W2TCH

125 Essential Films We Need To Discuss

124 titles

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 101Mario Bava: Maestro of the MacabreMovie · 2000 · 60mGarry S. Grant's thoughtful documentary explores the films and lasting impact of Mario Bava, a highly influential Italian horror director often called "the Italian Hitchcock."IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.9
  2. 102EnnioMovie · 2022 · 156m · Documentary, Music, HistoryThis is a look at Ennio Morricone, the most popular and prolific film composer of the 20th century, beloved worldwide. A two-time Oscar winner, he created over five hundred unforgettable film scores.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.3
  3. 103In Search of the Last Action HeroesMovie · 2019 · 140m · Documentary, ActionA complete look back at action movies from the 1980s.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0
  4. 104Dario Argento: Master of HorrorMovie · 1991 · 80mThis documentary explores the films of influential Italian horror director Dario Argento. It features clips from his iconic movies alongside interviews with those who worked with him – friends, actors, and fellow filmmakers.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.7
  5. 105Rewind This!Movie · 2013 · 94m · DocumentaryThe arrival of home video revolutionized culture and history, with the VHS tape having a profound effect. This film explores the wide-ranging ways in which the invention of videotape changed society.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9
  6. 106Gerry Anderson: A Life UnchartedMovie · 2022 · 90mThis documentary, released a decade after Gerry Anderson's death, uses exclusive access to over 30 hours of never-before-seen interviews to reveal the untold stories of his 60-year career. It explores the experiences that shaped him and his influential body of work.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.0
  7. 107Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. MoreauMovie · 2014 · 98m · DocumentaryThis is the story behind the tumultuous production of the 1996 remake of H.G. Wells' "Island of Dr. Moreau." Director Richard Stanley spent four years developing the film only to have it abruptly cancelled, with behind-the-scenes manipulation by lead actor Marlon Brando. For the first time, those involved share their accounts of what truly happened and why the project collapsed in such a dramatic fashion.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.7
  8. 108Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon FilmsMovie · 2014 · 107m · DocumentaryThis documentary chronicles the story of Cannon Film Group, a once-powerful independent film company founded by Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus. It details their ascent to prominence and the subsequent decline of their influential enterprise.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2
  9. 109Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's ApocalypseMovie · 1991 · 96m · DocumentaryThis film explores the intense, behind-the-scenes story of making Apocalypse Now, revealing the immense challenges director Francis Ford Coppola faced. Unforeseen events – including severe weather, actors' illnesses, and the proximity of war – significantly increased costs and threatened to overwhelm him. The movie details Coppola’s unwavering commitment to his vision amidst these difficulties. It shows how his determination, along with the dedication of his crew and cast, ultimately resulted in the creation of a landmark film that remains influential. The difficulties encountered during Apocalypse Now's production highlight the sacrifices required to realize ambitious cinematic projects.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.9
  10. 110Hollywood between Paranoia and Sci-Fi: The Power of MythMovie · 2011 · 55mThis film explores the minds of the creators behind some of the most influential science fiction movies ever made, revealing how they drew inspiration from real-world events to shape their iconic stories.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.5
  11. 111Document of the DeadMovie · 1981 · 66mThis documentary explores the work of George A. Romero, focusing on a detailed look at the making of his film *Dawn of the Dead*. It offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the production.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5
  12. 112The Horror ShowMovie · 1979 · 100mThis film explores the evolution of the horror genre. It traces the development of frightening narratives in cinema, examining key moments and influential films that shaped the way we experience fear on screen.IMDb 7.7TMDB 3.8
  13. 113Dickson Experimental Sound FilmMovie · 1894 · 1m · MusicThis remarkable silent film offers a captivating look at early cinema history, featuring the talented William K.L. Dickson. While Dickson plays the violin, two men perform an intricate dance, demonstrating impressive rhythm and synchronization. The film enhances this performance with an innovative phonograph, capturing sound to create an immersive viewing experience. As one of the oldest surviving sound films, it showcases both the performers' artistry and the technical innovations of the era. The film transports audiences to the past, celebrating the ingenuity that shaped modern filmmaking. It’s a unique, engaging, and historically significant work, offering a glimpse into the past through its visuals and sound.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.1
  14. 114The Horror Hall of Fame: A Monster SaluteMovie · 1974 · 65mVincent Price and Billy Van host a comedic tribute to horror films, spanning from their origins to *The Exorcist*. The made-for-TV special includes clips from classic horror movies and interviews with prominent figures in the genre, such as Frank Gorshin, John Carradine, John Astin, and special effects expert Bill Tuttle.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.7
  15. 115You're So Cool, Brewster! The Story of Fright NightMovie · 2016 · 217mThis film offers a detailed examination of the creation of *Fright Night* (1985) and *Fright Night Part 2* (1988), including exclusive interviews with the cast and crew, rare photographs, and previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage.IMDb 8.1TMDB 6.8
  16. 116From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a SagaMovie · 1983 · 65m"From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga" is a 1983 PBS television documentary offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the original Star Wars trilogy. It focuses on the production of the final film, Return of the Jedi. Narrated by Mark Hamill, the documentary was written by Richard Schickel, who previously wrote the documentaries "The Making of Star Wars" (1977) and "SP FX: The Empire Strikes Back" (1980).IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.1
  17. 117A Decade Under the InfluenceMovie · 2003 · 110m · DocumentaryThis documentary explores the 1970s as a pivotal decade for American film. Contemporary acclaimed filmmakers share insights with the influential directors who shaped cinema during that era.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.9
  18. 118King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry CohenMovie · 2018 · 110mThis documentary explores the distinctive and varied career of Larry Cohen, the writer-director behind films like "Black Caesar," "It's Alive," "God Told Me To," "Q," and "The Stuff." It highlights his acclaimed body of work.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.4
  19. 119The Basics of Colour in FilmMovie · 1953 · 30mThis documentary film explains the science behind color cinema, covering everything from the different types of light used to create color, to the layers within a color film. It then details the complete process of how those colors are reproduced on the movie screen.
  20. 120PhantasmagoriaMovie · 2005 · 97mThis 97-minute feature offers a comprehensive look at the world of Phantasm, featuring interviews with director Don Coscarelli, producer Paul Pepperman, and cast members Angus Scrimm, Reggie Bannister, Michael Baldwin, and Bill Thornbury.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.7
  21. 121ClerkMovie · 2021 · 115mThis film chronicles Kevin Smith's journey, from his upbringing in New Jersey to the moment he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The film features appearances from many well-known figures who speak in support of Smith's iconic character, Silent Bob.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.0
  22. 122Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of GoreMovie · 2010 · 106mThis entertaining documentary explores the bizarre world of exploitation cinema. Featuring cult director John Waters, drive-in movie critic Joe Bob Briggs, and Herschell Gordon Lewis himself, along with many others, it looks back at the early days of Nudie-Cuties before Lewis shocked audiences with "Blood Feast," the first true gore film.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.0
  23. 123Halloween: UnmaskedMovie · 1999 · 27mThis documentary looks back at the creation of "Halloween," with exclusive interviews from director John Carpenter, producer Debra Hill, and actors Jamie Lee Curtis, PJ Soles, and Nick Castle.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.6
  24. 124Stephen King's World of HorrorMovie · 1986 · 45mThis documentary explores the life and work of novelist Stephen King, examining his profound influence on popular culture, horror films, and other novels. Featuring insights from John Carpenter, Clive Barker, and Frank Darabont, the special also delves into memorable and often shocking horror film promotions. This 45-minute TV program, originally released on VHS by Front Row Entertainment in 1988, was later adapted for use as bookmarking material in the This is Horror releases of 1989 and 1990.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.9