At the risk of being bombarded by hate-mail, I am doing another movie list! This is a list of the ten greatest cinematographic masterpieces. While many of these cinematographers have created more than one brilliant film, I have only included one each. Be sure to name your own favorites in the comments.
10. American Beauty 1999, Conrad L. Hall Amazon
Lester and Carolyn Burnham are on the outside, a perfect husband and wife, in a perfect house, in a perfect neighborhood. But inside, Lester is slipping deeper and deeper into a hopeless depression. He finally snaps when he becomes infatuated with one of his daughters friends. Meanwhile, his daughter Jane is developing a happy friendship with a shy boy-next-door named Ricky who lives with a homophobic father.
9. Memoirs of a Geisha 2005, Dion Beebe Amazon
In 1929 an impoverished nine-year-old named Chiyo from a fishing village is sold to a geisha house in Kyoto’s Gion district and subjected to cruel treatment from the owners and the head geisha Hatsumomo. Her stunning beauty attracts the vindictive jealousy of Hatsumomo, until she is rescued by and taken under the wing of Hatsumomo’s bitter rival, Mameha. Under Mameha’s mentorship, Chiyo becomes the geisha named Sayuri, trained in all the artistic and social skills a geisha must master in order to survive in her society. As a renowned geisha she enters a society of wealth, privilege, and political intrigue. As World War II looms Japan and the geisha’s world are forever changed by the onslaught of history.
8. The Godfather 1972, Gordon Willis Amazon
Vito Corleone is the aging don (head) of the Corleone Mafia Family. His youngest son Michael has returned from WWII just in time to see the wedding of Connie Corleone (Michael’s sister) to Carlo Rizzi. All of Michael’s family is involved with the Mafia, but Michael just wants to live a normal life. Drug dealer Virgil Sollozzo is looking for Mafia Families to offer him protection in exchange for a profit of the drug money. He approaches Don Corleone about it, but, much against the advice of the Don’s lawyer Tom Hagen, the Don is morally against the use of drugs, and turns down the offer. This does not please Sollozzo, who has the Don shot down by some of his hit men. The Don barely survives, which leads his son Michael to begin a violent mob war against Sollozzo and tears the Corleone family apart.
7. Morte a Venezia 1971, Pasqualino De Santis Amazon
In this adaptation of the Thomas Mann novel, Death in Venice, avant-garde composer Gustave Aschenbach (loosely based on Gustav Mahler) travels to a Venetian seaside resort in search of repose after a period of artistic and personal stress. But he finds no peace there, for he soon develops a troubling attraction to an adolescent boy, Tadzio, on vacation with his family. The boy embodies an ideal of beauty that Aschenbach has long sought and he becomes infatuated. However, the onset of a deadly pestilence threatens them both physically and represents the corruption that compromises and threatens all ideals. The closing scene is, in my opinion, one of the greatest and most tragic caught on film.
6. Barry Lyndon 1975, John Alcott Amazon
Barry Lyndon, directed by Stanley Kubrick, recounts the exploits of an unscrupulous 18th century Irish adventurer (Barry Lyndon né Redmond Barry), particularly his rise and fall within English society. Ryan O’Neal stars as the title character. The Photographer, Alcott, used three f/0.70 lenses developed by Zeiss for NASA for use in the Apollo moon landings, which Kubrick discovered in his search for a lens that could film in low-light situations. The super-fast lens allowed him to shoot scenes lit with actual candlelight with an average lighting volume of only three candlepower. In fact, the film features the largest lens aperture in film history. Alcott won an oscar for his work on this film.
5. Ben-Hur 1959, Robert Surtees Amazon
When Prince Judah Ben-Hur hears that his childhood friend Messala has been named to command the Roman garrison of Jerusalem, he is thrilled. He soon finds however that his friend has changed and has become an arrogant conqueror, full of the grandeur of Rome. When Judah refuses to divulge the names of Jews who oppose Roman rule, Messala decides to make an example of him and sends him off as a galley slave. Through fate and good fortune, Judah survives the galleys and manages to return to Jerusalem in the hopes of finding his mother and sister, who were also imprisoned, and to seek revenge against his one-time friend.
4. Apocalypse Now 1979, Vittorio Storaro Amazon
Vietnam, 1969. Burnt out Special Forces officer Captain Willard is sent into the jungle with top-secret orders to find and kill renegade Colonel Kurtz who has set up his own army within the jungle. As Willard descends into the jungle, he is slowly over taken by the jungle’s mesmerizing powers and battles the insanity which surrounds him. His boat crew succumbs to drugs and is slowly killed off one by one. As Willard continues his journey he becomes more and more like the man he was sent to kill.
3. Wo Hu Cang Long 2000, Peter Pau Amazon
This film is also known as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Li is a great warrior, famous throughout QING China for his adventurus life. He decides to give his powerful, ancient sword as a gift to an old friend of his, but soon the sword is stolen by a mysterious master of the martial arts. Now, it’s up to Li to uncover the thief and return the sword to its rightful owner.
2. Schindler’s List 1993, Janusz Kaminski Amazon
“Schindler’s List” is the based-on-truth story of Nazi Czech business man Oskar Schindler, who uses Jewish labor to start a factory in occupied Poland. As World War II progresses, and the fate of the Jews becomes more and more clear, Schindler’s motivations switch from profit to human sympathy and he is able to save over 1100 Jews from death in the gas chambers.
1. Shichinin No Samurai 1954, Asakazu Nakai Amazon
A veteran samurai, who has fallen on hard times, answers a village’s request for protection from bandits. He gathers 6 other samurai to help him, and they teach the townspeople how to defend themselves, and they supply the samurai with three small meals a day. The film culminates in a giant battle when 40 bandits attack the village.
Notable Omissions: The Passion of Joan of Arc, 2001: A Space Odyssey
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what about
motorcycle diaries
amelie
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brokeback mountain
cidade de deus
in the mood for love
There are many extraordinary films that should be in this top ten list of yours but two stand out above the rest. No. 1 is “Citizen Kane”, Orson Welles and DP Gregg Toland together created, without a doubt, one of the worlds true masterpieces, and No. 2 is “RAN” one of Akira Kurosawa greatest films. He worked with three DP’s but you wouldn’t know it. Their collaboration together was seamless and beautiful.
Apocalypse Now #1
Personally, I loved the cinematography for “El Laborinto del Fauno” (Pan’s Labrynth)
Yes Pan’s Labyrinth is a very good choice.
But a new movie which has some pretty awesome cinematography is THE FALL. See it on a big screen if you still can.
I think that Alex Thomson’s work on Eureka and Year of the Dragon is some of the best cinematography that I have seen on the big screen.
Another film whose cinematography has been criminally underrated is The Man Who Fell to Earth by Anthony Richmond.
Days of Heaven?
As a young film maker I have to say that I’m confused as to how Citizen Kane didn’t make this list. If we are strictly taking cinematography, that movie is #1! That amazing deep focus shot I’m sure anyone who studies film knows about…and have you seen it on an HD television? The 35mm film stock they used for that project is better than HD and looks razor sharp and as high quality as films produced today. The use of lighting, Lens, and camera movements were well beyond the time this film was actually produced
man, shawshank redemption and forrest gump were awesome! alongside with casablanca, the silence of the lambs or the return of the king…
I think it’s funny that they threw so much talent and money at “Memoirs of a Geisha” and the movie still stunk. I mean, it wasn’t the worst film even, but they Americanized it horribly.
They had Ziyi Zhang and Ken Watanabe as well as other big Asian actors. Steven Spielberg and John Williams composed with Itzhak Pearlman and Yo Yo Ma on solo pieces. The cinematography was wonderful, but the movie was still- meh.
the city of lost children, casshern, hero, pan’s labyrinth, great expectations (the new one), the pianist
Disappointed at the lack of The Wizard of Oz (when the movie surprisingly changes from black-and-white Kansas to the bright colors of Oz… that has to be one of the most amazing cinema moments of all time), but you put my all-time favorite movie as number one, so I forgive you.
No John Ford?? Take your pick of any of his films.
Cinema Paradiso, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore is a great work of cinematography as well is Amelie, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Both I would recommend to someone who admires film and cinematography. Amelie is a bit weird (heads up), but still well shot and interesting!
Bruno Delbonnel for Amelie, Across the Universe, Infamous, Paris, Jetaime ( He is also doing Half-Blood Prince)
Blasco Giurato for Cinema Paradiso
Lajos Koltai for Malena and Legend of 1900
Christopher Doyle for Wong Kar Wai films especially In The Mood For Love and Happy Together, and of course Hero
I agree with Andy. Make sure to watch the Fall if you ever get a chance to. We watched it in my photography class and everyone loved it.
I generally like your lists, but I think you definitely needed to put the Korean masterpiece Hero up here…One of the most stunning films I’ve ever seen.
Glory, the 1989 Civil War movie with Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington, was stunningly beautiful on the big screen. (It won’t come across as such on the small screen, you had to see in a good theatre). Not in an artsy way, but the technical aspect of the cinematography was amazing. I couldn’t believe that none of the reviews I read about it even mentioned the cinematography. It did win the Oscar for cinematography, though, so I guess a few other people noticed.
No “The Natural”?!? Oh, please!
No “Duellists”? Every frame suitable for…well…framing. And far superior to most of the movies mentioned here.
No “Lawrence Of Arabia”?
No “Alien” (yes, I know that’s two Ridley Scott movies here, but let’s face it…Ridley’s probably the greatest cinematographer/director there’s been, and that even includes Kubrick. Perfectly symmetrical composition does not a movie make.)
Very pleased to see “Across The Universe” mentioned. Astonishingly put together movie. Highly underrated.
“Wings Of The Dove” (amazing widescreen compositions)
“The Empire Strikes Back”.
Some of the choices here (“Casshern”; “Brokeback Mountain”; “American Beauty”) I would rate — at best — as “average”. When someone makes an argument for “Motorcycle Diaries”…well, honestly. I’d put “Zulu” or “The Man Who Would Be King” up against that, any day of the week.
I *****ing love seven samurai now
Good choices! Cinematography is always a hard one to figure out because there are so many good references. Along with many of your list, I’d probably include
-Lord of the Rings
-Pan’s Labyrinth
-What Dreams May Come
-Brokeback Mountain
-Amistad
-RENT. Not highest on my list but of those stage-to-film adaptaions, I think it’s the best translation.
I love you movie lists, don’t stop!!!
Only one person mentioned Tarkovsky…sad…
What about Terence Malick’s Thin Red Line or 300 . . . I loved the Red Violin, and I agree with you dm – Delbonnel’s Amelie . . . that was delicious eye candy. I agree with the LOTR trilogy being listed those films were magical viewing experiences. Great community input here – loved reading everyone’s two cents!!
Overall… I can say I like this list
But I don’t know why you americans love American Beauty so much. What is so special about this film? I had fun watching it, the acting was good, the situations were interesting, but overall it wasn’t THAT good to place the movie in a top 10 cinematographic Masterpieces. I think there are a lot of other american movies to add to this list. American Beauty was sort of “trashy” (if the word exists)or pervert, the father of the girl having a love affair with the girl’s friend was way too much. And I don’t see where the “Beauty” is in the entire movie (well I can understand guys liking the blonde girl)
Thank God I don’t see Woody Allen in any of the movies listed!
the godfather and schindlers list: gorgeous
did anyone notice that in crouching tiger hidden dragon that you could clearly see the strings attached to the actors and props, and for some reason the people seemed to fly?
I loved Memoirs of a Geisha! I know its recent, but I thought that Public Enemies was amazing. The camera work gave it a real first person perspective, at least for me!
City of God? Trainspotting? Citizen Kane?
I’ll add Dr. Zhivago and Jaws and second the LOTR trilogy…
I know i’ll get a lot of flack for this but I consider Children of Men as having some of the best cinemotography in all of movie history. The scene with the baby being caried down the stairs is one of the most amazing pieces of cinemotography ever.
12 Angry Men I’d also consider one of the best simply the way the cinemotography is able to capture the intensity of the situation in two very bland rooms
I very much agree with Schindler’s List being on here. That was a brilliant movie. I also think that What Dreams May Come belongs on here. That movie has my all time favorite cinematography.
Nice list
Although “best” cinematography is a variable term depending on the taste 
If it was me id have replaced one of the movies with “The fountain”.. because by my belief effects also depend on the cinematography.. and the effects in the fountain incorperate very minimalistic CG and more of maro photography..
If u havnt watched it might i suggest watchin it and reading about the effects and how they were made..
Where is Rashomon, 8 1/2, Persona, PickPoket?!?!??!
This list is BAD… Best cinematography? What about Tarkovsky, Felllini and for example 2001?
Cough…Gone With the Wind…cough…should be number one.
I’ve read so many great movie lists on this site, and yet Leni Reifenstahl never gets any credit for her groundbreaking work in cinematography. If you can set aside that the work she did was for the Nazis, it’s some amazingly beautiful work. She did invent a few tricks like the tracking shot (camera on “train tracks”) and so on that no one had ever used before.
You should include Lost in Translation..every shot perfect and beautiful
I hate to be the one with “what about…” but I sincerely think that Casablanca and The Shawshank Redemption are missing from this list.
MARY AND MAX!
hell yeah!! that is one of the greatest movies of all time!!! I cry every time!
I feel compelled to disagree with “American Beauty” believing “Road to Perdition” to be his best work yet and I also kinda disagree with “Memoirs of a Geisha.” I mean what about “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”, “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover”, Gus Van Sant’s “Death Trilogy”, or the films of Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Guillermo Del Toro, Terry Gilliam, Wes Anderson, Alejandro Jordorowsky, Paul Thomas Anderson, Hitchcock… ?
oh and Tarsem
i'm surprise that no tarkovsky and kieslowski in this list.. bad list.. just plain BAD!
sweet list and the people who are *****ing about why their favorite movies aren't on there need to shut up and understand this is an opinion driven list
but one thing is wrong and its Schindler’s List
it is somewhat true, he did use jewish people as employees but he did not save any of them from being taken away
You know, Apocalypse now is also featured on the "top ten most overrated movies" list.
C'mon show some consistancy
Fellini’s “Satyricon”. I saw that flick and it turned me into a vegetarian…for only about a month, though.
I like Ben Hur. I try to view it when it comes on, which is usually every Easter. I also have a preference for “The Robe” and “Demetrius and the Gladiators”. Jay Robinson played a very convincing Caligula in those two.
In addition to the fine choices already submitted I add- Terrence Malicks "Days of heaven" , "Indochine", "Picnic at hanging rock" "the piano", "A room with a view" "Goodfellas" "Giant" Everything by Kubrick is a masterpiece! Ang Lee´s films in my opinion have the best current cinematography each one is gorgeous "sense and sensibility" "brokeback mountain" even "the hulk" was a feast for the eyes .Also the guy who did "Boogie nights" and "magnolia" something Anderson is brilliant,
Memoirs of a Geisha is a great movie
Happy to see it on the list!
And the Oscar goes to “Inception”
Movie is worth to watch. You will find all the drama, acting, cinematography at one place.
Story is something related to all of us…About dreams inside dreams…
In another list, Apocalypse Now is stated as being one of the most underrated movies
Some good choices, but ten is too restrictive a number. I can think of many that would deserve equal recognition for cinematographic qualities; In no particular order – Blade Runner, 2001, Time Bandits, 12 Monkeys, Brazil, Flesh+Blood, Heavenly creatures, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly….
cheers!
Ladies and gentleman: the most pretentious top 10 movies list ever!
Oh dear, where were you you when God distributed brain cells? The only remotely tolerable films on your list are #1 and #3. Oh wait a second… I'll take some of my comment back… because at least you didn't mention many Hollywood or American films. BUT: where's Ingmar Bergman? Fritz Lang? Alfred Hitchcock? F.W.Murnau? Guillermo del Toro? Takeshi Miike?
"American Beauty"??? You have GOT to be kidding! That POS reeks of 1971 American TV Movie of the week fare- and actually not enough material for a one hour series episode. It and "Memoirs of a Geshia" are so gawd awful (Geisha's director needs to quit- that film and his "Chicago" are the most over rated, over hyped crap!) But- you redeem your list by including "Barry Lyndon" the most unknown and 2nd most magnificent Kubrick opus.
THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD
Seriously. Just look at the trailer and tell me it doesn't deserve a mention.
You are a terribly misinformed and bigoted person.
House of flying daggers has the best cinematography ever, watch the clip with the bean and the drums or the field after the battle it’s perfect
Did NOBODY see ‘Secretary’?!? The shot on the bridge, his whole office, her in the pool, the milk bath, not to mention the bathing scene and subsequent ***** scene. I know it was supposed to be a campy black comedy, but no one can deny that it was a beautiful film.
And what about ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.’ not my favorite movie by any means, but beautiful nevertheless.
I feel like you should have included “La Vita e Bella” or “Life is Beautiful.” Its an italian movie about a jewish family in the midst of World War 2. It’s probably one of my favorite movies. =)