Buzz
I adore classic films, but my wife... not so much. This often creates a dilemma when we’re choosing something to watch together. On the rare occasions she says, 'You can pick anything,' she always adds, 'as long as it’s not old and in black and white.' I believe my spouse isn’t alone in her misconceptions about vintage cinema—her reluctance isn’t solely about the monochrome visuals, though that plays a role. It’s also because filmmaking has evolved dramatically since its early days, when audiences were reportedly frightened by the illusion of a train barreling toward them on screen. (Though, before you share that anecdote, it’s worth noting it might be more myth than fact.)Movies from that era were simply different. They were scripted, edited, and acted in ways that feel foreign today. Filmmakers were essentially inventing the rules as they went, teaching audiences how to interpret visual storytelling. And yes, the performances often sound unusual—especially until you grow fond of the distinctive mid-Atlantic accent.
However, different doesn’t mean worse. Classic films aren’t automatically lesser just because modern techniques have advanced. Comparing them to Elizabethan or Victorian literature—which can feel like a chore to some—is one way to look at it, but I’d say it’s more like developing a taste for complex flavors, such as wine or black coffee, which aren’t instantly appealing but grow on you over time. In this list, I’ve curated 10 iconic films that will help you appreciate the artistry of 20th-century cinema, spanning Hollywood’s Golden Age to the early 1960s, when the industry underwent a seismic shift. If you’re a seasoned cinephile, these picks might seem obvious, but if you’ve already seen them, your appreciation is likely well-established—and you probably know someone who could benefit from a fresh perspective.
Casablanca (1942)
We’re not diving into obscure territory here, but that’s perfectly fine: Casablanca, directed by Michael Curtiz, stands as one of the towering achievements of Hollywood’s early years. If you’re curious about the evolution of film, this is a must-watch (while some might champion Citizen Kane, I’d argue this film is more engaging and universally appealing). Featuring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman at their finest, alongside a stellar supporting cast that breathes life into even the smallest roles, the movie is a masterclass in storytelling. Adapted from a play, the script is brimming with iconic lines that have since entered the cultural lexicon (though some, like “Here’s looking at you, kid,” remain delightfully ambiguous). The plot is equally gripping: Bogart’s Rick, a nightclub owner in Vichy France, must aid his former lover Ilsa and her husband, a Czech resistance leader, in evading the Nazis. The ensemble at Rick’s café is unforgettable, especially Peter Lorre as a shady character who stumbles upon the pivotal “letters of transit” (despite their logical inconsistencies). Blending action, romance, and intrigue, Casablanca remains a timeless masterpiece. Available on: HBO Max. Watch next: For more moral complexity, check out Carol Reed’s The Third Man, set in post-war Vienna.
The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (1944)
I’m a huge fan of screwball comedies, and while I could have populated this list with them, Preston Sturges’ The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek tops my list. The premise is audacious for its time: Trudy Kockenlocker, after a night of celebrating with soldiers heading off to war, wakes up with a wedding ring but no memory of her new husband (“...it had a z in it. Like Ratzkywatzky. Or was it Zitzkywitzky?”). To make matters worse, she’s pregnant and missing a marriage certificate. The script, packed with innuendos, faced censorship challenges back then but feels relatively mild today. Nonetheless, it’s a rollicking good time. Available on: Kanopy. Watch next: Frank Capra’s It Happened One Night, where Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert share a charming meet-cute on a cross-country bus journey.
Children of Paradise (1945)
A three-hour foreign-language epic about the French circus might seem an unlikely pick for a list of accessible classics, but this 1945 film, created during the German occupation of France in WWII, is utterly mesmerizing from start to finish. Its visual splendor—costumes and sprawling sets—is breathtaking. Set in the late 19th century, it revolves around a captivating actress and the four men who adore her: an actor, a criminal, a count, and a mime (yes, really). Drama, intrigue, and tragedy unfold over its lengthy runtime, which is neatly divided into two parts: “Boulevard of Crime” and “The Man in White.” Available on: The Criterion Channel. Watch next: Dive deeper into French cinema with Jean Cocteau’s surreal adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, a film that feels like stepping into a hauntingly beautiful fairy tale.
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
The sole directorial effort by actor Charles Laughton, this dark, fairy-tale-like thriller stands as one of the most peculiar films ever produced in Hollywood. Robert Mitchum portrays a wandering con artist and serial killer who justifies his heinous acts as “doing the Lord’s work.” After being imprisoned for stealing a car, he learns from a condemned cellmate about $10,000 hidden on his property, a secret known only to his two children. Upon release, the menacing preacher sets his sights on the widow and her children, who quickly sense his malevolence and escape downriver. A chilling reimagining of Huck Finn, the film is filled with surreal visuals and unconventional effects, partly due to budget constraints and Laughton’s inexperience. Initially perplexing to audiences, it has since gained a devoted cult following. Modern viewers can revel in its sheer eccentricity. Available on: Vudu Free. Watch next: Robert Aldrich’s Kiss Me Deadly, a noir thriller featuring a private investigator entangled in a mystery involving a runaway hitchhiker and a mysterious glowing suitcase, reminiscent of Pulp Fiction.
A Raisin in the Sun (1961)
Classic Hollywood rarely tackled race with sensitivity, making 1961's A Raisin in the Sun a groundbreaking exception. Based on Lorraine Hansberry’s acclaimed play, the film’s trailer begins with the producer reassuring white audiences about its award-winning pedigree. The story centers on a Black family striving for a better life in segregated Chicago, featuring a stellar cast including Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, and Louis Gossett, Jr. Available on: The Roku Channel. Watch next: Ralph Nelson’s Lilies of the Field, which earned Poitier the first Best Actor Oscar for a Black performer.
Laura (1944)
Film noir encompasses a rich tapestry of crime, murder, femme fatales, and morally ambiguous detectives, offering numerous entry points for viewers. While many might recommend starting with the intricate plotting of The Maltese Falcon, I personally favor Otto Preminger’s Laura. Gene Tierney plays the titular character, a successful advertising executive whose murder by a shotgun blast leaves her body unrecognizable. The detective assigned to her case becomes oddly infatuated with her, mirroring the obsession of the suspects he interrogates. The film’s pulpy, sharp-witted narrative, filled with twists and dark humor, remains timeless. Available on: Your preferred digital rental platform. Watch next: Now you can dive into The Maltese Falcon—the 1941 version directed by John Huston.
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Admittedly, The Lady Vanishes might seem an unconventional choice for an introduction to Hitchcock—even among his black-and-white works, Psycho might feel more logical. However, I have a particular fondness for this train-bound mystery, where an elderly woman vanishes during a European journey, and a young passenger—the sole witness to her existence—must unravel the truth. Packed with suspicious characters and a dash of British humor, the film was a massive success in its time and remains a delight for fans of cozy mysteries. Available on: Amazon Prime Video. Watch next: For more train-based intrigue, try Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train.
On the Waterfront (1954)
For those hesitant about classic films due to dated acting styles, Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront is an ideal starting point. While I respect your concerns, this film marks a turning point in cinematic performance. Marlon Brando’s groundbreaking “method acting” (which, in essence, feels more natural and human than many earlier performances) earned him widespread acclaim. He plays a former boxer turned dockworker who clashes with the mob boss responsible for his downfall. This tragic crime tale has influenced filmmakers like Martin Scorsese while maintaining its own powerful legacy. Available on: Various digital rental platforms. Watch next: Kazan’s first collaboration with Brando, A Streetcar Named Desire, is equally unforgettable.
Seven Samurai (1954)
Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai stands as one of Japan’s most iconic films, its impact reverberating across cinema history. It has inspired numerous remakes, including the Western classic The Magnificent Seven and even Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. In Helen DeWitt’s novel The Last Samurai, the film’s themes serve as a paternal guide for a young boy. The story—a village under siege by bandits recruits a group of ronin for protection—is deceptively simple, allowing for rich character development among the seven warriors. The “assembling a team” trope has never been executed more masterfully. Available on: HBO Max and The Criterion Channel. Watch next: Kurosawa’s Rashomon, a riveting tale told through multiple perspectives.
All About Eve (1950)
This sharp 1950 drama delves into Hollywood’s self-reflective tendencies, chronicling the rivalry between Margo Channing, a seasoned actress portrayed brilliantly by Bette Davis, and Eve Harrington, a ruthless newcomer played by Anne Baxter. Eve’s relentless ambition drives her to manipulate and betray anyone in her path to stardom. The screenplay, brimming with biting humor and cynicism, will appeal to fans of Ryan Murphy’s dramatic flair. The stellar cast, including a young Marilyn Monroe, delivers unforgettable performances. It’s a personal favorite. Available on: All digital rental platforms. Watch next: Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard, another scathing critique of Hollywood’s darker side.
