Gene Siskel was a highly respected film critic who famously shared his opinions on countless movies. He was best known for his television show, At the Movies, where he and Roger Ebert often had lively debates about films, even when they disagreed – which made for great television.
Roger Siskel loved movies, and his enthusiastic reviews reflected that passion. He often shared his favorite films in annual lists and collections. Although he died in 1999 and didn’t see the films of the 2000s, his thoughtful recommendations continue to influence movie lovers today.
Once Upon A Time In America (1984)
Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America is a sweeping story about Jewish gangsters in New York, spanning many years. Though now considered a classic, the film was initially poorly received by critics and failed to make money in theaters. Its commercial failure even played a role in the decline of the New Hollywood era.
Gene Siskel immediately recognized the quality of the film, naming the full, uncut version of Once Upon a Time in America the best of 1984, though he considered the studio’s cut the worst. Even today, over 40 years later, this often-overlooked and debated film remains powerfully moving.
Fargo (1996)
The Coen brothers’ masterful skills are brilliantly showcased in Fargo, a quirky crime story that expertly blends humor, drama, suspense, and emotional impact. The film follows a man whose scheme to kidnap his wife spirals out of control, and the use of cheerful Minnesota accents adds to its distinctive and memorable atmosphere.
Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert rarely agreed on everything, but they both loved Fargo, naming it the best film of 1996. The movie featured outstanding performances from Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, and Steve Buscemi, and solidified the Coen brothers’ reputation as innovative and talented filmmakers.
Nashville (1975)
Robert Altman’s musical satire Nashville is considered a masterpiece, showcasing a fantastic ensemble cast and offering a vibrant look into the country music scene. Film critic Gene Siskel famously named it the best movie of 1975 and continued to champion it as a personal favorite for years to come.
Film critic Roger Siskel described the movie Nashville as feeling like watching an entire country in miniature, perfectly capturing the spirit of America. Though some in the country music world thought it unfairly ridiculed their lives, it’s still considered one of director Robert Altman’s finest works.
Hoop Dreams (1994)
Documentaries are often overlooked as great filmmaking, but Hoop Dreams was impossible to ignore. This powerful film follows African-American teenagers striving to become professional basketball players, and beautifully captures the heart of the American dream.
Film critic Gene Siskel described Hoop Dreams as “extraordinary,” highlighting its realistic depiction of the struggles faced by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds striving for success. This three-hour documentary offers a powerful and honest look at American life and is widely considered a landmark achievement in filmmaking.
Shoah (1985)
I remember when Gene Siskel really got behind this incredible documentary called Shoah. It’s a long one – over nine hours! – and it features interviews with people who lived through the Holocaust: survivors, people who saw what happened, and even those responsible. Siskel actually called it the best film of 1985, and he thought it was one of the most important films ever made. It really showed the horrors of World War II in a way nothing had before.
The film Shoah is more than just a historical record; it’s a powerful and artistic testament to the events it portrays. Roger Siskel’s admiration for Shoah highlights his conviction that film can powerfully address difficult truths and ensure they are remembered by future generations.
The Godfather (1972)
Roger Ebert considered Apocalypse Now Francis Ford Coppola’s best film, but Gene Siskel thought The Godfather was his masterpiece. The Godfather is a timeless classic that completely changed the gangster movie genre, and it includes a legendary performance by Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone.
Al Pacino gave a career-making performance in The Godfather, portraying Michael Corleone’s journey from a hesitant newcomer to a cold-blooded mob leader. The film lived up to its legendary status and rightfully won Best Picture at the Oscars.
Do The Right Thing (1989)
I remember when I first saw Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. It really struck me as something incredibly important and relevant, capturing the tension and heat of a Brooklyn summer and, more importantly, the complex feelings around race. Roger Siskel described it perfectly, saying it felt like a real look into both the joy and the pain, and all the confusion that comes with racial issues – it truly felt like a documentary of the soul.
Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing didn’t win any Oscars, and many people were upset when it lost Best Picture to Driving Miss Daisy, a film that explored racial issues in a simpler way. But over time, Do the Right Thing has become increasingly respected and is now often considered the best movie of 1989.
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
As a huge movie fan, I always come back to Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove. It’s a brilliantly dark comedy that feels shockingly relevant even now, decades after it was made in 1964. The film tackles the anxieties of the Cold War, and it’s just a hilariously terrifying story about how close we came to nuclear war. Plus, Peter Sellers is absolutely phenomenal – playing multiple roles with incredible skill. It’s a true classic!
Film critic Gene Siskel often named Dr. Strangelove as one of his favorite movies, praising its sharp and honest portrayal of political absurdity. Although Stanley Kubrick directed many acclaimed films like A Clockwork Orange and The Shining, Siskel considered Dr. Strangelove to be Kubrick’s masterpiece.
Raging Bull (1980)
As a huge movie fan, I’ll always remember Gene Siskel declaring Raging Bull the best film of 1980 – and it’s easy to see why! It’s probably Martin Scorsese’s best work. Robert De Niro gives a truly incredible performance as boxer Jake LaMotta. The movie doesn’t pull any punches in showing a really raw and honest look at what it means to be a man, and it’s still a powerful, unforgettable film about ego and vulnerability.
De Niro fully immersed himself in the role, even training to become a professional boxer. Because the film explores the internal struggles of its protagonist as much as the boxing matches themselves, it’s easy to understand why Siskel considered Raging Bull a masterpiece.
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Surprisingly, film critic Gene Siskel considered Saturday Night Fever to be his all-time favorite movie. Despite being known for its disco soundtrack, the film is actually a thought-provoking look at the struggles of working-class life, the search for identity, and how people try to find purpose, even through something like disco dancing.
John Travolta is phenomenal in Saturday Night Fever, perfectly matched with the unforgettable music of the Bee Gees. Film critic Gene Siskel was captivated by Travolta’s dancing, famously comparing him to “a peacock on amphetamines.” Siskel loved the movie so much that he actually purchased Travolta’s iconic white suit at a charity event.
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2026-02-02 01:30