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 #489 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 Gone with the Wind film page
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

A determined Southern woman struggles to preserve her home and status during the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Georgia belle Scarlett O'Hara pursues Ashley Wilkes despite his marriage to Melanie, while blockade runner Rhett Butler recognizes her will and vanity. Civil War, Atlanta's fall, and Reconstruction transform romance into a struggle to preserve Tara and social position.

Why it belongs

Gone with the Wind's epic wields Technicolor, star presence, mass spectacle, and melodrama with undeniable force while carrying the distortions of Lost Cause mythology.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Burning Atlanta, crane views of wounded soldiers, saturated skies, Tara's doorway, Max Steiner's themes, and Vivien Leigh's relentless Scarlett create monumental continuity—the film's craft must be read beside its racist historical framing.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Academy Awards9 wins1940 · official ceremony record ↗
Directing1940 · Victor Flemingofficial ceremony record ↗Actress1940 · Vivien Leighofficial ceremony record ↗Writing (Screenplay)1940 · Sidney Howardofficial ceremony record ↗Actress in a Supporting Role1940 · Hattie McDanielofficial ceremony record ↗

Plus 5 additional wins

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

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

Institutional reference ranks

Sight & Sound—IMDb Top 250169AFI 1006
Reference metadata only · not part of the 40/40/20 score

Great Cinema Master List scores

Greatness9.4
Engagement8.5
Ease6.2

English · G
Narrative Feature
Mood: Romantic & Reflective