10 Most Artistic and Visionary Films of All Time

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Movies are  a unique medium that has the ability to move us and make us feel in ways that no other medium can. It can capture our imaginations, it can make us laugh, it can make us cry, and sometimes all at once.

If you’re interested to know what these films are, be sure to keep on reading down below!

Lost In Translation by Sofia Coppola

Lost In Translation is a film directed by Sofia Coppola which stars Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. It is a movie that explores themes like loneliness, depression, grief and heartbreak through its focus on lonely travelers who are looking for something more out of life but don’t know how to find it. If you are the type to have lists for the top movies that someone should be watching, this is definitely one of the movies.

The movie is remarkable for everyone that has seen it because of its use for color. Because of how the colors were used, it creates an overall sense of loneliness and isolation for the characters. Along with that, because the main theme of the movie is isolation from others, it can be seen as both positive and negative depending on how one interprets it within their own life experience.

Interstellar by Christopher Nolan

Interstellar is a Sci-Fi film directed by Christopher Nolan. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine, it follows a group of astronauts who travel through space in search of a new home for humanity.

The movie features some incredible effects, and it also has some amazing music from Hans Zimmer. 

Nolan’s vision of space exploration is one of sheer brilliance—it’s one thing to see astronauts floating in zero gravity or landing on planets; it’s another thing entirely when you’re watching them navigate their way through wormholes in order to save humanity.

Midsommar by Ari Aster

Midsommar is a 2019 horror film directed by Ari Aster, who also directed Hereditary. The film follows a woman who travels with her boyfriend and his friends to Sweden to attend their friend’s annual midsummer party. The movie received mixed reviews from critics, but has been praised for its direction and cinematography.

It is a film that explores the boundaries between religious beliefs, cultural identity, and family ties. Midsommar also explores the idea of what it means to be part of a community, especially one that holds a lot of history and tradition behind it. 

Dunkirk by Christopher Nolan

Dunkirk, a film from acclaimed director Christopher Nolan, tells the story of evacuation and survival. Nolan’s film has been praised for its use of minimal dialogue and stunning visuals to convey tension, anxiety, and fear. Critics have also noted that despite its intensity, it avoids glorifying violence or depicting war as something glorious—instead portraying it as a horrifying event that should never happen again.

The result is a movie that feels like it was shot from above—as if we are watching from a distance as these men try to get home. But despite its lack of focus on any one character or story thread, Dunkirk isn’t just about action scenes—it’s also about emotion. The soundtrack does wonders at evoking emotion throughout the film, from swelling with excitement down to easing everything in after the climax of the movie.

Us by Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele’s Us is a horror film that follows a family on vacation. The family’s trip takes a dark turn when they encounter people who look exactly like them, but who are violent and predatory. The movie has been praised for its ability to make the audience question their own perceptions of reality, and even think about social themes too.

The film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some say it is a fresh take on the genre; others think it was too over the top and confusing. 

But one thing that most people agree on is that the acting was impressive—especially Lupita Nyong’o as Red—and that there were some great twists throughout the movie.

Dune by Denis Villeneuve

In Denis Villeneuve’ newest film, Dune, he introduces an entire new world while keeping true to the book’s original themes. The movie is visually stunning and has a great cast. The story is complex but easy to follow if you pay attention.

Dune is full of stunning visuals and special effects—it feels like nothing you’ve seen before. The costumes are all unique, and there are plenty of strange creatures throughout the movie as well. Villeneuve has created something truly magical here: it feels like stepping into another world that isn’t quite real, but still feels familiar enough to make sense when watching it unfold on screen!

The Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola

The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppol, is one of the most well-known and influential films of all time. It is a tale of family, betrayal, and revenge set in an Italian-American crime syndicate in New York City during the 1940s and 1950s.

It is a movie that has captivated audiences for decades. This film has become a classic in the cinema world, spawning many sequels and spin-offs, including “The Godfather: Part II”. It’s an epic tale of the Corleone family and the story of their rise to power in the city that never sleeps! If you want a break from romance and murder mystery movies, The Godfather will definitely do a good job.

Little Women by Greta Gerwig 

Greta Gerwig’s Little Women is a film adaptation of the novel written by Louisa May Alcott. It showcases the lives of four sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth March—and their mother, Marmee. The girls’ father is away fighting in the Civil War, and they struggle with poverty while trying to maintain a family and a home.

It is a beautifully-told story of family, friendship, and the bonds that tie us together. It’s hard not to fall in love with these characters—they’re all so lovable! And though they don’t always make the right decisions, they learn from their mistakes and remain sisters throughout it all. 

If you find yourself watching this along with the movies that were stated, be sure to get your tissues ready and a VPN for Netflix or other streaming channels because these movies are so worth the watch!

Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Stephen Chbosky’s book, Perks of Being a Wallflower, is a coming-of-age story that follows the life of Charlie, an introvert who is trying to find his place in the world and make sense of his weird high school experience.

There are many aspects that make this novel unique and compelling. The movie also depicts the struggles that teens face in high school, such as bullying and sexual harassment. It shows how important it is for teens to have someone who can offer them support when they need it. Aside from the soundtrack, what makes this movie a good one is how it is just so profound too.

Ladybird by Greta Gerwig

Lady Bird by Greta Gerwig is an honest portrayal of what it’s like to be a teenager today: it’s funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The movie captures the awkwardness of adolescence—the confusing emotions, the desire to fit in with your peers—while also showing the importance of family and friends in shaping who you are as an adult.

We see her learn lessons along the way—about love, life, and relationships—but not always in ways that are expected or easy. But that makes it all the more rewarding when you see her triumph over something difficult or painful because she’s willing to do what it takes to get there.

Wrapping Things Up

The films listed in this article are just some of the very many visionary pieces that have been made through the years. These films have surely contributed to our culture, influenced the way we view things, and shaped the way we think.

They were made with the intention of changing the way we see the world. They represent a wide range of styles, genres, and topics, but they are united by their boldness and ambition.

Derek Knightly
Derek Knightly
Co-creator of the website Tonights.TV. Who lives and breathes the world of movies and television.

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