The Best 4k Blu-rays Of All Time

best 4k blu-ray of all time

There are hundreds of 4k Blu-rays to choose from, but which ones 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.)
  • and that immeasurable “Wow” factor that is hard to put in words

Please note these titles are listed in alphabetical order and not in order of ranking. This page is a work in construction so please check back soon for updates. And, feel free to comment below if we’re missing any of your favorite 4k discs!

The Best 4k Blu-ray Movies of All Time (1-25)

1917 (2019)

1917-4k-Blu-ray
1917 (2019) on 4k Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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 provides a quality home audio experience. Ranked in our Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2020.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

2001-A-Space-Odyssey-4k-Blu-ray-angle-720px
2001: A Space Odyssey on 4k Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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, and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack this film is a must-have for your home theater library.

Alien (1979)

"Alien" (1979) 40th Anniversary
“Alien” (1979) 40th Anniversary Ultra HD Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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. (Listed in The 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2019.) Read Review

Alita: Battle Angel (2019)

"Alita: Battle Angel" (2019) Ultra HD & 3D Blu-ray
“Alita: Battle Angel” (2019) Ultra HD & 3D Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

Alita: Battle Angel is a fun movie in any resolution, but on 4k Blu-ray with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ provides a great home theater experience with super-sharp resolution and superb color depth. The 4k Blu-ray also features Dolby Atmos, and some editions even include a 3D Blu-ray Disc. (Listed in The 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2019.)

Apocalypse Now (1979)

Apocalypse Now (1979) 4k Blu-ray Combo Edition
Apocalypse Now (1979) 40th Anniversary 4k Blu-ray Edition Purchase on Amazon

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, making this home media release a true home theater experience. (Listed in The 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2019.)

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

"Avengers: Endgame" (2019) on Ultra HD Blu-ray
“Avengers: Endgame” (2019) Ultra HD Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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-channel surround sound. (Listed in The 10 Best 4k Blu-rays of 2019.)

Black Panther (2018)

Black Panther (2018) 4k BD Cinematic Universe Edition Buy on Amazon

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)

Blade-Runner-2049-4k-Blu-ray-600px
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) 4k Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

Ridley Scott’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. This movie was ranked in our list of Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2018.

Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982)

Blade Runner: The Final Cut 4k Blu-ray
Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982) 4k Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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.

Braveheart (1995)

Braveheart (1995) 4k Bu-ray
Braveheart (1995) 4k Bu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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.

Dune (2021)

Dune 2021 4k Blu-ray Disc Combo
Dune (2021) 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Edition Buy on Amazon

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune 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, and beautiful cinematography by Greig Fraser make this the perfect home theater experience especially for fans of the genre. Read Review

Game of Thrones Complete TV Series

Game-of-Thrones-The-Complete-Collection-4k-Blu-ray-angle-600px
Game of Thrones: The Complete Collection on 4k Blu-ray Buy on Amazon

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. Read Review

Glory (1989)

"Glory" (1989) Ultra HD Blu-ray
“Glory” (1989) Ultra HD Blu-ray Buy on Amazon

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

House of the Dragon: Season 1 4k Blu-ray SteelBook
House of the Dragon Season One 4k Blu-ray Buy on Amazon

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

Jaws (1975)

Jaws (1975) 4k Blu-ray
Jaws (1975) on 4k Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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 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

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Lawrence of Arabia 60th Anniv 4k SteelBook 720px
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) 4-disc Limited Edition 4k Blu-ray SteelBook Buy on Amazon

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

My Fair Lady (1964)

My Fair Lady 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray angle
My Fair Lady 4k Blu-ray Buy on Amazon

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)

No Time to Die 4k Blu-ray
No Time to Die (2021) 4k Blu-ray Buy on Amazon

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)

Prometheus (2012) 4k Blu-ray
Prometheus (2012) 4k Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

Not all Alien fans consider Prometheus or Alien: Covenant as good as the classics, but we’re here to tell you the home theater experience from both of these films is unforgettable. With incredibly sharp images, deep color with HDR, and a great soundtrack with some excellent low-frequency audio, Prometheus makes it in our Best of All Time.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Saving Private Ryan (1998) 4k Blu-ray
Saving Private Ryan (1998) 20th Anniversary 4k Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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.

Spartacus (1960)

Spartacus (1960) 4k Blu-ray
Spartacus (1960) on 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) Ultra HD Blu-ray
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) Ultra HD Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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!

Star Trek: The Motion Picture Director’s Cut (2001)

Star Trek: The Motion Picture - The Director’s Edition
Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition Buy on Amazon

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 and Dolby Atmos soundtrack an excellent improvement to the audio quality. 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)

Star Wars- A New Hope 4k Blu-ray
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) 4k Blu-ray Buy on Amazon

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.

Tenet (2020)

Tenet 4k Blu-ray
Tenet 4k Blu-ray Buy on Amazon

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 4k Blu-ray
The Batman 4k Blu-ray Buy on Amazon

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- Motion Picture Trilogy Extended & Theatrical 4K Ultra HD + Digital open
The Hobbit Trilogy (Theatrical & Extended) on 4k Blu-ray Buy on Amazon

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

The Lord of the Rings: Motion Picture Trilogy 4k Blu-ray
The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Theatrical & Extended) on 4k Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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!). Read Review

The Revenant (2015)

The Revenant 4k Blu-ray
The Revenant (2015) 4k Blu-ray Purchase on Amazon

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 and Tom Hardy provides a truly immersive experience even at home with gripping audio, striking visuals, and incredible acting from an all-star cast.

The Shining (1980)

"The Shining" (1980) Ultra HD Blu-ray
“The Shining” (1980) Ultra HD Blu-ray Buy on Amazon

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.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Top Gun- Maverick 4k Blu-ray
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) 4k Blu-ray Buy on Amazon

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.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

Zack Snyder’s Justice League 4k Blu-ray
“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” (2021) Buy on Amazon

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.

10 COMMENTS

  1. 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?

  2. 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.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here