What criteria define greatness and which overlooked films deserve top-list status?

[Nora.M]

I was having a debate with friends about what constitutes a truly great film, and we realized our lists of the top 10 movies of all time were wildly different, mixing personal favorites with critical darlings. I'm curious to see what a more diverse group thinks, beyond the usual *Citizen Kane* and *Godfather* mentions. For fellow cinephiles, what are your essential criteria for greatness—is it cultural impact, technical innovation, rewatchability, or emotional resonance? I'm particularly interested in hearing about films that may not appear on standard lists but you believe deserve a spot, and why they eclipse more commonly praised works for you.

[Avery.J]

Great topic. For me, greatness in film is a mix: emotional resonance, formal daring, and something that changes how you see the world on repeat viewings. A movie might be technically flashy, but if it sits with you afterward, that counts more than gimmicks.