Films transport viewers to a different world, thereby allowing them to temporarily escape the trials and stresses of “real life.” Moreover, films entertain, convey powerful themes, inspire, and excite, and as such, they’ve played a prominent role in each country’s culture for over a century. The multi-billion-dollar industry is showing no signs of slowing down.

To help film buffs and casual viewers alike get the most from the medium, here’s a list of four critically-acclaimed, audience-adored films—works that are widely considered to be amongst the greatest of all time in their respective genres.

Wolf Creek (2005)

High-quality horror/thriller movies are hard to come by, but that’s not all Wolf Creek has going for it.

The Australian film, which was released in 2005, follows a deranged, psychopathic man named Mick Taylor as he finds and hunts victims in the outback. Critics reported being on the edge of their seats as the movie’s characters battled for survival, and audiences were similarly impressed.

To make matters more interesting—and creepier—Wolf Creek was based on real events.

Goodfellas (1990)

Though it was released way back in 1990, Goodfellas, a Martin Scorsese-directed crime-drama masterpiece, has stood the test of time.

Starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, Goodfellas tells the real-life story of gangster Henry Hill as he navigates the exciting and dangerous world of the criminal underground between 1960 and 1980.

Goodfellas’ smart writing, unparalleled acting, and masterful cinematography impress viewers to this day.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction may well be the best movie ever made by famed director Quentin Tarantino.

Starring Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis, the quick-moving and multifaceted drama follows a variety of intertwined stories in California circa 1990.

There’s much to enjoy (and little not to) with Pulp Fiction, which continues to be referenced in popular culture.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Thought it was created in 1968 (and with a modest budget), Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey has the quality and appeal to compete with today’s super-expensive pictures.

The gorgeously filmed sci-fi work explores themes of individuality, the threat of technology, time, and mortality. The movie’s special effects were created with a bit of light, household materials, and creativity—something that new viewers often have trouble believing.

There’s never been a better time than now to watch the listed films. Each work entertained, thrilled, and advanced the wonderful world of film. Their influence and significance will not soon be forgotten.