Top Movies That Got a 100% Score on Rotten Tomatoes

Achieving a perfect score on review aggregator sites is a rare feat in the film industry. These movies have managed to win over every critic with their superior storytelling and direction. The list encompasses various genres from groundbreaking animation to gritty dramas and classic musicals. Viewers often look to these acclaimed titles when seeking guaranteed quality entertainment.

‘Leave No Trace’ (2018)

A father and daughter live an isolated existence in a forest park near Portland until a small mistake derails their lives. They are put into social services and struggle to adapt to their new surroundings while longing for the wild. This drama explores themes of trauma and survival without relying on heavy melodrama. Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie deliver powerful performances that anchor the emotional narrative.

‘Toy Story’ (1995)

A cowboy doll feels threatened when a new spaceman figure replaces him as the favorite toy in the bedroom. Woody and Buzz Lightyear must overcome their rivalry to survive a dangerous adventure in the outside world. This groundbreaking film was the first feature-length computer-animated movie released. It established Pixar as a dominant force in animation with its witty script and heartwarming story.

‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)

A village of farmers recruits seven masterless samurai to protect them from bandits who steal their harvest. The warriors train the villagers and prepare strategic defenses for the inevitable attack. Akira Kurosawa directs this epic that blends intense action sequences with deep philosophical questions about duty. Its influence on the action genre is immeasurable and can be seen in countless modern blockbusters.

’12 Angry Men’ (1957)

A jury retires to decide the fate of a teenager accused of murdering his father. One juror stands alone in his skepticism and slowly persuades the others to reexamine the evidence. The film takes place almost entirely within a single room to heighten the tension. It remains a masterclass in dialogue and character development that examines the American justice system.

‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (1952)

Hollywood transitions from silent films to talkies causing chaos for a popular screen couple. Don Lockwood and his friend Cosmo Brown try to save a failing production by turning it into a musical. The film features iconic dance numbers that celebrate the history of entertainment. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicals ever made due to its energy and charm.

‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)

Two siblings struggle to survive in Japan during the final months of the Second World War. Seita tries to care for his younger sister Setsuko after their mother is killed in an air raid. The film depicts the devastating impact of war on innocent civilians with unflinching honesty. It is often cited as one of the most heartbreaking and beautiful animated films in history.

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

A cyborg assassin is sent back in time to kill a waitress whose unborn son will lead humanity in a future war. A human soldier also travels back to protect her from the relentless machine. James Cameron directs this sci-fi thriller that launched a massive franchise. The film is praised for its tight pacing and the iconic performance by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

‘Toy Story 2’ (1999)

Woody is stolen by a toy collector who intends to sell him to a museum in Japan. Buzz Lightyear and the other toys launch a daring rescue mission to bring their friend home. This sequel expands on the themes of the original while introducing beloved new characters like Jessie. Critics praised the film for managing to equal or even surpass the quality of its predecessor.

‘Man on Wire’ (2008)

Philippe Petit executes a daring illegal high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the New York World Trade Center in 1974. This documentary structures the real event like a heist film as the team meticulously plans the coup. Archival footage and dramatic reenactments illustrate the immense technical challenges they faced to bypass security. The film captures the artistic beauty of the act alongside the sheer danger involved in the performance.

‘Before Sunrise’ (1995)

A young American man and a French woman meet on a train and decide to disembark together in Vienna. They spend the night walking the city streets while engaging in deep conversations about life and love. The film relies entirely on the chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy to drive the narrative forward. Richard Linklater captures the fleeting nature of connection in this romantic drama.

‘M’ (1931)

A child murderer terrorizes a German city and causes the police to crack down on all criminal activity. The local crime syndicate decides to hunt the killer themselves to stop the intense police scrutiny. Peter Lorre delivers a chilling performance as the disturbed man driven by uncontrollable urges. Fritz Lang utilizes sound and shadow to create a tense atmosphere in this influential thriller.

‘The Philadelphia Story’ (1940)

A wealthy socialite prepares for her second marriage while dealing with the unexpected arrival of her ex-husband. A tabloid reporter covers the wedding and finds himself falling for the bride. The narrative features rapid dialogue and witty banter characteristic of the screwball comedy genre. Katharine Hepburn revitalized her career with this sophisticated look at class and romance.

‘Pinocchio’ (1940)

A wooden puppet brought to life by a blue fairy strives to prove himself brave and truthful to become a real boy. Jiminy Cricket acts as his conscience to guide him through various moral temptations. The journey takes them from a puppet theater to the terrifying Pleasure Island. This Disney classic features stunning hand-drawn animation and timeless songs that define the studio.

‘The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’ (2013)

A bamboo cutter discovers a tiny girl inside a glowing stalk and raises her as his own daughter. She grows rapidly and faces the pressures of nobility as suitors arrive to claim her hand. The film utilizes a distinct visual style that resembles animated watercolor paintings come to life. Isao Takahata directs this adaptation of a classic Japanese folktale with emotional depth.

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