Top 20 Rated Movies of All Time on IMDb (Updated List)
Movies have the power to transcend time, culture, and language. Among millions of films released globally, only a select few earn legendary status. IMDb’s Top Rated Movies of All Time list is based on millions of user votes, making it one of the most trusted rankings in cinema history.
In this article, we explore the Top 20 Rated Movies of All Time according to IMDb, complete with mini reviews, box office collections, fun facts, trivia, goofs, and director information. Whether you’re a film buff or a casual viewer, this list is a must-read.
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Director: Frank Darabont
Box Office Gross: ~$73.3 million
Mini Review
A powerful story of hope, friendship, and resilience, The Shawshank Redemption follows Andy Dufresne, a banker wrongly convicted of murder, and his life inside Shawshank prison. The film grows quietly, delivering one of the most emotionally satisfying endings in cinema history.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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The movie was a box office disappointment initially.
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It gained popularity through TV reruns and home video sales.
Did You Know?
Stephen King sold the rights for just $1 as part of his “Dollar Baby” program.
Goof
Andy’s polished shoes stay unusually clean in a muddy prison yard scene.
2. The Godfather (1972)
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Box Office Gross: ~$250 million
Mini Review
A masterclass in storytelling, The Godfather chronicles the Corleone crime family. Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Vito Corleone redefined screen acting and remains iconic.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Brando stuffed cotton in his cheeks to create Vito’s voice.
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The cat in the opening scene was a stray found on set.
Goof
Some background characters react before gunshots are fired.
3. The Dark Knight (2008)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Box Office Gross: ~$1.005 billion
Mini Review
This gritty superhero epic elevated comic-book movies to serious cinema. Heath Ledger’s Joker is widely regarded as one of the greatest villains ever portrayed.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Ledger improvised the slow hospital explosion scene.
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Won two Academy Awards.
Did You Know?
Ledger kept a Joker diary to stay in character.
Goof
The Joker’s scars change sides in different scenes.
4. The Godfather Part II (1974)
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Box Office Gross: ~$93 million
Mini Review
A rare sequel that surpasses the original, this film interweaves Vito Corleone’s rise with Michael’s moral downfall.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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First sequel to win Best Picture.
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Shot partly in Sicily.
Goof
Young Vito speaks Sicilian incorrectly in some scenes.
5. 12 Angry Men (1957)
Director: Sidney Lumet
Box Office Gross: ~$2 million
Mini Review
Set almost entirely in a jury room, this courtroom drama is a gripping examination of justice, prejudice, and moral responsibility.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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The cast rehearsed for weeks like a stage play.
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Camera angles gradually become tighter to increase tension.
Goof
Juror movements don’t always match continuity between cuts.
6. Schindler’s List (1993)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Box Office Gross: ~$322 million
Mini Review
A haunting portrayal of the Holocaust, this black-and-white masterpiece tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, who saved over a thousand Jews.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Spielberg refused to take a salary.
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Shot mostly in Poland.
Did You Know?
The girl in the red coat was the only color used intentionally.
Goof
Some modern electrical fixtures appear in historical scenes.
7. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Director: Peter Jackson
Box Office Gross: ~$1.15 billion
Mini Review
An epic conclusion to the Middle-earth saga, this film won 11 Oscars and delivered a deeply emotional payoff.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Swept all 11 categories it was nominated for.
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The ending features multiple “fake” endings.
Goof
Legolas’s arrow count doesn’t match the number he fires.
8. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Box Office Gross: ~$213.9 million
Mini Review
Non-linear storytelling, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable characters make Pulp Fiction a cult classic.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Revived John Travolta’s career.
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The glowing briefcase contents were never revealed.
Goof
Blood stains disappear between shots in Marvin’s scene.
9. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Director: Peter Jackson
Box Office Gross: ~$897 million
Mini Review
The film that began the legendary trilogy, introducing audiences to Middle-earth and one of cinema’s most ambitious fantasy worlds.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Over 150 locations were used in New Zealand.
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One ring was lost on set and later found by a fisherman.
Goof
Gandalf’s staff height changes between shots.
10. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Director: Sergio Leone
Box Office Gross: ~$25 million
Mini Review
A genre-defining spaghetti western with iconic music and an unforgettable final duel.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Clint Eastwood wore the same poncho in all three films.
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The score was composed before filming.
Goof
Graves change positions during the final standoff.
11. Forrest Gump (1994)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Box Office Gross: ~$678 million
Mini Review
A heartwarming journey through American history seen through the eyes of a simple yet extraordinary man.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Tom Hanks accepted lower pay for profit sharing.
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Won 6 Academy Awards.
Goof
Forrest’s ping-pong paddle grip changes mid-match.
12. Fight Club (1999)
Director: David Fincher
Box Office Gross: ~$101 million
Mini Review
A psychological thriller exploring consumerism, masculinity, and identity, now a cult classic.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Tyler Durden appears briefly before being “introduced.”
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Inspired underground fight clubs worldwide.
Goof
Starbucks cups appear in almost every scene.
13. Inception (2010)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Box Office Gross: ~$836 million
Mini Review
A visually stunning mind-bender about dreams within dreams that rewards multiple viewings.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Minimal CGI used.
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The spinning top ending is deliberately ambiguous.
Goof
Gravity shifts inconsistently in rotating hallway scenes.
14. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Director: Peter Jackson
Box Office Gross: ~$947 million
Mini Review
Darker and more action-heavy, featuring the legendary Battle of Helm’s Deep.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Motion capture used extensively for Gollum.
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Filmed alongside the other two films.
Goof
Aragorn’s sword switches hands mid-fight.
15. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Director: Irvin Kershner
Box Office Gross: ~$550 million
Mini Review
A darker sequel that shocked audiences with one of cinema’s most famous twists.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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“I am your father” was kept secret from most cast.
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Yoda was entirely a puppet.
Goof
Luke’s medical suit zipper is visible.
16. The Matrix (1999)
Director: Lana & Lilly Wachowski
Box Office Gross: ~$467 million
Mini Review
A revolutionary sci-fi film blending philosophy, action, and groundbreaking effects.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Introduced “bullet time” to cinema.
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Influenced fashion and pop culture.
Goof
Reflections reveal camera equipment in sunglasses.
17. Goodfellas (1990)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Box Office Gross: ~$46.8 million
Mini Review
A fast-paced rise-and-fall mob story with electric energy and narration.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Based on a true story.
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Many scenes were improvised.
Goof
A pink Cadillac appears before its model year.
18. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Director: Miloš Forman
Box Office Gross: ~$109 million
Mini Review
A powerful critique of institutional control, led by Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Won the “Big Five” Oscars.
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Filmed in a real mental hospital.
Goof
Background patients react inconsistently.
19. Se7en (1995)
Director: David Fincher
Box Office Gross: ~$327 million
Mini Review
A dark, rain-soaked thriller that redefined serial killer films.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Original ending was nearly changed.
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“What’s in the box?” was unscripted emotion.
Goof
Calendar dates don’t align with weekdays.
20. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Director: Frank Capra
Box Office Gross: ~$6.3 million (original run)
Mini Review
A timeless holiday classic reminding audiences that every life matters.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Initially a box office failure.
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Became popular after entering public domain.
Goof
Snow is made from painted cornflakes.
Complete List of IMDb Top 20 Movies (With Release Year)
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The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
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The Godfather (1972)
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The Dark Knight (2008)
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The Godfather Part II (1974)
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12 Angry Men (1957)
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Schindler’s List (1993)
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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
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Pulp Fiction (1994)
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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
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Forrest Gump (1994)
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Fight Club (1999)
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Inception (2010)
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The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
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Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
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The Matrix (1999)
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Goodfellas (1990)
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
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Se7en (1995)
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It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
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