Black and Tan 1929

This list contains the favorite movies of movie critic Jonathan Rosenbaum who writes for the Chicago Reader. The movies span virtually every decade, and include many an obscure movie.

#1 - #1012: original list
#1013 - #1073: 2008 additions
#1074 - #1133: 2016 additions

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Cinema-Necessity-Film-Canons/dp/0801889715

Movies about labor movements, civil rights struggles, anti-war efforts, or community organizing. These movies often blend strong narrative storytelling with a deep exploration of social and political themes, providing viewers with not just a compelling story, but also a thought-provoking examination of the human condition and the power of collective action.

Every movie referenced at the end of Damien Chazelle's 'Babylon (2022)'

The National Film Registry is the United States National Film Preservation Board's selection of films for preservation in the Library of Congress. The Board was established in 1988. Each year, 25 "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant films" are preserved, to increase awareness for its preservation. To be eligible for inclusion, a film must be at least ten years old but it is not required to be feature-length, nor is it required to have been theatrically released.

Source: https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/

Short films I have seen

Movies and shows released from 1920-1929.

Next Decade: https://trakt.tv/users/asterlea/lists/decade-1930s
Previous Decade: https://trakt.tv/users/asterlea/lists/decade-1910s

A collection from various "Best of" and "Must watch" lists, plus others that mark important milestones or points of history in film or otherwise; feature notable actors, directors, etc.; or that I just personally thought sounded interesting.

A list of the films added to the National Film Registry. (Updated 11/1/23)

all films added to The Library of Congress National Film Registry