Consider This Your Movie Homework

Classic films everyone needs to see at least once

This past week, I went on vacation to California with a couple of friends, and one of our adventures included a stop at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. I was so excited about this; I’m a huge movie lover, and I totally geeked out over all the costumes, props, and pieces of film history on display. Seriously, if you’re into movies or even just enjoy wandering through museums, this one is a must-see. It was one of my favorite things we did on the trip!

Something I realized, though, is how many iconic films, true pieces of cinematic history, aren’t always widely known. I was reminded of this while going through the museum because, not to call them out, but I was sometimes surprised by how many classic movies my friends hadn’t seen. Honestly, I shouldn’t have been shocked; I overheard some people in the museum talking about how they didn’t know who Shirley Temple was, and I’ve had plenty of friends over the years that haven’t seen or even heard of well-known older films.

So, I figured I’d do my part to help fix that right here on my blog. For anyone who wants to broaden their film knowledge and dive into classics, here’s a list of old movies I think everyone should at least be familiar with, if not watch at least once.

(And by the way: I’m creating this list based off a lot of the films I saw represented in the Academy museum with a few of my personal picks sprinkled in.)

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1. Shirley Temple films (1931-1949)

Okay, technically, this isn’t one film. But, I was inspired to include this due to the young people in the museum not knowing who Shirley Temple was. She’s not just a drink! As a child, Shirley Temple was one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood during the 1930s and is widely credited with helping save 20th Century Fox from bankruptcy during the Great Depression. Known for her adorable curls, dimpled cheeks, and boundless charm, she was a singer, actress, and dancer, especially known for her tap dancing. I’ve included a link above to a famous scene she shared with Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, an actor and dancer with whom she made four films. Together, they became the first interracial dancing partners on screen. My favorite Shirley Temple films as a kid were Curly Top (1935), Captain January (1936), Heidi (1937), Little Miss Broadway (1938), and Just Around the Corner (1938).

2. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

This movie is essential to film literacy, in my opinion. Even if you’ve somehow never seen it all the way through, you probably already know some of its most famous lines like “There’s no place like home,” “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” or “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” The Wizard of Oz, based on the book by L. Frank Baum, is incredibly iconic from its music to Dorothy’s gingham blue dress and ruby red slippers. Its groundbreaking use of Technicolor when Dorothy steps from sepia-toned Kansas into the vibrant world of Oz is worth the watch alone. But Judy Garland’s rendition of “Over the Rainbow” isn’t just a beloved standard but a must-see piece of film history. Seriously, if you haven’t seen this, you’ve got to.

3. Casablanca (1942)

This is another absolute must-watch. Set during World War II, Casablanca takes place mostly in a Moroccan nightclub run by Rick, played by Humphrey Bogart. When his former lover Ilsa, played by Ingrid Berman, walks in with her husband, old feelings come rushing back. At its core, it’s a film about love; love between old friends, old flames, and love of country. It has gone on to become one of the most beloved classics of all time, and for good reason. It’s romantic, not just in story but in style, and the ending makes me emotional every time.

4. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

The first of two movies on this list that people traditionally watch at Christmastime! Meet Me in St. Louis is a Technicolor musical following the Smith family through the four seasons of one year as they prepare for the World’s Fair. The plot focuses on the family dynamics, young romance, and, most importantly, the growing pains of change. The emotional core of the film is what still hits home today, and Judy Garland, as its central protagonist, channels every emotion with warmth. I say it’s a Christmas film because she sings the original version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and it makes me cry every time. If you want a classic with beautiful music, dreamy costumes and sets, and that slightly bittersweet feeling of old Hollywood Americana, this one’s for you.

5. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

The second of the two movies people tend to revisit around Christmas! Starring James Stewart as George Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life is the story of a man who spends his life putting others first, only to reach his breaking point and wonder if the world would be better off without him. Spoiler alert: it wouldn’t. With the help of Clarence, a sweet and bumbling angel-in-training, George gets a glimpse into what the world would look like if he’d never been born. It’s considered a Christmas film partly because the final act takes place on Christmas Eve, but also because its message of hope has made it one of the most beloved American films ever made.

6. The Red Shoes (1948)

This is not just a film, it’s an experience. The Red Shoes is a masterpiece that blends drama, ballet, and fantasy. The story follows Vicky, a young dancer who is forced to choose between her passion for dance and her love for a young composer. At the heart of the film is a dazzling ballet sequence based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, The Red Shoes. It’s gorgeous, like watching a painting come to life. But, beyond the visuals, the film dives deep into the cost of artistic ambition and the struggle between career and personal life. It’s tragic, beautiful, and haunting. (And just to geek out a bit: I saw the ballet slippers worn in the movie at the Academy museum and flipped out.)

7. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

When making this list, Singin’ in the Rain was one of the first movies to come to mind. It’s pure joy with some of the most memorable musical numbers ever put to screen. Set during the transition from silent films to talkies, the story follows a silent film star, Don Lockwood, played by Gene Kelly, as he struggles with the arrival of sound in movies while falling for the effortlessly charming Kathy Selden, played by Debbie Reynolds. The film is packed with show-stopping moments, from the hilarious “Make Em Laugh” to the iconic “Good Morning” number, but the standout has to be the “Singin’ in the Rain” sequence, where Kelly dances in the streets during a downpour. It’s one of the most famous musical moments in film history, and in my opinion, it is an essential viewing.

8. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Rebel Without a Cause is one of those movies that defines a generation. Starring James Dean, the film dives into the struggles of adolescence, alienation, and the search for identity. Dean’s character, Jim, arrives in this new town and is quickly thrust into a world of disillusioned teens who, like him, are trying to figure out where they fit in the world. It’s raw, emotional, and brilliantly captures the angst of teens in the 1950s. And here’s a fun fact: the film’s iconic use of Griffith Observatory was the original famous film spot, long before La La Land used it for the planetarium scene!

9. 12 Angry Men (1957)

This was the most recent watch for me on this list, and I don’t know what took me so long. 12 Angry Men is a masterclass in dialogue and acting, set almost entirely in a single jury room. Twelve men are tasked with deciding the fate of a teenager accused of murder, and what starts as an open-and-shut case slowly unravels as one juror, played by Henry Fonda, challenges the others to confront their biases and examine the evidence. It’s a gripping drama, and has one of my favorite metaphors in films: no air conditioning and an oncoming storm as tensions reach a boiling point. Genuinely one of the best older movies I’ve ever seen, and one I think everyone should watch.

10. Psycho (1960)

I had to include at least one Hitchcock, and what better choice than the one with one of the most iconic horror scenes ever? Psycho is, in many ways, a blueprint for modern horror. The film starts as a straightforward story about a woman on the run with stolen money, but then takes a sharp, unforgettable turn when she reaches the Bates Motel. The iconic shower scene still holds up; shocking and brilliantly edited. Hitchcock’s ability to subvert audience expectations is masterful. If you’re going to watch a classic horror film, this is the one to start with.

11. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

It wouldn’t feel right to make a list of classic films without including Audrey Hepburn, and Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is her most iconic role. In this role, Hepburn created one of the most enduring images in film history: the little black dress, pearls, and coffee in front of Tiffany’s. But beyond the glamour, the film is also a bittersweet story about identity, loneliness, and the personas we build to survive. It’s a lovely story with a wistful score, but don’t be afraid to watch this one with a critical eye since it includes a deeply outdated and offensive portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi, her neighbor. Still, Hepburn’s performance is unforgettable, and this film remains a key piece of classic Hollywood history.

12. The Sound of Music (1965)

Last but not least, a timeless film that everyone should definitely watch at least once. The Sound of Music is a sweeping musical about love, family, and following your heart, set against a gorgeous backdrop of Salzburg while World War II looms in the background. Julie Andrews (my comfort person, for real) plays Maria, a free-spirited nun-turned-governess who brings music and life back into the lives of the stern Captain von Trapp and his seven children. The songs are iconic and unforgettable, the scenery is absolutely beautiful, and it never fails to bring me joy every time I watch it. This really is one of those films that is kind of considered an epic, and I truly think you’re missing out if you haven’t seen it.

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That’s all I have for today! I’m hoping that going into May I’ll have some more opinion pieces lined up. (I can’t believe we’re already going to be in May!) Hope you’re taking care of yourself! I appreciate you :)

- Lillian