20 Movies That Are Flawed Masterpieces

Works of outstanding artistry - but not quite perfect.

By Sam Hill /

interstellar dr mann planet
Paramount Pictures

All things considered, is there any type of movie more inherently fascinating and endlessly interesting than that of the "flawed masterpiece"? Arguably not. Because a flawed masterpiece is a motion picture that manages to be both brilliant and questionable in equal measure; a movie that struggles in its attempts to touch greatness, and yet manages to do something else all together in the process - something more, because isn't something flawed almost always more interesting than something perfect?

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And the very notion of a flawed masterpiece resonates because it is usually a result of somebody's intention to create something amazing; something new and special and unique and different. The idea that said person wasn't entirely successful, but came very close, tells a lot more about somebody and than a work of relentless, certified genius ever could.

What follows then, is a list of 20 motion pictures that one might classify as flawed masterpieces; these are works of huge and sometimes bewildering ambition; movies that shot for the stars and just missed their target; movies that - despite their noticeable flaws - there is an undeniable sense of important, relevant and brilliant about them, nonetheless. Whilst many will agree on these picks, the inclusion of others is sure to enrage a few. All things considered, though... isn't that the point of a movie made in such a vein?

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