The earliest movies were so low quality that audiences today couldn’t watch them without complaining. Still, when the first audiences who saw L’Arrivée d’un train en gare de La Ciotat in 1895 were so terrified by the titular train chugging toward them, they rushed for the exit. Today, film resolution remains a matter of perspective – what was impressive in the 20th Century looks pixelated and dated today.

Although 4K resolution is a relatively recent innovation, it has existed since the early 1980s. YouTube furthered the trend by allowing 4K uploads in 2010, and now most new movies are released in 4K. Some movies look considerably better in 4K than others, partly due to filmmakers’ cinematographic techniques during production.

Updated December 19, 2023, by Anthony Jeanetta. With the holiday season approaching, a 4K version of your special someone’s favorite movie is a great gift. This list is updated to reflect CBR’s most current style guidelines.

20 The Liong King’s Visuals Stun But Story Disappoints

The Lion King (1994) is easily one of the best and most beloved Disney movies ever. Unfortunately, the live-action adaptation is nowhere near as compelling as its animated predecessor. Still, director Jon Favreau’s photorealistic approach works for viewers who enjoy nature documentaries on Animal Planet or National Geographic.

The Lion King (2019) also features engaging voice-over performances from stars including Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Eric André, making it a worthwhile watch. These star-driven performances supplement the movie’s stunning CGI visuals, highlighting the majesty of the Savanna and its animal inhabitants. This visual achievement makes The Lion King one of the best movies to watch in 4K, but its failure to improve upon the original’s story is why it’s at the bottom of this list.

19 Joker Is A Stylish And Detailed Homage to 70s Cinema

The overwhelming popularity of Heath Ledger’s Joker in The Dark Knight became a primary driver behind Warner Bros.’s decision to dedicate an entire feature film to the notorious DC villain. In Joker, star Joaquin Phoenix already had a glittering career before inhabiting the titular role, which took him to even greater heights, earning him the 2020 Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.

Joker isn’t a typical superhero or supervillain movie. Instead, it’s an in-depth exploration of how society failed someone with mental health issues. Plus, the filmmakers created an authentic ’70s vibe for the movie, replacing LED streetlights with sodium vapor lamps for an orangey effect that was typical for that time. Visually, Joker deserves a 4K format, even if its themes are muddled.

18 Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame Are Grand Superhero Spectacles

Many MCU movies are visually remarkable, but none reach the glorious standard of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The final two chronological entries in the Infinity Saga set new CGI standards that even preceding MCU entries haven’t matched. Furthermore, their narratives are compelling and emotionally profound, even if their plotlines falter in places.

The Russo brothers propagated a multi-billion-dollar enterprise through Infinity War and Endgame alone. These two Avengers films drew much of their success from their explosive and well-choreographed battle sequences. In a review for Rolling Stone, Peter Travers praised the movies’ “fireworks, explosion of action, and laughs that won’t quit.” For devoted franchise fans who want to relive this superpowered combat at home, 4K remains the only option.

17 The Fifth Element Is A Sumptuous Visual Feast

Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element is a surreal torrent of exotic visuals and mindblowing action sequences, which works exceptionally well in the movie’s favor. Additionally, stars like Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Chris Tucker, and Bruce Willis all turn in widely acclaimed performances.

Still, The Fifth Element’s greatest strength is its eccentricity. Its story is rich with exciting worldbuilding information from start to finish, depicting both quasi-Cyberpunk cityscapes and golden-throated alien opera singers. Critic Roger Ebert officially “recommended [The Fifth Element] for its richness of imagery,” an aspect brought alive by 4K upscaling.

16 Dunkirk Finds A Modern Auteur Doing His Best Work

Christopher Nolan has directed numerous cinematographic spectacles, including Interstellar, Inception, and Tenet. Unlike these films and the bulk of his oeuvre, Nolan based Dunkirk on true events during WWII. This tightly-paced war movie refrains from excessive dialogue, instead relying on a series of impressionistic scenery settings and a riveting score to create a tense yet beautiful narrative.

Dunkirk, which Nolan shot on IMAX film stock, incorporates visual and practical effects with incredible success. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw mentioned that Nolan “surrounds his audience with chaos and horror from the outset,” a summary that’s as accurate as it is concise. Through Nolan’s complete visual command, Dunkirk is easily one of the best 4K movies.

15 Life of Pi Combines Visual Expertise With Emotional Impact

Ang Lee’s Life of Pi chronicles the shipwrecked adventures of its titular teenage protagonist, who may or may not have shared his lifeboat with a vicious tiger. When not shooting on-location in Taiwan or India, Lee made much of the movie in an enormous wave tank, giving it some tangible realism.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Life of Pi is “an astonishing technical achievement that’s also emotionally rewarding,” a difficult combination for almost anyone other than Ang Lee. Likewise, the film’s 3D elements, which many have compared to Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, help create a dazzling cinematic experience that fans can experience best through 4K. Despite the story’s morbid undercurrents, Life of Pi is an uplifting and sumptuous visual treat for audiences of all ages.

14 Blade Runner 2049 Nearly Matches The Original’s Dizzying Heights

Along with author William Gibson’s Neuromancer, Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner effectively established the visual framework for the cyberpunk subgenre of science fiction. Even radical movies like Akira and Ghost in the Shell owe their existence to Blade Runner’s resplendent vision.

Although Dennis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049 is a chronological sequel to Scott’s original masterpiece, it meets and even exceeds the first movie on multiple fronts. Specifically, critics nearly universally praised Blade Runner 2049 for its amazing visual effects. Indiewire’s Eric Kohn called it “a mind-blowing refurbishing of the original sci-fi aesthetic” with “the kind of complex artistry one would expect from cinematographer Roger Deakins. Tonal inconsistencies aside, devoted fans of cyberpunk, or sci-fi in general, need to watch Blade Runner 2049 in 4K.

13 Dune Announces A New Totemic Sci-Fi Franchise

Villeneuve’s Dune isn’t the first adaptation of Frank Herbert’s revolutionary sci-fi novel; that honor belongs to David Lynch. On the other hand, the 1984 movie pales in comparison to the 2021 version, largely thanks to Villeneuve’s deft direction.

While Dune desperately attempts to stay loyal to its source material, its narrative consistency is hardly the most memorable aspect of this adaptation. From vast desert landscapes to unique, brutalist architecture, the film’s visuals are nothing less than majestic. Those who missed catching Dune’s theatrical run should see it in 4K, especially before seeing the sequel, Dune: Part Two, which Warner Bros. will release on March 1, 2024.

12 Star Wars: The Last Jedi Is As Well-Made As It Is Divisive

Despite receiving significant backlash from certain quadrants of the fandom, The Last Jedi is unquestionably one of the best films in the Star Wars franchise. Directed and written by Rian Johnson, The Last Jedi marks the eighth episode in the Skywalker Saga.

Despite its divisiveness, The Last Jedi succeeded where its successor, The Rise of Skywalker, failed, creating a genuinely unique narrative and accompanying visuals that pushed the envelope in significant ways. The Last Jedi has countless sequences worthy of 4K, which include iconic scenes like the opening bombing run, Rey and Kylo’s battle with Snoke’s Pretorian Guard, Leia floating through space, and Admiral Holdo’s lightspeed evisceration of the Supremacy.

11 Mad Max: Fury Road Is A Non-Stop Thrill Ride

George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road is several cinematic notches above its three predecessors, all of which star Mel Gibson as the eponymous protagonist. This sequel is an outstanding example of the post-apocalyptic genre, earning widespread acclaim for its eye-popping action, rip-roaring vehicle chases, and surprisingly heartwarming character arcs.

Fury Road’s unsung hero is editor Margaret Sixel, who streamlined 28,800 minutes of footage to an astonishing 120 minutes, an accomplishment that earned her both the Academy Award and BAFTA for Best Film Editing. Fans who want to watch Mad Max: Fury Road need to know there’s an excellent 4K version and a black-and-white edition titled Mad Max: Black & Chrome. For all these reasons, Fury Road remains one of the most exciting and enjoyable 4K films to watch at home.

10 Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Is One Of The Best Animated Movies Ever

Critics and fans agree that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is one of the greatest animated films ever made. In addition to its gorgeous and unique animation style, the movie introduced the spunky Miles Morales to movie-only audiences, further expanding the number of actors and characters who have played this iconic superhero.

While the 3D version of Into the Spider-Verse enhances its eye-popping visuals, the 2D version remains an opulent display of comic book-inspired artwork. Furthermore, this film has enough tributes, homages, allusions, and references to satisfy even the most demanding fans, with the screenplay and dialogue anchoring everything in a positive place. Into the Spider-Verse is a kaleidoscopic journey through some of the most striking visuals in cinematic history. Fans should try to see the 3D version on 4K for the full effect.

9 2001: A Space Odyssey Is An Epic Journey Through Space And Time

Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is widely renowned for its authentic portrayal of space travel, not to mention the numerous visual effects that changed filmmaking standards in the future. Several scenes in the movie deserve a theater screening, although the 4K release is the next best thing.

The 4K version of 2001: A Space Odyssey allows fans to rewatch their favorite moments in high resolution and intense color. Outside of theaters, it’s the ideal format for such a groundbreaking film. Viewers will especially relish the 4K format during the movie’s hallucinatory scene, where the protagonist travels through what seems like multiple dimensions.

8 Logan Is Arguably The Pinnacle Of Mature Superhero Storytelling

In a turn of events, superhero movies have become the norm rather than the exception they used to be. It’s a trend that began with the MCU’s first entry, 2008’s Iron Man. Although many subsequent superhero features have been rather forgettable, a few, like Logan, deserve the attention and accolades they receive.

Despite reusing iconic characters that audiences had seen onscreen multiple times before, Logan is a masterclass in almost every facet of filmmaking. For example, critic Brian Tellerico lauded Logan’s visual aesthetic, with “fight choreography that’s fluid and gorgeous instead of just computer-generated effects.” Because of this craftsmanship, apparent throughout, Logan remains one of the best movies to watch in 4K.

7 Black Panther Is One Of The MCU’s Best Entries

One of the best-looking 4K movies, Black Panther, highlights an alternative universe in which a country in Africa, Wakanda, is the most technologically advanced nation in the world. The film honed its afro-futurism concept to perfection, producing a global box office gross exceeding $1.4 billion.

Almost everything in Black Panther is visually stunning, from Wakanda’s polychromatic naturescapes to its glittering capital city, Birnin Zana. A 4K version of Black Panther dropped in May 2018, selling over 4 million copies in only six months. Black Panther’s almost indescribable grandeur is something fans need to experience at the highest resolution possible.

6 The Lord Of The Rings Is A Masterpiece Of Cinematic Adaptation

Few movies contain as much visual information as Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings. This trilogy is a near-flawless interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s synesthetic writing style and remains one of the greatest cinematic adaptations ever made. Accordingly, it’s responsible for starting multiple fantasy tropes that are common today.

From the glorious pastures of the Shire to the rocky waterfalls of Rivendell to the macabre towers of Orthanc and Barad-dûr, The Lord of the Rings is chock-full of wonderfully diverse and beautiful imagery. Moreover, many fans and critics maintain the Battle of Helm’s Deep, in the second movie, The Two Towers, is among the finest fighting sequences of all time. Because of the sheer depth of aspects viewers can lose themselves in, The Lord of the Rings retains its crown as one of the best 4K movies.

5 The Shape Of Water Is Filled With Visual Splendor

Guillermo del Toro is famous for making cinematographically splendid films, which include aesthetic wonders like Pan’s Labyrinth and Pinocchio. Despite this flair for artistic filmmaking, only one of his movies, The Shape of Water, garnered 13 Academy Award nominations, including a win for Best Picture.

The Shape of Water, a sci-fi/fantasy that doubles as a heartwarming tale of romance and a rallying cry for the under- and unrepresented, is one of 2017’s best feature films. Critics agree, with the Rotten Tomatoes critical consensus describing the movie as “Guillermo del Toro at his visually distinctive best.” Fans of The Shape of Water will also be interested to know the 4K version comes with a pair of featurettes and a making-of documentary. These features, the exquisite imagery, and an affecting narrative make The Shape of Water one of the best 4K movies.

4 The Matrix Remains One Of The Most Visually Compelling Films Ever

The Matrix became an instant pop-cultural landmark from the moment it debuted, and its relevancy has yet to fade significantly. Although many viewers and critics say the sequels are diluted versions of the first installment, all four entries contain spectacular imagery.

A perfect illustration of The Matrix’s lasting impact is the “bullet time” effect, which remains an iconic scene and has revolutionized cinema, TV shows, and video games, all of which have utilized the effect countless times. Furthermore, The Matrix is full of delightfully violent fight sequences that draw heavy inspiration from Chinese and Hong Kong action movies. With an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, there’s no doubt The Matrix is one of the best movies in 4K.

3 The Shining Is A Cinematic Master’s Best Movie

Although fans and critics widely consider Stanley Kubrick among the greatest filmmakers of the 20th Century, author Stephen King didn’t particularly enjoy Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining. While King was openly critical of some of the movie’s perceived flaws, even he praised its iconic visuals.

Regardless of when a viewer first saw The Shining, several images, like the elevator doors gushing with blood or ominous shots of the Overlook Hotel from vertigo-inducing vantage points, remain burned into memories everywhere. Similarly, excellent performances from Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall help elevate The Shining to one of the best horror films ever. While the 4K version of The Shining may not make a world-changing difference, any fan will appreciate seeing the movie’s famous shots at the highest resolution.

2 Your Name Is As Beautifully Rendered As Any Other Film

Kimi no Na wa, commonly known as Your Name in the Anglosphere, is an utterly breathtaking romantic anime movie by Makoto Shinkai. The story revolves around Mitsuha and Taki, two students who inexplicably find themselves in each other’s bodies.

Your Name builds an unshakable narrative foundation, which allows the plot to take some eccentric turns during its runtime. Plus, the film won numerous prizes for its luxurious yet refined animation quality, so viewers should watch (or rewatch) Your Name in 4K. The entire movie is a superbly crafted work of art that demands the best resolution.

1 Alien Continues To Inspire Fans And Other Artists

In addition to being one of the best horror and sci-fi films ever, Alien is also one of the best movies to watch in 4K. Under Ridley Scott’s deft direction, the film is a taught thriller so expertly crafted that it influenced thousands of future media projects.

Because of its technical and storytelling excellence, countless movies, TV shows, video games, and even academic papers have used Alien and its three sequels as their primary influence. Interestingly, some early critics complained about the movie’s lack of imagination, asserting the Xenomorph wasn’t as terrifying as it could have been. That said, retrospective reviews have judged Alien to be a near-flawless masterpiece. Through tremendous visuals, a timeless story, and long-lasting impact, Alien is arguably the best 4K movie.