The film industry has changed significantly since the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s. While special effects and the quality of cinematography have improved with technology, you don’t need special effects to tell a great story. That’s why many classic movies will never get old, even if they seem outdated.
Even if you weren’t born when these classic movies were released, watching older movies can give us a glimpse of what life was like in different times. Despite many of these films being in black and white or lacking the kind of special effects we see in films nowadays, they all have incredible stories that make them worth watching over and over again.
Classics such as “The Wizard of Oz” or “Gone with the Wind” are the kind of timeless movies we could never get tired of. Many of these classic films have elements we don’t see as often in modern films. Instead of focusing solely on the effects, they have complex characters and interesting stories. Some even have catchy songs that are hard to forget.
There’s a reason why many people are fascinated with films from old Hollywood. Without being able to rely on extensive technology or incredibly high film budgets, the directors who created some of the best classic films had to find other ways to make their films stand out from the rest. (Check out the best but also forgotten movies of the ’60s.)
To create this list of 15 classic movies that will never get old, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous entertainment and lifestyle sources, including Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb.
“The Sound of Music” (1965)
Julie Andrews starred in this classic musical that tells the story of Maria, a woman who begins to work as a governess while she discerns whether she will become a nun. This film is based on the true story of the Von Trapp family and is based in Salzburg, Austria. After its release, “The Sound of Music” won five Oscars, including Best Sound, Best Director, and Best Picture.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
While you can certainly enjoy “It’s a Wonderful Life” any time of year, this classic film takes place on Christmas Eve. Often enjoyed as a Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” tells the heartwarming story of a man who questions whether his life is worth living. This leads to his guardian angel showing him what the world would be like if he were never born. “It’s a Wonderful Life” starred James Stewart and Donna Reed.
“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
“The Wizard of Oz” is one of the most beloved films of all time and certainly never gets old. Judy Garland’s performance in this family-friendly film is a testament to her talent. “The Wizard of Oz” is based on a fairy tale written by L. Frank Baum titled “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The film won two Oscars for Best Music.
“The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938)
The story of Robin Hood has appeared in numerous books, films, and folklore throughout history, but one of the best depictions of this character is the 1938 film “The Adventures of Robin Hood.” This classic tale of Robin Hood won three Oscars for Best Music, Best Film Editing, and Best Art Direction.
“Gone with the Wind” (1939)
Directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, and Sam Wood, this timeless film is one you can never get tired of. Although “Gone with the Wind” is nearly four hours long, it’s rated in the top 200 movies of all time by IMDb. This romantic film won eight Oscars, including Best Cinematography, Best Director, and Best Picture.
“Mary Poppins” (1964)
“Mary Poppins” is a classic film loved by children and adults alike. Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke brought this magnificent story to life. This film is a musical about a magical nanny known as Mary Poppins. “Mary Poppins” is full of whimsy, music, and heartwarming moments. The original “Mary Poppins” won five Oscars, including Best Actress, Best Film Editing, and Best Music.
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)
Aubrey Hepburn, George Peppard, and Patricia Neal starred in this classic film based on a novel by Truman Capote. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” tells the story of a socialite who falls in love with a writer in her building. This film, directed by Blake Edwards, won two Oscars for Best Music. It was also nominated for Best Actress, Best Writing, and Best Art Direction.
“2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968)
“2001: A Space Odyssey” was one of the best films to come out of the 1960s. This sci-fi film starred Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, and William Sylvester. Although it only won an Oscar for Best Effects, IMDb has rated it as one of the top 100 movies of all time. This epic tale features space travel, aliens, and adventure.
“Citizen Kane” (1941)
“Citizen Kane” is a drama and mystery film directed by Orson Welles. Starring Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore, and Orson Welles himself, it tells the story of a reporter who investigates the life of Kane after his death. This 1940s film won an Oscar for Best Writing for an Original Screenplay.
“A Man for All Seasons” (1966)
“A Man for All Seasons” is an incredible film that tells the true story of Sir Thomas More, the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain who refused to approve of King Henry VIII’s divorce. The film starred Paul Scofield, Wendy Hiller, and Robert Shaw. “A Man of All Seasons” won six Oscars including Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Picture.
“Singin’ In the Rain” (1952)
“Singin’ in the Rain” is another classic musical. This musical romance directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly celebrates the introduction of sound in films while also making fun of the transition. “Singin’ in the Rain” brought many memorable songs to the world, such as “All I Do is Dream of You,” “Good Morning,” and of course, “Singin’ in the Rain.”
“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)
“Miracle on 34th Street” is another classic Christmas story that never gets old. Directed by George Seaton, this family film tells the story of a mother who hires a man to be Santa Claus and then finds out he claims to be the real Santa. “Miracle on 34th Street” won three Oscars for Best Writing and Best Actor.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962)
“To Kill a Mockingbird,” a novel written by Harper Lee, is perhaps one of the most important novels ever written. The film adaption of the novel came out in 1962, starring Gregory Peck, John Megna, and Frank Overton. “To Kill a Mockingbird” follows the story of Atticus Finch, a lawyer who bravely defends a Black man in Alabama who is falsely accused of a heinous crime. The film won three Oscars for Best Actor, Best Writing, and Best Art Direction.
“12 Angry Men” (1957)
“12 Angry Men” is the perfect example of a film that completely relies on the story and characters instead of relying on special effects or fancy cinematography. The majority of this courtroom drama may take place in one room with the same 12 characters, but it’s rated the fifth-best movie of all time by IMDb.
“Casablanca” (1942)
Perhaps one of the greatest romance films of all time, “Casablanca” is another classic film from the 1940s. With Hollywood stars such as Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, this film captured the hearts of viewers when it was first released and continues to capture the hearts of viewers today. IMDb rated “Casablanca” as the 47th-best movie of all time. (Don’t miss the best ’50s movies that will never get old.)