20 Classic Movies That You Should Watch Before Quarantine Is Over
Movies have been peoples source of entertainment since 1888. They had a Rockies start but now, people around the globe enjoy watching them with their family and friends. Films have also become one of the many tools people are using to stay entertained during quarantine. In a way it is a blessing because now you can watch a classic film, you have never seen before. Here are a few of my top favorite classic movies and ones I am looking forward to watching.
1. Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? is a 1988 American live-action/animated mystery comedy film. It is based on the 1981 novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit? by Gary K. Wolf. The film is set in 1947 Los Angeles, where “toons” act in theatrical cartoon shorts as with live-action films. They regularly interact with real people and animals and reside in Toontown. Private detective Eddie Valiant and his brother, Teddy, once worked closely with them on several famous cases, but after Teddy was killed by a toon while the duo was investigating a bank robbery, Eddie lapsed into alcoholism, lost his sense of humor, and vowed never to help toons again.
It is by far one of the best classic movies, and one for the entire family to enjoy. Live action and animation movies have been a hit since the early 1900s, and it will always continue to be a type of film families can sit and watch together.
2. The Breakfast Club
On Saturday, March 24, 1984, five students at the fictional Shermer High School report at 7:00 a.m. for all-day detention. Each comes from a different clique: Claire Standish the Snob, Brian Johnson the Geek, Andrew Clark the Jock, John Bender the Punk, and Allison Reynolds the Kook. They gather in the school library, where Assistant Principal Richard Vernon instructs them not to talk, move from their seats, or sleep until they are released at 4:00 p.m. He assigns them a thousand-word essay, in which each must describe “who you think you are”. He leaves, returning only occasionally to check on them.
The Breakfast Club is a 1985 American teen comedy-drama film. It is one of the most classic movies to come out of the 80s and personally my favorite coming of age movie. It is one of many classic movies any teen should watch.
3. Highlander
In 1985, Connor MacLeod, also known as the Highlander, is confronted by fellow immortal Iman Fasil in a New York City parking garage. MacLeod decapitates him after a duel, upon which an energy surge from Fasil enters Connor and destroys several cars around him. Connor hides his sword just as police officers swarm the garage and arrest him.
Highlander is a 1986 fantasy action-adventure film directed by Russell Mulcahy and based on a story by Gregory Widen. This movie is a child of earlier fantasy work. It is the perfect film for those who enjoy fantasy and action classic movies. It has just the right amount of these three genres, so that you are kept entertained and not lost in the story.
4. Forrest Gump
In 1981, a white feather drifts down out of the sky and lands at a bus stop in Savannah, Georgia. A man named Forrest Gump picks it up and places it in his copy of the children’s book Curious George. He then recounts his life story to strangers who sit next to him on a bench.
Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. It is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. On the list of Tom Hanks classic movies, this reaches the top of the list. It is a great story that will stick with you forever.
5. Stand By Me
In 1985, author Gordie Lachance reads in the newspaper that his childhood best friend, Chris Chambers, has died. Gordie narrates an extended flashback, later revealed to be a story he is writing. The flashback tells of a childhood incident when he, Chris, and two buddies journeyed to find the body of a missing boy near the town of Castle Rock, Oregon during the Labor Day weekend in 1959.
Stand by Me is a 1986 American coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner and based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella The Body. It is truly one of the most iconic and classic movies for teenage boys. Of course it is a great film for any young adult or adult to enjoy. However, because the characters are young boys you can understand why the target audience for this classic movie is young men.
6. The Man In The Iron Mask
In 1662, the Kingdom of France faces bankruptcy from King Louis XIV’s wars against the Dutch Republic, which has left the country’s agriculture impeded by a heavy tax burden and forced the citizens to live on rotten food. Though the country appears to be on the verge of a revolution, Louis continues to spend his time preparing for war and seducing countless women. The three musketeers have gone their separate ways; Aramis has become a priest, Porthos an alcoholic brothel owner, and Athos a violinist living with his adult son, Raoul, who aspires to join the Musketeers. Only D’Artagnan has remained with the Musketeers, now serving as their Captain.
The Man in the Iron Mask is a 1998 American action drama film directed, produced, and written by Randall Wallace. The picture uses characters from Alexandre Dumas’s D’Artagnan Romances and is very loosely adapted from some plot elements of The Vicomte de Bragelonne. This film is not only one of the best classic movies to watch but also a great twist on renowned work. It is a classic that will have you intrigued from the very beginning.
7. Beetlejuice
Barbara and Adam Maitland decide to spend their vacation decorating their idyllic Connecticut country home. Barbara’s cousin Jane Butterfield, a pushy real estate agent, hounds them with purchase offers that she solicits against their will. As the two are driving home from a trip to town, Barbara swerves to avoid a dog and the car plunges into a river.
Beetlejuice is a 1988 American comedy horror-fantasy film directed by Tim Burton. This film is one of Tim Burton’s most renowned classic movies, and one that he is most noted for. It is a truly disturbing yet amazing film that you and your family is sure to enjoy.
8. Casablanca
In December 1941, American expatriate Rick Blaine owns an upscale nightclub and gambling den in Casablanca. “Rick’s Café Américain” attracts a varied clientele, including Vichy French and German officials, refugees desperate to reach the neutral United States, and those who prey on them. Although Rick professes to be neutral in all matters, he ran guns to Ethiopia during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War and fought on the Republican (loyalist) side in the Spanish Civil War.
Casablanca is a 1942 American romantic drama film directed by Michael Curtiz based on Murray Burnett and Joan Alison’s unproduced stage play Everybody Comes to Rick’s. This film is one of the most renowned classic movies that you are in desperate need of watching. Many people rave about how wonderful the film is, yet sadly many others have not seen it. Classic movies such as Casablanca are a dying breed, and need to be shared with the many generations to come.
9. Steel Magnolias
Annelle Dupuy, a shy, awkward beauty school graduate, moves to a northwestern Louisiana town where Truvy Jones hires her to work in her home-based beauty salon. Meanwhile, M’Lynn Eatenton and her daughter, Shelby, busily prepare for Shelby’s wedding that is being held later that day. They, and Clairee Belcher, the former mayor’s cheerful widow, arrive at Truvy’s to have their hair done. While there, Shelby, who has type 1 diabetes, suffers a hypoglycemic attack, but recovers quickly with the women’s help. M’Lynn reveals that due to Shelby’s medical condition, her doctor advises against her having children. Shelby had considered ending her engagement to her fiancé, Jackson, so he would not be deprived of children.
Steel Magnolias is a 1989 American comedy-drama film directed by Herbert Ross. It is a film adaptation of Robert Harling’s 1987 play of the same name. This is one of the most heart gripping classic movies you will ever see. Though it does have some comedy lines featured. Don’t let that fool you. This classic film is a work of art for women.
10. Tombstone
In 1879, members of an outlaw gang known to wear red sashes called the Cowboys, led by “Curly Bill” Brocius, ride into a Mexican town and interrupt a local police officer’s wedding. They then proceed to massacre the assembled policemen in retribution for killing two of their fellow gang members. Shortly before being shot, a local priest warns them that their acts of murder and savagery will be avenged, referencing the biblical fourth horseman.
Tombstone is a 1993 American Western film directed by George P. Cosmatos. This is yet another one of many classic motives tale of the life of Wyatt Earp, two of his brothers, and Doc Holliday. It is also by far my favorite telling of the stories.
11. The Sandlot
In the summer of 1962, brainy, reserved fifth grader Scott Smalls moves with his parents to the San Fernando Valley, where he has difficulty making friends. He tries to join a group of boys who play baseball daily in a local sandlot, but is embarrassed by his inability to catch or throw the ball. An attempt to learn to play catch with his stepfather, Bill, results in a black eye. Nevertheless, he is invited to join the team by their leader and best player, Benny Rodriguez, who mentors him. When catcher Hamilton “Ham” Porter hits a home run into a backyard, Scott attempts to retrieve the ball but is stopped by the other boys, who tell him of “the Beast”, a junkyard dog supposedly so large and savage that it has become a neighborhood legend. Many baseballs hit into the yard over the years have all been claimed by the Beast, which is kept chained up by its owner, Mr. Mertle.
The Sandlot (released in some countries as The Sandlot Kids) is a 1993 American coming-of-age comedy film co-written, directed, and narrated by David Mickey Evans. Even if you are not into sports or sport themed films. You will still enjoy this classic, because the story it has to tell.
12. The Shining
School teacher-turned-writer Jack Torrance arrives at the remote Overlook Hotel in the Rocky Mountains to be interviewed for the position of winter caretaker. The hotel, which opened in 1909 and was built on the site of a Native American burial ground, closes during the snowed-in months. Once hired, Jack plans to use the hotel’s solitude to write. Manager Stuart Ullman tells Jack about the hotel’s history and warns him about its reputation: a previous caretaker, Charles Grady, supposedly developed cabin fever and killed his family and himself. Despite the troubling story, Jack is impressed with the hotel and gets the job. In Boulder, Jack’s son, Danny, has a terrifying premonition about the hotel, and Jack’s wife, Wendy, tells a doctor about Danny’s imaginary friend, Tony.
The Shining is a 1980 psychological horror film produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick and co-written with novelist Diane Johnson. The film is based on Stephen King’s 1977 novel of the same name. One of the most classic horror movies to come into peoples lives. They love it because of the mystery and affect of realism it puts off.
13. The Godfather
In 1945 New York City, at his daughter Connies’ wedding to Carlo, Vito Corleone listens to requests in his role as don of the Corleone crime family. His youngest son, Michael, who was a Marine during World War II, introduces his girlfriend, Kay Adams, to his family at the reception. Johnny Fontane, a popular singer and Vito’s godson, seeks Vito’s help in securing a movie role; Vito dispatches his consigliere, Tom Hagen, to Los Angeles to persuade studio head Jack Woltz to give Johnny the part. Woltz refuses until he wakes up in bed with the severed head of his prized stallion.
The Godfather is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo, based on Puzos best-selling novel of the same name. It is and always will be one of the most realistic fiction versions of the Mafia. One of the most interesting classic movies ever made.
14. Willow
When a prophecy states that a female child with a special birthmark will herald the downfall of the evil sorceress Queen Bavmorda, she imprisons all pregnant women in her realm to prevent its fulfillment. When the child is born, the mother begs the midwife to smuggle the infant to safety. The midwife reluctantly accepts and leaves Nockmaar Castle unnoticed. The mother is executed; the midwife is hunted down and eventually found. Knowing she cannot escape, the midwife sets the baby on a makeshift raft of grass and sends her down a river before being killed by Nockmaar hounds. Bavmorda, furious about the escape, sends her daughter Sorsha and her army’s commander, General Kael, to find the baby.
Willow is a 1988 American dark fantasy drama film directed by Ron Howard. This film is a classic fantasy film, and one of the best of it’s time. One of the few classic movies that is three hours long. Though it does begin to feel as if the story is dragged out for no reason, it is still a good film to watch.
15. Sixteen Candles
In 1983, High school sophomore Samantha “Sam” Baker is hopeful her 16th birthday is the beginning of a great new year, but is shocked when her family forgets because her older, vain sister Ginny is getting married the next day. Her frustration is compounded by the fact that her crush, senior Jake Ryan, has no idea how she feels.
Sixteen Candles is a 1984 American coming-of-age comedy film. This film is one of the funniest coming of age movies. Every teenager wonders what it may be like if their parents forgot their birthday, and now they can know from someone else’s point of view.
16. Pretty In Pink
High school senior Andie Walsh lives with her underemployed working class father, Jack, in a Chicago suburb. Andie’s best friend, the outsider Phil “Duckie” Dale, is in love with her, but is afraid to tell her how he truly feels. In school, Duckie and Andie, along with their friends, are harassed and bullied by the arrogant “rich” kids, specifically Benny Hanson and her boyfriend Steff McKee, who finds Andie attractive and secretively resents having been rejected by her.
Pretty in Pink is a 1986 American teen romantic comedy film about love and social cliques in American high schools in the 1980s. Perfectly represents the way of high school. The realism behind this movie makes it even more believable, that it could happen to anyone.
17. Dirty Dancing
In the summer of 1963, 17-year-old Frances Houseman, nicknamed Baby, is vacationing with her parents, Dr. Jake and Marjorie Houseman, and her older sister Lisa, at Kellerman’s, an upscale Catskills resort whose owner Max is a friend of Jake’s. Exploring one night, Baby secretly observes Max instructing the waiters, all Ivy League students, to romance the guests’ daughters, no matter how unattractive. She also sees Max demeaning the working class entertainment staff, including 25-year-old Johnny Castle, one of the resort’s dance instructors. Baby is attracted to Johnny, and dances briefly with him when his cousin, Billy, takes her to one of the staff’s secret “dirty” dancing parties.
Dirty Dancing is a 1987 American romantic drama dance film written by Eleanor Berg stein. One of the sexiest movies from its era! Dirty Dancing is one of the most classic movies from the late 80s. It grips your heart and will stick with you for many years after.
18. Ferris Buellers Day Off
In suburban Chicago, near the end of the school year, high school senior Ferris Bueller fakes illness to stay at home. Throughout the film, Ferris breaks the fourth wall to talk about his friends and give the audience advice on various subjects. His parents believe he really is ill, though his sister Jeanie does not. Dean of Students Edward R. Rooney suspects Ferris is a repeat truant and commits to catching him. Ferris convinces his best friend Cameron Frye, who is legitimately absent due to illness (though a hypochondriac, which Ferris sees through), to help lure Ferris’ girlfriend Sloane Peterson from school on the pretext of her grandmother’s supposed demise. To further the ruse, Ferris borrows Cameron’s father’s prized 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder. Cameron is dismayed when Ferris takes them into downtown Chicago in the car, to spend the day. Ferris promises they will return it as it was.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a 1986 American teen comedy film written, co-produced, and directed by John Hughes. One of the many classic movies that represent ‘The Brat Pack’. This movie is one that is sure to have you in deep thought about your own years in high school.
19. Labyrinth
16-year-old Sarah Williams recites from a book titled “The Labyrinth” in the park with her dog Merlin but becomes distracted by a line she is unable to remember while being watched by a barn owl. Realizing she is late to babysit her baby half-brother Toby, she rushes home and is confronted by her stepmother Irene, who then leaves for dinner with Sarah’s father Robert. Sarah finds Toby in possession of her treasured childhood teddy bear, Lancelot. Frustrated by this and his constant crying, Sarah rashly wishes Toby be taken away by the goblins. She is shocked when Toby disappears and Jareth, the Goblin King, arrives. He offers Sarah her dreams in exchange for the baby, but she refuses, having instantly regretted her wish. Jareth reluctantly gives Sarah 13 hours to solve his labyrinth and find Toby before he is turned into a goblin forever. Sarah meets a dwarfish man named Hoggle, who aids her in entering the labyrinth. She has trouble finding her way at first, but meets a talking worm who inadvertently sends her in the wrong direction.
Labyrinth is a 1986 musical fantasy film directed by Jim Henson, with George Lucas as executive producer, based upon conceptual designs by Brian Froud. It revolves around 16-year-old Sarah’s quest to reach the center of an enormous otherworldly maze to rescue her infant brother Toby, whom Sarah wished away to Jareth the Goblin King. Most of the film’s significant characters, apart from Bowie and Connelly, are played by puppets produced by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
20. The Outsiders
In the mid-1960s in Tulsa, Oklahoma, greasers are a gang of tough, low-income working-class teens. They include Ponyboy Curtis and his two older brothers, Sodapop and Darrel, as well as Johnny Cade, Dallas Winston, Keith “Two-Bit” Matthews, and Steve Randle. Their rivalry is with the Socs (pronounced “so-shis” /ˈsoʊʃɪz/, short for Socials), a gang of wealthier kids from the other side of town. Two Socs, Bob Sheldon, and Randy Anderson, confront Johnny, Ponyboy, and Two-Bit, who are talking to the Socs’ girlfriends, Cherry and Marcia, at a drive-in theater. The girls defuse the situation by going home with the Socs. Later that night, when Ponyboy comes home very late, Darrel loses his temper and hits him, causing him to run away. Ponyboy and Johnny take a walk through the park to calm down and are then attacked by Bob, Randy, and three other Socs, all drunk. They begin dunking Ponyboy in a fountain attempting to drown him, but Johnny pulls out his switchblade and fatally stabs Bob. Randy and the Socs run away in fear.
The Outsiders is a 1983 American coming-of-age drama film that was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It is an adaptation of the 1967 novel of the same name by S. E. Hinton. One of the most heart wrenching classic movies you will ever watch.
There are too many classic movies to choose from, but this list is sure to narrow it down to a few of the best. Which would you pick to watch during quarantine, or what classic movies have you chose on your own?
