20 Pre-2000s Movies You Have To See | The Odyssey Online
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20 Pre-2000s Movies You Have To See

Because everybody loves a classic.

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20 Pre-2000s Movies You Have To See
Courtesy Of The Author

Who doesn’t love a good old classic film? Needless to say, there are countless remarkable films out there, but here are a few classics that really stand out!

1. "Forrest Gump" (1994)

“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Ever heard that phrase before?

Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), a mentally handicapped yet well-intentioned man from the South finds himself in the midst of some of the most momentous incidents of the 20th century. This story of love and courage over adversity is sure to have you in tears by the end--and maybe wanting to pick through a box of assorted chocolates.

2. "Fight Club" (1999)

“The first rule of Fight Club is: You do not talk about Fight Club.” You might've heard this one before too.

In this dark comedy, a depressed man suffering from insomnia (Edward Norton) is fed up with his ordinary life, until he meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), and together they form an underground club with strict rules where they fight other men who are just as bored with every day life as they are.

3. "Schindler’s List" (1993)

This Academy Award winning film for Best Picture is one of Steven Spielberg’s greatest works. It is based on the true story of a businessman (played by Liam Neeson) who risks his life and fortune to save Jews from being exterminated during the Holocaust by turning his factory into a place of refuge. With his close attention to detail, Spielberg justly reflects the bitter realism of the Holocaust.

4. "Amadeus" (1984)

This boisterous film follows the life of the whimsical, composing genius, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It focuses on Mozart’s career and his rivalry with the talented, yet contrastingly conservative Antonio Salieri, whose boiling jealously of Mozart leads him to obsess with his downfall.

5. "Dead Poets Society" (1989)

When an English teacher (Robin Williams), starts a new job at a reputable all-boys prep school, he uses unorthodox methods to reach out to his students who face constant pressure and scrutiny from their parents. The young men are encouraged to speak up, follow their dreams and, "Carpe Diem.”

6. "Good Will Hunting" (1997)

Will Hunting, a janitor at MIT with an impressively high IQ, is discovered by a Professor after having solved a challenging college level math equation. Matt Damon stars in this uplifting film about a misguided young man who despite life's tests, stops at nothing to reach his full potential.

7. "Life is Beautiful" (1997)

A kind-hearted Jewish-Italian waiter, Guido Orefice, is living a happy life with his wife and son until they are rounded up and taken to a concentration camp. Determined to protect his son from the atrocities of their surroundings, Guido pretends their time spent in the camps is all a game. Get the tissues ready, folks. This one is sure to have you in tears by the end.

8. "The Godfather" (1972)

This mob drama is just the first film of a trilogy that has been widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. The distinguished Italian-American crime family of Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) becomes caught in an endless cycle of bloodshed and deception after Corleone's youngest joins the Mafia.

9. "The Breakfast Club" (1985)

This 80s classic coming-of-age drama follows five high school students, all from different social cliques as they are forced to suffer through a Saturday in detention altogether. After sharing personal stories, they each come to understand one another better and realize they actually have things in common. By the end of the day, they are left wondering if there lives in school will continue to be the same.


10. "Pulp Fiction" (1994)

If you're a fan of Quentin Tarantino flicks like Django and Kill Bill, this black comedy crime film is sure to have you quoting every line. It's also one of my personal favorites. The storyline consists of a few subplots that all mold together by the end- classic Tarantino. I'd tell you more, but I'd really only be ruining it for you. You're just going to have to trust me on this one. Got a Netflix account? Good news, you can stream Pulp Fiction right now!

11. "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991)

Based on the best selling novel of the same title, actress Jodie Foster plays Clarice Starling, an exceptional student of the FBI academy who has been assigned to a case involving a series of murders and cannibalism. In an effort to find out more about the case, Clarice seeks help from Dr. Hannibal Lector, a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a murderous psychopath. If you're a fan of suspenseful TV shows like CSI, The Silence of the Lambs won't leave you disappointed!

12. "The Shining" (1980)

In this 80s thriller, writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) becomes a winter caretaker at a backwoods hotel in Colorado in hopes of freeing himself from writer's block. Jack's discovery of the hotel's sinister secrets and failure to get anywhere with his novel slowly triggers the bloodthirsty psychopath that has been breeding inside him. Jack Nicholson's stellar performance is sure to give you the creeps and probably have you shouting out "Heeeeere's Johnny!!"

13. "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off" (1986)

"Bueller. Bueller. Bueller."

He’s not here, okay? That’s because high school senior Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) has a remarkable talent for ditching class and getting away with it. Determined to make the most of his last days in high school, Ferris plays the sick card and embarks on an epic adventure through Chicago sporting a "borrowed" Ferrari. Principal Rooney seems to be the only person not falling for Ferris's tricks, as he follows close behind hoping to catch him red-handed.

14. "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" (1987)

In this holiday comedy, Neal Page (Steve Martin) is just trying to get home to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving dinner with his family when a bitter snowstorm defers his flight to a remote city in Kansas. Every attempt to reach his destination seems to bring on more trouble and put Neal one inch closer to losing his cool. To make matters worse, he is forced to share the rest of his journey with a chatty, irritating salesman Del Griffith (John Candy), as the pair try to reach Chicago and beat the holiday season traffic.

15. "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993)

This film is no doubt one of Robin Williams's most stellar and--ladylike performances. Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is the carefree and fun-loving dad any kid would want, and is just looking to spend more time with his three children. With a bit of help from his glamorous brother Frank, Daniel disguises himself as an elderly British woman and fools his ex-wife into hiring him as a nanny. Daniel's constant effort to keep his secret concealed makes for one hilarious and entertaining film.

16. "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982)

In another coming-of-age, cult classic comedy (starring a much younger Sean Penn) chronicles a year in the lives of a few high school sophomores growing up in SoCal. With a combination of brash humor and brutal realism, this film perfectly outlines how chaotic teenage life can be. Time goes by quick and growing up may get tough, but all any Californian really needs are "some tasty waves, and cool buzz,” right? So true. Thanks, Spicoli.

17. "Back to the Future" (1985)

Another 1980s classic tells the story of a small town teen named Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) who launches back to the 50s after the time machine experiment of his nutty scientist friend Doc Brown goes haywire. While journeying back through time, Marty encounters his young parents and must make sure they fall in love in order to save his existence. Making his situation even more troublesome, Marty also has to make sure he's home in time to save Doc.

18. "Scarface" (1983)

"Say hello to my little friend!" Okay, Tony Montana. We surrender! You're in charge here. This vicious Cuban native will stop at nothing to get his way, and soon becomes the most powerful drug lord in Florida. Once at his peak however, Tony's outrageous behavior and breeding paranoia make him a target, and his world comes crumbling down on him.

19. "Jumanji" (1995)

Since we just can't ever get enough of Robin Williams, here's another one that's a hit. After 26 years of being stuck in the world of a board game, Alan Parrish (Robin Williams) is released by a pair of inquisitive youngsters, who happened to stumble upon the jungle-themed game in the attic of their new home. These circumstances are only temporary, however and the only way Alan will be freed for good is if the kids win Jumanji. Watch and feel the suspense drive through you as Alan and his newfound friends confront any and every jungle creature you could possibly think of.


20. "Edward Scissorhands" (1990)

Tim Burton's gothic masterpiece, which has often been compared to Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein, tells of a gentle and animated human creation, Edward (Johnny Depp) who is left unfinished after the scientist that created him suddenly dies. Though externally different with his metal scissors for hands, Edward possesses compassion and artistic ability beyond belief. He is welcomed to the community at first, but his unusual appearance ultimately forces him to face the world on his own. Witness Johnny Depp in one of the greatest performances of his career. His unique ability in bringing a character to life will have you longing for a friend like Edward Scissorhands.


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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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