"Bridge" movies to help someone become a cinephile?

I've got a lot of friends and family that enjoy film but can't stand if something is too "filmy" as they say. "Where's the plot? This is too slow. Too old. This is too weird. This isn't in English... etc etc." We've all heard them.

I fully understand there is no such thing as a "true" cinephile and it's subjective and people should like what they like. However, I do hope they can see the beauty in the Apu Trilogy, David Lynch, and other great cinema someday. So I'm wondering if you all have any go to recommendations that challenge people into enjoying cinema more but still keep them invested. Obviously you're not going to start by suggesting Inland Empire so what are some "bridge" films? They don't have to be criterion films either.

For example, some movies I've tried and failed at ( some have lost trust in anything I recommend): There will be blood, Tangerine, The Before Trilogy, Perfect Days, the Power of the Dog,

Movies I've had success with: Anatomy of a Fall, 12 Angry Men, Singing in the Rain, Pyscho

I also realize there are different tiers and it's a continual growth so maybe add a tier (beginner, intermediate, advanced) depending on what group the movie would be a bridge for. (I'd put myself slightly above intermediate at the moment).

Last thought: sometimes I think I forced myself into liking old and world cinema due to watching so many that it finally clicked (I hated Casablanca and Citizen Kane when I first watched them). So obviously perseverance and interest is the biggest key for the journey but I can't deny some films really pushed me and helped expand my tastes.