Certified "Fresh"
If you're a true movie-lover, you know about Rotten Tomatoes. It's a popular website where both movies and TV shows are heavily scrutinized by critics and audiences alike, and each piece of work is given a "Tomatometer" score based on a percentage of positive reviews. Rare is it for a movie to get a perfect score—so when a movie does manage to achieve a 100% rating, it must mean it has something special to offer. Here are 50 movies that got 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
12 Angry Men (1957)
12 Angry Men is a 1957 courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet. The whole movie unfolds in a jury room, as tensions rise and biases are exposed during court proceedings over a murder case. Henry Fonda stands out as Juror 8, pushing for a thorough examination of evidence. The film, which still holds a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, is raved for its powerful screenplay, direction, and ensemble cast.
Athlete A (2020)
Athlete A is a 2020 documentary by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk that follows The Indianapolis Star's investigation into USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar's abuse scandal. It features survivors like Maggie Nichols sharing their stories and has been praised for its powerful storytelling and coverage of institutional corruption. The film's 100% on Rotten Tomatoes demonstrates its critical acclaim and positive impact on audiences.
Before Sunrise (1995)
Before Sunrise is a 1995 romantic drama directed by Richard Linklater. It follows Jesse and Céline, who meet on a train in Vienna and spend an evening exploring the city. The movie is praised for its realistic dialogue, genuine performances, and exploration of short-lived human connections. With a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, it's considered a modern classic for its portrayal of spontaneous love.
Detour Filmproduction, Before Sunrise (1995)
California Typewriter (2016)
California Typewriter, a 2016 documentary directed by Doug Nichol, explores the appeal of typewriters l in the digital age. It focuses on a family-owned repair shop in Berkeley, California, providing interviews from typewriter enthusiasts like Tom Hanks and John Mayer. Critics have heavily praised the film and it has managed to garner a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
American Buffalo Pictures, California Typewriter (2016)
His House (2020)
His House is a 2020 horror film directed by Remi Weekes. It follows Sudanese refugee couple Bol and Rial as they apply for asylum in England. In the old house they are placed in, they confront a malicious force forcing them to face past traumas. Praised for its original mix of horror and societal critique, the film has a well-deserved 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Lady Bird (2017)
Lady Bird is a coming-of-age dramedy starring Saoirse Ronan as Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, a high school senior in Sacramento, California. The movie explores Lady Bird's relationships with her mother, Marion, and her journey of self-discovery. The film was so well-received upon its release that it received a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, but that rating has now dropped to 99%.
Mission Films Production, Lady Bird (2017)
Leave No Trace (2018)
Leave No Trace is a 2018 drama that follows Will, a PTSD-stricken war veteran, and his daughter Tom surviving in Oregon wilderness. When they are discovered by authorities, they struggle to maintain their secluded lifestyle. The film's compassionate portrayal of characters, nuanced storytelling, and outstanding performances by Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie have earned critical acclaim, including a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
BRON Studios, Leave No Trace (2018)
Man on Wire (2008)
Man on Wire is a well-known documentary directed by James Marsh in 2008. It follows Philippe Petit's illegal high-wire walk between the Twin Towers in 1974. Featuring archival footage, reenactments, and interviews, the film details the preparation and execution of the stunt and its cultural impact. With a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's considered a masterpiece in documentary filmmaking.
Discovery Films, Man on Wire (2008)
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Meet Me in St. Louis is the classic drama that follows the Smith family as they navigate love and love before their big move to New York City. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, the film stars Judy Garland and features iconic songs like her rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Praised for its nostalgic charm and stunning visuals, the movie has received a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
MGM, Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
O.J.: Made In America (2016)
O.J.: Made In America is a 2016 documentary directed by Ezra Edelman in 2016 that explores O.J. Simpson's life, sports career, and legal issues, including his high-profile trial in 1994. The seven-hour film analyzes racial and social aspects of the case, as well as the criminal justice system. Critically acclaimed, the documentary has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and it also won an Academy Award.
ESPN Films, O.J.: Made in America (2016)
Only Yesterday (1991)
Only Yesterday is Studio Ghibli animated drama released in 1991. It follows 27-year-old Taeko Okajima as she reflects on her past and life choices while visiting family in the countryside. Critics praise the film for its sophisticated narrativ and beautiful animation accurately depicting 1960s Japan. Currently, the film has a well-deserved 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Nippon Television Network, Only Yesterday (1991)
Paddington 2 (2017)
Paddington 2, directed by Paul King in 2017, follows Paddington's adventures in London. The Peruvian bear, voiced by Ben Whishaw, gets caught up in a mission to find a stolen pop-up book for his aunt's birthday. Critically acclaimed for its storytelling, characters, and all-ages appeal, the film debuted with a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes; though that score has since dropped to 99%.
StudioCanal, Paddington 2 (2017)
Pinocchio (1940)
Pinocchio is the Disney animated film directed by Ben Sharpsteen and Hamilton Luske that serves as a timeless adaptation of Carlo Collodi's book. It follows the story of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet made by Geppetto who aspires to be human. The film is praised for its innovative animation, unforgettable characters, and enduring storytelling. As of now, it has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Walt Disney, Wikimedia Commons
Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)
Searching for Bobby Fischer is a 1993 drama directed by Steven Zaillian, depicting the true story of chess prodigy Joshua Waitzkin and his struggles with competitive chess. The movie stands out for its topnotch acting, and its unique exploration of the emotional side of chess. Currently, the film has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics giving it rave reviews.
Mirage Enterprises, Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)
Seven Samurai (1954)
Seven Samurai is a film by Akira Kurosawa that takes viewers back to 16th century Japan, where one village seeks help from seven ronin against bandits. It's interesting characters, storyline, and action scenes have been widely praised, and themes of honor and human nature make it a relatable watch. The movie holds a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and it is generally recognized as a cinematic masterpiece.
Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Shadow of a Doubt follows young Charlie Newton who suspects her uncle may be a serial killer. Set in a California town, the film explores deceit, family relationships, and the darkness beneath suburban life. Highly praised for its suspense and Hitchcock's direction, the movie has received a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and continues to be a fan-favorite classic among movie buffs.
Skirball Productions, Wikimedia Commons
Singing in the Rain (1952)
Singing in the Rain is a beloved musical comedy that was released in 1952. The film stars legend Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood, a man navigating the film industry changes with his friends Cosmo Brown and Kathy Selden. Known for iconic musical performances and stunning dance routines, the film has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and it's considered one of the greatest cinematic works in American history.
MGM, Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Stagecoach (1939)
Stagecoach is John Ford's 1939 western film set in Monument Valley, following strangers on a perilous journey through Apache territory. The movie explores the clash between civilization and the frontier, and it has received particular praised for for John Wayne's breakout role. It currently holds a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and is revered for its impact on the Western genre.
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
The Adventures of Robin Hood, directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, follows Robin Hood leading his Merry Men against Prince John in vibrant Technicolor visuals. Errol Flynn's performance as Robin Hood, the infamous archer, has made it a timeless classic, praised for exciting duels and romantic adventures. The film holds a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Warner Bros., The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
The Gold Rush (1925)
The Gold Rush is a silent comedy that is starred and directed by Charli Chaplin. It follows his iconic Tramp character through the challenges of the Klondike Gold Rush. Praised for its slapstick comedy and emotional depth, the movie is considered a cinematic masterpiece. It's 100% on Rotten Tomatoes is indicative of its lasting impact on critics and audiences alike.
United Artists, The Gold Rush (1925)
The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
The Grapes of Wrath is another John Ford work with a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. It serves as a film adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel about the Joad family's migration from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. Critics laud the movie for its powerful narrative, stellar acting by Henry Fonda, and unabashed exploration of poverty and human struggle.
Twentieth Century, The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
The Kid (1921)
The Kid, another Charlie Chaplin classic, explores poverty, love, and resilience as the Tramp cares for a homeless child. Praised for its emotional depth and humor, the film marks a milestone in Chaplin's career. It has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and is hailed as a cinematic masterpiece that highlights Chaplin's talent for blending humor and emotional storytelling.
Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
The Philadelphia Story is a classic film from the 1940s directed by George Cukor. It stars Katharine Hepburn as Tracy Lord, a wealthy socialite dealing with media scrutiny before her second wedding. With Cary Grant as her ex-husband and James Stewart as a journalist at odds with love interests, the movie blends comedy and important themes about societal norms. It currently holds a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
MGM, The Philadelphia Story (1940)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2014)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a 2014 animated adaptation of the Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. The film follows Kaguya, a girl found in a bamboo shoot and raised by a bamboo cutter. Critics praise its hand-drawn animation resembling Japanese watercolor paintings, and themes of identity, love, and time. With a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it proves that animated films can still make a huge impact.
Studio Ghibli, The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2014)
The Terminator (1984)
The Terminator is known for revolutionizing science fiction. Directed by James Cameron, the film is about a cyborg assassin who targets Sarah Connor to alter future events. The film explores themes of technology, destiny, and society's reliance on machines, which are very much relevant today. Achieving a 100% Rotten Tomatoes, The Terminator remains a classic watch for all movie lovers.
Cinema '84, The Terminator (1984)
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a 1948 classic adventure drama directed by John Huston. It follows two Americans and an elderly prospector hunting for gold, exploring themes of greed and moral decline. Walter Huston made history with this film, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Today, the film is still revered, holding onto a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Warner Bros., Wikimedia Commons
Top Hat (1935)
Top Hat is a classic musical comedy from 1935 directed by Mark Sandrich, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It follows dancer Jerry Travers as he falls for Dale Tremont in London, leading to comedic mishaps and impressive dance numbers. Critics praise the charming performances and chemistry between Astaire and Rogers, with the film holding a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Toy Story (1995)
Toy Story, a 1995 film directed by John Lasseter, revolutionized computer-generated animation. The story follows Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, an action figure, as they go from rivals to friends while escaping from a misbehaving boy. The movie is praised for its creative narrative, lovable characters, and imaginative world-building, earning a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Toy Story 2 (1999)
Toy Story 2, once again directed by John Lasseter, continues the adventures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear as they embark on a quest to save Woody after he is taken by a toy collector. Critically acclaimed for its captivating plot, witty dialogue, and emotional depth, the film seamlessly combines animation technology with strong storytelling. It is the rare case of a sequel also getting 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and living up to its predecessor.
