We normally recommend
VLC - (click on link) _ (choose nearest mirror site) as it has in-built codecs & is generally very reliable. You can also downld extra skins for it. But if you only want extra codecs to add to your player then see
CODECs list and alternate players for Movies
Edit: I think there's more air in my head if Birdy beats me to a posting!
The early bird catches the ....