now providing protection in a Vienna brothel, hopes to escape with his girlfriend Tamara, who works there too. Their attempt to leave triggers a series of events connecting them to a rural police officer and his difficult marriage. As their lives become intertwined, a subtle conflict emerges centered on feelings of guilt, loss, and the longing for a fresh start.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 20
Hedwig and the Angry InchMovie · 2001 · 95m · Comedy, Music, DramaGrowing up in East Berlin, Hedwig decides to move to the U.S. She transforms herself into a rock star, known for being largely unknown but incredibly gifted. She presents herself as a woman, embracing a unique sense of self.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 21
Me and You and Everyone We KnowMovie · 2005 · 91m · Comedy, DramaRichard, a single father, connects with Christine, a struggling artist who works as a taxi driver. They navigate a hesitant romance, complicated by Richard's emotional wounds from his divorce. At the same time, Richard’s sons – a teenager and a six-year-old – experience awkward first encounters with the opposite gender.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 22
Take OutMovie · 2008 · 88mA Chinese immigrant working illegally is deeply in debt due to a massive smuggling operation. He has until the end of the day to find the money he owes.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 23
TrafficMovie · 2000 · 147m · Thriller, Drama, CrimeThis film examines the U.S. war on drugs through several viewpoints. The newly appointed head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy confronts a personal crisis when his intelligent daughter secretly struggles with cocaine use within their seemingly perfect suburban life. In Mexico, an honest police officer decides to risk everything to expose a powerful general's collaboration with a drug cartel. Meanwhile, in San Diego, a wealthy woman accustomed to luxury must navigate the dangerous world of her husband's drug empire after his arrest, jeopardizing her privileged existence.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 24
Y Tu Mamá TambiénMovie · 2001 · 106m · Drama, RomanceTwo teenage boys and an older woman take a road trip through Mexico, where they experience lessons about life, friendship, sex, and their relationships with one another.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 25
Mysterious Object at NoonMovie · 2000 · 89m · Documentary, Drama, MysteryA film crew journeys through Thailand, inviting local villagers to contribute to a continuously expanding narrative.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 26
Punch-Drunk LoveMovie · 2002 · 96m · Romance, Drama, ComedyA man who struggles with social situations and has a tendency to be unpredictable finds love when he's targeted by a group of criminals.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 27
George WashingtonMovie · 2000 · 90m · Drama"George Washington" is a coming-of-age story set in a rural Southern town, exploring how a group of young people navigate difficult choices and their repercussions. After a game in an abandoned amusement park ends tragically with the death of one of the children, the film follows the remaining kids as they grapple with a devastating lie while trying to pursue their dreams and maintain their friendships. Narrated by one of the survivors, it’s a portrait of innocence lost.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.6 - 28
JapónMovie · 2003 · 134m · DramaA city painter travels to a secluded canyon with the intention of ending his life. Seeking peace, he finds lodging at the farm of Ascen, an elderly woman of faith. Despite minimal conversation, a connection blossoms between them, developing into love.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6 - 29
HungerMovie · 2008 · 96m · Drama, HistoryThis is the story of Bobby Sands, an IRA member who spearheaded the 1981 hunger strike. During The Troubles, Irish Republican prisoners undertook the strike to demand political status.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 30
White MaterialMovie · 2010 · 106m · DramaAmidst a turbulent power shift in a French-speaking African nation, Maria Vial struggles to keep her family's coffee plantation running. As rebels and the army battle for dominance, French peacekeepers withdraw, leaving the remaining white residents to fend for themselves. But Maria is determined to stay on her land, even as disaster approaches.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 31
The Beales of Grey GardensMovie · 2006 · 91m · Documentary, DramaIn a decaying house in East Hampton, mother and daughter Big Edie and Little Edie Beale live with six cats. Little Edie, in her fifties and known for her scarves and vibrant clothing, sings, poses for the camera, and converses with filmmakers Al and David Maysles. Big Edie, in her seventies, recites poetry, observes her daughter, and sings "If I Loved You." She speaks in brief phrases while Little Edie is more expressive. The film follows a series of events: visitors arrive, a minor fire occurs, Little Edie visits the beach and swims, and she discusses her Catholic faith. She expresses shame over a police raid due to the cats and emphasizes the importance of individuality.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3 - 32
The New WorldMovie · 2005 · 151m · Drama, History, RomanceThis drama explores the conflict between Native Americans and English settlers in 17th-century America, focusing on the experiences of explorer John Smith.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 33
Pan's LabyrinthMovie · 2006 · 118m · Fantasy, Drama, WarFollowing the Spanish Civil War, ten-year-old Ofelia and her pregnant mother go to live with her abusive stepfather. She discovers a strange labyrinth and encounters a faun who tells her she might be a princess from a hidden kingdom. To find her real father, Ofelia must complete a series of bizarre and dangerous challenges that make it hard to tell what's real and what's not.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.8 - 34
Daddy LonglegsMovie · 2010 · 99m · Drama, ComedyLenny, 34, has spent months alone. He picks up his sons, Sage, 9, and Frey, 7, from school. Each year, he spends a couple of weeks with them in his midtown New York studio apartment. During these visits, Lenny struggles to decide whether to be a father or a friend. Their family trip upstate descends into utter chaos.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 35
The OthersMovie · 2001 · 101m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerGrace, a devout woman, lives with her children, Anne and Nicholas, in a darkened old house due to their extreme sensitivity to light. As strange occurrences and unsettling visions suggest the house might be haunted, Grace desperately tries to shield her children from the supernatural threat, no matter the cost.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 36
Love & BasketballMovie · 2000 · 125m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceMonica Wright and Quincy McCall have known each other their whole lives, growing up in the same neighborhood. They fall in love as they become adults, sharing a deep passion for basketball. As Quincy and Monica navigate their relationship, they pursue separate paths in high school and college basketball, both hoping to achieve professional stardom.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3 - 37
Fish TankMovie · 2009 · 123m · DramaFifteen-year-old Mia feels like she's always fighting with her family and everyone around her. Then she meets Connor, her mother's charming new boyfriend, and is surprised when he seems to notice her too. She hopes he can help her understand what's going on in her life.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 38
Bowling for ColumbineMovie · 2002 · 120m · Documentary, DramaThis film isn't about gun control. It explores the underlying anxieties of the United States and the 280 million Americans who can legally own a Uzi. Examining Columbine High School security footage, the home of NRA President Charlton Heston, a young man creating napalm from a guide book, and the tragic murder of a six-year-old by another six-year-old, "Bowling for Columbine" journeys across America, examining its history to understand why the pursuit of happiness is so intertwined with violence.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 39
Old JoyMovie · 2006 · 74m · DramaAs Mark prepares to become a father, he feels increasingly overwhelmed by the demands of family life. He welcomes an invitation from his longtime friend Kurt for a camping trip in the Oregon wilderness. While spending time together, the two men confront the shifts happening in their lives and how those changes are impacting their friendship.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.3 - 40
American Dad!Movie · 2001 · 108m · Fantasy, Drama, HorrorSpain, 1939. As the Spanish Civil War ends, young Carlos arrives at the Santa Lucía orphanage. There, he forms friendships and rivalries while unknowingly following the subtle trail of someone driven by a desire for vengeance.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 41
Memories of MurderMovie · 2003 · 131m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerIn the late 1980s, two detectives in rural South Korea struggle to solve a series of brutal rape and murders targeting young women, terrifying their community. Working with limited resources and old-fashioned techniques, they soon realize they are hunting the country's first documented serial killer as the murders continue with a disturbing pattern. This true-crime thriller follows their desperate attempt to connect the clues.IMDb 8.1TMDB 8.1 - 42
The Life Aquatic with Steve ZissouMovie · 2004 · 119m · Adventure, Comedy, DramaDriven by revenge for a crewmate lost to a shark, celebrated oceanographer Steve Zissou sets out on a new expedition. He's joined by his usual crew, along with Ned, a man convinced Zissou is his father, and Jane, a journalist who is pregnant. Their journey across the ocean brings them frequent encounters with pirates and, more personally, a series of figures from Zissou’s past, including his estranged wife, Eleanor.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 43
NaqoyqatsiMovie · 2002 · 89m · DocumentaryThis film presents a series of images depicting today's world, shaped by widespread technology and conflict.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.1 - 44
Che: Part OneMovie · 2008 · 134m · Drama, History, WarIn 1956, Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara and a group of Cuban exiles, under Fidel Castro's leadership, land in Cuba from Mexico. Within two years, they build a popular movement and an army, ultimately overthrowing the U.S.-backed dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 45
GomorrahMovie · 2008 · 136m · Drama, CrimeThis film offers a look inside the world of Italy's contemporary crime families, specifically the Camorra in Naples and Caserta. Based on the work of Roberto Saviano, it reveals a reality dominated by power, wealth, and violence. Residents of the region are constantly confronted with the Camorra's demands, leaving little room for personal freedom. Only a select few manage to escape the cycle of crime and live a semblance of normalcy.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 46
Everlasting MomentsMovie · 2008 · 131m · Drama, HistoryAmidst a period of social upheaval, war, and economic hardship, Maria, a young woman from a working-class background, wins a camera in a lottery. This unexpected prize fundamentally changes the course of her life.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 47
My WinnipegMovie · 2008 · 80m · Documentary, Drama, ComedyWinnipeg, Manitoba, the heart of North America and Guy Maddin's hometown, is the captivating setting for his film. The story blends reality, imagination, and recollections to create a city that is both charming and unsettling.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.8 - 48
The Darjeeling LimitedMovie · 2007 · 92m · Adventure, Drama, ComedyThree American brothers, estranged for a year, embark on a train journey through India hoping to reconnect and rediscover their bond. Their self-proclaimed "spiritual quest" quickly takes an unexpected turn, complicated by incidents involving medication, local remedies, and a case of pepper spray.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 49
WALL·EMovie · 2008 · 98m · Animation, Family, Science FictionAfter humanity abandons Earth, a lone robot named WALL•E continues his programmed work for centuries. His life changes when he encounters EVE, a sophisticated search robot. EVE discovers that WALL•E has found something vital for the future of the planet and rushes back to space to report to the humans. WALL•E follows her on a galaxy-wide chase, sparking a uniquely imaginative adventure.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.1 - 50
A Christmas TaleMovie · 2008 · 152m · Comedy, DramaThe fractured Vuillard family gathers for a strained Christmas when their matriarch falls ill. The reunion brings together Henri, a rebellious outsider, and Elizabeth, who is tightly wound. Sharing a home again after years apart, their complicated history of unspoken resentments and desires resurfaces.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 51
Yi YiMovie · 2000 · 174m · DramaIn Taipei, a family grapples with personal and ethical dilemmas as ordinary moments reveal cracks in their relationships and challenge what they believe matters.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.9 - 52
Chop ShopMovie · 2008 · 84m · DramaAlejandro, a determined Latino street kid nearing his teenage years, lives and works in a bustling auto-body shop within a large junkyard in Queens, New York. Amidst the unpredictable environment of working adults, Alejandro strives to build a better future for himself and his 16-year-old sister, Isamar.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.6 - 53
Inland EmpireMovie · 2006 · 180m · Horror, Thriller, MysteryActress Nikki Grace lands the lead in a film with a dark secret. As filming progresses, her life begins to blur with the movie's themes of betrayal, past lives, and unexplained phenomena.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.0 - 54
AntichristMovie · 2009 · 104m · Drama, Horror, ThrillerA couple struggling with grief and marital problems seeks solace in their secluded cabin, "Eden," deep in the woods. Hoping to heal and reconnect, they find their situation escalating as nature unleashes unforeseen challenges.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.6 - 55
Bergman IslandMovie · 2006 · 84mFårö, a remote and enigmatic island off the coast of Sweden, Baltic Sea, 2004. In this film, the renowned Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman (1918-2007) reflects on his life's work—over six decades dedicated to cinema, theater, and television. This is an abridged version of *Ingmar Bergman Complete* (2004), a collection of three documentaries exploring his relationship with film, theater, and the island of Fårö.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 56
The Squid and the WhaleMovie · 2005 · 81m · Comedy, DramaInspired by Noah Baumbach's childhood, The Squid and the Whale is a poignant story about two brothers navigating their parents' divorce in Brooklyn during the 1980s.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 57
The Royal TenenbaumsMovie · 2001 · 110m · Comedy, DramaRoyal Tenenbaum and his wife Etheline had three children before separating. All three children are exceptionally gifted – true geniuses. But two decades of betrayal, failure, and misfortune have largely obscured their former brilliance, with most blaming their father. "The Royal Tenenbaums" tells the story of this family's surprising and sudden reunion one winter.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 58
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 - 59
Still WalkingMovie · 2008 · 114m · Drama, FamilyA family comes together for a traditional ceremony, the meaning of which is revealed slowly.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 60
FrownlandMovie · 2008 · 106mKeith is a socially awkward outcast who considers himself a "troll." His anxieties trigger a downward spiral as his job selling coupons, his living situation, and his remaining relationships fall apart.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 61
Brand Upon the Brain!Movie · 2007 · 98m · Drama, MysteryA man who grew up in an orphanage returns to his mother after she asks to see him one last time. He must face the painful childhood memories that have always troubled him.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.5 - 62
Monsoon WeddingMovie · 2001 · 114m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceWith monsoon rains approaching, the large Verma family gathers in New Delhi for a final arranged marriage. The film follows five interconnected stories, exploring various facets of love as characters confront differences in social standing, location, and ethics.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8 - 63
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 - 64
Colossal YouthMovie · 2006 · 155m · DramaWhen the Portuguese government destroys his neighborhood and moves him to a housing project outside Lisbon, 75-year-old Cape Verdean immigrant Ventura journeys back and forth between his old life and his new one, encountering familiar faces along the way.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.3 - 65
Code UnknownMovie · 2000 · 118m · DramaA small incident sets off a chain of events that connects five people in Paris. Anne is an actress, and her boyfriend Georges is documenting the war in Kosovo. Georges' brother, Jean, needs the code to access Georges' apartment. Their lives become intertwined with a Romanian immigrant and a deaf teacher.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 66
The Piano TeacherMovie · 2001 · 131m · Drama, RomanceErika Kohut, a piano teacher who suppresses her sexuality and lives under the control of her mother, begins to attract the attention of a young man who pursues her romantically.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
