James Metcalfe
There’s always time to pay homage to the golden age of cinema, right?
There’s something quite magical about the world of classic film, a timeless quality that refuses to leave us no matter how much time has passed. Whether it be ingenious light and camera work, breakthrough feats of acting or a daring message considered positively shocking for its time, the influence of these films cannot be overstated.
We spoke to several experts for their insights on what should make up a list of the ‘7 must watch classic films (from before 1970) and came up with the list below.
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#1 Anastasia (1956)
My favorite classic film is the 1956 version of Anastasia. Yul Brynner and Ingrid Bergman have wonderful chemistry, and Brynner’s “con man turned romantic lead” is enough to hold the movie on its own. Partner it with the heartbreaking early performance of Bergman’s amnesiac Anna. For anyone who grew up watching the animated flick, this one will not let you down.
Contributor: Candess Zona-Mendola from MakeFoodSafe.com
#2 North by Northwest
North By Northwest is one of the best classic films featuring Alfred Hitchcock and Cary Grant at their best. The thriller featured spies, kidnapping, and evocative romance. North By Northwest also features two of the most memorable scenes in cinema history, one being a chase across Mt. Rushmore and the other being Cary Grant attempting to escape a crop-duster plane.
Contributor: Caleb Backe from mapleholistics.com
#3 Breakfast at Tiffany’s
You can't discuss classic films without mentioning Audrey Hepburn. The famous movie features Hepburn playing an eccentric socialite who is both remarkably charming and naive. The movie may have a bittersweet ending but you'll certainly enjoy the ride. Plus, don't miss Audrey Hepburn singing 'Moon River', rated as one of the most memorable songs in Hollywood History by the American Film Institute.
Contributor: Caleb Backe from mapleholistics.com
#4 Laurel and Hardy – Way Out West
Way Out West is a western spoof that is considered one of their best films. In it, Laurel and Hardy travel to a one-horse town to deliver a goldmine deed - except they're tricked into giving it to the wrong person! In addition to great sight-gags (e.g., Laurel trying to hoist Hardy into the air with a mule), Way Out West includes a dance sequence that is now an internet meme.
Contributor: Larry Greenberg, The Savvy Screener from thesavvyscreener.com
#5 Some Like it Hot
There are so many amazing classic films, but one of my favorites is Some Like It Hot with Marilyn Monroe. People think all black and white movies are serious and hard to connect to but this movie is hilarious. There is cross-dressing, music, and Marilyn Monroe in very risque dresses and situations. Ultimately this is one of the top movies I recommend to new classic movie watchers.
Contributor: Jessica L. Moody from jessicalmoody.com
#6 Double Indemnity
My favorite “film-noir” must-see classic is “Double Indemnity.” The 1944 crime-drama stars Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck and Edward G. Robinson and was directed by Billy Wilder. The film was based on James M. Cain’s 1943 novel of the same name.
Double Indemnity was nominated for seven Academy Awards but won none! However, the film is often cited as a paradigmatic film-noir and as having set the standard for the films that followed in the film-noir genre. Deemed, “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” by the U.S. Library of Congress in 1992, Double Indemnity was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. In 1998, it was ranked #38 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 best American films of all time.
Contributor: Allison Constantino from allisonsartwork.com
#7 His Girl Friday
Classic movies make my heart sing. One of the best is His Girl Friday, with Clark Gable and Rosalind Russell. A great story, terrific acting, and phenomenal direction by Howard Hawks - what more could you ask for?
As someone who helps people learn how to communicate for a living, I adore the pace of the dialogue and the delivery by all involved. The words fly rapid-fire and crackle along. Additionally, Grant and Russell have amazing chemistry.
Contributor: Izolda Trakhtenberg from IzoldaT.com
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