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 #677 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 The Green Ray film page
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

A lonely Parisian woman comes to terms with her isolation and anxieties during a long summer vacation.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Paris secretary Delphine's holiday plans collapse when a friend cancels, sending her among family, group vacations, Cherbourg, the Alps, and Biarritz. Her discomfort with casual sociability continues as she hears about the rare green ray at sunset.

Why it belongs

Éric Rohmer makes summer loneliness vivid through improvised conversation, awkward groups, changing resorts, and Rivière's Delphine protecting intuition others dismiss.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Train timetables, vegetarian meals, crowded tables, beaches, playing cards, overheard talk, and natural light let social pressure accumulate. Marie Rivière's exposed Delphine makes indecision a serious ethical temperament.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Venice1 win1986 · official Venice 1986 awards ↗
Golden Lion1986 · Eric Rohmerofficial Venice 1986 awards ↗

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 & Sound225IMDb Top 250—AFI 100—
Reference metadata only · not part of the 40/40/20 score

Great Cinema Master List scores

Greatness8.6
Engagement6.5
Ease5.4

French · Not Rated
Narrative Feature
Mood: Romantic & Reflective