The baby boomer generation grew up witnessing dramatic changes in the world. One of the changes they’ve been through was the explosion of technology. Modern technology helped create better movies over time. Before, CGI didn’t provide the same excellence as it does in 2024. That doesn’t take away from the great stories told, though. Movies like “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” did the best with what they had at the time to attract fan bases that are still crazy about the series today.
“The Godfather” is another movie from the 1970s that doesn’t use as much technology as alternative options but still tells a legendary tale. However, for many people of that generation, the fear of losing touch with millennials and Gen-Z exists. One of the easiest ways to keep conversations going is by staying up to date and watching movies that have recently been released.
“Oppenheimer” and “Bob Marley: One Love” came out in 2023 and 2024. Each film focuses on the lives of people from the baby boomer generation. Younger people are watching these movies and getting excited about them. If a baby boomer were to watch these modern films, they’d be able to offer even more insight into the stories.
One epic movie released between the two generations is “Titanic.” The tragic film featured actors most people easily recognize, giving baby boomers another way to connect with younger generations. For more baby boomer content, click here to read about the quintessential traits of the baby boomer generation.
To compile this list of must-see movies for baby boomers, 24/7 Tempo consulted entertainment sources. These include IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Movie Web.
‘Oppenheimer’
IMDb user rating: 8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 91%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 93%
Director: Christopher Nolan
Few box-office weekends have had the same hype as when “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” were released. During the summer of 2023, baby boomers found it essential to watch the legendary story of how the atomic bomb was created. The movie allowed baby boomers to connect with younger generations.
Because the film was about World War II, baby boomers could also talk to their parents and elders about what exactly took place. Since the movie won the Best Picture award at the Oscars in 2024, baby boomers who haven’t seen it yet should know they’re in for a great show.
‘Bob Marley: One Love’
Sheldon Shepherd and Kingsley Ben-Adir attend a Dotdash Meredith Special Screening of Bob Marley: One Love at the Dotdash Meredith Screening Room on Feb. 12, 2024, in New York, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
IMDb user rating: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 92%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 42%
Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
Bob Marley’s music still makes an impact on people’s lives today. For baby boomers, they got to experience the artist while he was alive. “Bob Marley: One Love” tells the story of Marley’s life and relationships as he navigated his way to fame. Many baby boomers will love getting a glimpse into what Marley’s day-to-day life was like on his ride to the top.
The film was released in 2024, which means tons of younger people hit the theater to watch it. Even though it doesn’t have the same critically acclaimed reviews from movie experts like “Oppenheimer,” audiences still love it.
‘Titanic’
IMDb user rating: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 69%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 88%
Director: James Cameron
Most people know the story of the ill-fated Titanic. However, the movie “Titanic” took it to a new level. Its producers pulled that off by introducing fans to a fictional love story that unfolded on the ship. Baby boomers can appreciate “Titanic” because the cast is easily recognizable, with names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, and Kathy Bates.
The technology used at the time was cutting-edge. It showcases where the film industry was heading at the time. Even though audiences didn’t fall head over heels for it then, its popularity has continued through 2024.
‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’
IMDb user rating: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 96%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 93%
Director: George Lucas
The Star Wars franchise has become a billion-dollar industry without calculating earnings beyond the film saga. Toys, video games, television shows, sections of amusement parks, and more have been designed to honor Star Wars. It all started with the first film, released in 1977.
That was a prime time for baby boomers, who pushed the franchise’s popularity so heavily. Even today, keeping up on Star Wars is a great way for baby boomers to stay connected with others of all ages.
‘2001: A Space Odyssey’
IMDb user rating: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 89%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 92%
Director: Stanley Kubrick
The future was an exciting thought for baby boomers in the ’60s. However, “2001: A Space Odyssey” proved there could be trouble with technology. When a computer took over to move people around through time travel, the battles became intense. This is a feeling many baby boomers have regarding modern technology and the way it has progressed over the years.
While “2001: A Space Odyssey” likely won’t connect boomers with younger generations like other movies on this list, it will certainly bring back fond memories of growing up.
‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’
IMDb user rating: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 92%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 89%
Director: George Roy Hill
Western movies were a popular genre during the time baby boomers were growing up and experiencing life. “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” told the story of two train robbers who viewers ended up rooting for.
Similarly to “2001: A Space Odyssey,” this movie will likely not bring baby boomers closer to the millennials and Gen-Zers in their families. However, it will allow viewers to see old-school actors like Paul Newman and Robert Redford. Even if you’re a baby boomer who has seen it, you can always rewatch and relive one of the great Westerns.
‘Moneyball’
IMDb user rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 86%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 94%
Director: Bennett Miller
Tons of baby boomers around the world are sports fans. However, there’s been a big shift toward using stats and numbers to show how talented a player actually is. Because this is how sports are viewed and played today, some members of the baby boomer generation are upset.
The movie Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt, tells the true story of how the Oakland Athletics first used numbers to create a good team. While this movie might not fully convince all baby boomers that analytics are a good thing, it might convince some. The film will also lead to a deeper understanding of how things are done today in the sports world. This matters because using numbers doesn’t appear to be going anywhere soon.
‘The Godfather’
IMDb user rating: 9.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 98%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 97%
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
“The Godfather” is still talked about in 2024 for its script, actors, and impact on society. Baby boomers were around when the movie was first released in 1972. While there were sequels made, nothing truly compares to the first, and baby boomers watch “The Godfather” with respect and admiration.
They’re also often happy to share it with millennials and Gen-Zers who haven’t seen it yet. Based on the scores it has gotten, most viewers who watch enjoy it.
‘Jaws’
IMDb user rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 90%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 97%
Director: Steven Spielberg
The classic theme song that plays during “Jaws” has become ingrained in society and passed down from generation to generation. It’s also one of the first movies to put Steven Spielberg on the map in the entertainment industry. The movie certainly can be appreciated by all generations, including and especially baby boomers.
Why? It hit theaters in 1975 when most boomers were young adults. The fear of sharks swimming toward you in the ocean will linger forever, and this movie perfectly encapsulates that terror.
‘Till’
IMDb user rating: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 97%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 96%
Director: Chinonye Chukwu
Learning about history means that society is less likely to repeat it. The story of Emmett Till is one of the most well-known and controversial tales in history. The events surrounding his untimely death turned into a film in 2022. It’s one that baby boomers should watch as a must-see film.
The event occurred in 1955, near when the baby boomer generation was first born. Knowing Till’s tragic story allows everyone who watches it to gain a new perspective on what occurred. For more baby boomer coverage, click here to read about their slang that baffles everyone else.