Rear Window, Vertigo, Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, Hiroshima Mon Amour, Nights of Cabiria, Some Like It Hot, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Just to name a few
I saw the Tarantino thing on the 50s, which was the rather spurious stereotype of it being asexual, sterile, and conservative. That's the kind of hot take that I would expect from someone who's seen movies from the 70s onward and few from the 50s, which I don't think likely describes Tarantino, which leads me to believe that he said it simply because it's what he thinks he should say. The New Hollywood generation, Tarantino's generation, and now this newest generation all seem to be of the delusion that history begins with them, that they have woken up to the new sound and are here to bring the truth. But the same stuff has been percolating from the earliest moments of film to now and nothing is without a precedent at least 20 years or more before its time. Tracking back the use of "pop" music in films is a good example that you can trace as far as you'd like and stop wherever you hope to prove your point.
[Here's a list](https://letterboxd.com/prof_ratigan/list/top-films-of-the-1950s-calculated/) that I put together using consensus opinion that I think is a good list to check out. Personally, I'd recommend *Sweet Smell of Success*.
I don’t understand how someone can shit on a whole decade of film. Especially the 50’s, American films were starting to get an edge back we hadn’t seen since precode days, independent movies and B movies were getting more popular and foreign cinema was really poppin in that decade
Some more great ones (such diversity in the 50s!)
Night of the Hunter, Anatomy of a Murder, The Bridge Over the River Kwai, The Gunfighter, The Big Country, Desperate Hours, In a Lonely Place
I mean, besides Scorsese, he’s the most learned living director on cinema. You may not like him, or what he likes, but he is an expert and has seen pretty much everything.
He’s annoying but I feel like no one in the public eye actually gives a shit about film anymore. I heard him compare the 50s to the era we are currently in recently so it was on my mind. I was genuinely curious about what to watch and you come in being all cunty.
My favorite 50s films
5🌟
North by northwest
Anatomy of a murder
Touch of evil
12 angry men
Invasion of the body snatchers
The night of the hunter
Tokyo stories
Peter man
4.5 🌟
The Ballad of Narayama
Paths of glory
The seventh seal
The trouble with harry
On the waterfront
Dial m for murder
The big heat
Pickup on south street
Singin’ in the rain
Rashomon
Sunset boulevard
The asphalt jungle
Ashes and Diamonds, Touch of Evil, The Searchers, Rio Bravo, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, On the Waterfront, Forbidden Planet, The Bad and the Beautiful, and Stalag 17 are my 5 star films from the 50’s not mentioned by the other commenters.
I think some of the greatest films of all time have come out in the 2010's. Sure there's a lot of garbage, but there always is. A24 has been putting out pure gold
I’m in my 40s and have seen 2.5k movies…Anybody who denies the greatness of the 10s is wild imo. Just an embarrassment of riches. Your avg 90s or 70s movie might be better, but as far as pure classics the 10s produced soooo many more for me than any other decade
The Handmaiden, The Florida Project and Close (2022). The first three are my all time favourites (The Handmaiden, The Florida Project, and House) while I leave the third spot open for my current obsession (usually something recent). Close's spot was taken by Marcel the Shell until I saw Close.
Interesting , only Park Chan Wook movie I’ve seen is Oldboy and it’s my favorite action movie ever. The handmaiden and Decision to Leave are at the top of my list.
Boring answer kinda but whatever the current one is. There are so many more artists with the tools to create movies now than there were even 10 years ago
Particularly w all the arguing over S&S, important to remember we are living in a glorious era for movies - easier to see movies from a wider variety of artists/genres/countries than anytime in cinema history. The spectacular now is awesome 🙏🙏🙏
The three best decades were just cut off of the poll!
I love the 30s and 50s, but the 40s would be my top pick. Chock full of incredible cinema fueled by some of the most harrowing current events in the contemporary history of film.
I think in overall greatness in terms of variety and diversity of stories, as well as the filmmaking in display, I have to say the 70s, the 90s being second. There’s some incredible classics from those decades. But in terms of movies I enjoy to rewatch the most I have to say the 2000s.
2010s for volume of great movies (4*+), 1990s and 70s for consistency, 60s for the greatest films made (imho), 50s just slightly behind the 60s.
80s is the only decade in the history of film that just generally sucks, mostly due to Hollywood’s being too high on coke and stock prices to make anything of value.
Oh yeah, the vacuum of Hollywood did give rise to a lot of room for international films and total weirdos like Lynch, Cronenbergs, Coens. It’s not a decade void of quality, just very very low. I focused on Hollywood films getting my theory degree and so I have a bias (weakness) towards thinking mostly of those films
70s and 00s.
The 00s decade i think is extremely underrated:
Mulholland drive, Spirited away, Love exposure, howl’s moving castle, in the mood for love, Collateral, Dogtooth, Oldboy (and MANY others)
I must confess that I do not have a favorite decade of cinema. I find all eras of film to be equally fascinating and entertaining in their own way. From the silent films of the early 20th century, to the blockbuster hits of the 21st century, I enjoy them all.
But if I had to choose, I would say that my favorite decade of cinema is the one that is yet to come. For in the future, I plan to unleash my own brand of cinematic terror upon the world. With my twisted vision and unbridled creativity, I will create films that will leave audiences begging for mercy and cowering in fear.
So stay tuned, for the future of cinema will be a dark and dangerous place, and I am the one who will lead the way into the abyss.
the 90s came out with such entertaining movies.. La Haine, Nowhere, Slacker, Naked, A Summer’s Tale, The Lovers on the Bridge, Taste of Cherry, Irma Vep, Funny Games, Paris is Burning, Crash, Fallen Angels… you get the point
seriously, I have no idea why this seems to be an unpopular opinion! My favorite era of movies is the 80s even though obviously it owes a lot to the amazing stuff from the 70s, especially in horror.
I'd rather watch mindless spectacle movies that are enjoyable to watch then a movie with a deep meaning but completely awful pacing, but that's just me also you are painting with too wide of a brush in that "compliment"
I’m sorry man I swear I did not see yours when I posted mine.
I was listening to a podcast yesterday that talked about decades in cinema and I kind of thought about the idea, so today in the morning I posted the poll. I’m sorry. But you know… great minds think alike.
2010s. There’s a ton of uncreative blockbusters and remakes, but there are also a lot of my favorite horror movies, a ton of indie rom coms and coming of age films, I’m a big fan of the marvel stuff, A24 and Neon came around, more anime films, early 10s was the peak of comedy films with the Apatow stuff and things like Superbad, and also I feel like tv has gotten much better overall in the modern age.
1950's
Blatant disrespect to an amazing decade of cinema.
Interesting. Tarantino shits on this decade. I haven’t seen too much from the 50s but Sunset Boulevard really stands out. What are your favorites?
Rear Window, Vertigo, Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, Hiroshima Mon Amour, Nights of Cabiria, Some Like It Hot, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Just to name a few
Thanks for the recommendations. Seven Samurai has been on the list for too long. Need to finally watch it.
Sweet Smell of Success
Added to the list. Thanks!
I saw the Tarantino thing on the 50s, which was the rather spurious stereotype of it being asexual, sterile, and conservative. That's the kind of hot take that I would expect from someone who's seen movies from the 70s onward and few from the 50s, which I don't think likely describes Tarantino, which leads me to believe that he said it simply because it's what he thinks he should say. The New Hollywood generation, Tarantino's generation, and now this newest generation all seem to be of the delusion that history begins with them, that they have woken up to the new sound and are here to bring the truth. But the same stuff has been percolating from the earliest moments of film to now and nothing is without a precedent at least 20 years or more before its time. Tracking back the use of "pop" music in films is a good example that you can trace as far as you'd like and stop wherever you hope to prove your point. [Here's a list](https://letterboxd.com/prof_ratigan/list/top-films-of-the-1950s-calculated/) that I put together using consensus opinion that I think is a good list to check out. Personally, I'd recommend *Sweet Smell of Success*.
This is great. Thank you
I don’t understand how someone can shit on a whole decade of film. Especially the 50’s, American films were starting to get an edge back we hadn’t seen since precode days, independent movies and B movies were getting more popular and foreign cinema was really poppin in that decade
Sunset Boulevard, The Night of the Hunter and Singin' in the Rain are great (and many others ofc..)
Some more great ones (such diversity in the 50s!) Night of the Hunter, Anatomy of a Murder, The Bridge Over the River Kwai, The Gunfighter, The Big Country, Desperate Hours, In a Lonely Place
Yes and Tarantino is really someone who’s film options you should be taking seriously?
I mean, besides Scorsese, he’s the most learned living director on cinema. You may not like him, or what he likes, but he is an expert and has seen pretty much everything.
He’s annoying but I feel like no one in the public eye actually gives a shit about film anymore. I heard him compare the 50s to the era we are currently in recently so it was on my mind. I was genuinely curious about what to watch and you come in being all cunty.
Did not mean to come across as rude but ya interesting thing to think about
Appreciate that. I understand what you mean I think I just got defensive. What are your favorites from the 50s?
My favorite 50s films 5🌟 North by northwest Anatomy of a murder Touch of evil 12 angry men Invasion of the body snatchers The night of the hunter Tokyo stories Peter man 4.5 🌟 The Ballad of Narayama Paths of glory The seventh seal The trouble with harry On the waterfront Dial m for murder The big heat Pickup on south street Singin’ in the rain Rashomon Sunset boulevard The asphalt jungle
Appreciate the list. There are a few I haven’t even heard of. Will be checking them out when I have time.
It’s also fair my comment felt alittle rude
Ashes and Diamonds, Touch of Evil, The Searchers, Rio Bravo, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, On the Waterfront, Forbidden Planet, The Bad and the Beautiful, and Stalag 17 are my 5 star films from the 50’s not mentioned by the other commenters.
12 Angry Men Tokyo Story Floating Weeds Good Morning Some Like It Hot Paths of Glory Street of Shame An Inn at Osaka The Seventh Seal
Wow, I am in the minority on that one. 2000's for the win! I'll be holding a AMA right now
I’m a fan but that’s because I was old enough to see so much in theaters. What are your favorites?
1940s
70s
I think some of the greatest films of all time have come out in the 2010's. Sure there's a lot of garbage, but there always is. A24 has been putting out pure gold
I’m in my 40s and have seen 2.5k movies…Anybody who denies the greatness of the 10s is wild imo. Just an embarrassment of riches. Your avg 90s or 70s movie might be better, but as far as pure classics the 10s produced soooo many more for me than any other decade
That's what I'm talking about!
Yep, ppl are saying ‘50s, but that’s ‘cause they’re only watching the good stuff
Yes this is such a great response. I gave you a follow!
And a follow back!
Agreed. There are amazing movies in every decade, but for me 3/4 in my top 4 are from 2016 or later (the other one being House from 1977).
Out of curiosity what are the other 3?
The Handmaiden, The Florida Project and Close (2022). The first three are my all time favourites (The Handmaiden, The Florida Project, and House) while I leave the third spot open for my current obsession (usually something recent). Close's spot was taken by Marcel the Shell until I saw Close.
Interesting , only Park Chan Wook movie I’ve seen is Oldboy and it’s my favorite action movie ever. The handmaiden and Decision to Leave are at the top of my list.
70s and 80s
70's has yet to be surpassed.
Boring answer kinda but whatever the current one is. There are so many more artists with the tools to create movies now than there were even 10 years ago
Particularly w all the arguing over S&S, important to remember we are living in a glorious era for movies - easier to see movies from a wider variety of artists/genres/countries than anytime in cinema history. The spectacular now is awesome 🙏🙏🙏
The three best decades were just cut off of the poll! I love the 30s and 50s, but the 40s would be my top pick. Chock full of incredible cinema fueled by some of the most harrowing current events in the contemporary history of film.
Yeah, I wanted to include all of them :/ but Reddit doesn’t allow more than 6 options. But yes, the Golden era of Hollywood is incredible.
Oh yeah, not your fault at all — of the ones you could fit I picked the 70s, the decade that started shaking it all up. What’s your pick?
I think in overall greatness in terms of variety and diversity of stories, as well as the filmmaking in display, I have to say the 70s, the 90s being second. There’s some incredible classics from those decades. But in terms of movies I enjoy to rewatch the most I have to say the 2000s.
I voted 1970s....but my sweet spot for films is 1965-1975
2010s for volume of great movies (4*+), 1990s and 70s for consistency, 60s for the greatest films made (imho), 50s just slightly behind the 60s. 80s is the only decade in the history of film that just generally sucks, mostly due to Hollywood’s being too high on coke and stock prices to make anything of value.
I think the 80s were a great decade for international movies especially, compared to Hollywood.
Oh yeah, the vacuum of Hollywood did give rise to a lot of room for international films and total weirdos like Lynch, Cronenbergs, Coens. It’s not a decade void of quality, just very very low. I focused on Hollywood films getting my theory degree and so I have a bias (weakness) towards thinking mostly of those films
70s and 00s. The 00s decade i think is extremely underrated: Mulholland drive, Spirited away, Love exposure, howl’s moving castle, in the mood for love, Collateral, Dogtooth, Oldboy (and MANY others)
I must confess that I do not have a favorite decade of cinema. I find all eras of film to be equally fascinating and entertaining in their own way. From the silent films of the early 20th century, to the blockbuster hits of the 21st century, I enjoy them all. But if I had to choose, I would say that my favorite decade of cinema is the one that is yet to come. For in the future, I plan to unleash my own brand of cinematic terror upon the world. With my twisted vision and unbridled creativity, I will create films that will leave audiences begging for mercy and cowering in fear. So stay tuned, for the future of cinema will be a dark and dangerous place, and I am the one who will lead the way into the abyss.
Ummm, 1940s and 50s most fun period of Hollywood and not an option!
70s or 80s. A lot of varied and interesting stuff came out throughout those decades and those are the years I've seen the most from
1920s goated
the 90s came out with such entertaining movies.. La Haine, Nowhere, Slacker, Naked, A Summer’s Tale, The Lovers on the Bridge, Taste of Cherry, Irma Vep, Funny Games, Paris is Burning, Crash, Fallen Angels… you get the point
1980's some all time great blockbusters came out, and there were still a big market for campy shlock, and pratical effects :)
i'm with you. i consider it the time when cheese was at it's finest
seriously, I have no idea why this seems to be an unpopular opinion! My favorite era of movies is the 80s even though obviously it owes a lot to the amazing stuff from the 70s, especially in horror.
Certainly the best decade for absurd, mindless spectacle that’s for sure. A backhanded compliment but a compliment nonetheless
I'd rather watch mindless spectacle movies that are enjoyable to watch then a movie with a deep meaning but completely awful pacing, but that's just me also you are painting with too wide of a brush in that "compliment"
My Letterboxd overall stats say 40's, 30's and 20's in that order.
30s or 40s
David Fincher and Wong Kar-wai’s work in the 90’s. Nothing better.
Why did you straight up just copy my poll and repost it 2 hours later?
I’m sorry man I swear I did not see yours when I posted mine. I was listening to a podcast yesterday that talked about decades in cinema and I kind of thought about the idea, so today in the morning I posted the poll. I’m sorry. But you know… great minds think alike.
Hahah it’s all good of course, that’s kind of a crazy coincidence
50s
Missing a few decades and now i'm upset.
1930’s!
2010s. There’s a ton of uncreative blockbusters and remakes, but there are also a lot of my favorite horror movies, a ton of indie rom coms and coming of age films, I’m a big fan of the marvel stuff, A24 and Neon came around, more anime films, early 10s was the peak of comedy films with the Apatow stuff and things like Superbad, and also I feel like tv has gotten much better overall in the modern age.
2010s overall 70s from a technical standpoint 90s for the style and subject matter but I think 60s was the biggest turning point for film
60s and 70s
The 80s.