5. City Lights

City Lights is quite simply a beautiful and heartwarming film. There is some absolutely lovely imagery within the film and the scene where Chaplin, once again as the Tramp, helps and befriends and blind flower seller reveals genuine kindness that can’t help but fill my heart.

4. The Tree of Life

The segment of The Tree of Life that shows the creation of life and the universe is extraordinarily beautiful. It is part of what makes watching the film very therapeutic as well as contemplative. This also ties in with another part of The Tree of Life which involves Brad Pitt’s character. His performance I think is one of his most credible in which he portrays a father that not only is authoritarian but humane and this complex mix of traits he struggles with is enrapturing and draws our sympathy. With Criterion releasing a version of the film with nearly a further hour of footage added in August I am excited to see what more is included.

3. M

When synchronised sound became possible in film some filmmakers were reluctant to attempt using it or even shunned the prospect. Fritz Lang, however, not only embraced the use of it but utilized it to his advantage strengthening his already impressive auteur style. Whenever the mysterious murderer is apparent in M his presence is made all the more haunting in the way he whistles ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King‘. At certain moments only, this sound effect is enough to summon fear within the audience. Lang’s excellent visual style is revered that M itself is practically credited as the birth of film noir. M is the reason why I love black and white films. Lang creates stark shadows using harsh lighting to great effect and captures just about every advantage of shooting in black-and-white.

2. Fantastic Mr. Fox

I love so many components of Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. People generally associate autumn with brown and orange leaves falling from trees but Wes Anderson makes every audio and visual aspect of the film feel autumnal and fit in with the beautiful color palette. It adds such character and charm to film. Its soundtrack is still used in British McDonald’s adverts nearly a decade after its initial release. I also admire the cinematography and how well Anderson’s signature tracking shot fits within the film. Fantastic Mr. Fox might not be included on many classic cinema lists but Wes Anderson has demonstrated that there is still a place for stop-motion animation.

1. The Silence of The Lambs

The Criterion release of this classic thriller is the reason why it tops my list. I don’t often subscribe to people attempting to enhance a film that is excellent already; however, this new 4K restoration of The Silence of the Lambs that has been approved by cinematographer Tak Fujimoto does strengthen the quality of this Best Picture winner. The chilling moments when Anthony Hopkins looks down the camera lens as Hannibal Lecter as if he is analysing the audience is given increased intensity because of clarity added by digital. Even if you own a copy of The Silence of the Lambs,  the Criterion restoration is a must-have for any cinephile.