Cinematic Classics: 17 Movies We Can Watch Over and Over Again
A lot of films don't hold up well over time, but there are some that audiences love more with repeat viewings no matter how old the movie may be. One movie-lover on a popular entertainment forum asked for examples of a movie that “never gets old,” and many offered up their suggestions. Below is a list of some of the most commonly suggested strokes of cinematic brilliance, including a few additions of my own.
1. Toy Story (1995)
Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toy chest very quickly enamored audiences in this 1995 animated film. Pixar hit a home run with this sordid tale of toy sociology, which sees Woody struggling to remain his human companion’s favorite toy when the flashier Buzz Lightyear shows up. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen deliver stellar performances alongside an ensemble cast that fills the movie with nothing but delight and adventure. While followed by sequels, video games, and all manner of merchandising, the original movie will always have a special place in our hearts.
2. Scream (1996)
Horror fans will attest that Scream is one slasher that’s withstood the test of time and will continue to do so. Wes Craven turned the genre in on itself with a clever meta concept that allowed the film to be both enjoyable and say something about horror cinema. The perfect combo of a fun script and a stellar cast made it easy to fall in love with Scream, and even easier to watch over and over again more than 25 years later.
3. Clue (1985)
Many fans responded with Clue, the movie based on the popular board game. When guests with no apparent link are mysteriously invited to a sprawling mansion, the bodies start to quickly pile up. Much like a game of the titular board game, the movie dissolves into complete and utter hilarious chaos with Tim Curry delivering one of his funniest roles as the fast-talking butler. Clue is campy, mindless fun with a vibrant cast and incredible writing.
4. O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)
One user shared their love for O Brother, Where Art Thou. From the humor to the music, O Brother, Where Art Thou combines great acting, humor, music, and directing into a clever take on a tale cleverly riddled with religious themes. The Coen Brothers masterfully direct George Clooney, Tim Blake Nelson, and John Turturro through an adventure that's worth multiple viewings.
5. Starship Troopers (1997)
A lot of movie fans picked Starship Troopers, a film that's military and political satire only gets better with time.
When it was released, Starship Troopers was ripped to shreds by critics and viewers alike. It barely made a profit at the global box office. The film's anti-fascist satire was badly received, as audiences weren't expecting that subject material from a sci-fi action film despite its prominence in the novel the movie is based on. It took a few years, but Starship Troopers was more fairly reevaluated by audiences and is now recognized as one of the finest sci-fi movies ever made.
6. The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride has become a timeless movie, not because it has any state-of-the-art sets or effects, but because the characters are so well written and acted. Each role has remained fresh over thirty years after its release, making the film a continued delight from beginning to end. It's clever, romantic, and funny, with a cast of talented stars who all perform brilliantly.
7. Clueless (1995)
Clueless continues to be a favorite, and even today, we're still laughing at lines that we totally didn't catch when we were younger. When a movie has enough packed into it to keep finding new things to laugh at years down the line, it's doing something right. Amy Heckerling's coming-of-age teen comedy undoubtedly fits that criteria.
8. Galaxy Quest (1999)
Galaxy Quest has been a beloved movie for decades, and that's high praise for a sci-fi comedy, a genre that can very easily feel dated. It's both a spoof of cinema's finest space adventures and a movie that captures the best parts of those space operas.
9. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambs is one of those horror movies that is referenced time and time again, and people talk about it as one of their favorite thrillers of all time. From a superior performance from Anthony Hopkins as the eerily fiendish Hannibal Lecter to the thrilling plot line, the entire movie remains a viewer favorite.
10. Back to the Future (1985)
Many forum members agree that Back to the Future is a timeless classic, and it has really cemented itself as one of the most important movies from the 1980s. Is there a more universally loved movie than Back to the Future? We're hard-pressed to think of one. It's particularly impressive for Back to the Future to be so popular now, given that there are so many plot holes and time travel movies don't tend to age well. That viewers can overlook its flaws says a lot.
11. Jurassic Park (1993)
Jurassic Park was a popular answer from forum members. From the believable to the gripping acting, Jurassic Park has been beloved through generations. When practical effects are done well, they beat CGI hands down. Jurassic Park has some of the finest practical special effects ever filmed and it looks as impressive today as it did in 1993.
12. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Shawshank Redemption is a classic movie that viewers admit to seeing quite a few times. It was inevitable that The Shawshank Redemption would appear on this list as it's one of the finest movies ever made. Can anyone say with a straight face that they don't watch it when it's airing on television? We think not.
13. The Mummy (1999)
A couple of users suggested The Mummy (1999). It's one of those movies that feels like a true, Hollywood adventure whether you watched it today or 20 years ago. The Mummy tells a classic story that will never grow old — and it's aided by the fact that its star, Brendan Fraser, is one of the most likable actors on the planet.
14. Spirited Away (2001)
The list wouldn't be complete without at least one Studio Ghibli movie, and Spirited Away is a definite favorite. Spirited Away is a Japanese animated movie and a great film to start with if you're looking to get into anime. The film's main selling point is that it looks gorgeous. It's a classic fairytale that's enchanting for both children and adults alike, and it won't lose its appeal any time soon.
15. My Cousin Vinny (2001)
Imagine being framed for a crime you didn't do, and your only hope is your lawyer cousin, Vinny, who isn't what you'd call the most competent person in law. My Cousin Vinny is hilarious and the actors all do such a great job, that by the end, you'd think about hiring Vinny to represent you in court next time.
16. Beetlejuice (1988)
Michael Keaton brings the undead to life in Beetlejuice, the wonderful comedy that still has such a big grip on society. It's one of the most watched movies around Halloween, and the revitalization of the movie also came when the musical version hit Broadway a few years ago. Besides Keaton, the entire cast is great and the writing of the movie is wonderful.
17. Groundhog Day (1993)
Fans could watch this movie again, and again, and again… But truly, Groundhog Day is one of those movies that does a great job of combining humor and the emotional strength to make major changes in our lives. Plus, it's the only movie about the obscure holiday, Groundhog Day.
Source: Reddit
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