On the eve of a particular sequel hitting theaters, one that continues the long, long lineage of investigative journalism movies while also picking up where one of my personal all-time favorite movies, Fincher’s career-best The Social Network, neatly concluded in 2010, I can’t help but feel a bit queasy about just how much Aaron Sorkin and company have bitten off with the long-awaited The Social Reckoning.
Now, I didn’t wait to write this ranking until after seeing it because, to be frank, the film’s initial reviews aren’t stunning, and the trailers leading up to its release have me more than a touch worried. Maybe I’ll be surprised and have to adjust my ranking accordingly. But as you’ll see shortly, the twelve films on this list aren’t just great movies; they’re some of the best films ever made, spanning the 1940s to the present day.
I initially stuck to investigative journalism, but the list evolved as it grew longer and I wanted to include other films. So there’s more than just investigative journalism here. A little something for everyone.
With that being said, here are 12 journalism movies I consider perfect (or damn near close), ranked:
12. Between the Lines (1977)
11. The Post (2017)
10. Inside Job (2010)
9. His Girl Friday (1940)
8. Broadcast News (1987)
7. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
6. Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
5. The Insider (1999)
4. Citizen Kane (1941)
3. All the President’s Men (1976)
2. Spotlight (2015)
1. Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher’s Zodiac remains an undeniable classic since its 2007 release, standing as a pivotal moment in the director’s historic career. In this investigative crime drama, Fincher navigates the web of the Zodiac killer’s decade-spanning reign of terror, creating an atmospheric and compelling story that has only grown in cultural significance and critical acclaim since.
