Whether you're a weekly theater-goer or consider yourself quite the film buff, sometimes the weekend's box-office record breakers aren't enough to satisfy your film fanatic needs. Sometimes you need to stay in and add travel back to simpler times. If you're trying to catch up on the classics, there are so many you must check off your list. Here are 20 Old Hollywood films you must watch and more!
1. City Lights (1931)
Charlie Chaplin's charm and timeless comedy shine in this classic silent film.
You might also like: Modern Times, The Great Dictator, The Kid
2. The General (1926)
Buster Keaton - another one of Chaplin's contemporaries (and my personal favorite), is the master of physical comedy in this film.
You might also like: Steamboat Bill Jr., The Navigator, The Cameraman, One Week, Our Hospitality.
3. Morocco (1930)
Marlene Dietrich's first Hollywood film. She is sure to mesmerize you and leave you with the same romantic hopes as her co-stars.
You might also like: The Blue Angel, Shanghai Express
4. A Night at the Opera (1935)
If you want a good laugh, the Marx Brothers' films will always be there to offer a source of comedy for just about anybody.
You might also like: Duck Soup, Animal Crackers, Monkey Business.
5. Top Hat (1935)
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers made a total of 10 films together. This pair is quite a vision. You'll be itching to grab your dancing shoes after watching these two tap their way to each others hearts.
You might also like: Swing Time, Shall We Dance
6. Casablanca (1942)
"Play it once, Sam. For old times' sake." Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman star in one of the most cherished films of all time.
You might also like: The Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep, The African Queen.
7. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, and Cary Grant...enough said. This trio is a dream in this romantic comedy.
You might also like: Woman of the Year, Bringing Up Baby, Destry Rides Again.
8. Stage Door (1937)
An incredible story of friendship, success, and love. Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, and Lucille Ball star in this early comedy/drama. Their hilarious one-liners got me laughing throughout the film, and the transition of drama really shows the true talent these women had.
You might also like: Morning Glory, The Women.
9. The Awful Truth (1937)
Another fun one with Cary Grant and Irene Dunne! A romantic comedy with the good and bad of every relationship.
You might also like: His Girl Friday.
10. It Happened One Night (1934)
Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert are hilarious in this film. This was one of the first old Hollywood films I was introduced to and I couldn't get enough.
You might also like: Gone with the Wind
11. Queen Christina (1933)
Greta Garbo is Queen of Sweden, but gets mistaken for a young man and reunites with John Gilbert in this odd romance.
You might also like: Ninotchka, Sylvia Scarlett
12. From Here to Eternity (1953)
This film takes you back in time to the days preceding the attack on Pearl Harbor. It's full of romance, drama and a great cast. This film also features the classic beach scene we all recognize, whether or not we've seen this film.
You might also like: An Affair to Remember
13. The Apartment (1960)
A great comedy/drama that really reflects on the struggles of work life and romance.
You might also like: Some Like It Hot
14. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
A must watch for everything that is and always will be Marilyn Monroe. A fun comedy and musical!
You might also like: The Seven Year Itch, How to Marry A Millionaire.
15. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh put on quite a performance in this adaptation of Tennessee Williams' classic play.
You might also like: On the Waterfront.
16. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Audrey Hepburn is a vision. This is everything you imagine about living in the city.
You might also like: How to Steal a Million, Roman Holiday.
17. Sunset Boulevard (1950)
The madness of being a star. Gloria Swanson and a strut through tragedy.
You might also like: Citizen Kane.
18. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
James Dean and troubled teens. High school rivalries, romance, and drama are gold in this one.
You might also like: West Side Story.
19. Psycho (1960)
If you like horror films and classic suspense, you can't miss this one.
You might also like: The Birds, Vertigo, To Catch a Thief
20. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
You can always catch someone singing songs from this classic. A must watch!
You might also like: An American in Paris, Guys and Dolls, There's No Business Like Show Business.
There's a certain magic in the way movies bring people together. Regardless of your genre preferences, there's usually a new blockbuster out there for you to enjoy on any given weekend. However, there are so many films to see that aren't in a theater near you. There are tons of timeless classics that can transport you through time and show you the history of movie magic. Staying in tonight? Pick up some of these films and have yourself a good ol' time.
