The World of Movies: Ranking our Top 50
Written by Rachael Crawley
The World of Movies is a series that explores global cinema, drawing on films from many countries, industries and eras. This week, we hit another milestone and rank what we’ve seen so far.
You guys – we’ve hit FIFTY reviews! Fifty-one, if film fragment Oorlog en Vrede is to be counted. In just over a year, we have looked at a long list of movies from all over the world, and even out of this world. Can we make it to a hundred? Only time will tell.
As with our last ranking, let’s start with some fun facts:
• Our range of movies goes from 1918-2020. The most represented decade is the 2010s, with nineteen movies, including a whopping seven from 2017. The least represented are the 1910s, 1920s, 1940s, 1970s, and 1980s, with one film each. I’m excited to jump into these decades more in the future.
• I have written about eleven shorts and forty features, including documentary and animation of both types.
• In terms of geography, there have been ten movies from Africa, ten from Asia, fourteen from Europe, eleven from the Americas, three from Oceania, one from Antarctica, and even one from outer space! One movie, İstanbul Kırmızısı, is classified as Europe/Asia, as Istanbul sits on both continents.
I am so grateful for all those who have read these articles, shared them with others, or left comments. Here’s to many more movie adventures!
Now, on to the ranking.
Honorable Mention: Oorlog en Vrede (Netherlands)
It doesn’t seem fair to review a movie that only exists in fragments, and this really was a backdoor pilot for Lost Films, so it is excluded from our ranking. That said, if you want to learn more about this lost film, you can read more here.
50. So Much Love to Give (Argentina)
Of all our movies, this is the only one I honestly disliked – it starts as a cheeky romantic comedy with some promising moments, but loses its way in the second half before falling into pointless slapstick. The others are worth checking out, but I would give this one a miss.
Read our review here.
49. Apogee of Fear (Outer Space)
This short is fun, but its primary appeal is its novelty. At eight minutes it’s worth looking at for a glimpse of space life. Its characters and story, however, are not particularly notable. Juggling in zero gravity is a highlight.
Blast off with this story here.
48. Road to Yesterday (Nigeria)
This intense romantic drama has great performances and an interesting story, but is tripped up by slow placing and a less-than-stellar screenplay. A good watch for anyone interested in the sadder type of love story.
Read our review here.
47. Disconnect (Kenya)
A charming rom-com with fun characters. Short on substance, but it’s a lot of fun along the way, and avoids serious missteps. Brenda Wairimu is a standout among the cast.
Read our review here.
46. Champagne (United Kingdom)
Some early views of the innovation Hitchcock would bring to the medium, but it falters in the second half and is very inconsistent with its story. The stylistic elements are quite ahead of their time.
Read about it here.
45. Arctic (Iceland)
This movie looks great and tells a realistic survival story. The eerie mood is enhanced by stunning shots of Iceland. Mads Mikkelsen is excellent, but the movie flounders while trying to maintain tension in the second half.
Read our review here.
44. 30 Minutes, Mister Plummer (Canada)
A breezy look at a Canadian theatre festival, focused on one of its greatest actors. Diving deep into the productions, it is an immersive look at creating art. This short film ably shifts between tone and experiments with different artistic techniques, elevating it above a straightforward documentary.
Read our review here.
43. Tinpis Run (Papua New Guinea)
This is a genuinely funny road-trip movie, and an insightful study of Papua New Guinean society in the 1990s. Includes a lot of great gags and amusing plotlines, but could benefit from a tighter screenplay.
Read our review here.
42. Heaven Without People (Lebanon)
Family tensions rise at an Easter luncheon. Heaven Without People portrays family relationships very accurately, and is adept at connecting the personal with the political. Though it does not sustain these strengths for the entire movie, it is still quite compelling.
Read our review here.
41. İstanbul Kırmızısı (Turkey)
Questions of identity loom over this movie, an effective mystery and character study. While it fumbles its romance plot and has a slightly too passive main character, it is an interesting exploration of what it means to be home.
Read our review here.
40. What We Wanted (Austria)
A low-key drama about marriage and family, bolstered by effective performances but weakened by a creaky screenplay. Good example of a “life-changing vacation” movie.
Read our review here.
39. One Day We’ll Talk About Today (Indonesia)
This down-to-earth ensemble piece covers the dynamics between family members with refreshing honesty. For young adults starting their lives, this one will especially resonate. And it has a great soundtrack, too!
Read our review here.
38. The Dish (Australia)
If you’re into history, this one will appeal – it portrays the moon landing from a little-known perspective, and evokes the wonder of that achievement. It’s also highly enjoyable with a good dose of clever humour. This fun story is well-paced and makes for a relaxed movie night.
Read our review here.
37. Lorena, Light-Footed Woman (Mexico)
This film is primarily visual, and it makes the most of its images, which are gorgeous. It also tells the story of an incredible athlete. Though it is short, it packs a lot into less than half an hour – it is a film I would describe as a rich experience.
Read our review here.
36. South of Sanity (Antarctica)
Staying in Antarctica for months on end? Not sure how to fill those long, cold nights? I know – let’s make a no-budget slasher film! This non-professional movie is a great ride, playing into horror movie tropes and making the most of its confined settings. It’s safe to say there is no movie quite like it.
Read our review here.
35. Rockers (Jamaica)
It’s a mystery, a concert movie, and a takeoff on Italian neorealism, all performed by some of reggae’s greatest talents. Rockers blurs the line between documentary and fiction, and never fumbles this careful balance. Of course, its music is a highlight.
Read our review here.
34. State of Dogs (Mongolia)
Blurring the line between fiction and documentary, this poetic film offers strangely surreal commentary on 1990s Ulaanbaatar. It is an engrossing take on what could have been a pedestrian story.
Read our review here.
33. Dadli (Antigua and Barbuda)
This part-documentary, part-experimental film owes much of its success to a compelling narrator. Its excellent cinematography and editing allow Dadli to shift rapidly between varying tones.
Read our review here.
32. An Island (Ireland)
A beautifully animated short with a deceptively simple story of a man on a mission. In only a few quick frames, it dives deeply into its protagonist’s life and psyche. It’s a great example of Ireland’s stellar animation scene.
Read our review here.
31. The Death of Mr Lazarescu (Romania)
This is not an easy watch. It can be relentlessly grim and discusses some uncomfortable truths. A story of a man in his (final?) decline, it hammers home the inadequacies that many face in finding health care. Definitely not a movie to be viewed casually, but well worth it.
Read our review here.
30. Brink of Life (Sweden)
While occasionally stagey, this early Bergman movie works well as a character study, especially with strong performances across the board. Though far from Bergman’s later innovation, it is still somewhat ahead of its time.
Read about it here.
29. Undertow (Peru)
A nuanced look at a clandestine relationship in a small Peruvian village. The film’s characters are carefully crafted. What seems to be a straightforward romantic drama takes on new dimension as the story develops.
Read our review here.
28. Harlequin (Germany)
Lotte Reiniger’s animation was innovative and made use of mixed media. These influences are on display in Harlequin, which tells a folk tale using silhouettes. This unique style should not be overlooked.
Read more about it here.
27. Chanthaly (Laos)
The protagonist’s personal memories are called into question in this art house horror movie. Strong aesthetics make this a genre-bending, fully realized film experience.
Read our review here.
26. A Land Imagined (Singapore)
Film noir translates perfectly to one of the world’s most dynamic cities. This moody detective story draws on well-known tropes and weaves them through a modern setting. Excellent cinematography and good performances elevate this uneasily balanced film.
Read about it here.
25. Hairat (Ethiopia)
Ancient music and poetry add layers of meaning to this powerful short. The relationship between a man and his hyenas forms the heart of the film. Beautifully shot and highly emotional.
Read about it here.
24. Paraguayan Hammock (Paraguay)
This quiet film draws on the tropes of the theatre without becoming stagey. Heavy topics are counterbalanced by a peaceful tone. Virtually a two-person show, held up by strong leads.
Read about it here.
23. Moonshiners (Finland)
Moonshiners remakes a lost film with deliberate anachronism and a wonderful sense of play. Versed in both film and Finnish history, it is a delightful piece that showcases technical expertise.
Read about it here.
22. The Cup (Bhutan)
Two generations of monks grapple with the power of football fandom. This movie can be heartwarming and funny, but also pivot to moments of real seriousness. While essentially good-natured, it avoids cliché.
Read our review here.
21. Cabascabo (Niger)
Trauma, colonialism, and the nature of home are all concerns of this forty-five minute film. A returned soldier confronts his changed world. Thoughtfully paced with strong camera work, it’s a great examination of personal and societal transition.
Read our review here.
20. Loves of a Blonde (Czechoslovakia)
An early Miloš Forman effort, this movie meditates on intimacy and its bureaucratic complications. The film shines for its excellent camera work, which drives home the sensual nature of the story without being tawdry. Its simple story is far from straightforward, thanks to the filmmaker’s technical prowess.
Read our review here.
19. My Happy Family (Georgia)
While it examines women’s roles in society, My Happy Family is most memorable for one woman in particular – Manana, who seeks independence for the first time in her life. Ia Sugliashvili is stunning as the protagonist. While this movie boasts strong camera work and great use of tone, her performance makes this an absolute must-see.
Read our review here.
18. Ainu Mosir (Japan)
This coming-of-age story examines complicated questions of Indigenous identity in contemporary Japan. It is nuanced and features well-rounded characters, particularly the protagonist. Filmed in Hokkaido, it is beautiful to watch, too.
Read our review here.
17. Bitter Rice (Italy)
Neorealist social commentary meets Hollywood potboiler. Rice workers in northern Italy fight for their rights while small-time criminals execute a scheme. The cinematography is of particular note.
Read about it here.
16. Himalaya: A Leader’s Childhood (Nepal)
Possibly the most visually beautiful film on this list, Himalaya sets up a story of conflict and power struggles against the spectacular backdrop of the world’s tallest mountains. Excellent characterization and well-paced storytelling help this film stand out.
Read about it here.
15. Tony Manero (Chile)
A bleak look at a misanthropic criminal whose obsession with Saturday Night Fever reflects his own disappointment with life. Its grim outlook, on both the protagonist and the society he lives in, makes for a difficult but high-quality film.
Read about it here.
14. The Burial of Kojo (Ghana)
This dreamy, fantastic piece dives deep into a family’s history. Its visual and narrative techniques create an otherworldly mood – often through unexpected methods. It nimbly balances the real world and the supernatural, which is no easy feat.
Read about it here.
13. The Strategy of the Snail (Colombia)
When a group of residents are threatened with eviction, they create a clever plan to save their homes. Veering between dark humour and serious commentary, this film balances entertainment and reflection with aplomb.
Read our review here.
12. Cinema of Unease (New Zealand)
While at first it seems like a simple look at New Zealand’s film industry, Cinema of Unease takes a hard look at the influences behind this national cinema. Narrator Sam Neill examines his home country’s intense and often frightening films, and the societal changes that produced them. Movie buffs will be entranced with this unusual documentary.
Read our review here.
11. Makibefo (Madagascar)
Shakespeare has been adapted countless times, but this stunning take on “the Scottish play” melds the Bard’s language with village tradition. Thrillingly edited and beautifully shot, it is a must for cinema and literature fans alike.
Read about it here.
10. Rocks in My Pockets (Latvia)
A searing and honest look at mental health, drawing on innovative animation techniques and the filmmaker’s personal history. In turns raw, painful and humorous, it is not for the faint of heart, but will leave a lasting impact on the viewer.
Read our review here.
9. Jonah (Tanzania)
Dynamic and impactful, mixing high concepts with sci-fi tropes and multimedia techniques, Jonah is both insightful and visually exciting. It covers an enormous amount of material in eighteen short minutes – and even features an early performance from Daniel Kaluuya!
Read our review here.
8. The Baker’s Wife (France)
Our very first review was about this touching and hilarious portrayal of small-town life. Raimu gives one of cinema’s all-time great performances, and Marcel Pagnol takes a frank (but always funny) look at a Provençal village. Do not miss this legendary comedy.
Read our review here.
7. Make Way for Tomorrow (USA)
Leo McCarey’s heartbreaking story of old age and economic hardship has been remade several times. Surprisingly realistic for a Golden Age Hollywood film – yet curiously overlooked – its well-drawn characters will resonate with many viewers.
Read our review here.
6. Cairo Station (Egypt)
Cairo Station takes us through a twisted story of obsession, and introduces us to the changing city of Cairo in the 1950s. This truly frightening piece is considered one of Egypt’s greatest films, and is an excellent introduction to director Youssef Chahine.
Read our review here.
5. Adventures of a Dentist (USSR)
I would call this movie quirky. It is rife with strange asides and unusual tropes, centering around a dentist who may or may not have a magic power. Underneath lies a larger discussion on the nature of success. A bizarre offering from the Soviet Union, it’s one of my personal favourites on this list.
Read our review here.
4. Borom sarret (Senegal)
Every frame of this short has a purpose, and they are combined into an extraordinary twenty minutes. The result is a compact story that communicates incalculable meaning. While there are many great films out there, this one comes very close to perfection.
Read our review here.
3. Norte, the End of History (The Philippines)
Not many movies should be four hours long. This one is an exception. It manages to sustain one narrative thread for that length of time, and creates an epic in the process. Utterly engrossing, it has time to seriously explore its themes of injustice and remorse. This is the type of movie that will leave you in deep thought for the rest of the day.
Read our review here.
2. Limite (Brazil)
For many years, this movie was thought to be lost – and thank goodness it was recovered. This daring experimental film perfects the use of its diverse artistic influences. It takes hold of your senses and provides a wealth of unforgettable imagery. Its classical soundtrack boosts the movie’s varying moods and helps cast a spell. A real treasure that should be considered part of cinematic canon.
Read our review here.
1. Trances (Morocco)
You’ve never seen a music doc quite like this one. Its fierce energy, and thoughtful look at the creative process, make for a real visual and auditory treat. The film is a soundtrack, a history lesson, and a hangout with the band all in one. The best concert movies show innovation in both music and film – and Trances brings forth the very best of each medium.
Read our review here.
Rachael Crawley holds a Master's Degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson University, and has worked with film in Canada and in Europe. She adores language and cinema, and how these subjects interact with each other.