The 10 Best Epic Movies Of All Time According To The AFI
The 10 Best Epic Movies Of All Time, According To The AFI
From grand sets to action-packed sequences, the epic films held in the highest regard by the AFI have defined and pushed the genre forward.
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As part of the American Film Institute’s handpicked “10 Greatest Movies In 10 Categories,” they’ve selected ten of the best epic movies ever made. They define epic films as “a genre of large-scale films set in a cinematic interpretation of the past” and include the classics that have popularized and revolutionized the genre.
Iconic war films like Saving Private Ryan and All Quiet on the Western Front have made it onto the list, with older classics like Ben-Hur and Lawrence of Arabia taking the top spots. These are must-see movies for fans of the genre or those looking to learn about some of the most influential films of all time.
10 The Ten Commandments (1956)
Director Cecil B. DeMille’s epic film, The Ten Commandments, is a groundbreaking exploration into what the genre could be. The critically-acclaimed movie retells Moses’ story on an awe-inspiring scale, making it the most expensive film ever made at that time, according to LIFE.
With massive exterior sets in Egypt and Mount Sinai, as well as thousands of extras, the 1956 film’s ambitious attempt at creating the best version of the biblical story paid off. The box office hit has been praised for every aspect, from its talented cast to its perfect musical score, but it’s undoubtedly the sheer scale and effort that went into producing it that continues to impress viewers and critics today.
9 Reds (1981)
Warren Beatty both directed and starred in the 1981 film, Reds, which revolves around the life of the journalist John Reed. Reed chronicled the October Revolution in Russia, which was also published as an award-winning book called Ten Days That Shook the World.
The bold movie features biting political commentary not just through its story but through actual interviews with civil rights advocates, peace activists, and writers who are called “witnesses” in the film. Vanity Fair details how Reds took over a year to finish, as Beatty insisted on waiting for the seasons to change so they could capture snow falling in Helsinki and sunnier days in Spain.
8 Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Saving Private Ryan is often credited for reviving interest in the epic war genre, and for good reason. Director Steven Spielberg’s grand vision for the movie is executed flawlessly, from Saving Private Ryan’s well-written and inspirational lines to its raw depiction of the brutality of war.
The award-winning film has been praised for its cinematography, which continues to influence war movies today. It’s also well-known for its harrowing story, which is centered around a squad’s attempt at rescuing a lone survivor during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II.
7 All Quiet On The Western Front (1930)
Director Lewis Milestone’s All Quiet on the Western Front continues to be one of the best World War I movies of all time. Its raw and harrowing portrayal of the frontlines is just as impactful today as it was upon its release in 1930.
All Quiet’s controversial depiction of a group of young boys’ experience going to and returning from the war has been lauded for its unapologetic and honest take on patriotism and disillusionment. Its bold anti-war message has been both criticized and praised by viewers and critics alike. With over 2,000 extras and innovative use of sound technology at that time, it pushed the limits of the genre and influenced war films long after the ’30s.
6 Titanic (1997)
1997’s Titanic is a film that needs no introduction. Director James Cameron’s ambitious depiction of the sinking of the RMS Titanic has become a Hollywood classic. Using the budding romance between Jack and Rose, the film masterfully portrays the heartbreaking loss of life on the ship.
With a whopping $200 million spent during production, as reported by Box Office Mojo, it was considered the most expensive film at that time. The movie used an actual reconstruction of the ship and its deck, as well as talented stuntmen and etiquette coaches who helped make the entire film more realistic. The movie made more than enough to recoup the production costs, as Titanic would become the first-ever movie to earn more than a billion upon its release.
5 Spartacus (1960)
Although Spartacus’ production is full of controversial conflicts between its talented director, Stanley Kubrick, and its screenwriter, production company, and cast, it’s still undeniably one of the best movies set in ancient Rome. The 1960 film tells the life story of Spartacus and portrays both grand battles and dramatic encounters with politicians and hardened soldiers.
Notable aspects of the film include its employment of over 50,000 extras for its several battle scenes. According to John Baxter’s biography, Stanley Kubrick: A Biography, the director’s disagreements with the cinematographer and other members of the crew didn’t detract from the final quality of the movie. Despite its tumultuous background, the movie has won several awards and is still considered a must-watch for fans of the genre.
4 Gone With The Wind (1939)
Adapted from Margaret Mitchell’s award-winning novel of the same name, Gone With the Wind follows the Civil War-era romance between Scarlett and Ashley, which is complicated by existing partnerships with his cousin. Director Victor Fleming has left his mark on the industry with the epic historical romance, which had a chaotic production that involved employees leaving, an extended casting period, and a lot of revisions, as reported by Woman’s World.
Although the film is very controversial now, it’s still considered one of the greatest films ever made. It has been praised for its high production value, faithfulness to the source material, and talented cast. Gone with the Wind is still one of the highest-grossing films in history, as, when adjusted for inflation, the movie made over $1.8 billion, according to CNBC.
3 Schindler’s List (1993)
Based on Thomas Keneally’s bestselling historical non-fiction book, Schindler’s Ark, director Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List is among the most recognizable and widely acclaimed depictions of the Holocaust. The moving film is centered on Oskar Schindler’s courageous rescue of Jewish refugees, which he did by hiring them to work in his factories.
With its gripping and masterfully shot sequences all portrayed in black and white, viewers may remember one of the most haunting moments from the film. A brief scene highlights a stark red coat on a little girl, which is seen again later on after her death. It’s a harrowing and significant movie that’s just as important today as it was back in 1993.
2 Ben-Hur (1959)
With hundreds of artists and craftsmen, thousands of extras, and thousands of animals, it’s not surprising that Ben-Hur turned out to be one of the best gladiator films ever made. The religious epic film was directed by William Wyler, who ensured that it would live up to the exciting tales of its protagonist in the 1880 novel by Lew Wallace, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.
Aside from its musical score and action-packed chariot race, the film has been praised for its ambitious stunts and meticulously designed sets. The 1959 movie also had the largest outdoor set when compared to other films from that time.
1 Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
Based on the 1926 book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, director David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia revolutionized the epic historical drama genre. It follows the protagonist’s daring attacks on Aqaba and Damascus during WWII and also highlights his internal conflict as he struggles to accept his place in the war.
The film’s screenplay, stunning visuals, and perfect score have inspired many directors and continue to influence the industry as a whole. Although according to Smithsonian Magazine, it has been criticized for its inaccuracy, the wide acclaim the movie has received far outweighs any of its flaws.
Link Source : https://screenrant.com/best-epic-movies-afi/
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