The 20 Best Films in the Criterion Collection

If you are a film buff, you probably know what the Criterion Collection is. If you are not familiar with it, Criterion is a company that releases and publishes films from around the world that are deemed important.

Their collection currently consists of more than 900 films. It would be difficult to see them all, and I’m sure I haven’t seen more than 10% percent of them. However, I have always admired Criterion and all they do for the art of film.

Here is a list of my personal favorites from the collection, sorted by spine number. If you see a title in parentheses, the film isn’t originally in English, and this is the film’s original title.

The 400 Blows (Les Quatre Cents Coups) (1959) #5

This film continues to dazzle me with its beautifully shot scenes of Paris and the empathy I feel for the main protagonist. The boy in the film has a goal of seeing the ocean for the first time and goes through many trials and tribulations to succeed. Through childhood peer pressure, authoritative adults, and running from the law, François Truffaut’s beautiful picture captures my heart and engages my spirit.

Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bête) (1946) #6

Jean Cocteau’s take on the legendary tale of Beauty and the Beast is one that could enlighten regular filmgoers and film buffs alike. The Disney adaptations are great in their own ways, but this one is my favorite (“Blasphemy!” my wife screams from across the house). The performances, cinematography, and the score are all beautifully done. This proves to be a timeless classic and one of the best fantasy tales of our time (that my wife agrees with).

The Seventh Seal (Det Sjunde Inseglet) (1957) #11

Ingmar Bergman, one of my all-time favorite directors, has accomplished his grand vision in this film. A knight on his way home following the Crusades encounters the Grim Reaper and challenges him to a game of chess. This tale of doubt, death, and determination is well crafted, and it very much belongs in the collection.

The Third Man (1949) #64

Carol Reed takes the viewer on so many turns with this film, elevating film noir to a different level. Holly Martins is invited to visit his friend Harry Lime in post-war Vienna, only to find him dead – or so he was told. The film explores different heights, from Orson Welles’s memorable monologue atop the Ferris wheel to the unforgettable climax in the sewers below Vienna. A must see!

Do the Right Thing (1989) #96

I have always loved films that take place in a span of one day, and Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing is definitely my favorite in that category. Set on the hottest day of the summer, this film explores various racial relations with a few groups living in the same city block, with tension increasing as the day progresses. The last twenty minutes of this film still leaves me breathless every time. I also appreciate the message Lee makes with the storytelling.

Cries & Whispers (Viskningar och Rop) (1972) #101

Here is another masterpiece from Ingmar Bergman, who will forever be one of my favorite directors. This is the story of a woman in the early twentieth century who is dying of cancer, and her two estranged sisters who come to visit her. Bergman’s use of the color red throughout the film brings an intensity and vibrancy to the scenes, as well as to the emotions of the characters. This tale of suffering and reconciliation is one that will long be remembered.

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (Le Charme Discret de la Bourgeoisie) (1972) #102

I honestly wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this film when I first sat down to watch it. It turned out to be a funny, well-made, thought-provoking film, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It made me appreciate Luis Buñuel more as a director and made me more interested in his works. This is a tale of three affluent couples who try to dine together but are continually interrupted by a series of unforeseen circumstances. This premise made me remember Buñuel’s earlier work, The Exterminating Angel (El Ángel Exterminador) (1962), which is another take on the trials and tribulations of the upper class. Perhaps he’s trying to tell us something…

Rififi (Du Rififi Chez les Hommes) (1955) #115

Jules Dassin’s Rififi is a remarkable piece of cinema. It is also one of the true original heist films, which is one of my favorite genres. This film explores four men who plan a jewel heist. Things go according to plan, but they don’t end up that way (what fun would that be?). I was amazed by the segment when the heist occurs. It was mostly silent, which is nearly unheard of. I found myself sympathizing with the characters because the story also involves their families and loved ones. Rififi is a true emotional rollercoaster of a movie!

Rashomon (1950) #138

In a true piece of international cinema, Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon unfolds with a plot device rarely seen before. The story involves a murder and the several contradictory retellings of it. Each account comes from a different source, so it would be nearly impossible to ascertain the true nature of the crime. The “several accounts” plot device is unique and leaves the viewer to decide what really occurred and with whom they most identify. Aside from the story, the cinematography in the Japanese wilderness was jaw-dropping. Rashomon is another one I will never forget.

Umberto D. (1952) #201

Vittorio de Sica directs one of the sweetest films I have ever seen. Umberto D. explores the relationship between a man and his dog, with the pair trying to survive on the streets of Rome. Umberto, the main protagonist, is one of the most sympathetic characters in cinema. I found myself wanting the best for him and his dog, even when the pair eventually separate. The story is what stands out the most with the film and it gives the audience a great sense of satisfaction in the end.

Through a Glass Darkly (Såsom i en Spegel) (1961) #209

Yet another work from Ingmar Bergman, this film explores a day in the life of a woman with schizophrenia and her stay on a remote island with her family. Through a series of moments where the family members come to terms with one another and gain acceptance, this film is a unique telling of a story about family. I also love the cinematography, which I know I keep saying, but it’s one of the things that stand out to me in a film.

Knife in the Water (Nóż w Wodzie) (1962) #215

I have always loved Roman Polanski’s films, and his debut, Knife in the Water, is a true masterpiece. Centered on three people in a boat, the film does not bore, but rather involves the viewer in the tense surroundings and feelings among the characters. The film explores the themes of friendship, frustration, and exploration. The film also left me wondering about the ambiguity it provided and how it could proceed from there. Whatever the unseen case may be, Knife in the Water is amazing from a rookie director and is very deserving of its spot on this list.

Tokyo Story (Tōkyō Monogatari) (1953) #217

This is another film that offers an engaging and heartfelt story. Tokyo Story is about an elderly couple who have all the time in the world for their family, who aren’t willing to part with any of their precious time for the elders. I love the simple scenes of conversation with the characters, which are shot from the characters’ points of view. I relish this method because it makes you a part of the conversations. The scenery is also enjoyable. Yasujirô Ozu’s film of family and connection is one that to which nearly everyone can relate.

Dazed and Confused (1993) #336

Richard Linklater’s sophomore film, Dazed and Confused, is a fun, yet resonant film that deals with the joys and pressures of teenage life. Taking place during the last day of school in 1976, a large group of teenagers takes to the streets of Austin, Texas, looking for a good time. With electric performances, a stellar soundtrack, and numerous memorable one-liners, this film is a top-notch recommendation for anyone wanting a good time in front of the screen.

The Naked City (1948) #380

Another film by Jules Dassin, this is a perfect example of film noir. It centers around two detectives who are investigating a suicide, though the elements of the crime prove to be different. The film shows off stunning landscapes with high rises in the backgrounds, and you can’t beat the climactic chase scene up a tower to a bridge. This film was way ahead of its time. As much as I love film noir, nothing compares to The Naked City for tense moments and plot twists.

Paris, Texas (1984) #501

Paris, Texas is a unique film in terms of its structure. Not plot-driven per se, but character-driven instead. Harry Dean Stanton is drifting aimlessly through a Texas desert but determined to find both himself and the family he left behind. The performances and cinematography are truly the premier elements to this film. Wim Winders directs this beautiful film, which will forever stay with me.

12 Angry Men (1957) #591

Sidney Lumet’s 12 Angry Men is an intensified version of a teleplay of the same name. Henry Fonda stars as the sole juror in a murder case who believes that there is a possibility of reasonable doubt. Centered mainly in the deliberation room, Fonda’s Juror #8 pits himself against the jurors who feel that this is an open and shut case. However, as the arguments unfurl and the heat gets unbearable, tensions rise in the end as the jurors make their final decision. Lee J. Cobb and Jack Warden are also standouts in this film. I admire all the performances, as well as the crafty camera angles used to create a sense of claustrophobia as the film progresses. It makes you feel like you are the 13th juror.

Tootsie (1982) #738

Tootsie is, without a doubt, one of the funniest films I’ve ever seen. Dustin Hoffman plays an unlucky actor trying to finance a play his roommate (Bill Murray) is producing. However, out of leads and with time running out, Hoffman’s character decides to put on a wig and makeup and pretend to be a woman so that he can get a short-term role on a soap opera. Through a series of mishaps and unforeseen circumstances, Tootsie turns into a hilarious comedy of errors. Sydney Pollack directs this film in addition to playing Hoffman’s agent, and this duo provides the funniest scenes of the film. If you’re in the mood for a good laugh, I whole-heartedly recommend this one.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) #821

It’s truly difficult for me to pick a favorite Stanley Kubrick film. I personally believe all of his films are great because he was an exceptional filmmaker. After much consideration, I had to choose Dr. Strangelove. This is a classic comedy about war, which is nearly unheard of. In this case, however, the war was declared by mistake and another comedy of errors ensues. The film focuses on three storylines: the soldier trying to stop the war, the group of people in the war room not sure what to do next, and the soldiers carrying the nuke. This is another timeless classic of the mid-sixties, with laughs throughout.

Blow-Up (1966) #865

Antonioni’s Blow-Up is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Its visuals and storytelling are unparalleled. The film is about a fashion photographer who grows bored with his routine of snapping pictures of models and enticing them into some post-session excitement. He wanders into a park and takes a picture of a couple, much to the dismay of the woman. He eventually enlarges the picture – only to find a figure in the trees with a gun. The photographer becomes absorbed in the mystery and is determined to solve the puzzle. With a great view of the sixties scene in London, a great performance by The Yardbirds, and an unforgettable ending, Blow-Up is the perfect film to debate with your friends (all in good fun, of course).

I had a heck of a time narrowing this list down to twenty films. Have you watched any (or all!) of the Criterion Collection? What are your favorites?

Happy watching!