The BFI Film and TV Classics ranges introduce, interpret and celebrate landmarks of world cinema and television. Each volume offers an argument for the work's 'classic' status, together with discussion of its production and reception history, its place within a genre or national cinema, an account of its technical and aesthetic importance, and in many cases, the author's personal response to the film.

Almost 30 years since its inception and with nearly 200 films addressed, the celebrated BFI Film Classics line is launching with a new look in 2020 featuring specially-commissioned cover artwork from leading illustrators, designers and photographers. 

'Magnificently concentrated examples of flowing freeform critical poetry.' Uncut

'A formidable body of work collectively generating some fascinating insights into the evolution of cinema.' Times Higher Education Supplement

'The series is a landmark in film criticism.' Quarterly Review of Film and Video

'Possibly the most bountiful book series in the history of film criticism.' Jonathan Rosenbaum, Film Comment