From black and white to 4K streaming quality, movies have transformed drastically over the last century. There are scores of films that should be on every cinephile’s watchlist for their various contributions to the industry and society. For older films, finding a streaming service that carries them may provide a challenge despiteHBO Max housing a TCM (Turner Classic Movies)section on their platform.
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While the 20th-century churned out timeless classics and genre-defining films, there are plenty of critically acclaimed and non-acclaimed films that movie-lovers should see. Some of these films may have earned Oscar nominations, but did not win Best Picture or were not nominated for their respective year.
‘Captain Blood’ (1935)
Before there was Captain Jack Sparrow and the Dread Pirate Roberts, there was Captain Blood. Set in 1680s England,Captain Bloodstars cinematic legendErrol Flynnas Peter Blood, an Irish doctor sold into slavery after treating a rebel conspiring against King James II. Blood escapes with fellow captives and forms a crew of the most fearsome pirates.
The adventure film earned five Oscar nominations but failed to win in any category.Captain Bloodis a foundational film for the high-seas adventure genre, with Flynn’s legacy for performing his own sword stunts setting the bar high for pirate characters to come. An oldie, but a goodie, this film should be a must-see for viewers looking to immerse themselves in iconic cinema.
‘The Ghost and Mrs. Muir’ (1947)
Lucy Muir (Gene Tierney), a widow, moves into a seaside cottage with her young daughter (Natalie Wood) only to discover it is haunted by its deceased owner, Captain Daniel Gregg (Rex Harrison). Muir and Captain Gregg form a close bond as she writes a book of his life and perspective to earn enough money to keep the cottage.
An Oscar nominee for Best Cinematography,The Ghost and Mrs. Muiris an old-Hollywood romance. Never sacrificing the plot for unrealistic romance, Muir and Gregg’s relationship does come full circle, but not at the expense of practicality. This film entices new viewership with its foundation in solid acting and production making it an excellent choice for cinema lovers searching fora black and white gem.
‘The Quiet Man’ (1952)
Starring alongside his leading ladyMaureen O’Hara, western iconJohn Wayneplays retired American boxer Sean Thornton as he returns to his family’s homestead in Ireland where he falls for Mary Kate (O’Hara) despite her brother’s refusal.
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The Quiet Manis a quiet, reserved break for Wayne’s large fan base as it turns the focus from conquering the wild west to love and peace. Nominated for seven Oscars, the movie would take home two for Best Director (John Ford)and Best Cinematography. This 50s romance is a perfect option for fans of Wayne and O’Hara’s famous chemistry.
‘Rear Window’ (1954)
Directed byAlfred Hitchcock,Rear Windowfollows the boredom of wheelchair-bound L.B. Jefferies (James Stewart) as his innocent spying takes a dark turn when he believes one of his neighbors committed a crime. Co-starring withGrace Kelly, this thriller presents the ethics of voyeurism and neighborly duty.
Nominated for four Oscars, but taking home none,Rear Windowis a prime example film for studying filmmaking versus real-world ethical problems. Viewers of the 21st-century can watch and use Hitchcock’s work here to draw comparisons to today’s society and its versions of voyeurism. From an educational standpoint or not,Rear Windowis still a classic that any iconic Hollywood fan should see.
‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ (1964)
From its title to its plot,Dr. Strangeloveis a chaotic masterpiece from the last century deserving a spot on any film fanatic’s watchlist. When crazed American Air Force General Jack Ripper (Sterling Hayden) sends a bomber squad to the Soviet Union, world leaders including American President Merkin Muffley (Peter Sellers) and General Turgidson (George C. Scott) convene to try and stop a nuclear holocaust.
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A Cold War satire (yes, strange) fromStanley Kubrick,Dr. Strangeloveshows off masterful performances from the iconic Sellers and Scott. With four Oscar nominations, describing the film will only get you so far because it’s one that you just have to see to believe.
‘Halloween’ (1978)
A genre-defining film,Halloweentells the terrifying tale of babysitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) as she fends off Michael Meyers (Tony Moran) as he escapes the mental hospital and returns to Haddonfield, IL, to kill again on Halloween night.
The 1978 film is her first feature role, and Curtis would go on to reprise her role infuture franchise films. From directorJohn Carpenter,Halloweencreated one of cinema’s most iconic slashers and “final girls.” For movie and horror fans desperate to watch the foundational films for today’s horror,Halloweenis a must-see.
‘Clue’ (1985)
Clueis an iconic murder mystery and dinner party movie that brought the classic board game to the big screen. With Wadsworth the Butler (Tim Curry) as the liaison, a high-class group of guests have been invited to Mr. Boddy’s (Lee Ving) mansion and are forced to solve the case and find the culprit after Boddy is discovered murdered.
Clueis held together by a large ensemble cast comprised of the characters from the original game. Curry’s comedic performance gives the film direction as the possibilities of the killer’s identity stack up. This 80s whodunit comedy is a can’t miss for mystery-loving viewers and fans of the game it draws inspiration from.
‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ (1988)
With its innovative production and whodunit plot,Who Framed Roger Rabbitappeals to audiencesof all ages. After being accused of murdering the owner of Toontown, cartoon Roger Rabbit (Charles Fleischer) turns to private investigator Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) to clear his name and save Toontown from the villainous Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd).
A blend of animation and live-action,Robert Zemeckisbrings to life a slapstick toon comedy to the big screen. Securing seven Oscar nominations and four wins,Who Framed Roger Rabbitis the perfect film to watch for fans of classic cartoons and private eye stories.
‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ (1991)
A tale of friendship and resiliency,Fried Green Tomatoesis an emotional, touching drama about love and loss. An emotionally trapped housewife Evelyn Couch (Kathy Bates) befriends a nursing home widow Mrs. Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy). As the two form a fast friendship, Mrs. Threadgoode recounts the tales of two southern women from her past and how they overcame life’s complications in 1920s Alabama.
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Co-starringMary Stuart Mastersonas Idgie andMary-Louise Parkeras Ruth,Fried Green Tomatoesfinds its heart in the strength of the female-led cast and story. Nominated for two Oscars, this film brings a feeling of nostalgia to its viewers making it one to sit and view with a close friend.
‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999)
Putting thefound-footage genreon the map,The Blair Witch Projectstruck a powerful chord with critics of the late 90s. A trio of film students embarks on a journey into the woods to document the presence of local Blair Witch legend. The footage left behind turns a terrifying turn as they begin to see and hear things stalking their trek through the woods.
Relying on the imagination of viewers the suspense escalates as the footage progresses. A slow-burn,The Blair Witch Projectis a staple in the genre as it inspired filmmakers in the coming decades. This film is a unique horror movie that is a perfect introduction to viewers new to the genre.
