30 Great Films Rated 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is the best place to find out whether a movie is fantastic…or a total flop.
The movie review website compiles information from both critics and fans, who are able to decide whether a movie is "fresh" or "rotten." Although audiences tend to have a kinder view of the films in question, it's rare that a movie scores that coveted 100% fresh rating from film critics.
Still, some movies have managed to beat the odds. Keep scrolling for 30 great films rated 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
(Pinocchio via RKO Radio Pictures)
Pinocchio
(Pinocchio via RKO Radio Pictures)
Yes, that's right. Disney film Pinocchio wowed critics and audiences alike during its 1940 release and beyond. It's hard to beat the classic animated story of a puppet who comes to life with dreams of being a real boy. Many critics still consider Pinocchio to be the pinnacle of Disney films—a true masterpiece that's equal parts funny and frightening. The film goes beyond the surface-level story and delves into what it means to be human, all the while keeping audiences engaged and entertained.
Toy Story
(Toy Story via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)
Fifty-five years after Pinocchio's release, Disney premiered another film that scored that 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Released in 1995, Toy Story immediately wowed movie audiences. The film was based on the simple premise that toys came to life when humans aren't looking. The movie tugged at the heartstrings of parents and children alike, and created a mold for future successful Disney-Pixar films. Toy Story was an instant classic, and is still considered a family favorite today.
Toy Story 2
(Toy Story 2 via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)
While sequels are seldom as successful as the original story, that's not the case when it comes to the Toy Story franchise. Released in 2000, Toy Story 2 was just as popular as its predecessor. The film expanded on the original story while simultaneously introducing new, beloved characters. Some critics even felt that the second installment was an improvement on the first movie, though it's impossible to score higher than 100%.
Mary Poppins
(Mary Poppins via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)
While Disney recently released a new adaptation of this film, nothing can beat the original Mary Poppins story. Released in 1964, this movie is a modern fairy tale about a magical nanny who changes the lives of the uptight Banks family. Full of amazing special effects (especially for the time) and catchy musical numbers, this film easily connected with critics. Of course, Julie Andrews' performance in the titular role was also a big element of the film's success. Even years after the film's release, Mary Poppins is still considered one of the best films of all time.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
(How the Grinch Stole Christmas via MGM Television)
While the Jim Carrey adaptation of this classic Christmas tale didn't impress critics, the original release of How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 1967 did. The movie earned its 100% fresh rating for its no-frills approach to telling the Grinch's story. Critics loved the brightly-colored cartoon and the voice talent behind the movie. To this day, this animated film is still considered a Christmas classic.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
(The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)
If there's one thing to be said for Rotten Tomatoes film critics, it's that they certainly aren't snobs. While they appreciate complex cinematic masterpieces, they're just as invested in well-told children's stories, such as The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. This movie is a faithful adaptation of A.A. Milne's classic stories of a clumsy, honey-loving bear trying to make his way through life in the Hundred Acre Wood. Critics loved the movie and showed their appreciation through a 100% fresh rating.
Singin' in the Rain
(Singin' in the Rain via Loew's Inc.)
A classic Hollywood musical, Singin' in the Rain was released in 1952. The film follows the story of actors working in the late 1920s, when movies made the transition from silence to sound. However, some of the stars aren't ready for the transition. Dubbed "the finest movie musical of them all" and "effervescent, life-affirming cinema" by critics, the movie captured audiences primarily through its joyful musical numbers.
Old Yeller
(Old Yeller via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)
Released in 1957, Old Yeller is a classic, heartbreaking story. The film tells the tale of two sons caring for their mother on a Texas ranch with the help of a devoted stray dog named Old Yeller. While the subject is simple, the movie captivated audiences with its expert storytelling. The film intertwines the tale of a boy and his dog with a beautiful coming-of-age story. The end of the movie is so excruciating that it's guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.
The Terminator
(The Terminator via Orion Pictures)
It's not just musicals and Disney movies that make their mark on Rotten Tomatoes critics. Released in 1984, The Terminator also made an impact on film audiences. Featuring intense action scenes carried out by a cyborg assassin played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, this movie easily became a beloved, classic action film. Schwarzenegger only has 17 lines in the movie, but his small speaking part was enough to skyrocket him to fame. He later starred in sequels of the original Terminator film, but none were as well-received as this first movie.
Paddington 2
(Paddington 2 via StudioCanal)
The Paddington movies tell the story of a young bear who can walk and talk. He travels to London, where he is adopted by a family and embraces life in the big city. Despite the somewhat simple concept, Paddington was an undeniable success with film audiences, particularly when it came to the second movie. Released in 2018, this film was considered a complete success in heartwarming, family-friendly entertainment. Critics touted Paddington 2 as a feel-good movie with an important message of acceptance. No one should turn their nose up at this popular film.
A Star Is Born
(A Star Is Born via United Artists)
While most fans are familiar with the new adaptation of A Star Is Born starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, the story has actually been around for years. The first film was released in 1937 and tells the story of a young actress named Vicki who finds success in Hollywood under the wing of an older actor, Norman. Critics praised the movie for its honest look at the entertainment industry, and the toll it takes on those who pursue fame.
The Adventures of Robin Hood
(The Adventures of Robin Hood via Warner Bros. Pictures)
The tale of Robin Hood has been told and retold hundreds of times in a variety of movies. But it's this 1938 classic that truly captured audiences' attention. The movie tells the story of the bandit Robin Hood, who seeks to keep a treacherous prince from taking the throne. Critics appreciated the imaginative, adventurous nature of this story. Even today, it's considered a classic film the entire family will enjoy.
Cool Hand Luke
(Cool Hand Luke via Warner Bros. Pictures)
In the era of country Western films, there was one movie that stood out from the rest, at least in critics' minds. Released in 1967, Cool Hand Luke was an immediate success. In the film, Luke Jackson is sentenced to prison, where he fights against the sadistic treatment of the warden and fellow inmates. The movie was praised for its stellar script, as well as Paul Newman's noteworthy performance as the memorable Luke Jackson.
The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three
(The Taking of Pelham One Two Three via United Artists)
The 1974 movie The Taking of Pelham One Two Three tells the story of a New York City gang who hijacks a Subway car and demands one million dollars for the safe release of the passengers. The action-packed film connected with critics, who loved the adventure combined with a healthy dose of comedy. While critics concede that improvements could be made, they generally praise the film for investing audiences into the character and thereby distracting from the ins and outs of the story.
Street Fight
(Street Fight via Argot Pictures)
Released in 2005, Street Fight is still applicable today. It tells the story of the 2002 mayoral race in Newark, New Jersey, where Cory Booker challenged Sharpe James for the seat, which James held for 16 years. The movie tells the story of James' corruption over the course of his time in public office, while simultaneously bringing in close friends of Booker to explain his campaign. Critics described the documentary as "brave," "gripping and enraging" and "suspenseful."
Searching for Bobby Fischer
(Searching for Bobby Fischer via Paramount Pictures)
Searching for Bobby Fischer was released in theaters in 1993. It tells the story of a 7-year-old boy named Josh Waitzkin who discovers a talent for chess. The film follows his struggle to find his place in the world as a chess prodigy and a young man. Critics especially praised Max Pomeranc's performance as Josh, calling it "one of the best performances by a child actor you could ever hope to see."
Honeyland
(Honeyland via Dogwoof)
A more recent release, Honeyland is the story of a woman who uses ancient beekeeping methods to produce honey in the mountains of North Macedonia. Released in 2019, the film is an observational documentary that tracks the woman's story as a nearby family tries to imitate her methods, but ignores her advice. It is considered a masterpiece among documentaries of this type, as well as a moving, important story.
Forgotten Silver
(Forgotten Silver via WingNut Films)
Released in 1995, Forgotten Silver tells the story of a fictional filmmaker's lost work. A mockumentary, the film connected with critics because of its stunningly realistic portrayal of a fake story, which included fake interviews and recreated archive footage. While the film's focus, Colin McKenzie, never existed and certainly didn't make huge technological advancements in film as Forgotten Silver suggests, the movie might just convince you that he did.
My Voyage to Italy
(My Voyage to Italy via Miramax Films)
While Forgotten Silver was a mockumentary, critics loved the documentary My Voyage to Italy just as much as the fake film. This movie focused on famous director Martin Scorsese's life as he visits the Lower East Side Manhattan streets he wandered during his childhood and discusses the films that inspired him at a young age. The move not only reveals more about Scorsese, but it also delves into the history of Italian film in a touching, accessible way.
The Grapes of Wrath
(The Grapes of Wrath via 20th Century Fox)
The Grapes of Wrath is a classic novel by John Steinbeck, but the subject matter is just as successful in its cinematic form. Released in 1940, The Grapes of Wrath tells the tale of a family looking for a better life in California after their farm is seized by the bank. However, things don't go as smoothly as the clan hoped they would. Critics loved the film for its social commentary that quickly established it as an important American classic.
Great Expectations
(Great Expectations via Universal-International)
Another book transformed into a movie, Great Expectations was released in 1947. The Dickens adaptation focuses on a young orphan named Pip who is taken under the wing of a mysterious benefactor who wants to transform him into a gentleman. Critics appreciated the somewhat creepy form of the film, as well as the stunning performances of the actors. Through expert storytelling, the movie manages to bring Dickens' original novel to life.
Before Sunrise
(Before Sunrise via Columbia Pictures)
Released in 1995, Before Sunrise is the touching story of a man and a woman who meet on a train and impulsively decide to de-board and spend the day together in Vienna. Although they're supposed to pursue their own journeys in the morning, their day wandering the city makes it harder to leave each other behind. An intensely romantic film, critics appreciated this movie for its honest look into the complexities of love.
Citizen Kane
(Citizen Kane via RKO Radio Pictures)
Released in 1941, Citizen Kane is the story of newspaper tycoon Charles Foster Kane's rise and fall in the industry. Told through the perspective of a reporter, this movie was praised for the unforgettable story that transformed it into a cinematic masterpiece. Many of the filming tactics used at the time were innovative and continue to excite film audiences to this day.
Afghan Star
(Afghan Star via Zeitgeist Films)
Rotten Tomatoes critics certainly have an appreciation for documentaries. This documentary, released in 2009, focuses on the world of pop culture in Afghanistan. It follows four contestants as they compete in an American Idol-style competition. Critics loved the film for its ability to bring serious issues into the spotlight in an accessible, entertaining way.
Anatomy of a Murder
(Anatomy of a Murder via Columbia Pictures)
Anatomy of a Murder was an instant classic when it was released in 1959. Today, it is still remembered as one of the greatest courtroom dramas ever to be released. Based on a novel of the same name, the movie follows a Michigan lawyer who takes on a murder case. Nearly three hours long, this suspenseful film will keep you engaged the entire way through.
The Buddy Holly Story
(The Buddy Holly Story via Columbia Pictures)
The Buddy Holly Story, released in 1978, focuses on the rise and fall of rock 'n' roll star Buddy Holly. Based on a true story, critics loved the retelling of Holly's brief rise to fame in a movie that aptly explains the ins and outs of his career. Critics still appreciate this movie today, and many consider it an important story in the history of rock 'n' roll music.
A Room With a View
(A Room With a View via Curzon Film Distribution)
This 1985 movie brings E.M. Foster's original novel to life. It's a comedic film focused on Lucy Honeychurch, a young woman touring Italy with her cousin. While in Florence, Lucy meets George Emerson. While she feels a connection with Emerson, she ponders a more auspicious match once she returns home. Eventually, she is forced to decide between the two men. Critics praised the movie as a truthful look at what it means to commit your life to someone. With its talented cast, it's no surprise this movie is still considered a classic.
Modern Times
(Modern Times via United Artists)
Released all the way back in 1936, Modern Times is a comedy that tells the story of the industrialization of America. In the film, Little Tramp—played by Charlie Chaplin—works at a factory. However, he can't get the hang of the machinery, and his various mishaps keep landing him in prison. Critics felt the movie was fun and lighthearted, but also an important commentary on a significant time in US history.
The Kid
(The Kid via First National)
Another Charlie Chaplin film, The Kid was released all the way back in 1921. While still a slapstick comedy, the movie tells the story of a man who raises an orphan, but is left alone when the orphanage reclaims the child. Only an hour long and completely silent, the film delighted audiences, both at its release and to this day. Some critics have even dubbed this movie as the best comedy film ever made.
12 Angry Men
(12 Angry Men via United Artists)
Another older film, 12 Angry Men was originally released in 1957. It tells the story of a young man on trial for murder and the jurors who struggle to decide his fate. The jury cannot put forward a guilty verdict without a unanimous vote, and one juror refuses to concede that there is enough evidence to condemn the man to death. Critics appreciated the thrilling nature of the script, as well as the performances from the main characters. Even years after its release, 12 Angry Men is still considered a cinematic classic.