J.K. Rowling Says Emma Watson Is ‘Ignorant’

by

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling says Emma Watson is “ignorant of how ignorant she is.”

On Monday, the children’s book author hit out at the actress in a lengthy statement shared to X.

Within the piece, she justified her views against transgender people, made disparaging remarks about Watson’s personal background, and suggested the actress had softened her criticism of Rowling because strongly condemning her was becoming less popular. She claimed that “full-throated condemnation of me is no longer quite as fashionable as it was.”

Look, as someone who cares about creative freedom, I really don’t think it’s fair to expect actors who once brought my characters to life to agree with me on everything, forever. It’s honestly a bit silly to even suggest I should be checking with a former boss from when I was 21 to figure out what I should think now! I fully support Emma Watson and her colleagues in their right to believe in and express their views on gender identity. These beliefs are protected by law, and it’s absolutely crucial that none of them face any repercussions – like losing their jobs, or even worse, experiencing violence or threats – simply for holding those beliefs, as Rowling explained.

However, Emma and Dan, especially, have repeatedly stated over the past few years that their past working relationship with me gives them a special license-indeed, a duty-to publicly criticize my opinions and work. Even years after finishing their roles in Potter, they still act as if they are the unofficial representatives of the world I built,” she added, also directing her comments toward Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe.

It’s difficult to stop feeling protective of people you’ve known since childhood. I hadn’t been able to let go of remembering when those kids needed encouragement while filming in a large, intimidating studio. Over the last few years, I’ve consistently turned down requests from journalists to discuss Emma specifically, especially concerning the Witch Trials of JK Rowling. I even told the producers that I didn’t want her to be harassed because of anything I might say,” Rowling shared.

According to the author, Watson once had someone deliver a handwritten note to Rowling saying, “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through,” even though she apparently had Rowling’s personal phone number. The author claimed this was unusual given that Watson could have contacted Rowling directly.

This happened when I was receiving the most intense threats of death, rape, and torture, a period where I had to significantly increase my personal security and was constantly anxious about my family’s well-being. Despite Emma publicly making the situation worse, she seemed to believe a simple expression of concern would be enough to show me she was fundamentally sympathetic and kind,” Rowling stated, adding:

It genuinely worries me how sheltered Emma is. Like so many who haven’t known hardship, she seems completely unaware of what real life is actually like – and how much she *doesn’t* know. I mean, she’ll thankfully never have to worry about things like needing a homeless shelter. She’s never going to find herself on a mixed-sex hospital ward, and I’d be shocked if she’s even stepped foot in a regular high street changing room since she was a child. Her idea of a ‘public bathroom’ is probably something luxurious with security! I wonder if she’s ever had to change in a busy, mixed-sex changing room at a public swimming pool? And it makes me think… is she ever likely to need a state-run rape crisis centre that can’t promise a safe, all-female space? Or, even more frighteningly, find herself sharing a prison cell with a male rapist who’s been placed in a women’s prison? It’s a scary thought, and it highlights just how different her reality is from so many others. I really hope she gains some perspective.

I didn’t have a lot of money growing up, and I struggled financially while writing the book that brought Emma recognition. Because of this, I personally understand the impact of Emma’s outspoken opposition to women’s rights – and what it means for women and girls who don’t share her advantages. I’ve experienced hardship firsthand, so I can relate to those who are most affected by these changes.

It’s quite ironic that I wouldn’t have been so open if Emma hadn’t recently told everyone she loves and appreciates me. I think she changed her approach because publicly criticizing me isn’t as popular as it used to be. Had she not said that, I suspect I wouldn’t have been this forthcoming.

The writer finished by stating that “adults shouldn’t expect to become friendly with an activist group that frequently demands the killing of someone, and then claim they deserve affection from that person, as if that person were their parent.”

Rowling’s comments were made shortly after Watson discussed on a podcast last week her desire for the public to distinguish her personal connection with the author from their differing opinions regarding the rights of transgender people.

Honestly, I really struggle with the idea that liking someone and disagreeing with their views are mutually exclusive. It feels like people think you have to *choose* one or the other, but I don’t see it that way at all. I believe we should be able to hold onto positive experiences with people, to revisit those memories, even if we don’t see eye-to-eye now. It’s something I deeply want – for people who disagree with me to still feel affection for me, and for me to continue loving those I don’t necessarily agree with,” Emma Watson shared on the On Purpose With Jay Shetty podcast. I think it’s a beautiful sentiment, really.

The Best Movie of Every Year for the Last 100 Years (According to Letterboxd)

1925: The Gold Rush

Letterboxd Rating: 4.15
For almost a century, people have considered Charlie Chaplin to be one of the best silent film directors of all time. His film The Gold Rush, which stars Chaplin’s iconic Little Tramp character searching for gold in Alaska, is widely celebrated as one of his greatest achievements.

1926: The General

Letterboxd Rating: 4.20
As a huge silent film fan, I always hear about Buster Keaton being right up there with Chaplin. And everyone says The General is his masterpiece! It stars Keaton with an actual locomotive – The General itself – and the stunts are just incredible. Seriously, even today’s action directors are still getting ideas from this movie!

1927: Metropolis

Letterboxd Rating: 4.25
As a sci-fi fan, I have to say so much of what we see today really owes a debt to Metropolis. Fritz Lang’s film is a brilliantly imaginative story, an allegory really, about a society sharply divided by class during a time of huge technological change. It’s a foundational work, and you can see its influence everywhere.

1928: The Passion of Joan of Arc

Letterboxd Rating: 4.43
Interested in seeing how powerful close-up shots can be? Check out Carl Theodor Dreyer’s The Passion of Joan of Arc, starring Renée Falconetti. She delivers what many consider to be one of the most heartbreaking performances ever captured on film.

1929: Man With a Movie Camera

Letterboxd Rating: 4.28
Almost everyone who attends film school sees Dziga Vertov’s groundbreaking documentary Man With a Movie Camera at least once. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth finding – the full film is available on YouTube – and you’ll witness the fundamental principles of montage editing being established right before your eyes.

1930: All Quiet on the Western Front

Letterboxd Rating: 4.17
This film won an early Academy Award for Best Picture. It’s based on a well-known novel about the horrors of war and has been adapted for the screen multiple times, including a 2022 version directed by Edward Berger for Netflix.

1931: City Lights

Letterboxd Rating: 4.33
Prepare to see many films directed by Chaplin on this list. City Lights, released in 1931, showed Chaplin evolving his comedic style and exploring more dramatic themes. The film centers on Chaplin’s iconic Tramp character, who falls in love with a blind woman and tries everything he can to help her regain her vision.

1932: Trouble in Paradise

Letterboxd Rating: 4.11
This is likely one of the lesser-known films on this list. It’s a fast-paced, comedic movie from before the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code, directed by Ernst Lubitsch. The story follows two con artists who join forces to execute a large scheme. It’s a genuinely hilarious film, and it feels especially noteworthy because comedies rarely top the charts as the highest-rated movies in any given year. (I’ll discuss that further later.)

1933: The Testament of Dr. Mabuse

Letterboxd Rating: 4.03
This is the second Fritz Lang movie on our list, and also the first sequel. Lang continued the story from his 1922 film, Dr. Mabuse the Gambler, with this suspenseful thriller focusing on a brilliant criminal. The film was prohibited in Germany during the 1930s, but gained greater recognition after being seen by more people following World War II. Lang would later complete the series with a third movie, The Thousand Eyes of Dr. Mabuse.

1934: It Happened One Night

Letterboxd Rating: 4.17
This classic screwball comedy, featuring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, made history as the first film to win all five major Academy Awards – Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

1935: Tange Sazen and the Pot Worth a Million Ryo

Letterboxd Rating: 3.99
I haven’t actually seen this film, and I only know a little about it. It’s a comedy directed by Sadao Yamanaka, centering around the hunt for a lost treasure map hidden inside a flowerpot. Tange Sazen and the Pot Worth a Million Ryo isn’t very famous in the US, but it’s highly regarded as a classic in Japan.

1936: Modern Times

Letterboxd Rating: 4.26
Chaplin’s #3 pick is considered one of his best films – a hilariously dark look at how everyday workers, like his iconic Little Tramp, are essentially reduced to parts of the relentless capitalist system.

1937: Make Way For Tomorrow

Letterboxd Rating: 4.23
Director Leo McCarey was famous for comedies such as The Awful Truth and Duck Soup, but many consider this film his masterpiece. It’s a deeply moving drama that tells the story of an older couple facing hardship during the Great Depression, and feeling neglected by their family.

1938: Bringing Up Baby

Letterboxd Rating: 4.00
This wonderfully funny and fast-paced comedy is directed by Howard Hawks and stars Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, along with a leopard. It’s a combination that works brilliantly, no matter when you watch it.

1939: The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum

Letterboxd Rating: 4.14
Although perhaps not as well-known globally as directors like Akira Kurosawa or Yasujirō Ozu, Kenji Mizoguchi was a Japanese filmmaker who created some of the most poignant and heartbreaking films of the 20th century. One example is The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums, a film set within the traditional world of 19th-century kabuki theater.

1940: The Great Dictator

Letterboxd Rating: 4.33
Chaplin delivers another sharp satire with The Great Dictator, fearlessly poking fun at Adolph Hitler. While it caused quite a stir when it was first released, it remains a remarkably courageous and funny film today.

1941: Citizen Kane

Letterboxd Rating: 4.19
While Citizen Kane isn’t always considered the greatest film anymore – it’s fallen off the top spot on lists from publications like Sight & Sound Magazine – it remains the highest-rated movie from 1941 on Letterboxd. And that makes sense! Orson Welles’ very first feature film as a director completely changed how movies were made in Hollywood during the 1940s, ignoring all the established conventions.

1942: To Be Or Not To Be

Letterboxd Rating: 4.33
This delightful comedy, a classic from director Ernst Lubitsch, cleverly combines humor with a wartime setting. It features the talents of Carole Lombard and Jack Benny. (Interestingly, the film was remade decades later with Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft in the lead roles – that version is also highly recommended.)

1943: Meshes in the Afternoon

Letterboxd Rating: 4.26
This film is a strong pick – it’s one of the first avant-garde pieces by experimental director Maya Deren. It’s a surreal and unusual movie that’s hard to put into words. Luckily, you can find it on YouTube and watch it immediately!

1944: Double Indemnity

Letterboxd Rating: 4.26
This exciting crime film, directed by Billy Wilder, features a captivating femme fatale (Barbara Stanwyck) who charms an insurance agent (Fred MacMurray) into assisting her with a dangerous plan: murdering her husband to collect insurance funds. It’s a perfect example of classic film noir.

1945: Brief Encounter

Letterboxd Rating: 4.33
Any discussion of the best movie romances must include Brief Encounter, a film about two married people who have a secret love affair after meeting at a train station. Many romantic films choose happy endings, even if they don’t quite make sense. Brief Encounter, directed by the acclaimed David Lean, offers a refreshing alternative to that type of storytelling.

1946: It’s a Wonderful Life

Letterboxd Rating: 4.41
Today, It’s a Wonderful Life is considered a classic Christmas film. However, when it was released in 1946, the movie-which tells the story of a generous man who learns that happiness isn’t about money-wasn’t well-received by critics or audiences. Luckily, Letterboxd didn’t exist back then…

1947: Out of the Past

Letterboxd Rating: 4.12
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a film noir with more atmospheric visuals or sharper writing than Out of the Past, featuring Robert Mitchum as a former detective haunted by his history. Though it wasn’t initially praised, it’s now considered a classic. Similar to It’s a Wonderful Life, it’s received much positive attention over time. However, unlike that film, Out of the Past offers a decidedly pessimistic outlook – life isn’t always great.

1948: The Red Shoes

Letterboxd Rating: 4.40
Color! And what color it is. The Red Shoes, a film about a talented ballerina struggling to choose between love and her passion for dance, is famous for its stunning Technicolor visuals – some of the most beautiful ever filmed. It’s highly recommended to get the Criterion edition, which includes a restored version of the movie.

1949: Late Spring

Letterboxd Rating: 4.34
Late Spring, a film by renowned Japanese director Yasujirō Ozu, begins a series of three movies starring Setsuko Hara. Each film focuses on a young woman named Norkio and her experiences in Japan after the war. In this film, Hara plays a young woman whose father is eager to find her a husband.

1950: Sunset Boulevard

Letterboxd Rating: 4.43
Billy Wilder’s brilliant depiction of a declining movie star (famously saying, “She’s still big! It’s the pictures that got small!”) is considered a classic film about Hollywood and the film industry.

1951: Ace in the Hole

Letterboxd Rating: 4.27
Billy Wilder, a director whose films continue to hold up really well, delivers another classic – and perhaps one even more relevant today than Sunset Boulevard. Kirk Douglas plays a cynical reporter who creates a massive media frenzy around a man trapped in a New Mexico cave. Like It’s a Wonderful Life, this film wasn’t initially a hit with audiences. However, Ace in the Hole has gained appreciation over time. Perhaps this is because the harsh world Wilder portrayed increasingly mirrors our own.

1952: Ikiru

Letterboxd Rating: 4.51
While Akira Kurosawa is widely known for his samurai films-and you’ll find one of them later on this list-his film Ikiru is still considered a powerful and moving work of art from the 20th century. It stars Takashi Shimura as a civil servant who learns he doesn’t have much time left and decides to live his remaining months to the fullest.

1953: Tokyo Story

Letterboxd Rating: 4.44
This is another deeply moving film from Japan after the war. Tokyo Story takes inspiration from Make Way for Tomorrow, using a similar idea – an elderly couple realizes they’ve become a trouble for their self-absorbed children – but sets it in Tokyo, where the couple goes to visit their family. We highly recommend it, unless you’re already dealing with thoughts about your own mortality. If so, maybe watch something a little lighter.

1954: Seven Samurai

Letterboxd Rating: 4.60
Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa didn’t just define the samurai genre; it inspired action films around the globe for many years. With amazing fight sequences, beautiful visuals, and memorable acting by stars like Takashi Shimura and Toshiro Mifune, Seven Samurai is a must-see for anyone who loves international films.

1955: Ordet

Letterboxd Rating: 4.35
Twenty-five years after making The Passion of Joan of Arc, Carl Theodor Dreyer created a late-career gem that explores how differing religious convictions shape the lives of two Danish families. It’s not a simple film to watch-you might struggle to enjoy it at home if you’re distracted by something like Monopoly Go!-but it’s a profoundly satisfying experience if you fully commit to it.

1956: Night and Fog

Letterboxd Rating: 4.55
As a critic, I’ve seen a lot of WWII films, and this list includes some truly harrowing ones. One that really stands out is Alain Resnais’ Night and Fog. It’s a documentary that powerfully combines wartime footage with haunting images of the concentration camps as they are today. Resnais, who would go on to become a major figure in arthouse cinema during the ’50s and ’60s, created something incredibly impactful with Night and Fog, and it remains one of his most essential films, even now.

1957: 12 Angry Men

Letterboxd Rating: 4.63
12 Angry Men isn’t only the highest-rated movie from 1957; it’s consistently ranked among the very best films on Letterboxd. (Currently, it’s #2 all-time, trailing only one movie that we’ll discuss shortly – it may take a few minutes or years for it to reach the top, depending on how you look at it.) Sidney Lumet’s courtroom drama, originally a TV play, unfolds entirely within a jury room, where twelve men discuss the details of a serious and violent case. Despite having a small cast, a single location, and a focused storyline, the film is praised for its outstanding performances and the clever way it uses editing and camerawork to tell its story.

1958: Vertigo

Letterboxd Rating: 4.23
It’s a little surprising to see only one Alfred Hitchcock film on this list. However, it’s not surprising that it’s Vertigo. This movie was the first to take the top spot in the Sight & Sound poll, ending Citizen Kane’s long run as the most highly regarded film. Hitchcock’s story about obsession and murder is still considered his best work, though it wasn’t initially successful with audiences or critics, like many other films on this list.

1959: The Human Condition I: No Greater Love

Letterboxd Rating: 4.55
Letterboxd users really love this film. Masaki Kobayashi’s The Human Condition is a lengthy, almost ten-hour movie in three parts, depicting one man’s difficult journey through World War II Japan. It’s certainly not a cheerful watch! However, two of the film’s three sections are ranked as the best movies of their release years. That’s quite an achievement.

1960: Le Trou

Letterboxd Rating: 4.49
This tough and realistic crime movie is based on a true story: a prison escape that happened in Paris in 1947. Interestingly, one of the actors involved was actually part of the real escape plan. The film is frequently compared to Robert Bresson’s well-known prison drama A Man Escaped – but surprisingly, that film isn’t included here.

1961: The Human Condition III: A Soldier’s Prayer

Letterboxd Rating: 4.62
The final third of Masaki Kobayashi’s Human Condition trilogy is not for the faint of heart, as it follows the story of its wartime hero all the way to its inevitably bleak conclusion. But maybe that speaks to the type of cinephiles who use Letterboxd.

1962: Harakiri

Letterboxd Rating: 4.69
Currently, this 1962 samurai movie is the highest-rated fiction film on all of Letterboxd. It’s another film by The Human Condition director Masaki Kobayashi. It’s a deeply unsettling and suspenseful movie that teaches a powerful lesson: “What happens to others today could happen to you tomorrow.”

1963: High and Low

Letterboxd Rating: 4.60
Spike Lee revisited this well-known film by Akira Kurosawa, which centers on a rich man grappling with a difficult decision: whether to pay a ransom after his driver’s son is accidentally kidnapped. While Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest is enjoyable, Kurosawa’s original, High and Low, is considered superior.

1964: Woman in the Dunes

Letterboxd Rating: 4.47
The most important takeaway from this list might be this: Don’t skip the films made in 1950s and 60s Japan – you’ll be seriously missing out. This well-regarded film by Hiroshi Teshigahara presents a strange and captivating story about a man who becomes stuck in a sand dune with the woman who calls it home.

1965: Red Beard

Letterboxd Rating: 4.39
Red Beard represents the last time Akira Kurosawa directed Toshiro Mifune, a frequent collaborator. While two other films they made together are also on this list, several of their well-known works aren’t, such as Rashomon, The Hidden Fortress, Yojimbo, and Throne of Blood.

1966: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Letterboxd Rating: 4.50
When we talk about Yojimbo, it’s worth noting that Italian director Sergio Leone directly borrowed from it when making his first spaghetti Western, A Fistful of Dollars. Leone and Clint Eastwood worked together twice more on other films featuring the “Man With No Name,” most notably the grand The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. This film showcases Eastwood battling Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach, all vying for a hidden treasure. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the movie, you’re likely familiar with its iconic music, distinctive style, and the unforgettable final gunfight between the three characters.

1967: War and Peace

Letterboxd Rating: 4.36
I’ve never read War and Peace. Maybe I should just watch the movie instead. Wait, how long is it? Ah forget it.

1968: Once Upon a Time in the West

Letterboxd Rating: 4.39
As a huge fan of Sergio Leone, I was completely captivated by how he built on the world he created in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. 1968’s Once Upon a Time in the West is a truly fantastic film – and honestly, it has one of the best titles *ever*. It’s been imitated so many times over the years, but nothing quite captures the magic of the original.

1969: Army of Shadows

Letterboxd Rating: 4.36
Army of Shadows ticks a lot of the same boxes as many other titles on this list. World War II subject matter? Check. Stylish cinematography? Check. Great performances? Check. An ultra-bleak depiction of life? Big check.

1970: Le Cercle Rouge

Letterboxd Rating: 4.21
As a huge fan of classic cinema, I recently revisited Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Cercle Rouge, which came after his brilliant Army of Shadows. It’s a heist movie, and I have to say, the almost completely silent climax is just masterful – I can see why so many filmmakers have taken inspiration from it over the years.

1971: Demons

Letterboxd Rating: 4.22
This film is a bit under the radar, directed by Japanese filmmaker Toshio Matsumoto. Luckily, Letterboxd lets you save films you discover that look interesting using its watchlist feature. Simply click the button to add it to your list and keep track of it!

1972: The Godfather

Letterboxd Rating: 4.53
Do you really need me to tell you the premise of The Godfather? Okay fine: The Godfather is a movie about a humble scientist who develops a formula that grants him godlike powers, which he uses to teach his children lessons about life. It’s pretty good, you should check it out.

1973: Scenes From a Marriage

Letterboxd Rating: 4.43
Ingmar Bergman hasn’t appeared on this list yet-neither The Seventh Seal nor Persona-but he’s featured here with his important and well-known film about a failing marriage. (And just to clarify: Although Scenes From a Marriage originally aired as a TV miniseries, a shorter version was shown in cinemas, so I’ve included it.)

1974: The Godfather Part II

Letterboxd Rating: 4.59
So, they continued the story of The Godfather! The brilliant, yet eccentric, scientist and his incredible formula for creating a “god” returned in this sequel. For half a century, movie lovers have argued about which Godfather film is superior; Letterboxd users agree that Part II is slightly better, giving it a rating that’s 0.06 points higher than the original.

1975: Barry Lyndon

Letterboxd Rating: 4.40
The historical drama Barry Lyndon represented a significant change of pace for director Stanley Kubrick, differing greatly from films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange. When it was released in 1975, many critics found it confusing-something that happened with several of Kubrick’s movies throughout his career. However, critics generally changed their minds over time.

1976: Harlan County USA

Letterboxd Rating: 4.33
Barbara Kopple’s documentary, made in 1973, offers a straightforward look at the coal miners’ strike in Harlan County and continues to be a vital film for those who make non-fiction movies-and anyone interested in the story of workers’ rights in the United States.

1977: The Ascent

Letterboxd Rating: 4.42
The Ascent received the highest honor at the Berlin Film Festival and is considered a standout film from 1970s Soviet cinema. It presents a difficult story about World War II, focusing on the experiences of two Russian soldiers who were captured by the Germans.

1978: Autumn Sonata

Letterboxd Rating: 4.48
This is another film by Ingmar Bergman, featuring yet another Bergman – Ingrid, alongside Liv Ullmann. The movie explores the challenging connection between a mother and daughter. It’s a truly remarkable film and well worth watching, but perhaps avoid it on Mother’s Day.

1979: Apocalypse Now

Letterboxd Rating: 4.44
Let me tell you, the buzz around Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now was intense – initially, the press painted it as a complete disaster. But then audiences actually *saw* it, and everything changed. It’s truly one of the most disturbing and powerful depictions of war I’ve ever experienced. The whole production was reportedly fraught with difficulty, but if any film deserved all that struggle, it was this one. It’s just… the horror, the horror.

1980: The Empire Strikes Back

Letterboxd Rating: 4.40
Star Wars isn’t included here, but The Empire Strikes Back is. Perhaps this will settle the debate about which film is superior?

1981: Das Boot

Letterboxd Rating: 4.32
Many excellent films feature submarines-the tight, enclosed spaces naturally build tension for a suspenseful thriller-but Wolfgang Petersen’s Das Boot is considered the best of the bunch.

1982: Fanny and Alexander

Letterboxd Rating: 4.42
Here is another case where the line between film and TV becomes murky; Bergman made Fanny and Alexander as a miniseries, but it was also released in theaters in a condensed version — and eventually both cuts were shown in arthouses around the world. Plus, it won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. If that’s not a movie, I don’t know what is.

1983: Nostalgia

Letterboxd Rating: 4.28
Andrei Tarkovsky, a renowned Russian filmmaker, is celebrated globally for his deliberate storytelling and evocative subject matter. Nostalgia, which follows a Russian writer’s journey to Italy for research, employs Tarkovsky’s characteristic style – featuring extended shots and dreamlike sequences – to portray the feeling of isolation and unfamiliarity when being in a foreign place.

1984: Stop Making Sense

Letterboxd Rating: 4.68
Widely considered one of the greatest concert films ever made, Jonathan Demme’s Stop Making Sense brilliantly showcases the Talking Heads’ unforgettable shows at the Pantages Theatre in 1983. The film features iconic songs such as “Psycho Killer,” “Life During Wartime,” and “Take Me to the River.”

1985: Come and See

Letterboxd Rating: 4.62
This powerful Russian war film was, for a time, the highest-rated movie on Letterboxd. (Currently, as of this writing, it’s ranked #4, following Harakiri, 12 Angry Men, and The Human Condition Part III: A Soldier’s Prayer.) Directed by Elem Klimov, the film portrays some of the most horrific acts committed by the Nazis in World War II, experienced through the perspective of a young boy who joins a band of Soviet resistance fighters. Even among the many intense war films on this list, Come and See is exceptionally disturbing and violent.

1986: The Sacrifice

Letterboxd Rating: 4.29
Andrei Tarkovsky learned he had cancer soon after completing The Sacrifice, and he passed away before 1987. This adds a deeply unsettling layer to the film’s meaning. The story centers on a man attempting to prevent World War III and the end of the world by offering his life to God as a sacrifice.

1987: Where Is the Friend’s House?

Letterboxd Rating: 4.37
This film marks the start of Abbas Kiarostami’s renowned “Koker Trilogy” – named after the Iranian village where all three films are set. It tells a straightforward story about a boy who is trying to find his classmate’s house. His goal is to return a notebook and prevent his friend from being expelled.

1988: Cinema Paradiso

Letterboxd Rating: 4.49
People who really love movies often enjoy films *about* filmmaking. (It’s a bit of a tongue-twister!) Cinema Paradiso, a film set in Italy focusing on an aging movie theater and the bond between a young boy and the projectionist, took home the 1989 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and continues to be a beloved choice among movie buffs.

1989: Do the Right Thing

Letterboxd Rating: 4.40
The Academy Awards famously didn’t even nominate Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing for Best Picture in 1989. (Driving Miss Daisy ended up winning the award, beating out Born on the Fourth of July, Dead Poets Society, Field of Dreams, and My Left Foot.) However, Letterboxd users recognized its quality and ranked it as the best film of that year.

1990: Paris Is Burning

Letterboxd Rating: 4.54
This documentary about New York City’s Ballroom scene is a hugely influential film from the early 1990s. It doesn’t just document this specific subculture, but also captures the lives of many people who were central to that time and place. Director Jennie Livingston dedicated seven years to making the film, and the result is considered one of the most significant documentaries of its time.

1991: A Brighter Summer Day

Letterboxd Rating: 4.50
In the 2022 Sight & Sound film poll, Edward Yang’s almost four-hour-long film, A Brighter Summer Day, was ranked 78th. Set in Taiwan during the 1960s, the movie combines a detailed story of a young person growing up with a crime story inspired by a real murder that happened when Yang was a child.

1992: Baraka

Letterboxd Rating: 4.33
Baraka is a documentary that shows the beauty and vulnerability of our planet. Instead of a typical narrative or narration, it uses stunning 70mm footage from various locations worldwide.

1993: Schindler’s List

Letterboxd Rating: 4.53
Steven Spielberg received his Academy Award for this powerfully moving film about Oskar Schindler (played by Liam Neeson). Schindler was a German businessman who bravely saved over a hundred Jewish people by giving them work in his factory during World War II.

1994: The Shawshank Redemption

Letterboxd Rating: 4.58
Back in 1994, the straightforward story of friendship and strength in The Shawshank Redemption didn’t get as much attention as the stylish presentation of Pulp Fiction or the grand scale and special effects of Forrest Gump, which ultimately won Best Picture. However, over time, especially on Letterboxd, opinions have shifted. (Pulp Fiction currently has an average rating of 4.25, while Forrest Gump has a 4.16.)

1995: La Haine

Letterboxd Rating: 4.50
La Haine is similar to films like The Human Condition or Come and See in that it’s gained popularity thanks to its dedicated fans on Letterboxd. People watch and enthusiastically recommend these movies-this one being a French film focusing on three young immigrants-and that inspires their followers on the app to do the same. In the summer of 2025, the film reached a milestone by being logged by one million Letterboxd users-a remarkable achievement usually reserved for much bigger and more well-known films.

1996: Secrets & Lies

Letterboxd Rating: 4.28
As a big fan, I already knew Mike Leigh was talented by the mid-90s. But Secrets & Lies, the story of a woman finding her birth mother and how that meeting impacts them both, really cemented his place among the best filmmakers in the world, in my opinion.

1997: Perfect Blue

Letterboxd Rating: 4.39
Satoshi Kon, who sadly passed away, is considered one of the greatest anime directors ever. Almost all of his films-including Tokyo Godfathers, Millennium Actress, and Paprika-are critically acclaimed, but Perfect Blue is widely seen as his masterpiece. It’s currently the highest-rated movie from 1997 on Letterboxd, even surpassing more well-known films from that year like Boogie Nights and Titanic.

1998: Eternity and a Day

Letterboxd Rating: 4.38
This film, which won the Palme d’Or, is a Greek production starring Bruno Ganz. It tells the story of a writer nearing the end of his life who attempts to rescue a young immigrant from those involved in human trafficking. It seems Letterboxd users don’t often enjoy cheerful films made after the 1930s!

1999: Fight Club

Letterboxd Rating: 4.27
While it sparks debate for some, David Fincher’s Fight Club has earned enough top ratings to become the highest-ranked film from 1999. I could discuss Fight Club further, but, as you probably know…

2000: Yi Yi

Letterboxd Rating: 4.54
Yi Yi, Edward Yang’s expansive story about several generations of a Taiwanese family, seems to be even more well-liked on Letterboxd and generally than A Brighter Summer Day. (It’s also an hour shorter, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a heartfelt family drama, but perhaps not one quite that lengthy.)

2001: Spirited Away

Letterboxd Rating: 4.45
Hayao Miyazaki was already well-known as a leading figure in traditional animation before 2001. However, that year he released Spirited Away, which followed the international popularity of Princess Mononoke (1997) and earned Studio Ghibli its first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. What sets Spirited Away apart from many of the earliest computer-animated films of that time is that it still looks incredibly beautiful.

2002: City of God

Letterboxd Rating: 4.55
This large-scale crime story from Brazil helped launch the career of its director, Fernando Meirelles. It also led to a television series (City of Men) and a new sequel series (City of God: The Fight Rages On).

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Letterboxd Rating: 4.53
My opinion is that The Return of the King isn’t as strong as the other two Lord of the Rings films. (I think The Fellowship of the Rings is definitely the best one.) Most people on Letterboxd don’t agree with me, but I really believe this.

2004: Nobody Knows

Letterboxd Rating: 4.40
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Nobody Knows tells the story of young siblings trying to cope after being left by their mother. (It’s deeply unsettling to know the film is based on a true story.) It’s another fantastic and heartbreaking film that’s popular on Letterboxd.

2005: Linda Linda Linda

Letterboxd Rating: 4.16
Movies that are older can sometimes see their ratings increase on Letterboxd, especially if they are re-released. This might be what happened with Linda Linda Linda, a well-liked 2005 comedy about a teenage rock band. It was restored and shown in theaters again that same year, and now it’s currently the highest-rated movie from 2005.

2006: Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair

Letterboxd Rating: 4.39
Originally, Quentin Tarantino envisioned Kill Bill as one continuous film for theatrical release. However, producer Harvey Weinstein persuaded him to divide it into two volumes. Later, Tarantino reassembled those two parts into a single version called The Whole Bloody Affair, which he has occasionally shown at screenings since then.

2007: There Will Be Blood

Letterboxd Rating: 4.46
2007 was a fantastic year for film, and I remember when most of the big awards went to the Coen brothers’ No Country for Old Men – which remains a classic. But over the years, I’ve come to see Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood as the truly defining film of that year. It’s a powerful movie about the American West and how damaging greed can be.

2008: The Dark Knight

Letterboxd Rating: 4.48
As a huge fan, I have to say Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight really blew everyone away. It wasn’t just a massive box office hit – it made over $1 billion globally – but critics *loved* it too. (It actually scores a full tenth of a point higher than the next best film from 2008, Sion Sono’s Love Exposure.) You don’t see many superhero movies on lists like this, and that’s because Nolan doesn’t make your average superhero flick!

2009: Inglourious Basterds

Letterboxd Rating: 4.35
Inglourious Basterds isn’t personally my top Tarantino film, but I understand why it’s ranked so highly as the best movie from 2009. It includes many story and thematic ideas that, judging by this list, Letterboxd users really appreciate: it’s a smart, well-made historical drama taking place during World War II, and it also celebrates the strong impact movies can have.

2010: Incendies

Letterboxd Rating: 4.43
Before directing huge hits like Dune and Blade Runner 2049, Denis Villeneuve gained international recognition with this Canadian film. It tells the story of twin brothers who uncover secrets about their family-including a brother they didn’t know they had-following their mother’s passing.

2011: A Separation

Letterboxd Rating: 4.37
Despite being made with a budget of under $1 million, Asghar Farhadi’s A Separation earned approximately 25 times that amount in cinemas and received multiple Academy Award nominations, ultimately winning the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar – a first for Iranian cinema.

2012: The Act of Killing

Letterboxd Rating: 4.41
This is another remarkably powerful and intense film. Using daring filmmaking choices, The Act of Killing uncovers the story of Indonesia’s anti-Communist killings in the 1960s. It includes interviews with the men responsible for these terrible acts, who shockingly even recreated some of their violence for the cameras. The outcome is brutally honest and deeply disturbing.

2013: Prisoners

Letterboxd Rating: 4.31
I was really captivated by Denis Villeneuve’s first American film after Incendies. It’s a gripping, dark thriller centered around the desperate search for a kidnapper. The story really pulls you in – when the police let the main suspect go, the son of one of the victims (Hugh Jackman gives a fantastic performance!) decides he has to find justice himself. Honestly, it’s an intense watch – definitely not something I’d pick for a casual date night!

2014: Interstellar

Letterboxd Rating: 4.43
Christopher Nolan’s science fiction film, a moving story about the powerful bond between a parent and child that transcends time and space, has become one of his most celebrated works-particularly after a special re-release in theaters during the winter of 2024.

2015: World of Tomorrow

Letterboxd Rating: 4.32
For decades, Don Hertzfeldt and his uniquely crafted animated films have been popular online. This collection of three science fiction shorts, World of Tomorrow, is a prime example. Together, these shorts explore vast periods of time and a wide range of concepts-including cloning, time travel, and even the end of the world-all presented with Hertzfeldt’s distinctive, wobbly animation style.

2016: The Handmaiden

Letterboxd Rating: 4.40
Fans on Letterboxd really appreciate this 2016 erotic thriller by acclaimed Korean director Park Chan-wook, praising its surprising and unexpected turns. (We won’t give anything away – just go and see it!)

2017: A Taxi Driver

Letterboxd Rating: 4.20
You might also enjoy this film: It’s a Korean story centering around a taxi driver (played by The Host and Parasite star Song Kang-ho). He finds himself involved in the 1980 Gwangju Uprising after giving a German journalist (Thomas Krestchmann) a ride to the city to report on the government’s handling of the protests.

2018: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Letterboxd Rating: 4.40
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse really brought comic book visuals to life with its incredibly creative animation. Beyond the stunning look, the movie delivered a strong message: anyone can be a hero by stepping up and doing what’s right. (Though it certainly doesn’t hurt to have superpowers like wall-crawling and invisibility!)

2019: Parasite

Letterboxd Rating: 4.54
As a serious movie fan, I think Parasite is probably the most talked-about film of the 21st century so far. Bong Joon-ho really knocked it out of the park! It made history as the first non-English language movie to win Best Picture at the Oscars, which is huge. What really stuck with me is how it shows the huge gap between the rich and the poor, and what people will do when they’re desperate to climb the social ladder. Honestly, I think its message will stay relevant for a long, long time.

2020: The Father

Letterboxd Rating: 4.29
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 saw significantly fewer movie releases in cinemas compared to any other year included in this list. Even The Father, the highest-rated 2020 film on Letterboxd, wasn’t widely released in theaters until early February 2021. (It had its first showing at Sundance in January 2020.) However, its unique storytelling approach, which immerses viewers in the confused and declining mental state of a man (Anthony Hopkins) with dementia, is truly noteworthy, regardless of when it was released.

2021: Marcel the Shell With Shoes On

Letterboxd Rating: 4.24
This charming film blends live-action footage with stop-motion animation to tell the story of Marcel, a small creature, and what happens when a filmmaker discovers him and shares videos of his life online. This marks the first appearance of the independent studio A24 on this list. Considering their recent success, I expect they could have multiple films featured if I were to update this in the future.

2022: Everything Everywhere All at Once

Letterboxd Rating: 4.26
Everything Everywhere All at Once, an Academy Award winner for Best Picture and a widely loved film among movie fans, uniquely combines science fiction, fantasy comedy, and martial arts.

2023: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Letterboxd Rating: 4.41
Only two film series have more than one entry on this list: The Godfather and Spider-Verse. This highlights how challenging it is to create a truly excellent sequel. The Spider-Verse team, however, remarkably succeeded by not only continuing their already bold concept but also introducing even more Spider-People and diverse animation techniques.

2024: No Other Land

Letterboxd Rating: 4.59
This film won the 2024 Best Documentary Feature Oscar. It was created by a group of Palestinian and Israeli artists and activists and focuses on the continuing conflict in the Middle East. Although it received a lot of praise both internationally and domestically, No Other Land wasn’t picked up by a major distributor in the U.S. Instead, the filmmakers decided to release it themselves in cinemas and online.

Read More

2025-09-29 19:48