GREAT CINEMAMASTER LIST
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great film.

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 #657 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.

Director:
Cast:
View Magnolia film page
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

An epic mosaic of many interrelated characters in search of happiness, forgiveness, and meaning in the San Fernando Valley.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Across one day in the San Fernando Valley, dying producer Earl Partridge, nurse Phil Parma, motivational speaker Frank Mackey, quiz host Jimmy Gator, daughter Claudia, officer Jim Kurring, and former contestant Donnie Smith move through connected crises.

Why it belongs

Paul Thomas Anderson makes coincidence emotionally persuasive through roaming ensemble camera, Aimee Mann songs, repeated confession, and performers pushing need to operatic scale.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Television studios, bedside rooms, streets, pharmacies, synchronized song, weather reports, and Jon Brion's propulsive score link separate lives without erasing them. The ensemble treats forgiveness as urgent but never guaranteed.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Golden Globes1 win2000 · official film record ↗
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture2000 · Tom Cruiseofficial film record ↗
Berlin1 win2000 · official festival record ↗
Golden Bear2000 · Paul Thomas Andersonofficial festival record ↗

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 & Sound185IMDb Top 250—AFI 100—
Reference metadata only · not part of the 40/40/20 score

Great Cinema Master List scores

Greatness8.9
Engagement6.8
Ease5.7

English · R
Narrative Feature
Mood: Reflective & Challenging