10 Movie Classics You Have To See
If you’re in the mood for a movie night, but overwhelmed by the streaming options available to you, there’s no need to stress. I have rounded up 10 movie classics on my must-see list. Some are more on the trendy side than a typical classic movie list. But if you’re a fan of fashion, talented acting, interesting plot lines, and original characters then this is the list you’ve been waiting for. It’s classic movie time folks!
Heather’s
Heather’s is a dark comedy that is on my classic list for several reasons. One is that the outfits are extremely vibrant and original. The staple croquet outfits they wear will leave you wanting to re-look at your wardrobe and incorporate some color. The plot of this story includes the popular girl played by Winona Rider falling for the new bad boy in school Christian Slater, but the plot turns dark and original when he starts murdering the cruel kids in school and poses their deaths as suicides. Yes, shockingly this is a comedy, and I still can say I haven’t watched anything else quite like it.
Goodwill Hunting
This movie made me understand the love for the talented actor Matt Damon. He plays the role of a young janitor at MIT in Massachusetts, who is actually a secret genius. Once he’s out of this world smarts are discovered, he is mentored by the beloved Robin Williams. The movie takes you through the rough journey of figuring out life in your twenties and has plenty of drama and romance along the way. It will leave you feeling inspired and is a classic movie you have to see.
Clueless
Clueless has been one of my favorite movies since childhood, surprisingly yes I was allowed to watch it in elementary school. However, I’d say the older I’ve gotten the more I have understood and related to this cult classic film. It was actually inspired by Heather’s fashion and slang in the film but has a much more modern and less dark plotline. It gives you the valley girl LA charm with killer fashion and a happy ending. It’s one of my go-to feel-good movies and should be on every watch list. You’ll be saying ‘as if’ in no time.
The Royal Tenenbaums
My first and favorite Wes Anderson films is none other than The Royal Tenenbaums. This movie offers quirky charm and an all-star cast to keep you more than entertained. It has an awkward air to the script and characters, in classic Wes Anderson style. Which I love, but some might find a bit cringy. This classic film follows the plot of a hyper-successful and dramatic family as they grow apart and come back together as adults under the impression their neglectful father may be dying. It offers understated comedy, drama, and it is the perfect movie for those days you’re in a weird mood that can’t be categorized.
Girl, Interrupted
Oh, the drama! This film is one of the first works of Winona Rider and a gorgeous Angelia Jolie. The main character is dealing with depression as she prepares to graduate high school and is sent to an all-girls treatment center. You learn the deep and dark issues all the girls are dealing with in this drama-filled masterpiece. It is not for the faint of heart or an uplifting movie, to say the least. But it is truly an extraordinarily well-done film and a classic movie everyone should see. It also was the start of many successful careers, which is fun to see the talented cast in the early stages of their journey.
The Devil Wears Prada
This is probably my all-time favorite film. The Devil Wears Prada stars Anne Hathaway as she accepts a position in the world of fashion to start off her career in journalism. Set in bustling New York City, the film follows the struggles of a girl trying to find her footing in the stressful world of fashion when she has zero prior experience. The comedic characters and blunt acting suck you in and leave you wanting more. Although this film is based around the fashion industry, it has been a favorite of many friends I have that have no interest in clothing. It’s just genuinely relatable for anyone whose had to deal with a nightmare boss, and the cast is fantastic.
Almost Famous
The start of Kate Hudson’s career began with this classic film and it’s no secret as to why. Almost Famous follows a bright-eyed kid who’s love of music leads him to want to pursue a career as a music journalist. To get the articles he wants, he starts going to concerts and gets an understanding of the groupie lifestyle. Along the way, he befriends Kate Hudson’s effervescent character, Penny Lane, as they go on the road with a rock and roll band. This movie has everything from music to killer outfits and is the source of my 70s inspiration. It is not too dramatic or funny, so it can honestly fit into any type of movie night. It’s a classic you have to see at some point.
Mystic Pizza
For the lovers of rom coms and having a laid back girls night, this is the classic movie you’re looking for. Mystic Pizza stars a young and beautiful Julia Roberts living in cape cod working at a popular pizza joint. It surrounds her budding romance with the rich and beautiful law school dropout and the hardships faced in the 80s with coming from two different economic backgrounds. Although the issues in the film may seem a bit dated, the premise is truly a classic of boy meets girl and let the complication begin, type of tale. It’s a classic movie you have to keep on your romantic comedy list for the next time you need a fun and happy go lucky film.
American Beauty
This suburban drama is on most classic movie lists. It airs on the stranger side of movies and has a lot of dark undertones at the beginning that comes to fruition in the end. It deals with the hidden depression and dark times of a man going through a midlife crisis in suburbia. It isn’t the type of movie that I find super relatable as a whole but has a deeper message that growing up in the suburbs, people can find relatable. Its original storyline and monotone characters balance intriguingly with the drama of it all. This is not a movie I go to often, But American Beauty is a classic film that you have to see at least once.
Legally Blonde
This classic upbeat film follows the beautiful and blonde Reese Witherspoon playing the aloof and funny Elle Woods. The film centers around the pretty in pink college student as she gets dumped by her douchey fiancée. In an effort to get him back, she ends up getting admitted to and attending Harvard law school. This classic film is my go-to favorite to put me in a good mood. It’s light-hearted, fun, and honestly has a really good message about women empowerment and staying true to who you are. I can’t get enough of this film, and you probably won’t either.
Next time you have a movie night, here’s a great list of classic films for reference. There’s a range from typical classic films, to quirky indie movies, and everything in between. Now you just have to pick up the popcorn, sit back, and enjoy one of these fabulous films.
