Well, we've finally come to this. It’s 2016 and we’ve seen just about every recycled version of every genre of movie that we can handle. I think it’s safe to say that the industry is officially out of ideas. What a time to be alive. But never fear, your girl is here to provide you with a list of classic movie gems, in no particular order, to remind you of a simpler time, before Hollywood resorted to spitting out endless sequels (and third-quels and fourth-quels), remakes, and knockoffs.
There are countless other films I could mention here, but as a college kid, you only have so much spare time (so if you’re a movie buff, don’t hate me for not including “Casablanca”- so many stellar movies, so little time). Without further ado, here are seven Golden Age movies that you NEED to see.
1. "Friendly Persuasion" (1956)
This one is really funny, kinda romantic, and extremely well cast. Gary Cooper plays the patriarch of the Birdwell family, Quakers who are attempting to live peacefully in the midst of Civil war turmoil (but don’t worry, it’s a feel-good movie, I promise). Throw in a young Anthony Perkins (“Psycho”, anyone?), and you’ve got a piece of movie gold that will be 100% more entertaining than whatever show you were planning to binge-watch this Friday night. Okay, I can't guarantee that. But really, this one’s good.
2. "Roman Holiday" (1953)
Basically, it’s about a princess who desperately wants to escape her rigid lifestyle, and whisks away to Rome, where she meets Mr. Charming American. It’s like the highly unrealistic, sketchy fairy tale scheme that your mom always warns you about. But still, there’s just something about it (and by that I mean Gregory Peck) that makes it utterly magical. Spare yourself the agonizing plethora of modern, overdone romcoms and watch this beauty instead. Seriously, Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn will melt your stone cold heart, even if it’s just for two hours.
3. "On the Waterfront" (1954)
There are pretty much two types of people. People who enjoy movies about romantic flings in exotic places (see above) and people who don't. If you're among the latter, maybe Marlon Brando portraying a former boxer squaring up against a mobster is more up your alley. This crime drama to beat all crime dramas is considered by many to be one of the best films in American cinema, and if you’re all about unlikely, troubled heroes challenging a corrupt system whilst facing a personal moral dilemma, chances are you’ll agree.
4. "To Have and Have Not" (1944)
If you’ve yet to experience the wonder that is a Bogie & Bacall film, consider this your official invitation to the party. This movie provides some of the best onscreen chemistry and smooth AF catchphrases in movie history. Let’s just ignore the 25 year age difference between the two actors (hey, it was a different time), and focus on the fact that Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall basically invented “goals”. And the dialogue in this is just… I can’t. So smooth, you guys.
5. "The Philadelphia Story" (1940)
AKA “The Best-Told Love Triangle Story Ever”. This one I’ll admit is a little exhausting to follow, mainly because all of the characters are so freaking great and you never really know who to root for. James Stewart and Cary Grant compete for the affection of Katharine Hepburn, who kind of has no idea what she wants out of life. So maybe not the most complex plot. But the characters are fabulous, it’s hilarious, and it's a classic, so get with it.
6. "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955)
Long before John Hughes came along, “Rebel Without a Cause” brought teen angst to the silver screen in the form of what is quite possibly the best young adult movie of ALL TIME. It stars James Dean, who was like, THE definitive cigarette-wielding, tragically-misunderstood Hollywood bad boy, and captures the essence of what it means to be young and reckless. It’s best when viewed with your squad, outside, on a homemade projector screen, from the backseat of a convertible. But if not, (because probably not), on a laptop in your dorm room will do. The important thing is that you do not let youth escape you without having first seen this movie.
7. "To Catch a Thief" (1955)
Because would the Golden Age of Hollywood have even been golden without Cary Grant? Nope. It would not have been. And we couldn’t talk about some of the best movies of all time without throwing an Alfred Hitchcock film into the mix. This one comes complete with epic chase scenes and two smokin’ hot (albeit shallow) lead characters- the aforementioned Grant, and the diva to rule them all, Grace Kelly. It’s twisted, bizarre, witty, and the scenery is beautiful, so it's basically everything you could ask for from a Hitchcock movie. Trust me, you'll immediately want to watch it again.
There ya go, doll face. Now, rather than watch some lame millennial film with an exhausted plot, you can instead bask in the cinematic glory of Hollywood’s prime and wish that you were as cool as Humphrey Bogart or Audrey Hepburn. You’re very welcome.
