American filmmakersJoshandBenny Safdiehave made tremendous waves, both critically and commercially, since debuting withDaddy Longlegs(2009). They write the scripts for every film they direct, withGood Time(2017) andUncut Gems(2019) representing their most popular titles. The latter put them on the map of international acclaim — nowadays, Josh and Benny are considered two of Hollywood’s most talented filmmakers.
Since they’ve entered the limelight, both brothers have shared numerous movies with the press that inspired them throughout their idiosyncratic careers. You’ll likely recognize most films featured on this list, as they’re some of the greatest ever made. A few movies along the way may appear unfamiliar, though. All that said, these are 20 great movies recommended by Josh and Benny Safdie.
20City Lights (1931)
A silent film,City Lights(1931) was written anddirected by Charlie Chaplin. He also stars as his iconic persona, the Tramp, who develops relationships with two enigmatic characters: a blind girl, portrayed by Virginia Cherrill, and an alcoholic millionaire, played by Harry Myers. They each perform brilliantly in an all-time Chaplin great.
Chaplin’s Most Passionate Project
Like the Safdie Brothers' movies, Chaplin’s filmography represents that of an auteur. He wrote the script for every film he directed, and often sat in the editing room to complete the final product. He did all of that and more withCity Lights, which marked the first time he composed his own score. That’s some monumental effort — no wonder the Safdie Brothers approved.Stream on Max, Tubi, or Prime Video
19Remorques (1941)
Genres lines are fine here inRemorques(1941), also calledStormy Waters, which was directed by Jean Grémillon. Its script was adapted by André Cayatte from Roger Vercel’s novel, revolving around a tugboat captain named André Laurent, who cares for his wife Yvonne when he’s not scouring the seas.
A Tale of Tragic Twists
Upon receiving a distress call and saving a stranded couple, André’s feelings for the woman he found muddy the waters of his marriage. Tragedy then strikes him in various ways, with lead actor Jean Gabin showcasing a keen understanding of the human condition. His emotional efforts resonated with Josh and Benny Safdie, just as they likely will with you upon watchingStormy Waters.Not Currently Available to Stream or Rent
18It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
An essential Christmas movie,It’s a Wonderful Life(1946) is also considered amongthe best films ever made. Directed by Frank Capra, from a script he co-wrote with married couple Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, it’s adapted fromThe Greatest Giftby Philip Van Doren Stern. In turn,The Greatest Giftwas based onA Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens in 1843.
A Christmas Classic
No matter the medium,A Christmas Carolhas been retold in various fashions throughout the years. Regarding films,It’s a Wonderful Lifeis perhaps the most acclaimed retelling of the story. And with good reason. It’s a well-crafted tale with touching themes of depression and purpose, and for households around the world, it remains a staple movie come Christmastime.Stream on Prime Video
17Bicycle Thieves (1948)
Directed by Vittorio De Sica from a script he co-wrote alongside six other creatives,Bicycle Thieves(1948) stars Lamberto Maggiorani as Antonio Ricci, a father of two. He works hard to provide for them and his wife, but one day, he loses his bicycle. His job requires one, and he thus spends the plot searching for his stolen property.
The Paragon of Italian Neorealism
Set in a post-World War II Rome, this essential piece of Italian neorealismexplores themes of isolationand social status. Antonio is the average taxpayer, looking for a job just for his family’s well-being — his grit throughoutBicycle Thievesresonated with audiences around the world. This is constantly cited by critics as one of the greatest films ever made, and by all accounts, the Safdie Brothers agree.Stream on Max or Prime Video
16Night and the City (1950)
A film noir,Night and the City(1950) revolves around a con artist down on his luck, searching for a new, surefire ploy. Named Harry Fabian, he decides to take part in London’s underground wrestling circuit. But when the athlete he chose to promote passes away, Harry finds himself hunted by the most dangerous gangsters that London can muster.
An Essential Piece of Noir
A couple of movies by Josh and Benny Safdie feature elements of film noir that could have easily been inspired byNight and the City. TakeGood TimeandUncut Gems, for example. With his essential piece of film noir, director Jules Dassin crafted a thrilling masterpiece that touched audiences around the world — without a doubt,Night and the Cityis an admirable inclusion on Josh and Benny’s list.Not Currently Available to Stream or Rent
15A Man Escaped (1956)
A French prison film,A Man Escaped(1956) was directed by Robert Bresson from his own adapted script. During World War II, a French Resistance fighter named André Devigny waslocked up in the prison, Montluc, in Lyon, France that was run by the Gestapo while Germany was occupying the country. And although his name was changed to Fontaine in the film, Devigny penned the memoir on which the project’s based.
Benny Safdie’s Favorite Movie
Upon release,A Man Escapedreceived widespread praise. Even today, it’s held in the highest regard. It holds a perfect 100% approval rating on critical consensus website Rotten Tomatoes, with numerous filmmakers throughout the years citing it as influential. That includes Benny Safdie, who actually calls it his all-time favorite film.Rent on Prime Video or Apple TV
14Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)
A classic sports film,Requiem for a Heavyweight(1962) follows Luis “Mountain” Rivera, an aging boxer in the heavyweight division. He’s played by Anthony Quinn, while Jackie Gleason portrays his manager and Mickey Rooney shows up as his cutman, named Maish Rennick and Army, respectively. They all performed wonderfully under Ralph Nelson’s direction.
An Empathetic Character
After losing a match in brutal fashion, Mountain is forced by the commission’s doctors to retire. He struggles to find a new job, but meets a woman named Grace (played by Julie Harries). From there, the empathetic protagonist undergoes palpable development alongside a unique roster of characters, and thus,Requiem for a Heavyweightwas deemed a certified hit.Rent on YouTube or AppleTV
132001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Directed by Stanley Kubrickwith Arthur C. Clarke as his co-writer,2001: A Space Odyssey(1968) is among the most famous movies ever made, regardless of genre. Many film fans consider it the peak of the science-fiction category, with meticulous camera shots and revolutionary special effects rendering it a feast for the eyes until the final frame.
The Influential Work of Stanley Kubrick
Often considered as one of the greatest movies ever made,A Space Odysseyturned a talented director into an all-time great. Kubrick had made notable waves withThe Killing(1956),Paths of Glory(1957),Lolita(1962), andDr. Strangelove(1964). ButA Space Odysseymarked a turning point in Kubrick’s career, reaching epic heights that still hold relevance in the film landscape today.Stream on Max or Prime Video.
2001: A Space Odyssey
2001: A Space Odyssey is one of Stanley Kubrick’s most well-known films. A science-fiction epic, the film tells the story of the journey of Discovery One, a spacecraft operated by a group of scientists, astronauts, and a sentient computer, on a mission to Jupiter to investigate a mysterious monolith. Considered one of the greatest films ever made, Kubrick combines sparse dialogue with the heavy use of scoring and ambiguous imagery to create something that eschews conventional filmmaking.
12The French Connection (1971)
One of many neo-noir films favored by the Safdie Brothers isThe French Connection(1971), directed by William Friedkin. Its script was penned by Ernest Tidyman, revolving around two NYPD detectives who track down a French heroin smuggler. Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider play the detectives, named Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle and Buddy “Cloudy” Russo, while the drug runner — named Alain “Frog One” Charnier — is portrayed by Fernando Rey.
Intelligent Dialogue Delivered with Passion
Receiving praise upon release from critics and film fans alike,The French Connectionis among the finest projects the silver screen has ever seen. It’s perhaps the greatest movie by everyone involved, with Friedkin leading his three primary performers to greatness. And even then, Ernest Tidyman perhaps stole the show, crafting an intelligent script that moves at a steady and thrilling pace.Stream on Max or Prime Video
The French Connection
The French Connection is a 1971 crime thriller directed by William Friedkin. It stars Gene Hackman as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle and Roy Scheider as his partner Buddy Russo. The film follows their efforts to dismantle a major heroin smuggling operation. Known for its gritty realism and intense action sequences, The French Connection received critical acclaim and won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hackman.
11The Long Goodbye (1973)
Based on Raymond Chandler’s 1963 novel of the same name,The Long Goodbye(1973) was directed by the famous Robert Altman. Sci-fi author and versatile screenwriter Leigh Brackett adapted the story for the silver screen, with Elliot Gould playingChandler’s fictional detective, Philip Marlowe.
The Return of Philip Marlowe
From Dick Powell and Humphrey Bogart to Robert Montgomery and George Montgomery (no relation there), several talented actors portrayed Marlowe throughout the 1940s. Next to assume the mantle was James Garner inMarlowe(1969). And as well as he performed, the overall movie left a lot to be desired. A few years later,The Long Goodbyetook the critical world by storm, and Gould’s performance received widespread praise. What’s more, the movie’s still held in high regard today. Just ask the Safdies.Stream on Prime Video
