I have been a film buff since childhood and in recent months have reconnected with dozens of old favorites thanks to channels that include AMC, Netflix, ROKU, and TCM.

For background information, I think these are the best sources:

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars)

American Film Institute (AFI)

International Movies Database (IMDb)

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For example, these are AFI’s rankings of the 10 Best Films, Comedies, and Westerns:

BEST FILMS

1. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. The Godfather (1970)
3. Casablanca (1943)
4. Raging Bull (1980)
5. Singin’ In the Rain (1952)
6. Gone with the Wind (1940)
7. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
8. Schindler’s List (1993)
9. Vertigo (1958)
10. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

BEST COMEDIES

1. Some Like It Hot (1959)
2. Tootsie (1982)
3. Dr. Strangelove (1964)
4. Annie Hall (1970)
5. Duck Soup (1974)
6. Blazing Saddles (1974)
7. M*A*S*H (1970)
8. It Happened One Night (1967)
9. The Graduate (1967)
10. Airplane! (1980)

WESTERNS

1. Searchers (1956)
2. High Noon (1952)
3. Shane (1953)
4. Unforgiven (1992)
5. Red River (1948)
6. The Wild Bunch (1969)
7. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
8. McCabe and Mrs. Miller (1971)
9. Stagecoach (1939)
10. Cat Ballou (1965)

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The American Film Institute champions the moving image as an art form. We believe in the revolutionary power of visual storytelling to share perspectives, inspire empathy and drive culture forward.

Established in 1967, AFI is the nation’s nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring artists and audiences through initiatives that champion the past, present and future of the moving image.