20 Most Watchlisted Movies on IMDb: A Cinematic Treasure Hunt

1. Idi i smotri 1985，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 99762, ID: 0091251
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Idi i smotri (Come and See) is a bleak and unflinching anti-war film that leaves a lasting impression. It’s known for being one of the most grueling movies of all time, following a young boy who joins the Soviet resistance during World War Two. The film’s raw depiction of war’s horrors shapes him physically and emotionally in ways he couldn’t have ever imagined. It’s a film that you watch more than you experience, making it a must-watch for its historical and cinematic significance.
2. Stalker 1979，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 146107, ID: 0079944
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Stalker is a landmark science-fiction film, considered by many to be one of the greatest movies of the 1970s. The plot follows three men on an unusual journey deep into a mysterious, heavily guarded area known as ‘The Zone’. The film’s slow pace, philosophical musings, and mesmerizing visuals make it a unique cinematic experience. It’s a film that demands patience and contemplation, rewarding viewers with its profound exploration of human desires and the unknown.
3. C’era una volta il West 1968，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 351708, ID: 0064116
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C’era una volta il West (Once Upon a Time in the West) is a beautiful and mesmerizing epic Western about several characters clashing over a valuable piece of land during the twilight years of the Old West. Directed by Sergio Leone, it’s known for its sweeping cinematography, memorable characters, and a hauntingly beautiful score by Ennio Morricone[10^]. The film’s slow-burning tension and dramatic confrontations make it a classic in the Western genre.
4. Shichinin no samurai 1954，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 370034, ID: 0047478
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Shichinin no samurai (Seven Samurai) is a masterpiece by Akira Kurosawa that has left an indelible mark on cinema. The film follows the story of seven samurai who protect a village from bandits. With its compelling characters, gripping plot, and innovative action sequences, it set a new standard for samurai films. Despite its lengthy runtime, Seven Samurai keeps viewers engaged with its mix of drama, action, and moments of humor, making it a timeless classic.
5. 2001: A Space Odyssey 1968，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 726130, ID: 0062622
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2001: A Space Odyssey is a cinematic masterpiece by Stanley Kubrick that explores humanity’s place in the universe. The film is known for its groundbreaking special effects, philosophical themes, and iconic music. It takes viewers on a journey from the dawn of man to the far reaches of space, culminating in a transcendental experience. Despite its slow pace and abstract narrative, 2001: A Space Odyssey remains a landmark in science fiction cinema for its visionary storytelling and technical prowess.
6. Titanic 1997，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 1295326, ID: 0120338
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Titanic, a film that has been watchlisted by many, is a cinematic masterpiece that beautifully intertwines romance and tragedy. Its depiction of the ill-fated voyage is both heart-wrenching and captivating. The performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are compelling, making the love story even more poignant.
7. Gisaengchung 2019，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 979437, ID: 6751668
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Gisaengchung, also known as Parasite, is a brilliant social commentary that has resonated with audiences worldwide. Its unique blend of dark humor and suspense, along with its exploration of class disparities, makes it a must-watch. The film’s unexpected twists and well-crafted narrative have earned it a spot on many watchlists.
8. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest 1975，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 1080761, ID: 0073486
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a powerful exploration of institutional life and the human spirit. Its portrayal of the struggle for freedom and dignity within the confines of a mental institution is both moving and thought-provoking. Jack Nicholson’s performance is particularly noteworthy, contributing to the film’s high watchlist ranking.
9. The Godfather 1972，IMDB Rating: 9.2, IMDB Votes: 2035146, ID: 0068646
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The Godfather, a timeless classic, offers an intimate look at the Mafia from an insider’s perspective. Its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and the transformative performance of Marlon Brando have made it a staple on many watchlists. The film’s exploration of power, loyalty, and crime continues to captivate audiences.
10. The Shawshank Redemption 1994，IMDB Rating: 9.3, IMDB Votes: 2920394, ID: 0111161
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The Shawshank Redemption, a tale of hope and friendship set against the backdrop of a prison, has touched the hearts of many viewers. Its profound themes, combined with stellar performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, have made it one of the most watchlisted films. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.
11. The Dark Knight 2008，IMDB Rating: 9.0, IMDB Votes: 2901363, ID: 0468569
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The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a haunting film that transcends its comic book origins and becomes an engrossing tragedy. The film’s characters are deeply cared for, thanks to the performances, direction, writing, and the superlative technical quality of the entire production. It’s a film that redefines the possibilities of the ‘comic-book movie’.
12. The Godfather Part II 1974，IMDB Rating: 9.0, IMDB Votes: 1377331, ID: 0071562
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The Godfather Part II, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is an excellent epochal drama that stands as a grand historical epic studying the nature of power in the United States’ heritage. It’s a film that goes much deeper in analyzing the twisted mentalities of men who pervert the capitalist system for their own gain.
13. 12 Angry Men 1957，IMDB Rating: 9.0, IMDB Votes: 876203, ID: 0050083
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12 Angry Men is a courtroom drama that serves as a crash course in those passages of the Constitution that promise defendants a fair trial and the presumption of innocence. The film is a masterpiece of stylized realism, with tension coming from personality conflict, dialogue, and body language, not action.
14. Schindler’s List 1993，IMDB Rating: 9.0, IMDB Votes: 1465568, ID: 0108052
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Schindler’s List, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a film about the Holocaust that treats the fact of the Holocaust and the miracle of Schindler’s feat without the easy formulas of fiction. It’s a film that is visually breathtaking and emotionally powerful, making it a moving and satisfying conclusion to a great trilogy.
15. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 2003，IMDB Rating: 9.0, IMDB Votes: 1999176, ID: 0167260
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The Return of the King, the final film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, presents the final confrontation between the forces of good and evil fighting for control of the future of Middle-earth. It’s a visually breathtaking and emotionally powerful film, making it a moving and satisfying conclusion to a great trilogy.
16. Pulp Fiction 1994，IMDB Rating: 8.9, IMDB Votes: 2243977, ID: 0110912
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Pulp Fiction, directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a comedy about blood, guts, violence, strange sex, drugs, fixed fights, dead body disposal, leather freaks, and a wristwatch that makes a dark journey. It’s a well-crafted and sometimes stirring adventure. The film is wonderfully directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film is his opus and is acted by a great cast on all levels.
17. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 2001，IMDB Rating: 8.9, IMDB Votes: 2027924, ID: 0120737
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The Fellowship of the Ring is a film that comes after “Gladiator” and “Matrix,” and it instinctively ramps up to the genre of the overwrought special-effects action picture. It’s a well-crafted and sometimes stirring adventure. The film is full of eye-popping special effects, and featuring a pitch-perfect cast.
18. Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo 1966，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 818780, ID: 0060196
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Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo, also known as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, is a landmark science-fiction film, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest movies of the 1970s. It’s naturally one that gets a good deal of attention from film buffs young and old.
19. Forrest Gump 1994，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2283974, ID: 0109830
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Forrest Gump is a thoroughly decent man with an IQ of 75, who manages between the 1950s and the 1980s to become involved in every major event in American history. The film is more of a meditation on our times, as seen through the eyes of a man who lacks cynicism and takes things for exactly what they are.
20. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 2002，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 1802426, ID: 0167261
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The Two Towers is one of the most spectacular swashbucklers ever made, and, given current audience tastes in violence, may well be more popular than the first installment, “The Fellowship of the Ring”. It is not faithful to the spirit of Tolkien and misplaces much of the charm and whimsy of the books, but it stands on its own as a visionary thriller.