Top 100 American Films Announced

The 100 best American films of all time have been voted for by 1500 film critics, "prominent" fans (such as Bill Clinton), actors and movie industry bigwigs selected by the American Film Institute. Predictably, the best American movie ever was once again deemed to be Orson Welles' 1941 classic, Citizen Kane. It was followed in the top five by Casablanca, The Godfather, Gone With the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. (The Godfather Part II ranked 32nd - the only sequel to make the list). Inevitably, many critics who weren't asked to contribute a vote immediately criticised the selections and omissions. Among the films whose inclusion was derided were Dances with Wolves (1990), Fargo (1996) and Unforgiven (1992). The only movie from the 90's which was selected was Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List. Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder each had four films on the list. Wilder's top-rated film was Sunset Boulevard in 12th place, closely followed at 14th by Some Like It Hot, his cross-dressing-gangster-jazz-musician-Marilyn-Monroe's-bottom comedy. (A fairly exclusive genre). Hitchcock's highest was Psycho at No. 18. Marlon Brando starred in two films in the top 10 (The Godfather and On The Waterfront); while James Stewart and Robert De Niro tied for most starring appearances, with five films each in the top 100. Katharine Hepburn was the most represented actress, with four films; Faye Dunaway, Natalie Wood and Diane Keaton had three films each. Click here for the list in full.