In 1975, David Thomson published his Biographical Dictionary of Film, and few film books have enjoyed better press or such steady sales.

Now, thirty-three years later, we have the companion volume, a second book of more than 1,000 pages in one voice—that of our most provocative contemporary film critic and historian.

Juxtaposing the fanciful and the fabulous, the old favorites and the forgotten, this sweeping collection presents the films that Thomson offers in response to the question he gets asked most often—“What should I see?” This new book is a generous history of film and an enticing critical appraisal written with as much humor and passion as historical knowledge. Not content to choose his own top films (though they are here), Thomson has created a list that will surprise and delight you—and send you to your best movie rental service.

But he also probes the question: after one hundred years of film, which ones are the best, and why?

“Have You Seen . . . ?” suggests a true canon of cinema and one that’s almost completely accessible now, thanks to DVDs. This book is a must for anyone who loves the silver screen: the perfect confection to dip into at any point for a taste of controversy, little-known facts, and ideas about what to see. This is a volume you’ll want to return to again and again, like a dear but argumentative friend in the dark at the movies.

“Authoritative, opinionated, and entertaining, displaying both erudition and snark. . . . The very first alphabetical entry is Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. So wide a scope as that indicates allows Thomson to unleash his vitriol on targets from the obligatory Sound of Music to the ‘unwatchable’ Easy Rider. What’s most valuable isn’t Thomson on the mainstreams of the canon, however insightful that may be, but Thomson on obscure and forgotten treasure. His silent film choices are particularly intriguing and rewarding. Both reference guide and browser’s delight, this massive text will send readers scurrying to video stores, libraries, and Netflix queues.”

Gordon Flagg, Booklist

“A+ . . . Delectable . . . Profoundly learned, personal ruminations on what movies mean to us and why–without illustrations or a rating system, because [Thomson] simply doesn’t need them. That’s the beauty of it: Thomson proves how far beyond synopsis and verdict the literature of cinema can and should go. . . . Before long, you’ll wonder what you ever did without [Have You Seen . . . ?].”

Jonathan Kiefer, San Francisco Magazine

“What a prodigious, seductive and addictive achievement. David Thomson’s short, sharp little essays rescue dozens of films from undeserved obscurity while questioning the inflated reputations of an equal number of sacred turkeys. He wears his erudition (and his research) lightly and the result is a book that is authoritative but never magisterial, good-natured yet never lazy or idly nostalgic. It is a monumental addition to the very short shelf of truly worthwhile books about the movies.”

Richard Schickel

“One of the great pleasures of cinephilia is reading David Thomson. No one who writes about film is more adroitly encyclopedic or a more skillful provocateur. This huge collection is filled with delights for both the casual reader who wants to discover new and old treasures and for the seasoned cinephile who enjoys having his views challenged and expanded by the keenly analytical Dr. Johnson of the cinema.”

Joseph McBride

“Wonderfully idiosyncratic . . . Be grateful. All too many books about film regurgitate the same old pablum about the same old movies over and over again. Thomson, however, isn’t afraid to tear down critical darlings (he hates Stanley Kubrick), isn’t afraid of spoilers (there’s a strong argument to be made for film criticism that can only be read after having seen the movie, not before), and reveals a cinematic knowledge of frightening depth. This all makes for a bracing, infuriating and ultimately illuminating work. The verdict: Read.”

Gilbert Cruz, Time.com

“Opinionated, hilarious and informative.”

Kristen Peterson, Las Vegas Sun

“Charming prose and opinion . . . Thomson’s introduction to his essential yet personal list of ‘must-see’ films offers a sweeping overview of how critics have rated movies throughout culture shifts and time periods. By lifting the veil, [Thomson] allows us to see that any attempt to list the best films of the last 100 years is doomed to break at the point where familiarity, popularity, and subjectivity intersect. Yet, [Thomson is] armed with an astounding breadth of knowledge . . . [He] offers an insightful defense for his inclusion of the movie Adaptation despite an admission that he twice nodded off. . . . A digestible introduction to a wealth of great films. Recommended.”

Kelli Perkins, Library Journal

“Brilliant commentary that combines the idiosyncratic and authoritative as only Thomson can do.”

Molly Haskell

“If you are thinking of renting a DVD but are uncertain, you couldn’t do better than consult Thomson’s round-up.”

Andrew Sarris