Admittedly, this is an extremely generic subject for an article. I’m confident that you could go online right now and find your favorite website’s own rendition of “the best movies ever.” So, what’s special about this one? Not much, except that it accepts one key fact that most don’t consider – many people won’t ever watch the most renowned classics (an extremely misused term). In this case, they’re the movies we’ve all heard of, but perhaps never seen. Those who successfully watch the movies on this list are not only sprinkled with greater cultural awareness (references), but are also better equipped to ward off those awkward cases of being the only one in a group who hasn’t seen a specific movie.

“You mean you’ve never seen ‘White Chicks?’”

“No, I haven’t.”

Methodology: To begin, it might be easier to start with a word about what this list is not. It’s not intended to be comprehensive by any means – ten entries are not nearly enough. Every movie listed in the popular reference book “1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die” is worthy of one’s time (most of them at least), but the reality is that most of us don’t have a movie-watching budget that sizeable. It’s also not a quick write-up of “the best ever” or the most groundbreaking movies. If you want that, I recommend checking out The American Film Institute’s “100 Years…100 Movies.”

Nevertheless, all the entries below are generally considered to be among the best. Perhaps this list basically boils down to cultural significance (and a smidgen of intuition and experience).

Elimination: To narrow our focus, this lineup is exclusive to American-produced films, as it focuses on movies that are most essential for the American’s viewing. If it were to target residents of Sweden or Chile, it would look very different. It pains me to ignore the masterful storytelling, design and cinematography of “Rashomon” (1950), or the wild inventiveness of “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” (1920), but it must be done. Anyway, it only follows that most important films in American culture are American films.

Again, this list attempts to consider flicks that are expressive of American culture and experience, but not all its entries do. If it was dedicated to that mission alone, the likes of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967), “American Graffiti” (1973), “Dances with Wolves” (1990), and “American Beauty” (1999) would most definitely appear. “Casablanca” (1942) and “Jaws” (1975), with all their subtle impact on American society are sadly excluded.

Even though this is a list of movies that “everyone” should view, I fully expect my sister to never see some of them, because they simply aren’t her cup of tea. As much as “Pulp Fiction” (1994) begs to be on this list, it’s simply too brutal for many people’s tastes.

OK, so let’s get on with it already. Here it is, short and sweet, in no particular order.

1. Jurassic Park (1993)

Will scientists soon have the capability to bring back dinosaurs? Maybe it doesn’t matter, because Steven Spielberg and his team did it first. It’s easy to make a list that comprises motion pictures that stand out as milestones in technical achievement, and while “Jurassic Park” certainly fits that bill, it has also moved under a spotlight.

2. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

The most special works of Disney throughout the decades largely stem from the formula of this film. Among the first feature-length animated productions ever constructed, it further cemented the fairy tale it was based on into American culture, and its motifs are still relevant.

3. Forrest Gump (1994)

A poignant reflection on American history from the early ’50s to the mid ’80s, it’s hard not to find “Forrest Gump” enjoyable. Admittedly, the movie is rather conventional in many ways, but every aspect of it fuses together to make it a truly special watch.

4. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

“The Wizard of Oz” has transcended time like no other movie. Maybe it’s not for you (maybe none of these movies are), but it’s worth your time to experience the charm of this most famous version of Frank Baum’s world. So influential is “The Wizard of Oz” that references and allusions to it have become commonplace and usually unnoticeable, even to those who’ve never seen the movie.

5. Psycho (1960)

What’s interesting about Psycho is that is still scares audiences today. The movie set new standards for horror and thriller movies alike, and, like some other additions on the list, made huge bounds in the areas of writing and cinematography. Psycho possesses one of the most singularly iconic scenes in all of filmdom (you should know what it is) and many of the elements are recurrent in other films from Alfred Hitchcock, which is something everyone should experience.

6. Star Wars (1977)

Where does one begin? The original “Star Wars” film was a sensation upon its release, but no one behind its creation could have foreseen the lasting impact (and financial leverage) it would have on generations to come. Taking inspiration from Arthurian legend to 1930s TV serials, “Star Wars” changed the course of the science fiction genre and filmmaking in general, and continues to entertain millions with its franchise.

7. The Godfather (1972)

In 1972, the gangster movie was redefined and with it came one of the best films ever created. Rich in its themes of justice, family and the American dream, “The Godfather” will make you want to ditch the popcorn for a plate of spaghetti while you’re absorbed into the drama and workings of the Corleone family.

8. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Harrison Ford’s “Indiana Jones” still stands as one of the most iconic American action heroes, period. The character’s debut, “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” is considered by many critics to be one of the most flawless adventure movies ever. This reputation is far from unjustified.

9. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

There are a surprising number of highly regarded movies that flopped at the box office, only to find an audience over time. This is one of those movies. The story of George Bailey and Bedford Falls has proven to be one of the most timeless and replicated tales of modern Western fiction. People from all walks of life can identify with the movie’s message and themes, which is perhaps the crux of why it’s so special.

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

The sheer naturalistic grandeur and immersive lore presented in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, beginning with this first installment, are nothing less than an epic journey and a landmark in film. Perhaps, this Middle Earth encapsulates the term “movie magic” like none other.
Honorable Mentions: many.