What Movies Were Rated Highly on IMDb Top 250 But Aren't There Currently?

As of August 2023, the IMDb Top 250 is a dynamic list that changes frequently based on user ratings. While some classics such as The Dark Knight Rises, Forrest Gump, and Pulp Fiction remain perennial favorites, others have dropped off the list. Here, we explore a few notable films that were once highly rated but are no longer a part of the prestigious IMDb Top 250.

The Evolution of Top 250 Films

Why do these once highly-regarded films no longer make the cut? Several factors can influence a movie's position on the list:

Changes in User Ratings: Over time, viewer opinions can shift, causing some films to drop. Release of New Films: The constant influx of new releases can push older films off the list. Shifts in Viewer Preferences: Tastes change, and what was once considered a classic may no longer resonate with modern audiences.

Highly Rated Films That Are No Longer on the List

The website IMDb Top 250 Informer has been tracking the IMDb Top 250 rankings daily since 1996. This resource allows you to search for any movie that has ever been in the Top 250 and view its ranking history. It’s a fascinating tool for film buffs and cinema historians.

For the most accurate and current list, it's best to check IMDb directly. However, to give you a comprehensive view, we’ve compiled a list of films that were once highly rated and are no longer on the top 250 list:

Shine (1996) - Once at #2 The Wrong Trousers (1993) - Once at #4 Titanic (1997) - Once at #4 The English Patient (1996) - Once at #5 Star Trek: First Contact (1996) - Once at #6 A Close Shave (1995) - Once at #6 Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000) - Once at #9 Beautiful Thing (1996) - Once at #10 Babe (1995) - Once at #12 Sense and Sensibility (1995) - Once at #13 Toy Story 2 (1999) - Once at #15 Lone Star (1996) - Once at #15 Shakespeare in Love (1998) - Once at #16 Being John Malkovich (1999) - Once at #17 The Postman (1994) - Once at #18 Romeo Juliet (1996) - Once at #20 Up in Smoke (1978) - Once at #20 Avatar (2009) - Once at #21 Three Colors: Red (1994) - Once at #21 Jerry Maguire (1996) - Once at #21 The Avengers (2012) - Once at #25

These films were once among the cream of the crop in cinema, with Shine, Titanic, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King all having faced fluctuations in their ranking. However, with changing tastes, new releases, and evolving viewer preferences, these films have since fallen off the list.

Conclusion

The IMDb Top 250 is a constantly changing list that reflects the evolving tastes and opinions of film enthusiasts. While these once highly-regarded movies may no longer be found on the top 250, they remain significant contributions to the world of cinema and continue to be celebrated and appreciated by many.