Every generation has its cinematic classics, and the boomers were no different! Their films spoke to the dreams and challenges of a generation stepping into modernity. Let’s take a look at 18 classic Boomer films that are absolute classics today.
“The Graduate”
In this film, Dustin Hoffman’s Benjamin Braddock is trying to deal with his life after college. It’s no surprise this became a classic since it’s the perfect example of the worries of youth and the search for meaning. Sure, Mrs. Robinson’s iconic leg shot is absolutely iconic, but it’s the existential dilemma of “What do I do with my life?” that we can all relate to.
“Easy Rider” (1969)
Motorcycles, open roads, and a quest for freedom – “Easy Rider” is a ride through the American landscape, exploring ‘60s counterculture. When you watch this, you can almost feel the wind in your hair, just without the helmet hair. The film captures a generation’s unhappiness with society while showing epic locations that make you want to quit your day job and hit the road.
“West Side Story” (1961)
This is what happens when you mix Shakespeare with street gangs and add a splash of musical genius. “West Side Story” brings the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet to the streets of New York with a catchy soundtrack. This film turns a classic tragedy into a foot-tapping, heart-wrenching musical extravaganza.
“Psycho” (1960)
Hitchcock’s “Psycho” turned showers into sheer terror. Norman Bates and his, uh, overly attached mother introduced a new level of suspense and horror to cinema. The film’s eerie atmosphere and psychological depth transformed a simple motel into one of cinema’s most iconic thrillers. It’s a masterpiece that mixes ordinary settings with utter terror.
“The Sound of Music” (1965)
With every do-re-mi, “The Sound of Music” captures hearts and creates an escape route through the Alps. Who knew nuns and Nazis could lead to such a compelling story? This feel-good film makes the hills alive with, yes, the sound of music but also history, family, and romance. What more could you want?
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969)
It’s the ultimate buddy film featuring the dynamic duo of Newman and Redford. Their adventures as outlaws made us all want to ride into the sunset, just hopefully without the Bolivian army on our tails. It’s such a legendary tale of the Wild West that it’s almost impossible not to root for the charismatic outlaws. You’ll wish you had a partner in crime after watching this!
“The Godfather” (1972)
“The Godfather” is less about the mafia and more about family drama. The film explores the complexities of loyalty and power, wrapped in a Sicilian-American saga. You just can’t deny this cinematic greatness as it teaches you that family and business are two sides of the same coin. There’s a reason why so many people think it’s one of the greatest films ever.
“A Clockwork Orange” (1971)
If your taste in films includes dystopian societies and a bit of ultra-violence, then Kubrick’s masterpiece is your cup of tea. It’s a weirdly captivating and chilling exploration of free will, control, and the human capacity for evil, with a side of classical music. You’ll end up questioning society and all of those around you.
“Jaws” (1975)
Spielberg made us all afraid of the water with “Jaws.” You don’t need to see the monster to be scared – all you need is to hear two notes of ‘da-dum, da-dum.’ With each wave, you can feel the tension building to the point where a day at the beach or a simple fishing trip feels like a dance with death. It’s the ultimate predator story!
“Star Wars: A New Hope” (1977)
Long before the endless merchandise and sequels, we had “A New Hope.” It introduced us to a galaxy far, far away, where the forces of good and evil battled it out with lightsabers and blasters. This epic space opera launched a billion-dollar franchise. It set the benchmark for sci-fi films everywhere.
“Rocky” (1976)
Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky” is the ultimate inspirational film. It punches way above its weight by combining raw emotion and a beautiful score to make a stunning masterpiece. And let’s not forget Stallone’s knockout performance! It doesn’t matter how hard you hit – what’s more important is how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.
“The French Connection” (1971)
It’s a fact – no other film will ever have a car chase scene as epic as this one. The whole film is fast-paced and gritty in a way like no other. Throughout “The French Connection,” we get to explore New York’s underbelly in a way that keeps us permanently glued to our seats. But before you even think about it – no, your car probably can’t handle a chase like that!
“Chinatown” (1974)
“Chinatown” tells the story of a gripping mystery with perfect fashion sense, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, it throws another curveball. Even today, people are still trying to figure out what exactly the film’s ending actually means.
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)
Warning – “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” will make you question everyone around you. This film challenges the idea of sanity while also celebrating our desire for freedom and individuality. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the craziest thing you can do is stand up to the system, the Nurse Ratcheds of the world be damned.
“The Sting” (1973)
Newman and Redford strike again, but this time, they’re pulling off the con of the century. It’s only in masterpieces like “The Sting” that you’ll end up cheering for the bad guys! This film makes you appreciate the art of the hustle in a way that other films can only ever dream of being able to do.
“Apocalypse Now” (1979)
Forget the production issues – this film explores the heart of darkness itself. “Apocalypse Now” mixes the horrors of war with the beauty of cinematography. It’s a film that’s equal parts stunning and harrowing. It’s rich with symbolism, such as the metaphor of the journey up the river, revealing more about the human psyche than about the war.
“Taxi Driver” (1976)
The neon-lit nights and rain-slicked streets of “Taxi Driver” help to tell a tale of isolation and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Through the eyes of a man who wants to clean up the streets, the movie questions what truly separates a hero and a villain. Plus, those iconic lines have survived the test of time.
“Annie Hall” (1977)
Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” completely changed the game for romantic comedies. Beyond its humor, the film shows the bittersweet reality of love and loss. It’s something we can all relate to! The film is timeless even all these years later, with its message of how two people can be perfect for each other in one moment and complete strangers the next still ringing true.
