Some Movies Never Really Get Old

You might think all old movies are too dry or too slow for younger generations to enjoy, but while some fizzle and fade, others are here to stay. Interested in turning your child or grandchild into a cinephile? Here are 20 great classic films they’re bound to love.

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1. The Godfather 

This classic mafia film features a star-studded cast of some of the greatest actors of the past century including Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, and Diane Keaton. There’s drama, a slow tension build, and a sophisticated storyline that even younger audiences will enjoy.

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2. It’s A Wonderful Life

It’s A Wonderful Life is one of those Christmas films that’s not strictly about Christmas. It’s about a man who gets to see what his community would look like if he had never been born, discovering a newfound appreciation for life. It’s a heartwarming story that’s still always a tearjerker. 

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3. Citizen Kane

Orson Welles’ masterpiece Citizen Kane is loosely based on the life of American businessman William Randolph Hearst. Despite being made in 1941, its use of innovative lighting, cutting-edge camera techniques, and nonlinear storyline has made it hold its appeal with modern audiences.

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4. Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Breakfast At Tiffany’s is Audrey Hepburn’s most famous role. It’s about a young woman who moves to New York City and falls in love but what makes it noteworthy above all else is the fashion and general aesthetic in the film that so encapsulates an era.

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5. Rear Window

One of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest films, Rear Window is about a man who breaks his leg and, unable to leave his apartment, begins watching his neighbors. He eventually witnesses a murder and decides to take matters into his own hands. It’s a psychological thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. 

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6. Casablanca

This film has some of the most iconic movie lines ever that are still constantly referenced in pop culture. It’s Humphrey Bogart at his greatest, is incredibly stylized, and marks an era, but if for no other reason, young people should watch it just because it’s so legendary. 

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7. The Breakfast Club

This 1980s coming-of-age film is arguably John Hughes’ greatest achievement. It has a depth and relevance not present in other films made for teenage audiences and a message that continues to be pertinent to high schoolers everywhere. 

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8. Rocky

This film follows a classic hero’s journey that’s just so satisfying to watch. It features that archetypal training montage that makes you want to go for a run and marks the first time Sylvester Stallone graced our screens as a leading man. 

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9. The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride is one of few decades-old comedies that stand the test of time. It struck a fine balance between silly, clever, and romantic. Both adults and kids continue to enjoy it. 

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10. Alice In Wonderland

Lewis Carroll’s classic novel has been made into countless films, but the original 1951 Disney cartoon version is still leagues above the rest. Kids and teenagers love its whimsicality, fun assortment of characters, and wild storyline. 

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11. The Wizard of Oz

The first color movie ever, The Wizard of Oz is a must-watch for everyone. Despite being made in 1939, it still blows modern audiences away and has a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.

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12. The Graduate

Featuring a young Dustin Hoffman in his first-ever film role, The Graduate is a classic about a troubled teenager who has an affair with an older woman only to fall in love with her daughter. The aesthetic of the movie along with the Simon & Garfunkle soundtrack perfectly encapsulate 1960s America. 

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13. Annie Hall

Annie Hall is the most realistic romantic comedy ever made. It stars Woody Allen but it’s the incredibly charming and genuine Diane Keaton who steals the screen. It perfectly captures the passion, drama, and sorrow of love. 

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14. 2001: A Space Odyssey

Most people’s initial reaction to this film is shock that it was made in 1968. The special effects somehow hold up to this day and the imaginative, thought-provoking storyline is leagues ahead of its time, referencing AI, space travel, and time travel.

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15. True Grit

This classic Western film earned John Wayne an Oscar. It’s about an unlikely bond that develops between a feisty young girl and a gruff aging bounty hunter who she hires to help her find her father’s killer. It’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good adventure story. 

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16. Back To The Future

This classic 80s flick is about a teenager who accidentally goes back in time to 1955 in a DeLorean, stumbling upon his teenage parents. Kids and teens nowadays will still love it and they’ll get a kick out of the groovy 80s fashion too. 

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17. West Side Story

The original screen adaptation of the Broadway musical became an instant classic when it came out in 1961. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it’s about two teenagers from rival NYC gangs who fall in love. It’s a must-see for anyone who enjoys musicals.

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18. Raging Bull

One of Martin Scorcese’s best films, Raging Bull is about the life of boxing champion Jake LaMotta. The role was played by Robert DeNiro who won an Oscar for his mind-blowing performance.

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19. Pretty In Pink

Another John Hughes movie that defined a generation, Pretty in Pink is about a girl on the wrong side of the tracks who’s noticed by a rich boy at school. It’s a classic 80s rom-com that’s enjoyable from start to finish.

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20. Star Wars: A New Hope

Last but not least on our list is the original Star Wars from 1976. The effects might seem a bit dated, but putting yourself in that time frame, they’re pretty amazing. Plus, it’s an absolute classic that every human being needs to watch at some point.

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