Next time you reach for a movie, treat yourself to a timeless black-and-white classic with gritty storylines and award-winning performances. Whether you are in the mood for romance, noir, horror, or thriller, our list of monochrome classics includes some of the best movies of all time.
Casablanca
This iconic romantic drama stars Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in a timeless tale of love and sacrifice set against the backdrop of World War II. Don’t be fooled into thinking you’re in for a lighthearted romcom; Casablanca is a grippingly powerful war noir with some of the greatest one-liners ever.
Citizen Kane
The New York Times described the movie as the most sensational movie in Hollywood. Despite its brilliance, the movie was a flop due to industry politics with an important media mogul with a vengeance. Still, this groundbreaking film is hailed for its innovative storytelling and compelling portrayal of the rise and fall of a media tycoon.
The Third Man
With its atmospheric cinematography and gripping storyline, this film noir stood out for its dark approach to storytelling. The movie starred Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten and was about a man who faked his own death and lived in a Viennese sewer. The premise sounds strange, but the execution is fantastic.
Sunset Boulevard
Gloria Swanson delivers a tour de force performance as Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star, in this darkly comedic exploration of Hollywood’s obsession with fame. It is one of the greatest movies ever written about entertainment due to its honest portrayal of a raw, brutal, and unforgiving industry. Despite Norma Desmond’s desperation, we can’t help but feel for her.
12 Angry Men
Sidney Lumet’s courtroom drama, starring Henry Fonda, captivates audiences with its tense deliberations and powerful examination of justice. It was described as one of the greatest American movies ever made and earned two Academy Award nominations.
Psycho
Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller, featuring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh, became renowned for its iconic shower scene and screeching high notes. It inspired the modern series Bates Motel, which opened up the backstory of Norman Bates’ spiral into insanity. Psycho is the ultimate classic horror film that needs to be seen at least once.
The Maltese Falcon
Humphrey Bogart shines as private detective Sam Spade in this quintessential film noir, best known for its twisty plot and sharp wit. It shows modern movies a thing or two by replacing the overly condensed action movie with fast-paced dialogue.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Jimmy Stewart offers a tremendous portrayal of frustrated businessman George Bailey in this heartwarming holiday classic about an angel who comes to save him from his miserable existence. It is a joyous tale of hope and humanity that qualifies it for audiences of every generation.
On the Waterfront
Marlon Brando delivers a powerhouse performance as a dockworker torn between loyalty and conscience in this gritty real-life drama directed by Elia Kazan. The story outlines a man’s attempt to overthrow a corrupt union that he failed to overcome in reality. Luckily, the movie offers a more upbeat ending.
Roman Holiday
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck charmed audiences in this enchanting romantic comedy set against the ideal Rome backdrop. Forget about twisted plots and complicated premises; this movie is all about romance and escapism in a beautiful setting.
The Seventh Seal
This movie marked Ingmar Bergman’s existential masterpiece, which remains just as compelling today. Starring Max von Sydow, it explores a man’s battle with inner demons and the dread of eternal darkness. Despite the movie title, it has no religious affiliation but does explore themes of life, death, and faith with haunting imagery.
Double Indemnity
In a plot straight out of Columbo, an insurance agent succumbs to killing his lover’s husband in the throes of passion. It features Barbara Stanwyck as the femme fatale and Fred MacMurray as an unlikely murderer in this classic film noir.
The Night of the Hunter
In one of the greatest American films ever, Robert Mitchum delivers a chilling performance as a sinister preacher in this atmospheric thriller directed by Charles Laughton. Critics claimed that the movie did not need to describe the work of a psychopath as Mitchum’s performance highlighted it so perfectly.
Touch of Evil
Orson Welles’ noir masterpiece, featuring Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh, is a perverse story of murder and police corruption in a Mexican town. Poor Janet Leigh ended up locked in a hotel room listening to terrible music, a fate worse than the Psycho shower scene.
The Bicycle Thieves
Vittorio De Sica’s Italian neorealist drama captured the struggles of post-war Italy, where working-class life struggles were real. Despite being a straightforward movie about a man and his bicycle, Lamberto Maggiorani’s standout performance was praised for its raw emotional power and poignant portrayal.
Some Like It Hot
Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon star in this timeless and uproarious comedy about two musicians who disguise themselves as women to escape the mob. Several movies have tried replicating the premise, but Some Like It Hot has executed it seamlessly.
North by Northwest
The combination of Cary Grant’s smooth delivery and Alfred Hitchcock’s genius made this movie about mistaken identity a cinematic masterpiece. There are more plot twists than you can muster, and the chemistry between Cary Grant and Eva Marie makes this a timeless classic.
A Streetcar Named Desire
Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando deliver unforgettable performances in this adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The character of Blanche has been a longstanding topic of debate, with some fans sympathizing with her victimization and others demonizing her as a delusional lover.
