What do you consider the greatest film ever made, and why?

[Jumpin]

Kaunisto said:

I consider Kubrick the best director and A Clockwork Orange his best movie, so for long time I would've said that.
Another top one is Blade Runner, though that has the problem that it's the 90's Director's Cut (and later version) that is the great masterpiece, not the original version.
And yet further candidates for GOAT include Das Boot, Sunset Boulevard, Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, LA Confidential, M, Snatch and obvious ones like Godfather and Shawshank Redemption.

But to name just one as the absolute greatest film of all time, I choose Once Upon a Time in the West.
Building on the Dollar trilogy (which themselves are among the greatest ever), it is the peak of cinematography, sound design, casting and overall storytelling.

Literally watching 2001 right now for the 3rd or 4th time this year (at the part where they're excavating the monolith). I find it's a great film to have on in the background, something to glance over at, and listen to without being distracted. But also something I can watch all the way through it I want. I also love A Clockwork Orange, and everything else he's done from Dr. Strangelove onward; I watch The Shining every year around October/November.

I also really like The Godfather, and Blade Runner → which I recently watched (The Final Cut) along with 2049.

Billy Wilder is another one of my favourite directors, The Apartment is one of my all-time favourite films along with Sunset Boulevard. The Apartment really feels like the inspiration for Mad Men, and Shirley Maclaine's acting really darkens the comedy whole thing in a fun sort of way, giving an alternative perspective to Bud (Jack Lemon).