I have yet to ever find any flaws in "The Third Man."

And this is after seeing it well over 200 times.

*blush*

As cliche as it may sound... I'd have to say THE MATRIX.

It's the Hero's Journey executed to perfection and set in a crowd pleasing, special effects filled world. I can't think of anything in that movie that seems superfluous.

Another example... SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. I mean, Hannibal is only in it for what 15 minutes? Nothing wasted.

I'm sure I could think of more, but I like the post. This is a great topic of discussion...

http://ascribeapart.blogspot.com/

I'd say "Match Point" and "American Beauty". While the latter is a better movie, I would say they're both perfect movies in the sense that they represent, imho, the best telling of the stories possible.

Silence Of The Lambs, definitely.

But what always comes to my mind when the words "the perfect movie" are mentioned:

MILLER'S CROSSING.

Complex, convoluted story -- but it all fits. Plus, cinematography, absurd humor, acting chops...it's just a joy all around.

Ah, but you know what...a movie I saw recently nourished my soul like some kind of repast:

NETWORK.

I haven't seen it enough to weigh in on whether or not it is a perfect movie...but if not, it's sure close! :-)

If the definition of perfect is a movie that I can't think of any way to improve (that's a fine definition except for the fact that I'm an easily amused philistine and just because I can't think of any improvements doesn't mean there aren't any/many), I can think of four off the top of my head:

1. Broadcast News
2. Ordinary People
3. American Beauty
4. Crimes and Misdemeanors

I'd have to say:

The Matrix
Akira
Princess Mononoke
Back to the Future(EVERYTHING clicks and works in that movie)
Pan's Labrynth

For me Slum Dog Millionaire is perfect. Great set up, great ending, everything ties together.

Ashley at SellingYourScreenplay.com

Normally, I need a movie to have imperfections for me to love it, so I don't particularly desire to see perfect movies. I can't identify with perfection, even in the construction of a film.

The exception for me is The Incredibles. That's the only movie that I've seen that I feel is perfect, and I love love love it.

Ghostbusters and The Big Lebowski are two of mine.

Hmm. Tough call. My favorite movies are necessarily perfect, and perfect movies aren't necessarily among favorites...

Some perfects that come to mind:

E.T.
Groundhog Day
Jackie Brown

Mark Cousins wrote a very interesting introduction to the published screenplay to 'The Apartment'.

He says that he preferred watching it on television and that the film's strengths are verbal rather than visual and I think I agree. As much as I love the film it's the dialogue and performances that make it great but doesn't tell much of the story visually.

It's worth a read.

Slumdog Millionaire, American Beauty? Really? I'm sure if you type in the reviews for both movies, you can find things pointed out by critics and audiences alike that could've been improved.

Perfect movies
Chinatown, The Apartment, All About Eve, Silence of the Lambs, Hannah and Her Sisters, Annie Hall, Ferris Bueller's Day Off

I think 'Tootsie' is one of the perfect films -- the script (funny, smart, poignant and thought provoking), the casting, the direction, the performances -- all excellent given the film could have bombed horribly on all counts with it's gender bending premise. Hoffman's Dorothy is not a laughable man in drag -- she actually becomes a character within the film. I see new things in that film every time I see it.

I'll go all out and offer LET THE RIGHT ONE IN. Floored me upon first viewing. Not a "movie", but a "film".

Also, I'll offer APOCALYPSE NOW as well as PLATOON.

And of course, every cinephiles fave -- JAWS. Probably have to throw GOODFELLAS in the bunch along with SUNSET BLVD.

Star Wars. The first one. Textbook hero's journey yet not formulaic. Killer music. Killer climax. Killer concepts like "the force" and the Jedi. Introduced a whole new universe in a few easy strokes.

Once Upon a Time in the West, North by Northwest, Forrest Gump, City Lights, Chinatown, Armageddon,
A Few Good Men, so many...

Coincidence or not, as both have Shirley MacLain -- BEING THERE.

Jerzy Kosinski + Hal Ashby + Peter Sellers + Jack Warden + Shirley + Caleb Deschanel = Perfection.

As a heterosexual male who is not particularly given to musicals, I have to come out of the closet and say that, since I was a kid, I've considered THE SOUND OF MUSIC a "perfect movie". I've watched it often. I still don't know why...

Mary Poppins
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Once Upon a Time in America
Citizen Kane
The Sixth Sense
It's a Wonderful Life
The Godfather I & II
Being There

I believe the perfect movie applies to:

12 Angry Men. I would claim this the best script ever written.

Citizen Kane. I don't need to talk about the greatness of this one.

Minority Report. One of the most underrated and forgotten Spielberg works. It's perfect. Script wise, acting wise, directing wise, and everything wise.

Zombie Strippers.

Yes I am serious.

PIXAR

The Valley of Gwangi (youtube). Cowboys vs dinosaurs, does it get better?

@Atlanta: Cowboys & Aliens? :0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboys_%26_Aliens_(film)

@Lord of the Green Dragons: Yes! That looks like a whole lot of fun. Original comic was okay with strong concept, should make for a fabulous film.

Fox just greenlit a cowboyish-folk fighting aliens in outer space story (Sam Raimi, Brian K. Vaughan), and they haven't canceled it yet. Some real talent, could be entertaining. (io9, deadline)