45 Important Movies as Chosen by the Vatican

In 1995, to commemorate 100 years of film-making, the Vatican made a list of what it called "Some Important Films." The list was divided into three areas--Religion, Values and Art. I've been gradually acquiring them and watching them. What I particularly like about the list are the international titles. Here's the list with a few comments of my own thrown in: Religion: Andrei Rublev Babette's Feast - I really enjoyed this slow-moving but tender film. Ben-Hur - The four-disc edition also includes the original silent film--an excellent dvd set. The Flowers of St. Francis Francesco The Gospel According to St. Matthew La Passion de Notre Seigneur Jesus-Christ A Man for All Seasons The Mission - I love the music in this film. Monsieur Vincent Nazarin Ordet The Passion of Joan of Arc The Sacrifice Therese Values: Au Revoir Les Enfants The Bicycle Thief The Burmese Harp Chariots of Fire - Show this movie to all the athletes in your family. Decalogue Dersu Uzala Gandhi Intolerance It's a Wonderful Life On the Waterfront - One of my favorite movies of all time--Brando and Malden are brilliant. Open City Schindler's List The Seventh Seal Tree of Wooden Clogs Wild Strawberries Art: Citizen Kane - Another one of my favorites. 8 1/2 Fantasia Grand Illusion La Strada The Lavender Hill Mob The Leopard Little Women Metropolis - I can't believe how powerful this movie remains after all these years. Modern Times - My family's favorite Chaplin movie--hilarious and touching. Napoleon Nosferatu Stagecoach 2001: A Space Odyssey The Wizard of Oz For more information, see Steven Greydanus' excellent article, "The Vatican Film List: Ten Years Later," and reviews of all the films on the US Bishops' web site.