They were the boxbusters in the past three decades, chosen by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA).
"From Oscar winners to controversial and visionary game-changers, independent films have shaped and defined the film industry and popular culture over the last 30 years," said IFTA Chairman Lloyd Kaufman.
The non-profit trade organisation released the list to mark its 30th anniversary. The list was made by its 27-member Board of Directors. The chosen films are independently financed releases that were produced worldwide.
The IFTA board selected 10 films from each of the past three decades, considering a variety of factors, including features that introduced new cinematic styles; garnered awards; achieved critical acclaim; impact on notable producers, directors or actors; or had other standout qualities.
The IFTA and American Cinematheque will begin a screening series featuring the honorees. The series will begin Sept. 29 with a screening of My Left Foot, followed by a discussion with director Jim Sheridan. The acclaimed 1989 Irish film won two Oscars for Best Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Best Supporting Actress (Brenda Fricker).
According to the group, the most significant films by decade are:
1980s: Amadeus, Blue Velvet, Dances With Wolves, Das Boot, Gandhi, My Left Foot, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Platoon, Sex, Lies and Videotape, The Terminator;
1990s: Braveheart, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Fargo, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Life Is Beautiful, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, The Silence of the Lambs, The Usual Suspects, Where the Day Takes You;
2000s: Brokeback Mountain, Cras, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Juno, Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, Million Dollar Baby, Monster, The Pianist and Slumdog Millionaire.
Honorable mentions were given to: The Killing Fields, The Last Emperor, The Toxic Avenger, Basic Instinct, Good Will Hunting, Trainspotting, Bowling for Columbine, Memento and Twilight.
Source: Xinhua news agency
