Prabhjyot Singh
Every so often that you are reliving a great movie that you watched recently, but can’t recall its name. Then, suddenly, the first letter of the movie name comes to your mind and you think to yourself: “the movie starts with a”. Then you start googling it. Well, we, at The Cinemaholic, are here to make your life easy. Here is the list of best movies that begin with “a”:
15. American History X (1998)
Director Tony Kaye’s hard-hitting crime drama about a Neo Nazi skinhead Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) was a highly controversial film at the time of its release. The film potently presents the subject of racial hatred and violence. This highly under rated masterpiece has a versatile screenplay along with an original and bold direction. Norton gets into the skin of character and plays the role of skinhead in such a brutal way that you’d actually believe he is one of ’em. This intriguing and powerful drama will surely leave you shocked. Violence is depicted quite graphically and it is surely not meant for the faint hearted!
14. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Stanley Kubrick’s sensational and frightening sci-fi crime drama is based on Anthony Burgess’s graphic futuristic novel of same name. The story revolves around a sadistic and ultra-violent youth Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell) who goes through an experiment in prison after being convicted of rape and murder. The film satirises the society we live in and asks an important question – Can evil be eradicated if a person is striped of choice to choose from good and evil? The film was far ahead of its time. Kubrick’s visually striking film with excellent editing keeps you glued to the seats from start to finish. Though some scenes are troublesome but it is a great cinematic experience!
13. Alien (1979)
Director Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror is about an expedition crew who land in an uninhibited planet and encounter a deadly carnivorous alien life form. The sound and the visuals are perfectly synchronized in the film. A constant feeling of uneasiness will surely haunt you throughout the film. Moreover the tagline- “In space, no one can hear you scream” remains one of my favorites. A great direction with splendid acting and brilliant visual effects (the film won Oscar for Visual Effects) make it a unique experience. It is actually gold standard for alien horror that could not be equaled till date. Worth a watch!
12. Argo (2012)
Ben Affleck’s Best Picture winner is based on a true story and chronicles a covert operation by CIA in which 6 Americans are rescued from Tehran during Iranian revolution of 80’s. Though the movie was considered Islamophobic at the time of its release and was blamed for twisting the facts and historical inaccuracy, it is actually entertaining affair with good story. The pacing and direction is great. For patriotic people, it is definitely worth a watch!
11. American Beauty (1999)
Man, oh Man! Director Sam Mendes’ Best Picture winner revolves around Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), a sexually frustrated father who is deeply obsessed with his daughter’s friend Angela (Mena Suvari). The film won Best Picture and Sam Mendes won Best director Oscar in his debut. It tells us about an important fact- we don’t know what we want. “What do you really want in this life?”, a question that haunts many of us. Kevin Spacey gives an Oscar worthy performance and surely deserved it. The ending monologue literally took my breath away. The climax is sure to leave you shocked. This film has a lasting impression. Go watch it and find HAPPINESS!
10. American Psycho (2000)
This riveting black comedy features an amazing performance from Christian Bale. Bale plays young banking professional Patrick Bateman who turns blood hungry psychopath at night and goes on a killing spree (read our explanation here). This movie is based on a highly controversial novel by Bret Ellis by the same name. It depicts violence and torture quite graphically. The movie satirises the human nature in which one gets uncomfortable if somebody has something better and strive for eliminating the competition. It is fascinating to watch such a complex character portrayed by a very talented actor. This superficially deep and meaningful film confuses you in the end and you may ask Did he? or Did he not?
9. Amores Perros (2000)
Alejandro G. Iñárittu’s (known for ‘Birdman’ and ‘The Revenant’) first part of the three-part death trilogy (other two being 21 grams & Babel) is the story about three strangers whose life intersect after a car collision in a Mexico City. This Mexican film was nominated for Oscar in Best Foreign Language Film category. Each of the three stories is uniquely dark, intensely emotional and filled with humanity. This refreshing movie actually brought Alejandro into limelight (who was quite unknown by then). The episodic narrative structure is skillfully used and this thought-provoking tale is highly recommended!
8. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Wes Craven’s slasher horror is about a serial killer Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) who preys on people in their dreams and they get killed in reality. This film resurrected the slasher horror genre.The story is original and direction is creative. There is a very thin line between dreams and reality and the viewer is unable to tell whether the thing is really happening or taking place in a dream, that’s the beauty of this film. The bizarre twist in the end leaves the audience amazed. This classic horror is a Must Watch for slasher horror fans.
7. American Hustle (2013)
This David O’ Russel movie is based on FBI sting operation in 70’s called Abscam. In the movie FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) use two cons – Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his partner Sydney (Amy Adams) to work as an undercover to implicate Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). This captivating film has brilliant acting especially from Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams. It was Best Picture nominee and though it is criticized by many, it remains one of the favorite crime dramas.
6. Avatar (2009)
James Cameron’s magnum opus and futuristic 3D live action film with ground breaking special effects grossed $2.8 bn worldwide. The story is about a paralyzed soldier Jake (Sam Worthington) who is sent to infiltrate alien planet Pandora (with an evolved species Na’vi) and his battle with humans against the survival of the species of that planet. This film is a technical marvel. James Cameron’s comeback film ( after Titanic) leaves you awestruck. The characters seem to pop off the screen and the director makes a nonexistent world seem so real. Cameron’s praiseworthy film keeps you at the edge throughout its run-time with stunning and breathtakingly brilliant visuals. This cinematic marvel is not to be missed!
5. The Apartment (1960)
Actor Jack Lemmon’s Best Picture winner is a heart wrenching dramedy. Jack Lemmon plays insurance worker C. C Baxter who secretly lends out his apartment to company executives to spend time with their mistresses and what happens when his boss finds out forms rest of the story. This nuanced comedy takes you by surprise with so many feel-good moments. This film was way ahead of its time and actually deals with issues of harassment at workplace. Look out for the brilliant performance by Lemmon. He is the soul of the movie. A memorable film!
4. Arrival (2016)
Dennis Villeneuve’s sci-fi drama stars Amy Adams and Jeremy Tenner in the lead. The story revolves around linguistic professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) who is given responsibility to communicate with extraterrestrial entities when twelve unknown spacecrafts land on different parts of earth. This Sci fi masterpiece is uniquely thrilling. The story and direction are both powerful and well paced. Amy Adams shines in her role. The editing and cinematography are praiseworthy. A smart & thought provoking effort!
3. Amélie (2001)
Audrey Tautou stars in this Jean Pierre Jeunet’s romcom. The story centers around a naive French girl Amélie who sets out to make lives of people around her better and in the meanwhile seeks love. The world of Amélie is brought to life using extraordinary camera work and creativity. The movie is outstanding in terms of cinematography, acting and the story. Audrey Tautou gives a mesmerizing performance. It is technically brilliant too. It teaches to enjoy little things in life. A true masterpiece!
2. Annie Hall (1997)
Woody Allen’s quintessential masterpiece in which he plays comedian Alvy Singer who falls in love with singer Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) is a romantic comedy. The obstacles of modern romance are portrayed fantastically in this thoughtful film. The screenplay is laced with incredible dialogues. The film won Best Picture as well as Best Director Academy awards. It is enriched with charm and emotions. This rare movie about relationship is the one to behold!
1. Apocalypse Now (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola’s visually stunning war movie is set in 70’s Vietnam. This dark film is about Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) who is on a mission to assassinate Col. Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a renegade officer who has gained many followers who worship him as God in the jungles of Cambodia. This compelling movie is more about study of human nature. This surreal masterpiece has brilliant photography and lighting. The performances are top notch. This film is slightly humorous at points but this violent and dark piece of art with masterful direction is a must watch!
Read More: Best Movies That Start With C
