Roger Ebertwas one of the most well-known movie critics in film history, having a career that spanned across 46 years within the industry. Ebert wrote for the Chicago Sun-Times and was beloved for his brutal honesty as well as his devout love of cinema.
The critic is often remembered with his counterpart, Gene Siskel, a fellow film critic at the Chicago Sun. The dynamic duo is responsible for coining the rating system “two thumbs up.” Ebert was a tough critic at times, but regarded cinema as art and viewed it as such. These are 10 films beloved by the late critic, taken from his excellent list ofGreat Movies. This list will be updated periodically to reflect many more films from Ebert’s Great Movies, such asSingin' in the Rain, a personal favorite.
10Citizen Kane
Orson Welles' most popular film credit,Citizen Kane,is often regarded by critics as one of thegreatest films evermade. This opinion was no different for Ebert. The film is loosely based on newspaper tycoon, William Hearst, and built around the fictional plot surrounding the word “rosebud.“Citizen Kanewas Orson Welles' first film, and before he merged into cinema his background was primarily in theater.
Related:10 Greatest Movies of All Time According to Roger Ebert
9Do the Right Thing
Spike Lee’s 1989 filmDo the Right Thingis a groundbreaking, cultural must-watch and one of Ebert’s favorite movies. Tensions are on the rise in a New York City neighborhood pizzeria when it comes to the patron’s attention that the “wall of fame” caters to only Italians. The restaurant sits in a predominantly African-American neighborhood, and the argument stems from the lack of African-American representation. Over 30 later,Do the Right Thingisstill an important watchwith plenty of relevant content to today’s circumstances.
8Blade Runner
Blade Runner’s production value for 1982 is truly astonishing. The visual effects coupled with the world-building assist the film’s value all while delivering a timeless masterpiece. Rick Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) is a replicant hunter, but when he falls in love with the very thing he is meant to destroy, his world begins to fall apart.
7Apocalypse Now
Boasting a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, Francis Ford Coppola’sApocalypse Nowremains to this day one of film’s masterpieces. The film focuses in on the subtle horrors of the Vietnam War, and, according to Ebert, has one of the most haunting endings in cinema.Apocalypse Nowwas and still is considered ahighly controversial film, due to its production.
The Coen Brothers’Fargois a highly beloved crime-thriller that delivers all the Coens' infamous techniques. The directors notoriously drive their films with action, comedy, and serious undertones.Fargois no different. The film focuses on a false ransom gone wrong, when the two hired hands commit murder on a state trooper.Fargoand the Coens were ahead of their time, satirically poking fun at the true crime genre.
52001: A Space Odyssey
Based on a short story by Arthur C. Clarke,2001: A Space Odysseywas transformed by Stanley Kubrick into the masterpiece it is today. According toGame Rant,the film is regarded not only for how scientifically accurate it is, but also for the many interpretations that the ending allows. A re-watch of the film would also highlight the terrifying aspects of AI technology, as2001: A Space Odysseyis an early contender of comments regarding fears and dangers.
Related:How Roger Ebert’s Last Movie Review Is the Perfect End to His Career
4Taxi Driver
It is no surprise thatTaxi Driveris one of Ebert’s favorite movies. Martin Scorsese’s highly controversial film is often considered to be heavily violent.Roger Ebert’s reviewofTaxi Driverwritten in 2004 suggests that the film’s overall focus on loneliness is what draws so many to it time and time again. The central message portrayed by the main character Travis (played by Robert De Niro) seeks to show violent undertones in human-nature when faced with a very basic human emotion.
3Schindler’s List
Steven Spielberg’s 1994 release ofSchindler’s Listwas shot almost primarily in black and white, saving color only for the film’s most integral moments.Schindler’s Listis one of the most well-known references of films that mix color with black-and-white. The film tells the story of a real-life Nazi, Oskar Schindler, during the Holocaust. The infamous girl in red is one of the most significant color splashes in the entire movie, as she serves as a turning point for the plot and the overall message.
2Raging Bull
LikeSchindler’s List,Raging Bullis a movie that features brief splashes of color throughout it’s black and white backdrop. According to theCriterion Collection, Scorsese decided to shoot the film in black and white to help make it stand out against the other boxing films that were releasing that year, and the overall color grading would be better.Raging Bullfollows the story of real-life boxer Jake LaMotta, who is gearing up to win the middleweight title. The film portrays the ups and downs of the boxer’s journey, as well as his violent tendencies.
Alfred Hitchcock’sVertigoundoubtedly has one of the greatest Hitchcock twists of all time. The film’s plot leaks of deception, betrayal, and mystery. All of these attributes and more, make it an enjoyable watch on almost any occasion. Some believe thatVertigois rising the ranks to surpass the likes ofCitizen Kane,and be crowned the greatest film very made. Like most Hitchcock films,Vertigo’snature is relatively timeless, and it is no surprise that it sits among Ebert’s favorites.
