With the recent release of Robert Zemeckis’ new Pinocchio adaptation, movie fans on Reddit have been spurred to discuss some of the classic director’s other great works over the years. Zemeckis was one of the industry’s most popular figures in the ’80s and early ’90s, with many of his best projects being cited as some of the best ever made.
Pinocchio is Zemeckis’ first film in a while, and whilst it might not have the distilled magic of some of his previous work, the film is still a fun Disney adaptation that remains true to the source material and has some of the director’s trademark style in there.
Contact (1997)
Not only is it one of Zemeckis’ best films so far, but Contact is also one of the best sci-fi movies in general. The story follows a group of scientists who attempt to decode messages that are being broadcast from outer space, with the results both shocking and intriguing them.
Reddit user tarsrobot describes the film as “great,” claiming that although it’s “totally different” from the rest of Zemeckis’ filmography, that doesn’t prevent it from being one of his best. It’s a completely original and conceptual story that only somebody like Zemeckis could have brought to life in the way that he did.
Forrest Gump (1994)
The Best Picture-winning Forrest Gump is one of the first films that most audiences associate with Zemeckis, both due to its cultural impact and its wide critical acclaim. Reciting the life story of the film’s protagonist, Forrest Gump has become famous for its unique storytelling and emotional narrative.
Reddit user laurencelaurentz agrees that Forrest Gump is still one of Zemeckis’ best movies “for sentimental reasons.” There’s a whole generation who grew up with Forrest and his story, so it’s not surprising that Zemeckis is still widely remembered for this project.
Death Becomes Her (1992)
Death Becomes Her is one of Zemeckis’ rare entries in the comedy genre, blending elements of fantasy with his surprisingly sharp humor to create one of the most entertaining movies of the 1990s. It features standout performances from Meryl Streep and Bruce Willis, alongside a wide cast of other stars.
Reddit user traceitalian suggests that “Death Becomes Her stands out in [Zemeckis’] filmography” as his most impressive. It takes all the traditional tropes that people had expected to see in the fantasy genre and brings them into a completely new setting that’s fascinating to watch.
Romancing The Stone (1984)
Although it isn’t strictly his best, Romancing The Stone is one of Zemeckis’ most underrated projects to date. The film is often forgotten when discussing his filmography, which is a shame when people consider just how impactful and influential it has been.
Romancing the Stone is one of the most iconic rom-com action movies ever made, practically reviving the genre for a whole new wave throughout the 1980s. Reddit user jksturm agrees that the film is “great,” arguing that it deserves to be considered among the director’s best.
Flight (2012)
One of Zemeckis’ more recent outings, Flight doesn’t get the recognition that it deserves for being a highly entertaining and extremely thought-provoking drama that features one of Denzel Washington’s strongest performances.
Reddit user jackwritespecs argues that Flight “might have the most intense opening sequence I’ve ever seen in a movie,” and it continues this forceful momentum right until the very end. It’s certainly not an easy watch, but it’s one of Zemeckis’ most rewarding films as its studies the character’s growth and accountability.
Cast Away (2000)
Zemeckis’ long-time collaborator Tom Hanks provides one of his most vulnerable and compelling performances in Cast Away, despite having no other actors in the majority of his scenes. Without such a powerful star like Hanks in the lead role, Cast Away could easily have been a failure, but the pair work together in an electric way that brings the film to life.
Reddit user terrible_punchline claims that they “really want to say Cast Away” is Zemeckis’ best film, and although there’s lots of great competition among his filmography, they may be right. Cast Away is one of the best single-actor films ever made and pretty much set the template for any more that followed by showing a character study of Chuck’s survival on the isolated island.
Back To The Future II (1989)
Although it’s the first installment that is often considered the best in the franchise, many fans believe that Back to the Future II also deserves audiences’ respect for being one of the most entertaining and original sequels ever put to screen.
Reddit user 8bitskin even goes so far as to claim that Back to the Future II is “the best of the trilogy”, exceeding the original in all aspects. It’s one of the few sequels that doesn’t simply rely on the original for inspiration, but rather creates an engaging story of its own that audiences can have fun with.
The Walk (2015)
There are very few films that are quite as intense as The Walk, which tells the story of real-life street performer Philippe Petit. He takes on the gargantuan task of walking on a tightrope between the twin towers of the World Trade Center.
Although few people cite The Walk as one of Zemeckis’ best, Redditor ddwcommish believes this is unfair: “The Walk doesn’t get enough love..on an IMAX 3D screen, you felt like you were on that tightrope with him.” The biopic one of his most spectacular films to date, with stunning visuals that are rarely seen in this kind of movie, and it even has the audience rooting for the real-life figure to succeed in his tightrope escapade.
Back To The Future (1985)
Despite the director’s many other accomplishments, there’s no doubt that Back to the Future is Zemeckis’ best-written and most entertaining film to date. Filled with classic sci-fi storytelling, intriguing characters, and some of the most charming dialogue ever written, the film remains one of the all-time classics for a reason.
Reddit user bunsnt believes that Back to the Future is the “clear answer” when discussing Zemeckis’ best movies, claiming that no other film even comes close. There’s something so timeless and magical about the film that represents the very best of the sci-fi genre, elevating the time-travel conception that has also inspired many similar films today.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Particularly for younger audiences, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is one of Zemeckis’ finest accomplishments to date. As an animated film, it’s completely different from anything that audiences had ever seen before with its seamless blending of real-life and cartoon characters.
Reddit user Rush_Clasic labels Who Framed Roger Rabbit as “an unrivaled piece of art that never gets old,” commenting on how impressively the film’s visuals and narrative themes have aged. It’s still just as entertaining today as it was 40 years ago, which is a testament to Zemeckis’ storytelling prowess.
