---
# System prepended metadata

title: 'The Greatest American Films Ever Made: Top 10 Classics'

---


![ChatGPT Image Jan 10, 2026, 11_54_24 AM](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HJR6ockBWl.jpg)

## The 10 Films You Should See Because They Changed Movie History

Movies made in America have been heavily influential in movies throughout the world today. For decades films coming from Hollywood have created a legacy of films not only for the characters but for their storylines emotional depth overall experience and their impact on Popular Culture around the World . Here are 10 films you should see because they shaped the film industry and continue to inspire people globally.

![199108170_9b02744ca7_b](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/BJt0P5JrZl.jpg)

The [Godfather](https://www.primevideo.com/detail/The-Godfather/0L45IM106OK0SH586P7WW9F96I) 1972 The Godfather is often referred to as one of if now not the greatest gangster film ever created. It tells the story of the Corleone families rise and fall and the many struggles with it. The Godfather has a compelling tale that was advised wonderfully via the actors Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. It established the same old for all crime drama movies.

![dd64ngw-dc413e84-65cb-494d-95e1-026a0a5c29ec](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/H1-Z_ckB-g.jpg)

Shawshank Redemption 1994 The [Shawshank](https://www.netflix.com/in/title/70005379) Redemption tells a story about friendship patience and hope within the Prison System. In a time of great difficulty and darkness the film displays how the spirit of man can prevail even when faced with overwhelming adversity. This film has a great emotional message and strong performances that has earned it a place in the hearts of viewers from ALL around the World.

![images](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rkLm_c1rWg.jpg)

[Citizen](https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/citizen-kane/umc.cmc.42bh02qjj9pwomt79n7ci0g6e) Kane 1941 marked a great point in cinematic history it chronicled the existence of a powerful newspaper proprietor and illustrated his goals loneliness and the outcomes of his a success lifestyles. It might be said that the film nevertheless has significance these days because of its revolutionary camera techniques and fashion of storytelling.

![images](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HJUHd51rbl.png)

[Pulp](https:https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Pulp-Fiction/0FFNJWOXZ5IQNUVX7GIUBFTBLJ) Fiction 1994. written and directed by Quentin Tarantino infused a new aesthetic, boldness and stylization into the genre of crime and gangster movie. The film was much more memorable due to its unique presentation of time witty and insightful dialogue and remarkable performers/performances. The film combined many different emotions including but not limited to violence, comedy and drama in such a way to provide a rich and original overall experience.

![deq2pte-1f7c3b1c-5d4c-4053-8c76-ef4561c6096b](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/ry_9YqyH-x.jpg)

[Schindler's](https://www.netflix.com/title/60036359) List 1993 is an incredibly emotional film based on events from World War II. Directed by Steven Spielberg the film is about a man who saves thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. The film is an incredibly powerful haunting and unforgettable experience.

![images (1)](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SyujK91Hbl.jpg)

[Casablanca](https://www.hbomax.com/movies/casablanca/83b99ff6-56a0-4696-aa68-fdd6d3f31efa) 1942 is a timeless romantic drama that depicts themes of love sacrifice and the heart wrenching nature of making choices with World War II serving as a backdrop for the film. Casablanca remains vivid in moviegoers memories thanks to the films several memorable sequences and quotes all of which have an enduring relevance over the years .

![43744583185_878edb0876_b](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/H1s3tcyHWx.jpg)

[2001: A Space Odyssey](https://www.netflix.com/in/title/207856) 1968 Stanley Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey is a landmark in science fiction film making and illustrates his explorations of humanity through technology, space and the evolution of mankind. The overall feel of the film has a visually intense striking appearance but also a philosophical quality that still affects the making of modern day science movies.

![dbvm3ee-9875e67a-9a80-4f35-a960-9b252f927718](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/Hy-CFcJHbl.png)

[It’s a Wonderful](https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/its-a-wonderful-life/umc.cmc.uxp25jw31biuga9xrrskxqrr) Life 1946 has become one of the most popular Christmas films ever created. It captures the spirit of holiday cheer and provides a uplifting message to audiences that every individual is significant and the impact one can have with their acts of kindness can be extraordinary.

![images (2)](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SJL1qc1rZl.jpg)

[One Flew](https://tv.apple.com/in/movie/one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest/umc.cmc.4hu7kevesky7vaq64ldw3ebvs) Over the Cuckoo's Nest 1975 is a story about a man who fights against the authority that has been placed upon him while he is locked up in the mental institution. The movie is praised for its outstanding and powerful performances as well as its strong message about freedom, control, and the ability to be your own person.

![images (3)](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/Hy-GccySWx.jpg)

[Forrest Gump](https://www.netflix.com/title/60000724) 1994 is a cinematic depiction of the story of a simple boy who is a part of some important times in American history . Some of the key themes in this film are kindness and perseverance and they serve as an important reminder about how to be a good person . 

Final Thoughts These films have played an important role in shaping films today and they represent emotions that all of us can relate to and incorporate into our everyday lives. They also show a spectrum of events and how people live. They have all played a role in creating and influencing the film industry today.
