Ever seen a movie that changed your life? Not just in a superficial way, like “wow, I just saw a movie that I like more than all others!” No, I mean one that really changes the way you see the world.

It’s hard to find a better list of films that are so unbelievably watchable, and yet say more about all those topics listed above. These movies will literally change your life.

#5: Riefenstahl’s Disturbing Masterpiece, Triumph of the Will.

All film is spectacle, it has been said, and there was no larger and more grotesque spectacle than Hitler and his Nazi party. This film celebrates them with movie techniques that were pioneering in its day, and since it is such a celebration of his party, it is so ultimately disturbing that it alters how you see ‘tribute’ films forever.

#4: Bicycle Thieves.

If you ever need to be reminded of the power contained in simple, straightforward stories, this is your film. It’s entirely of its place — set in post-war Rome when Italy was rife with poverty and hardship — but it’s also eternal. Proof that beautiful narratives can be made from anything and anywhere, if you’re good enough.

#3: Chinatown.

If you don’t feel like going through all the old film noir movies of the 30s and 40s, watch Chinatown instead. Not only is it a ridiculously good homage to all of those, but it arguably does 40s Hollywood better than 40s Hollywood did itself. This is one of those movies you can come back to, literally hundreds of times over.

#2: Vertigo is the Summation of Everything Hitchcock Did.

When people talk about deep novels with layers of meaning that you can return to again and again, this is the film equivalent of those. You can watch this for fun, for James Stewart, for San Francisco, or for Hitchcock’s complete dismantling of how he directs films, treats women, and sees the world.

#1: The Godfather.

It doesn’t matter that this film is about the mafia — it’s actually about family, power, children, America, crime, and politics. It’s also told so unbelievably well that sometimes you literally cannot believe it doesn’t have a bad moment. Which it doesn’t. The ultimate example of film’s completely unique cultural position.

Christmas is coming, but you haven’t had time to go shopping? Why not pick a set from our dvd collection? Buy them online and enjoy your favorite tv series on dvd with your friend and family!

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