20 Still Shots from Movies That Are Pretty Much Works of Art
Ranked By
4.3K votes
588 voters
- Stanley KubrickIn Stanley Kubrick's groundbreaking film 2001: A Space Odyssey, Dr. Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) and his crew embark on a mysterious journey to Jupiter, guided by their ship's artificially intelligent computer, HAL 9000 (voiced by Douglas Rain). This epic science fiction masterpiece, which won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, explores themes of evolution, technology, artificial intelligence and the unknown. The movie is renowned for its realistic depiction of space travel and innovative special effects, providing a visually stunning cinematic experience that captivated audiences worldwide.More 2001: A Space Odyssey
- #104 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #701 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #106 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- In Interstellar, humanity's survival hangs in the balance. Former NASA pilot Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is tasked with navigating the cosmos to find a new home for mankind. Astronaut Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway) accompanies him on this perilous journey through wormholes and across galaxies. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this sci-fi epic won an Academy Award for its stunning visual effects. A tale of exploration and sacrifice, it underlines the power of love as a force transcending space and time.More Interstellar
- #67 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #539 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #25 of 166 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
- David FincherIn the gritty urban drama Fight Club, Edward Norton (the unnamed protagonist) finds himself spiraling into the underbelly of his own psyche. Stuck in a monotonous job, he meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), a soap salesman with an unconventional philosophy. Together, they form an underground fight club as a radical form of psychotherapy. As their nocturnal activities escalate, so does their bond. But when Marla Singer (Helena Bonham Carter), a fellow support group crasher, enters their lives, things start to unravel. Directed by David Fincher, Fight Club is a jarring exploration of masculinity and identity that won't soon be forgotten.More Fight Club
- Dig Deeper...'Fight Club' Fan Theories That Just Might Be True
- And Deeper...20 Surprising Facts You Didn't Know About Fight Club
- #8 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- David FincherIn Seven, Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman), a seasoned but weary crime fighter, partners with the young and impulsive Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt) to investigate a series of grisly murders. Each murder uniquely represents one of the seven deadly sins - a chilling theme that pervades the movie. The film, directed by David Fincher, is dark and atmospheric, delivering an intense thriller that delves into the heart of human depravity. As the detectives unravel each horrifying crime, they are drawn deeper into a twisted killer's methodical madness. A critical success, this 1995 film won an MTV Movie Award for Best Movie.More Seven
- #2 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #128 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #25 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- Joel CoenFargo, a dark comedy-crime film, is an unforgettable journey into the frozen heart of Minnesota. Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a car salesman in Minneapolis, hatches a desperate scheme involving his wife and two bumbling criminals, Carl Showalter (Steve Buscemi) and Gaear Grimsrud (Peter Stormare). The plan backfires when it attracts the attention of Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), the pregnant police chief of Brainerd. McDormand won an Oscar for her portrayal of Gunderson, whose tenacious investigation unravels the plot amidst the snow-swept landscapes. The film's unique blend of horror and humor has earned it a cult following and multiple awards, including two Academy Awards.More Fargo
- Dig Deeper...Small Details, Trivia, And Interesting Tidbits About 'Fargo' That Made Us Say 'You Betcha!'
- #142 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #446 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- Peter WeirIn The Truman Show, Jim Carrey stars as Truman Burbank, an insurance salesman unknowingly living his life on a TV set. Seemingly ordinary, his existence is in reality a meticulously crafted reality show, broadcasted worldwide. Truman's idyllic suburban life takes a turn when he starts noticing inconsistencies in his daily routine. Co-stars Laura Linney and Noah Emmerich play key roles as Truman's wife and best friend respectively, both part of the elaborate illusion. Directed by Peter Weir, this film offers a thought-provoking take on media manipulation and personal freedom. This satirical drama won several awards for its unique concept and strong performances.More The Truman Show
- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Stories From 'The Truman Show'
- #121 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #384 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- Christopher NolanInception is a mind-bending, science-fiction thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The plot pivots around Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), an adept 'extractor' who invades people's dreams to steal secrets. However, his latest task is not stealing an idea but planting one - inception. In this high-stakes job, he's aided by Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Ariadne (Elliot Page), and Eames (Tom Hardy). Tackling complex themes of reality and subconsciousness, Inception won four Academy Awards. This cinematic labyrinth, riddled with plot twists, leaves viewers questioning the very nature of reality.More Inception
- #14 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #317 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #48 of 114 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
- Steven SpielbergIn the adventurous roller-coaster ride, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, we follow Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), a renowned archaeologist and obtainer of rare antiquities. Set in 1936, Jones is thrust into a perilous mission to outwit his Nazi competitors who are bent on harnessing the power of the mystical Ark of the Covenant. Alongside former lover Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Jones navigates treacherous terrains and relentless enemies. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie bagged four Academy Awards, solidifying its status as a classic action-adventure film that combines history, mysticism, and heart-stopping sequences with aplomb.
- The adventure continues in this "Star Wars" sequel. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) face attack by the Imperial forces and its AT-AT walkers on the ice planet Hoth. While Han and Leia escape in the Millennium Falcon, Luke travels to Dagobah in search of Yoda. Only with the Jedi master's help will Luke survive when the dark side of the Force beckons him into the ultimate duel with Darth Vader (David Prowse).
- Victor FlemingThe Wizard of Oz is a classic fantasy film, an enduring testament to Hollywood's Golden Age. Young Dorothy (Judy Garland) finds herself whisked away from her Kansas home by a tornado, landing in the vibrant and fantastical Land of Oz. Joined by a trio of unforgettable characters - the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) longing for brains, the Tin Man (Jack Haley) yearning for a heart, and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) seeking courage - they traverse the yellow brick road. Their destination: the enigmatic Wizard of Oz, who can potentially grant their wishes and return Dorothy home. Winner of two Academy Awards, this movie is noted for its innovative use of Technicolor and iconic musical numbers.
- Alfonso CuarónIn the dystopian genre film Children of Men, humanity grapples with infertility, a crisis threatening extinction. The protagonist, Theo Faron (Clive Owen), is a disillusioned bureaucrat who gets entangled in a mission to protect the world's only pregnant woman. Julian Taylor (Julianne Moore), an activist and Theo's ex-lover, leads this desperate quest for survival. The movie, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, won acclaim for its immersive storytelling and technical excellence, particularly its long-take action sequences. It offers a bleak yet poignant exploration of hope amid despair, challenging viewers to reflect on society's resilience in the face of impending doom.More Children of Men
- #731 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #208 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #18 of 166 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
- Robert Rodriguez, Frank MillerAn anthology of dark tales unfurls in Sin City, a stark neo-noir film. In the shadowy corners of Basin City, ex-convict Marv (Mickey Rourke) seeks vengeance for his lover's death. Meanwhile, Dwight (Clive Owen), tangled in a dangerous love triangle, navigates treacherous waters to protect Old Town's women. Simultaneously, honest cop Hartigan (Bruce Willis) fights to safeguard a young woman from a sadistic pedophile. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, this 2005 cinematic adaptation of Miller's graphic novels interweaves these stories with unflinching brutality and raw emotionality, earning it critical acclaim and several award nominations.More Sin City
- #431 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #56 of 166 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
- #190 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- Fritz LangThis influential German science-fiction film presents a highly stylized futuristic city where a beautiful and cultured utopia exists above a bleak underworld populated by mistreated workers. When the privileged youth Freder (Gustav Fröhlich) discovers the grim scene under the city, he becomes intent on helping the workers. He befriends the rebellious teacher Maria (Brigitte Helm), but this puts him at odds with his authoritative father, leading to greater conflict.More Metropolis
- #1 of 86 onThe Best Silent Movies of All Time
- #696 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #68 of 166 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
- Barry Cook, Tony BancroftIn the animated movie Mulan, Fa Mulan, voiced by Ming-Na Wen, takes center stage, breaking societal norms in a tale of courage and resilience. Set in ancient China, when Huns invade, Mulan's frail father (Soon-Tek Oh) is called to war. To protect him, she disguises herself as a man and goes in his place. Aided by her guardian dragon Mushu (Eddie Murphy), Mulan becomes an unlikely hero, earning honor for her family and proving that greatness can come from anyone. This film won several Annie awards, showcasing its technical prowess and narrative strength.
- 15
There's a Reason Empire Strikes Back Is a Classic
- Frank DarabontThe Shawshank Redemption, a captivating drama directed by Frank Darabont, hinges on the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative unfolds in the grim confines of Shawshank State Penitentiary, where banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) lands after being wrongfully convicted for murder. Alongside Ellis 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman), a long-term inmate, Andy battles despair and corruption. In this struggle, they form an unshakeable bond that transcends the prison walls. A seven-time Oscar nominee, 'The Shawshank Redemption' is a testament to friendship's power and hope's endurance amid adversity.More The Shawshank Redemption
- Dig Deeper...Behind The Scenes Of 'The Shawshank Redemption,' And The Making Of An Unlikely Classic
- #2 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #1 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, a young hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), is entrusted with an ancient ring. This ring, darkly powerful and coveted by the malevolent Dark Lord Sauron, must be destroyed to save Middle-earth. Guided by the wise wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and joined by a diverse group of companions, Frodo embarks on a perilous journey towards Mount Doom, the only place where the ring can be unmade. This epic fantasy film won four Academy Awards and launched one of cinema's most celebrated trilogies.
- #51 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #21 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #1 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- Ron FrickeWatch for Free with Amazon Prime Free TrialSamsara is a 2011 non-narrative documentary film, directed by Ron Fricke and produced by Mark Magidson, who also collaborated on Baraka, a film of a similar vein. Samsara was filmed over five years in 25 countries around the world. It was shot in 70 mm format and output to digital format. The film premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival and received a limited release in August 2012.More Samsara
- #629 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #3 of 41 onThe 40+ Best Non-Narrative Documentaries, Ranked
- #15 of 52 onThe Best Documentaries To Watch Stoned
- In the suspenseful thriller 28 Days Later, London bike courier Jim (Cillian Murphy) awakens from a coma in an abandoned hospital. He finds the city eerily deserted, save for infected humans ravaged by a mysterious virus. Meeting a small group of survivors, including the stalwart Selena (Naomie Harris), they navigate the post-apocalyptic landscape, clinging to hope. Directed by Danny Boyle, this film masterfully combines elements of horror and drama, presenting a chilling scenario of societal collapse due to a relentless pandemic. Its raw depiction of survival amidst chaos earned critical acclaim and notable box-office success.More 28 Days Later
- #23 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #476 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #6 of 166 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
- Star Trek Into Darkness, a thrilling space adventure, plunges Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and his intrepid crew of the Starship Enterprise into a world of peril. They grapple with an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, embodied by John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch), a former Starfleet operative turned rogue. As the Enterprise is called home, its team faces a war-zone world, triggering an epic chess game of life and death. Aided by Spock (Zachary Quinto), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), and Scotty (Simon Pegg), Kirk leads his crew into a battle to save the universe from impending doom. This blockbuster film, directed by J.J. Abrams, is replete with intense action sequences and thought-provoking themes, making it a must-watch for fans of science fiction.More Star Trek Into Darkness
- #542 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #30 of 178 onThe 150+ Best Movies With Aliens
- #40 of 164 onThe Best Movie Sequels Ever Made