Best Classic Films: Top 50 Must-See Films
Are you a film buff looking for some of the best classic films to add to your watchlist? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 50 must-see films for any true cinema enthusiast.
From timeless masterpieces like Casablanca and Gone with the Wind to iconic dramas like The Godfather and Citizen Kane, these films have stood the test of time and continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.
So grab some popcorn and get ready to delve into the world of cinema history with these unforgettable classics.
Best Classic Films: Top 50 Must-See Films
1. Casablanca (1942)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Casablanca |
| Actors | Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid |
| Director | Michael Curtiz |
| Release Date | January 23, 1943 |
| MPAA | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 1h 42min |
| Genres | Drama, Romance, War |
| IMDB Rating | 8.5/10 |
Plot Summary:
Set during World War II, Casablanca tells the story of Rick Blaine, an American expatriate who runs a nightclub in the Moroccan city of Casablanca.
When his former lover Ilsa Lund arrives in town with her husband, resistance leader Victor Laszlo, Rick must decide whether to help them escape from the city and continue their fight against the Nazis.
2. Gone with the Wind (1939)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Gone with the Wind |
| Actors | Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell |
| Director | Victor Fleming |
| Release Date | January 17, 1940 |
| MPAA | G |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 3h 58min |
| Genres | Drama, History, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
Set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction period, Gone with the Wind follows the story of Scarlett O'Hara, the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, as she tries to win back the love of her life, Ashley Wilkes, and save her family's home, Tara, from destruction.
Along the way, she falls in love with Rhett Butler, a dashing and roguish blockade runner.
3. The Godfather (1972)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Godfather |
| Actors | Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan |
| Director | Francis Ford Coppola |
| Release Date | March 24, 1972 |
| MPAA | R |
| Parental Guidance | Strong violence and language |
| Duration | 2h 55min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 9.2/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Godfather is a crime drama that tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful Mafia clan based in New York City.
When the patriarch of the family, Don Vito Corleone, is shot and nearly killed, his son Michael takes over the family business and must navigate a treacherous world of violence and betrayal.
4. Citizen Kane (1941)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Citizen Kane |
| Actors | Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore |
| Director | Orson Welles |
| Release Date | September 5, 1941 |
| MPAA | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 1h 59min |
| Genres | Drama, Mystery |
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
Plot Summary:
Citizen Kane is a drama about the life and legacy of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy newspaper tycoon. Through a series of flashbacks, the film explores Kane's rise to power, his failed marriages, and the mysteries surrounding his final words, “Rosebud.”
5. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Lawrence of Arabia |
| Actors | Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn |
| Director | David Lean |
| Release Date | December 11, 1962 |
| MPAA | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence |
| Duration | 3h 48min |
| Genres | Adventure, Biography, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
Plot Summary:
Lawrence of Arabia tells the story of T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who helped lead the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
Along the way, Lawrence struggles with his own identity and the price of war.
6. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Singin' in the Rain |
| Actors | Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds |
| Director | Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly |
| Release Date | April 11, 1952 |
| MPAA | G |
| Parental Guidance | Suitable for all ages |
| Duration | 1h 43min |
| Genres | Comedy, Musical, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
Plot Summary:
Singin' in the Rain is a musical comedy set in the 1920s film industry, and follows Don Lockwood, a famous silent film star, as he tries to adapt to the arrival of sound in movies.
Along the way, he falls in love with a young aspiring actress, Kathy Selden, and faces challenges from his jealous co-star, Lina Lamont.
7. Sunset Boulevard (1950)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Sunset Boulevard |
| Actors | William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim |
| Director | Billy Wilder |
| Release Date | August 10, 1950 |
| MPAA | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 1h 50min |
| Genres | Drama, Film-Noir |
| IMDB Rating | 8.4/10 |
Plot Summary:
Sunset Boulevard is a noir drama that tells the story of Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter who becomes entangled with a faded silent film star, Norma Desmond.
As their relationship becomes increasingly twisted, Gillis must confront his own values and the illusions of Hollywood.
8. Psycho (1960)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Psycho |
| Actors | Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles |
| Director | Alfred Hitchcock |
| Release Date | September 8, 1960 |
| MPAA | R |
| Parental Guidance | Strong violence and language |
| Duration | 1h 49min |
| Genres | Horror, Mystery, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 8.5/10 |
Plot Summary:
Psycho is a horror thriller that follows Marion Crane, a secretary who steals money from her employer and finds herself stranded at a remote motel run by Norman Bates, a seemingly harmless young man with a troubled past.
As Marion's disappearance draws the attention of her sister and a private investigator, they uncover the shocking secrets of the Bates Motel.
9. On the Waterfront (1954)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | On the Waterfront |
| Actors | Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb |
| Director | Elia Kazan |
| Release Date | June 22, 1954 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 1h 48min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
On the Waterfront is a crime drama set in the docks of New Jersey, and follows Terry Malloy, a washed-up prizefighter who becomes involved in a struggle for power between the corrupt union boss Johnny Friendly and the local priest, Father Barry.
10. 12 Angry Men (1957)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | 12 Angry Men |
| Actors | Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam |
| Director | Sidney Lumet |
| Release Date | April 10, 1957 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 1h 36min |
| Genres | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.9/10 |
Plot Summary:
12 Angry Men is a courtroom drama that takes place entirely in a jury room and follows the deliberations of 12 jurors as they try to decide the fate of a young man accused of murder.
As the deliberations become increasingly heated, the jurors must confront their own biases and prejudices.
11. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Wizard of Oz |
| Actors | Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger |
| Director | Victor Fleming |
| Release Date | August 25, 1939 |
| MPAA | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some scary scenes and violence |
| Duration | 1h 42min |
| Genres | Adventure, Family, Fantasy |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Wizard of Oz is a beloved musical fantasy that follows young Dorothy Gale as she is whisked away to the magical land of Oz and embarks on a quest to return home.
Along the way, she befriends a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion, and faces challenges from the Wicked Witch of the West.
12. The African Queen (1951)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The African Queen |
| Actors | Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley |
| Director | John Huston |
| Release Date | February 20, 1952 |
| MPAA | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 1h 45min |
| Genres | Adventure, Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary:
The African Queen is an adventure romance that follows the unlikely pairing of a grizzled boat captain and a prim missionary as they travel down a treacherous river in German East Africa during World War I.
Along the way, they face challenges from the natural environment and the enemy.
13. Some Like It Hot (1959)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Some Like It Hot |
| Actors | Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon |
| Director | Billy Wilder |
| Release Date | March 29, 1959 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 2h 1min |
| Genres | Comedy, Music, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 8.2/10 |
Plot Summary:
Some Like It Hot is a screwball comedy that follows two musicians who dress up as women to avoid being caught by the mob and end up joining an all-female band.
Along the way, they both fall for the band's lead singer, Sugar Kane, and hilarity ensues.
14. Ben-Hur (1959)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Ben-Hur |
| Actors | Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd |
| Director | William Wyler |
| Release Date | November 18, 1959 |
| MPAA | G |
| Parental Guidance | Suitable for all ages |
| Duration | 3h 32min |
| Genres | Adventure, Drama, History |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
Ben-Hur is an epic historical drama set in ancient Rome and follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is betrayed and sent into slavery by his childhood friend, Messala.
After years of hardship, Ben-Hur returns to seek revenge in a chariot race against his former friend.
15. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Bridge on the River Kwai |
| Actors | William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins |
| Director | David Lean |
| Release Date | December 14, 1957 |
| MPAA | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 2h 41min |
| Genres | Adventure, Drama, War |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Bridge on the River Kwai is a war drama set in a Japanese prison camp during World War II.
The film follows British prisoners of war who are ordered to build a bridge for their Japanese captors, and the conflict that arises when their commanding officer refuses to let them sabotage the bridge.
16. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | To Kill a Mockingbird |
| Actors | Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton |
| Director | Robert Mulligan |
| Release Date | December 25, 1962 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 2h 9min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
Plot Summary:
To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming-of-age drama set in the 1930s American South, and follows the story of a young girl, Scout Finch, as she learns about racism and prejudice in her community.
When her father, lawyer Atticus Finch, takes on the defense of a black man falsely accused of rape, Scout's eyes are opened to the injustices of the world around her.
17. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Philadelphia Story |
| Actors | Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart |
| Director | George Cukor |
| Release Date | January 17, 1941 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 1h 52min |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Philadelphia Story is a romantic comedy that follows a wealthy socialite, Tracy Lord, as she prepares for her second wedding.
When a tabloid reporter and her ex-husband show up to cover the event, Tracy must confront her own feelings and decide which man she truly loves.
18. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | It's a Wonderful Life |
| Actors | James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore |
| Director | Frank Capra |
| Release Date | January 7, 1947 |
| MPAA | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 2h 10min |
| Genres | Drama, Family, Fantasy |
| IMDB Rating | 8.6/10 |
Plot Summary:
It's a Wonderful Life is a holiday classic that follows George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams to help others, as he faces financial ruin and contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve.
When a guardian angel shows George what life would have been like if he had never been born, he realizes how many lives he has touched and how much he has to be grateful for.
19. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Maltese Falcon |
| Actors | Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George |
| Director | John Huston |
| Release Date | October 3, 1941 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 1h 40min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Film-Noir |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Maltese Falcon is a film-noir crime drama that follows private investigator Sam Spade as he becomes embroiled in a hunt for a valuable statuette known as the Maltese Falcon.
As he navigates the dangerous world of organized crime and the femme fatale who brought the case to him, Spade must use all of his wit and cunning to stay alive.
20. Double Indemnity (1944)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Double Indemnity |
| Actors | Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson |
| Director | Billy Wilder |
| Release Date | April 24, 1944 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 1h 47min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Film-Noir |
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
Plot Summary:
Double Indemnity is a film-noir crime drama that follows an insurance salesman who is drawn into a scheme to murder a wealthy man and collect on his life insurance policy.
As the plan begins to unravel, the salesman finds himself caught between his loyalty to his co-conspirator and his growing feelings for the man's wife.
21. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Treasure of the Sierra Madre |
| Actors | Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt |
| Director | John Huston |
| Release Date | January 24, 1948 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 2h 6min |
| Genres | Adventure, Drama, Western |
| IMDB Rating | 8.2/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a Western adventure drama that follows three men as they search for gold in the mountains of Mexico.
As they face the dangers of the wilderness and the greed that consumes them, their loyalty to each other is tested and their humanity is pushed to its limits.
22. The Third Man (1949)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Third Man |
| Actors | Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli |
| Director | Carol Reed |
| Release Date | September 2, 1949 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 1h 33min |
| Genres | Film-Noir, Mystery, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Third Man is a film-noir mystery thriller that follows a writer who travels to post-World War II Vienna to investigate the death of his friend.
As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers a web of deceit and corruption that leads him to the infamous criminal known as the third man.
23. The Seven Samurai (1954)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Seven Samurai |
| Actors | Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima |
| Director | Akira Kurosawa |
| Release Date | April 26, 1954 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 3h 27min |
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.6/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Seven Samurai is an action-packed adventure drama that follows a group of samurai hired by a village to defend against bandits who plan to raid their harvest.
As they prepare for battle, the samurai form close bonds with the villagers and face their own personal demons, making for an epic and emotional story.
24. Roman Holiday (1953)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Roman Holiday |
| Actors | Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert |
| Director | William Wyler |
| Release Date | September 2, 1953 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 1h 58min |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
Roman Holiday is a romantic comedy that follows a princess who escapes from her royal duties and explores Rome on her own, where she meets a charming American journalist.
As they spend the day together, they fall in love but must face the reality of their different worlds.
25. North by Northwest (1959)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | North by Northwest |
| Actors | Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason |
| Director | Alfred Hitchcock |
| Release Date | July 17, 1959 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 2h 16min |
| Genres | Adventure, Mystery, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
Plot Summary:
North by Northwest is a thrilling mystery adventure that follows an advertising executive who is mistaken for a government agent and pursued across the country by foreign spies.
As he tries to clear his name and stay alive, he uncovers a deadly conspiracy that threatens his life and the safety of the nation.
26. The Apartment (1960)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Apartment |
| Actors | Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray |
| Director | Billy Wilder |
| Release Date | September 16, 1960 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 2h 5min |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Apartment is a romantic comedy-drama that follows an office worker who lends his apartment to his bosses for their extramarital affairs in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder.
When he falls in love with a woman who is having an affair with his boss, he must choose between his career and his heart.
27. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Rebel Without a Cause |
| Actors | James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo |
| Director | Nicholas Ray |
| Release Date | October 27, 1955 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 1h 51min |
| Genres | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary:
Rebel Without a Cause is a drama that follows a troubled teenager who moves to a new town and falls in with a rebellious crowd.
As he tries to find his place in the world and navigate his difficult relationship with his parents, he must also confront the violence and alienation that surrounds him.
28. East of Eden (1955)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | East of Eden |
| Actors | James Dean, Raymond Massey, Julie Harris |
| Director | Elia Kazan |
| Release Date | March 9, 1955 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 1h 55min |
| Genres | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
Plot Summary:
East of Eden is a dramatic retelling of the Cain and Abel story that follows two brothers who are locked in a bitter rivalry over the love and affection of their father.
As they struggle to come to terms with their past and their uncertain futures, they must confront the darkness and violence that lurks within their family.
29. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Bonnie and Clyde |
| Actors | Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard |
| Director | Arthur Penn |
| Release Date | August 13, 1967 |
| MPAA | Rated R |
| Parental Guidance | Strong violence and mature content |
| Duration | 1h 51min |
| Genres | Action, Biography, Crime |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Plot Summary:
Bonnie and Clyde is a biographical crime film that follows the infamous couple as they rob banks and evade the law during the Great Depression.
As they become more notorious and the stakes get higher, their relationship becomes strained and they must face the consequences of their actions.
30. The Graduate (1967)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Graduate |
| Actors | Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross |
| Director | Mike Nichols |
| Release Date | December 22, 1967 |
| MPAA | Rated R |
| Parental Guidance | Strong sexual content and language |
| Duration | 1h 46min |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Graduate is a romantic comedy-drama that follows a recent college graduate who is seduced by an older woman and then falls in love with her daughter.
As he tries to navigate the complexities of his relationships and find his place in the world, he must confront the expectations of society and his own doubts and fears.
31. Cool Hand Luke (1967)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Cool Hand Luke |
| Actors | Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin |
| Director | Stuart Rosenberg |
| Release Date | November 1, 1967 |
| MPAA | Rated PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 2h 6min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
Cool Hand Luke is a dramatic prison film that follows a rebellious prisoner who refuses to conform to the rigid rules and authority of the institution.
As he becomes a legend among his fellow inmates and gains the respect of the guards, he also faces increasing punishment and brutality, making for a tense and emotional story.
32. The Hustler (1961)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Hustler |
| Actors | Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie |
| Director | Robert Rossen |
| Release Date | September 25, 1961 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 2h 14min |
| Genres | Drama, Sport |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Hustler is a sports drama that follows a talented but self-destructive pool player who takes on the legendary Minnesota Fats in a high-stakes match.
As he struggles with his own inner demons and the temptation of easy money, he must also confront the brutal and corrupt world of the professional pool, making for a gripping and intense story.
33. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | A Streetcar Named Desire |
| Actors | Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter |
| Director | Elia Kazan |
| Release Date | December 20, 1951 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 2h 2min |
| Genres | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
A Streetcar Named Desire is a drama that follows a fading Southern belle who moves in with her sister and her brutish husband in New Orleans.
As she clashes with her brother-in-law and struggles with her own inner demons and desires, she must confront the harsh realities of her past and present.
34. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Breakfast at Tiffany's |
| Actors | Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal |
| Director | Blake Edwards |
| Release Date | October 5, 1961 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 1h 55min |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
Plot Summary:
Breakfast at Tiffany's is a romantic comedy that follows a quirky and free-spirited young woman who becomes friends with her neighbor, a struggling writer.
As they navigate their complicated relationship and try to find their place in the world, they must also confront their own insecurities and fears.
35. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Day the Earth Stood Still |
| Actors | Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe |
| Director | Robert Wise |
| Release Date | September 28, 1951 |
| MPAA | Approved |
| Parental Guidance | Mild violence and mature content |
| Duration | 1h 32min |
| Genres | Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Day the Earth Stood Still is a science fiction film that follows an alien who arrives on Earth with a message of peace and a warning of the dangers of atomic weapons.
As he tries to convince the people of Earth to change their ways, he is met with suspicion and hostility, making for a thought-provoking and timely story.
36. Giant (1956)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Giant |
| Actors | Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, James Dean |
| Director | George Stevens |
| Release Date | November 24, 1956 |
| MPAA | Approved |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content |
| Duration | 3h 21min |
| Genres | Drama, Romance, Western |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
Plot Summary:
Giant is an epic Western drama that follows the life of a wealthy Texas rancher and his family over several decades.
As they navigate the changing social and political landscape of America, they must confront their own prejudices and flaws, making for a sweeping and emotional story.
37. The Magnificent Seven (1960)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Magnificent Seven |
| Actors | Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson |
| Director | John Sturges |
| Release Date | October 23, 1960 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 2h 8min |
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Western |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Magnificent Seven is a Western action-adventure film that follows a group of gunslingers who are hired to protect a Mexican village from bandits.
As they train the villagers and prepare for battle, they must also confront their own pasts and motivations, making for a thrilling and engaging story.
38. High Noon (1952)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | High Noon |
| Actors | Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Thomas Mitchell |
| Director | Fred Zinnemann |
| Release Date | July 30, 1952 |
| MPAA | Rated PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 1h 25min |
| Genres | Drama, Thriller, Western |
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
Plot Summary:
High Noon is a Western thriller that follows a retiring lawman who is forced to confront a dangerous outlaw who is set to arrive in town at noon.
As he tries to rally the townspeople to his side and prepare for the inevitable showdown, he must also confront his own fears and doubts, making for a tense and gripping story.
39. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid |
| Actors | Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross |
| Director | George Roy Hill |
| Release Date | October 24, 1969 |
| MPAA | Rated PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 1h 50min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Western |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a Western crime drama that follows two notorious outlaws as they try to evade law enforcement and escape to South America.
As they face increasingly difficult challenges and become more and more isolated, they must also confront their own mortality and the harsh realities of their chosen lifestyle.
40. West Side Story (1961)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | West Side Story |
| Actors | Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, Richard Beymer |
| Director | Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise |
| Release Date | October 18, 1961 |
| MPAA | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 2h 33min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Musical |
| IMDB Rating | 7.5/10 |
Plot Summary:
West Side Story is a musical drama that retells Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in the context of rival gangs in 1950s New York City.
As the two young lovers from different sides of the tracks try to navigate their tumultuous relationship amidst violence and prejudice, they must also confront the harsh realities of the world around them.
41. The Sound of Music (1965)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Sound of Music |
| Actors | Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker |
| Director | Robert Wise |
| Release Date | March 29, 1965 |
| MPAA | Rated G |
| Parental Guidance | Suitable for all ages |
| Duration | 2h 54min |
| Genres | Biography, Drama, Family |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Sound of Music is a musical drama that follows the story of a young nun who becomes a governess for the seven children of a widowed naval officer.
As she brings joy and music into their lives, she also falls in love with their father and must navigate the challenges of their relationship amidst the looming threat of World War II.
42. Doctor Zhivago (1965)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Doctor Zhivago |
| Actors | Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Geraldine Chaplin |
| Director | David Lean |
| Release Date | December 22, 1965 |
| MPAA | Rated PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some mature content and violence |
| Duration | 3h 17min |
| Genres | Drama, Romance, War |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
Doctor Zhivago is a romantic war drama that follows the story of a poet and physician who falls in love with a beautiful and enigmatic woman during the Russian Revolution.
As they try to navigate their tumultuous relationship amidst the chaos and violence of the times, they must also confront their own personal demons and the harsh realities of their world.
43. My Fair Lady (1964)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | My Fair Lady |
| Actors | Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Stanley Holloway |
| Director | George Cukor |
| Release Date | October 21, 1964 |
| MPAA | Rated G |
| Parental Guidance | Suitable for all ages |
| Duration | 2h 50min |
| Genres | Drama, Family, Musical |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Plot Summary:
My Fair Lady is a musical drama that follows the story of a Cockney flower girl who is transformed into a refined lady by a phonetics professor as part of a wager.
As she navigates the complexities of high society and finds herself falling in love with her tutor, she must also confront the limitations of class and gender in Edwardian England.
44. The Ten Commandments (1956)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Ten Commandments |
| Actors | Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter |
| Director | Cecil B. DeMille |
| Release Date | October 5, 1956 |
| MPAA | Rated G |
| Parental Guidance | Suitable for all ages |
| Duration | 3h 40min |
| Genres | Adventure, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Ten Commandments is an epic biblical drama that tells the story of Moses, who leads the Hebrew people out of slavery in Egypt and receives the Ten Commandments from God.
As he confronts Pharaoh and struggles to lead his people to freedom, he must also confront his own doubts and fears, making for a powerful and inspiring story.
45. The Great Escape (1963)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The Great Escape |
| Actors | Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough |
| Director | John Sturges |
| Release Date | July 4, 1963 |
| MPAA | Rated PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 2h 52min |
| Genres | Adventure, Drama, History |
| IMDB Rating | 8.2/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Great Escape is a historical drama that tells the story of a group of Allied prisoners of war who plot a daring escape from a German camp during World War II.
As they face numerous challenges and setbacks, they must also confront the brutal realities of war and the sacrifices necessary for freedom.
46. Patton (1970)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Patton |
| Actors | George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young |
| Director | Franklin J. Schaffner |
| Release Date | February 18, 1970 |
| MPAA | Rated PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 2h 52min |
| Genres | Biography, Drama, War |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
Patton is a biographical war drama that follows the story of General George S. Patton during World War II.
As he leads his troops through the battles of North Africa and Europe, he must confront the challenges of leadership and the consequences of his own actions, making for a gripping and emotional tale.
47. The French Connection (1971)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | The French Connection |
| Actors | Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, Fernando Rey |
| Director | William Friedkin |
| Release Date | October 9, 1971 |
| MPAA | Rated R |
| Parental Guidance | Not suitable for children under 17 |
| Duration | 1h 44min |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary:
The French Connection is a crime drama that follows the story of two New York City detectives who are determined to break up a major drug smuggling ring.
As they pursue their targets through the streets of the city, they must also confront their own limitations and the moral complexities of their work.
48. Dirty Harry (1971)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Dirty Harry |
| Actors | Clint Eastwood, Andrew Robinson, Harry Guardino |
| Director | Don Siegel |
| Release Date | December 23, 1971 |
| MPAA | Rated R |
| Parental Guidance | Not suitable for children under 17 |
| Duration | 1h 42min |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary:
Dirty Harry is an action thriller that follows the story of a San Francisco police detective who is determined to stop a deranged serial killer who is terrorizing the city.
As he pursues his target with unrelenting force, he must also confront the moral complexities of law enforcement and the consequences of his own actions.
49. Jaws (1975)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Jaws |
| Actors | Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss |
| Director | Steven Spielberg |
| Release Date | June 20, 1975 |
| MPAA | Rated PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 2h 4min |
| Genres | Adventure, Drama, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
Jaws is a thrilling adventure that follows the story of a police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter who team up to hunt down a great white shark that is terrorizing a New England beach town.
As they confront their own fears and the limitations of technology, they must also confront the brutal realities of nature and the consequences of human arrogance.
50. Rocky (1976)
| Details | |
| Movie Title | Rocky |
| Actors | Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young |
| Director | John G. Avildsen |
| Release Date | December 3, 1976 |
| MPAA | Rated PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some violence and mature content |
| Duration | 2h |
| Genres | Drama, Sport |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
Rocky is a sports drama that tells the story of an amateur boxer from Philadelphia who gets the chance of a lifetime to fight for the world heavyweight championship.
As he trains for the biggest fight of his life, he must also confront his own doubts and fears, making for a powerful and inspiring tale of determination and perseverance.