Created by Vince Gilligan. A chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer turns to a life of crime, producing meth with a former student. Rating: 9.5/10 | Genre: Crime/Drama

Cannes Film Festival

Most prestigious film festival in the world. Founded 1946. French Riviera.

Largest film industry globally. Six major studios. Oscar ceremony is the premier global film event. Major Awards: Oscar (Academy Awards), Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Studios: Universal, Disney, Warner Bros, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Directed by Frank Darabont. Two imprisoned men bond over years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency. Cast: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman Rating: 9.3/10

Bollywood/Tollywood — India

Most films produced annually (1,500+). Bollywood (Hindi), Tollywood (Telugu), Kollywood (Tamil). Massive domestic audience. Major Awards: Filmfare Awards, National Film Awards Studios: Yash Raj Films, Dharma, Red Chillies

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Created by David Benioff, D.B. Weiss. Nine noble families wage war against each other in the mythical continent of Westeros. Rating: 9.2/10 | Genre: Fantasy/Drama

Steven Spielberg

Highest-grossing director ever. Jaws, E.T., Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan.

The Godfather (1972)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control to his reluctant youngest son. Cast: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino Rating: 9.2/10

Venice Film Festival

Oldest film festival (1932). Part of Venice Biennale. Golden Lion is top prize.

Akira Kurosawa

Samurai epics influenced Star Wars and westerns. Seven Samurai, Rashomon. Emperor of Japanese cinema.

Berlin International Film Festival

Berlinale. One of the Big Three festivals. Political and socially conscious programming.

Chinese Cinema — China

Second-largest box office market. Rapidly growing production. Quota system limits foreign films. Major Awards: Golden Rooster, Hundred Flowers, Golden Horse (Taiwan) Studios: China Film Group, Huayi Brothers, Wanda

The Dark Knight (2008)

Directed by Christopher Nolan. Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests to fight injustice. Cast: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger Rating: 9/10

The Wire (2002-2008)

Created by David Simon. The Baltimore drug scene as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and police. Rating: 9.3/10 | Genre: Crime/Drama

British Cinema — United Kingdom

Strong production infrastructure (Pinewood, Shepperton). Home to James Bond, Harry Potter franchises. Major Awards: BAFTA Awards Studios: Working Title, Aardman, Film4

Martin Scorsese

Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, The Departed, Killers of the Flower Moon. 50+ year career.

Schindler's List (1993)

Directed by Steven Spielberg. In German-occupied Poland, industrialist Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce. Cast: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes Rating: 9/10

Squid Game (2021-present)

Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children's games for a prize. Netflix's #1 show ever. Rating: 8/10 | Genre: Thriller/Drama