Ever thought about what constitutes what a classic in film will or will not be? When the term "classic" comes to mind, you may think of things like "Titanic," "Schindler's List," "Shawshank Redemption," or even "The Godfather Parts I & II." These movies were revered in their own time, but have also been able to hold up well and age like a fine wine. So the question I ask is, what films from the past few years will be expected to become classics? Here are just a few of my own opinions:
1. "The Dark Knight" (2009)
With arguably the best villain to ever grace the screen, The Dark Knight gives the audience a superhero movie everyone can enjoy. With thanks to Christopher Nolan and his notable psychological prowess in filmmaking, this film does not focus on the why and how of just Batman, but of the Joker and Harvey Dent and even society as a whole. Although its practical effects will definitely age well, this film goes far beyond the stereotypical explosion superhero blockbuster.
2. "The Social Network" (2011)
This is one that I find myself watching again and again. You're not just following the life of Mark Zuckerberg, the guy that created Facebook, but you're being taken on the journey of the choices he had to make to get to the place he got to. David Fincher knows how to get you invested in the story he's trying to tell, and by telling it in such a methodical way makes this one of the most re-watchable pieces of film in recent years.
3. "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015)
With barely any dialogue in this film, you still are able to completely know and better yet,
want to know how this movie ends. The name of the game here is practical effects because while many CGI explosions can be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, George Miller's opus illustrates why practical effects can sometimes do more. And while Tom Hardy is obviously great in the titular role, Charlize Theron's Furiosa rightfully steals the show and exemplifies what determination truly is.
4. "Black Swan" (2011)
There's something about psychological thrillers that just resonate with people like myself. Not only has Darren Aronofsky showed audiences in "Requiem for a Dream" how obsession can control one's mind and behaviors, but in this we see Natalie Portman's Oscar winning portrayal of Nina, a ballerina struggling to accurately and perfectly portray the leading role of the Tchaikovsky production while also keeping her sanity. While it sounds harmless on the exterior, after finishing this film you will never look at a ballet the same way again.
5. "Bridesmaids" (2011)
Has there ever truly been a female led comedy that has been as unanimously well-received like this one? You could even possibly attribute the "all female-lead" trend to this movie kicking it all off. The best thing about this comedy is that it's not trying to have a commentary on women in general like "
Mean Girls" does so well, but it is just purely funny. Men, women, kids, elders,
anyone will laugh at this movie, and people continue to do just that.
6. "Inception" (2011)
You may not totally understand it the first time. You may not even 100 % comprehend it the second time, but no matter what the visuals and context of Christopher Nolan's story will keep you on edge with every viewing. Not only does this boast a stellar cast too long to name, but the ending is one that is been discussed and debated ever since it came out.
7. "Boyhood" (2014)
If there is one thing Richard Linklater does best, it is capturing the spirit of a certain era. This movie broke the Hollywood standard of filmmaking in which a boy's life is captured over the span of 12 years, showing how both he and his family dynamic evolves over time. Not only is it relatable for any millennial to watch, but is a story every single one of us can relate to about the stresses and challenges we face in our adolescence.
8. "Wolf of Wall Street" (2013)
You know no matter what Martin Scorsese puts out, you can guarantee it will be good. This is no exception. Many have described it as the love child of "Wall Street" and "Goodfellas" -- either way you can rewatch this one over and over again. Also, who besides Scorsese could ever make a quaalude scene that hysterical?
9. "There Will Be Blood" (2008)
Daniel Day Lewis comes in here with one of the most menacing and believable roles of a ruthless silver miner turned oil tycoon in the late 19th/early 20th centuries. What's so spectacular about Paul Thomas Anderson's production, besides the beautiful cinematography, is that it follows a man's journey from barely any means into something so undeniably powerful that he others around him fear his presence. Note to self, he will drink your milkshake.
10. "Slumdog Millionaire" (2009)
Have you ever just thought that there are ways things could connect in your life that you never thought could? That is the story of Jamal Malik's time on the "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" game show in
India. Brought up in the slums with his brother Salim, Jamal navigates his way to the end of the game show through his past experiences that guide him to the right answers. But with these memories comes the awful truth that is still superimposed on his current state in life.
Honorable Mentions
Just from what I've seen and think will age greatly over time:
La La Land
Everybody Wants Some !!
Django Unchained
Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Children of Men
Gravity
Her
The Hurt Locker
Avatar
No Country for Old Men
