compiled by Robert James Bidinotto
Club Coordinator, Institute for Objectivist Studies (IOS)

Please note that this is not an all-inclusive list of my favorite films.   For example, it doesn't include many of my favorite "screwball comedies," such as "Bringing Up Baby," and few of the well-written, thought-provoking "noir" entries that I really enjoy, such as "Laura," "Body Heat," "L.A.Confidential," or "Vertigo." Other darker films with wonderful plots, such as "Lone Star" and "Wings of the Dove," didn't make the cut, either. Rather, my list focuses more narrowly on films possessing some inspirational quality or uplifting element. Even the tragedies on my list have grand or idealistic aspirations, while the lighter-weight romances are, for all their fluff, wonderful emotional tonics. Another caveat: Many of the films cross categories. The "integrity" films, for instance, could easily have been listed under "independence." But I simply chose the category I most associate with a given entry, because of the main stresses in its story line or theme.  Caveats aside, enjoy!

Many of these films can be found at:

Objectivism 101