Best Movies With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score (2024)

Only the greatest and most renowned cinematic masterpieces (or at least those with a large enough amount of reviews) are awarded a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, with few films receiving the prestigious honor. It takes the best of the best to nab the coveted rating and is the ultimate triumph for filmmakers and entertainment studios when the rare occurrence comes to fruition.

Rotten Tomatoes is a popular review-aggregation website for both film and television. Since its launch in 1998, it has become a leading platform for audiences and critics to express their opinions on newly released flicks. The “Tomatometer Rankings” connects to the practice of viewers throwing rotten tomatoes when disapproving of a poor stage performance; the higher the percentage a movie receives, the more “fresh” it is and, at least theoretically, better in the show business world.

Update November 25, 2023: If you love universally acclaimed films, you'll be happy to know this article has been updated with additional content.

To earn a certified fresh and perfect Rotten Tomatoes score is no easy accomplishment, which makes it all the more thrilling when a picture is able to do so. Nonetheless, usually, cinema’s most admired and celebrated films have achieved victory, ranging in a wide array of genres and subjects. The 1967 prison drama hit Cool Hand Luke graces the illustrious list, as do two of the best Disney movies and even an Arnold Schwarzenegger '80s action extravaganza. Let's take a look at some of the best movies that have also gotten the revered 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.

20 12 Angry Men (1957)

It's been remade for both stage and screen, but the original 1957 effort, led by Henry Fonda, takes the cake. 12 Angry Men takes place after the closing arguments in a murder trial, where the 12 members of the jury must deliberate. A guilty verdict means death for the accused, an inner-city teen. As the dozen men try to reach a unanimous decision while sequestered in a room, one juror (Fonda) casts considerable doubt on elements of the case.

What Makes It Great

Personal issues soon rise to the surface, and conflict threatens to derail the delicate process that will decide one boy's fate. In addition to maintaining a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes over the years, the film is also near the top of the list for best courtroom dramas by the American Film Institute. It's not to be missed, especially for cinephiles who like to consume the classics. Stream on Paramount+.

19 Cool Hand Luke (1967)

Cool Hand Luke

PG

Crime

Documentary

Drama

Release Date

June 22, 1967

Director

Stuart Rosenberg

Cast

Paul Newman , George Kennedy , J.D. Cannon , Lou Antonio , Robert Drivas , Strother Martin

Silver screen heartthrob, Paul Newman stars as the eponymous Luke in the critically acclaimed prison drama Cool Hand Luke, which follows decorated World War II veteran Lucas “Luke” Jackson, who is sentenced to two years in a chain gang in a prison camp for drunken misconduct but refuses to surrender to the system. The thrilling drama showcases Luke’s continuous attempts to escape the Florida prison, successfully doing so multiple times while defying and challenging the authorities every step of the way.

What Makes It Great

Newman’s performance in the picture garnered rave reviews, and helped cement his status as one of the era’s top actors; Time Out commended the prison drama, writing, “A caustically witty look at the American South and its still-surviving chain gangs, with Newman in fine sardonic form as the boss-baiter who refuses to submit and becomes a hero to his fellow prisoners.” Rent/Buy on Prime Video.

18 Leave No Trace (2018)

This amazing 2018 drama is based on the 2009 novel My Abandonment by Peter Rock, which, in turn, is based on real events. Leave No Trace tells the story of a father and a daughter who live in isolation in a forest. Will (Foster), the father, is a veteran who suffers from PTSD and wants to hide from the world, while Tom (Thomasin McKenzie), his daughter, is incredibly smart and helps her father out. One day they get caught by forest rangers and have to uproot their lives, which changes everything.

What Makes It Great

The emotional story of this father-daughter duo will touch audiences' hearts and the leads, Foster and McKenzie, deliver phenomenal performances in the intimate picture. Fans of gripping survival thrillers are sure to find themselves on the edge of their seats as they watch the struggling Tom battle against his PTSD while still trying to be present for his daughter. Interestingly, Leave No Trace is the most-reviewed film on Rotten Tomatoes to hold the prestigious 100% rating, which makes its status even more impressive. Stream on Starz.

17 Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Grave of the Fireflies

Not Rated

Animation

See Also

The Legend of "The Boogeyman" Goes Back For Centuries, but What Does It Look Like?BoogeymanThe Boogeyman Ending ExplainedThe Best TV Seasons Certified Fresh at 100%

Drama

War

Release Date

July 26, 1989

Director

Isao Takahata

Cast

Tsutomu Tatsumi , Ayano Shiraishi , Akemi Yamaguchi

From the beloved Studio Ghibli comes the 1988 animated war tragedy Grave of the Fireflies. It tells the haunting tale of Seita and Setsuko Yokokawa, two close-knit siblings who, after their mother is killed in the Bombing of Kobe during World War II, must fight to survive the tail-end of the conflict. Adapted from the Akiyuki Nosaka short story of the same name, the breathtaking picture offers a poignant look at human suffering and tenacity, as the orphaned duo pushes forward amid the most devastating circ*mstances.

What Makes It Great

Director Isao Takahata was inspired by his own personal experiences as a child with bombing raids during World War II, and he felt compelled to tell this profound story. Much like Leave No Trace, Grave of the Fireflies' focus on familial relationships means that it packs a serious emotional punch. The movie is considered Takahata's masterpiece and is universally regarded as one of the greatest war films of all time. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+.

16 The Kid (1921)

Worldwide cinema icon Charlie Chaplin appears alongside Jackie Coogan in the sensational 1921 silent dramedy The Kid, an unforgettable picture the legendary performer also directed, wrote, and produced that centers on his memorable on-screen character, The Tramp, as he takes care of an orphaned child. Considered to be one of the finest creations of the silent era, its overwhelming success and popularity led to its six-year-old star, Coogan, becoming the first major child star in film.

Related: Best Charlie Chaplin Films, Ranked

What Makes It Great

The Kid remains a hallowed comedy juggernaut that features plenty of slapstick humor, moving dramatic moments, and stellar performances by its gifted leads. Over a century later, the Chaplin staple continues to impress and inspire the entertainment industry, and in 2011 it was selected to be preserved in the National Film Registry. As Chaplin's most personal work, it stands as the quintessential silent-era comedy, with equal parts heart and humor. Stream on Max.

15 Laura (1944)

One of the many movies that have received a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Laura, stands out for being a noir murder mystery movie. This 1944 film stars Gene Tierney in the role of Laura Hunt, a successful advertising executive, who is sadly murdered by a gunshot to the face in her own apartment. This grisly crime is being investigated by an esteemed NYPD detective by the name of Mark McPherson. But as days go by, the detective starts to unfurl more and more secrets in the murder case, where nothing is as it seems.

What Makes It Great

One of the all-time best murder mystery movies, Laura more than earns the rating it has received on the website. The story of the movie will keep the audience on their toes till the last moment. Fans of a good old-school noir movie should watch Laura as soon as possible, as the knockout picture was also named by the American Film Institute as one of the 10 Best Mystery Films of All Time. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+.

14 The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Hollywood greats Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart appear in the 1940 romantic comedy The Philadelphia Story, which follows socialite Tracy Lord whose wedding plans become complicated by the simultaneous arrival of her ex-husband and a tabloid magazine reporter. The picture is considered one of cinema’s finest examples of a comedy of remarriage, a popular genre of the 1930s and 1940s in which a couple divorces, has flirtatious dalliances, and ultimately remarries.

What Makes It Great

The rom-com is one of the best Jimmy Stewart movies and was Hepburn’s first mega-hit after several flops which landed her on a notorious 1938 list of actors considered box office poison. The movie served as her highly-anticipated screen comeback with the help of Grant and Stewart. The Philadelphia Story won two Academy Awards and was remade as the 1956 musical High Society, this time starring Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra. Rent/Buy on Prime Video.

13 Toy Story (1995)

Toy Story

G

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

Release Date

October 30, 1995

Director

John Lasseter

Cast

Tom Hanks , Tim Allen , Don Rickles , Jim Varney , Wallace Shawn , John Ratzenberger

The 1995 spectacular animated comedy Toy Story was the first feature film from Pixar, which was approached by Disney to produce a computer-animated picture told from a small toy’s perspective. The wondrous children’s flick is set in a world where toys come to life when humans are not present, and introduces the world to the dynamic duo Woody and Buzz Lightyear: an old-fashioned pull-string cowboy doll and a modern astronaut action figure. It depicts the characters as they go from rivals competing for the affection of their owner, Andy, to friends who work together to be reunited with the boy when they get separated.

Related: The Best Movies Based On Toys, Ranked

What Makes It Great

Toy Story features dynamite voice acting performances from Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, and John Ratzenberger, and was a knockout among audiences and critics alike, grossing more than $350 million. Importantly, Toy Story appeals to both children and adults, making it a favorite for parents as well as their children. Its success launched a multimedia franchise and a series of three sequels. Stream on Disney+.

12 Seven Samurai (1954)

Undeniably one of the most influential pictures of the twentieth century is the 1954 Japanese epic drama Seven Samurai. It centers on a desperate group of villagers who hire a seasoned samurai to protect them from a dangerous gang of bandits that have taken over their community. An aging but skilled rōnin, Kambei (Takashi Shimuri), recruits his fearless samurai comrades to help eradicate the criminals from the mountain village, leading to a violent and explosive showdown between the dueling forces.

What Makes It Great

Seven Samurai is one of cinema's most referenced films and has been favorably compared to the Western genre, bringing forth a new wave of storytelling and style that took both Japan and the world by storm. In 2018, the BBC conducted an international critics' poll that declared Seven Samurai the greatest foreign-language film of all time. Stream on Max.

11 His House (2020)

His House

Horror

Release Date

January 27, 2020

Director

Remi Weekes

Cast

Sope Dirisu , Wunmi Mosaku , Malaika Wakoli-Abigaba , Matt Smith , Javier Botet , Yvonne Campbell

His House is a 2020 Netflix horror movie that is one of the very few horror movies to receive a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But there is a reason why people love it so much. This very creepy horror thriller tells the story of two African refugees Bol and Rial, who were fleeing war-torn South Sudan with their daughter but unfortunately lost her in the treacherous waters. Three months later, they are housed by the British Government in a shabby house on the outskirts of London. The problems begin when the pair starts seeing visions of their daughter and also a mysterious evil entity.

What Makes It Great

The movie takes quite a few twists and turns and takes viewers on a psychological journey through the minds of the two occupants of the house. The audience will discover a lot of secrets and lies as the movie progresses. But it is a very satisfying watch even though it has a bit of an ambiguous ending. All in all, His House is a great movie for all the psychological horror fans out there that went on to win four British Independent Film Awards including Best Director for the incredible Remi Weekes. Stream on Netflix.

10 Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

See Also

The Boogeyman

Highly regarded as the greatest classical Hollywood musical, the 1952 musical romantic comedy Singin’ in the Rain features the talents of Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor, and tells the story of three stars in late 1920s Hollywood who struggle with the transition from silent pictures to “talkies.” The lighthearted flick includes a slew of catchy tunes, most notably the titular song that Kelly performed while spinning an umbrella and splashing through puddles, all the while battling a 103-degree fever.

Related: Best Musicals of the 1950s

What Makes It Great

The musical was infamous for some on-set tension between the trained dancer Kelly and newcomer Reynolds; the actor apparently insulted her over her lack of dancing experience and upset her so much she hid under a piano and cried, only to be found by the legendary Fred Astaire. Despite production woes, Singin’ in the Rain captured the hearts of audiences and is considered one of the finest films of its genre, showcasing the unparalleled talents of both Kelly and Reynolds and introducing unforgettable toe-tapping tunes. Stream on Max.

9 How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

The 1966 beloved Christmas classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is an enduring holiday favorite that is adapted from the Dr. Seuss children's book, and tells the tale of how the Grinch set out to destroy Christmas for all the Whos down in Whoville. Horror icon Boris Karloff memorably voiced the mean, green misanthropic character, also serving as the narrator for the celebrated made-for-TV movie special.

What Makes It Great

Released during a resurgence in popularity of animated holiday specials (A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer also debuted in the decade), the cartoon was praised for its stunning artwork, faithfulness to the original source and Karloff's outstanding performance. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! remains a perennial Christmas staple and continues attracting loyal viewers over fifty years later. The cartoon classic's success led to two additional television specials surrounding the enduring Seuss character. Rent on Prime Video.

8 The Last Picture Show (1971)

The Last Picture Show

R

Drama

Documentary

Release Date

October 3, 1971

Director

Peter Bogdanovich

Cast

Timothy Bottoms , Jeff Bridges , Cybill Shepherd , Ben Johnson , Cloris Leachman , Ellen Burstyn

The late great Peter Bogdanovich’s 1971 coming-of-age drama The Last Picture Show takes place in the small Texas town of Anarene in 1951 and focuses on two high-school seniors and long-time friends, Sonny Crawford and Duane Jackson, as they go through the uncertain period of life and learn hard lessons on love, jealousy and ultimately hope. Bogdanovich was fairly unknown when he landed his filmmaking duties, with only one small movie to his directorial credits (the great crime thriller Targets), and was a 31-year-old stage actor and essayist.

What Makes It Great

Bogdanovich had discussed the project with his house guest at the time, the distinguished Orson Welles, who agreed that shooting the drama in black and white would work aesthetically despite being an unusual choice. The Last Picture Show won two Academy Awards and in 1998 was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry, and is widely regarded as the director's most acclaimed cinematic achievement. Rent on Prime Video.

7 The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)

The Tale of Princess Kaguya

PG

Animation

Documentary

Fantasy

Release Date

November 23, 2013

Director

Isao Takahata

Cast

Aki Asakura , Yukiji Asaoka , Takeo Chii , Isao Hashizume , Hikaru Ijûin , Takaya Kamikawa

The second Ghibli movie on the list, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, is also a beloved Japanese animated film that is based on A Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, an old Japanese literary tale. Equipped with a unique but picturesque animation style, the film tells the audience the story of a bamboo cutter who one day finds a very small girl inside a bamboo shoot. The bamboo cutter and his wife decide to raise her. The little child grows up very quickly and also becomes a beautiful woman as she reaches maturity. The movie slowly reveals Kaguya's real identity and how she came to emerge inside a bamboo shoot one day.

What Makes It Great

Studio Ghibli is celebrated for making magical animated classics that tug on the heartstrings of moviegoers, and this one also lives up to that reputation. The movie has some spellbinding moments, and even though the ending is quite bittersweet, audiences will still be able to finish it with a smile on their face. The breathtaking picture is an under-discussed entry in Studio Ghibli's sensational catalog and also went on to rightfully receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

Stream on Max

6 The Terminator (1984)

The Terminator (1984)

R

Action

Sci-Fi

Thriller

Release Date

October 26, 1984

Director

James Cameron

Cast

Arnold Schwarzenegger , Michael Biehn , Linda Hamilton , Paul Winfield , Lance Henriksen , Bess Motta

The Terminator is an epic action flick that spawned a lucrative franchise and helped elevate Arnold Schwarzenegger to superstar status. James Cameron’s 1984 sci-fi staple ​​​​​centers on the cyborg assassin as he is sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son will one day cause the extinction of a hostile artificial intelligence and save the human world. Cameron devised the plot of the movie after he fell ill and had a fever dream about a metallic torso holding kitchen knives dragging itself from an explosion. The visionary filmmaker was also inspired by John Carpenter’s low-budget Halloween and used the dream as a “launching pad” to write a slasher-style project.

What Makes It Great

Before Schwarzenegger was cast as the notorious cybernetic android, action stars Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson turned down the role, and when the studio suggested O.J Simpson, Cameron — ironically — didn’t feel he would make a believable killer. The Terminator’s success led to several sequels, a television show, comic books, and video games, and established Schwarzenegger and Cameron as Hollywood hot commodities. Stream on Max.

5 Pinocchio (1940)

Pinocchio

G

Animation

Adventure

Drama

Family

Fantasy

Release Date

February 23, 1940

Director

Hamilton Luske , Ben Sharpsteen

Cast

Mel Blanc , Don Brodie , Walter Catlett , Marion Darlington , Frankie Darro , Cliff Edwards

Walt Disney’s 1940 animated musical fantasy film Pinocchio is based on the Italian children’s novel by Carlo Collodi and tells the heart-warming tale of a woodcarver named Geppetto who carves a wooden puppet named Pinocchio. His puppet is brought to life by a blue fairy, who informs him that he can only become a real boy if he proves himself to be “brave, truthful, and unselfish.” Along his journey to prove himself worthy, Pinocchio encounters many unusual characters, such as a wise 100-year-old talking cricket and the spoiled pet cat Figaro.

What Makes It Great

Pinocchio was a groundbreaking achievement in the area of effects animation, with lead artist Joshua Meador and animators creating everything that moves other than the characters. The picture was a hit with moviegoers and critics. Such a charming story making its big-screen debut was bound to do well, and the incredible execution allowed the movie to become the classic that it is. Stream on Disney+.

4 Before Sunrise (1995)

Before Sunrise

R

Drama

Documentary

Romance

Release Date

January 27, 1995

Director

Richard Linklater

Cast

Ethan Hawke , Julie Delpy , Andrea Eckert , Hanno Pöschl , Karl Bruckschwaiger , Tex Rubinowitz

Before Sunrise is the first movie in the Before trilogy directed by Richard Linklater. It's a romantic drama film that follows the compelling story of two strangers, Jesse and Céline (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) as they randomly meet on a train and arrive in Vienna. The only sense of conflict that the movie allows is the conflictual views of the two protagonists as they share their perspectives on life, love, sexuality, death, and a plethora of different substantial topics. The unplanned meeting of two strangers from different cultures and backgrounds sets the tone for a beautiful romantic adventure that's filled with the unpredictability and blessedness of the present moment.

Related: The 25 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time, Ranked

What Makes It Great

The central pair spend a whole night together, exploring the streets of Vienna and talking. At the end of that magical night, they confess their mutual attraction, and they surrender to the possibility that, despite their undeniable chemistry, they might never see each other again. It's no wonder this movie gained so many positive reviews and made it to the top of the list. One of the reasons for its success is because, unlike most romantic movies, Before Sunrise is more about letting go of than about holding on to a loved one. It brings calmness to the spirit and teaches the art of releasing control in relationships. Rent on Prime Video.

3 The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

As the name of the picture suggests, The Adventures of Robin Hood is a movie about the beloved hero Robin Hood and his escapades as the iconic Saxon knight valiantly fights against the oppressive Prince John and his greedy Norman lords. Cinema legends Erroll Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, and Basil Rathbone headline the star-studded cast, which won three Academy Awards and was celebrated by both critics and audiences alike upon its release in 1938.

What Makes It Great

This movie has everything audiences could possibly need. It has thrilling action, swoon-worthy romance, and a hero with a heart of gold. It is also one of the very few color films to come out of that age. Errol Flynn did an amazing job in the movie as the title character and further established his star power as one of Hollywood's most dynamic leading men. Rent on Prime Video.

2 Toy Story 2 (1999)

Toy Story 2

G

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

Release Date

October 30, 1999

Director

John Lasseter , Ash Brannon , Lee Unkrich

Cast

Tom Hanks , Tim Allen , Joan Cusack , Kelsey Grammer , Don Rickles , Jim Varney

The animated comedy adventure sequel Toy Story 2, directed by John Lasseter, is definitely a classic that will be forever etched into our memory because of just how fun it is to watch. It follows the story of Woody's kidnapping by a toy collector called Al McWhiggin and thus begins the quest to save him, led by Buzz Lightyear. Woody meets a group of new toys, including a cowgirl named Jessie. Her story of being abandoned by her owner sparks new fears for Woody, but, fortunately, his friends don't give up on him.

What Makes It Great

After the success of the first Toy Story movie, the audience simply wanted more. In fact, the sequel is a continuation of the beautiful and complex dynamic of Woody and Buzz Lightyear's relationship. Toy Story 2 is one of few sequels in which it is just as good, if not better than its predecessor, with many regarding it as superior to the original 1995 blockbuster. The addition of the brave and charismatic Jessie (Joan Cusack) garnered rave reviews, as did the return of beloved favorites Woody and Buzz.

Stream on Disney+

1 The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

The American drama film The Grapes of Wrath is iconic actor Henry Fonda's second movie to make this list. It's a delightful cinematographic adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name written by John Steinbeck. It centers around the Joad family, a group of farmers who lost their farm business during the drought period of the Great Depression in 1930. They pack up and head to California hoping to find better opportunities there and to change their lot. Unfortunately, their plan goes horribly wrong, and Tom Joad (Fonda) ends up on the run from the authorities.

What Makes It Great

Although the film is a moving tale of poverty, injustice, and rotten luck, it definitely preserves a space where human will can make a difference. Through Fonda's final speech about justice, resilience, and refusal to be oppressed and silenced, we clearly see how the movie departs from the novel. If you can sit through watching the somber human suffering in the face of a declining economy and systemic injustice, then you will be rewarded with watching a movie that had everyone agree on its incredibly magnificent quality. Rent on Prime Video.