Top Movies That Got a 100% Score on Rotten Tomatoes

As a movie fanatic, I’m always on the lookout for truly exceptional films, and let me tell you, getting a 100% score from critics is incredibly rare. These movies aren’t just good – they’ve completely blown every critic away with amazing stories and direction. What’s cool is the variety – you’ll find everything from innovative animated films to hard-hitting dramas and even timeless musicals among these perfect titles. Honestly, when I want to be absolutely sure I’m going to enjoy something, I usually head straight for these critically acclaimed gems.

‘Leave No Trace’ (2018)

A father and daughter living a secluded life in a forest near Portland have their world turned upside down by a single error. Forced into the care of social services, they find it difficult to adjust to their new life and deeply miss their freedom in the wilderness. The film is a moving story about overcoming hardship and staying strong, told without being overly dramatic. Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie give compelling performances that drive the emotional heart of the story.

‘Toy Story’ (1995)

A cowboy doll named Woody feels jealous when a new spaceman toy, Buzz Lightyear, becomes the most popular in Andy’s room. They initially dislike each other, but Woody and Buzz must learn to work together when they find themselves lost and facing danger outside. This movie was a huge step forward for animation, being the first full-length film created entirely with computers. It proved Pixar’s talent for storytelling and quickly made them leaders in the animation industry thanks to its clever humor and touching story.

‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)

When a village’s harvest is threatened by bandits, they hire seven skilled but wandering samurai for protection. These warriors train the villagers to defend themselves and prepare for a coming battle. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, this classic film combines thrilling action with thoughtful ideas about honor and responsibility. It’s had a huge impact on action movies, and its influence can still be seen in many big-budget films today.

’12 Angry Men’ (1957)

The movie centers on a jury deliberating a murder case involving a teenager accused of killing his father. Initially, one juror has doubts and, through careful discussion, convinces the others to look at the evidence again. The entire story unfolds mostly within the confines of the jury room, building intense suspense. It’s a brilliant example of how powerful dialogue and well-developed characters can be used to explore the complexities of the American justice system.

‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (1952)

As a total film buff, I’ve always loved ‘Singin’ in the Rain’! It captures this wild moment in Hollywood history when they switched from silent movies to ‘talkies,’ and it was total chaos for everyone, especially a big movie star, Don Lockwood, and his hilarious best friend, Cosmo. They were working on a film that was flopping until they had this brilliant idea to turn it into a musical. The dance numbers are just legendary, and the whole movie feels like a celebration of everything that’s great about entertainment. It’s often called one of the best musicals ever made, and honestly, I completely agree – it’s just bursting with energy and charm!

‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)

Grave of the Fireflies tells the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, trying to survive in Japan near the end of World War II. After their mother dies in a bombing raid, Seita does his best to protect Setsuko. The film powerfully and honestly shows the terrible effects of war on ordinary people, and is widely considered a deeply moving and visually stunning animated masterpiece.

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

In this thrilling sci-fi movie, a deadly cyborg is sent from the future with a mission: to eliminate a woman who is pregnant with the future leader of a human resistance. A soldier is also sent back in time, tasked with protecting her. Directed by James Cameron, the film is famous for its fast-paced action and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s unforgettable performance, and it kicked off a hugely popular series of movies.

‘Toy Story 2’ (1999)

In this continuation of the story, Woody is taken by a collector who plans to sell him to a museum in Japan. Buzz Lightyear and the other toys immediately set out on a brave adventure to rescue their friend. The movie builds on the ideas from the first film and introduces memorable new characters, including Jessie. Reviewers loved it, saying it was as good as, or even better than, the original.

‘Man on Wire’ (2008)

In 1974, Philippe Petit famously and illegally walked on a high wire between the two World Trade Center towers. This documentary tells the story like a thrilling heist movie, showing how Petit and his team carefully planned the event. Using old footage and recreations, the film highlights the incredible difficulties they overcame to get past security. It beautifully captures both the artistry of Petit’s walk and the extreme risks involved.

‘Before Sunrise’ (1995)

A young American man and a French woman have a chance encounter on a train and impulsively decide to explore Vienna together. They spend a night wandering the city, sharing intimate conversations about life and love. The movie’s story unfolds entirely through the connection and chemistry between actors Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, and director Richard Linklater beautifully portrays the delicate and transient nature of human connection in this romantic film.

‘M’ (1931)

A German city is gripped by fear as a child murderer stalks the streets, prompting a harsh police response. Facing increased attention from law enforcement, the city’s criminal underworld decides to take matters into their own hands and track down the killer themselves. Peter Lorre gives a haunting performance as the troubled man consumed by his impulses. Director Fritz Lang masterfully uses sound and visual techniques to build suspense in this groundbreaking thriller.

‘The Philadelphia Story’ (1940)

This screwball comedy follows a rich woman as she plans her second wedding, complicated by the sudden return of her ex-husband. A reporter covering the event unexpectedly falls for the bride. The film is known for its fast-paced dialogue and clever humor, and it helped relaunch Katharine Hepburn’s career with a smart take on love and social class.

‘Pinocchio’ (1940)

This beloved Disney movie tells the story of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. Brought to life by a magical blue fairy, he embarks on a journey to prove he’s brave and honest, guided by his wise friend, Jiminy Cricket, who helps him make good choices. Their adventures take them from the stage of a puppet show to the wild and dangerous Pleasure Island. The film is famous for its beautiful, traditional animation and unforgettable songs that have become a signature of Disney’s style.

‘The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’ (2013)

I was completely captivated by this beautiful film! It tells the story of an old bamboo cutter who finds a miniature girl inside a glowing stalk of bamboo, and he lovingly raises her as his own. She grows up so quickly, and soon she’s dealing with all the attention and pressure that comes with being considered a noblewoman – lots of potential husbands started showing up! What really struck me was how the movie looked – it was like watching a watercolor painting come to life, so delicate and vibrant. It’s directed by Isao Takahata, and he really brings out the emotional heart of this classic Japanese folktale. It’s a truly moving experience.

Pass this article along to your friends who love movies and see if they’ve seen these classic films!

2025-11-21 04:50