Why Watch Classic Movies?

Great movies do more than entertain us; they have the power to change the way we see the world. They can introduce us to different cultures, make us laugh, cry, or even scream in fear. But the classics? They’ve done all that and stood the test of time. They’re like those favorite books you reread or those songs you keep replaying—they never lose their magic.

Let’s Get Genre Specific

Because the word “classic” can mean different things to different people, I’m breaking down the list into genres. Whether you’re into drama, comedy, or something else, there’s something here for everyone.

Drama

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

This film adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel offers a deep look at racial injustice. Scout and Jem Finch navigate a world of prejudice in the American South, and their father, Atticus, takes on a case defending a black man falsely accused of rape.

The Godfather (1972)

The head of the Corleone mafia family hands over control to his reluctant son. The movie dives deep into the world of organized crime, family ties, and moral ambiguity.

Schindler’s List (1993)

Set during World War II, the film tells the real story of Oskar Schindler, who saved more than a thousand Polish Jews from the Holocaust.

Remembering the first time I watched “Schindler’s List,” I felt like I had been punched in the gut. It was a history lesson that textbooks couldn’t give, and it left an impact on me that I’ll never forget.

Comedy

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Two musicians disguise themselves as women to escape mobsters. The comedy explores identity and attraction in a light-hearted yet thought-provoking way.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

This British comedy is a silly, yet incredibly clever take on the legend of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail.

Romance

Casablanca (1942)

Set during World War II, it’s a tale of lost love and tough choices, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

The Princess Bride (1987)

This fairy tale adventure offers humor, romance, and action, making it a full package for just about anyone.

My mom and I used to watch “The Princess Bride” together every year. She loved the romance. It was our special movie, and I hope you find that sort of connection with a classic film too.

Action/Adventure

Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against Nazi agents to find the Ark of the Covenant.

Die Hard (1988)

Bruce Willis plays an NYPD officer trying to save his wife and others in a Los Angeles skyscraper on Christmas Eve.

Science Fiction/Fantasy

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

A journey to Jupiter turns into a trip filled with mysterious and unsettling events, including a super-intelligent computer gone rogue.

Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

The original Star Wars movie that spawned an empire of sequels, prequels, and everything in between.

Mystery/Thriller

Psycho (1960)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this film was groundbreaking in the horror/thriller genre.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

A young FBI cadet seeks the help of a jailed cannibalistic killer to catch another killer on the loose.

Horror

The Exorcist (1973)

Based on a 1971 novel, this horror classic involves the demonic possession of a young girl and her mother’s attempt to save her through an exorcism.

The Shining (1980)

A family moves into an isolated hotel for the winter, but supernatural forces residing there influence the father to violence.

Animation

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Disney’s first animated feature film remains a classic that has enchanted audiences for generations.

Spirited Away (2001)

This Japanese animated film explores a young girl’s adventures in a world of gods, witches, and spirits.

How to Watch These Classics

Many of these films are available on streaming services, and some even make it to the big screen again for special anniversaries. If you want the full experience, watch out for those special showings. It’s a real treat.

Classic movies are like the bread and butter of the film world. They’ve got something special that keeps people coming back, whether it’s unforgettable characters, mind-blowing stories, or just the sense of nostalgia they give us. So go on, take a trip down cinema lane—you won’t regret it.

Hey, what are your classic faves? Drop your suggestions or experiences in the comments below. And if you’ve got a friend who’s never seen “Star Wars” or “Casablanca,” maybe it’s time to pop some popcorn and have a movie night!