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:
(click on title to view link to website article)
All About Eve
Citizen Kane
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
The Searchers
The Thin Man
And for the classic “art” film fan there is the complete list of Cannes Film Festival Winners at About.com.
“L’ Avventura”, 1960
MOVIELINE’S TOP 100 FOREIGN FILMS: If your tastes run a bit more to the exotic side then you should definitely check out this list of top 100. Geared more toward the European sensibilities and beyond, Movieline’s Top 100 Foreign Films covers everything not Hollywood, including many a film every film lover should see like “Battleship Potemkin”, “Panther Panchali”, and “L’Avventura”, as well as a bunch of Bergman and Fellini. Trust me, if you’ve never ventured away from the latest releases in your video store then you’re in for a treat as you discover what the rest of the world already knows - that great filmmaking is not exclusive to American filmmakers. Viva la Difference!
COUSIN BROOK
Perhaps the best source for old movie recommendations are your relatives.
My cousin, Brook is the coolest old surfer dude I have ever met in my life. And a huge Page and Plant fan. He and his wife actually caught the beginning of one tour in San Francisco, and then flew out to New York to catch the end of thst same tour. Needless to say, “The Last Waltz” is on his list of must see movies. Long live Rock and Roll!
Several of the best Rock films ever made are listed in the carousel to the left.
