Top 25 Most Watched Movies Of All Time (Updated 2023)

When you select the “best” for yourself, you naturally feel excited. Similarly, from millions of movies around the world, you feel ecstatic to have a collection of the Most Watched Movie Of All Time. Belonging to different genres you feel happy, as you can chill in your free time with snacks making your time even more enjoyable.

Movies are the reason people can spend quality time thanks to the best form of companionship they give. They also relax your mind away from the tensions you were accompanied by all day long on the professional front.

Besides entertaining us, they help us to gain knowledge as well. For ages, humans are getting entertained as movies comprise the million-dollar industry.

They bring different outbursts of emotions. Yes, right from a hearty laugh, suspense, horror, and twists movies you even never know when you felt bad for a certain character that you became emotional. 

Most Watched Movie Of All Time

What Is The Most Watched Movie Of All Time

Millions of movies can proudly dominate the industry as of now. Among them, the most-watched movie of all time has to be Titanic which needs no introduction. It is a historical film that is based on a real-life incident signifying the sinking of a big-sized ship. Furthermore, the selected following list of movies brings a sense of nostalgia and companionship. It is the aspect of the “Feel-Good-Factor” that we even pray for the safety of the hero.

People mostly prefer movies that have a beautiful ending as the protagonist tends to live happily ever after. This positivity is a direct outcome of the intense co-relation and attachment that we tend to create during the movie. Let’s now view the different genres of movies below:

Top 25 Most Watched Movies Of All time:

A passenger’s plane instructs you to brace yourself with a safety mechanism before its take-off, similarly, hold tight as the following list of the carefully selected 25 most watched movies of all time will give you the company that you dearly long for.

1. Titanic 1998:

 Titanic 1998
  • Director: James Cameron
  • Cast:  Leonardo DiCaprio Kate Winslet Billy Zane Kathy Bates Frances Fisher Bernard Hill Jonathan Hyde Danny Nucci David Warner Bill Paxton
  • Release Date: November 1, 1997
  • Genre: History, Drama, Romance

Titanic is an action-packed movie depicting romance, drama, and of course the ill-fated maiden voyage that sunk. 1500 passengers died on April 15, 1912, in the chilly water of the North Atlantic. It has been an obvious and highly acclaimed movie that has ruled the Hollywood industry for so long. The audience can better connect with the phase of love that was so beautifully visualized and highlighted. Directed by James Cameron, the movie even today is an inspiration for all.

2. My Left Foot (1989):

 My Left Foot (1989)
  • Director: Jim Sheridan
  • Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis Ray McAnally Brenda Fricker Cyril Cusack Fiona Shaw Hugh O’Conor Adrian Dunbar Ruth McCabe Alison Whelan
  • Release Date: February 24, 1989
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama

The movie highlights the real-life struggle of an Irish man who although affected by cerebral palsy learned to use his left foot (that he has control) to paint. It is an emotionally inspiring story that gives a deep encouragement and a sense of motivation to fight against adversities happily. It showcases willpower.

3. Schindler’s List (1993):

Schindler’s List (1993)
  • Director:  Steven Spielberg
  • Cast: Liam Neeson Ben Kingsley Ralph Fiennes Caroline Goodall Jonathan Sagalle Embeth Davidtz
  • Release Date: February 4, 1994
  • Genre: Historical drama, Fiction

German businessman gives respite to the victims of World War II by employing them in his factory. It is a noble move to safeguard Jewish citizens from Nazi rule in Germany. The film is a living example of the horror of the Holocaust which sends a chill down the spine. It leaves a long-lasting impression in the minds as it is another one of the top 25 most-watched movies of all time.

4. Vertigo (1958):

Vertigo (1958)
  • Director: Alfred Hitchcock
  • Cast:  James Stewart Kim Novak Barbara Bel Geddes Tom Helmore Henry Jones
  • Release Date: May 9, 1958
  • Genre: Mystery, Psychological thriller, Romance

An incident that led a police detective to retire and develop acrophobia is soon hired to check on an acquaintance’s wife from taking any untoward steps. The story gains a twist as he becomes obsessed with her. which makes viewers engaged and glued to the screen.

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5. Psycho (1960):

Psycho (1960)
  • Director: Alfred Hitchcock
  • Cast:  Anthony Perkins Vera Miles John Gavin Martin Balsam John McIntire Janet Leigh
  • Release Date: September 8, 1960
  • Genre: Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Noir

The movie highlights the state of a secretary after she embezzled $40,000. She finds shelter in a motel from being chased and caught. She encounters a man that his mother dominates while check-in in. It is among the top 25 watched movies of all time, thanks to the best performance by Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins.

6. Some Like It Hot (1959):

Some Like It Hot (1959)
  • Director: Billy Wilder
  • Cast: Marilyn Monroe Tony Curtis Jack Lemmon George Raft Joe E. Brown Pat O’Brien
  • Release Date: March 29, 1959
  • Genre:  Music, Romance, Comedy, Mystery

A humorous story thanks to a hilarious script revolves around two male band members who have to disguise themselves as females as the cops raid the area. The audience goes on a never-ending rib-tickling comedy that sets the pitch to an all-time high. That’s why, it is among the most-watched movie of all time as the iconic gags, and costumes have all made the movie worth watching.

7. A Separation (2011):

A Separation
  • Director: Asghar Farhadi
  • Cast: Leila Hatami Peyman Moaadi Shahab Hosseini Kimiya Hosseini Babak Karimi Sareh Bayat Sarina Farhadi Merila Zarei
  • Release Date: 15 February 2011
  • Genre: Mystery, Drama

The movie highlights the predicament of a married couple who has to decide on a better life for their son who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The Iranian couple is contemplating moving to another country for giving a better quality of life to their son so that he leads a respectable life later on. It showcases the unconditional love of parents for their children.

8. The Lady Vanishes (1938):

The Lady Vanishes (1938)
  • Director: Alfred Hitchcock
  • Cast: Margaret Lockwood Michael Redgrave Paul Lukas Dame May Whitty
  • Release Date: October 7, 1938
  • Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller, Drama

The movie is based on the mysterious disappearance of an elderly tourist from England as her co-passenger’s bewilderment came to light once she woke up. It was only an emphatic denial from all the other passengers that creates a more solid ground for a mysterious disappearance. The passenger is taken aback at the sudden turn of events as she has to take timely action.

9. Au Hasard Balthazar (1966):

Au Hasard Balthazar (1966)
  • Director: Robert Bresson
  • Cast: Anne Wiazemsky
  • Release Date: May 25, 1966
  • Genre: Drama, Crime

Au Hasard Balthazar is a French drama of 1966 that highlights the mistreatment of a donkey by different owners. The audience finds an emotional phase that naturally generates empathy for the four-legged voiceless animal. A pleasant treatment from a lonely woman who hugged him was the highlight as he was not abused this time.

10. Ran (1985):

Ran (1985)
  • Director:  Akira Kurosawa
  • Cast: Tatsuya Nakadai Akira Terao Jinpachi Nezu Daisuke Ryu Mieko Harada Peter Hisashi Igawa Yoshiko Miyazaki
  • Release Date:  June 1, 1985
  • Genre: Drama, Action, War

The movie highlights how getting sudden power corrupts the minds as it creates a rift among family members. An elderly warlord who due to his advancing age empowers his three sons with the responsibilities of governing the empire. However, that creates misunderstanding and a sense of jealousy among them.

11. The Third Man (1949):

 The Third Man (1949)
  • Director: Orson Welles
  • Cast: Charlton Heston Janet Leigh Orson Welles Joseph Calleia Akim Tamiroff Marlene Dietrich Zsa Zsa Gabor
  • Release Date:  April 23, 1958
  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller

The Third Man revolves around an American Holly Martins who is thankful to get a job through his friend Harry Lime. However, his happiness is short-lived on knowing that his friend is no more. It is the mystery that shrouds his death that makes it even more shocking for Martin who is now set to unearth the real cause of such an unforeseen incident.

12. Touch Of Evil (1958):

Touch Of Evil (1958)
  • Director:  Orson Welles
  • Cast: Charlton Heston Janet Leigh Orson Welles Joseph Calleia Akim Tamiroff Marlene Dietrich Zsa Zsa Gabor
  • Release Date: April 23, 1958
  • Genre: Noir, Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Crime Fiction

The movie showcases the mystery surrounding murder at the US/Mexico border. An American contractor was killed because his car exploded due to the planting of a bomb. Mexican Narcotics officer had to cut short his honeymoon. While the American officer starts to investigate and nab a Mexican suspect Manolo Sanchez. Various twists make the movie interesting.

13. Pinocchio (1940):

Pinocchio (1940)
  • Director: Ben Sharpsteen Hamilton Luske Sequence Directors Bill Roberts Norman Ferguson Jack Kinney Wilfred Jackson T. Hee
  • Cast: Cliff Edwards Dickie Jones Christian Rub Walter Catlett Charles Judels Evelyn Venable Frankie Darro
  • Release Date: 23 February 1940
  • Genre: Drama, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Animation

Disney’s Pinocchio is a wooden puppet from the animated movie that is desirous of life just like a real boy, but he has to prove it first. The film highlights the aspirations and feelings of an adventurous character that is highly excited to be living a normal life. The film is technically advanced while working on the emotional aspects to make it interesting with captivating visuals.

14. Intolerance (1916):

Intolerance (1916)
  • Director: D. W. Griffith
  • Cast: Vera Lewis Ralph Lewis Mae Marsh Robert Harron Constance Talmadge Lillian Gish Josephine Crowell Margery Wilson Frank Bennett Elmer Clifton Miriam Cooper Alfred Paget
  • Release Date: September 5, 1916
  • Genre: Melodrama, Silent, Indie Film, Historical Drama

Women are subjected to prejudices as the practice has been so interwoven in history and going on for ages. A sad state of affairs is depicted as Intolerance against women is the culprit. An emotionally charged woman has to bear the brunt and she has to partake ways from her husband and baby who have been her pillar of strength.

15. The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (1948):

The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (1948)
  • Director: John Huston
  • Cast: Humphrey Bogart Walter Huston Tim Holt Bruce Bennett
  • Release Date: 6 January 1948
  • Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Western

The story goes where two men meet a prospector to search for gold and become rich overnight. The movie has a relatable strike as to how the sudden wealth creates a rift and troubles. Fred Dobbs’s character is highly appreciated as the thrilling movie revolves around corruption and greed which is the root cause of chaos.

16. The Shawshank Redemption (1994):

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
  • Director: Frank Darabont
  • Cast: Tim Robbins Morgan Freeman Bob Gunton William Sadler Clancy Brown Gil Bellows James Whitmore
  • Release Date: 22 September 1994
  • Genre: Crime Fiction, Drama, Mystery, Prison

Two inmates are charged with crimes they didn’t commit and the very problematic phase has united them together to be friendly and hopeful of a better life. They are optimistic to be saved from the ill-fated life where passion and love will overpower all the obstacles.

Since odds can be conquered by being lovable and friendly. It is such a noble aspect that has included the movie among the top most-watched movie of all time.

17. Notorious (1946):

Notorious (1946)
  • Director: Alfred Hitchcock
  • Cast: Cary Grant Ingrid Bergman Claude Rains Louis Calhern Leopoldine Konstantin
  • Release Date: 6 September 1946
  • Genre:  Romance, Drama, Spy, Mystery, Political Thriller, Thriller, Noir

The story revolves around a Nazi who is convicted as American agents make plans to take his daughter for interrogation. The purpose is to derive information about South American-based Nazi scientists where his daughter can play a pivotal role. The story has many twists and turns along with a deadly love triangle.

18. City Lights (1931):

City Lights (1931)
  • Director: Charlie Chaplin
  • Cast: Charlie Chaplin Virginia Cherrill Florence Lee Harry Myers Al Ernest Garcia
  • Release Date:  January 30, 1931
  • Genre: Romance, Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Melodrama, Tragic Comedy, Silent

City Lights carries a legacy of Charlie Chaplin through his iconic character namely The Tramp. The story is full of humor showcasing the funny sequences along with powerful pathos that spell bounds the audience. To collect money for the sight of a blind flower seller, he romances her.

19. Citizen Kane (1941):

Citizen Kane (1941)
  • Director: Orson Welles
  • Cast: Orson Welles Joseph Cotten Dorothy Comingore Everett Sloane Ray Collins George Coulouris Agnes Moorehead Paul Stewart Ruth Warrick Erskine Sanford William Alland
  • Release Date: 5 September 1941
  • Genre: Mystery, Drama

The death of a tycoon gives birth to suspense and mystery as his last words were “Rosebud”. It necessitates all the reporters to begin solving the mystery arising out of it. The movie leaves the audience to analyze and introspect the actual significance of the last word as it leaves a long-lasting impression in the minds of everyone.

20. Boyhood (2014):

Boyhood (2014)
  • Director: Richard Linklater
  • Cast: Patricia Arquette Ellar Coltrane Lorelei Linklater Ethan Hawke
  • Release Date: 11 July 2014
  • Genre: Drama, Coming-of-age-story

Boyhood highlights the turmoil and dilemma of a child in Texas who enters adolescence amidst divorced parents. He longs for love as he has a sister to accompany his growing phase. The film visualizes the struggles which a six-year-old faces till he attains eighteen years and longs for romance and independent life of his own.

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21. Seven Samurai (1954):

Seven Samurai (1954)
  • Director: Akira Kurosawa
  • Cast: Toshiro Mifune Takashi Shimura Keiko Tsushima Isao Kimura Daisuke Katō Seiji Miyaguchi Yoshio Inaba Minoru Chiaki Kamatari Fujiwara Kokuten Kōdō Yoshio Tsuchiya Eijirō Tōno Jun Tatara Atsushi Watanabe Yoshio Kosugi Bokuzen Hidari Yukiko Shimazaki
  • Release Date: April 26, 1954
  • Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama

Experiencing a massive loss of crops, the farmers hire unemployed samurai to combat bandits who are bent on stealing their crops. An ambitious project that is full of suspense that finally paves the way to a battle signifying the achievement that shines bright in the industry. Considering the marvelous work, it is among the most watched movie of all time.

22. North By Northwest (1959):

 North By Northwest (1959)
  • Director: Alfred Hitchcock
  • Cast: Cary Grant Eva Marie Saint James Mason Jessie Royce Landis
  • Release Date: 22 October 1999
  • Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance, Thriller, Adventure, Crime Fiction, Spy, Mistry

A man has to bear the brunt of mistaken identity. He has to make sure he is safe and that’s why he maintains a considerable lead while being chased. Finally, he goes away from the purview of foreign spies and finds himself fascinated by a woman. The action-packed thriller is the most-watched movie.

23. Parasite (2019):

Parasite (2019)
  • Director: Bong Joon-ho
  • Cast: Song Kang-ho Lee Sun-kyun Cho Yeo-jeong Choi Woo-shik Park So-dam Jang Hye-jin
  • Release Date: 30 May 2019
  • Genre: Comedy, Mistry, Drama, Dark Comedy, Thriller

The rich-poor divide followed by capitalism has forced poor families to find work with the financially rich family by coning themselves as highly educated. The film draws inspiration from reality as the twists and turns make it further interesting and are among the most-watched movies.

24. Pulp Fiction (1994):

Pulp Fiction (1994)
  • Director: Quentin Tarantino
  • Cast:  John Travolta Samuel L. Jackson Uma Thurman Harvey Keitel Tim Roth Amanda Plummer Maria de Medeiros Ving Rhames Eric Stoltz Rosanna Arquette Christopher Walken Bruce Willis
  • Release Date: 14 October 1994
  • Genre: Dark Comedy, Crime, Thriller, Comedy

The plot is a crime that is set to be undertaken by two hitmen as they are set to rob a diner where there is violence, a crime followed by redemption. The film has various genres from violence to humor as it is abundant with thrill and controversies as it breaks conventions.

25. 12 Years A Slave (2013):

12 Years A Slave (2013
  • Director: Steve McQueen
  • Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor Michael Fassbender Benedict Cumberbatch Paul Dano Garret Dillahunt Paul Giamatti Scoot McNairy Lupita Nyong’o Adepero Oduye Sarah Paulson Brad Pitt Michael Kenneth Williams Alfre Woodard
  • Release Date: 31 January 2014
  • Genre: Historical Drama, Drama, History

When race-based disparity is practiced that people are targeted based on their color. A 12-year young boy sold as a slave in 1941 and under extremely challenging situations is forced to work on plantations. The visuals are self-explanatory about how “low” humanity can go as one shudders to experience the extreme atrocities taking place with the young boy.

Final Thoughts:

Finally, aforesaid is the list of the Most Watched Movie Of All Time. Their presence is proof that they have overtaken countless others due to being away from the league. The whole aspect selecting only the best movies is a herculean task as you will find comedy, drama, and action that will continue to keep you entertained. So, enroll yourself in fun and entertainment and enjoy certain creative dialogues or sarcasm in the process.

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