'Nashville' (1975)

It's only proper to start a gallery of great ensembles with a Robert Altman movie. Giant assemblages of famous actors were his thing. So was having all of them talk over each other to simulate realistic conversation.

Most Altman movies start with a basic plot structure. He would then guide the performers through various improvisations to create most of the dialogue. It's an actor's dream.

"Nashville" examines the country music business and features Ned Beatty, Lily Tomlin, Ronee Blakley, Karen Black and Shelley Duvall. Keith Carradine won an Oscar for writing "I'm Easy," a ballad used in the film.

Other Altman movies with terrific ensembles include "The Player," "Short Cuts" and "Gosford Park."

(Courtesy Everett Collection)

NEXT SLIDE >>