Movie classics are generally defined as films from the past that still hold up today. These timeless movies remain as enjoyable today as they were upon release.
Every now and then, a modern movie is released and dubbed an “instant classic.” Sometimes, we are too quick to judge, but that’s not the case with these films.
These are the modern movies that are bonafide classics.
Dune
I’m lumping in both parts as they’re telling one story.
Director Denis Villeneuve succeeds at the possible, delivering an incredible adaptation of the classic sci-fi novel.
Dune is a cinematic masterpiece that borders on being a work of art.
Blade Runner 2049
Speaking of Denis Villeneuve, his sequel to the 1980s classic proves that sometimes, an unwanted sequel is something we really need.
Blade Runner 2049 captures the magic of the original film, respects the source material, and takes advantage of modern filmmaking. This is what Blade Runner should have always been.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Speaking of sequels, we didn’t realize we always wanted, 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road is a visual masterpiece from beginning to end.
It’s a non-stop thrill ride whose narrative is as engaging as its cinematography.
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Interstellar
You can argue that most of Christopher Nolan’s filmography belongs on this list; I was amazed at how well Inception holds up.
Having said that, nothing is quite like Interstellar, and I will confidently say that it’s his magnum opus. It’s an emotional, devastating, and beautiful theatrical experience that proves Nolan is head over heels above most other filmmakers in the industry today.
Whiplash
There aren’t many perfect movies, but I’d argue Whiplash deserves to be in the conversation.
In an era where even the best films suffer from bloated runtimes and stretched out narratives, Whiplash is a tour de force with incredible performances that runs at a crisp 106 minutes.
Zodiac
One of the biggest crimes of 2007 was the complete lack of respect for David Fincher’s Zodiac.
A chronicle following the infamous San Francisco serial killer, Zodiac doubles not only as a haunting true story but also a thrilling look at the people involved in the case, particularly Jake Gwyllenhaal’s Robert Graysmith.
The Social Network
I’m double dipping here again, but for good reason. While Fincher’s direction helps make the movie about Facebook succeed, it’s really about Aaron Sorkin’s writing.
His ability to write a compelling narrative that intertwines the founding of the social media site alongside the lawsuits he’s involved with is surprisingly gripping.
Hereditary
It’s not often the horror genre can break into mainstream success; this year, we’ve seen The Substance and Demi Moore earn their flowers during award season.
Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for Hereditary, which features Toni Collette’s best performance in her career. Yes, the movie will scare your pants off, but if you’re brave enough, it’s well worth it.
Get Out
A lot of people weren’t sure what to expect when one half of Key & Peele decided to make a horror movie. It turns out that Jordan Peele knew exactly what he was doing.
Some may argue that Get Out was overhyped upon release, but I’ll gladly tell those people to argue with a wall. Get Out works because it’s so intelligently written and directed. This, along with Hereditary, are the blueprints for modern horror.
No Country for Old Men
No Country for Old Men is a one-of-a-kind film that focuses solely on its characters. There is no moody soundtrack to enhance the tension, no action sequels to keep you entertained, just excellent writing, award-winning acting, and brilliant direction from The Coen Brothers.
Javier Bardem’s Anton Chigurh remains one of the most ruthless, cold, and frightening villains in cinematic history.
There Will Be Blood
We were eating well in 2007. There Will Be Blood would be a shoo-in for Best Picture in any other year. Alas, it had to go up against No Country For Old Men, but I would have been happy with either movie winning the industry’s biggest prize.
Daniel Day-Lewis has earned three Academy Awards in his career; this might be his best performance.
John Wick
I’ve mentioned a lot of critically acclaimed, thought-provoking movies thus far, but not every film dubbed a masterpiece falls into that category. Sometimes, you just need to be a super entertaining movie.
That’s what John Wick is. One of the most stylish action movies ever made, John Wick‘s success helped launch a franchise that is still strong today.
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