18 Classic Movies That Are Still a Delight to Watch Even Today

Looking for a great movie to watch? Reflect on some great classics and see who inspired many modern movies and actors. Choose to be uplifted, terrified, or shaken by some of old Hollywood’s greatest performances.

The Wizard Of Oz 

Photo Credit: Warner Home Video.

It’s an all-time classic that does nothing but lift your spirits. Follow Dorothy and her friends down the yellow brick road through a world of Munchkins while belting the classics at the top of your lungs. The movie has a timeless charm, and Judy Garland’s rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow still tugs at the heartstrings.

Some Like It Hot 

Photo Credit: United Artists.

Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon shine in this classic comedy about two musicians who disguise themselves as women to escape the mob, resulting in hilarity. It also humanizes women in a way that wasn’t common at the time.

North by Northwest 

Photo Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Cary Grant shows us how to dodge planes, trains, and all kinds of automobiles in this classic tale of mistaken identity. Take a classic action movie with razor-sharp wit; you’ll get a timeless picture.

Rebel Without a Cause 

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

It’s hard to believe that Hollywood icon James Dean only starred in three movies during his short life. Even so, he made a lasting impact, and Rebel Without A Cause was his best. James Dean and Natalie Wood give extraordinary performances.

Rebecca

Photo Credit: United Artists.

Alfred Hitchcock can do no wrong regarding dark, mind-bending thrillers, and Rebecca was yet another of his masterpieces. Joan Fontaine portrays a new bride tormented by her husband’s late wife in an eerie, isolated mansion.

12 Angry Men 

Photo Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Henry Fonda cleverly outwits a jury by convincing them to take his lead in this classic drama. The characters are mesmerizing, and the twists are every bit as gripping as any modern thriller.

The Sound of Music 

Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Julie Andrews offers a blinding performance as Maria and the magical Von Trapp children. The songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein are super catchy, making this musical one of the all-time favorites for both adults and children.

Psycho 

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

In Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest film, Anthony Perkins was a brilliantly convincing weirdo as Norman Bates. Our relationships with showers were never quite the same after, and those screeching strings are forever ingrained in our minds.

Casablanca (1942)

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s iconic performances in this romantic drama set against the backdrop of World War II make it a must-watch for movie lovers of all ages. Over seventy-five years after its release, we’re still quoting lines from the movie.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s 

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Audrey Hepburn’s iconic portrayal of Holly Golightly in this romantic comedy-drama captures the essence of 1960s glamour and sophistication. Aside from catapulting Audrey Hepburn into the role of Hollywood fashion icon, her performance is one of her best.

It’s a Wonderful Life 

Photo Credit: RKO Radio Pictures.

Jimmy Stewart’s heartfelt performance as George Bailey in this beloved holiday classic reminds us of the power of love, friendship, and our impact on others. It might be over seventy years old, but it is one of the best movies ever.

The Women (1939)

Photo Credit: Loew’s Inc.

Starring Joan Crawford, Norma Shearer, and Rosalind Russell, this fantastic female-led movie did wonders for women despite the era. The story centers around divorce, fashion, and unyielding gossip, making for a terrific girls’ night viewing.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

This psychological horror starring Hollywood greats Bette Davies and Joan Crawford has achieved cult status over the years. You’ll never see sibling rivalry quite like this as two competitive sisters are holed up together in a fancy mansion in old Hollywood. You can’t miss the authentic dislike that famously occurred between the two actresses.

 

An Affair to Remember 

Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr’s poignant romance in this classic tearjerker about star-crossed lovers who vow to meet at the Empire State Building captures the essence of old-fashioned romance. You’ll struggle to feel anything but love between the two main characters, and it’s quite beautiful.

The Godfather 

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

You won’t find a greater mob movie with a more talented cast of actors than The Godfather. The soundtrack is beyond powerful, and the performances of Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, and Al Pacino are second to none.

Meet Me in St. Louis 

Photo Credit: Loew’s, Inc.

Unsurprisingly, Judy Garland is featured twice on the classics list. Her performance as Esther Smith was considered her best-to-date, with her alternate lyrics turning a melancholy Christmas number into a positively upbeat one.

Singin’ in the Rain 

Photo Credit: Loew’s Inc.

Gene Kelly’s iconic dance numbers and Debbie Reynolds’ infectious charm make this musical comedy a joyous celebration of Hollywood’s golden age and one of the greatest musicals ever. We defy you to watch without smiling.

Gone with the Wind 

Photo Credit: MGM Studios.

Vivien Leigh’s portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara and Clark Gable’s Rhett Butler in this epic romance set in the American South remains as captivating today as it was upon its release. It is one of the most incredible films ever made.

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