To commemorate the first century of American moviemaking, the American Film Institute has embarked on a celebration of America's greatest movies. The centerpiece of this unprecedented celebration is the selection of the 100 greatest American movies of all time, as determined by leaders from across the American film community. Choosing from a list of 400 American movies compiled by AFI historians, this blue-ribbon panel has selected the 100 greatest feature films, judging such factors as critical recognition, major award winners, popularity over time, historical significance and cultural impact. AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies was originally broadcast as a three-hour CBS Primetime Special on June 16, 1998, during which the 100 greatest movies were first revealed. This centennial celebration of American movies is unprecedented in its scope.

The most basic form of American heroism — the individual in lonely, dangerous situations, inspiring opposition to the oppressive, often deadly, system. All these guys are mad as hell and aren't going to take it anymore. Films include: MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, EASY RIDER, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, DANCES WITH WOLVES, SCHINDLER'S LIST.

Crime may be the subject closest to the melodramatic heart of the movies. Filmmakers have always loved to show us how organized crime gets itself organized to corrupt society. They have loved even more showing us the ways of disorganized crime — crimes of the dysfunctional heart and the disheveled spirit. Public enemies and private nightmares — they are equally the subjects of the show. Films include: THE MALTESE FALCON, THE FRENCH CONNECTION, BONNIE AND CLYDE, THE GODFATHER, GOODFELLAS, PULP FICTION, FARGO.

Movies, we like to say, are the great art form of our time. But that ignores the claims of weaponry. In the age of mass destruction, war has inevitably been one of the movies' central preoccupations. And no medium has more powerfully, more vividly presented its horrors — and, yes, its occasional glories. Films include: THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, PATTON, APOCALYPSE NOW, THE DEER HUNTER, PLATOON.

This is our monster rally — sports of nature and mistakes of science in jostling juxtaposition with self-made ogres. But whether they were born, made or accidentally discovered, these creatures all share one quality: they are on a rampage. Sometimes they make us laugh — nervously. Most of the time they scare the daylights out of us — until someone restores order to whatever universe they threaten. Films include: KING KONG, MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY, SUNSET BOULEVARD, ALL ABOUT EVE, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, JAWS, AMADEUS, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS.