Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, “Stalker” (1979) is one of the greatest films ever made.

In this story, in a small country there is an area called the Zone and that contains the Room, a place that is believed to be able to grant wishes. In the movie, we follow the journey of a writer and a professor who are guided by a figure known as the Stalker to this mysterious place.

One of the most complex films of Tarkovsky’s career – a filmmaker quite famous for making complex films – “Stalker” approaches many psychological and philosophical themes while showing a very intriguing science fiction story with very powerful metaphors and very unique visuals. In this article, there are 10 movies that, in one way or another, have some elements in common with “Stalker.”

It is never too late to remember that many things interfere while choosing the movies that appear in an article like this, but memory and personal preferences are the main factors. If you think any other film should be on this list, please leave it as a recommendation in the comments section below.

10. Under the Skin (2013; dir. Jonathan Glazer)

Based on the novel by Michel Faber, “Under the Skin” is a movie directed by Jonathan Glazer that follows the story of an alien who lives on Earth, who is traveling through the streets of Scotland searching for human prey. After seducing her victims, she takes them to another dimension where they are consumed, but after some time she starts to discover herself as a human.

With an amazing performance by Scarlett Johansson, “Under the Skin” has astonishing visuals and is definitely one of the most complex and intriguing films of this decade.

Using a science fiction story to tell an existentialist tale makes “Under the Skin” a very unique experience. Without a doubt, a movie worth watching.

9. The Divine Comedy (1991; dir. Manoel de Oliveira)

In 1991, legendary Portuguese filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira released one of his most intriguing works, “The Divine Comedy.”

The movie follows the patients of a mental institution. In this place, they see themselves as Sonia and Raskolnikov (from the novel “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky), Adam and Eve, Jesus, Lazarus and others, while quoting the Divine Comedy.

With a very interesting plot and a powerful philosophical approach and allegories, “The Divine Comedy” is definitely one of the best movies directed by de Oliveira and a film that should definitely be watched.

8. Blade Runner (1982; dir. Ridley Scott)

One of the best sci-fi movies of all time, “Blade Runner” is truly a classic.

Directed by Ridley Scott and based on the novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick, the movie follows the story of Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former police officer that needs to hunt down four bioengineered beings known as replicants.

With many philosophical approaches and an astonishing cinematography and production design, “Blade Runner” is a complex film that uses elements from many different genres of storytelling.

This is definitely a movie that has some points in common with “Stalker,” and a film that every cinephile should check out.

7. Almanac of Fall (1984; dir. Béla Tarr)

In a movie that is not very remembered in his filmography, Béla Tarr delivers a chamber drama where the people living in a large apartment start to reveal the most somber sides of their personalities.

“Almanac of Fall” is one of Tarr’s most humanistic films. With amazing performances, we are able to see the emotions, fears, and how intricate the relationships are between these characters.

This is definitely a complex film and another great movie by Tarr. Without a doubt, a film every cinephile should check out.

6. Gandahar (1988; dir. René Laloux)

One of the best animated films from the 1980s, “Gandahar” is directed by René Laloux and follows the story of a paradise where the citizens live in harmony with nature, until one day they are attacked by a force that comes from 1,000 years in the future.

A very entertaining and complex film, this movie is able to use science fiction to raise many intriguing questions and to talk about power, our relationship with nature, and technology, to name a few.

A great sci-fi movie that should definitely be watched.

Some movies are truly visually stunning. From the production design to the cinematography, there are many things that can make a movie visually amazing.

It is not the intent of this list to make complex visual analysis. The intent is to introduce movies that are visually amazing and leave them as a recommendation. The movies are not ranked.

As usual, it is never too late to remember that many things interfere in the choice of the movies that are part of this article, but as always, memory and personal preferences are the main factors. If you think any other film should be on this list, please leave it as a recommendation in the comments section below.

So, here are more 10 visually stunning films you should watch:

10. La Academia de las Musas (2015; dir. José Luis Guerín)

José Luis Guerín is a Spanish filmmaker mostly known for “La Academia de Las Musas” (2015) and “In the City of Silvia” (2007), two very visually stunning films.

With great influence in his work from filmmakers such as Robert Bresson and Yasujiro Ozu, Guerín is without a doubt a director whose work should be checked out.

“La Academia de las Musas” is a film with very intriguing cinematography and great mise en scène. A movie worth checking out for every cinephile.

9. Comeback (2016; dir. Erico Rassi)

Starring Nelson Xavier and directed by Erico Rassi, “Comeback” is a movie that follows the story of a gunfighter that is resentful after his retirement, but he starts to plan a comeback.

Using long shots and with great cinematography by André Carvalheira, this Brazilian film that uses many elements of the western genre is definitely a movie worth checking out.

With a very precise production design and a very strong performance by Xavier, this is one of the best Brazilian movies made in this century and definitely a film every cinephile should watch.

8. A Quiet Passion (2016; dir. Terence Davies)

Terence Davis is a true filmmaker who is able to deliver films with a very singular atmosphere. In his latest film, “A Quiet Passion,” he tells the story of acclaimed poet Emily Dickinson, from the days she was a schoolgirl to her later years.

With an astonishing mise en scène and an amazing cinematography by Florian Hoffmeister, this can be considered one of the most visually stunning films made in this decade and has a marvelous performance by Cynthia Nixon as Emily Dickinson. Definitely worth checking out by every cinephile.

7. Lunacy (2005; dir. Jan Svankmajer)

Czech director Jan Svankmajer is one of the most interesting directors working today.

Starting his career as a director in the 1960s, he has directed many amazing short films in his career such as “Food” (1993), “Dimensions of Dialogue” (1983) and “The Garden” (1968).

Among his feature films is a great surrealist adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland” that he released in 1988. In 2005 he released the film “Lunacy,” one of the best works of his career.

With a great use of stop-motion elements (something recurrent in his career) and with a very unique atmosphere, this film is based loosely on two stories by Edgar Allan Poe.

Svankmajer is an amazing director whose films always have a very interesting visuals, and “Lunacy” is definitely a movie every cinephile should check out.

6. Voyage to Cythera (1984; dir. Theodoros Angelopoulos)

Theodoros Angelopoulos should definitely be considered among the best directors in cinema history.

With masterpieces in his career such as “The Beekeeper” (1986), “Landscape in the Mist (1988) and “Eternity and a Day” (1998), in 1984 he released the first part of his Trilogy of Silence and one of the best movies of his career, “Voyage to Cythera.”

It follows the story of a communist returning to Greece after more than 30 years in the Soviet Union. When he notices not everything is the same around there, he has some trouble adapting.

With amazing cinematography and the slow-paced atmosphere and long shots normally seen in Angelopoulos’ films, “Voyage to Cythera” is definitely a visually stunning film worth checking out.

When the plot of a movie is simple, it does not mean the movie cannot be complex. With this thought in mind, here is a selection of movies that show how plot isn’t everything when we’re talking about cinema (even though some films on this list may not have a plot that is very simple).

It is never too late to remember that many things interfere when choosing the titles that are part of this article, but memory and personal preferences are the main factors. If you think any other movie should be on this list, please leave it as a recommendation in the comments section below. The movies are not ranked.

So, here are 10 amazing films that show us plot is not everything:

10. My Winnipeg (2007; dir. Guy Maddin)

With the ability to bring a very unique aura to his films that resembles the silent film era, Guy Maddin is a Canadian filmmaker who is one of the most interesting directors working today.

In “My Winnipeg,” he mixes history and fantasy in this combination of drama, comedy and documentary to tell stories from his hometown, Winnipeg.

With great cinematography and a very intriguing approach on editing, he is able to build a narrative that is truly unique. “My Winnipeg” is one of the best works in the career of Maddin and is a film that every cinephile should check out.

9. The White Balloon (1995; dir. Jafar Panahi)

Written by Abbas Kiarostami and directed by Jafar Panahi, “The White Balloon” follows the story of a little girl who is trying to find the money her mother gave her to buy a goldfish.

With strong performances and an amazing script, what appears to be a very simple story becomes full of very powerful moments with some very intriguing dialogue.

This film won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1995, an award given to the best first feature film, and is definitely a movie that is worth watching.

8. Journey to the West (2014; dir Ming-liang Tsai)

Another film that shows in an amazing way how plot isn’t everything is the film, “Journey to the West,” is directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Ming-liang Tsai.

The movie that has an approximately 50-minute run time follows a monk (Kang-sheng Lee) walking very slowly in the streets of Marseille, France. In the film, we see many long shots of the monk walking and even though the people around just watch him, he gets a follower (actor Denis Lavant, who appears breathing at the first shot of the film) at one point.

Although this film might seem simple, it is more proof of the intriguing slow-paced atmosphere Ming-liang Tsai is able to bring to his films, and that there is more to a film than its plot.

7. Tropical Malady (2004; dir. Apichatpong Weerasethakul)

Apichatpong Weerasethakul is one of the best directors working today. With movies such as “Blissfully Yours” (2002), the winner of the Un Certain Regard Prize at the Cannes Film Festival; “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives” (2010), which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes; and “Syndromes and a Century” (2006), he delivered some of the most interesting movies made on this century so far. In 2004, the movie “Tropical Malady” was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, one of the best films of his career (if not the best).

This movie that won the Prix du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival is another slow-paced masterpiece directed by Weerasethakul. With a very unique atmosphere and amazing directing, this is definitely a movie that shows how plot is not everything, and a film that every cinephile should check out.

6. The Mirror (1975; dir. Andrei Tarkovsky)

In one of the most complex films of his career (and let’s remember we’re not talking about a filmmaker that is famous for doing movies that can be considered “simple”), Andrei Tarkovsky delivers one of his most intriguing works.

Being loosely autobiographical, the movie has a very enigmatic structure and uses poems written by Arseny Tarkovsky, Andrei Tarkovsky’s father.

With very strong imagery, amazing long shots and astonishing cinematography by Georgi Rerberg, this is definitely a movie that shows how plot isn’t everything in cinema, and is a masterpiece that every cinephile should check out.

The 2018 Cannes Film Festival is about to start. With that in mind, here is a ranking of every film that won the Grand Prix in this century, from 2001 to 2017.

It is never too late to remember that a ranking is something that is very personal, so if you disagree with the order of the list, feel free to leave your ranking in the comments section below.

At the end of every topic, there is the opinion regarding whether the movie should have won the Palme d’Or, and this only represents the opinion of the writer of this article. As with every award, fans of film can debate if the movies should or should not have won, so please share your thoughts in the comments section below as well.

So, here are the 18 21st century winners of the Grand Prix, ranked:

18. It’s Only the End of the World (dir. Xavier Dolan)

In the weakest film of his career, Xavier Dolan follows the story of a writer who is about to die, and after more than a decade away, goes back to the home of his family planning to tell them he is ill.

With an amazing cast featuring Marion Cotillard, Léa Seydoux, Vincent Cassel and Gaspard Ulliel, this movie, which approaches bitterness and non-communication, has a very intriguing plot, but turns out to be definitely not as great as it could have been.

Should it have won the Palme d’Or? No. It should not even have won the Grand Prix. And this was also a year when the jury decided to award “I, Daniel Blake” with the Palme d’Or instead of movies such as Maren Ade’s “Toni Erdmann,” Paul Verhoeven’s “Elle,” Jeff Nichols’ “Loving” or “Park Chan-wook’s “The Handmaiden,” movies that are superior to “I, Daniel Blake” and “It’s Only the End of the World.”

17. Flanders (dir. Bruno Dumont)

In 2006, filmmaker Bruno Dumont was competing for the Palme d’Or with the film “Flanders,” which follows the story of Demester, a young man who works on a farm and spends time with his girlfriend Barbe. Alongside other men of his age, he is sent to war and everything changes.

Even though it has some problems in its rhythm, “Flanders” is really not a bad film. Its strong story and the way the directing is able to create a very singular atmosphere definitely makes this story worth watching.

Should it have won the Palme d’Or? No. The Palme d’Or that year went to Ken Loach’s “The Wind that Shakes the Barley,” a film that also approaches war and is overall a superior film.

16. The Kid with a Bike (dir. The Dardenne Brothers)

Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne had already won the Palme d’Or twice – “Rosetta” (1999) and “The Child” (2005) – when they were competing again with “The Kid with a Bike.”

The movie follows the story of kid who is abandoned by his father and who meets a hairdresser who fosters the kid on the weekends. Although he stays emotionally distant from her, she starts trying to become the mother this kid never had.

With all the classic traces of the Dardenne Brothers’ filmography, “The Kid with a Bike” might not be among the best of their career or even among the best of that year’s festival, which had movies like Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Drive,” Aki Kaurismaki’s “Le Havre,” Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s “Once Upon a Time in Anatolia” and Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” in competition. Still, this is a film that is definitely worth checking out.

Should it have won the Palme d’Or? No. It should not have tied with “Once Upon a Time in Anatolia” in the Grand Prix as well. Also, the winner of the Palme d’Or that year was “The Tree of Life,” a movie that truly deserved the award.

15. Gomorra (dir. Matteo Garrone)

The first of the two Matteo Garrone films to win the Grand Prix, this film approaches criminal organizations in modern southern Italy.

Based on a book written by journalist and writer Roberto Saviano, who also worked on the script for this film, “Gomorra” follows five different stories. With strong performances and great cinematography, “Gomorra” is definitely a movie that should be watched.

Should it have won the Palme d’Or? No. The award that year went to the strong film “The Class,” directed by Laurent Cantet. Also, there were in competition movies such as James Gray’s “Two Lovers,” Lucrecia Martel’s “The Headless Woman,” Charlie Kaufman’s “Synecdoche, New York,” Pablo Trapero’s “Leonera” and Zhangke Jia’s “24 City”, movies that are superior to “Gomorra.”

14. The Wonders (dir. Alice Rohrwacher)

Written and directed by Alice Rohrwacher, “The Wonders” follows the story of a family of beekeepers that lives in Tuscan. One day, a troubled teenage boy arrives at their home and a TV show has the intent of exhibiting their life.

A very poetic film with a great script, “The Wonders” is truly a singular and intriguing movie. Approaching the routine of the family and examining the relationship between them, their hopes and dreams, “The Wonders” is definitely a movie worth checking out.

Should it have won the Palme d’Or? No. In 2014, the winner of the award was “Winter Sleep,” directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, a movie that definitely deserved the award. Also, movies such as Naomi Kawase’s “Still the Water,” Andrey Zvyagintsev’s “Leviathan,” Abderrahmane Sissako’s “Timbuktu” and Jean-Luc Godard’s “Goodbye to Language” were in competition that year.

13. Broken Flowers (dir. Jim Jarmusch)

Starring Bill Murray, “Broken Flowers” follows the story of a man on a journey to find four of his former lovers after he finds out that he has a son. This dramatic comedy has one of the best performances in Murray’s career.

Full of great dialogue and with very intriguing characters, “Broken Flowers” should definitely be considered among Jim Jarmusch’s greatest works and is a movie definitely worth checking out.

Should it have won the Palme d’Or? No. The Palme d’Or that year went deservedly to the Dardenne Brothers’ the “The Child,” and the Grand Prix should have gone to David Cronenberg’s “A History of Violence” or Michael Haneke’s “Hidden.”

12. A Prophet (dir. Jacques Audiard)

Starring Tahar Rahim, Jacques Audiard’s “A Prophet” follows the story of Malik El Djebena, a 19-year-old man who is sent to prison. Although appearing to be fragile and lost at first and only wanting to serve his time in peace, he gets caught in the middle of the division between Corsicans (who rule the prison) and Muslims, and becomes a part of the Corsicans’ activities.

With a very strong performance from Tahar Rahim, and even though the movie kind of loses its rhythm in the last half, its very intriguing leading character and the powerful directing makes it a film that every cinephile should watch.

Should it have won the Palme d’Or? No. In that year “The White Ribbon” won the award, and this film is probably the best Palme d’Or winner of this century so far.

11. Reality (dir. Matteo Garrone)

The second film by Matteo Garrone to win the Grand Prix, “Reality” is a very intriguing film about a fishmonger who becomes obsessed in participating on a reality show, something that makes him start to often perceive reality in a kind of different way.

With a very interesting script and good characters, alongside the fine performance by Aniello Arena in the leading role, “Reality” is a very entertaining film that mixes comedy and drama. Even though it seems a little lost at some points – something that perfectly fits the concept of the film – and though it has some problems with its rhythm, this is a movie worth checking out.

Should it have won the Palme d’Or? No. The award that year was given to Michael Haneke’s “Amour,” definitely a superior film and with astonishing performances by Emmanuelle Riva and Jean-Louis Trintignant. Also, the Grand Prix should probably have gone to the masterpiece “Holy Motors,” directed by Leos Carax.

10. The Man Without a Past (dir. Aki Kaurismaki)

“The Man Without a Past” is the second part of Aki Kaurismaki’s “Finland Trilogy.” It follows the story of a man who arrives in Helsinki and develops amnesia after being beaten up. He cannot remember his name or anything that happened in his life and has to start it all over again.

With all the traces of Kaurismaki’s filmography, “The Man Without a Past” is a movie that definitely should be watched. With an intriguing cinematography and a great mix of comedy and drama, this is another great movie in the filmography of Kaurismaki.

Should it have won the Palme d’Or? No. That year’s winner was Roman Polanski’s “The Pianist,” a movie that definitely deserved the award.

Cinema is truly one of the most complex forms of art. Legendary director Andrei Tarkovsky once said, “No art form can fix time as cinema does. So, what is a film? It’s a mosaic made of time.”

In this list, we’re approaching movies that somehow have reflections about time in its theme (or themes).

As always, it is never too late to remember that many aspects interfere on the choice of the titles of an article like this. But, as usual, memory and personal preferences are the main factors. If you think any other movie should be on this list, please leave it as a recommendation in the comments section below.

So, here are 10 amazing movies that meditate on time:

10. Groundhog Day (1993; dir. Harold Ramis)

One of the best comedies in history, “Groundhog Day” is a story about a man who lives the same day over and over again.

The movie follows a weatherman who is sent to cover (for the fourth time) Groundhog Day, an annual event featuring an animal that can forecast the weather. He is very upset to have to cover this story again. The day goes by and when he wakes up the next morning, he notices he is trapped in Groundhog Day over and over again.

With an iconic performance by Bill Murray, this is a film about a man who, by being trapped in time, learns how to become a better person. Definitely worth watching.

9. Arrival (2016; dir. Denis Villeneuve)

One of the best sci-fi movies of this century (if not the best, and maybe among the best of all time), “Arrival” is another great film directed by Denis Villeneuve.

Starring Amy Adams, the movie follows a linguistics professor who, when 12 spaceships appear around the world, is recruited in order to communicate with the aliens.

With an intriguing approach on the cyclical nature of time, strong metaphors and story, and a great performance by Adams, “Arrival” is one of the most fascinating movies of the decade. Definitely one of the best films that meditates on time.

8. Antoine Doinel’s Pentalogy (1959-1979; dir. François Truffaut)

Movies:

– The 400 Blows (1959)
– Antoine and Colette (1962)
– Stolen Kisses (1968)
– Bed and Board (1970)
– Love on the Run (1979)

Antoine Doinel is the lead character of a series of films directed by French filmmaker François Truffaut. Interpreted in the movies by Jean-Pierre Léaud, the character is kind of an alter ego of the director.

These five movies follow the story of Doinel through different periods of his life and, although no sequel is as great as the classic “The 400 Blows,” it is very intriguing to watch this iconic character’s conflicts as he grows older. His first love, his discharge from the military, his marriage, his affair and his divorce are some of the events we’re able to see in this pentalogy directed by Truffaut.

With amazing performances by Léaud, this is definitely a film series every cinephile should watch.

7. Russian Ark (2002; dir. Aleksandr Sokurov)

Consisting of a single 96-minute shot, “Russian Ark” is a movie that has one of the most impressive (it not the most impressive) long takes in the history of cinema.

The movie follows the story of a 19th century narrator who is traveling through a museum and meets Russian historical figures from the last 200 years.

With truly impressive camera movements and production design, this exquisite and virtuous mise en scène is able to deliver a fascinating travel through time. Definitely a film that every cinephile should check out.

6. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring (2003; dir. Ki-duk Kim)

Ki-duk Kim’s masterpiece “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring” follows the story of a boy who is raised in an isolated temple by a Buddhist monk. With a narrative that has a very strong connection with the seasons, we follow this boy as he grows up.

With masterful directing, “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring” has amazing landscapes and an astonishing script. This approach on the different stages of the lead character’s life using the seasons as metaphors makes it definitely one of the best movies in this century and one of the best films that meditates on time.

Without a doubt a movie every cinephile should watch.

Cinema is one of the most complex forms of art and many elements can make a film visually stunning. From the cinematography to the production design – and many other elements – a wide variety of things can make a film visually interesting.

With that in mind, here is another selection of 10 visually stunning films that are worth checking out.

Even though we will talk a little bit about the film’s plots, acting, and other elements of these movies, this list will focus on the reasons why these films are visually interesting. Although it may sound a little repetitive, it is important to say that most of these movies have strong elements in common, and that these elements will be noted more than once on this list.

As usual, many things interfere in the choice of the titles in an article like this one, but memory and personal preferences are definitely the main factors. If you think any other movie should be on this list, please share it as a recommendation in the comments section below. Also, it is never too late to remember that these movies are not ranked.

So, here are 10 visually stunning films that deserve more attention:

10. Blind (2014; dir. Eskil Vogt)

Written and directed by Eskil Vogt, who co-wrote the film “Oslo, August 31st” alongside director Joachim Trier, “Blind” is one of the most interesting films of 2014.

Following the story of a woman who recently lost her sight, this movie is filmed in a very slow-paced way, composing a very powerful and fascinating mise en scène. During the story, after the woman starts to spend more time at home to feel in control of things, she will notice that the questions are inside herself.

The delicate approach to this story and the impressive cinematography by Thimios Bakatakis definitely make “Blind” a visually stunning film that every cinephile should check out.

9. Greater Things (2015; dir. Vahid Hakimzadeh)

Written and directed by Vahid Hakimzadeh, “Greater Things” is a silent and intriguing film.

Following the stories of four characters who live in Tokyo and London and who during a Japanese summer share a feeling of loneliness, “Greater Things” is definitely a movie worth checking out.

With a truly intriguing connection to architecture, and many amazing shots that without too many cuts help compose the slow-paced atmosphere of the story, this movie directed by Hakimzadeh definitely is a visually intriguing work that every cinephile should watch.

8. The Assassin (2015; dir. Hsiao-hsien Hou)

Acclaimed director Hsiao-hsien Hou won the Prix de la Mise en Scène, the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival, for his work on “The Assassin,” one of the most visually impressive and one of the best directed films of this century so far.

The movie follows the story of an assassin in 8th century China who has a mission to kill a political leader. But on this journey, she will also have to face her family, her memories, and the feelings she has toward her past.

With an amazing performance from Qi Shu as Nie Yinniang, “The Assassin” has amazing sequences, powerful photography and amazing landscapes. Without a doubt one of the most visually stunning films of this decade, and one that should definitely be checked out by any cinephile.

7. White Chairs (2017; dir. Reza Dormishian)

Directed by Reza Dormishian, “White Chairs” is a movie about the story of Mat and Emily, who lost their families in an earthquake and who live lonely in the city.

Through stop-motion sequences made with photographs, we follow their silent relationship. They are in love, but they don’t talk to each other.

Although the protagonists do not talk to each other, the film has very interesting conversation and narration. “White Chairs” is a very emotional film about love and loss, with a very intriguing visual approach to this story.

Definitely a visually stunning film every cinephile should check out.

6. Ascent (2016; dir. Fiona Tan)

Visual artist Fiona Tan wrote and directed this film that has more than 100 images of Mount Fuji over the last 150 years.

“Ascent” tells the story of Mary and Hiroshi, an Englishwoman and her Japanese partner. On the film, she starts to reflect on the story of the Mount Fuji when she receives letters and photographs from Hiroshi, that tells her about his climbing.

With this many photographs about the Mount Fuji, we hear in a very emotional narration this very intriguing story while we are able to see amazing images of this place through many decades.

“Ascent” is truly a beautiful and complex film with a very interesting visual approach and should definitely be watched by any cinephile.

Cinema history has many amazing movie trilogies. From Francis Ford Coppola’s acclaimed Godfather Trilogy to Jean Cocteau’s Orphic Trilogy, and from Michelangelo Antonioni’s Trilogy on Modernity and its Discontents to Krzysztof Kieslowski’s Three Colors Trilogy, it is not that difficult to remember how many great trilogies cinema has.

But, some great trilogies sometimes are not as remembered as they deserve and those are the films we are approaching in this article. Working as sequels to one another or having themes in common, this list approaches great trilogies that should definitely be remembered more often.

In this article, I will try not to get too much into the plots of the films in order to not make this list too long. If you think any other film trilogy should be on this list, please leave it as a recommendation in the comments section below. It is never too late to remember that these trilogies are not ranked, but feel free to share your own ranking on the comments.

So, here are 10 great movie trilogies that should definitely be remembered more often:

10. The Pusher Trilogy, dir. Nicolas Winding Refn

Movies:
– Pusher (1996)
– Pusher II: With Blood on my Hands (2004)
– Pusher III: I’m the Angel of Death (2005)

Nicolas Winding Refn is probably best remembered for the amazing film “Drive” starring Ryan Gosling, and a movie that won the Prix de la Mise en Scène, the best director award at the Cannes International Film Festival. But before that, in 1996, he released “Pusher,” his directorial debut and the beginning of a very interesting trilogy.

The first movie starts with a drug pusher who loses a lot of money when a deal goes wrong and who has only a few days to pay the money he owes. Full of great sequences and with two good sequels, the Pusher Trilogy is a series of films that should definitely be watched by any cinephile.

9. The Hometown Trilogy, dir. Zhangke Jia

Movies:
– Pick Pocket (1997)
– Platform (2000)
– Unknown Pleasures (2002)

Zhangke Jia is one of the best directors from the last decades, from “Pick Pocket,” his first feature film, to his latest movie “Mountains May Depart” (2015), he proved to be one of the most intriguing filmmakers working today.

His first three feature films form the Hometown Trilogy, where he explores stories that take place in the Chinese province of Shanxi. Although not actually being a documentarian, his movies with their long takes somehow have the aura of a documentary.

The way he is able to conduct the mise en scène of his films is remarkable, but the characters in his films are probably the highlight of these movies for how complex they are. Zhangke Jia is not only one of the best directors working today, but one of the best screenwriters as well.

8. The Taiwanese History Trilogy, dir. Hsiao-Hsien Hou

Movies
– A City of Sadness (1989)
– The Puppetmaster (1993)
– Good Men, Good Women (1995)

Taiwanese director Hsian-Hsien Hou is a very important figure in world cinema and in the Taiwan New Wave. Starting his career as a director in 1980, he has made more than 20 films, the most recent being “The Assassin,” which won the Prix de la Mise en Scène, the best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

In the films “A City of Sadness” (winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival), “The Puppetmaster” and “Good Men, Good Women,” he approaches Taiwanese history in a very interesting way.

Approaching the story of four brothers, the story of a puppeteer who is telling his life story and of a woman being persecuted by a man, he is able to approach the history of Taiwan in three great films.

Hou delivered a remarkable and very intriguing film series with the Taiwanese History Trilogy that every cinephile should definitely check out.

7. The New York Crime & Family Trilogy, dir. James Gray

Movies:
– Little Odessa (1994)
– The Yards (2000)
– We Own the Night (2007)

James Gray is one of the best and most underrated directors working today. Allying great mise en scène with amazing screenwriting, he is truly one of the most interesting filmmakers of his generation.

With “Little Odessa,” “The Yards” and “We Own the Night,” his first three feature films, he approaches very interesting characters in stories taking place in his hometown, New York City.

Gray is truly a great screenwriter. The way he is able to build complex characters while moving intriguing stories forward is definitely remarkable.

Although “The Yards” is not as great as the other two films in the series, Grays’ New York Crime & Family Trilogy is definitely one of the best trilogies made in the last few decades and is a series of films that should without a doubt be checked out.

6. The War Trilogy, dir. Andrzej Wajda

Movies:
– A Generation (1954)
– Kanal (1956)
– Ashes & Diamonds (1958)

Andrzej Wajda is without a doubt among the best filmmakers in history.

Often remembered for “The Man of Marble” (1977), “The Man of Iron” (1981), “Danton” (1983) and, of course, “Ashes & Diamonds” – the last installment in this War Trilogy – he is definitely a filmmaker whose movies are worth checking out.

Approaching war with great directing, these films that have great importance in the Polish Film School are definitely among the best of his career. For its great characters, story and directing, this thematic trilogy directed by Wajda definitely should be watched by every cinephile.

What makes a movie beautiful? From a powerful story to impressive shots, cinema has many elements and is one of the most complex forms of art.

Keeping in mind how complex it is to call a movie “beautiful” – but this time considering the visuals of the film a bit more than the other elements – here is a selection of the most beautiful movies from the 1970s.

As always, many things interfere in the choice of the movies that are in this article, but memory and personal preferences are, as usual, the main factors. If you think any other movie should be on this list, please leave it as a recommendation in the comments section below.

The movies on this list are not ranked.

So, here are 10 amazing films from the 1970s:

10. Suspiria (1977; dir. Dario Argento)

This is truly one of the most visually amazing films and one of the best horror movies ever made.

Directed by Dario Argento, “Suspiria” follows the story of a girl who attends a very prestigious ballet academy in Germany. But when a series of murders start, she will realize something very sinister is happening in that place.

Impressive shots, amazing cinematography by Luciano Tovoli, and production design by Giuseppe Bassan help to create the somber and threatening atmosphere of this film.

Definitely a movie that every cinephile should check out.

9. Kings of the Road (1976; dir. Wim Wenders)

The two reasons why this is not Wim Wenders’ best film are 1.) “Paris, Texas” (1984) and 2.) “Wings of Desire” (1987), but it does not mean “Kings of the Road” is anything less than a masterpiece.

This road movie tells the story of a projection-equipment mechanic who travels in order to visit theatres. On the road, he meets a man whose marriage has just ended and they decide to travel together.

With strong performances from Rüdiger Vogler and Hanns Zischler, and intriguing black-and-white cinematography by Robby Müller and Martin Schäfer, “Kings of the Road” is one of the best movies in Wenders’ filmography and a film that should without a doubt should be watched.

8. The Last Picture Show (1971; dir. Peter Bogdanovich)

Adapted from the novel written by Larry McMurtry, “The Last Picture Show” has astonishing black-and-white cinematography by Robert Surtees, and is probably the best film directed by Peter Bogdanovich.

The movie follows the story of a group of high school students during the 1950s, living in an isolated town that is culturally and economically dying.

With great performances by Cybill Shepherd, Cloris Leachman, Ben Johnson and Jeff Bridges, “The Last Picture Show” is a film with a powerful script that is truly able to make even the smallest nuances count. The movie was nominated for eight Academy Awards, with Cloris Leachman winning for Best Supporting Actress and Ben Johnson winning for Best Supporting Actor.

7. Apocalypse Now (1979; dir. Francis Ford Coppola)

This masterpiece directed by Francis Ford Coppola is one of the best movies ever made.

With astonishing cinematography by Vittorio Storaro (that will appear once again on this list), “Apocalypse Now” follows the story of a captain who is sent on a mission to murder a renegade colonel in Cambodia.

Adapted from the novel “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad, “Apocalypse Now” is a visually stunning film (and also amazing in terms of acting, editing, sound design, directing, production design and many other elements) that every cinephile should definitely check out.

6. The Conformist (1970; dir. Bernardo Bertolucci)

“The Conformist” is one of the most visually stunning films of all time.

One of the best works from director of photography Vittorio Storaro, “The Conformist” has an amazing production design and a great performance by Jean-Louis Trintignant.

The movie follows the story of a man who becomes a fascist and travels abroad in order to assassinate a political dissident who was once his teacher.

With many great locations and usage of lighting, “The Conformist” is truly a visually stunning film.

That are truly many things that make a movie visually stunning. From the production design to the cinematography, among a lot of other things, many elements are used in film to make a composition.

With that in mind, here is a selection of 10 amazing and visually stunning films that might not be as remembered as they should be.

As always, many things interfere in the choice of the titles of an article like this. But memory and personal preferences are the main factors, as usual. If you think any other movie should be on this list, please leave it as a recommendation in the comments section below.

So, here are 10 visually stunning films you should definitely watch:

10. Rebels of the Neon God (1992; dir. Ming-liang Tsai)

Ming-liang Tsai is one of the most interesting directors working today. In 1992 he released the feature film “Rebels of the Neon God,” maybe the best work of his career until today.

The movie follows the story of Hsiao Kang, a young man living in Taipei during the urban gloom of the city. In the film, we are able to see him facing an existential crisis and his loneliness.

With great visual and neon colors, Tsai delivers with “Rebels of the Neon God” a movie that is definitely a highlight of 1990’s cinema. A great film that is mandatory for any cinephile.

9. Tangerines (2013; dir. Zaza Urushadze)

This Estonian-Georgian film written and directed by Zaza Urushadze follows the story of Ivo (Lembit Ulfsak), a man living in Georgia in 1990 during the war. Staying behind to harvest his tangerines, one day there’s a conflict at his door and he needs to take care of a wounded man who was left behind.

With truly astonishing cinematography by Rein Kotov, the film has a very unique atmosphere and an amazing script.

“Tangerines” was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards and at the 72nd Golden Globe Awards, and is definitely a visually stunning film that should be watched.

8. La Antena (2007; dir. Esteban Sapir)

It is somewhat like “Metropolis” (1927; dir. Fritz Lang) mixed with “Alphaville” (1965; dir. Jean-luc Godard).

“La Antena” is one of the most interesting sci-fi films of this century. The movie follows the story of a city that lost its voice when it was stolen by Mr. TV. In this place where no one can talk, except for a singer known as The Voice, we follow the story of a family that is trying to get their voice back.

With great photography and production design, this movie truly has many layers and even though it has some small problems with its rhythm, it is one of the most intriguing South American films of that decade.

7. A Thousand Times Good Night (2013; dir. Erik Poppe)

Starring Juliette Binoche and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, “A Thousand Times Good Night” is a visually impressive film about a war photographer whose husband refuses to accept the dangerous life she has.

With strong performances by Binoche and Coster-Waldau, “A Thousand Times Good Night” is a film with very powerful images and a truly intriguing story.

A great and visually stunning film directed by Erik Poppe that definitely should be watched by any cinephile.

6. Touki Bouki (1973; dir Djibril Diop Mambéty)

This Senegalese film should definitely be considered among the highlights of the 1970s.

Following the story of a cowherd and an university student who are trying to make money to go to Paris, this film definitely needs to be remembered among the most visually stunning films of that decade.

With great directing by Djibril Diop Mambéty and great cinematography by Georges Bracher, “Touki Bouki” is without a doubt a movie that every cinephile should watch.

Cinema is one of the most complex (if not the most complex) art forms, and to consider a movie beautiful, many elements can be considered. Calling a movie “beautiful” is really a very complex statement. From a beautiful story to truly gorgeous shots, and from amazing acting to the great use of any other of the many elements of cinema, some movies are simply beautiful.

As usual, a lot of things interfere in the choices of the movies on an article like this, but memory and personal preferences are the main factors as always.

If you think any other 60’s film should be on this list, please leave it as a recommendation in the comments section below. It is also never late to remember that the movies on this list are not ranked.

So, here are the most beautiful movies from the 1960s:

10. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964; dir. Jacques Demy)

The winner of the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival of 1964, “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is one of the best musicals in the history of film.

Starring Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo, the film follows the story of a young couple that wants to get married. She helps her widowed mother in the family umbrella shop, and he works at a gas station. But when she gets pregnant before he is sent to war, she will have a very difficult decision to make.

With great performances, beautiful music and an amazing mise en scène, “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is without a doubt one of the most beautiful films from the 1960s and a musical that should definitely be watched by any cinephile.

9. Le Samouraï (1967; dir. Jean-Pierre Melville)

One of the best directed films of all time, “Le Samourai” is Jean-Pierre Melville’s masterpiece.

It stars Alain Delon as Jef Costello, a professional hitman who, though being very careful, one day gets caught. From that moment on, While he tries to find an alibi, his situation gets even more complicated.

With very impressive attention to detail and an amazing performance by Delon, “Le Samourai” has an exquisite mise en scène and a very powerful atmosphere of mystery composed by the camera work, allied with the use of silence and the production design.

“Le Samourai” is one of the most intriguing movies from the 1960s, and for its visually stunning shots, it should definitely be considered among the most beautiful movies from the 1960s.

8. The Leopard (1963; dir. Luchino Visconti)

One of the best Italian movies of all time and another masterpiece directed by Luchino Visconti.

“The Leopard” is a movie starring Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale and Alain Delon that follows how life in Sicilia changed during the Italian unification, also known as Risorgimento.

Being visually one of the most astonishing films ever made, “The Leopard” is definitely a movie that should be seen for its story and for the extraordinary production design. Based on the novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, the movie won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and is truly one of the best films ever made.

7. An Autumn Afternoon (1962; dir. Yasujiro Ozu)

The last film in the career of one of the best filmmakers of all time, “An Autumn Afternoon” is another great work by Japanese master Yasujiro Ozu.

It follows the story of Hirayama, a former captain of the navy who lives with his daughter, who stayed single in order to take care of him. She is happy living with her family, but Hirayama starts to think that he may be a burden to his daughter.

With many of the well-known traces of Ozu’s filmography, this family drama written by Ozu alongside Kogo Noda is able to approach time and love in a very unique way.

Being able to capture the essence of the drama shown on screen and making every line of dialogue count scene after scene, “An Autumn Afternoon” is a beautiful movie and definitely one that every cinephile should see.

6. Lawrence of Arabia (1962; dir. David Lean)

Based on the life of T.E. Lawrence, this film directed by David Lean is one of the greatest and most visually impressive movies of all time.

Following the story of a Lieutenant that is sent to Arabia to fight the Turks, this epic film has Peter O’Toole in one of the best performances in cinema history, one of the greatest cinematography works of all time and a very powerful script with a leading character that is one of the most complex ever seen in film.

Winning seven Oscars, “Lawrence of Arabia” is one of the best movies from the 1960s and a masterpiece so visually and narratively amazing that it deserves to be considered one of the most beautiful movies from that decade.