The Best Hollywood Movies for Movie-Lovers Just Getting Started

Are you just getting started with your journey into exploring the world of Hollywood films? Don't worry, you're in the right place. There are so many classic films to get stuck into, but narrowing down the list can be tricky. Here, we recommend 10 Hollywood movies that every movie lover should watch.

1. The Godfather (1972)

No list of must-watch classic Hollywood movies would be complete without mentioning The Godfather. This iconic crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola stars Marlon Brando as the Don of the Corleone family. It's a thrilling story about loyalty, power, and family, and remains one of the most popular films of all time.

2. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Shawshank Redemption stars Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins and tells the story of a man who is wrongly convicted of murder and sent to Shawshank Penitentiary. Over the course of his time at Shawshank, he makes unlikely friends and gradually finds hope. It's an inspiring story that will leave you feeling uplifted and hopeful.

3. Forrest Gump (1994)

The Academy Award-winning Forrest Gump tells the story of an intellectually disabled man and his remarkable journey through life. Tom Hanks plays the titular character, and his performance is one of the most iconic of all time. This heartwarming film is sure to put a smile on your face.

4. Casablanca (1942)

Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, Casablanca is a classic romantic drama set during World War II. It's an emotional story about love, sacrifice, and friendship, and its iconic lines have become part of popular culture. This is definitely a must-watch movie.

5. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The Silence of the Lambs is a horror-thriller that stars Anthony Hopkins as the terrifying Dr. Hannibal Lecter. It follows the story of an FBI trainee who must enlist Lecter's help in order to solve a series of murders. It's a gripping and suspenseful film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

6. The Breakfast Club (1985)

The Breakfast Club is a classic 80s teen movie that follows the story of five high school students from different cliques who have to spend a Saturday in detention together. It's an entertaining and touching film about friendship and growing up, and it's sure to make you laugh and cry.

7. E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982)

One of the most beloved family movies of all time, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial tells the story of a young boy who befriends a stranded alien. With an amazing soundtrack and a heartfelt story, this film is sure to captivate the whole family.

8. Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver is a dark and intense drama starring Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a disturbed taxi driver in New York City. As Travis' mental state slowly deteriorates, his violent tendencies begin to surface. It's an unsettling but thought-provoking film.

9. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction is an iconic crime film directed by Quentin Tarantino and starring John Travolta and Uma Thurman. It follows a number of interconnected stories involving gangsters, drug dealers, and hitmen. It's an unforgettable movie with a unique style and plenty of memorable scenes.

10. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The beloved classic The Wizard of Oz is an absolute must-watch movie. It follows the story of Dorothy and her magical journey to the Land of Oz, where she meets a number of colourful characters and learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and home. It's a timeless classic that's sure to delight audiences of all ages.

The Top 10 Essential Hollywood Movies for Newbies

Hollywood films have been entertaining viewers for decades. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned fan, there are some classic films that are essential viewing. Here are the top 10 must-watch Hollywood films for newbies.

1. The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather is a timeless classic. It tells the story of a powerful crime family and their struggle to keep control of the mafia underworld. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the movie won three Oscars and is widely considered one of the best films of all time.

2. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction is a cult classic. The movie follows a series of interconnected stories as various characters navigate the criminal underworld of Los Angeles. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and is often credited with redefining the crime genre.

3. Star Wars (1977)

Star Wars is a sci-fi classic. The movie follows a group of rebels as they fight against the evil Galactic Empire. Directed by George Lucas, the movie was revolutionary in its use of special effects and spawned a franchise that is still going strong today.

4. Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump is an emotional rollercoaster. The movie follows Forrest Gump, a slow-witted man, as he experiences love, loss, and war. The movie won six Oscars, including Best Picture, and is one of the most beloved films of all time.

5. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Shawshank Redemption is a story of hope and redemption. The movie follows Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongly convicted of murder and sent to prison. The movie received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

6. Casablanca (1942)

Casablanca is a timeless love story set during World War II. The movie follows Rick Blaine, an American expatriate, as he helps two lovers escape from the Nazi-occupied city. The movie won three Oscars and is widely considered one of the best films of all time.

7. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The Silence of the Lambs is a gripping psychological thriller. The movie follows Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee, as she attempts to catch a serial killer. The movie won five Oscars, including Best Picture, and is often credited with redefining the horror genre.

8. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz is a classic musical fantasy. The movie follows Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, as she travels to the magical land of Oz. The movie won two Oscars and is often credited with pioneering the use of Technicolor in film.

9. Jaws (1975)

Jaws is a classic thriller set on the beaches of the Long Island. The movie follows a group of local experts as they attempt to stop a great white shark from terrorizing the townsfolk. The movie won three Oscars and is often credited with launching the modern summer blockbuster.

10. The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight is a modern superhero classic. The movie follows Batman as he battles the Joker for control of Gotham City. The movie won two Oscars and is often credited with redefining the superhero genre.

A Beginner's Guide to Must-See Hollywood Movies

Most of us love watching movies, but when it comes to Hollywood movies, there’s so much to choose from that it can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for some classic must-see movies to get you started, here’s a guide to the top Hollywood movies that you should watch.

The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather is a classic movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. This crime drama follows the Corleone family, whose patriarch, Don Vito Corleone, is a powerful mafia figure. It’s an iconic movie that’s still relevant today, and its influence can be seen in many other movies, TV shows, and books.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump is a classic comedy-drama directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks. It follows the life of Forrest Gump, a simple man from Alabama who finds himself in the middle of some of the most important events in US history. It’s a feel-good movie that’s sure to make you laugh, cry, and think.

Titanic (1997)

Titanic is a romantic drama directed by James Cameron, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. It’s the story of two star-crossed lovers who meet on the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic. It’s an epic movie with amazing visuals and an unforgettable soundtrack.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Shawshank Redemption is a classic prison drama directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. It’s the story of a man who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to a brutal prison, where he forms an unlikely friendship with another inmate. It’s a powerful and inspiring movie that’s sure to stay with you long after you’ve seen it.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction is an iconic crime movie directed by Quentin Tarantino and starring John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson. It follows the intersecting stories of a group of criminals as they navigate the New York underworld. It’s a wildly entertaining movie, with non-linear storytelling, sharp dialogue, and memorable characters.

Goodfellas (1990)

Goodfellas is a classic crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta. It’s the story of a group of gangsters in New York City, and their rise and fall in the world of organized crime. It’s an intense and gripping movie that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight is an action-packed superhero movie directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale as Batman. It follows Batman as he battles the Joker and other villains in Gotham City. It’s an epic movie with incredible visuals and an unforgettable performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The Silence of the Lambs is a classic horror-thriller directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. It follows an FBI agent as she hunts down a serial killer known as Hannibal Lecter. It’s an intense and gripping movie that’s sure to keep you at the edge of your seat.

A Beginner's Checklist: The Must-See Hollywood Movies You Can't Miss

So, you're a movie buff but you've never watched a Hollywood movie? Or maybe you've watched a few, but you want to know which are the must-watch films? Then you've come to the right place. Here's a quick guide to the best Hollywood movies you need to watch if you're just starting out.

The Classics

If you want to start by watching the movie classics, then you can't go wrong with movies like "The Godfather" (1972), "Citizen Kane" (1941), "Gone With the Wind" (1939), and "Casablanca" (1942). These are some of the most iconic films ever made and they're sure to give you an introduction to the golden age of Hollywood.

Modern Blockbusters

If you want to explore the more modern Hollywood films, there are some absolute must-see films like "The Dark Knight" (2008), "Avatar" (2009), "The Avengers" (2012), "Inception" (2010), and "The Lord of the Rings" (2001-2003). These films are all visually stunning and will give you an idea of what modern Hollywood films are all about.

Oscar Winners

If you want to watch some of the best films that Hollywood has to offer, then you should check out some of the films that have won Oscars. These films include "The King's Speech" (2010), "The Departed" (2006), "Gladiator" (2000), "Titanic" (1997), and "Schindler's List" (1993). These films are all critically acclaimed and will give you an insight into what makes a movie an Oscar-winning classic.

Comedies

If you're looking for something a bit lighter, then there are some great comedies that you should check out. Movies like "Caddyshack" (1980), "Animal House" (1978), "Groundhog Day" (1993), "Airplane!" (1980), and "The Hangover" (2009) are all hilarious films that will have you laughing out loud. These films are sure to put a smile on your face.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy

If you're into science fiction and fantasy, then there are some great films for you to watch. Films like "Star Wars" (1977-1983), "Blade Runner" (1982), "Back to the Future" (1985), "The Matrix" (1999), and "The Lord of the Rings" (2001-2003) are all fantastic films that will take you on an adventure. These films are sure to transport you to another world.

Animation

If you're looking for something a bit more family-friendly, then there are some fantastic animated films out there. Films like "Frozen" (2013), "The Lion King" (1994), "Toy Story" (1995), "Finding Nemo" (2003), and "Up" (2009) are all wonderful films that will have both adults and children entertained. These films are sure to bring out the kid in you.

So there you have it, a beginner's checklist of the must-see Hollywood movies that you can't miss. From classic films to modern blockbusters, there are plenty of great films for you to watch. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a movie marathon!