The best thing you can say about this unusual ranking of films is that most of the best films are somewhere on the list.

Stuart, Frankfurt, Germany

I've scanned the top 100 and all I can say is "No Das Boot, no comment".

John, Bristol, UK

Breakfast Club?? I'm surprised Top Gun isn't in the list.

siobhan, Venice, Italy

the absence of ' a matter of life and death' the 1946 Emerick/Pressburger classic puzzled me a little, as did the oversight of any of Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy or Harold Lloyds black and white ,iconic ground breaking contributions to cinamatic history.

steve burns, Bergen, Norway

The best films I've seen this year are:-
'All Quiet on the Western Front'
'Pépé le Moko'
'Das Leben der Anderen' (The Lives of Others)
'La Vita è Bella' (Life is Beautiful)
'Donnie Darko'
All absolutely brilliant in very different ways, all very thought-provoking.

Anne, Jersey,

There are few films that are better than the books they are taken from. The Magus is one of them. The ending of the book by John Fowles was changed after the film was produced.

The key theme, to my mind, is "what is reality"?

Wallace Edward Brand, Washington, DC, USA

Surely Yimou Zhang's "Raise The Red Lantern" should be in
the top ten! It is a superbly realized evocation of pre-revolutionary feudal China. A masterpiece by any standard.
Sadly,and mysteriously,it is unavailable in DVD format.

William Mahon, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Not a bad list but too american/british dominated (85% from english-speaking countries). Either do a more balanced list or do the 100 best eng-lang films. Biggest omission for me: Kind Hearts & Coronets. Also what happened to Kane, Lawrence,Strangelove, Schindler, Psycho, Lawrence and wonderful life

Ravi Holy, London, UK

Best film ever: A Tale of Two Sisters (Janghwa, Hongryeon), Korea 2003. The most impressively disturbing, psychological horror film I have ever seen. Sumptuously beautiful cinematography and Oscar worthy performances. Will stay in your mind for days.

Paul Quinn, London,

my favouritefilm ever.. camilla? 2lovers end up executed? south american/spanish? english subtitles.

sarah simmmonds, horsham, uk

Casablanca is a great film about real relationships. No car crashes, no "F word profanity, no gratuitous nudity. It is not surprising however, that in the context of modern cinema some would find it "dull". I feel sorry for those who do.

Curtiss, Sarasota, USA

Surely a top 100 has to include Speilberg's Duel, something by Tarkovski, and Amelie?

Jeremy Bunce, Newquay, United Kingdom

it's fair to say that people will always have their own favourite films but this is quite possibly the worst film list I have ever seen!!!! It's hilarious!!!

Who on earth compiled it, and what qualified them to compile it?!! More interesting is the films not in it

David Cotton, Sevenoaks, Kent

I can absolutely say I am a hopeless romantic, but I never cared for the film Dr. Zhivago.

Sydney C., Kansas, USA

Witness with Harrison Ford and Kelley McGuinees. An unusual story of a hard-nosed cop falling for a simple Amish
woman whose son has seen a murder (by another cop) at Grand Central
Station. The Amish community is sensitively handled as is the burgeoning attraction between Ford and McGuiness

Sonia Wakely, Whitchurch-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

What a terrible, lazy, typical 'amercian oscar' list, plus some hilarious choices like 'Point Break', 'Terminator' etc.. Is this a real list or a joke? Where's 'Cinema Paradiso', 'The Big Lebowski', or 'Shawshank'? This list has no credibility..

Ronan, Dublin, Ireland

I cannot believe that Happy Gilmour, Shallow Hal and Legally Blonde aren't in the top ten. Are you guys mad? Well . . . actually, you are. It's such a poor list (The Jungle Book in the top 20 anybody?) it's perfectly possible that you could have picked these, too!

Clive Hutchby, Sligo, Ireland

Is the order so important?, concensus is boring, but;
no Kurosawa? or did I miss one? The Party? Or did I miss that? Still a great starter for a library . A little like the Australian section of ones cellar, There are many others that exceed - even Sir Jim's best efforts. Tim C - Chiang Mai LOS

Timothy Collins, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Didn't see Lord of the Rings anywhere. Surely I must have missed it. I particularly enjoyed the first one - Fellowship of the Ring. Something mystical about it.

Tim, Auckland, New Zealand

Have we lost our minds?

Breakfast Club -22 over On the Waterfront- 63 ????

If you are going to pick a Peter Weir film.

How about Witness or Truman Show over Picnic?

mike Scirocco, atlanta, usa

Just read all the comments. Surprised to see that no-one mentioned the absence of NETWORK from the list. It was ahead of its time and it is scary to see how much of it has come true

Dennis , London,

Lists are lists at the end and no one is to share the same opinions , but for me there is a significant absence of non english-spoken movies , like italian /french/german/spanish/japanese/russian/ etc . I do not even see any movie form Charles Chaplin( modern times , gold rush , ?)

Alex Garcia , Madrid, Spain

While there will always be arguments with such lists, there are some notable omissions, such as The Third Man. A particularly glaring absence is The Lives of Others. I find it almost impossible to believe that anyone who had seen this film would not consider it one of the very best of all time.

Ed Franklin, London, UK

No 2001: A Space Odyssey in the top ten. The Shining is a great film, often overlooked by American critics in their lists, but surely you cannot regard the horror classic above a film that transcends the scope of filmmaking.

Martin Bennett, Mt. Airy , United States

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. I cant believe it........surley one of the most talked about films ever made a true real movie....you have got it very wrong and i suggest you review your list

Keith Brown, Towcester, UK

The list is all very well but how exactly am I supposed to take up the screening offer with no cinemas from Scotland included???

Donald , Glasgow, UK

The Deer Hunter.

How can you beat it? Romance, action, tragedy, Russian Orthodox churches, John Cazale, DeNiro, loyalty, Russian Roulette, Walken, war, Frankie Valli and hey! there's even a prostitute or two!

All set to the magnificent and emotional Stanley Myers Cavatina.

Shame on you!

JJ, Stonehaven, Scotland

Andrei Tarkovsky's 'Stalker'.Speechless.

Loukia Menou, Thessaloniki, Greece

Just a little question for Jeff in San Diego. How can AFI's list still be the definitive top 100 list of all time? It's a list of American films ONLY.

A bit disappointed there are no John Carpenter films, but then who is ever happy with these lists?

Andrew, London,

La Strada and Virgin Spring have the emotional force of a gut punch. And Maltese Falcon is the ultimate film noir and should be rated higher. As for your rankings - ho hum.

tom, troy, USA

Well clearly you are all chuffed to bits with youselves - that was immediately apparent - but it's an interesting mix, even if ye did forget The Sacrifice. I would not have ranked the films - the top 100 is the top 100. In my experience educated people become fiercely competitive when discussing film

Aidan Black, Ferbyn,

I can't believe that you put There Will Be Blood 2nd - I can't even believe that you put it in the top 100! also Alien??????
Also why is City of God not anywhere to be seen?
apart from that - good show!

Felix , Cambridge, UK

To mention just one classic film tragically missed out- Breakfast at Tiffany's, shocking!

Rachael, Bradford, UK

Where is fight club? One of THE best films ever made?

Ben, Nottingham,

Chariots of Fire, say I. Based on real life, this story of two men--the son of Lithuanian Jews and a Scottish speedster --training for the first post-WWI Olympics has it all. Superb period props, great acting, even better music, outstanding drama and suspense, and religion treated with respect.

R. Nelson, Casselton, USA

No, you didn't get it right - the AFI's list is still the definitive top 100 list of all time. North by Northwest is superior to the Rear Window but perhaps less than Vertigo. The Godfather at #10? That's a travishamockery! E.T. at #3? Please....... Great movie, doesn't belong in the top 20!

Jeff, San Diego, United States

A decent attempt although the inclusion of There will be Blood at No 2 is bizarre at best. I assume you did it to annoy. Now what about High Noon and the Producers (the original with Zero Mostel not the recent anaemic musical version)? I can also hear my mother's ghost saying Carry on up the Khyber.

Peter Rowley, Lytham, UK

TRUE ROMANCE. It's tragic that it's been ignored!

Emma, Cardiff,

BRIEF ENCOUNTER. 'nuff said?

lemming, Bristol, UK

A pretty good list, although I can honestly say I've not seen them all, I would certainly spend the time watching the ones I've missed. There are some glaring omissions though. Where's 'Amelie'? Where's 'Cinema Paradiso'? How could you miss these?

Dean Lloyd, Aberdare, UK

The inclusion of There Will be Blood beggars belief, let alone at no2. No film should be included until it is 5 years old; otherwise how do you get any perspective ?

Only 2 westerns ? Where is Unforgiven and Once upon a time in the West?

Still, at least you had the great Casablanca at no.1.

Ron Coxall, Hertford, UK

No comment om what is INcluded, but the EXclusion of at least 3 immediately come to mind: The Full Monty, (what were you THINKING?!) The Shawshank Redemption, & Once were Warriors...

Barbra Buys, Johannesburg, South Africa

This isn't much of a list of best films, the name of this list should be, the best english language films, en even than the word, best , is open for discussion....

Timo Fjordson, London, UK

The Godfather
Citizen Kane
Annie Hall
Raging Bull
Red (of the three colour trilogy)
Pulp Fiction
Yojimbo
North by Northwest
The Good , The Bad and The Ugly
Chinatown

Siva, Chennai, India

The Bridges of Madison County
The English Patient
Casino
Road to Perdition
Bullit
The Firm
East of Eden
Hotel du Nord
Paths of Glory

... and many many more!

Nathalie Hachet, Manchester, UK

Where are ...
Brokeback Mountain
Forrest Gump
?

Mike , bfpo, helmand, afghanistan

Bergman and Fellini at the bottom of the chart??? And Casablanca is not that great, neither is E.T.
And what about the great Italian directors of the Neorealism???
Half of the films in the chart are COMMERCIAL, and i think it should not be like that.

Dei, Sofia, Bulgaria

The short answer to this is that there is no number one greatest film of all time, surely that is the point!

Wheres Papillon??

Richie May, North Shields,

I always baulk when I see a new film high up in any chart, and I think "There will be blood" being at number 2 is wide of the mark. Yes it maybe a stunning film, but when you talk about top films of all time, one of the qualities should be longevity. Will anyone remember this film next year?

Paul O'Donnell, Liverpool,

It's a strange list..you think "high brow taste". Compare this to your standard web based vote list, and the distinct lack of sci-fi and block busters from the top suggest that, but then again E.T. does make it. I know it all come down to taste, but how E.T. is higher than Blade Runner defeats me.

Paul O'Donnell, Liverpool,

With all the great films from around the world...you chose "Point Break"? I did a double take when I saw the movie on your list and thought there was another movie with the same name.

Didn't it make the worst movie list the year it was released?

Row, Agana, Guam

I always wish there would be more representation in popular consensus for films probing the great unknowns of human consciousness. I'd automatically add Solaris to any list with Space Odyssey. Also hope there will be more fervour for Innocence (the sublime animé) and The Prestige in the future.

J Sekimori, Edinburgh, UK

Did I simply miss it or is Fellini's 'Satyricon' not even on the list? This movie transported me thru time like few films have done. I enjoy going to different times and places through films.
SP, Milwaukee, WI

Sam Peters, Milw, USA

What is the point? You ignore it & print the nitpickers' comments on factual errors of spelling etc.
These 100 best are the personal choice of 3 ST critics. The fact that they are addicted to Robert de Niro; Marlon Brando & films from the USA is a reflection of their TASTE - not critical acumen.

MR M STANISTREET, NERAC, FRANCE 47

Nowhere near as unpredictable as you intimated, but one thing sticks out above all others - are all your critics slaves to Hollywood? Sure the US makeas most of the best, but only 12 non-English language films out of 100? And all but 3 of those placed below 60? Methinks thy critical vision is skewed

Ian Maunder, Swansea, UK

Godfather is #10? How could it not be #1? It is by far the very best movie that ever existed. Period.

And that is something you "cannot refuse."

EC, Baltimore, usa

Disappointing to see The Searchers decribed as "bloated" by Kevin Maher; perhaps he was describing the ego of The Times film critics. Also what about a great comedy drama like The Shop around the corner? The Matrix is pants, so is 2001. Groundhog Day should be in, as should Kind Hearts and Coronets.

jeremy berg, London, Middlesex

The further down I went the more disbelief I was feeling...
There were too many to name that simply do NOT deserve a place in the top 100 films. Top 1000 maybe but certainly not the top 100.

Rick, Olathe, US

Taxi Driver is way better than Raging Bull and ET is awful. Good to see all 3 Lord of the Rings films arn't in the top ten, but where is Citizen Kane?!

Dunc, Ross-On-Wye, UK

Indiana Jones trilogy? Shawshank Redemption? Lord of the Rings? Anyone can make their own list of "favorite movies". To see the jim carrey movie this high up tells me this list has no real value.

This list is just someone's ego stroke.

Val, Houston, USA

Schindler's List
Moulin rough
Lord of the rings
Forest Gump

how could you miss these?
Personaly i hated the movie "there will be blood"

Amanda Easson, Sydney, Australia

fight club!!!

Amanda Easson, Sydney, Australia

I didn't see "Unforgiven" on the list, but it stands alone as a western that attempts to correct the phony tongue-in-cheek portrayal of gunfighters and the old west created by the entire western genre.

Rob, Bothell, WA, USA

The Times' top films list is the worst I can remember seeing. In my view it is a joke. Eternal sunshine of the Spotless Mind better than The Godfather? Citizen Kane not in the top 100? Nor is The Apartment, A matter of life and death , Pinocchio, Schindlers List or It's a wonderful life? Ridiculous!

jeremy berg, London, Middlesex

Forest Gump
Shawshank Redemption

How is point break in there? That is probably Keanu's worst acting which is bad cause he's terrible to begin with.

Ronnie, WD, NJ, USA

Empire Strikes back over the A New Hope?!
Life of Brian over Monty Python and the Holy Grail?!
Are you insane?
To my knowledge those are the least liked of both series!

Justin, Atlanta, USA

No Shawshank?
No Raiders of the Lost Ark?
No American Beauty?
No Lord of the Rings?
No Almost Famous?

Mike, Ohio, USA

All my favourite movies are missing:

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS/Burton,

AMERICAN BEAUTY/Mendes,

BEFORE SUNRISE/Linklater,

SYLVIA/ Jeffs,

CONTROL/Corbijn.

The greatest travesty, however, has to be the exclusion of LAST TANGO IN PARIS/Bertolucci.

Your list really disappointed me.

Azure Rissetto, Auckland, New Zealand

I have no problem with ranking recent films in regards with older classics, but the film in question is not as the review says it is. It doesn't deserve to be on the list of the 100 greatest films of all time. I have so much more to say, but this list is by no means a list of the greatest films.

D. Jackson, New York City, United States

...'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'...........?

Anne Ruscillo, Alton, Hampshire

Schindlers List. Godfather 2. Unforgiven. Get a grip guys, there is being 'a bit different' and just plain ignoring brilliance. Eternal Sunshine of whatever was good but not anything compared to the few above and ther are many more. And I love Towering Inferno but would rank it at about 1097.

Kenneth Donaldson, Dumfries , Scotland

Surely no argument about Citizen Kane for depth; But I'm glad to see Raiders of the Lost Ark in for sheer entertainment+ message, and similar adventure films .
On acting— while All About Eve is in, who forgot "The Little Foxes'??
And on satire — was 'The Life of Brian' never circulated in the US?

Cyril Laming, Southbourne, UK

Your top 3 is a total joke. Casablanca is a great film. Agreed,but not the greatest film ever made...
ET is a nice little film but is a million miles away from greatness. There Will Be Blood is hugely over rated and it remains to be seen if it will stand the test of time... ET? Come on...

Lance Braddon, London, UK

No place for "The Shawshank Redemption", "Citizen Kane", "The Third Man", "Twelve Angry Men" and "La Vita E Bella"??

Criminal.

Pleased to see 'This is Spinal Tap' in the list though.

Edward, York, England

One of the worst movies I've seen in decades...slow, boring, I was really disappointed in Daniel Day Lewis's portrayal...I found none of the characters likeable or sympathetic. One of the VERY few films that I actually almost walked out on. I adore movies, so for me, this was a real mystery.

Jaye Girouard, Westborough, U.S.

Having been totally absorbed ""The Lives of Others", which in terms of content, acting and virtually ever other yardstick is one of the finest ten films I have ever seen in my lifetime (65 years) I am at a total loss as to how it could have been omitted. I would love to hear why.

Anthony Zenios, London, England

The problem with these lists is that they over-favour recent releases, and the inclusion of There Will Be Blood is a classic example - a good film but No. 2 of all time, do me a favour! Also omitting Citizen Kane 'to be different' was a mistake; it just makes the list's compilers look like fools.

Clive Norton, Bristol,

As films that encompass all aspects of great cinema - cinematography, script, acting etc - I can't see how Jungle Book, ET and Silence of the Lambs in the top 20 can rival some the films missed out like Its A Wonderful Life, Reservoir Dogs\Pulp Fiction, or Citizen Kane.

James, London, UK

Not to include Ben Hur in any film list is criminal.
Not to include Psycho ditto.
Have you never seen the Adventures of Robin Hood(Errol Flynn)?The dialogue alone makes it a terrific film,but with the action,music,colour and the lovely Olivier DeHavilland and handsome Errol.Superb!

B.Wallace, Hoddesdon, England

It seems that, like the railway companies, you prefer to miss out Carnforth Station.....where is Brief Encounter???

Michael Lockley, Leeds, West Yorks

I was disappointed to find spoilers in every review. Not really much use as a "what film to watch next" guide.

Tom, Oxford,

Number 2 For "There will be blood" PLEASE !

An oscar winning performance by the extremely talented Mr Day Lewis .
But what a tiring and dismal affair the film was, helped only by the spell binding performance of its leading actor. Wake up ! the actor may have won an oscar but the film did not !

Adam, London,

When I first opened the booklet I was very pleased. It would be interesting to look films up.

Is "The Knack" included? I can not tell, because you have no index.

Please supply and index

Harry Stopes-Roe, Birmingham, W Midlands

Has anyone else noticed the absolutely glaring ommission from the list of The Deer Hunter??!!

Boycie, IOM,

Heat? No Country for Old Men? Shooting Dogs? Lost in Translation not in the top 10!!?? Seven, American Beauty, Usual Suspects? 12 Angry Men? The Client? Wallstreet? Platoon? Good WIll Hunting? Blade Runner not being in the top 20? Unforgiven, Carlito's Way?

Saving grace is 10,000 BC's omisssion..

James Cullup, Oxford,

Two films that I watched when I was a young boy have stayed with me for my whole life. Benhur, a collosal achievement before CGI deserves a place, but the film that still provokes the same emotion in me as it did when I watched it in grim, post war England was "The Bicycle Thief" ...a masterpiece.

John M, Southampton, UK

What happen to Erupean cinema, it doesn't exist for you guys? Renoir, Godard, Truffaut, Tarkovsky. Kurosawa? Besides, you didn't even put Amadeus, one of the greatest cinema moments belongs to that movie, when Young Mozart shows up for the first time in the court where Salieri is the court Composer.

Miguel, Medellín, Colombia

How could you possibly list even the Top Ten without mentioning 'Red Shoes'?

Like 'Casablanca', after more than sixty years, not a day goes by without it being shown somewhere in the world . The two best movies, ever.

Peter Lloyd, BLACKER HILL, South Yorkshire

I was surprised American Beauty did not make your list.

Gordon Anderson, Frinton,

...'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' - very dreamy film. Italian films are great, too. 'My Brother is an Only child'. Looking forward to seeing this film.

What is the difference betweem a classic and a very, very good film?

Anne Ruscillo, Hampshire

Anne Ruscillo, Alton, England

Also don't forget Miracle on 34th Street (the original), and maybe lower on the list- The Turning Point, The Whale Rider, Coal Miner's Daughter. Top Hat, Room with a View, Urban Cowboy, When Harry Met Sally, Little Women (the newest) and what the heck... Pretty Woman (sorry!)

Claudia, Atlanta, USA

Not impressed. Add- Shawshank, Romeo and Juliet (Zeppherelli), The Quiet Man, Wonderful Life, Amadeus, Groundhog Day, The Notebook, Sat Night Fever, Thelma & Louise, Planet of the Apes, Terminator1, East of Eden, Paper Moon, Gandhi, Animal House. Terms of Endearmnt, Officer &Gentleman, Risky Busns

Claudia, Atlanta, USA

You gotta be kiddin' me! Terminator 2 is on the list, The Shawshank Redemption isn't? There Will Be Blood was a wonderful movie, but #2? COMMON!

Siamak F, Richmond Hill,

Strange list, but some interesting picks

Alex Smith, Guelph, Canada

I vote for the Ridley Scott film 'Blade Runner'. I think it's a very good example of science fiction film. A terrifying vision of a future world. I remember a city when it never stop raining. A history when we don't know if a replicant is really bad of if they are worse that those humans.

J. A. Sanz, Petrer, Spain

Where on earth is any mention of the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Very few people can deny their greatness. What makes them so good is their consistency and richness. The storytelling is second-to-none, it was a ground-breaking film-making achievement and the score is one of the best ever written

Will, Rugby,

Since the list is clearly ludicrously loaded towards English language films, it should have decided to simply be a list dedictated to films in that language. As it stands, it's an extremely low-brow travesty of a list of the greatest of cinema from all the world. Nothing by Tarkovsky? Must be joking

Andrew, Cork, Ireland

I can only assume that ET was put in at No. 3 to see if anyone read the list between 100 and 1! Too much Hollywood pap and too much European cinema ignored - for starters where was Babette's Feast?

Mike Dennis, East Anglia, UK

The trouble with film Top 100s is that they are so subjective; I own (and love) over 1000 films - I would be loathe to stop any making the cut. However, films should stand the test of time to be truly great - to have a new film at no.2 is ridiculous! And the 20s/30s should not be dismissed.

LouiseC, London,

Your knowledge of film is very limited. No film list should exculde Dogstar Man by Stan Brakhage. He is the Picasso of film, a true pioneer and visionary and a master of the editing process. No films by Eisenstein, Tarkovsky, Peckinpah, Len Lye, Maya Deren. To not include Shane is a major emission.

rhianna rose, sheffield, uk

I don't think anyone has mentioned M. Hulot's Holiday; but glad someone else has mentioned The Pianist - one of the best films I have seen. Too few French films - Au revoir les enfants, and The Page Turner would be on my list.

Hilary Strong, Welwyn,

the old list was better. definitely the group Kane, Schindler,Godfather,Gone with the wind,Singing in the rain,the graduate...etc is a better than ET & There will be blood is number 2!!!! if it wasnt for Dainel D it would not be even a good movie ! how could Schindler's list slip away. strange list!

Joud, Laval, Canada

When you compile a list just to surprise your reader(and not to mention the greatest movies ever)...
The Shining is Kubrick s greatest movie?
And There Will Be Blood...it is a good movie. But for only one year ago, since then movies are classic after less than one year of their releasing?

Arian, Tehran, Iran

Admittedly, I'm somewhat dissapointed Amadeus didn't make the cut, one of my all-time favourite films

Liam harrison, Birmingham, UK

Missing is Breaking the Waves by Von Trier. I did however find many of the films very apropriate - got really positively surprised by the fact that Point Break made it.

per poulsen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Not the worst list I've ever seen but by no means definitive. How E.T can be the third best film of all time is beyond me; I won't lie there are some brave choices but too many omissions.

Here's a few that slipped the net - Godfather Part 2, Dr Strangelove, Battleship Potemkin & The Pianist

Steve, Portsmouth,

Westfront 1918, Grand Illusion, All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) are fine examples of war classics. Apocalypse Now is a cartoonish, Hollyweird joke. Some may be surprised the critics did not select bin trash like JFK given some of the films on or left their list.

WR Coe, Louisville, USA

I scanned all 100 entries and yes, it's true - Enter The Dragon was not included!

You can't go see any action film - no, let's get it right ... any film - with a fight in it that doesn't use martial arts moves. Think about it . The Matrix - Jason Bourne - Star Wars

Missed a trick there, Guys!

John Phipps, Rugby, England

1)The Man who would be King (Connery, Caine, fab)

2)Last of the Mohicans (Daniel Day Lewis, heart-stoppingly tragic ending, actors who don't even need words..)

3)And.... apologies, but it IS fantastic.. It's a Wonderful Life.

Where are they,, eh???

Jessica, wrexham, uk

I hated your list and disliked 29 of your selections (having seen them).
A test of a great film is if it stands the test of time and if, having bought the DVD, one still wants to watch it on the TV.
One of my favourite films (missing of course) is "Infernal Affairs" 2002 (Andrew Lau/ Alan Mak).

Barry, Reading,

You really should get more civilised critics! Only one Italian film, and that at #52 - the excellent but obvious La Dolce Vita. Have you never heard of Visconti, da Sica, Antonioni?
And only four French films, mainly at the back of the pack, no Resnais, Truffaut, Chabrol . Les Saleurs de la Peur?

John K. Thompson, Tetsworth, Oxon,

How on God's earth could 'The English Patient' be excluded from the list???!!! And, also, 'Roman Holiday', 'Lawrence of Arabia', 'Brief Encounter'....to name a few more greats.

Anne Ruscillo, Alton, Hampshire

you got 5 of my top twenty (Some Like it Hot,Life of Brian,Jungle Book,Dr Zhivago,Cabaret) but missed The Sting,Kind Hearts& Coronets,Jules&Jim,Schindler's List,Grease,West Side Story,Oliver!,Still Crazy (better even than Spinal Tap)Lawrence,3rdMan,39steps,Gandhi,Orient Express,Great Escape,Chaplin?

David Milne, London,

When these lists are prepared they should exclude anything released within the last two years. A case in point is "There will be blood" which is only at number two because it's new and "hip" to like. I saw it on a small screen and was not that impressed Bill the Butcher finds Oil sums it up nicely

Gordon Black, Aberdeen,

Great to see "Kes" recognised. "Oop North" also had such classics as "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning" (Finney)and "This Sporting Life" (Harris) . What about "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" (Newman) and "In The Heat Of The Night" (Steiger)? Biggest ommission? - "Das Boot", totally mesmeric.

Alisdair Dawson, Aberdeen, Scotland

How could Luchino Visconti's enduring romantic film of 1963, the Leopard (originally titled Gattopardo) with Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon and Claudia Cardinale, be left out??! The visual beauty, the stunning magnificence of each setting and the quality of the acting created a legend!

Michael Scott, Chichester, United Kingdom

To list Wong Kar Wai's Chungking Express (which is very good) but to emit his masterpiece In The Mood For Love is very strange.
The ending of Lost In Translation, which you describe as "one of life's great mysteries" is a complete rip-off In The Mood For Love.

Marc, Wolverhampton, UK

Ultimately how helpful are these lists? Check out my article on this Top 100 list, all about how such lists can ultimately be detrimental to the perception of film history:

http://classicfilmshow.wordpress.com/2008/04/28/100-greatest-films-of-all-time/

Christian Hayes, London, United Kingdom

Two of my top three - The Graduate and North by Northwest - are comfortably in the list. But the absence of The Third Man is astonishing. Goodness knows how many times I've seen it but it grips me every time. Chris in Guernsey sums up its qualities admirably.

Barry, Wallington, UK

how can you possibly have a list of 100 greatest film without including any of the the films of Frank capra. As a body of work they are the most life affirming and inspiring of all american cinema. It's a wonderful life being the prime example. His films did not fall into the sentimentality of today

tom , falmouth, england

Ok, Ok. There's a woman in the office who you occasionally bump into at the coffee machine but struggle to make conversation with, and therefore you decided to make a top 100 films list that makes you appear cool, kooky and irresistable.
That's the only logically explanation I can come to for this

gareth farr, birmingham, UK

Who were the panel who decided on this ridiculous list?
Schindlers List?
Shawshank?
Zulu?
West Side Story?
Gladiator?
Ben Hur?
Thelma & Louise?
Bridget Jones Diary?
Saturday Night Fever?
Terminator?
Cocktail?
The Great Escape?
Grease?
Dirty Dancing?
Top Gun?
to name but a few!!

Sue Andrews, Ashby de la Zouch, England

The Third Man must be in anybody's top five - every element a confection of genius. Other serious omissions - Lawrence of Arabia, Seven Samurai, Fanny & Alexander, les Vacances de M Hulot, la Regle du Jeu, les 400 Coups, the Lives of Others, Shane, The General. But well done to include High Society

William Evans, Dorchester, England

Of course like many others I was staggered at the omission of "Shawshank Redemption" when you have included so many films of considerably lesser weight.

Timothy Dale, Harpenden, Herts

Is Let There Be Blood the second best film ever? No. Is Jurassic Park better than Citizen Kane? No. Nice to see a reworking of the usual lists but there are some real stinkers here, and some great films missed out. For gods sake replace Sound of Music with Singin in Rain; and Vertigo with Suspicion.

M Summerfield, Eastbourne, East Sussex

My best films - they had to have memorable impact:
Apocalyse Now (extraordinary scenes); Dr Strangelove(relevance,Sellers, Pickens's finale); Knife in the Water (best depiction of menage a trois); The Servant (sinister); Exterminating Angel (spine-chilling); Cul de Sac (setting, characters)

David Elliott, London,

The list represents a devastating collapse of the artistic value and diversity in world cinema. Where're Bunuel, Bresson, Tarkovsky, Visconti, Antonioni, Truffaut and many other auteurs. And given that Kurosawa, Bergman, Fellini are all knoked out of the first 50, I worry about the future of cinema.

Steven Lee, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Interesting list; I am delighted that "La Belle et la Bete" was included, although I would have put it in the first few. Whatever happened to "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Singing in the Rain"? Where was Garbo's "Camille"?

Diana Asbridge, Glastonbury,

It was good to see 'Eternal Sunshine' so highly commended, and also for Coppola's 'Lost In Translation' to be included

It was sad films like 'My Summer of Love' 'Little Miss Sunshine' 'The Squid and The Whale' 'Punch Drunk Love' were all missing

Even recent classics like 'Juno' and 'Control'

James Mackenzie, Windsor, Berkshire

Casablanca at number one? You must be joking! That place must surely go to Zulu - the film that has everything: a fantastic setting, a great story and excellent acting, plenty of action and sound. A classic, quintiscentially British historical drama of the highest order!

David Rudling, Ditchling, England

My fvavourite movie is GONE WITH THE WIND and I think it should be nearer the top 1 - there will never be another movie with so many extras and a real burning of a town when just one take was imperative !! That film is a cameo of a different world once lived by many who have now passed on.

maureen feldman, Bushey Heath. wd23 1ns, England

Good idea but how valid without the inclusion of PSYCHO or any Antonioni film, if pedestrian entertainments like MY FAIR LADY or THE TOWERING INFERNO - enjoyable as they are - are deemed more worthy of inclusion.

Michael O'Sullivan, Croydon, U K

One of my all time favourites - "DIVA" - is missing. It has a strong story, with suspense, action, romance, wit, beautiful locations and a magnificent sound track.

John, Plymouth, UK

Interesting idea but not really valid without PSYCHO, an Antonioni film, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, EL CID or SOME LIKE IT HOT, but it seems pedestrian entertainments like TOWERING INFERNO, JURASSIC PARK or MY FAIR LADY are more essential !

Michael O'Sullivan, Croydon, U K

The List is very provative and it has/will generate a lot of comment.

I too have to agree with a lot of others - why no place for Lawrence of Arabia, Seven Samurai, Shawshank, Heat, Saving Private Ryan or my favorite It's a Wonderful Life.

All should be in Top Fifty & not ommited at all

Andrew Cole, Gillingham, Dorset

Come on, your aving a laugh, leaving out the following, Shindlers list,Ben hur,Saturday night fever,Bullet,My beautyful laundret,Some like it hot,Scum,Serpico,Shawshank redemption,Birds,Oceans 11(THE ORIGINAL) and not forgeting the goonies.

CASABLANCA not sure about that one sorry !!!!!!!!

TARA, London, Uk

Top films requires criteria such as popularity, box office, repeat showings over the years, radical and challenging at the time of release. If it's got to be personal where were Easy Rider, Dr No (start of a movie dynasty), Snow White, Kitchen sink ? As for Number 2, really.

John Procter, Huddersfield, England

I saw 'The Searchers' at the cinema with my mum at age ten when it came out in the fifties; it made a huge impact. 'Liberty Valance' is superb but not better, and to get the name of the actor who played Liberty is unforgivable Mr Maher.

Pam Handyside, Wokingham, Berkshire

Chucked in the bin I'm afraid. Not one Lord of The Rings film is just nonsense. They may not suit all but they are unarguably masterpieces. Shawshank, River Kwai, Lawrence, Great Escape, 12 Angry Men... The list goes on. Glad to see Casablanca at one though.

Kenneth Donaldson, Dumfries , Scotland

When compiling what would be in a Top 100 films of all time there have been so many "classics" over almost as many years so the task will always be controversial.

That said I will echo some previous comments about "The Shawshank Redemption and The Usual Suspects" and what about "The Green Mile"!!

Steve Aubrey, Southampton, England

You have included a lot of dross and left out several gems. All time great directors or stars don't even get into your list. With a limit of 300 characters, thee isn't the space to say who. Just one of several examples: do you really think Peckinpah never made anything noteworthy?

Robin alka, London, Middlesex

If you had Kind Hearts you would deserve Coronets.

Stephen Phillips, London, UK,

I have to take issue with There Will Be Blood being the second best film ever made. Surely this will quickly become rememebered as the most overrated film of recent times: too long, boring, self-satisfed, unengaging characters and all topped off by one of the hammiest lead performances of all time.

David Morley, Brighton, England

The omission of "The Third Man" undermines the credibility of your whole list.
It's a great story with the brilliantly innovative camera work and the haunting zither score evoking superbly the dark atmosphere of post-war Vienna. And, of course, there was Orson Welles' unforgettable performance.

Chris Hobbs, Guernsey,

I could almost allow Dr.Strangelove, or how I learnt to...etc. not to make the top 50, but not there at all? Film critic street cred gone, the lot of you!!

Bruce Dawson, Royton, Lancs, United Kingdom

I looked vainly for the brilliant romantic comedy 'Ground Hog Day', a film starring Bill Murray which brings out his considerable gifts in smart, cynical dialogue.
Murray is helped by a sharply crafted script, his good looking romatic lead Andie Mcdowell and excellent direction from Harold Ramis.

Derek Armstrong, BROSELEY, England

Please note that in film number 34 reviewed by KM.( The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance). The actor who plays Valance is LEE MARVIN and not Lee Van Cleef. I also think there was no need to call the Searschers over rated. Too subtle for KM I guess. It proves the frivolous nature of this list.

Ahmed, London,

In Rashomon the brilliant idea on a single event narrated from the conflicting points of view was produced by a Japanese novelist called Ryunosuke Akutagawa (1892-1927) who wrote the original titled Yabunonaka [In the Bush]. Rashomon is a name of Kyoto’s front gate which does not exist any longer.

Akira, Tokyo, Japan

How could you leave out Les Enfants du Paradis? The acting is brilliant, with three of France's greaest stars (Arletty, Jean-Louis Barrault and Pierre Brasseur) in the leads, and the whole film has tremendous atmosphere. And, made in wartime France, it embodied the resurgent spirit of the French.

Michael Legat, Horsted Keynes, England

This is a youngish, male list surely? All the violence and scifi/fantasy.
Where is SHANE???
Suspect everyone's 'best films' are the ones they saw at an emotionally impressible age!
Anne Kiggell, Berkshire

Anne Kiggell, Ashampstead Common, UK

No Third Man!!!!The best British film ever,it has everything mystery,deception and broken friendship.

Christopher Marsh, Stevenage, Hertfordshire

The Wild Bunch has to be on any list of the top 100. It closes the west ; finishes the genre. There is simply nothing left further to say, Peckinpah's glorious, beautiful but tragic vision of the final closing of the frontier and freedom by the brutal hand of modern corporatism is beyond compare.

Brian Smith, Bradford, U.K.

Jaws so far back, so me a favor!
Where is gladiator?
I think this list shows that it is impossible to have a such a list as everybody will have the films in a totally different position. I think this is is well of the mark by a country mile!

Azmat, Manchester, UK

I agree with some of the choices, but seriously 'Some like it hot' deserves to be number one, or at least in the top 5, and 'Breakfast At Tiffiany's' is a really good film, it deserves to be on the list.

Lottie, Somerset,

What? de Niro/Walken/Russian Roulette/Cavatina(?)/ "there are rats down here". No Deer Hunter? Cimino's masterpiece.

Stephen Jones, Bristol, UK

My No. 1 is 'The River' (1951), Jean Renoir's first colour film, set and filmed on the Ganges: indescribably beautiful, with a sad but perfect story, the sentiment implicit.

Delighted also that you include Cocteau's 'La belle et la bete', magical in more than one sense.

Anthony Young, Norwich

Anthony Young, Norwich, UK

At least for me, the two most memorable films were Fiddler on the Roof - full of humour, warmth, pathos and a realistic look at the Jewish way of life as well as most enjoyable music - and Gandhi, a positive history that enthralled from beginning to end. Not often I see films so wholly enjoyable.

Lionel Phillips, South Croydon, Surrey

Your publication excludes a cinematic masterpiece that has a superb cast, brilliant direction and a wonderful music score.
It is one of those rare films that one ruminates upon long after seeing it. I refer of course to David Lean's 1962 epic 'Lawrence of Arabia'. Positively my No.1!

Ronald Vincent, Deal, Kent, UK

An interesting list, that will never suit all tastes. So the only omission I will mention is Lawrence of Arabia. Seven Oscars, beautiful cinema, David Lean and Peter O'Toole on top form deserve a top 10 place let alone top 100.

David, Witley,

All Quiet on the Western Front a must as is The Producers.Has any of the Times critics actually watched these films,when did Lee Van Cleef replace Lee Marvin as Liberty Valance?

Bob Spiller, windsor,

lord of the rings, ben hur and titanic where are they??????
and gladiator, an amazing film but apparently toy story is a lot better. also it may not be as well known but crash was brilliant but again no mention. and me personally think days of glory and saving private ryan. both awesome films

paul obrien, milton keynes, england

No Eraserhead? More seminal than Blue Velvet surely. And no Bunuel? His surrealistic films have disconnected narratives that mean different things each viewing. They make Spike Lee's stuff look like pot boilers. Also, shouldn't Realm of the Senses (Ai No Corrida) have headed the sex milestone list?

Brian Buchanan, Glasgow, UK

How can any film critic confuse Lee Van Cleef for Lee Marvin! Yes, SHANE should be on the list, as should CK, Saturday Night Sunday Morning, BS Potemkin. As for Jurassic Park, what a joke.

Steve Lightfoot, Sheffield, uk

Why does The Shining keep appearing in these lists - it's the most overrated horror film ever.
Where is Kieslowski's Three Colours Trilogy? Or Almodovar, Truffaut, Leigh? Scorsese's King of Comedy is his best film; Goodfellas is blown away by Japanese director Takashi Miike's Dead or Alive.

John Allison, Chorley, Lancashire

Omitting "Citizen Kane" is silly, done for effect. "Shawshank" is sentimental tosh. The brilliant "A Brighter Summer Day " should be top ten. I would have "Fanny & Alexander", "Farewell My Concubine", the two "Once upon a Times" (America & West) and others. No "Schndler's": shld been much better.

John Peters, Swansea,

Cyclo. Love that film.

John Peters, Swansea,

The list reflects the extreme Anglocentrism of the six critics. Any poll of international critics, such as the long-established one in Sight and Sound magazine, produces an approximate fifty-fifty split between English-language films and others (including silents). The Times list of 100 contains only 14 foreign-language and silent films, and none at all in the top 15. And for my money any list which totally omits anything by the two greatest cinematic geniuses, Robert Bresson and Andrei Tarkovsky, cannot be taken seriously.

Alan Pavelin, Chislehurst,

What about Leone's masterful creation, the definitive western "Once upon a time in the West". Bronson, Robards, Cardinale and of course Henry Fonda in an unexpected bad guy role - and what a bad guy. Best film ever.

Chris Bowie, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Not a single film by Charlie Chaplin? Modern Times, City Lights, or The Great Dictator dwarf some of the pigmies you promote!
These will still be relevant in a 1000 years. The Times should get 10,000 copies of Modern Times and distribute it in Zimbabwe. More effective than the Thunderer.

Ben, London, uk

The liits manages to be conservative and gimmicky all at the same time. The Crying Game? A great film? Come on! What about (for starters)

Sideways
Quatermass and the PItt
Ordinary People (deservedly beat Raging Bull to win best film)

Peter Totman, London, UK

What about: Bringing Up Baby, On the Town, 42cnd Street, The Big Sleep, Kind Hearts & Coronets, Ben Hur, Meet Me In St Louis, Titanic, Julius Caesar , Modern Times, High Noon?

Graeme, Whitley Bay, Uk

What happened to All Quite on the Western Front.? First and perhaps finest anti war movie. Also Hombre, the first Western to portray naitive Americans and anything but savages.Seven Samurai should also rank along with Shane and High Noon. Not enough pre 1940 and foreign movies included.

John Connor, Burlington, canada

I couldn't see 'Gladiator' and how about 'The Kite Runner'

Anita , Cheltenham,

A daring list? It seems only to sacrifice quality like Dr Strangelove, Singin in the Rain etc, in favour of uninspiring pap like Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, The Breakfast Club. If the list wants to be truly different, why not include Brazil, Bigger Than Life, Magnolia, Fight Club, Mulholland Dr?

Glyn Jones, Bognor Regis, England

Good list. EXCEPT> Where is Pan's Labyrinth????One of the best , most original films of the last few years.

Jen, London, UK

I echo the "Where is the Shawshank Redemption" comment. I am amazed that it is not there.
I would also have included "If", in my opinion Lindsay Anderson's best film, particularly for the use of the extracts from "Missa Luba" on the sound track.

Mike Steward, Enfield, England

Saving Private Ryan, Schindlers List,Shawshank Redemption,Hig Noon,A Matter of Life and Death,the Lives of Others,Goodbye Lenin,the Usual Suspects, first Star Wars movie,No Country for Old Men,Ice Cold in Alex, Shane, and others mentioned by your other correspondents all better than your list

Pat Stephenson, Stebbing, Essex

Sound of Music in but no West Side Story ; Overrated Cabaret in but no Arthur Freed musical; You must be joking!

And does Jungle Book represent the absolute zenith of Disney animation; good yes but not in the same league as Bambi, Snow White, or Sleeping Beauty.

Geaham Fee, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands

I salute you for including deserving films such as Toy Story and Jurassic Park that don't usually get on this list. But where are:
No country or old men
Shawshank Redemption
Lawrence of Arabia
Godfather 2
12 Angry Men
It's a Wonderful Life


And yes, Citizen Kane, i'm sorry but it's essential.

John, Sonehaven, Scotland

Where is the 'Shawshank Redemption,'where is 'Tunes of Glory'
where Alick Guinness and John Mills surpassed themselves.
How the hell did 'Silence of the Lambs'.Rubbish story rubbish acting.

tim burke, sheffield, UK

A brilliant, innovative list
Perhaps casablanca shouldn't have come first
There will be blood is a spectacular film and was proudly put into 2nd place, very pleased with that
Thanks

Ryan Lloyd, Macclesfield, England

What happened to holy grail and No country for old men

Ryan Lloyd, Macclesfield, England

Amadeus? A towering performance by F, Murray Abraham
Anthony Quinn in The Twenty Fith Hour? An underated star if ever there was one.
perhaps the next 100 could be chosen by less arty critics whom some of us may have heard of.

Pat Hodgson, coventry, warwickshire

firstly,'there will be blood' is there only because it is a relatively new movie, fresh in peoples mind. but the second greatest film of all time? give me a break.

and how is it possible you missed out the film 'Heat'? Al Pacino and Robert Deniro in the best movie of the 90's!

kamrooz varzi, london, uk

what about that great french classic 'The 'THE WAGES OF FEAR' and of course 'SHANE'

PETER SEDDON, portsmouth, england

I agree with some of the choices. But, if I were compiling the list (and these sorts of lists are always going to be wholly subjective) I would have included Diva, Wonder Boys, The Sea Inside, Get Carter (the orginial of course), Withnail & I, Aguirre (Wrath Of God) and Walkabout.

Steve Johnson, Crowborough, UK

I'm not going to slag of your omissions but when you claim your list is 'fresher & younger than any dared hope for' with a 'number of recent releases vying for places near the summit' I feel I have to call you on it. There are only six films from the past 20 years in the top 50.

Jonathan Brown, Dundee, Scotland

re. JC's comments on 'A Clockwork Orange'
Alex did not murder the professor's wife-she was raped.
He murdered a woman who disturbed his gang attempting
a burglary at her house. He did indeed use a giant phallus.
If I remember correctly, it was on of her own sculptures.

Ron Murray, Kilmarnock, UK

Let me get this straight; cabaret? jurassic park? the towering inferno? the silence of the lambs? spinal tap? toy story? the matrix? I could go on but you get the idea.

All these and NO Shawshank Redemption ANYWHERE?

If the plan was to court controversy, then well done!

Oscar Munero, Detroit, USA

Gandhi....Planet of the Apes....

Chris, Battle Creek, MI

Get Carter? Saturday Night, Sunday Morning? Zulu? Seven Samurai? Psycho? To name but 5.

Paul Brown, Leeds, England

yes there are plenty of films that really do deserve to be in your list but surely you should have made room for such greats as Citizen Kane, Seven Samurai, Lawrence Of Arabia and many more which are of sheer cinematic excellence. I need more world cinema, more comedies, more classics and less E.T

will, Leatherhead, UK

Jurassic Park park one of the 100 best films of all time???? Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

Your list lost any and all crediblity with that choice alone!

TomB, Birmingham,

What about :The last temptation of Christ (Martin Scorsese), The Pianist (Roman Polanski), Scent of a woman (starring Al Pacino), Missing !( superbly acted by Jack Lemon), Love,Life,and Death( Claude Lelouch).
But I'm glad you included: Rashomon ,and the good,the bad,and the ugly .

Sam, Dallas, USA

No room for Dr Strangelove, Holy Grail, Local Hero or Full Metal Jacket ?
Odd list

Dave, Seattle, USA

"Some Like it Hot" should be Top 5 -- the best comedy ever made but comedies don't get respect.

"Star Wars" should be in the Top 10, above "Empire ..." but congrats on putting "ET" 3rd. I was one of the hard-bitten critics who cried at a preview!

Too soon to put "There Will be Blood" so high.

H. Robert Johnston, Northampton,