These ten classic movies cemented their places in history with their objective greatness, influence, and brilliance. Due to the extremely overwhelming praise, Citizen Kane has received over and over again, it will NOT be on this list in favor of other films that deserve some acknowledgment. Keep in mind that this list is comprised of mostly consensus, but also a bit of personal opinion.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
This culturally significant musical fantasy film film tells the story of Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) who is swept away from a farm in Kansas to a magical land of Oz and immediately embarks on a quest with her new eclectic group of friends to see the Wizard (Frank Morgan), who is the only one capable of helping her. Its special effects and use of technicolor at the time were seen as groundbreaking by many. It cemented a legacy as perhaps America's most loved fairy tale with its beautiful imagery that includes emerald forests, yellow brick roads, and castles. Although it is a staple of American culture, the film has universal appeal as it still manages to captivate the imagination of kids and adults everywhere.
Gone with the Wind (1939)
Revered as one of the American classic movies, Gone With The Wind takes place in American Civil War and Reconstruction era. It's a story about a Southern girl's hopeless love for a married man. The gorgeous photography, use of technicolor, acting, and passion helped the movie earn its place as a monument in the history of film, along with the unforgettable performances by Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. Although it is critiqued for its historical inaccuracy, offensive racism, the movie actually helped change the way certain things were depicted on screen.
Taxi Driver (1976)
One of Martin Scorsese's most celebrated works, Taxi Driver follows Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) who works the night-shift as a taxi driver in New York City. While frustrations are fueling his urge for violent action, he attempts to liberate a twelve-year-old prostitute. It showcases the talent and versatility of Robert De Niro while he demonstrates his character's inner distress as an isolated man with a terrible longing for approval and an inability to connect with anybody that inevitably leads to his self-destruction.This film is definitely a must-see for film lovers everywhere.
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight, which was preceded by the 2005 film Batman Begins, centers around The Joker wreaking havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham while the Dark Knight (Christian Bale) fights his injustices as the two battle tirelessly. This marked the last Heath Ledger performance as he passed away six months prior to the release of the film. The amazing performances, special effects, beautiful cinematography perfectly captivates all of the major elements of the story. The performances alone, particularly from Heath Ledger, undoubtedly makes this the best superhero film of all time. Heath ledger throws himself completely into the role as the joker and even won an Oscar as best supporting actor posthumously.
Star Wars IV: A New Hope
Star Wars IV was the first film of the series and marked the beginning of a franchise to come. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamil) joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) along with a droid duo and a Wookie to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station and rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader. Directed by George Lucas, he makes it an experience by creating a whole world from scratch for the audience to immerse themselves in.This all-time classic is important on a historical level and changed everything, not just in terms of technological innovation, but how movies were released. It was critically and commercially successful in just about every way possible and it's Star Wars merchandise, video games, and more turned this movie into a franchise.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
During the Vietnam War, Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen) is sent on a life-threatening mission to Cambodia to kill a renegade Colonel (Marlon Brando), who has made himself a god among a local tribe. Directed by Francis Coppola, this hallucinatory nightmare of a film delivers the most creative take on war while penetrating the reality of it in great depth. Its remarkable visuals and originality make it one of the most important movies of all time.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
In 2001, David Bowman (Keir Dullea) and Frank Poole (Gary Lockwood) head toward Jupiter on the spaceship Discovery.This Stanley Kubrick classic incorporates science fiction in this story of evolution. It is widely appreciated for its scientific accuracy, artistry, and depth of content, and truly groundbreaking special effects. It is held in high regard in the science fiction community and it is known as one of the most influential sci-fi films of all time. The true meaning of the film is still debated today with many calling it meditation or reflection on mankind. It is an unorthodox film in which Kubrick calls it “a visual, nonverbal experience”.
The Godfather (1972)
In one of the greatest critical and commercial successes of all time, an aging mafia boss Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) of an organized crime dynasty in New York City transfers control of his clandestine empire to his son (Al Pacino). This movie received plenty of praise with critics raving about the acting by Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, direction by Francis Coppola, and the screenplay which was written by Mario Puzo and Francis Coppola. With all the elements in making a great film in place, The Godfather executed flawlessly. The movie stood the test of time, turned into a cultural touchstone of Hollywood cinema, and is one of the most widely quoted and influential films of all time, especially in the gangster genre.
Casablanca (1942)
Set near the end of World War II, this dramatic romance film follows an American expatriate (Humphrey Bogart) as he encounters a former lover (Ingrid Bergman) resulting in unforeseen complications.This film grew in popularity significantly over time and made a lasting impact as another one of Americas most beloved films. Its star caliber cast, memorable dialogue, and an unforgettable story is what makes this movie immensely appealing as a masterpiece and is the cinematic quintessential statement on romance.
Schindler's List (1993)
