These Are the 10 Best Movies of All Time, According to Glenn Powell
Actor Glenn Powell recently shared the films that shaped his taste—an evergreen mix of crowd-pleasers, classics, and genre milestones. Below you’ll find each title in English, plus concise, factual notes on what it is, who made it, and why it’s notable, based on his list.
‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (1993)

Directed by Chris Columbus, this comedy-drama stars Robin Williams alongside Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan. It’s based on Anne Fine’s novel ‘Madame Doubtfire’ and was produced and co-starring Williams. The film became a global hit with a worldwide gross of about $441 million and won the Academy Award for Best Makeup. It also earned multiple Golden Globes, including Best Actor for Williams.
‘Rudy’ (1993)

A biographical sports drama directed by David Anspaugh and written by Angelo Pizzo, it tells the true story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger’s quest to play football at Notre Dame. Notably, it was the first feature permitted to film on the Notre Dame campus since ‘Knute Rockne, All American’. The movie stars Sean Astin, with Jon Favreau in an early role. It has been cited by AFI and ESPN lists for its inspirational stature.
‘Bull Durham’ (1988)

Written and directed by Ron Shelton, this minor-league baseball tale stars Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, and Tim Robbins. It follows a veteran catcher tasked with mentoring a raw pitcher, mixing clubhouse strategy with off-field romance. The film was a critical success and is frequently cited among the greatest sports movies, including high placements by Sports Illustrated and AFI’s comedy lists. Its screenplay won major critics’ honors.
‘Armageddon’ (1998)

Michael Bay directs this sci-fi disaster blockbuster about NASA enlisting deep-core drillers to stop an Earth-bound asteroid. The ensemble cast includes Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Billy Bob Thornton, and more. It dominated the global box office, finishing as the year’s top-grossing film worldwide. The production was backed by Jerry Bruckheimer and featured effects-heavy set pieces and a hit soundtrack.
‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (1952)

Co-directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, this musical stars Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor. Set during Hollywood’s transition from silent films to sound, it uses the Arthur Freed–Nacio Herb Brown songbook as its foundation. The film is celebrated for its choreography, witty look at studio-era show business, and enduring numbers like the title sequence. It remains one of the most acclaimed movie musicals.
‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ (1969)

George Roy Hill directs, with Paul Newman and Robert Redford portraying the infamous outlaw duo, from a screenplay by William Goldman. The story follows their train robberies and flight from an elite posse, blending Western action with buddy-film banter. Its Burt Bacharach score and Conrad Hall cinematography are signature elements. The film earned multiple Academy Awards and is preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry.
‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)

Steven Spielberg adapts Michael Crichton’s novel about a dinosaur theme park engineered through recovered DNA. The film pioneered large-scale use of CGI with animatronics to create photorealistic creatures and became a pop-culture phenomenon. It shattered box-office records and has surpassed the billion-dollar mark through re-releases. The success launched a long-running franchise across films, games, and attractions.
‘Tootsie’ (1982)

Directed by Sydney Pollack, this satirical comedy stars Dustin Hoffman as a skilled but difficult actor who cross-dresses to land a role, with Jessica Lange and Teri Garr in key supporting parts. It examines gender dynamics and the television industry through farce and sharp dialogue. The film was a major box-office and awards success. It is preserved in the National Film Registry for cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.
‘Casablanca’ (1942)

Michael Curtiz directs this wartime romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid. Set around a bustling nightclub in French-controlled Morocco, it centers on a choice between personal love and aiding the resistance. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely recognized as a landmark of studio-era storytelling. Its production, cast, and impact have been extensively documented by scholars and critics.
‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989)

Steven Spielberg directs this globe-trotting adventure pairing Harrison Ford with Sean Connery as father and son on the trail of the Holy Grail. The film blends pulp-inspired set pieces with archaeological mystery and franchise lore co-developed by George Lucas. It received strong audience scores and won the Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing, with additional nominations. The prologue featuring a young Indy helped inspire a subsequent television series.
Got a favorite from Powell’s list—or one you’d add—drop your pick in the comments and tell us why!


