There aren’t many Miloš Forman movies. However, most of the films he made are masterpieces.
He was forced to leave Czechoslovakia for the US after The Firemen’s Ball, which was banned after the invasion by the Warsaw Pact countries. Nevertheless, this fascinating artist found his way and succeeded in directing movies he wanted to direct, making worldwide cinema much richer.
In honor of his legendary craft and career, let’s list some of Milos Forman’s best movies you should put on your watchlist.
Black Peter
Black Peter is Forman’s first feature film and a landmark of the Czechoslovak New Wave. This coming-of-age story follows a shy teenager navigating work, authority, and awkward romance in socialist-era Czechoslovakia. Shot with non-professional actors and a documentary-style realism, it reflects the drabness and quiet absurdity of daily life.
The film humorously critiques rigid systems while capturing youthful uncertainty and rebellion. Its loose structure and observational tone became trademarks of Forman’s early style.
Ragtime
Ragtime interweaves fictional and historical characters in a complex tapestry of race, class, and justice. It’s an interesting way of examining societal tensions at the dawn of modern America.
The story includes real figures like Harry Houdini and Emma Goldman alongside the tragic arc of a Black pianist seeking justice. Lavishly produced, the film marked Forman’s return to large-scale storytelling after Hair and Amadeus.
Hair
Forman’s adaptation of the countercultural stage musical transforms the fragmented original into a more cohesive anti-war story.
Vibrant, anarchic, and full of life, Hair reflects Forman’s outsider perspective on American youth and rebellion. The film captures both the joy and disillusionment of the 1960s, with unforgettable musical numbers and choreographed set pieces.
Man on the Moon
This biopic of eccentric comedian Andy Kaufman is one of Forman’s most ambitious character studies. Jim Carrey delivers a transformative performance that mirrors Kaufman’s unpredictable blend of genius and provocation. Man on the Moon explores identity and the line between sincerity and showmanship, central themes in Forman’s work.
Rather than offering a conventional biography, it delves into the slipperiness of truth and persona. Carrey famously remained in character throughout the shoot, a commitment that speaks to the film’s meta-textual ambition.
The People vs. Larry Flynt
Milos turns the story of Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt into a compelling drama about free speech and morality. Woody Harrelson gives a career-defining performance as the outrageous yet surprisingly principled Flynt, while Courtney Love impresses as his troubled wife.
The People vs. Larry Flynt explores the First Amendment through a lens of vulgarity, controversy, and hypocrisy. Forman, no stranger to censorship himself, approaches the material with complexity and humor.
Loves of a Blonde
One of the key films of the Czech New Wave, Loves of a Blonde is a bittersweet look at romantic disappointment and youthful naivety. Blending non-actors and naturalistic dialogue, Forman crafts a realistic and gently humorous tale of emotional vulnerability.
The film criticizes both the constraints of small-town life and the empty promises of urban charm. It certainly showcases women’s emotional burden in both small and big city environments.
The Firemen’s Ball
A brilliant satire cloaked in farce, The Firemen’s Ball portrays a disastrous small-town event filled with petty corruption and human folly. Beneath the comedy lies a sharp critique of the inefficiency and absurdity of socialist bureaucracy.
The film was banned in Czechoslovakia for its pointed subtext but gained admiration abroad. With its ensemble cast and minimalist realism, it shows Forman at his sharpest and most subversive.
Taking Off
Taking Off is a quirky comedy-drama about a suburban couple trying to understand their runaway daughter and the counterculture she’s embraced. The film blends documentary-style realism with surreal musical interludes and an affectionate eye for generational miscommunication. It critiques both the rigidity of adults and the aimlessness of youth.
Notable for featuring early performances from unknown talents and an unforgettable marijuana-smoking scene, it captures the chaos of early ’70s America. Forman uses humor to bridge the divide between old and new values.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a towering achievement in American cinema. Therefore, this list of Milos Forman movies won’t be complete without this movie.
The film, based on Ken Kesey’s novel, pits the free-spirited R.P. McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) against the authoritarian Nurse Ratched in a psychiatric hospital. It’s a profound allegory of institutional control versus individual freedom.
Forman brings deep empathy and urgency to the story. The ensemble cast is unforgettable, and the film’s emotional crescendo is both devastating and liberating. It remains one of the most iconic and influential films of the 20th century.
Amadeus
Last but not least, on this Milos Forman movies list, Amadeus is a sumptuous and psychologically rich portrait of genius, bitterness, and artistic obsession.
Told through the bitter eyes of Antonio Salieri, the film dramatizes his relationship with the prodigious and unruly Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Forman balances historical drama with intensity, crafting a film that feels intimate and grand.
It’s not a biography so much as a meditation on the mysteries of talent and divine inspiration. With unforgettable performances and exquisite direction, Amadeus is Forman at his most masterful.
Final Words on Milos Forman Movies
Above, you have a list of Milos Forman movies you should put on your watchlist. It’s best if you can watch all of them to decide which one is your favorite.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll enjoy watching these movies. Forman is certainly a filmmaking master, so you’ll like at least some of his films. If you want to continue reading about other directors, check out my other blog posts!
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