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
![Mufasa and Simba on The Lion King 2019 Poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mufasa-and-simba-on-the-lion-king-2019-poster.jpg)
The Lion King (2019)
After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery.
- Release Date
- July 19, 2019
- Director
- Jon Favreau
- Cast
- Donald Glover , Beyoncé , Chiwetel Ejiofor , James Earl Jones , Seth Rogen , john oliver , Billy Eichner , John Kani , Alfre Woodard , Keegan Michael Key , JD McCrary , Shahadi Wright Joseph , Penny Johnson Jerald , Eric Andre , Florence Kasumba
- Runtime
- 1 hour 58 minutes
![The Lion King](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/lion-king-feature.jpg)
The Lion King Is a Visually Stunning, But Mostly Unnecessary, Remake
Disney’s The Lion King remake is a visual achievement, but it doesn’t really add anything to the story of the beloved animated classic.
Metascore |
55/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
6.8/10 |
Tomatometer |
52% |
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
![Joaquin Phoenix on the top of a staircase in Joker](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/joaquin-phoenix-on-the-top-of-a-staircase-in-joker.jpg)
Joker (2019)
During the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.
- Release Date
- October 4, 2019
- Director
- Todd Phillips
- Cast
- Joaquin Phoenix , Robert De Niro , Zazie Beetz
- Runtime
- 2 hours 2 minutes
- Writers
- Todd Phillips , Scott Silver , Bob Kane
- Production Company
- Warner Bros. Pictures
![](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/joker-movie-header.jpg)
Joker Is An Empty Vessel For a Fascinating Performance
Director Todd Phillips’ Joker doesn’t have the depth or clarity of vision to match the fascinating performance of star Joaquin Phoenix.
Metascore |
59/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8.4/10 |
Tomatometer |
69% |
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
![Avengers: Endgame (2019) official poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/endgame-dolby-poster.jpg)
Avengers: Endgame
After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos’ actions and restore balance to the universe.
- Release Date
- April 18, 2019
- Director
- Joe Russo , Anthony Russo
- Cast
- Robert Downey Jr. , Chris Evans , Scarlett Johansson , Chris Hemsworth , Jeremy Renner , Paul Rudd , Mark Ruffalo , Don Cheadle , Karen Gillan , Danai Gurira , Brie Larson , Benedict Wong , Josh Brolin
- Runtime
- 3 hours 1 minute
- Franchise
- Marvel Cinematic Universe
![Avengers-Endgame-banner-poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Avengers-Endgame-banner-poster.jpg)
Review: Avengers: Endgame Is the Perfect Ending to An Era of the MCU
Avengers: Endgame is a loving tribute to the MCU, tied together with engaging action sequences and genuine emotional depth.
Metascore |
78/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8.4/10 |
Tomatometer |
94% |
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
![The Fifth Element movie poster featuring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich and Gary Oldman](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/the-fifth-element-movie-poster-featuring-bruce-willis-milla-jovavich-and-gary-oldman.jpg)
The Fifth Element
In the colorful future, a cab driver unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep Evil and Mr. Zorg at bay.
- Release Date
- May 7, 1997
- Director
- Luc Besson
- Cast
- Bruce Willis , Milla Jovovich , Gary Oldman , Chris Tucker , Ian Holm
- Runtime
- 126 minutes
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
- Writers
- Luc Besson , Robert Mark Kamen
Metascore |
52/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
7.6/10 |
Tomatometer |
71% |
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
![](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Dunkirk-1.jpeg)
Dunkirk
Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Commonwealth and Empire, and France are surrounded by the German Army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II.
- Release Date
- July 21, 2017
- Cast
- Harry Styles , Fionn Whitehead , Tom Glynn-Carney , Jack Lowden , Aneurin Barnard , Cillian Murphy , James D’Arcy
- Runtime
- 106 minutes
- Main Genre
- Action
- Studio
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Metascore |
94/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
7.8/10 |
Tomatometer |
92% |
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
![Life of Pi film poster art with a tiger looming over the water](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Life-of-Pi-1.jpg)
Life Of Pi
A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger.
- Release Date
- November 21, 2012
- Director
- Ang Lee
- Cast
- Suraj Sharma , Irrfan Khan , Rafe Spall , Gérard Depardieu , Tabu
- Runtime
- 127 minutes
- Main Genre
- Adventure
- Writers
- David Magee
- Studio
- Fox 2000 Pictures
Metascore |
79/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
7.9/10 |
Tomatometer |
86% |
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
![Blade Runner 2049 Film Poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/blade-runner-2049-film-poster.jpg)
Blade Runner 2049
Young Blade Runner K’s discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former Blade Runner Rick Deckard, who’s been missing for thirty years.
- Release Date
- October 6, 2017
- Director
- Denis Villeneuve
- Cast
- Ryan Gosling , Ana De Armas , Harrison Ford , Dave Bautista , Robin Wright , Sylvia Hoeks
- Runtime
- 2 Hours 44 Minutes
- Writers
- Hampton Fancher , Michael Green , Philip K. Dick
- Production Company
- Alcon Entertainment, Columbia Pictures, Sony.
![blade-runner-2049](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/blade-runner-2049-header.jpg)
Review: Blade Runner 2049 – The Sequel Almost Equals the Original
Blade Runner 2049 won’t leave anyone arguing over whether it or the ’82 movie is the superior film, but it’s still a fantastic example of moviemaking.
Metascore |
81/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8/10 |
Tomatometer |
88% |
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
![Dune 2021 Movie Poster featuring Josh Brolin, Oscar Isaac, Timothy Chalanet](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/dune-part-one-movie-poster.jpg)
Dune
Original title: Dune: Part One.
A noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy’s most valuable asset while its heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future.
- Release Date
- September 3, 2021
- Director
- Denis Villeneuve
- Cast
- Oscar Isaac , Rebecca Ferguson , Timothee Chalamet , Dave Bautista , Zendaya , Josh Brolin , Jason Momoa
- Runtime
- 2 hours 35 minutes
![The Dolby Cinema poster for Dune](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Dune-Dolby-Poster-header.jpg)
TIFF: Denis Villeneuve’s Dune Is Epic — and Incomplete
Dune plays like a hybrid of 2001: A Space Odyssey and Lawrence of Arabia — an epic big-screen experience, but one that needs a sequel.
Metascore |
74/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8/10 |
Tomatometer |
83% |
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
![Luke, Rey, Kylo, Leia, Finn, and Poe appear in a red and white Star Wars Episode VIII - The Last Jedi Film Poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/star-wars-episode-viii-the-last-jedi-film-poster.jpg)
Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
The Star Wars saga continues as new heroes and galactic legends go on an epic adventure, unlocking mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.
- Release Date
- December 15, 2017
- Director
- Rian Johnson
- Cast
- Daisy Ridley , John Boyega , Mark Hamill , Carrie Fisher , Adam Driver , Oscar Isaac , Andy Serkis , Lupita Nyong’o
- Runtime
- 152 minutes
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
- Writers
- Rian Johnson , George Lucas
- Studio
- Walt Disney Studios
![daisy ridley star wars the last jedi training](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/daisy-ridley-star-wars-the-last-jedi-training.jpg)
REVIEW: Star Wars: The Last Jedi Is The Epic Adventure You’ve Been Waiting For
The Last Jedi is everything Star Wars fans have been hoping for, perfectly serving fan-favorite and new characters alike.
Metascore |
84/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
6.9/10 |
Tomatometer |
91% |
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
![Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy in Mad Max Fury Road 2015 film poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mad-max-fury-road-charlize-theron-and-tom-hardy.jpg)
Mad Max: Fury Road
In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search for her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper and a drifter named Max.
- Release Date
- May 7, 2015
- Director
- George Miller
- Cast
- Charlize Theron , Tom Hardy , Nicholas Hault , Zoë Kravitz
- Runtime
- 2 Hours
- Main Genre
- Action
- Studio
- Tagline
![](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/spinoff/2015/05/fury-road3-thumb.jpg)
Review: ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ is Even Better, Crazier Than Trailers Promise
Light on plot and dialogue, director George Miller’s return to his post-apocalyptic franchise is one of the best action films ever made.
Metascore |
90/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8.1/10 |
Tomatometer |
97% |
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
![Spider-Verse Poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/spider-verse-poster-1.jpg)
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
Teen Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his universe and must join with five spider-powered individuals from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities.
Metascore |
87/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8.4/10 |
Tomatometer |
97% |
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
![an epic drama of adventure and exploration in 2001- A Space Odyssey (1968)](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2001-a-space-odyssey-1968.jpg)
2001: A Space Odyssey
After uncovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, a spacecraft is sent to Jupiter to find its origins: a spacecraft manned by two men and the supercomputer HAL 9000.
- Release Date
- May 12, 1968
- Director
- Stanley Kubrick
- Cast
- Keir Dullea , Gary Lockwood , William Sylvester
- Runtime
- 2 hours 29 minutes
- Writers
- Stanley Kubrick , Arthur C. Clarke
- Production Company
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Stanley Kubrick Productions
Metascore |
84/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8.3/10 |
Tomatometer |
92% |
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
![Logan movie poster image featuring Hugh Jackman behind adamantine claws](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/logan-movie-poster-image-featuring-hugh-jackman-behind-adamantine-claws.jpg)
Logan
In a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan leads a quiet life. But when Laura, a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety.
- Release Date
- February 17, 2017
- Cast
- Hugh Jackman , Patrick Stewart , Boyd Holbrook , Richard E. Grant , Dafne Keen , Stephen Merchant
- Runtime
- 2 hours 17 minutes
- Studio
![](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logan-header2.jpg)
REVIEW: Logan Is The Best Wolverine Movie, Period.
Hugh Jackman’s final Wolverine movie also proves to be the actor’s – and the X-Men franchise’s – finest.
Metascore |
77/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8.1/10 |
Tomatometer |
93% |
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
![Black Panther Film Poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/black-panther-film-poster.jpg)
Black Panther
T’Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country’s past.
- Release Date
- February 16, 2018
- Director
- Ryan Coogler
- Cast
- Chadwick Boseman , Michael B. Jordan , Lupita Nyong’o , Danai Gurira
- Runtime
- 134 minutes
- Main Genre
- Adventure
- Studio
- Marvel
![Black-Panther-Film](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Black-Panther-Film.jpg)
REVIEW: Majestic Black Panther Introduces One of MCU’s Best Villains
In Black Panther, Ryan Coogler both lives up to the standard set by the Marvel Cinematic Universe and delivers something completely new.
Metascore |
88/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
7.3/10 |
Tomatometer |
96% |
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
![Fodo, Sam, Gollum, Aragorn, Gandalf, Eowyn, and Arwen on The Lord of the Rings Franchise Poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/the-lord-of-the-rings-franchise-poster.jpg)
The Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings is a series of epic fantasy adventure films and television series based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s novels. The films follow the adventures of humans, elves, dwarves, hobbits and more in Middle-earth.
- First Film
- The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
- Latest Film
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
- First Episode Air Date
- September 1, 2022
- Cast
- Elijah Wood , Viggo Mortensen , Orlando Bloom , Sean Astin , Billy Boyd , Dominic Monaghan , Sean Bean , Ian McKellen , Andy Serkis , Hugo Weaving , Liv Tyler , Miranda Otto , Cate Blanchett , John Rhys-Davies , Martin Freeman , Morfydd Clark , Ismael Cruz Cordova , Charlie Vickers , Richard Armitage
- Character(s)
- Gollum , Sauron
Metascore |
92/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8.8/10 |
Tomatometer |
91% |
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
![The Shape of Water movie poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/The-Shape-of-Water-1.jpg)
The Shape of Water
At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.
- Release Date
- December 22, 2017
- Director
- Guillermo del Toro
- Cast
- Sally Hawkins , Octavia Spencer , Michael Shannon , Richard Jenkins , Doug Jones , Michael Stuhlbarg
- Runtime
- 123 minutes
- Writers
- Guillermo del Toro , Vanessa Taylor
- Studio
- TSG Entertainment, Double Dare You
- Story By
Metascore |
87/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
7.3/10 |
Tomatometer |
92% |
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 Film Poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/the-matrix-film-poster.jpg)
The Matrix
When a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth–the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.
- Release Date
- March 31, 1999
- Director
- Lana Wachowski , Lilly Wachowski
- Cast
- Keanu Reeves , Laurence Fishburne , Carrie-Anne Moss , Hugo Weaving , Gloria Foster , Joe Pantoliano
- Runtime
- 2 hours 16 minutes
- Main Genre
- Action
- Writers
- Lilly Wachowski , Lana Wachowski
Metascore |
73/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8.7/10 |
Tomatometer |
83% |
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
![A yellow poster for The Shining](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/the-shining.jpg)
The Shining
A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future.
- Release Date
- May 23, 1980
- Director
- Stanley Kubrick
- Cast
- Jack Nicholson , Shelley Duvall
- Runtime
- 2 hours 26 minutes
- Production Company
- Warner Bros., Hawk Films, Peregrine
Metascore |
66/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8.4/10 |
Tomatometer |
83% |
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
![Your Name movie poster with Taki and Mitsuha](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/your-name-movie-poster.jpg)
Your Name
Two teenagers share a profound, magical connection upon discovering they are swapping bodies. Things manage to become even more complicated when the boy and girl decide to meet in person.
- Release Date
- August 26, 2016
- Director
- Makoto Shinkai
- Cast
- Ryûnosuke Kamiki , Mone Kamishiraishi
- Runtime
- 107 minutes
- Studio
- CoMix Wave Films
Metascore |
81/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8.4/10 |
Tomatometer |
97% |
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
![Alien 1979 Film Poster](https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/alien-1979-film-poster.jpg)
Alien (1979)
The crew of a commercial spacecraft encounters a deadly lifeform after investigating an unknown transmission.
- Release Date
- June 22, 1979
- Director
- Ridley Scott
- Cast
- Sigourney Weaver , Tom Skerritt , John Hurt , Veronica Cartwright , Harry Dean Stanton , Ian Holm , Yaphet Kotto
- Runtime
- 117 minutes
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
Metascore |
89/100 |
---|---|
IMDb Rating |
8.5/10 |
Tomatometer |
93% |
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.