Table of Contents
Let’s face it, sometimes classics are given more praise than they deserve. Whether it’s in the realm of literature or film, there’s a tendency for people to declare classics superior just because they’re older, and this often leads to unfair criticism of contemporary creative works. However, there are indeed some classic pieces that have truly stood the test of time, and it’s not difficult to see why they continue to be highly regarded even years after their release.
Classic films have distinct characteristics that set them apart, beyond the obvious signs like being in black and white or having no spoken dialogue. It’s the way the actors deliver their lines, the quality of the dialogue, and the cinematic techniques used that give them a vintage charm capable of transporting viewers to a different era. While some might feel compelled to watch classics just to grasp cultural references, there are also many classics that remain enjoyable and can easily hold their own when compared to contemporary movies. Here, we present a list of 20 classic films that everyone should see at least once.
Sponsered English Shortfilm Playlist
20 Classic Movies Everyone Should Watch at Least Once
Singin’ in the Rain
“Singin’ in the Rain captures the essence of classic cinema, immersing viewers in the late 1920s during the transition from silent films to “talkies,” or films with sound. This delightful musical tale revolves around two actors, Don and Lina, who are cast in the same film. Their studio orchestrates a public relations romance between them, though Lina believes it’s genuine love while Don remains somewhat distant. Don’s encounter with Kathy, an aspiring actress seeking her break in the talkies, adds another layer to the story. Through its charming characters, Singin’ in the Rain offers a glimpse into the inner workings of Hollywood and leaves audiences smitten.”
Rebel Without a Cause
“Rebel Without a Cause” revolves around Jim Stark, a teenage troublemaker who starts off on the wrong foot in a new town when he’s arrested for being intoxicated. During his time in custody, he forms a connection with two other troubled teens, Judy and Plato, as they share the challenges they face in their lives. Upon enrolling in a new high school, Jim discovers that Judy and Plato also attend, but Judy’s boyfriend, a gang leader, disapproves of Jim getting close to her. This film is a must-have in your collection of coming-of-age movies, as it effectively portrays the essence of a disillusioned and moody teenager through James Dean’s performance, and the supporting characters are equally multi-dimensional and relatable.
Carmen Jones
In the musical Carmen Jones, the main character is a young woman named Carmen, who works at a parachute factory on a military base in North Carolina during World War II. When Carmen gets into a fight with a coworker, a sergeant orders a soldier named Joe to transport her to civilian authorities 50 miles away. While Carmen is used to using her charm to attract men, Joe is engaged and determined to fulfill his duty and return to his fiancée. However, as they spend time together on the journey, their relationship deepens, and Carmen’s desire to avoid arrest complicates the situation. This musical, featuring an all-Black cast, was groundbreaking in a time when representation in film was sorely lacking.
The Wizard of Oz
“The Wizard of Oz” is a timeless tale deeply ingrained in our culture. Many people can identify references from the movie even if they haven’t seen it. The story revolves around Dorothy, a young girl who is swept away from her home in Kansas by a powerful tornado and lands in the magical land of Oz. To find her way back home, she embarks on a journey down the yellow brick road to reach Emerald City.
During her adventure, she encounters a diverse group of characters and must remain cautious of the Wicked Witch who is determined to obstruct Dorothy’s quest. To fully grasp the numerous allusions in popular culture, it’s worth watching this enchanting film at least once.
The Godfather
Shifting gears, “The Godfather” stands as a cornerstone in the realm of gangster crime movies. The Corleone clan, rooted in the heart of New York City, is under the leadership of Vito. He’s renowned for leveraging his network, power, and fear tactics to navigate the social and political landscape. However, delving into the narcotics trade might be a boundary even Vito hesitates to cross. Yet, his rejection of this path will thrust him and his sons into a high-stakes gang conflict. While the film does carry the familiar elements of crime and violence, the familial love interwoven throughout adds a profound dimension, transcending it beyond a mere, straightforward shoot ’em up flick.
A Raisin in the Sun
“A Raisin in the Sun” revolves around the Younger family, residing in a cramped Chicago apartment. Their impending financial windfall promises to transform their lives, yet each family member has distinct notions about how to utilize the money. The mother is keen on purchasing a house, the son desires to invest in a business, and the daughter wishes to allocate it for medical school. The story explores the complexities of managing finances within a family, the unanticipated hurdles life presents, and how issues of race intersect with their struggles.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
“Who Framed Roger Rabbit is still widely celebrated for its remarkable integration of animation and live-action elements. In the film, Eddie Valiant, a private investigator haunted by his brother’s murder by a toon, seeks solace in alcohol. Reluctantly, he’s drawn into a case involving toons and must clear Roger Rabbit of a murder charge. Roger faces a grim fate at the hands of the stern Judge Doom, who wields ‘The Dip,’ a substance that erases toons from existence. The movie strikes a balance between whimsical humor featuring beloved cartoon characters and a more mature tone, making it a delightful and entertaining watch for audiences of all ages.”
The Color Purple
“The Color Purple” presents a challenging viewing experience due to its exploration of profound themes like incest, abuse, racism, and sexism. The protagonist, Celie, endures a life of hardship, both in her abusive family and her marriage to Mister. While she is a victim of her circumstances, her actions and decisions are influenced by her skewed perspective of the world. The film offers a captivating character study, featuring emotionally resonant monologues and complex female characters at its core. Given its heavy subject matter, it may not be the type of film you’d want to watch repeatedly, making one deeply engaged viewing sufficient.
Notorious
Notorious is often overlooked among the numerous World War II films, but it deserves more recognition. The story revolves around Alicia, whose father was a convicted Nazi spy. She believes she can move on from her father’s betrayal, but that’s not the case. Devlin, a government agent, enlists Alicia’s help in Rio de Janeiro to infiltrate a group of Nazis in hiding. As Alicia becomes increasingly involved with this perilous group, her feelings for Devlin intensify. While it’s a timeless wartime tale, the Brazilian setting and the magnetic performances of the two leads make it a must-see.
The Sound of Music
If you’re in the mood for a musical that will bring a smile to your face and features beautiful, sweeping cinematic scenery, then “The Sound of Music” is the perfect choice. The story revolves around Maria, a young Austrian woman residing in Salzburg. She is sent to serve as a governess for a former naval officer who has seven children, which proves to be a daunting task due to Maria’s carefree and undisciplined nature. However, as she shares her love of music with the children and their father, a heartwarming connection begins to develop. This musical is visually stunning thanks to its breathtaking cinematography and a joy to listen to, with its lively soundtrack that includes the timeless classic “My Favorite Things.”
OTT Certificates and Censor E-Certificate boosts viewability of your short films. With Shortfundly get your film’s E-Certificates and release your creations now. Click here to get them now.
Cleopatra
The 1963 release of Cleopatra was shrouded in controversy and intrigue. It gained notoriety for being one of the most expensive films ever made and was marked by Elizabeth Taylor’s high demands and uncooperative behavior, as well as her tumultuous relationship with co-star Richard Burton. The film’s behind-the-scenes drama alone might entice viewers to give it a watch, but Cleopatra also stands strong in terms of its storytelling. As the title suggests, this historical drama delves into the reign of Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, and her conflicts with Rome. It’s filled with political tension and offers valuable insights into the life of this prominent historical figure. While Cleopatra may be quite lengthy, it remains a captivating and engrossing film.
Casablanca
Movies filmed during World War II possess a special, emotional quality. “Casablanca,” produced in 1942, grapples with wartime themes at a time when the world was deeply affected by the conflict. The story revolves around Rick Blaine, an American expatriate living in Casablanca, Morocco, who owns a nightclub. Rick’s past is stirred when his former lover, Ilsa, reappears with her husband, a man sought by the Nazis. This situation complicates Rick’s initial plan to remain neutral and keep his business running smoothly.
Ilsa and her husband turn to Rick for help in escaping the country. This puts Rick in a moral quandary because of his lingering feelings for Ilsa and the political implications of his involvement. “Casablanca” raises a multitude of ethical dilemmas. With some of the most iconic romantic scenes in cinematic history, it’s no wonder that “Casablanca” is rightfully considered a classic.
Purple Rain
Upon hearing the phrase “Purple Rain,” some individuals may associate it with the renowned singer Prince’s immensely popular album and its titular single. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that “Purple Rain” also refers to the musical drama in which the iconic musician marked his acting debut. In this film, Prince portrays The Kid, a young musician who seeks solace in music due to his tumultuous upbringing. The plot revolves around a rival band that not only seeks to outshine The Kid’s band but also has its lead singer, Morris, attempting to steal The Kid’s girlfriend. It’s worth mentioning that this movie is not exclusively for Prince enthusiasts; it is a film that can be appreciated by anyone who has a passion for music.
The Silence of the Lambs
“The Silence of the Lambs” is a gripping psychological horror film that centers around Clarice, an aspiring FBI agent unexpectedly tasked with interviewing a cannibalistic murderer, Hannibal Lecter, leading to a pursuit of a serial killer. Hannibal’s intense gaze is as disconcerting to the audience as it is to Clarice.
While Clarice attempts to establish a connection with Hannibal, he, in turn, plays mind games with her, dredging up her past traumas. Meanwhile, the elusive serial killer’s reign of terror continues. The intricacies of the characters’ minds make this film one you might want to revisit multiple times, but if the graphic and disturbing scenes are too much, once may suffice.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” initially served as the foundation for one of the most influential films of the 1960s. The story unfolds in the 1930s in the state of Alabama, centering on the Finch family, with Atticus Finch as the father and a lawyer, and Scout Finch as the youngest of their two children. When Atticus makes the courageous choice to defend a Black man accused of assaulting a white woman, the entire family grapples with the burden of their town’s disapproval.
While many portrayals of racism during this historical period are difficult to witness, they serve as a vital reminder of the significance of combating racism. The story’s civil rights message is evident, yet it manages to convey this message without being overly didactic, allowing its characters to grapple with their own beliefs and principles.
The Philadelphia Story
The Philadelphia Story offers a refreshing departure from the seriousness often associated with classic films. It’s a romantic comedy centered around Tracy, a woman hailing from a wealthy Philadelphia family who’s about to embark on her second marriage. However, her impending nuptials attract the attention of tabloid journalists and her ex-husband, both of whom become captivated by Tracy’s charm.
This newfound spotlight prompts Tracy to reevaluate her relationship and ponder whether she’s truly happy within the confines of the social expectations imposed by her family’s high status. It’s intriguing to observe the transformation of romantic comedies from their origins to the present day, and The Philadelphia Story serves as an ideal classic within this genre to explore.
Lady Sings the Blues
Lady Sings the Blues offers an intimate look at Billie Holiday, a music icon known for her jazz, blues, and swing classics. Drawing from Holiday’s own autobiography, the film delves into her journey, starting from her early days as a housekeeper to her nationwide tours.
Despite her music’s romantic themes, Billie Holiday’s life was far from a fairy tale. She endured significant hardships, including abuse and racial discrimination, both before and after her rise to fame. Audiences will be captivated by the compelling story of this influential music legend.
All About Eve
It’s always a delight to witness older pieces of media addressing topics that weren’t widely discussed at the time. In the film “All About Eve,” the creators delve into the issue of ageism, particularly its impact on women in the public eye. Margo Channing, a 40-year-old Broadway star, finds herself facing the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, where her age is considered a hurdle. As she grapples with this, she encounters an ardent admirer named Eve, who insinuates herself into Margo’s life, slowly earning her trust.
However, it becomes increasingly evident that Eve harbors aspirations for fame, and Margo might be the means to achieve her goals. While Marilyn Monroe has a minor role in the film, it is Bette Davis who truly stands out with her captivating portrayal of the complex character Margo.
A Streetcar Named Desire
Numerous works of art, including multiple films, an opera, and a ballet, have been derived from Tennessee Williams’ novel. The 1951 adaptation of “A Streetcar Named Desire” stands out as one of the finest. The narrative revolves around Blanche Dubois, a woman with an impressive name but an unsatisfactory life. She works as a teacher and arrives in New Orleans to reside with her sister and her sister’s husband. While Blanche claims to be on a break from her job, it becomes apparent that there’s more to her sudden arrival.
The intricate relationships among the characters will captivate the audience, but the film doesn’t neglect the storyline either. It is replete with drama, tension, and enigma, taking the viewers on an intense emotional journey.
Roman Holiday
In the movie “Roman Holiday,” Princess Ann embarks on a diplomatic tour across Europe but feels deeply resentful of her sheltered and restricted life. While in Rome, she dons a disguise and decides to explore the charming, cobblestone streets on her own. An American journalist named Joe discovers her and takes her to his home to ensure her safety, even as she becomes rather inebriated and eventually realizes her true identity. Despite the potential for a sensational story that could rejuvenate his career, Joe finds himself increasingly drawn to her as they spend more time together.
They embark on a delightful tourist adventure through Rome, and Joe faces a difficult decision: whether to end their enjoyable escapade in order to write an article that could revive his professional life. “Roman Holiday” is a heartwarming and uncomplicated film that feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy, familiar blanket.
Note:
*Shortfundly is hiring for multiple roles in Chennai. Start referring your known connections to these openings*. Check it out – https://lnkd.in/erZm6rzh
About Shortfundly
Shortfundly is an OTT marketplace platform available to share the best short films and web series through global multi-platform network. Their editorial platform enables global audience to easily discover, watch, and share unique contents anywhere on their desktop, connected TV and mobile devices.
If you are planning to release and earn on an OTT platform, learn how to distribute your short film via Shortfundly.
For publishing an advertorial article about your digital news/product launch/ short film/web series/album song on our website, drop an email at [email protected]
Hey Cinephiles! We welcome guest blogging on our platform. Do share your article with us.
Check out our Shortfundly YouTube channel for other interesting podcasts & interviews with filmmakers.
To watch unlimited premium short films & web series, Download the Shortfundly mobile application now available on Google Play Store and Apple App store.
