The Great Movies
Roger Ebert once wrote that one of the greatest gifts a movie lover can give another is simply sharing the title of a wonderful film they have not yet discovered. This philosophy formed the core of The Great Movies project, which began as a column for The Chicago Sun-Times. Ebert did not aim to create a definitive list or a rigid canon. Instead, he sought to make a tour of the landmarks of the first century of cinema through his own eyes. He selected films based on whether they were particularly well-made, important, or influential in his view. His criteria remained personal and subjective rather than academic or institutional. Each essay served as an appreciation of a specific work that had stood the test of time according to his judgment.
The project expanded from newspaper columns into four distinct books released between 2003 and 2016. Three Rivers Press published the first volume titled The Great Movies in November 2003 with 544 pages. A second book called The Great Movies II followed in February 2006 containing 517 pages. The publisher changed for the third installment when University of Chicago Press released The Great Movies III in October 2011 with 440 pages. The final collection arrived in September 2016 under the same press with 288 pages. These volumes collected essays written over many years into physical form for readers who wanted a permanent record of his choices.
Ebert structured the essays to cover a chronological tour of cinema landmarks ranging from the distant past to the recent past. This approach allowed him to highlight films from different eras without forcing them into a single narrative arc. He treated each movie as a standalone subject worthy of deep analysis regardless of its release date. The selection process prioritized works he considered particularly well-made or influential above all else. No film appeared twice within the series, ensuring that every entry offered a fresh perspective on cinema history. His method avoided ranking movies against one another and instead focused on individual merit.
The series established a benchmark for film criticism alongside other similar themed publications like 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. That competing book featured essays from 70 different critics and was also released in 2003. Ebert's work stood apart because it reflected the singular voice of one critic rather than a committee of voices. Critics and audiences alike used his lists as guides for discovering new films to watch. The project influenced how casual viewers approached the vast history of cinema by offering trusted recommendations. It remains a reference point for discussions about which films deserve recognition beyond their initial box office performance.
An official online listing preserves the original essays on Roger Ebert's website for public access today. This digital archive ensures that readers can still read the full text of his columns without needing to purchase physical books. The website serves as a free resource for anyone interested in exploring his thoughts on specific films. It maintains the integrity of the original writing while making the content available to a global audience. The online version allows users to search for titles or browse through the collection at their own pace. This accessibility extends the life of the project well beyond the publication dates of the four printed volumes.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
What is the origin of The Great Movies project by Roger Ebert?
The Great Movies project began as a column for The Chicago Sun-Times written by Roger Ebert. It started as a personal tour of cinema landmarks rather than a definitive list or rigid canon.
When were the four books in The Great Movies series published and who published them?
Three Rivers Press released the first volume on the 2nd of November 2003 with 544 pages. A second book called The Great Movies II followed in February 2006 containing 517 pages. University of Chicago Press released The Great Movies III in October 2011 with 440 pages. The final collection arrived in September 2016 under the same press with 288 pages.
How did Roger Ebert select films for The Great Movies essays?
Roger Ebert selected films based on whether they were particularly well-made, important, or influential according to his own judgment. His criteria remained personal and subjective rather than academic or institutional. No film appeared twice within the series ensuring that every entry offered a fresh perspective on cinema history.
What is the difference between The Great Movies and 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die?
The competing book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die featured essays from 70 different critics and was also released in 2003. Roger Ebert's work stood apart because it reflected the singular voice of one critic rather than a committee of voices.
Where can readers access the original essays from The Great Movies online today?
An official online listing preserves the original essays on Roger Ebert's website for public access today. This digital archive ensures that readers can still read the full text of his columns without needing to purchase physical books.