As a designer, I can’t help but have an eye for art wherever I find it. I’ve curated a collection of films that stand out to me for their stunning cinematography, from framing and lighting to color and camera movement. These are films I find especial...
Love the visuals in this movie. It feels so nostalgic, and the overall atmosphere really draws you in.
Chungking Express (1994)
I love Tim Burton’s movies; his film style is so unique. The use of color and lighting in this film was done really well and does a great job creating the atmosphere of this fantasy world.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
The cinematic techniques in this film are so good. The lighting and color do a great job of portraying the overall story and making the world feel believable.
The Truman Show (1998)
The cinematography was one of my favorite parts of this film. I love the lighting, color palette, and how everything was put together visually.
Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
One of my favorites!! The color palette, framing, and camera movements really enhance the storytelling and make every scene feel intentional.
Parasite (2019)
Another one of Bong Joon-ho’s films that I love. The color palette and camera movements work so well together. I especially love how desaturated the whole film feels; it really adds to the storytelling.
Memories of Murder (2003)
What can I say, just amazing!! I love the visuals in this film. Everything is so aesthetically pleasing, especially the beautiful use of lighting.
Burning (2018)
Love the color palette and framing in this film. It really captures the beauty and emotion of the story.
Maggie (2018)
I love the perfect balance between character-focused and plot-driven storytelling. It captures such a raw and realistic portrait of Seoul. Love it!!
Microhabitat (2017)
Highly, highly recommend!!! The color palette, lighting, and framing are just beautiful. Such a fun story, and the airy colors of the sets make the film feel much more lighthearted than it actually is.
I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK (2006)
The dark and moody visuals paired with the impressive cinematography truly make this a successful cult classic.
Oldboy (2003)
Adam Sandler did a phenomenal job in this film. I love the pacing and sound design; they really create the intense, chaotic atmosphere of the film.
Uncut Gems (2019)
The cinematography in this film is fantastic. The lighting and 35mm film work perfectly together and really capture the story and aesthetic.
Good Time (2017)
Amazing!! I honestly don't have any words. Just perfect. 100/10.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
Such a cool film. I love the camera work and framing throughout the movie. So visually interesting.
Inception (2010)
Underrated! I love the beautiful lighting and muted color palette. The film grain, atmosphere, and stillness in certain shots are fantastic.
A Ghost Story (2017)
A classic. Love the overall color palette and camera movements in this film. Such beautiful cinematography.
The Matrix (1999)
Another underrated one. I love the naturalism and how the landscapes balance with the documentary-like realism. It makes the film feel so beautiful and authentic.
Nomadland (2020)
A classic. Love the visual effects and the overall aesthetic of this film. The world-building is incredible.
Avatar (2009)
OMG, I love the visuals in this film. The lighting, framing, and manic energy are just amazing.
Whiplash (2014)
The imagery in this film is incredible and does such a great job of visually portraying the story and its unsettling atmosphere.
Get Out (2017)
Love the use of stillness in this film. It really makes you slow down and take in the atmosphere, environment, and little moments.
Aftersun (2022)
Such a raw and visceral film. It does a great job creating an unsettling and realistic atmosphere.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Love the cinematography in this film. The use of 16mm film and the 4:3 ratio really recreates that raw, nostalgic atmosphere. It made me fall in love with the film.
Mid90s (2018)
Really nice visuals in this film. I especially love some of the scenes that use split-screen techniques.
500 Days of Summer (2009)
Amazing!! The visuals are out of this world. I absolutely love the aesthetic of this movie.
Entergalactic (2022)
The animation in this film is amazing. I love how unique and experimental the visual style feels.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
The camera work and visual style in this movie are fantastic! Everything feels so dynamic and intentional.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
The simplicity of this film is amazing. It feels so nostalgic and has such a unique charm.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
A classic. Love the overall vibes and aesthetic of this film. It feels so warm and nostalgic.
Superbad (2007)
I’ve watched this movie more than three times. Such a wonderful story with incredible acting and great cinematography.
Green Book (2018)
What can I say? This movie was ahead of its time. Fantastic!!
Madagascar (2005)
Everything about this film is amazing: the story, lighting, color palette, and animation. Just perfection. Chef’s kiss. 100/10.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
The overhead shots in this film are amazing and really help set the tone and visual language of the story.
The Platform (2019)
The camerawork in this film was amazing. I love how it captures the environment and adds to the emotional weight of the story.
Prayers for the Stolen (2021)
Such a beautiful black-and-white film. The use of the 4:3 ratio gives it such a unique and intimate feeling.
Gueros (2014)
The details and animation are amazing. The stories are creative, dark, and gloomy. The art direction and attention to detail are so beautiful.
The House (2022)
Excellent directing, dark and gloomy cinematography, and great acting. The visuals really complement the emotional weight of the story.
Better Days (2019)
My first Bollywood movie, and I instantly fell in love. The soundtrack and cinematography are beautiful and make the film so memorable.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
The bright, energetic, and saturated colors in this film are amazing. They give the movie such a fun and youthful feeling.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
A classic and one of my favorites. So iconic! The cinematography, fashion, sets, and soundtrack all come together beautifully.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Beautiful cinematography, rich color palettes, and dramatic framing made this one of my favorite films.
Mohabbatein (2000)
Such a fun and colorful film. I love the vibrant visuals, dreamy musical sequences, and overall romantic atmosphere.
Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)
The cinematography in this film is stunning. I love the dramatic landscapes, rich colors, and visual storytelling. Every scene feels so cinematic.
Dil Se.. (1998)
The visuals and performance in this movie were amazing. It did such a good job creating an unsettling and intense environment.
Him (2025)
The visuals in this film are amazing. I love how the cinematography adds to the overall emotion of the story.
Broker (2022)
The rich color palettes, precise framing, and fluid, elegant camera movements are amazing. Every shot feels so intentional.
The Handmaiden (2016)
The use of a quiet, static style shot on 35mm film creates such a timeless and nostalgic feeling. Love the simplicity of the visuals.
Past Lives (2023)
The color palette and framing in this film were amazing. I love how soft and intimate the visuals feel.
House of Hummingbird (2018)
Love, love, love the use of a bright, dreamy color palette and soft lighting. It creates such a nostalgic and youthful atmosphere.
20th Century Girl (2022)
I’ve watched this movie thousands of times and never get sick of the cinematography. The visuals are just so iconic.
Beetlejuice (1988)
The lighting choices and rich, painted backgrounds were amazing in this movie. Everything feels so warm and beautifully crafted.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
The lighting, camera techniques, and overall aesthetic easily make this one of my favorites.
Spirited Away (2001)
One of the best delightfully creepy movies out there. I love the overhead shots and the stop-motion animation in this movie.
Coraline (2009)
The visual effects are amazing. I love the visual style and techniques used throughout the film.
The Great Flood (2025)
100/10!!
Forrest Gump (1994)
Another movie that was ahead of its time. The visuals, story, everything- perfection.
Toy Story (1995)
Love the color palette and visuals in this film. It’s such a beautiful movie visually and emotionally.
Up (2009)
Love the cinematography and camera movements in this film, as well as the color palette. The visuals really add to the intensity of the story.
Highest 2 Lowest (2025)
Such a fun film! I love the constant camera movement and muted background colors that make the tuned cars the undisputed visual focus.
