Drama movies are a type of film that focus on a particular conflict or emotion, often involving characters in a difficult situation. The genre has been around since the early days of cinema, and many of the best drama movies of all time have been released in the last few decades. This article will look at the top 10 best drama movies of all time, and provide an overview of each movie, its plot, cast, and reception.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most acclaimed and beloved drama movies of all time. Directed by Frank Darabont, the movie follows the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to Shawshank Prison. Over the course of his time in prison, Andy befriends fellow inmate Red (Morgan Freeman) and attempts to find a way to escape. The movie was a critical and commercial success, and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Plot

The movie follows the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to Shawshank Prison. Despite his innocence, he is subjected to harsh conditions and abuse from the guards and other inmates. Over the course of his time in prison, Andy befriends fellow inmate Red (Morgan Freeman) and attempts to find a way to escape. With the help of Red, he is eventually able to escape and start a new life.

Cast

The Shawshank Redemption stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, Morgan Freeman as Red, Bob Gunton as Warden Norton, and James Whitmore as Brooks Hatlen. The cast also includes William Sadler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows, Mark Rolston, and Jeffrey DeMunn.

Reception

 The Shawshank Redemption was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the best movies of all time. The movie was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won numerous other awards, including four Golden Globe Awards.

The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather is one of the most iconic and influential movies of all time. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the movie is based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name, and follows the story of the Corleone family, a powerful mafia family in New York City. The movie was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time.

Plot

The Godfather follows the story of the Corleone family, a powerful mafia family in New York City. The movie follows the story of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), the head of the family, and his three sons Michael (Al Pacino), Sonny (James Caan), and Fredo (John Cazale). The movie follows the family’s struggles to maintain their power and influence in the face of a rival mafia family and the increasing influence of the federal government.

Cast

The Godfather stars Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone, Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, James Caan as Sonny Corleone, and John Cazale as Fredo Corleone. The cast also includes Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and Richard S. Castellano.

Reception

The Godfather was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time. The movie won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was nominated for seven more. The movie was also a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing movie of 1972.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

The Godfather Part II is the sequel to the iconic 1972 movie The Godfather. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the movie is a continuation of the story of the Corleone family, and follows the story of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he attempts to expand the family’s power and influence. The movie was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the best sequels of all time.

Plot

The Godfather Part II follows the story of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he attempts to expand the family’s power and influence. The movie follows Michael as he attempts to consolidate his power in the face of a rival mafia family and the increasing influence of the federal government. The movie also follows the story of his father, Don Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro), in a series of flashbacks.

Cast

The Godfather Part II stars Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, Robert De Niro as Don Vito Corleone, and Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen. The cast also includes Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, John Cazale, Lee Strasberg, and Michael V. Gazzo.

Reception

The Godfather Part II was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the best sequels of all time. The movie was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, winning six, including Best Picture. The movie was also a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing movie of 1974.

The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight is one of the most acclaimed and beloved superhero movies of all time. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the movie is the second installment in the Batman trilogy, and follows the story of Batman (Christian Bale) as he attempts to stop the Joker (Heath Ledger) from wreaking havoc on Gotham City. The movie was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the best superhero movies of all time.

Plot

The Dark Knight follows the story of Batman (Christian Bale) as he attempts to stop the Joker (Heath Ledger) from wreaking havoc on Gotham City. The movie follows Batman as he faces off against the Joker, as well as other criminals, in a series of thrilling action sequences. The movie also follows the story of Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), a district attorney who is corrupted by the Joker, and his attempts to redeem himself.

Cast

The Dark Knight stars Christian Bale as Batman, Heath Ledger as the Joker, and Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent. The cast also includes Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, and Cillian Murphy.

Reception

The Dark Knight was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the best superhero movies of all time. The movie was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two. The movie was also a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing movie of 2008.

12 Angry Men (1957)

12 Angry Men is one of the most acclaimed and beloved courtroom dramas of all time. Directed by Sidney Lumet, the movie follows the story of a jury of twelve men who must decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. The movie was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time.

Plot

12 Angry Men follows the story of a jury of twelve men who must decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. The jury must decide whether to convict the young man or acquit him, and the movie follows their deliberations and the various arguments that are presented for and against his guilt. The movie is a tense and thrilling drama that explores the complexities of justice and morality.

Cast

12 Angry Men stars Henry Fonda as Juror #8, Lee J. Cobb as Juror #3, and Jack Warden as Juror #7. The cast also includes Ed Begley, E.G. Marshall, Jack Klugman, Martin Balsam, and John Fiedler.

Reception

12 Angry Men was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time. The movie was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won numerous other awards, including four Golden Globe Awards.