With so many legendary classics and trendy blockbusters to choose from, it’s tempting to fluff a list like this with obvious choices like Citizen Kane or Spielberg/Lucas movies. Instead, let’s take a look at a few lesser known films that everyone should see before they die:

The Shawshank Redemption

Perhaps one of the greatest triumphs of modern cinema, The Shawshank Redemption takes place in the 1940s and follows the misfortune and redemption of one of the most heroic protagonists in recent memory, Andy Dufresne (played brilliantly by Tim Robbins). Frank Darabont, the screenwriter and director, based the script on Stephen King’s short story “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” (who reportedly used the classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas as inspiration for his plot).The full explanation can be found at http://thefilmoracle.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/the-shawshank-redemption-1995/ The film delivers triumphant highs and agonizing lows, but it’s worth it when the story climaxes into one of the most satisfying movie endings of all time.

The General

When I heard about this must-see silent film starring Buster Keaton, I didn’t have high expectations. But, to my delight and surprise, it was one of the most side-splitting, entertaining movies I’ve ever seen. In fact, Keaton’s stunning physical comedy makes modern day physical comedians like Jim Carrey and Will Ferrell seem tame in comparison.

Bright Star

Few films in my lifetime have haunted me on such a deep level as Bright Star, featuring Ben Whishaw (as the 19th century Romantic poet John Keats) and Abbie Cornish (as Keats’s love interest Fanny Brawne). Even if you’re not a fan of Romantic poetry or period pieces, this film is so superb that it will leave you spellbound, regardless of your taste. Even Quentin Tarantino, the Kill Bill director who despises period films, raved about Bright Star and even sent a fan letter to the director.