What is the #1 best movie ever?

Beyond the Rosebud: Why “Citizen Kane” Remains a Cinematic Everest

The question of the “best movie ever” is inherently subjective, a swirling vortex of personal preference, cultural context, and evolving cinematic tastes. Yet, one film persistently emerges from this chaotic maelstrom, its reputation burnished by time and unwavering critical acclaim: Orson Welles’s Citizen Kane (1941). For nearly eighty years, its claim to the title, though constantly challenged, remains remarkably robust. The film’s continued dominance, especially its five consecutive decades at the top of the prestigious Sight and Sound critics’ poll, signifies something far beyond mere popularity; it speaks to a fundamental shift in cinematic language and enduring artistic power.

Citizen Kane wasn’t just groundbreaking for its time; it was revolutionary. Welles, at the tender age of 25, unleashed a torrent of innovative techniques that redefined storytelling on film. His revolutionary use of deep focus, low-angle shots, and unconventional editing created a visual tapestry both breathtakingly beautiful and profoundly unsettling. The narrative structure, a fragmented puzzle pieced together through flashbacks and multiple perspectives, mirrors the elusive nature of its central character, Charles Foster Kane, and anticipates the postmodern sensibilities of later filmmakers.

But the technical virtuosity is only half the story. Beneath the surface of stunning visuals lies a deeply resonant exploration of power, ambition, and the corrosive effects of isolation. Kane’s relentless pursuit of wealth and influence leaves him ultimately empty, a tragic figure whose vast fortune fails to fill the void within. This universal theme of the human condition resonates across generations, transcending cultural boundaries and ensuring the film’s enduring relevance.

However, declaring Citizen Kane the undisputed “best” film is an oversimplification. The film’s narrative complexity can feel challenging to some, its pacing deliberate rather than propulsive. Moreover, the very criteria used to judge a film’s “greatness”—technical innovation, narrative structure, thematic depth, emotional impact—are themselves subjective and constantly debated. Other cinematic giants, from 2001: A Space Odyssey to Casablanca, offer equally compelling arguments for the top spot.

What ultimately sets Citizen Kane apart is not its flawless execution—though it’s undeniably impressive—but its pervasive influence. The film’s innovative techniques became standard cinematic practice, its narrative style imitated and reinterpreted countless times. Its impact extends far beyond the realm of film itself, shaping our understanding of biography, narrative structure, and the very nature of storytelling. It is not just a great film; it is a foundational text of cinematic history, a testament to the power of artistic vision and its enduring legacy. While the ultimate “best” remains a matter of personal opinion, the undeniable impact and enduring relevance of Citizen Kane solidify its place among the cinematic pantheon’s most significant and influential works.