[Updated Dec. 21, 2024] What are the best Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs? There are hundreds of 4k discs to choose from, but which titles provide the best home theater experience? We’ve taken a bold step to select our Top 100, knowing some of you may disagree with the selections and wonder why your favorite title isn’t included.
What we can tell you is that our top selections are based on these 5 criteria:
- Movie Quality (Oscar-winners/nominees, etc.)
- 4k Ultra HD/HDR Video Quality
- Audio Quality/Soundtrack
- Bonus Material (including extras, packaging, presentation, etc.)
- + that immeasurable “Wow” factor that is hard to put in words.
Please note these titles are not listed in order of ranking (although new releases are generally placed on top). This page gets updated frequently so check back soon for updates. And, feel free to comment below if we’re missing any of your favorite 4k discs! By the way, there is a Page 2 for more of the best 4k Blu-rays of all time.
The Best 4k Blu-ray Movies of All Time (Page 1)
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
The first non-English film to have received an Oscar for Best Effects, Godzilla Minus One on 4k Blu-ray has such a unique color, palette and sharpness that we had to include it as one of the best of the year. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack delivers a subtle yet powerful dynamic distribution of effects that don’t impede upon the crisp dialogue that is front and center. Godzilla Minus One is a juggernaut of a film and home theater experience.
The Shape of Water (2017)
4x Oscar-winning film (including Best Picture), The Shape of Water was previously released on 4K Blu-ray in 2018, but for this new edition from The Criterion Collection, Director Guillermo del Toro personally approved the remaster with Dolby Vision HDR. This is a gorgeous presentation that encapsulates the craft of Cinematographer Dan Laustsen. Each scene is like a masterpiece painting with so much detail you can really appreciate why the film was nominated for so many Oscars.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
An absolute masterpiece of sound mixing in Dolby Atmos underscores razor sharp 4k/HDR imagery on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two exceeds expectations in home theater applications. Low frequency and surround sound effects make this a dream audio experience for audiophiles and sci-fi fans alike, with complex layering of audio sources. The color grading is an earthy palette with wide contrast ratio that takes advantage of increased bit-depth though Dolby Vision/HDR10. Dune: Part Two gets perfect scores for Story, Video, & Audio. Highly Recommended. Read Review
The Abyss (1989)
James Cameron’s sci-fi/thriller The Abyss (1989) may have been one of the most scrutinized 4k upgrades in the last year given the use of some noise-reduction in the video image. But this 4k Blu-ray presentation (including both the Theatrical Version and Special Edition) is a stunning improvement from previous DVD and digital presentations, with accurate color grading, wide contrast ratio, and excellent sharpness. In addition, the Dolby Atmos soundtrack offers substantial improvements in surround effects, low-frequency sound, and overall immersive experience. Plus, it’s a 3-disc edition with an entire Blu-ray dedicated to extras! Highly Recommended. Read Review
Titanic (1997)
One of the most successful movies of all time is also one of the best 4k Blu-rays of all time. James Cameron’s masterwork of filmmaking, Titanic,” is an exquisite transfer in 4k with Dolby Vision/HDR10 allowing up to 10-bit color depth. The new Dolby Atmos mix enhances some of the previously great audio moments, with deep bass and sound effects that deliver an excellent surround experience. Also available in a Limited Collector’s Edition. Highly Recommended. Read Review
Oppenheimer (2023)
Reference quality audio and video deliver this powerful film from director Christopher Nolan. The 4k resolution is exceptionally sharp and color depth exquisite with Dolby Vision & HDR10. The soundtrack is riveting in DTS-HD MA 5.1, with a masterful mix of dialogue, original music score, and sound effects. And, the variable aspect ratios (only available on Blu-ray!) create another level of immersive viewing. Oppenheimer is likely to be nominated for and win multiple Oscars in 2024, including acting, sound design, cinematography, direction, and screenplay. Highly Recommended. Read Review
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is a very high-quality 4k disc release from Paramount that provides excellent video and audio quality. The movie may not be a fan favorite but can’t be dismissed for the incredible filmmaking from Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie that harkens back to the days before CGI when films were made on set with real locations and set design. You can really show off your AV system with reference quality video and audio from this movie! (Read Review)
Spider-Man- Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a masterpiece of animated filmmaking that offers a superb home viewing experience on 4k Blu-ray. The bigger the movie is viewed the better, exhibiting vibrant colors and razor-sharp images that explode off the screen. The audio mix is rich with detail, so the more channels you have the more you can experience the 3-dimensional placement of effects in Dolby Atmos. Read Review Highly Recommended.
1917 (2019)
Known for its groundbreaking seamless shot that won Roger Deakins an Oscar for cinematography, 1917 is also an earthy-looking sharp-as-hell war film with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack that offers one of the best home audio experiences to date. The Sam Mendes film was nominated for a total of ten Academy Awards, winning three, and those qualities are reflected in this home media presentation. Highly Recommended. Ranked in our Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2020.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
It doesn’t get much better than 2001: A Space Odyssey on 4k Blu-ray. This movie from the late 60s was meticulously restored and is a perfect example of how good an older film can look on Ultra HD Blu-ray. With rich black levels, HDR10 that brings out excellent color depth, and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack that immerses viewers, this film is a must-have for your home theater library. Highly Recommended.
Alien (1979)
Alien is one of the pre-eminent sci-fi horror films of its time that inspired a whole generation of moviemakers in the genre. Remastered from the original film negatives, Ridley Scott’s dark thriller looks like a new film in 4k resolution with HDR. There are details that were hidden in the shadows (no pun intended) until this 4k restoration. The 40th Anniversary Edition carries over the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, but nevertheless is a quality audio experience. (Listed in The 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2019.) Read Review Highly Recommended.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Alita: Battle Angel is a fun movie in any resolution, but on 4k Blu-ray with Dolby Vision and the option of HDR10+ the film provides a great home theater experience with super-sharp resolution and superb color depth. The 4k Blu-ray also features a killer Dolby Atmos track, and some editions even include a 3D Blu-ray Disc. (Listed in our 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2019.)
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
All Quiet on the Western Front on 4k Blu-ray is a gorgeous presentation of Oscar-winning cinematic imagery from James Friend with reference quality video (enhanced with Dolby Vision/HDR10) and an immersive Dolby Atmos/TrueHD 7.1 soundtrack that showcases the Oscar-winning compositions by Volker Bertelmann. Plus, the 2-disc edition from MPI comes with a 24-page booklet and lots of bonus material! Highly Recommended. Read Review
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now (ranked among the best war movies of all time) was rescanned and restored for Ultra HD Blu-ray during an 11-month, 2,700-hour period. The audio was also remixed for Dolby Atmos, offering an immersive audio experience never heard before, even in theaters. And, the 6-disc, 60th Anniversary edition with 3 cuts of the film makes this home media release a must-own for your home theater library. (Listed in The 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2019.)
Avatar: The Way of Water (2023)
The color, detail, and richness of the scenery in Avatar: The Way of Water may have you pausing scenes just to take it all in. The soundtrack, offered in Dolby Atmos, provides an excellent immersive experience with surround sound and low-frequency effects that sound amazing on a multi-speaker system. Both Avatar movies are great to have in your 4k collection, but ‘The Way of Water’ delivers native 4k that impresses with reference quality imagery. Update: Also releasing in a 4-Disc Collector’s Edition on Dec. 19, 2023.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
We had to pick at least one of the Avengers installments, so why not the finale? Avengers: Endgame on 4k Blu-ray provides a theater-like experience with HDR10 and Dolby Atmos audio providing some memorable immersive moments in 7.1 channel surround sound. (Listed in The 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2019.)
Black Panther (2018)
With an Oscar-winning original music score by Ludwig Göransson paired with songs from artists like Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott, Black Panther sounds incredible in Dolby Atmos/TrueHD 7.1 channel audio. The visuals are equally impressive in 4k resolution with Dolby Vision HDR that brings out all the color details in the Oscar-winning production and costume design.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Denis Villeneuve’s sequel to Blade Runner (1982), Blade Runner 2049 (2017) is not only a visual masterpiece but an audio work of art as well. There are deep low-frequency moments in this film that your subwoofers will love as well as immersive effects that put you right in the film. Reference quality, all the way. This movie was ranked in our list of Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2018. Highly Recommended.
Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982)
Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982) has become an icon of dystopian filmmaking with its futuristic setting of Los Angeles. In 4k with HDR, you can appreciate the detail in sets, lighting, and cinematography that was ahead of its time. The UHD BD edition also features Dolby Atmos so the sound design and composition by Vangelis are better than ever on 4k Blu-ray. Highly Recommended.
Braveheart (1995)
A winner of 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Braveheart (1995) starring Mel Gibson will always be a classic, and what better way to experience this film than on 4k Blu-ray Disc? The visuals are spectacular in 4k/HDR backed by a Dolby Atmos soundtrack that upgraded from previous Blu-ray editions.
Dunkirk (2017)
Christopher Nolan’s WWII wartime drama Dunkirk is not only a 3x Oscar-winning feature film, it’s also an immersive audio and visual experience for your home theater. The cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema and color grading looks absolutely gorgeous in 4k with HDR. And, the soundtrack with music by Hans Zimmer pushes 5.1 to the limits with pounding low frequency effects in subwoofers and surround sound that hits every discreet channel. Highly Recommended.
Dune (2021)
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune (2021) on 4k Blu-ray sets a standard by which other movies should go by. The incredible set and costume design, outstanding music score from Hans Zimmer, intricate and immersive sound design, and beautiful cinematography by Greig Fraser make this the perfect home theater experience especially for fans of the genre. Highly Recommended. Read Review
Game of Thrones: The Complete Collection
There is just one word for the entire collection of Game of Thrones seasons and episodes: incredible. The 4k imagery and audio quality in this HBO series is top-notch, with reference quality Dolby Atmos that at times immerses you in the dark ages with Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen. Plus, the Complete Collection features over 15 hours of bonus material. Say what you want about the finale, it doesn’t negate the 73 episodes that comprise this epic TV series that is best viewed on 4k Blu-ray. Read Review
Glory (1989)
Based on historical records, Glory starring Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington is one film that everyone should see. Restored beautifully from both video and audio sources, we ranked Glory the Best 4k Blu-ray of 2019 and hope you add it to your home theater collection.
House of the Dragon: Season One
The Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon is a remarkable production that is best experienced in 4k Ultra HD with HDR and Dolby Atmos. And although the streaming quality from HBO Max is impressive, there is a huge gain in quality from the 4k discs that is hard to ignore. On 4k Blu-ray the bitrates average 50-70Mbps range compared to around 20Mbps from HBO Max. The Atmos audio excels in the delivery of dragon sounds, battle effects, and ambient noises. For these reasons and more this 4k disc is ranked in our Top 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2022. Read Review
Interstellar (2014)
Jaw-dropping cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema (picture the tidal wave scene!) and intense music composition by Hans Zimmer build up the dramatic, sci-fi imagery that make Interstellar one of Christopher Nolan’s most memorable films to date. Co-written by his brother Jonathan Nolan, Interstellar takes viewers on a journey that is not diminished at home given its engaging story, high-quality visual presentation, and reference-level audio in typical Nolan 5.1 channel surround sound. Highly Recommended.
Jaws (1975)
Directed by Steven Spielberg in what became his signature film for years, Jaws (1975) on 4k Blu-ray is as fresh as it was 45 years ago. The negatives were painstakingly restored and the soundtrack remixed to provide a home theater experience that is second to none. Jaws is a must-have for any home theater enthusiast. (Ranked in our Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2020.) Read Review Highly Recommended.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
One of the greatest films of all time is also one of the best 4k Blu-rays of all time. This 7-time Oscar-winner was flawlessly restored to create a new digital intermediate that brings new life to the 60-year-old film. Lawrence of Arabia was originally only offered in the Columbia Classics Vol. 1 4k Ultra HD Collection (at least in North America) but on June 7, 2022 was released in its own Limited Edition 4-Disc 4k Blu-ray SteelBook. The film is ranked in our Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2020 for its incredible restoration. Read Review Highly Recommended.
My Fair Lady (1964)
My Fair Lady is a masterpiece made even more so by 4k & HDR. In its class, you can’t find a better upgrade to 4k Blu-ray. Add to the superb restoration a script, cast, and crew that may not be surpassed in its genre, and you’ve got a must-have for your home theater library. My Fair Lady was ranked in our Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2021 and without a doubt a must-own on 4k Blu-ray. Read Review
No Time To Die (2021)
There are so many things to love about Daniel Craig’s last James Bond film No Time To Die, but everything starts with an incredible production that carries through to the home media experience on 4k Blu-ray. The sharpness, color palette, and audio should be reference quality for anyone’s home theater setup. No Time To Die was ranked #1 in our Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2021 for a reason. Read Review
Prometheus (2012)
Not all Alien fans consider Prometheus as good as the classics Alien and Aliens, but we’re here to tell you the home theater experience from this Ridley Scott production is unforgettable. With incredibly sharp images, deep color with HDR, and a great soundtrack with some excellent low-frequency audio and surround effects in DTS-HD MA 7.1, Prometheus easily makes it into our Best of All Time. Highly Recommended.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Most critics would rank Saving Private Ryan among the top ten war movies of all time, but it could be the most realistic in terms of viewer immersion. Steven Spielberg’s classic starring Tom Hanks (definitely one of his most memorable roles, right up there with Forrest Gump and Big) looks incredible in 4k and sounds great with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Highly Recommended.
Spartacus (1960)
We love this restoration of Spartacus (1960) directed by Stanley Kubrick. The original 70mm negatives were scanned in 6k and color corrected in 4k for this Ultra HD Blu-ray release from Universal. The colors render beautifully in HDR and there are lots of details never seen before given the increased 10-bit depth. It’s a must-have for home theater and film enthusiasts alike that is ranked in our Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2020. Read Review
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
The animated Spider-Man films are some of the best in the franchise. With great screenplays, fantastic soundtracks (including licensed music from popular artists), and top-notch animation Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is not only cutting-edge home theater content but a lot of fun to watch!
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2022)
Spider-Man: No Way Home looks incredible at home in 4k. The Dolby Vision/HDR10 give the color depth and contrast a huge boost compared to SDR presentations, and, the Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1 soundtrack delivers quality immersive surround sound with deep low-frequency range effects that will vibrate your home theater. The movie is available in a new Limited Edition SteelBook (pictured above) as well as the original plastic case packaging. Read Review
Star Trek: The Motion Picture Director’s Cut (2001)
Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition released in 2001 under the supervision of Director Robert Wise on DVD but was never even released on 1080p Blu-ray. Jump to 2022 when this 4k Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital edition was released after 6 months of restoration. The visuals are eye-popping in 4k/HDR, and the Dolby Atmos soundtrack is an excellent improvement to the audio quality. The disc is ranked No. 8 in our Top 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2022 for those reasons and more! Read Review
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
If you can only buy one Star Wars movie in 4k it’s got to come down to ‘A New Hope’ or ‘Empire Strikes Back.’ ‘A New Hope’ started the phenomenon that is Star Wars, and the first film in 4k looks absolutely gorgeous. The soundtrack also from John Williams provides a theatrical experience in Dolby Atmos/TrueHD 7.1 channel surround sound. Ranked in our Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2020. Highly Recommended.
Tenet (2020)
We ranked Tenet one of the best 4k releases in 2020 and here’s why. Christopher Nolan’s cinematic aesthetic is transferred nicely to 4k Blu-ray, with rich black levels and a gorgeous color palette that are like a fine wine on an HDR TV. This film does not give you Atmos (Nolan prefers more of a frontal audio assault) but the soundtrack is just one of the best from Ludwig Göransson. Read Review
The Batman (2022)
Not only a great-looking and sounding film on 4k Blu-ray, Matt Reeves’ The Batman is just a great movie overall. Delve into this thriller that harkens back to Detective Comics and the history of Batman in a way that has never been done before. The Batman on 4k Blu-ray Disc delivers sharp imagery and a rich palette of color via HDR that looks great in a home theater setting. The audio is equally as immersive with dynamic surround sound that impresses. The 4k disc is ranked No. 2 in our Top 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2022. Read Review
The Hobbit Trilogy
The Hobbit Trilogy is ranked No. 2 in our list of Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2020, only giving up the top position to The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The movies represent reference-quality video and audio on 4k Blu-ray, featuring Dolby Vision/HDR10 color depth and Dolby Atmos immersive surround sound. If you haven’t seen The Hobbit Trilogy in 4k yet, this is a must for your home theater library. The box set includes both Theatrical and Extended Cuts of the Peter Jackson movies. Read Review
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings films were released in 4k together in a boxed set (also in the Ultimate Collector’s Edition) and you cannot find a better home theater experience. Watch the Extended Editions (or the Theatrical cuts if you’re short of time) and you may find yourself binge-watching the entire trilogy because of how good these films look and sound. The trilogy is ranked No. 1 in our Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2020 (because you can’t separate them!). Highly Recommended. Read Review
The Revenant (2015)
When a movie this good in theaters can be owned in 4k, it’s a must-have for a home theater collection. The Revenant starring Leonardo DiCaprio (Oscar winner) and Tom Hardy (Oscar nominated) provides a truly immersive experience even at home with gripping audio, striking visuals, and incredible acting from an all-star cast. The Oscar-winning direction by Alejandro González Iñárritu paired with Oscar-winning cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki deliver a stunning setting for this early 19th Century adventure/drama based on the novel of the same name by by Michael Punke. Highly Recommended.
The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece The Shining (1980) has never looked so good after a new 4k restoration from the original 35mm negatives and print to 4k Blu-ray Disc. Exceptional color, detail, and sound give the 40-year-old film new life. We ranked The Shining on 4k Blu-ray one of the Best of 2019 with good reason. Highly Recommended.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick is a reference-quality 4k Blu-ray title that excels in all aspects of home theater presentation. With groundbreaking aerial cinematography and incredibly sharp images, the real star of this disc is the Dolby Atmos/Dolby True HD 7.1 soundtrack. Talk about immersive sound, Top Gun: Maverick is the kind of media we build home theaters for. The sounds of the jet engines, weapons and defensive weapons fire, and over-the-radio dialogue set you right in the middle of the action. Ranked No. 1 in our Top 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2022. Read a review. Highly Recommended.
Vertigo (1958)
All of Alfred Hitchcock’s movies look great remastered in 4k with HDR, but if we were to choose one to be in our Top 50 it would be Vertigo (not to diminish Psycho, which we also rank as one of the best 4k Blu-rays). Presented in 2160p at 1.85:1 aspect ratio with HDR10, the video has never looked so sharp and colors so realistic. The English audio is provided in DTS:X and DTS:HD Master Audio 5.1, providing an immersive experience of this classic psychological thriller. Vertigo is also available in the first Alfred Hitchcock 4k Collection.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
This extensive, extended edition was reimagined by the film’s original director Zack Snyder and expands upon the 2017 Justice League version by doubling the length of the film (241 minutes) with some incredible new footage and the addition of variable aspect ratios. The 4k is sharp, the HDR gorgeous, and soundtrack impressive in Atmos. Zack Snyder’s Justice League is ranked in our Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2021 and makes the Top 25 list of all time. Read Review
Continue to Page 2 of the Best 4k Blu-rays
Also, see our current 4k Blu-ray release dates and a complete list of 4k Ultra HD Blu-rays since 2006.
I really liked House of the Dragon. I advise.
Good collection, I think its the best of all time and one watch these again again and never get bored.
Dune movie was so bad. Worst movie i ever saw in my life.
Totally disagree, a fantastic movie experience . 4K on an oled TV, amazing.
One of THE best adaptions from book to film ever! Simply stunning
Then you need to see the 1984 version of Dune.
Yeah, 3 hours of waiting for something of interest to happen. Sure it was beautiful but damn was it boring. Almost like looking at a Ferrari in a showroom and never driving it.
see the sequel all action
Game of Thrones is pretty darn good looking on 4k BD — plus Atmos! What about Spider-Man No Way Home and the Star Trek Trilogy?
Check the next page. Those titles should be there!
I agree. I think it’s the best of all time.
I agree with everything but the Marvel/Disney movies on the list, while they look great the sound is beyond lackluster with very muted low end.