As a film buff, I think it’s safe to say Roger Ebert, the reviewer from the Chicago Sun-Times, touched pretty much everyone who writes seriously about movies. What I always appreciated was how he could get right to the heart of a film in just a few paragraphs – a real skill! It’s different from a lot of film writing today, where things tend to be really long and overly complicated. Ebert managed to balance his personal feelings with solid, journalistic integrity, and he did it incredibly well. He wasn’t afraid to be both subjective and objective, and that’s a tough line to walk.
He’s become a recognizable figure in popular culture. He brought film criticism to a wider audience through his work on television, in books, and with the growth of the internet. His long-running TV show, At The Movies – originally with Gene Siskel and later Richard Roeper – continues to be popular thanks to videos available on YouTube.
He definitely didn’t agree with everyone, and some of his strongest, most puzzling opinions became well-known. But ultimately, it’s all about what people enjoy, just like with movies. Your favorite films actually reveal a lot about who you are. Ebert wasn’t shy about sharing his picks for the best movies ever made.
He readily admitted his choices were driven by how the films made him feel. He believes cinema is uniquely powerful because it’s the best art form for evoking emotion in viewers – that’s its primary strength.
Here are Roger’s picks for the ten best movies ever made. He didn’t want to say which ones he liked most, so the list isn’t ranked.
If you would rather watch the list, you can find a video version below:
Casablanca
Warner Bros. Pictures
Roger Ebert often spoke passionately about how perfectly Casablanca is constructed, praising its enduring story of tragedy and heartbreak. The 1944 Best Picture winner truly deserves its classic status, and Ebert clearly articulated why. With its memorable lines and powerful performances, it’s a film that remains relevant today, successfully blending elements of war, romance, and drama.
Citizen Kane
RKO Radio Pictures
Many consider Citizen Kane to be the greatest film of all time, including the famous film critic Roger Ebert. Orson Welles’ masterpiece revolutionized filmmaking with innovative techniques that still feel fresh today. Though the story was controversial when it came out – it was loosely based on the life of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst – its themes of power, corruption, and loss continue to resonate with audiences.
Gates of Heaven
New Yorker Films
Errol Morris’s 1978 documentary, Gates of Heaven, isn’t as famous as some of Roger’s other choices, which makes it all the more worth watching. The film explores the unusual world of pet cemeteries and the people who run them, but it’s also a thought-provoking look at life’s big questions. Like all of Morris’s documentaries, it’s made in a unique style – with no traditional narration – creating a viewing experience that’s both moving, amusing, and strangely captivating. You won’t easily forget it.
La Dolce Vita
Riama Film
Some have wondered why Roger Ebert selected Fellini’s La Dolce Vita instead of the more popular choice, 8½. While 8½ frequently appears on critics’ ‘best of’ lists, Ebert favored La Dolce Vita, a stunning portrayal of loneliness set in Rome. This choice highlights Ebert’s willingness to trust his own feelings and opinions, even when they differed from those of other critics. La Dolce Vita simply had the biggest emotional impact on him, which is why he included it in his Top 10 films.
Notorious
RKO Radio Pictures
You know, as a huge Hitchcock fan, I always thought Vertigo or Rear Window would be his absolute favorite. But it’s actually Notorious! He really saw something special in it, and I totally get why – it’s pretty close to perfect. It’s a beautiful and surprisingly emotional love story, especially considering it’s set right after World War II. And it’s cool to see Ingrid Bergman pop up again on this list – it just proves what a legend she was.
Raging Bull
United Artists
Roger Ebert reviewed all of Martin Scorsese’s most famous films, and he considered Raging Bull to be the best. While it appears to be a boxing movie and a biography of a sports figure, the film is actually a deep look into the life of Jake LaMotta and his struggles. Scorsese often shows characters facing ruin, but Raging Bull is particularly moving and beautifully made.
The Third Man
British Lion Film Corporation
Selznick Releasing
Considered a masterpiece of film noir, The Third Man is a post-World War II thriller that impressed critic Roger Ebert. Directed by Carol Reed and starring a memorable Orson Welles, the film is especially known for its stunning visuals, particularly its creative use of camera angles and lighting. Many still consider it one of the best British films ever made.
28 Up
ITV / BBC One
The Up series is a truly one-of-a-kind documentary project. It began with Seven Up!, which followed the lives of a group of British children in the 1960s. Every seven years, the filmmakers revisited these individuals to document how their lives evolved. While 28 Up (released in 1984) is the film that film critic Roger Ebert specifically praised, the entire nine-film series – totaling over 10 hours – is a compelling watch. The next installment, 70 Up, is expected to be released in 2026.
Floating Weeds
Daiei Film
Yasujiro Ozu’s Floating Weeds is a beautifully understated Japanese drama about a traveling actor who returns home and finds his son doesn’t recognize him, believing him to be a family friend. Released in 1959, the film is a favorite of critic Roger Ebert, who even provided commentary for its Criterion DVD release. Floating Weeds is considered a masterpiece of patient filmmaking, showcasing Ozu’s signature style with its still camera, lengthy shots, and peaceful atmosphere.
2001: A Space Odyssey
MGM
Roger Ebert’s list of his 10 greatest movies wasn’t set in stone; he updated it frequently over time. However, 2001: A Space Odyssey consistently remained a favorite. Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking science fiction film explores the entire scope of human evolution—from early primates to a transcendent cosmic being—through a visually stunning journey into space. Ebert, who was fascinated by science and complex concepts, considered it a perfect film.
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2026-02-08 17:07