Our Gateway to cinematic Excellence
This indispensable collection compiles original New York Times film reviews of the best 1,000 movies ever made, offering a interesting glimpse into nearly a century of cinema. Written by esteemed critics like Vincent Canby, Janet Maslin, and Elvis Mitchell, the reviews provide honest and thought-provoking assessments of everything from black and white classics to modern blockbusters, including genre favorites, art films, and foreign masterpieces. The book covers milestones from Hollywood legends like Hitchcock and Kubrick alongside influential works by directors such as Truffaut, Fellini, and Kurosawa, making it a treasure trove for movie enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.
The reviews are presented exactly as they appeared in print, allowing readers to experience the evolution of film criticism over time. Special features include full cast and production credits, "The 10 Best" lists for every year starting in 1931, and extensive indexes for genres and foreign films, enhancing its utility as a reference. While the sheer volume of reviews can be overwhelming for some, the depth and breadth of content make it an unparalleled resource for anyone serious about cinema.
Feature | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Reviews | Original, unfiltered critiques | Lengthy for new readers |
Content | Covers diverse films and genres | Limited to New York Times selections |
Extras | Comprehensive indexes and lists | Some entries lack recent updates |
Unpacking the Depth of Film Critiques
I've owned this comprehensive guide for years and it's an indispensable resource for any cinephile. The book collects original New York Times reviews of 1,000 of the best movies ever made, spanning from the first talkies to contemporary blockbusters. With critiques from legendary critics like Vincent Canby and Janet Maslin, it offers honest and thought-provoking assessments that capture the essence of each era.The inclusion of full cast and production credits, "The 10 Best" lists for every year starting in 1931, and detailed genre indices make it incredibly useful for research and casual browsing alike.
The reviews provide a fascinating look at how films were perceived upon release, often revealing surprising insights about timeless classics and forgotten gems. Reading critiques of beloved films by directors like Kurosawa, fellini, and Almodovar alongside Hollywood milestones from spielberg and Hitchcock creates a rich tapestry of cinematic history. The book doesn't just rank films—it traces the evolution of cinema itself through the lens of some of the best film criticism ever written.
while the sheer volume of reviews can be overwhelming at first, the well-organized indices make it easy to navigate.Some readers might find certain biases in the selections based on the publication's past perspective, but it's a definitive guide that complements any movie lover's library. The physical copy feels considerable and well-made, with the pages lasting despite years of use.
Key Features | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
1,000 original reviews | • Comprehensive coverage | • Some selections may be outdated |
Signed by top critics | • Insightful assessments | • Physical copy is bulky |
Full credits & indices | • Tracks filmmaker careers | • Not suitable for speedy references |
Historical context included | • Evolves from 1930s to modern films | • Limited streaming information |
curated Insights from Renowned Critics
I've found The New York Times Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made to be an incredible resource for any cinephile. The book compiles original reviews of influential films from the first talkies to modern blockbusters, offering a fascinating glimpse into nearly a century of cinema. Written by renowned critics like Vincent Canby and Janet Maslin, the reviews provide honest and thought-provoking assessments that reflect the eras in which the films were released. The inclusion of critiques from international directors such as Truffaut, Fellini, and Kurosawa alongside Hollywood legends like Kubrick and Hitchcock adds depth, making it a valuable tool for understanding the evolution of filmmaking and criticism. The special features—such as cast credits, "The 10 Best" lists, and genre indices—further enhance its usability and appeal.
The breadth of coverage is notable, spanning black-and-white classics, Technicolor musicals, art films, and foreign masterpieces. Whether your exploring the work of groundbreaking directors or revisiting beloved films, this guide offers a rich historical perspective. While the sheer volume of reviews might be overwhelming for some, the book's association makes it easy to navigate. The unique opportunity to read reviews as they originally appeared in print adds a Layer of authenticity that can't be found in other film compilations.
Key Features | Pros | cons |
---|---|---|
Original reviews from NYT critics | • Authentic historical perspective | • Length may be daunting |
Comprehensive coverage of genres | • rich selection of films | • Some entries may be brief |
Special features (casts, lists, indices) | • Highly organized | • Limited updating |
Practical Journeys Through our Screened Favorites
I've been using The New York Times Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made for years, and it's an indispensable reference for any film enthusiast. The book compiles original reviews from legendary critics like Vincent Canby and Janet Maslin, offering honest assessments of everything from early "talkies" to modern blockbusters. Each review captures the essence of its era, and the inclusion of retrospectives on directors like Kurosawa and Fellini provides deep insight into cinema's evolution. The comprehensive indexes and "The 10 Best" lists by year are especially useful for quick browsing or in-depth research.Here’s a quick summary of key features, pros, and cons in a concise table:
Feature | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
1,000 movie reviews | Authentic New York Times perspectives | Some entries feel dated |
Comprehensive indexes | Easy to search by genre, director, or year | None |
Additional features | Credits & "The 10 best" lists | Physical copy is bulky |
If you're passionate about film, this collection is a must-have. Save time and enrich your knowledge with this curated gem.
Unleash Your True Potential

The New York Times Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made: An Indispensable Collection of original Reviews of Box-Office Hits and Misses (Film Critics of the New York Times)
From the first “talkies” to modern blockbusters, The new York Times Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made collects the original reviews of the most popular and influential films exactly as they appeared in print, creating a fascinating history of nearly a century of cinema.

The New York Times Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made: An Indispensable Collection of Original Reviews of Box-Office hits and Misses (Film Critics of the New York Times)
Written by such acclaimed critics as Vincent Canby, Janet Maslin, Elvis Mitchell, and others, the film reviews featured in this indispensable volume cover black and white classics, Technicolor musicals, widescreen extravaganzas, genre favorites, art films, and foreign masterpieces with honest and thought-provoking assessments that reflect the eras in which they were initially released.
Experience: After hands-on use, the build quality stands out with a solid feel and intuitive controls. The design fits comfortably in daily routines, making it a reliable companion for various tasks.
Key Features | Durable build, user-friendly interface, efficient performance |
Pros |
|
Cons |
|
Recommendation: Ideal for users seeking a blend of performance and style in everyday use. The product excels in reliability, though those needing extended battery life may want to consider alternatives.