Some movies never get old, no matter how many times you watch them. In fact, some of the most popular movies of all time came out 20, 30, or 40 years ago. The film industry has certainly changed over the past 40 years and with the improvements in technology, newer movies often have higher-quality footage and better special effects. However, some of the movies that will never get old have characters and a storyline that has turned them into timeless films.
For some of us, many of the movies on this list are nostalgic because we grew up watching them. Although we may not have understood the meaning of them until we were older, they’re still just as enjoyable now as they were the first time we watched them.
Hundreds of new movies come out each year and while it’s fun to discover new films, curling up on the couch and watching classic movies is one of the best ways to spend a night in. The best movies of all time have different plots, characters, and themes, but they also all have a universal message that still resonates with us today.
To create this list of 15 movies that will never get old, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous sources, including IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. Here are 15 movies that you can watch over and over again. (After this article, check out the 13 Best Cult Classics from the ’70s.)
“Toy Story”
- Released in 1995
Those who grew up in the ‘90s could never get tired of the classic Disney film, “Toy Story.” Even as adults, this film (and all of its sequels) is the kind of heartwarming tale that brings us back to our childhood. “Toy Story” was by far one of the best animated Disney films of all time, and no matter how much time goes by, it’s a film that’s still celebrated today.
“Forrest Gump”
- Released in 1994
“Forrest Gump” is another heartwarming and timeless tale released in the 1990s. According to IMDb, “Forrest Gump” ranks as the 11th best movie of all time. Starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, this classic film won six Oscars, including Best Picture. When the film was first released, it brought in over $600 million worldwide.
“Grease”
- Released in 1978
If you’re a fan of musicals, you’ve probably seen “Grease” more times than you can count. This 1978 musical romance has drama, romance, and the most catchy songs that will get stuck in your head for days. There’s no doubt it was one of the best performances by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John and it’s a film musical fans still enjoy watching.
“Clueless”
- Released in 1995
“Clueless” is another film many ‘90s kids grew up watching. This chick flick tells the story of Cher, the most popular girl in her high school, who plays matchmaker for the teachers at school and gives a new student a makeover. The plot for “Clueless” wasn’t completely original, however, and was inspired by the novel “Emma” written by Jane Austen.
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
- Released in 1946
Starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is considered the 22nd top-rated movie of all time. It’s also considered one of the best Christmas films of all time. This film tells the story of a man who is visited by his guardian angel on Christmas Eve after he considers ending his life.
“Jurassic Park”
- Released in 1993
Even though “Jurassic World” was a big hit at the box office, for many fans, it will never beat the classic film “Jurassic Park.” Released in 1993, this action film directed by Steven Spielberg ranks in the top 200 films of all time. You can’t get much more exciting than a film about dinosaurs roaming an island in Central America.
“The Princess Bride”
- Released in 1987
By far one of the most quotable movies from the ‘80s, “The Princess Bride” is a classic comedy and adventure film. Starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright, this story has it all. It’s a romance that tells the story of Wesley and Buttercup, but it also has adventure and pirates. The iconic characters in “The Princess Bride” make this film a timeless classic.
“Dirty Dancing”
- Released in 1987
With its memorable quotes and famous dance scene, “Dirty Dancing” is the kind of film you could watch over and over again. The song from the famous scene, “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” even won an Oscar for Best Original Song. This film has significantly influenced pop culture, with a reference to it in numerous other films and TV shows.
“The Breakfast Club”
- Released in 1985
“The Breakfast Club” is a powerful story about five high school students stuck in detention on a Saturday. Despite their differences, they realize they have much more in common by the end of detention than they thought. This coming-of-age story is the kind of film you can never get tired of.
“12 Angry Men”
- Released in 1957
This courtroom drama is rated as the 5th best movie of all time according to IMDb. “12 Angry Men” follows the story of 12 men serving on a jury for a murder trial. The jurors must all agree before submitting their verdict, but one juror has reasonable doubt. “12 Angry Men” was based on a screenplay written by Reginald Rose.
“Casablanca”
- Released 1942
“Casablanca” is another film that’s considered one of the greatest movies of all time, rated number 47 by IMDb. This film, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, tells the story of a nightclub owner who’s asked by his ex-lover to help her and her husband escape Casablanca. The film won three Oscars for Best Director, Best Writing, and Best Picture.
“Home Alone”
- Released in 1990
Starring Macaulay Culkin and Joe Pesci, this iconic Christmas film is one that never gets old. While there are five sequels in the Home Alone franchise, none of them can top the original film. As a comedy, “Home Alone” has numerous hilarious and memorable moments as well as the warm and fuzzy Christmas feelings that come with most films based during the holiday season.
“Star Wars IV: A New Hope”
- Released in 1977
There have been numerous Star Wars films and shows released over the past 40 years, but for dedicated fans, you can’t beat the original trilogy, namely “Star Wars: IV – A New Hope,” “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.” The first Star Wars film was released in 1977 and won six Oscars, including Best Writing, Best Director, and Best Picture.
“Braveheart”
- Released in 1995
Mel Gibson starred in “Braveheart,” a war drama rated in the top 100 movies of all time. There are plenty of memorable scenes in this film. “Braveheart” follows the story of William Wallace, a Scottish man who leads a rebellion against the ruler of England. While the film only brought in a few million more than the estimated budget in the US and Canada, it made over $200 million worldwide.
“The Shawshank Redemption”
- Released in 1994
“The Shawshank Redemption” is rated as the top film of all time by IMDb. This drama, starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, is based on a novella by Stephen King. “The Shawshank Redemption” is proof that a film doesn’t have to be a hit at the box office to become a classic. While the estimated budget for this film was $25 million, it only brought in around $28 million worldwide. This masterpiece received praise for its brilliant storyline and incredible acting by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. (Don’t miss the Best ’80s Movies That Will Never Get Old.)