When it comes to film, the debate over Hollywood’s greatest-ever is endless. Movie-goers will argue for the rest of time about the best films ever made. But there is always common ground to be found. And there are a select group of films that crop-up time and again if you ask fans what their personal 10/10 movies are.
Of course, that list is an extremely long one. That’s because there have been countless incredible films since the art form’s inception. However, film fans have been taking to TikTok to share lists of their top 10/10 picks.
So, we decided we to pore over recent social media posts and compile a condensed list of ten must-watch movies frequently recommended by movie buffs on TikTok. A quick disclaimer, however. This list isn’t based on specific critic or audience scores. These are simply excellent movies that social media users clearly love and are well worth watching if you haven’t seen them already. And, thankfully, many are available to watch now on Netflix and other streaming services.
10/10 movies
Interstellar
2014, Christopher Nolan
Interstellar has built a significant cult following in the years since its release in 2014. Although it may seem strange to call an Oscar-winning movie “underrated”, it holds an unremarkable critic score of just 73% on Rotten Tomatoes so could be considered just that. However, it is a regular fixture in ‘best movie’ lists (particularly on TikTok) and was a box office hit. It also appears frequently in fan videos showcasing personal 10/10 movies.
Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan (best known for Batman Dark Knight Trilogy), Interstellar tells the story of an astronaut named Cooper (Matthew McConaughey). He leaves a dying Earth with a small crew in search of a new habitable planet to sustain humanity. They travel through a wormhole and must cope with strange phenomena and the bizarre effects of space travel while exploring planets surrounding a black hole.
Its landmark special effects and awe-inspiring soundtrack make Interstellar a delight for film fans, particularly those who enjoy science fiction. That’s why it is now considered a bonafide 10/10 masterpiece by many.
The Shawshank Redemption
1994, Frank Darabont
You likely won’t be shocked to see the The Shawshank Redemption on this list. After all, it is the highest-rated movie on IMDb’s Top 250 list and a recurring favourite among viewers everywhere. It also appears constantly in 10/10 videos on TikTok, showing that film buffs continue to adore it almost 30 years since its release.
For the uninitiated, The Shawshank Redemption is a drama film set two years after World War II about a man named Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins). He is wrongfully convicted during a murder trial and sentenced to life in prison. While he is serving his time at Shawshank State Penitentiary, he becomes friends fellow inmate Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman). Together, they navigate the harsh realities of life behind bars. It is based on the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King, which served as inspiration for the film.
Whiplash (10/10 movies)
2014, Damien Chazelle
Another Oscar-winner, but also a firm favourite of social media’s 10/10 lists, is 2014 psychological drama film Whiplash. Utterly gripping from start to finish, this movie’s raw appeal can be largely attributed to J. K. Simmons’ incredible performance.
It follows a young jazz drummer called Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) and his pursuit of greatness under the tutelage of brutal and demanding instructor Terence Fletcher (J. K. Simmons). The movie explores ambition, sacrifice, and the cost of perfection. In one particularly harrowing scene, Neiman drums until his hands bleed due to the overwhelming pressure he is under.
Gladiator
2000, Ridley Scott
As far as historical drama films go, it doesn’t get much better than Gladiator. While its historical accuracy is certainly up for debate, its overall quality as an engaging movie is not. This Oscar-winning epic is a personal favourite of mine and its riveting tale of vengeance, bloodshed, family, and power is something to behold.
It takes audiences on a journey of revenge and redemption in ancient Rome, where Maximus (Russell Crowe), a once-great general turned slave, rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to seek vengeance against the corrupt emperor (Joaquin Phoenix) who killed his family.
Thanks to breathtaking visuals, visceral action sequences, excellent stunts, and powerful performances, Gladiator is an unforgettable experience that captures the grandeur and brutality of the Roman Empire. In a true testament to its legacy, the film will receive a long-awaited sequel in 2024. The currently untitled movie is scheduled to be released on 22nd November 2024.
Seven
1995, David Fincher
While Seven is a mystery crime thriller, it verges into horror territory thanks to its grim visuals, depressing and bleak tone, violence, and shocking ending.
When detective David Mills (Brad Pitt) moves to a new city with his pregnant wife (Gwyneth Paltrow), he is partnered with veteran detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) who is nearing retirement. The two detectives are tasked with hunting a serial killer who horrifically murders his victims using torturous methods based on the seven deadly sins.
The movie’s brutal nature and twist finale is primarily responsible for its enduring popularity, which is often cited by film fans of one of the crime genre’s best.
Django Unchained (10/10 movies)
2012, Quentin Tarantino
When I discuss favourite films with friends and family, one film repeatedly comes up in conversation. Django Unchained. Perhaps it’s because of its rousing and gritty plot about a freed slave searching for his wife. Maybe it’s its exciting action scenes. Or it could be the humorous moments that help momentarily distract from the nastiness of the fictional events it’s portraying. Whatever the reason for its stellar reputation, this tribute to Spaghetti Westerns is undoubtedly and deservedly beloved among so many movie fans.
It was also a resounding success in theaters and is director Quentin Tarantino’s highest grossing film as of 2023.
In the film, Django (Jamie Foxx) teams up with bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in pre-Civil War America.
Fight Club
1999, David Fincher
Fight Club could be described as the ultimate cult film. Initially viewed as an unlikeable loss-maker with serious flop potential by its studio, this psychological drama/triller/black comedy went on to become an underground favourite of many. Its mind-bending script is disorientating and disjointed from the beginning.
At the start, the Narrator (Edward Nortan) is merely an everyman who is struggling with insomnia and a mundane existence. He forms an underground club where men gather to fight each other and feel alive and meets a charismatic anarchist (Brad Pitt). His life then descends into an unpredictable world of chaos.
The Shining
1980, Stanley Kubrick
The Shining might just be the perfect psychological horror film (in my opinion, at least). It’s also regularly lauded as a 10/10 film by cinema fans, even if Stephen King (the author of the book it’s based on) doesn’t really like it. There is something truly unnerving about Jack Torrance’s (Jack Nicholson) descent into madness and that’s why it has stuck with audiences for all these years.
Jack Torrance is a struggling writer with a troubled past. He takes a job as a winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel with his wife and son. As the snow begins to fall and the hotel’s eerie history begins to reveal itself, Jack’s sanity unravels and his family is terrorised by the malevolent spirits that haunt the hotel.
The Green Mile (10/10 movies)
1999, Frank Darabont
The Green Mile is another excellent Stephen King adaption (we clearly have a lot to thank him for). Known for its emotional weight and stellar performances, The Green Mile is often cited as a solid 10/10 movie by film fans on social media.
It’s a poignant film that follows the emotional journey of a group of death row inmates and the guards tasked with their care, as they confront the profound themes of life, death, and redemption. It has left a lasting impact on audiences because of its gripping and thought-provoking narrative. The Green Mile stars Tom Hanks as a compassionate senior prison guard and Michael Clarke Duncan as a death row inmate with supernatural healing powers.
Goodfellas
1990, Martin Scorsese
Goodfellas‘ status as an all-time great gangster film goes without saying. It is perhaps rivalled on by The Godfather. This legendary movie from Martin Scorsese is worthy of its reputation based on the prison dinner scene alone. It stars Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Paul Sorvino, and Lorraine Bracco. Actor Joe Pesci went on to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the Goodfellas.
It portrays the rise and fall of a young man and gangster named Henry Hill (Ray Liotta). The film is largely told from Henry’s perspective and provides a raw insight into the world of organised crime. It showcases the glamour and danger of the criminal underworld and the personal consequences for the criminals involved in it.
What other films would you add to this list? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
