GREAT CINEMAMASTER LIST
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Search 713 spoiler-free recommendations from 1916 to 2026. Filter by the night you want—not the list you’re supposed to finish.

Direct film viewShowing master rank #230 on its own—not above the ranking.
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Artwork
DirectorAll directors

Most represented · 6+ films

More recurring directors · 3–5 films54
All directors · surname A–Z438
ActorAll actors

Most represented actors

Big Three membership
Major award winners

1 selected film

Master Rank balances Greatness, Engagement, and Ease. Sort by Greatness for the artistic-canon view.

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View Mr. Smith Goes to Washington film page
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

Idealistic newcomer Jefferson Smith enters the U.S. Senate and discovers a public-works bill conceals corruption backed by his own political sponsor.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Youth leader Jefferson Smith is unexpectedly appointed to the U.S. Senate and arrives in Washington with reverence for its institutions. His proposed boys' camp conflicts with a dam scheme controlled by political boss Jim Taylor and supported by senior senator Joseph Paine.

Why it belongs

Frank Capra makes legislative procedure stirring through Stewart's vulnerable conviction, crowded chambers, rapid reaction shots, and the physical ordeal of a filibuster.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

James Stewart's awkward sincerity and Claude Rains's polished authority make democratic idealism collide with compromised experience. Senate desks, galleries, newspapers, telegrams, bells, and mounting vocal strain make institutional procedure dramatically immediate.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Academy Awards1 win1940 · official ceremony record ↗
Writing (Original Story)1940 · Lewis R. Fosterofficial ceremony record ↗

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

Good for
Date NightFilm Club
Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

Institutional reference ranks

Sight & Sound—IMDb Top 250220AFI 10026
Reference metadata only · not part of the 40/40/20 score

Great Cinema Master List scores

Greatness9.0
Engagement9.0
Ease8.5

English · Not Rated
Narrative Feature
Mood: Funny & Bittersweet