Must See Classic Movies
WHAT GOOD IS A LIST?
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.
FEATURED LIST: OLD FILM FAVES OF GENERATION “Y”
In case you haven’t noticed the years keep sneaking up on us. As the clock clicks away every year there are a whole new batch of films to welcome into the realm of “classic” cinema. All that is required is to be 20 years or older and a film can considered for this distinction. Although age is not enough. The film must poses some merits, some qualities that will distinguish itself from being just another “old movie”. To get a fresh perspective I asked some of my students to name a favorite old film, and I was impressed and surprised at some of their choices. For a bunch of undergraduate students they did pretty good. And I must say, they opened my eyes to some possibilities I hadn’t previously considered. The ten faves listed in the carousel below include Miracle on 34th Street, Night of the Hunter, To Catch a Thief, Empire of the Sun, Back to the Future, The Sound of Music. El Mariachi, Aladdin and The Sandlot. Good films each and everyone, all worthy to be on the “Best Films Ever Made” list eventually. Maybe not in my lifetime, but very possibly in theirs.
FAVORITE
MUST SEE OF MY YOUTH
CITIZEN KANE
When I was a freshman in college I saw Citizen Kane (link) for the first time in a freshmen film appreciation class. Having never seen anything like it before I thought it was the most amazing film ever made. Of course I was told that then and for many years, and being young I couldn’t help but be influenced by the opinion of others. It still holds a special place in my heart, but no longer stands in my opinion as the best film ever made (I gotta go with the Godfather Part II on that count). So, keep that in mind as you take a look at the films picked by the freshmen in my Intro to Film class in the carousel at the top left. It’s all about your perspective, and there are so many of them.
The Sandlot, 1993