Movies are an integral part of our lives. They transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new characters, and make us feel a gamut of emotions. But what makes a movie truly great? Is it the gripping plot? The award-winning performances? The stunning visual effects? The answer is, it's all of that and more. A movie that is considered to be "basically perfect" is one that manages to juggle multiple themes and elements and does justice to all of them.

These films are not just entertaining, but also thought-provoking. They leave a lasting impression on the audience and continue to be talked about long after the credits have rolled. They push the boundaries of storytelling and explore complex themes in a way that is both insightful and relatable.

The key to a perfect movie is balance. It's about finding the right mix of humor and drama, action and romance, and fantasy and reality. It's about creating relatable characters that we can root for and giving them compelling stories to tell. A perfect movie also has a message that resonates with the audience and stays with them long after they've left the theater.

But what really sets a perfect movie apart is its ability to make us feel. Whether it's laughter, tears, or heart-pumping excitement, a perfect movie has the power to transport us to another world and make us feel like we're right there with the characters. A perfect movie is a rare gem, and when we find one, it's like striking gold. It's a film that we can watch over and over again and never get tired of. It's the one that we can recommend to our friends and family, knowing that they'll love it just as much as we do. So, grab some popcorn and get ready to be transported to a world of cinematic perfection with this list of movies that are considered to be basically perfect.

Updated May 2023: If you are looking for the perfect movie to watch, you'll be happy to know this article has been updated with additional content and entries by Amira Abdel-Fadil.

31 Citizen Kane (1941)

Orson Welles' directorial debut, Citizen Kane, is a masterpiece of cinema that continues to be celebrated to this day. The film follows the life of Charles Foster Kane, a powerful newspaper tycoon whose rise to fame and subsequent downfall is seen through the eyes of those who knew him best. Welles' portrayal of Kane is nothing short of extraordinary, and his direction is masterful. The film's innovative use of lighting and camera angles, as well as its non-linear storytelling, make it a true cinematic experience.

30 Singin' in the Rain (1952)

A true Hollywood classic, Singin' in the Rain is a musical that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. The film follows the story of silent film star Don Lockwood, played by Gene Kelly, as he navigates the transition from silent films to talkies. The film's iconic musical numbers, including the titular Singin' in the Rain, are still celebrated today, and Kelly's performance is nothing short of legendary.

29 The Godfather: Part II (1974)

The Godfather: Part II is a worthy successor to the first film in the series and is considered by many to be the greatest sequel ever made. The film explores the origins of the Corleone crime family, as well as the story of Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, as he becomes the head of the family. The film's performances, particularly Pacino's, are nothing short of extraordinary, and the film's exploration of themes such as power, loyalty, and family make it a true cinematic masterpiece.

28 The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece of horror is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. Jack Nicholson gives a career-defining performance as Jack Torrance, a struggling writer who takes on a job as a caretaker at an isolated hotel in the mountains. The film is a masterclass in tension and suspense, with Kubrick's expert direction keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The iconic imagery and score have become synonymous with the horror genre, making The Shining a film that continues to be studied and celebrated to this day.

27 Tampopo (1985)

Juzo Itami's Tampopo is a film that defies easy classification. Part comedy, part romance, part food film, the movie tells the story of Tampopo, a widowed ramen shop owner and her quest to make the perfect bowl of ramen. The film is a celebration of Japanese culture, food, and tradition, with a cast of quirky and endearing characters. It's a film that will make you laugh, make you crave ramen, and will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart.

26 Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Reservoir Dogs is a crime thriller that tells the story of a group of criminals who come together for a diamond heist gone wrong. The film's non-linear storytelling and its exploration of themes such as trust and betrayal make it a true cinematic experience. The film's performances, particularly Harvey Keitel's, are nothing short of extraordinary, and the film's iconic dialogue is still celebrated today.

Related: 15 Perfectly Cast Movie Characters Who Couldn’t Have Been Played by Anyone Else

25 Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump is a film that tells the story of a simple man who, against all odds, manages to be at the center of some of the most significant events of the 20th century. Tom Hanks gives a career-best performance as Forrest, and his portrayal of a man with a low IQ but a big heart is both endearing and inspiring. The film is a sweeping epic that explores themes of love, friendship, and fate, and it's a film that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.

24 Before Sunrise (1995)

Before Sunrise is a film about two strangers, Jesse and Celine, who meet on a train and spend one night together in Vienna. The film is a masterclass in dialogue and character development, as we watch these two people fall in love in a single night. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy give incredible performances, and their chemistry is electric. The film is a timeless romance that explores the fleeting nature of love and the power of a single moment.

23 Toy Story (1995)

Toy Story is a film that revolutionized the animation industry, and it's still considered one of the best films of all time. The story of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, two toys that come to life when their owner is not around, is both heartwarming and hilarious. The film is a marvel of animation, and it's a film that continues to be loved by kids and adults alike.

22 The Usual Suspects (1995)

The Usual Suspects is a film that will keep you guessing until the very end. The story follows a group of criminals who are brought together for a heist, only to find out that they're being manipulated by an unknown figure known only as Keyser Soze. The film is a masterclass in storytelling, with a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. The performances are top-notch, and the film's iconic twist ending is still talked about today.

21 Fight Club (1999)

Fight Club is a film that is both a commentary on consumer culture and a mind-bending thriller. The story of a man who creates an underground fight club as a form of rebellion against the monotony of his life is both thought-provoking and action-packed. The film is a visual feast, with David Fincher's direction taking the audience on a journey through the protagonist's descent into madness.

Related: What Is the Actual Point of Fight Club?

20 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a masterful blend of science fiction and romantic drama. The film tells the story of a couple who, after a painful breakup, undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories. The unique storytelling structure and non-linear narrative keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The performances by the lead actors are truly mesmerizing and perfectly capture the complexity of the characters' emotions. The film's exploration of the human mind and the power of memories is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.

19 Juno (2007)

Juno is an indie-comedy film that tells the story of a high school student who gets pregnant and decides to give the baby up for adoption. The film is a refreshingly honest look at teenage pregnancy and the various challenges that come with it. The performances by the lead actor Elliot Page, and the rest of the cast are pitch-perfect, and the film's witty dialogue and sharp humor keep the audience engaged throughout. The film's exploration of family, friendship, and growing up is both heartwarming and relatable.

18 No Country For Old Men (2007)

This gripping thriller is a masterclass in storytelling, with a plot that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats from start to finish. No Country For Old Men explores themes of morality, the nature of evil, and the consequences of actions in a way that is both thought-provoking and deeply unsettling. The performances, particularly from Javier Bardem as the menacing hitman Anton Chigurh, are nothing short of extraordinary. The film's stark, barren landscapes and spare, minimalist score only add to the sense of unease, making for a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

17 Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

A rags-to-riches tale that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of a young orphan from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?." The film is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of hope, set against the vibrant and colorful backdrop of India. The performances are outstanding, particularly Dev Patel as the charming and determined Jamal. The film's blend of drama, romance, and Bollywood-style musical numbers make for a truly unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.

16 Beginners (2010)

Beginners is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant film that tells the story of a man coming to terms with his father's death and his own sexuality. The performances, particularly Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer, are phenomenal and the film's exploration of grief, love, and acceptance is both moving and profound. The film's innovative use of flashbacks and animation to tell the story is both visually striking and emotionally powerful. This is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately leave you feeling deeply moved and uplifted.

15 The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

This coming-of-age story is both poignant and relatable. The Perks of Being a Wallflower tells the story of a high school freshman, Charlie, who struggles to fit in and make friends. The performances, particularly Logan Lerman as Charlie, are outstanding, and the film's exploration of themes such as friendship, love, and mental health are both honest and authentic. The film's use of Charlie's letters to an anonymous friend as a narrative device adds a unique and poignant touch. This is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

Related: The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Looking Back at the Movie 10 Years Later

14 Her (2013)

Her is a futuristic romantic drama that explores the nature of love and human connection in a way that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. The film tells the story of a man who falls in love with his artificially intelligent operating system. The performances, particularly Joaquin Phoenix and the voice of Scarlett Johansson as the OS, are outstanding, and the film's exploration of themes such as technology, loneliness, and the human condition is both insightful and profound. The film's visually stunning and highly stylized world-building immerses the audience in a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.

13 Whiplash (2014)

This intense and powerful film tells the story of a young drummer, Andrew, who becomes embroiled in a brutal battle of wills with his demanding and abusive music instructor. The performances, particularly J.K. Simmons as the instructor and Miles Teller as Andrew, are nothing short of extraordinary, and the film's exploration of themes such as ambition, art, and the cost of success is both intense and thought-provoking.

The film's use of music and drumming as a narrative device adds a unique and unforgettable touch to this cinematic experience. It's a film that will leave you on the edge of your seat and questioning what it truly means to be a true artist. Whiplash is a film that will leave you questioning the fine line between passion and obsession and the lengths one is willing to go to achieve success.

12 The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

This quirky and visually stunning film tells the story of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel, and Zero, his protégé and lobby boy. The film is a fast-paced, comedic romp through the fictional Republic of Zubrowka, with a touch of nostalgia and a dash of melancholy. The performances, particularly Ralph Fiennes as Gustave and Tony Revolori as Zero, are top-notch and perfectly capture the film's whimsical tone. The film is directed by Wes Anderson, who is known for his unique visual style and storytelling. The Grand Budapest Hotel is a true masterpiece of filmmaking.