American filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie have made tremendous waves, both critically and commercially, since debuting with Daddy Longlegs (2009). They write the scripts for every film they direct, with Good Time (2017) and Uncut Gems (2019) representing their most popular titles. The latter put them on the map of international acclaim — nowadays, Josh and Benny are considered two of Hollywood's most talented filmmakers.
Since they've entered the limelight, both brothers have shared numerous movies with the press that inspired them throughout their idiosyncratic careers. You'll likely recognize most films featured on this list, as they're some of the greatest ever made. A few movies along the way may appear unfamiliar, though. All that said, these are 20 great movies recommended by Josh and Benny Safdie.
20 City Lights (1931)
A silent film, City Lights (1931) was written and directed by Charlie Chaplin. He also stars as his iconic persona, the Tramp, who develops relationships with two enigmatic characters: a blind girl, portrayed by Virginia Cherrill, and an alcoholic millionaire, played by Harry Myers. They each perform brilliantly in an all-time Chaplin great.
Chaplin's Most Passionate Project
Like the Safdie Brothers' movies, Chaplin's filmography represents that of an auteur. He wrote the script for every film he directed, and often sat in the editing room to complete the final product. He did all of that and more with City Lights, which marked the first time he composed his own score. That's some monumental effort — no wonder the Safdie Brothers approved. Stream on Max, Tubi, or Prime Video
19 Remorques (1941)
Genres lines are fine here in Remorques (1941), also called Stormy Waters, which was directed by Jean Grémillon. Its script was adapted by André Cayatte from Roger Vercel's novel, revolving around a tugboat captain named André Laurent, who cares for his wife Yvonne when he's not scouring the seas.
A Tale of Tragic Twists
Upon receiving a distress call and saving a stranded couple, André's feelings for the woman he found muddy the waters of his marriage. Tragedy then strikes him in various ways, with lead actor Jean Gabin showcasing a keen understanding of the human condition. His emotional efforts resonated with Josh and Benny Safdie, just as they likely will with you upon watching Stormy Waters. Not Currently Available to Stream or Rent
18 It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
An essential Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful Life (1946) is also considered among the best films ever made. Directed by Frank Capra, from a script he co-wrote with married couple Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, it's adapted from The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern. In turn, The Greatest Gift was based on A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens in 1843.
A Christmas Classic
No matter the medium, A Christmas Carol has been retold in various fashions throughout the years. Regarding films, It's a Wonderful Life is perhaps the most acclaimed retelling of the story. And with good reason. It's a well-crafted tale with touching themes of depression and purpose, and for households around the world, it remains a staple movie come Christmastime. Stream on Prime Video
17 Bicycle Thieves (1948)
Directed by Vittorio De Sica from a script he co-wrote alongside six other creatives, Bicycle Thieves (1948) stars Lamberto Maggiorani as Antonio Ricci, a father of two. He works hard to provide for them and his wife, but one day, he loses his bicycle. His job requires one, and he thus spends the plot searching for his stolen property.
The Paragon of Italian Neorealism
Set in a post-World War II Rome, this essential piece of Italian neorealism explores themes of isolation and social status. Antonio is the average taxpayer, looking for a job just for his family's well-being — his grit throughout Bicycle Thieves resonated with audiences around the world. This is constantly cited by critics as one of the greatest films ever made, and by all accounts, the Safdie Brothers agree. Stream on Max or Prime Video
16 Night and the City (1950)
A film noir, Night and the City (1950) revolves around a con artist down on his luck, searching for a new, surefire ploy. Named Harry Fabian, he decides to take part in London's underground wrestling circuit. But when the athlete he chose to promote passes away, Harry finds himself hunted by the most dangerous gangsters that London can muster.
An Essential Piece of Noir
A couple of movies by Josh and Benny Safdie feature elements of film noir that could have easily been inspired by Night and the City. Take Good Time and Uncut Gems, for example. With his essential piece of film noir, director Jules Dassin crafted a thrilling masterpiece that touched audiences around the world — without a doubt, Night and the City is an admirable inclusion on Josh and Benny's list. Not Currently Available to Stream or Rent
15 A Man Escaped (1956)
A French prison film, A Man Escaped (1956) was directed by Robert Bresson from his own adapted script. During World War II, a French Resistance fighter named André Devigny was locked up in the prison, Montluc, in Lyon, France that was run by the Gestapo while Germany was occupying the country. And although his name was changed to Fontaine in the film, Devigny penned the memoir on which the project's based.
Benny Safdie's Favorite Movie
Upon release, A Man Escaped received widespread praise. Even today, it's held in the highest regard. It holds a perfect 100% approval rating on critical consensus website Rotten Tomatoes, with numerous filmmakers throughout the years citing it as influential. That includes Benny Safdie, who actually calls it his all-time favorite film. Rent on Prime Video or Apple TV
14 Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)
A classic sports film, Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962) follows Luis "Mountain" Rivera, an aging boxer in the heavyweight division. He's played by Anthony Quinn, while Jackie Gleason portrays his manager and Mickey Rooney shows up as his cutman, named Maish Rennick and Army, respectively. They all performed wonderfully under Ralph Nelson's direction.
An Empathetic Character
After losing a match in brutal fashion, Mountain is forced by the commission's doctors to retire. He struggles to find a new job, but meets a woman named Grace (played by Julie Harries). From there, the empathetic protagonist undergoes palpable development alongside a unique roster of characters, and thus, Requiem for a Heavyweight was deemed a certified hit. Rent on YouTube or AppleTV
13 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick with Arthur C. Clarke as his co-writer, 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) is among the most famous movies ever made, regardless of genre. Many film fans consider it the peak of the science-fiction category, with meticulous camera shots and revolutionary special effects rendering it a feast for the eyes until the final frame.
The Influential Work of Stanley Kubrick
Often considered as one of the greatest movies ever made, A Space Odyssey turned a talented director into an all-time great. Kubrick had made notable waves with The Killing (1956), Paths of Glory (1957), Lolita (1962), and Dr. Strangelove (1964). But A Space Odyssey marked a turning point in Kubrick's career, reaching epic heights that still hold relevance in the film landscape today. Stream on Max or Prime Video.
2001: A Space Odyssey
- Release Date
- April 2, 1968
- Cast
- Keir Dullea , Gary Lockwood , William Sylvester , Daniel Richter , Leonard Rossiter , Margaret Tyzack
- Runtime
- 141
12 The French Connection (1971)
One of many neo-noir films favored by the Safdie Brothers is The French Connection (1971), directed by William Friedkin. Its script was penned by Ernest Tidyman, revolving around two NYPD detectives who track down a French heroin smuggler. Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider play the detectives, named Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle and Buddy "Cloudy" Russo, while the drug runner — named Alain "Frog One" Charnier — is portrayed by Fernando Rey.
Intelligent Dialogue Delivered with Passion
Receiving praise upon release from critics and film fans alike, The French Connection is among the finest projects the silver screen has ever seen. It's perhaps the greatest movie by everyone involved, with Friedkin leading his three primary performers to greatness. And even then, Ernest Tidyman perhaps stole the show, crafting an intelligent script that moves at a steady and thrilling pace. Stream on Max or Prime Video
11 The Long Goodbye (1973)
Based on Raymond Chandler's 1963 novel of the same name, The Long Goodbye (1973) was directed by the famous Robert Altman. Sci-fi author and versatile screenwriter Leigh Brackett adapted the story for the silver screen, with Elliot Gould playing Chandler's fictional detective, Philip Marlowe.
The Return of Philip Marlowe
From Dick Powell and Humphrey Bogart to Robert Montgomery and George Montgomery (no relation there), several talented actors portrayed Marlowe throughout the 1940s. Next to assume the mantle was James Garner in Marlowe (1969). And as well as he performed, the overall movie left a lot to be desired. A few years later, The Long Goodbye took the critical world by storm, and Gould's performance received widespread praise. What's more, the movie's still held in high regard today. Just ask the Safdies. Stream on Prime Video
10 Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Directed by Sidney Lumet from Frank Pierson's script, Dog Day Afternoon (1975) stars Al Pacino and John Cazale as bank robbers. Their names are Sonny Wortzik and Sal Naturile, respectively, with both characters acting as canvases for two of Hollywood's most talented thespians to paint a pair of masterpieces.
Unforgettable Performances
Although he only appeared in five films throughout his career, American actor John Cazale proved to be a generational talent. Meanwhile, the value of the name Al Pacino speaks volumes by itself — everyone should be aware of his talent. Both lead actors provide unforgettable performances as their characters elicit empathy and undergo meaningful development throughout a thrilling bank heist. Rent on Prime Video
9 Taxi Driver (1976)
A masterclass in acting, screenwriting, direction, and cinematography, Taxi Driver (1976) is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made. It appears constantly on lists of filmmakers' favorite titles, and with good reason. It's a compelling journey told through the broken eyes of a multi-layered main character.
Vintage Martin Scorsese
The film that put both Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro on the map of international prominence, Taxi Driver tells the story of Travis Bickle, a Vietnam veteran who combats his insomnia by driving a cab throughout the nights of New York City. It's a deep dive into his psyche, with Taxi Driver holding up perfectly today as a triumphant character study. It will forever be an all-time great, no matter who's compiling the list. Rent on YouTube or Prime Video
Taxi Driver
- Release Date
- February 9, 1976
- Director
- Martin Scorsese
- Runtime
- 113
8 The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976)
A neo-noir crime film, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976) was directed by John Cassavetes, who also wrote the script. It stars Ben Gazzara as Cosmo Vittelli, a cabaret owner with a gambling addiction. After losing big time in a casino, Mort the mobster offers him a deal: kill a bookie protected by the Mafia, and your debt will be forgotten.
The Genius of Cassavetes
Known for his independent films throughout the '60s, '70s, and '80s, Cassavetes has several acclaimed projects under his directorial belt. One of the most underrated is The Killing of a Chinese Bookie — for its compelling plot alone, not to mention the impressive performances, it deserves more love today. Luckily, the Safdie Brothers opened their hearts. Stream on Max
7 Camera Buff (1979)
Early in Krysztof Kieslowski's critically acclaimed career, he wrote and directed Camera Buff (1979). Also known as Amator in Polish, it homes in on Filip, a factory worker who buys a camera with 8mm film stock to document the first days of his newborn daughter. From there, he develops an obsession for film, and he's soon sending his footage to various festivals.
An Endlessly Witty Script
Though not the most popular film on the list of the Safdie brothers' favorites, Camera Bluff is held in high regard today, especially by Kieslowski fans. He's one of the greatest Polish directors to ever live, and this is among his finest works. On critical consensus website Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 90% approval rating — a pretty impressive number that perfectly indicates the quality of Camera Buff. Not Currently Available to Stream or Rent
6 Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Based on Avery Corman's 1977 novel of the same name, Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) was adapted for the screen by Robert Benton. It battles touching themes as the titular couple go through a divorce — a legal drama, Kramer vs. Kramer stars Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman, and they both provide perfect performances that give great insight into the human condition.
The Thrill and Agony of Parenthood
Kramer vs. Kramer is perhaps the most famous movie to ever revolve around divorce. Subjects of gender roles and working-class parenthood swell to the surface of a compelling plot, providing meaningful conflict and thus creating an intriguing dynamic between the primary characters. Worth the watch for their efforts alone, Kramer vs. Kramer also excels as a masterclass in screenwriting. Rent on Prime Video
5 Gloria (1980)
Though it bombed at the box office, accruing just $4.3 million against a $4 million budget, Gloria (1980) received widespread praise upon release from critics and audiences alike. It's another Cassavetes film, this time starring Gena Rowlands (his wife) as the eponymous character, Gloria Swenson, who goes on the run from the New York City mob.
A Dynamic Duo
Rowlands performed perfectly under her husband's direction, even receiving a Best Actress nomination at the 53rd Academy Awards. And although Sissy Spacek won the golden statuette for her performance in Coal Miner's Daughter (1980), the husband-and-wife duo of Cassavetes and Rowlands should be forever commended for their efforts. Stream on Tubi
4 Goodfellas (1990)
With name value that speaks for itself, Goodfellas (1990) is among the most famous films ever made. Easily among the most revered. Josh Safdie cites this as his favorite Martin Scorsese film, and it's easy to see why. It's a showcase of raw, emotional talent from everyone involved — not just the director in Scorsese, but also the talented cast.
The Perfect Performances
From Ray Liotta as Henry Hill and Lorraine Bracco as his wife Karen to Robert De Niro as Jimmy Conway and Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito, every name among the cast puts on an absolute masterclass. It's a famous plot about Henry's rise and fall within the mob, and Scorsese conducted the project to critical acclaim. There's a reason Goodfellas is often cited as an all-time great. Rent on Prime Video
Goodfellas
- Release Date
- September 12, 1990
- Director
- Martin Scorsese
- Runtime
- 145
3 The Player (1992)
Based on Michael Tolkin's 1988 novel of the same name, The Player (1992) marks the second film on the list to be directed by Robert Altman. Its script was adapted by Tolkin, homing in on the executive of a Hollywood film studio. His name is Griffin Mill, and he's played with passion by Tim Robbins.
Running the Gamut of Emotions
When Griffin begins receiving death threats, he suspects an aspiring screenwriter who had previously pitched to him. The plot expands in thrills from there, with The Player also achieving a perfect balance of comedy. It's a wildly entertaining flick that elicits various emotions, and along with Josh and Benny Safdie, film fans around the world will forever sing the praises of Altman and Robbins. Stream on Max
2 La Haine (1995)
Written and directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, La Haine (1995) is among the finest films, not just of the 1990s, but perhaps of all time. It stars Vincent Cassel, Saïd Taghmaoui, and Hubert Koundé — the up-and-coming actors lent their first names to their characters: a Jew, an Arab, and an African, respectively, best friends who live in an immigrant neighborhood in Paris.
A Modern Masterpiece in Monochrome
Filmed in black-and-white with superb shot selection and thought-out blocking tactics, La Haine is an absolute masterclass in cinematography. And the leads perform brilliantly in this day-in-the-life plot, exchanging indelible dialogue with profundity. Though not the most popular movie ever made, La Haine is among the greatest titles you'll read about today. It should constantly be mentioned by filmmakers and fans around the world, let alone Josh and Benny Safdie. Rent on Prime Video or Apple TV
1 Hard Eight (1996)
Hard Eight
- Release Date
- February 28, 1996
- Runtime
- 102
Marking Paul Thomas Anderson's directorial debut, Hard Eight (1996) stars John C. Reilly and Phillip Baker Hall. There's also Gwyneth Paltrow and Samuel L. Jackson, along with a minor but memorable appearance from Phillip Seymour Hoffman. That's a staggering array of well-known actors, and they all perform brilliantly in an underrated debut.
PTA's Most Underrated Film
Hall plays Sidney, a professional gambler, while Reilly plays John, who's taken under the former's wing. Meanwhile, Paltrow appears as John's love interest Clementine, while Jackson plays the antagonist, Jimmy. And while their efforts resonate well, the genius of Hard Eight is Paul Thomas Anderson. As one of Hollywood's finest filmmakers, PTA never misses. And while this is his most overlooked project, it has famous champions in Josh and Benny Safdie. Rent on Prime Video
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