The bestselling and essential movie reference book fully revised and updated for 2026.

With more than 1.75 million copies sold worldwide in 30 languages, 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die is the ultimate movie guide that celebrates the cult classics and their contemporary competitors, along with box office hits and breakout independents.

Capturing the must-see movies of all time from more than 100 years of cinema, this go-to guide offers an abundance of witty analysis and revelatory insights. Discover some of the most poignant movies from every country and every genre, from action and animation, to comedy, documentary, musical, thriller, noir, short, romance, sci-fi and Western.

Newly revised and refreshed, this definitive edition features 500 original movie posters and hundreds of impressive movie stills, including recent Oscar-winning and nominated films such as Anora, Oppenheimer, Everything Everywhere All at Once and Wicked. Quotes from movie directors and critics, together with little-known facts, complement the incisive reviews and vital statistics of each movie to make this the most fact-filled edition ever.

No matter your passion, whether it be musical, superhero or Korean cinema, 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die is the perfect companion for any film buff or critic.  

'Both a fun stroll through some all-time favourites, and a guilty reminder of just how many great movies I haven't seen yet . . .'
Aubrey Day, Total Film

'As edited by Steven Jay Schneider, it makes for addictive browsing, and likewise features top quality stills.'
Film Review