1. Joan (The Passion of Joan of Arc)
The 1920s film doesn't attract quite the number of viewers the way a movie like Star Wars does. But still, for any film buff even tangentially interested in the history of the craft, this movie is essential. In a performance described by many critics as the greatest of all time, actress Maria Falconetti plays the young French soldier. Told in stark close-ups, we see Joan be bullied into a false confession for fear of the stake. When she retracts, she's burnt alive, preferring to face a miserable death than turn her back on her country and beliefs. The townsfolk then revolt, claiming a saint was just killed. Of course if they'd decided that five minutes earlier, maybe she wouldn't have been burned alive.
Honorable mentions: Volcano, Cool Hand Luke (the most honorable mention). Thoughts? Leave a comment or find me on my podcast in the bio below.