A very good documentary in a very good (but overlooked) series.

Back in 1998, the AFI's list of the 100 best American movies created a ton of controversy.  This was at a time when the Internet was young, there wasn't as much listmaking in the media, all the end of the millenium/century/decade lists hadn't come out yet, and AFI hadn't yet started doing annual countdown shows.

People actually paid attention to this list, and most people didn't like it--with good reason.  There wasn't a single Lubitsch or Preston Sturges movie on it, a lot of the movies had only a tangential link to America, and the other omissions were too numerous to mention.  The 3-hour CBS show didn't help matters much by being really star-studded to the point that ditzy actors and actresses were screwing up details about great movies.

The TNT series, of which this movie was a part, was left in the shadows due to the attention that the CBS show and  the list itself received.  But the TNT series was very good.  Each part focussed on ten movies linked by theme, and instead of being quip-heavy, the shows let the movies themselves show their greatness.

"In Search Of..." was especially entertaining, and featured some great, great movies.  The script was intelligent, the cutting was well-done, and in short it made you appreciate these classic films.

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)

The fantasy genre features imaginative and often magical worlds, characters, and events. It explores realms beyond the boundaries of reality, featuring elements such as magic, mythical creatures, supernatural powers, and fantastical settings. These stories can take place in entirely fictional worlds or blend fantastical elements with real-world settings.

Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The history genre features recounting and analyzing past events, societies, cultures, and historical figures. This genre aims to provide insights into the development of civilizations, the causes and consequences of historical events, and the impact of individuals and ideas on the course of history.

The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)

The war genre features armed conflicts, both historical and fictional, and the experiences of individuals and groups involved in warfare. This genre explores the physical, emotional, and moral challenges faced by soldiers, civilians, and others affected by war.

Looks at ten "quest" films including "The Searchers," "Bridge on the River Kwai," "The Gold Rush," "Vertigo," "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Forrest Gump."

AFI 100 Years 100 Movies: America's Greatest Movies

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies: In Search of

AFI 100 Years 100 Movies: America's Greatest Movies (1998)

In Search Of...

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