The Top 10 Movies Roger Ebert Considered the Greatest of All Time
Roger Ebert, one of the most influential and revered film critics in cinema history, left behind a legacy of insightful, thoughtful, and sometimes controversial reviews that shaped the way audiences viewed films. With a career that spanned over five decades, Ebert became the go-to voice in movie criticism, making it accessible to a wider audience. His reviews were widely read, and his opinion often became the final verdict for many moviegoers—especially before the digital age, when the internet revolutionized how we consumed media.
Ebert’s review of a film was more than just an evaluation of its plot, direction, and acting. He often explored the deeper philosophical, emotional, and societal aspects of the movies he reviewed. Ebert was not afraid to express his admiration for films that challenged conventional storytelling, and his top ten list of greatest films is a testament to his eclectic taste, passion for cinema, and his deep understanding of the art form. Ebert’s choices for the top ten films of all time are a combination of mainstream masterpieces, lesser-known gems, and films that revolutionized the industry in their own unique ways.
The following ten films, in Ebert’s eyes, epitomize cinematic greatness. These movies have stood the test of time, and they showcase various aspects of filmmaking, including storytelling, character development, cinematography, and direction. If you’re a cinephile or someone eager to explore the depths of cinema, these films are a must-watch.
1. ‘Gates of Heaven’ (1978)
Directed by: Errol Morris
In an unexpected choice, Ebert’s list begins with Errol Morris’s Gates of Heaven, a documentary about a pet cemetery in California. This film stood out to Ebert for its profound examination of human nature and its exploration of grief, identity, and the connections we form with the pets that are part of our families.
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The film’s storytelling is understated, making it a unique documentary in Morris’s body of work. Rather than simply presenting facts, Gates of Heaven allows the people featured in it to tell their own stories, giving voice to a personal and emotional journey. It struck a fine balance between humor and pathos, making it a profound film about love, loss, and our relationship with animals.
Ebert’s four-star review emphasized the human qualities of the subjects of Gates of Heaven, who shared their deeply personal, often tragic, stories with unguarded honesty. Morris’s documentary is a reflection of his ability to expose the rawness of human emotion, even in a seemingly trivial subject like pet cemeteries. The impact of Gates of Heaven on documentary filmmaking can’t be overstated, as it opened up a new realm of storytelling where personal stories became the cornerstone of the narrative.
2. ’28 Up’ (1984)
Directed by: Michael Apted
One of the most ambitious documentary projects ever, 28 Up takes us through the lives of a group of British children, revisiting them every seven years to see how their lives have unfolded. The film is part of a series of documentaries by director Michael Apted, following the lives of the same individuals from childhood into adulthood.
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Ebert was particularly drawn to the human connection found in 28 Up. The film allowed him to explore the passage of time, the unpredictability of life, and the evolution of identity. As viewers, we are encouraged to become emotionally invested in the lives of the individuals, as we watch them evolve over time—both in their outward circumstances and internal growth.
The film touches on universal themes of personal identity, class, relationships, and society. Ebert’s four-star review of 28 Up highlighted its profound meditation on life, and he pointed out that the documentary not only allows for a glimpse into the lives of others but also forces us to confront our own shifting identities over time.
3. ‘Floating Weeds’ (1959)
Directed by: Yasujirō Ozu
A soft and introspective piece of filmmaking, Floating Weeds is one of the masterpieces of Japanese director Yasujirō Ozu. In his review of the film, Ebert wrote with palpable reverence for the director, acknowledging Ozu’s gentle yet profound approach to storytelling. The film tells the story of a traveling theater troupe and the complicated family dynamics that unfold when the troupe’s leader returns to a town where he once abandoned a woman and child.
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Ebert’s review was tinged with admiration for Ozu’s ability to turn what could have been a melodramatic soap opera into a contemplative study of human emotion. Ozu’s work was subtle, and Floating Weeds reflected this, focusing on the everyday lives of ordinary people, portrayed in an understated yet rich way. Through simple, yet powerful cinematography and a keen understanding of the human experience, Ozu’s film is a testament to his mastery of the medium.
For Ebert, Floating Weeds was a quiet revelation. He praised the film for its quiet reflection on the themes of reconciliation, love, and loss. Despite being largely overlooked in the mainstream, Ebert’s four-star review recognized Floating Weeds as a film that, though subtle, had a lasting emotional impact on those who truly watched it.
4. ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1968)
Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and for good reason. It transformed the way audiences think about science fiction, as well as the potential of cinema as an art form. The film is a meditative and philosophical exploration of humanity, artificial intelligence, and our place in the universe.
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Ebert praised the film as a “landmark of non-narrative, poetic filmmaking,” emphasizing its incredible use of imagery and sound to convey meaning. The film’s slow pacing, stunning visuals, and lack of conventional narrative style made it a unique experience that was difficult to define in traditional terms. The movie’s influence on not just the sci-fi genre but filmmaking as a whole cannot be overstated.
Ebert’s four-star review of 2001 acknowledged its profound impact on cinema, praising Kubrick’s ability to merge technology with artistry. For Ebert, 2001 represented the pinnacle of what a film could achieve, blending narrative, visual, and sound elements in an unprecedented way.
5. ‘Notorious’ (1946)
Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious is a shining example of classic Hollywood filmmaking, blending elements of romance, espionage, and film noir into a thrilling cinematic experience. Starring Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, the film tells the story of a woman recruited to spy on a Nazi group in South America, navigating love, betrayal, and duty.
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Ebert’s review highlighted the film’s tight direction and the electrifying chemistry between Grant and Bergman. Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense and his ability to play with the audience’s emotions made Notorious a landmark in cinematic history. Ebert was particularly impressed with how Hitchcock manipulated tension and passion within the confines of a genre that often relegates its characters to stereotypes.
Ebert’s four-star review of Notorious acknowledged it as one of the finest examples of Hitchcock’s craft, which stood the test of time due to its blend of thrilling action, sharp dialogue, and complex character dynamics. For Ebert, Notorious was a definitive example of the director’s ability to elevate genre filmmaking into the realm of high art.
6. ‘Raging Bull’ (1980)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Perhaps Martin Scorsese’s greatest achievement, Raging Bull is a raw and unflinching look at the life of boxer Jake LaMotta, portrayed by Robert De Niro. The film explores LaMotta’s destructive nature, both inside and outside the ring, as he battles his own demons in a relentless pursuit of greatness.
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Ebert’s four-star review praised the film for its intense portrayal of LaMotta’s emotional and physical battles. De Niro’s performance was lauded as one of the finest in cinematic history, with Scorsese’s direction elevating the film into something much more than a traditional sports drama. Ebert noted how the film’s technical aspects—such as its striking black-and-white cinematography and its powerful sound design—worked in harmony with the emotional core of the story.
For Ebert, Raging Bull represented the pinnacle of Scorsese’s filmmaking, a masterpiece of storytelling, direction, and performance. It was a film that captured the pain and beauty of the human experience, especially the self-destructive tendencies of its central character.
7. ‘The Third Man’ (1949)
Directed by: Carol Reed
Set in post-World War II Vienna, The Third Man is a film-noir masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades. Directed by Carol Reed and starring Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles, the film follows Holly Martins as he investigates the mysterious death of his friend Harry Lime.
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Ebert’s four-star review celebrated the film’s atmospheric tension, its unforgettable visual style, and its hauntingly unforgettable score by Anton Karas. The use of shadow, the urban landscape, and the unique perspectives gave The Third Man a visual flair that was unmatched in its time. Welles’ portrayal of Harry Lime added an enigmatic depth to the film, ensuring that the mystery unraveled in both compelling and shocking ways.
Ebert praised The Third Man for its timeless qualities, and its ability to maintain suspense and intrigue despite being released nearly 70 years ago. The film, which has influenced generations of filmmakers, remains one of Ebert’s top choices for its flawless combination of storytelling, cinematography, and direction.
8. ‘La Dolce Vita’ (1960)
Directed by: Federico Fellini
Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita is a film that explores the superficiality of modern life, as it follows the life of a tabloid journalist in Rome over the course of a week. The film stars Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg, and its iconic imagery and thought-provoking themes have made it a staple in world cinema.
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Ebert’s review praised La Dolce Vita for its ability to capture the essence of a generation’s quest for meaning in a world increasingly consumed by materialism and indulgence. The film’s imagery—especially the iconic scene with Ekberg in the Trevi Fountain—remains unforgettable. For Ebert, the film represented a profound meditation on life, love, and the empty pursuit of pleasure.
Despite its initial scandalous reception, La Dolce Vita has become a revered classic, and Ebert’s four-star review helped cement its place in cinematic history.
9. ‘Casablanca’ (1942)
Directed by: Michael Curtiz
Often cited as the greatest film of all time, Casablanca is a romance set against the backdrop of World War II. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and patriotism as Rick Blaine, a nightclub owner in Vichy-controlled Casablanca, must choose between love and duty.
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Ebert’s four-star review of Casablanca emphasized the film’s perfect balance of drama, romance, and intrigue. The iconic dialogue, Bogart’s career-defining performance, and the film’s timeless themes made it a movie that Ebert would return to time and again. For him, Casablanca was the epitome of classic Hollywood filmmaking, where every element worked together seamlessly to create a timeless cinematic experience.
10. ‘Citizen Kane’ (1941)
Directed by: Orson Welles
Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane is often cited as the greatest film ever made. A groundbreaking achievement in both narrative and technical filmmaking, Citizen Kane tells the story of the life of Charles Foster Kane, a publishing tycoon whose final words, “Rosebud,” are the subject of investigation by a reporter.
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Ebert’s four-star review of Citizen Kane praised the film for its innovative use of deep-focus cinematography, non-linear narrative structure, and its exploration of the American Dream. Welles’ performance as Kane was also lauded for its complexity, as he portrayed a man consumed by power and wealth, only to end up empty and alone. The film’s legacy as a work of genius is undeniable, and Ebert regarded it as a cinematic masterpiece that set the standard for films to come.
The Enduring Legacy of Roger Ebert, The critic
Roger Ebert’s contributions to the world of film criticism are immeasurable. His reviews shaped not only the way people viewed films but also the films themselves. Ebert had the rare ability to connect with his audience, speaking to both cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike. His passion for cinema was contagious, and his choices for the greatest films of all time reflect his deep understanding of the art form.
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The ten films on Ebert’s list represent a diverse range of genres, styles, and time periods, yet they all share one thing in common: they pushed the boundaries of what cinema could achieve. From thought-provoking documentaries to emotionally complex dramas, these films are timeless in their appeal and continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences around the world.
Ebert’s top ten list is not just a reflection of his personal taste—it is a celebration of the power of film to move, challenge, and inspire. For anyone looking to dive deeper into the world of cinema, these ten films are an excellent starting point.
