Ever hear of TCM or Turner Classic Movie channel? Well growing up instead of being addicted to channels like Nickelodeon or Disney I was always planted in front of TCM. I developed of a love for classic film through my grandpa after sitting for hours with him watching westerns (he loved Clint Eastwood). I have seen a wide range of films from different eras and genres, to silent to "talkies," and from black and white to color. Its true, that like todays modern films some are flops and others hits, and I have seen my fair share of both. From the hundreds of films I have seen here is my top 16 classic films to see.

1. Gone With the Wind (1939)

Genre: Epic, Drama, Romance

This film is a must! It is the film adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's 1936 book, of the same name, and starring Clarke Gable and Vivien Leigh. Produce by Selznick International Pictures Inc. so no expense was spared in creating this film as it is one of the first major films to be filmed in Technicolor. It may be a three hours long but it is worth every minute!

2. Casablanca (1942)

Genre: Drama, Romance, War

If you look at other classic film list this is surely at the top of them. Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henried, and Claude Rains. This film is filled with killer lines like "...Here's to looking at you, kid," or "Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine..."

3. On the Waterfront (1954)

Genre: Crime, Drama

This film is riveting in black and white. Starring Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint the film racked up twelve Oscar nomination and earning eight Oscars in 1955.

4. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Genre: War, Drama

This is one of the first films I ever watched and I found it captivating. It shows a perspective that many don't know about during World War II. This film stars Willam Holden, Alec Guinness, and Jack Hawkins. The film earned seven Oscars in 1958 including for best original music score, which the theme song is very catchy and has been used widely.

5. Double Indemnity (1944)

Genre: Film Noir, Drama, Crime, Mystery

Starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray it is a classic example of film noir. Barbara Stanwyck as the "femme fatal"(and a blonde) and Billy Wilder as the director this film screams film noir.

6. Notorious (1946)

Genre: Film Noir, Romance, Drama, Thriller, Spy

This film is filled with many "heaving hitters" from acting to direction. It stars Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains and is directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Plus this film is about spy's what isn't there not to love!

7. How Green Was My Valley (1941)

Genre: Drama

This film will tug at your heart strings. Starring Walter Pigeon, Roddy McDowall, and Maureen O'Hara. This film defines what it means to be a classic.

8. The Way We Were (1973)

Genre: Romance, Drama

It stars Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. This film isn't one to pass over or only watch parts of it. It must be watched from beginning to the end, or else you won't understand the ending, which I think is the best part.

9. Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961)

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama

If its one film Audrey Hepburn is known for its this film. Her looks in the film are iconic with Audrey Hepburn. Defiantly worth a watch because people usually don't expect what the story is really about until they see.

10. Imitation of Life (1934) & (1959)

Genre: Drama

This film first starred Claudette Colbert and then was remade with Lana Turner and Sandra Dee. Both adaptations are good but the story line of both is best part of the films.

11. The Philadelphia Story (1940) or High Society (1956)

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Musical

This Broadway adaptation was first starred Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and James Stewart as The Philadelphia Story, but like many films it was remade (twice to be exact). The remake starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra and featuring Louis Armstrong, saw a title change and a bigger push on the musical side of film. Both are great films, and possess the basically the same great story line. There is just the matter of if you like musicals or not.

12. Gigi (1958)

Genre: Musical

I am a sucker for a Leslie Caron film and I most defiantly watch this film every time its on TV. Directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring long side Leslie Caron is Maurice Chevalier, and Louis Jourdan. Its a beautiful film. I suggest any films with Leslie Caron as she was known for her ballet skills and or Maurice Chevalier, who is one of my favorite silent film stars.

13. Red Dust (1932) or Mogambo (1953)

Genre: Drama, Romance

This is story line has also had its remakes. The first film with this story line is Red Dust starring Clarke Gable, Jean Harlow, Mary Astor and directed by directed by Victor Flemming. But only Clarke Gable can stand the test of time and star in a remake of his own film 20 years later. In Mogambo, Gable is co-starred with Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly. So if you like the sass and acting style of Clarke Gable like I do these are one's to watch.

14. Laura (1944)

Genre: Film Noir, Drama, Crime, Mystery

Starring Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, and Vincent Prince. Its classic film noir and has a story line that will keep you on the edge of your seats. (Plus its on Netflix!)

15. Safety Last! (1923)

Genre: Silent, Comedy

Starring Harold Lloyd and Mildred Davis its a silent film known for the iconic scene above. Harold Lloyd is one of my favorite silent film stars. If you like a good "screwball" comedy Lloyd will defiantly have you laughing.

16. Metropolis (1926)

Genre: Silent, Drama, Fantasy, Foreign, Sci-Fi

This film is absolutely riveting and captivating. The outstanding capabilities of early era film production is shown in this film from the set design to the special effects. It is German made and stars Brigette Helm, Alfed Abel, and Gustav Froelich.

Happy Watching!