101 Movies Everyone Must Watch at least Once in their Life (and How to Stream Them Online)

101 Movies Everyone Must Watch at least Once in their Life (and How to Stream Them Online)

Ghezal Amiri
Ghezal Amiri

Published on July 10, 2023

Updated on July 04, 2024

The art of film is a powerful medium of storytelling that has captivated audiences for over a century. Read on to learn more about the power movies hold over us and find out where to stream 101 movies everyone must watch at least once in their life!

Through the use of camera techniques, visual effects, music and storytelling, filmmakers have the ability to transport viewers to new worlds. From established classics like Citizen Kane and The Godfather to modern blockbusters like The Avengers and Avatar, movies have the ability to leave a lasting impact on those who watch them. Movies not only entertain, but also educate and inspire audiences to think critically about the world around them.

There are certain movies that everyone must watch at least once in their life because of their impact on culture and their ability to provoke thought and emotion. Movies like Schindler's List, which tells the story of a businessman who saves the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, or The Shawshank Redemption, which explores the themes of hope and redemption, have resonated with audiences for decades. These movies have become a part of our collective cultural consciousness and continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. Other movies, like the Star Wars franchise, have become cultural touchstones; inspiring generations of fans and spawning numerous sequels, spin-offs and works in other mediums. These movies serve as a testament to the power of film to entertain, inspire and challenge us.

Where to Watch the Best Movies Everyone Must Watch At Least Once in Their Life Online

Regardless of the genre, each of the following titles tells a compelling story, features memorable performances and has something important to say about the human experience. Whether you are a seasoned film buff or just starting to explore the world of cinema, these movies are essential viewing for anyone who appreciates the art of filmmaking.

Here are 101 movies everyone must watch at least once in their life and where to find them streaming in the United States!

01

12 Angry Men
The defense and the prosecution have rested and the jury is filing into the jury room to decide if a young Spanish-American is guilty or innocent of murdering his father. What begins as an open and shut case soon becomes a mini-drama of each of the jurors' prejudices and preconceptions about the trial, the accused, and each other.
Humanity finds a mysterious object buried beneath the lunar surface and sets off to find its origins with the help of HAL 9000, the world's most advanced super computer.
In a near-future Britain, young Alexander DeLarge and his pals get their kicks beating and raping anyone they please. When not destroying the lives of others, Alex swoons to the music of Beethoven. The state, eager to crack down on juvenile crime, gives an incarcerated Alex the option to undergo an invasive procedure that'll rob him of all personal agency. In a time when conscience is a commodity, can Alex change his tune?
A disturbed, aging Southern belle moves in with her sister for solace — but being face-to-face with her brutish brother-in-law accelerates her downward spiral.

06

Amadeus
Amadeus

Amadeus

1984

Disciplined Italian composer Antonio Salieri becomes consumed by jealousy and resentment towards the hedonistic and remarkably talented young Salzburger composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

07

American Beauty
Lester Burnham, a depressed suburban father in a mid-life crisis, decides to turn his hectic life around after developing an infatuation with his daughter's attractive friend.

08

Amour
Amour

Amour

2012

Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has a stroke, and the couple's bond of love is severely tested.

09

Apocalypse Now
At the height of the Vietnam war, Captain Benjamin Willard is sent on a dangerous mission that, officially, "does not exist, nor will it ever exist." His goal is to locate - and eliminate - a mysterious Green Beret Colonel named Walter Kurtz, who has been leading his personal army on illegal guerrilla missions into enemy territory.

10

Avatar
Avatar

Avatar

2009

In the 22nd century, a paraplegic Marine is dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, but becomes torn between following orders and protecting an alien civilization.

About this list

Titles

101

Total Watch Cost

$188.91

Total Watch Time

214h 25min

Genres

Drama, Crime, Mystery & Thriller

Where can I watch this list online?

Find out which streaming services have the most titles from this list below.

There are 101 titles in this list and you can watch 23 of them on Kanopy. 70 other streaming services also have titles available to stream today.

  1. 23 titles Kanopy
  2. 22 titles Tubi TV
  3. 18 titles Plex Player
  4. 18 titles Plex Channel
  5. 18 titles fuboTV