Classic Film Lists of Must See Movies

 
 

As much value as there is in many an old movie, there are simply too many to view in one lifetime. So, the classics are a good place to start. But which ones?


The dictionary defines the noun “classic” as a creation of the highest excellence. “Classic” can also be used to refer to any period considered to be a Golden Age. Although people confuse the term with “old”, neither word necessarily defines the other. However, despite the overused proclamation of a recent release being an instant classic, some distance is essential for evaluation. Generally, the accepted age of a classic film is twenty years or older.


So, if you’re at a loss when it comes to selecting a classic to watch, or have already exhausted your knowledge of the subject, the popular lists gathered here make an excellent starting point.


As you explore, you will be amazed to discover the many other lists available out there, such as ones for specific genres (Comedy, Noir, Sci Fi, etc.), nationalities (French, Danish, German, etc.), and so many more. Fortunately, for the true fanatic, the lists are virtually endless.


Here are just some Classic Film School Must Sees:


Amadeus

Arsenic and Old Lace

All About Eve

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Chinatown

Citizen Kane

Dr. Strangelove

The Exorcist

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Great Escape

Harvey

His Girl Friday

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Lawrence of Arabia

Lilies of the Field

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

The Manchurian Candidate

The Maltese Falcon

Now, Voyager

The Quiet Man

Roman Holiday

Sergeant York

The Shining

The Thin Man


And for the classic “art” film fan there is the complete list of Cannes Film Festival Winners at About.com.

“Modern Times”, 1936

FEATURED LIST: ALL OF AFI’S TOP MOVIE LISTS


The masters of movie ranking have all of their Top 100 lists available at one convenient site. Use the link in the title of this paragraph to lead you to every AFI list ever created where you can peruse and download according to your own taste. Now you’ll always have a great movie suggestion available at your fingertips.


Whether it’s a musical, some inspiration or even an all time favorite actor you’re looking for it’s all right here. You may not agree with every one of the picks, but you’re certain to make some terrific additions to your personal favorites list.

BROTHER-IN-LAW, JOEL










Perhaps the best source for old movie recommendations are your relatives and loved ones.


In honor of Memorial Day, and my brother-in-law Joel who was a Lieutenant in the Navy and served on the USS Enterprise, the picks on the carousel below are either classic Navy films or films that involved the famous carrier on which Joel so proudly served.


So even though a Star Trek film may seem like a bit of a stretch to include here, anyone familiar with the picture will know that the ship actually plays a key role in the movie - honest!