Stephen King Reveals His Top 10 Favorite Movies of All Time

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - September 13th 2025, 17:00 GMT+2

Cropped sorcerer movie — 10. Sorcerer (1977)

The jungle doesn’t just serve as a backdrop here – it’s a character in itself, threatening to crush anyone who underestimates it. Four men, each with a past full of mistakes, are forced into a dangerous job carrying unstable explosives. The suspense is relentless, and the tension rarely lets up, making every creaking bridge or muddy river crossing feel like a heart attack waiting to happen. Friedkin’s vision combines psychological stress with raw human grit, giving the film a weight that lingers long after the credits roll. Viewers might leave exhausted, but also exhilarated, having witnessed one of cinema’s purest survival thrillers. It’s a film that proves fear and excitement can coexist beautifully. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Godfather 2 — 9. The Godfather Part II (1974)

Some sequels try to replicate the magic of the original; this one rewrites the rules entirely. Interweaving Vito Corleone’s rise with Michael’s descent creates a tapestry of power, ambition, and family tension unlike anything else. Watching Michael make cold, calculated decisions is chilling, yet you can’t look away from the complex layers of loyalty and betrayal. Scenes of quiet domesticity suddenly explode into moral and criminal dilemmas, keeping the stakes personal and epic at the same time. Every performance feels lived-in, every dialogue sharp enough to cut glass. It’s an intense, unforgettable journey into what it truly costs to rule and protect a legacy. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped The Getaway 1972 — 8. The Getaway (1972)

When McQueen floors the accelerator, you can almost feel the wind in your hair. The film’s thrill comes as much from intimate moments of fear and desperation as it does from its high-octane chases. Romance, danger, and betrayal are constantly intertwined, creating a tension that never lets the audience relax. Peckinpah’s eye for both violence and subtle human interaction makes the story feel alive in every frame. By the end, it’s hard not to admire the way these characters survive against increasingly impossible odds. It’s gritty, stylish, and a little reckless – and that’s exactly why it works. | © Foster-Brower Productions

Cropped Groundhog Day 1993 — 7. Groundhog Day (1993)

There’s comedy in repetition, but *Groundhog Day* turns it into something unexpectedly profound. Every repeated day is a chance for Phil to stumble, fail, and grow, and Bill Murray captures that evolution with perfect comic timing. Romantic subplots, hilarious pratfalls, and existential musings blend seamlessly, making the film feel clever without being preachy. The more Phil tries – and fails – the funnier it gets, but you also start rooting for him in a way that goes beyond laughs. It’s a comedy that quietly asks the question: “What would you do if you had forever to get it right?” The answer is just as entertaining as the journey. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Casablanca 1942 — 6. Casablanca (1942)

Nothing feels more cinematic than stepping into Rick’s Café for the first time. The dialogue, the music, the glances exchanged across the room – all of it creates a world that feels alive and intimate. Bogart and Bergman aren’t just acting; they inhabit every regret, longing, and moral choice of their characters. The stakes are both global and personal, making love and sacrifice feel inseparable from the context of war. Even today, it’s impossible not to be drawn into the tension between duty and desire. Watching *Casablanca* is like visiting a perfectly preserved slice of history, where romance and courage dance side by side. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Treasure of Sierra Madre — 5. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

In the unforgiving mountains of Mexico, three men embark on a quest for gold, only to discover that the real treasure lies in their own unraveling psyches. Humphrey Bogart's portrayal of Fred C. Dobbs is a masterclass in descent, capturing the corrosive effects of greed with haunting precision. John Huston's direction immerses viewers in a world where every glint of gold seems to promise salvation, yet only delivers madness. The film's stark portrayal of human nature and the perils of obsession resonates as strongly today as it did upon its release. It's a cinematic journey that reminds us: be careful what you wish for, especially when it involves gold. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Jaws — 4. Jaws (1975)

A quiet beach town becomes the hunting ground for a massive great white shark, turning summer vacation into a fight for survival. Steven Spielberg's direction keeps the audience on edge, using suspense and the unseen to build terror. The iconic score by John Williams amplifies every moment of dread, making the ocean feel like a vast, lurking predator. Despite its initial production challenges, *Jaws* became a landmark in filmmaking, setting the standard for summer blockbusters. It's a film that reminds us: sometimes, the most terrifying things are the ones we can't see. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Mean Streets 1973 — 3. Mean Streets (1973)

In the gritty streets of New York, small-time criminals navigate a world of loyalty, betrayal, and survival. Martin Scorsese's debut feature captures the raw energy of urban life, blending realism with a pulsating soundtrack. The film's portrayal of friendship and moral conflict offers a window into the complexities of life on the edge. With standout performances from Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro, *Mean Streets* set the stage for Scorsese's illustrious career. It's a film that doesn't shy away from the messiness of life, presenting characters that are as flawed as they are compelling. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Close Encounters of the Third Kind 1977 — 2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

When ordinary people experience extraordinary phenomena, their lives are forever changed. Steven Spielberg's *Close Encounters of the Third Kind* explores the human fascination with the unknown, blending wonder with suspense. The film's groundbreaking special effects and evocative storytelling create an atmosphere of awe and curiosity. As characters seek answers to inexplicable events, the audience is drawn into a journey that questions the boundaries of reality. It's a cinematic experience that invites viewers to look up and wonder: are we truly alone? | © Columbia Pictures

Double Indemnity 1944 — 1. Double Indemnity (1944)

A slick insurance salesman and a femme fatale hatch a plan to murder her husband for the insurance money, but things spiral out of control. Billy Wilder's direction crafts a taut narrative filled with sharp dialogue and moral ambiguity. Barbara Stanwyck's portrayal of Phyllis Dietrichson is both alluring and dangerous, embodying the quintessential femme fatale. The film's noir aesthetic, with its chiaroscuro lighting and cynical tone, set the standard for the genre. It's a tale of greed, deception, and the inevitable consequences of betrayal. | © Paramount Pictures

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Stephen King, the master of horror and suspense, isn’t just a legendary author – he’s also a lifelong cinephile. Recently, he shared his personal list of the top 10 movies that have left a lasting impression on him. Interestingly, King chose to exclude any adaptations of his own work, focusing instead on films that influenced his imagination, storytelling, and love of cinema. From spine-chilling thrillers to heartwarming classics, this curated selection offers a glimpse into the movies that shaped one of the most iconic voices in modern literature. Whether you’re a fan of horror or just love great filmmaking, these picks reveal King’s unique perspective on what makes a film truly unforgettable.