13 classic films everyone should watch (or re-watch) now

The first of the unique musicals on this list, The Wizard of Oz takes a wildly popular book and turns it into a wildly popular and timeless film. Ripped from her home in Oklahoma by a fantastical tornado and plopped down in a magical land, Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog Toto must find their way back home with the help of her newfound friends. Even though this wasn’t the very first film in history to use color, the way it is used and masterfully contrasted is absolutely unforgettable. Though the book was already a big hit, the way Victor Fleming and his cohort translated it to screen changed the way it would be told forever.

A more or less overlooked classic in black comedy film-noir history, Sunset Blvd. details the lifestyles of those involved in the film industry’s golden era as well as its effect on their well-being. A struggling Hollywood screenwriter named Joe Gillis (William Holden) develops a relationship with fading silent film star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), who slowly sinks him deeper and deeper into her maniacal fantasy that her career will rebound again. The witty writing and dramatic acting in this movie make it worth the watch, showcasing Holden in his prime. Unfortunately, since Swanson was the same age as the character at the time, her portrayal of the disillusioned Norma Desmond was a bit too close to home, considering her last big movie role would come only a few years later. She would continue to feature in television roles and one last hurrah in 1974 before her career was over.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a romantic comedy film with a deeper layer that centers on Holly Golightly, a captivating young woman played by Audrey Hepburn. Holly cultivates a glamorous socialite image in New York City. The story also features a struggling writer named Paul Varjak (played by George Peppard), who becomes Holly’s neighbor. Despite their different backgrounds, Holly and Paul develop a unique friendship. Holly dreams of marrying a wealthy man for security, while Paul aspires to be a successful writer. As they spend time together, a romantic connection sparks between them. However, Holly’s past and her pursuit of a wealthy husband complicate their relationship. While it’s a romantic comedy, Breakfast at Tiffany’s also touches on vulnerability and the challenges of finding your own path. The story was adapted from a Truman Capote novel.

A film that has never lost its satirical power throughout the years, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a masterfully dark work of comedy genius from an absurdly unexpected visionary: Stanley Kubrick. “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the war room.” Centered around the tension and paranoia of the Cold War, American politicians, soldiers, and diplomats all take turns inadvertently self-sabotaging themselves into an endless chain of inevitable nuclear apocalypse. Peter Sellers is Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake, President Merkin Muffley, and Dr. Strangelove in one of the most impressive multi-performances ever done. Hilarious is a word that wouldn’t do this film justice, but it is considered to be one of the greatest comedies of all time.