The best of Orson Welles: five films every film fan should see -.

Orson Welles is the epitome of a larger-than-life filmmaker. Known for his daring, vision and refusal to play by the rules of Hollywood, Welles broke new ground with every film he touched. Whether it was his fearless storytelling or his bold technical innovations, he redefined what cinema could be.

Today we want to dive into his top five films, ranked from fifth to first, each reflecting the genius, ambition and unique flair that made Orson Welles one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. So let’s waste no more time. This is what we consider the best of Orson Welles.

5. Adaptations of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes

Welles tackled some of literature’s most legendary works – Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Othello and Chimes at Midnight – and even attempted to adapt Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Although Don Quixote was never finished, it remains a fascinating example of Welles’ relentless ambition and his ability to delve into some of the most complex literary worlds ever created.

These adaptations demonstrate Welles’ genius in working with compact, challenging material. He didn’t just adapt Shakespeare or Cervantes for the screen; he put his own inventive spin on them, blending his signature style with the original texts. His Don Quixote may be incomplete, but it reflects his unyielding pursuit of artistic vision even when it seemed impossible. With these films, Welles proved that no story was too epic for his boundless creativity.

4. The lady from Shanghai (1947)

In The Lady from Shanghai, a sailor (played by Welles himself) becomes entangled in a web of intrigue, deceit and murder centered around the enigmatic and seductive Elsa Bannister (played by Welles’ then-wife, Rita Hayworth).

This film is Welles at his most stylish and noir. The famous mirror scene in the funhouse is a master class in visual storytelling and symbolizes the broken realities and deception that plague the characters. With its taut narrative, complex characters and stunning cinematography, The Lady from Shanghai reveals Welles’ ability to turn a mystery thriller into something much more – a psychological labyrinth that is as suspenseful as it is thought-provoking.

3. The magnificent Ambersons (1942)

Welles adapted Booth Tarkington’s novel to tell the story of the fall of a wealthy Midwestern family. Set at the turn of the century, it explores how progress and industrialization threaten to uproot tradition and ancient wealth.

Although interference from the studio led to the film being heavily re-edited, The Magnificent Ambersons remains a haunting reflection on change, pride and the passage of time. Even in its compromised form, the film’s emotional depth, rich characters and Welles’ innovative camerawork stand out. It is a bittersweet tragedy about what is lost in the name of progress and how wealth can quickly become irrelevant – just as Welles himself would experience in his own career.

2. Touch of Evil (1958)

This grim film noir follows a murder investigation on the U.S.-Mexico border, where corruption, prejudice and moral ambiguity lurk at every turn. Welles shines as Hank Quinlan, a corrupt police captain whose twisted sense of justice drives the film’s tension.

Touch of Evil is not only one of the best noir films of all time, it is Welles’ triumphant return to Hollywood after years in the wilderness. The opening scene, a stunning, uninterrupted tracking shot, is a perfect example of Welles’ technical mastery. Beyond the thrilling plot, Touch of Evil is a study of morality, power and corruption. It is a dark, twisted look at the human soul, and Welles captures it with fearless intensity.

1. Citizen Kane (1941)

What can we say about Citizen Kane that hasn’t already been said? Citizen Kane depicts the life of Charles Foster Kane, a media mogul loosely based on William Randolph Hearst. Told through the eyes of those who knew him, the story unravels as a journalist examines Kane’s last word: “Rosebud.”

Welles’ magnum opus is often cited as the best film ever made and revolutionized filmmaking. Its nonlinear structure, use of deep focus and inventive lighting were ahead of their time, and its story of power, ambition and loneliness is still just as impressive today. Citizen Kane is not just about one man’s life; It is about the human condition, our endless desire for control, and the things we lose in the pursuit of greatness.

And that’s all for today! Orson Welles was a filmmaker who refused to be constrained by tradition or the confines of the industry. From his breathtaking Citizen Kane to his ambitious, unfinished Don Quixote, Welles pushed the boundaries of what cinema could achieve. His films are filled with unforgettable images, complex characters and layers of meaning that keep us coming back, generation after generation. Watching Welles is like watching a master at work – someone who understood that cinema is not just entertainment, but a profound way to explore the human experience.

Now we’d love to hear about your experiences with Orson Welles’ work! Which of his films do you think are the best? Would you rearrange the list or add others? We can’t wait to see your picks in the comments!