There are so many fantastic films out there its difficult to single any out. Fortunately the BFI has compiled two great lists; there are 50 films it recommends children to see before the age of 14; and also the Sight & Sound Top Ten Poll which they do every ten years should keep even a film buff busy for a few weeks.
And now the excellent site for the eight and a half project has a brilliant beautifully presented list
We have selected a few additional films chosen to highlight a particular cinematic element.
Peter Weir's Witness (1985, USA) is a classically composed modern Hollywood film - it also makes good use of contrasting moods for different scenes.
Jaws (Stephen Spielberg, 1975, US) - refined use of classic editing coupled with slick use of jumpcuts make this a master-class in editing worth revisiting.
Blue Velvet (David Lynch, 1986, US) - love it or hate it, this disturbing 18 rated film has awesome sound.
If you want to learn the formula to Hollywood script writing, there are dozens released every year that try to follow it. If you want a script that follows it and sends it up at the same time. Check out Woody Allen's The Purple Rose Of Cairo (1985, USA).
Once you have been involved in making films for a while - and for the first time you wake up worrying about the next day's shoot - its time to dig out Don Delillo's delicious Living In Oblivion (1995, USA).
Top 10 in alphabetical order: