Selecting just one “best” movie from each decade is an ambitious and subjective task. Here’s a list that attempts to pick standout films from different eras, acknowledging that these choices may vary depending on individual tastes and criteria for what makes a movie the “best”.

1920s: “Metropolis” (1927) – Directed by Fritz Lang, this silent science-fiction film is notable for its groundbreaking visuals and elaborate sets. It has influenced countless films and remains a classic in cinematic history.

1930s: “Gone with the Wind” (1939) – A sweeping historical romance epic that remains one of the most popular and enduring films ever made. Its grand narrative and production values are a benchmark for films of its genre.

1940s: “Citizen Kane” (1941) – Orson Welles’ magnum opus is often cited as the greatest film ever made, remarkable for its innovative storytelling techniques, cinematography, and narrative structure.

1950s: “Seven Samurai” (1954) – Akira Kurosawa’s epic samurai drama is not only a towering achievement in Japanese cinema but also set standards for ensemble casts and influenced future action films.

1960s: “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) – Stanley Kubrick’s visually stunning and thematically profound science fiction masterpiece revolutionized special effects and has sparked endless discussion since its release.

1970s: “The Godfather” (1972) – Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Mario Puzo’s novel is often considered the pinnacle of American cinema, portraying the life of a Mafia family with depth and elegance.

1980s: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) – Steven Spielberg’s rollicking adventure introduced Indiana Jones, one of film’s most iconic characters, defining the action-adventure genre for years to come.

1990s: “Pulp Fiction” (1994) – Quentin Tarantino’s nonlinear storytelling, rich dialogue, and blend of comedy and drama revitalized independent cinema while influencing mainstream filmmaking of its time.

2000s: “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003) – The conclusion to Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy trilogy redefined scale in filmmaking, earning widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards including 11 Oscars.

2010s: “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) – George Miller’s exhilarating return to his post-apocalyptic world offers non-stop action, visual splendor, and surprisingly rich thematic content for an action film.

Choosing the best movies from each decade highlights not only those films that are emblematic of their time but ones that have had an enduring impact on cinema as an art form. Each film listed here has contributed significantly to the evolution of filmmaking.