Few directors have reshaped the cinematic language like Orson Welles. Revered as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Welles was not just a director but a storyteller, actor, and innovator who revolutionized cinema with his bold use of sound, lighting, and narrative structure.
If you’re a fan of auteur filmmaking, narrative experimentation, or simply want to witness the genius of a true visionary, here are the 5 best Orson Welles movies ranked — each a milestone in film history.
5. Chimes at Midnight (1965)
Genre:
Historical Drama
Where to watch:
Criterion Channela
A passion project of Welles, this Shakespearean collage blends Falstaff’s appearances from multiple plays into one tragic narrative. Chimes at Midnight is poetic, battle-scarred, and deeply human — showing Welles at his most introspective and literary.
Why it's underrated brilliance:
- Epic battle scenes on a low budget
- Emotional depth in Welles’ portrayal of Falstaff
- A love letter to Shakespeare
4. The Trial (1962)
Genre:
Psychological Thriller
Where to watch:
Kanopy, YouTube
Adapted from Franz Kafka’s novel, The Trial is an unsettling plunge into a surreal bureaucratic nightmare. Welles creates an oppressive, dreamlike world around Anthony Perkins (of toxic fame) as he plays Josef K., a man accused of a crime he doesn’t understand.
Why it stands out:
- Kafkaesque mood and mise-en-scène
- Abstract set design
- Psychological tension at its peak
3. The Magnificent Ambersons (1942)
Genre:
Period Drama
Where to watch:
Tubi, Amazon
Though it was notoriously re-edited by the studio, Welles’ second film still retains traces of his genius. A poignant tale of a declining aristocratic family, The Magnificent Ambersons uses elegant tracking shots and emotional depth to deliver a subtle critique of industrial progress and personal pride.
Highlight:
- Melancholic tone
- Rich character development
- Still praised despite missing 40 minutes of Welles’ original cut
2. Touch of Evil (1958)
Genre:
Film Noir, Crime
Where to watch:
Apple TV+, Criterion Channel
Welles took noir to new heights with Touch of Evil, a morally complex thriller set on the US-Mexico border. Featuring an iconic three-minute tracking shot, this film is dark, daring, and deeply atmospheric. It also stars Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh, with Welles himself playing the corrupt police captain Hank Quinlan.
What makes it brilliant:
- Genre-defying storytelling
- Stark lighting and shadows
- Complex portrayal of corruption
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
Genre:
Drama, Mystery
Where to watch:
HBO Max, Amazon Prime
Widely regarded as the greatest film of all time, Citizen Kane is Welles’ groundbreaking debut. At just 25, he directed, co-wrote, and starred in this tale of media magnate Charles Foster Kane. With its nonlinear structure, deep focus cinematography, and the haunting question of “Rosebud”, Welles forever changed how stories are told on screen.
Why it’s a must-watch:
Revolutionary camera technique
Innovative sound design
Timeless narrative on ambition and loss
Final Thoughts
Orson Welles wasn’t just a filmmaker — he was a cinematic visionary. From redefining narrative structure to pioneering technical innovations, Welles left a legacy that continues to influence modern directors. Whether you’re exploring film history or studying filmmaking, these five movies are essential viewing.
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