12 Timeless Films Cherished by Baby Boomers

      If you're a Baby Boomer (born between 1946 and 1964), we’d love to hear your thoughts on this nostalgic collection of classic films.

      The Big Chill (1983)

      Tom Berenger, Jeff Goldblum, Kevin Kline, and William Hurt star in The Big Chill (1983) – Credit: C/O

      Director: Lawrence Kasdan

      Writers: Lawrence Kasdan, Barbara Benedek

      Cast: Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, JoBeth Williams, Don Galloway

      After their friend Alex dies by suicide, a group of eight friends reunite 15 years post-college. Kevin Costner was initially cast as Alex, but all scenes featuring his face were omitted as a creative choice. This film is crafted for baby boomers, by baby boomers, reflecting the baby boomer experience.

      The Graduate (1967)

      Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft in The Graduate (1967) – Credit: C/O

      Director: Mike Nichols

      Writers: Calder Willingham, Buck Henry, Charles Webb

      Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, Murray Hamilton, William Daniels, Elizabeth Wilson

      The Graduate portrays Dustin Hoffman as a directionless 21-year-old graduate who finds himself romantically involved with the married Mrs. Robinson (Bancroft) while also dating her daughter (Ross). The film is adapted from Charles Webb's 1963 novel and features one of the most iconic soundtracks, primarily highlighted by Simon & Garfunkel’s classic “Mrs. Robinson.”

      The Godfather (1972)

      Al Pacino and Simonetta Stefonelli in The Godfather (1972) – Credit: C/O

      Director: Francis Ford Coppola

      Writers: Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola

      Cast: Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, James Caan, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, Talia Shire, John Cazale

      This timeless classic, and often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, follows Michael Corleone, played by a young Al Pacino, as he unexpectedly prepares to inherit his father Vito Corleone’s (Brando) powerful crime family.

      Forrest Gump (1994)

      Robin Wright and Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump (1994) – Credit: C/O

      Director: Robert Zemeckis

      Writers: Winston Groom, Eric Roth

      Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Sally Field, Mykelti Williamson, Gary Sinise

      In Forrest Gump (Hanks), while not academically gifted, he clearly understands love and finds himself repeatedly encountering serendipitous moments. In this 1995 Best Picture winner, the narrative of American history from the 1950s to the 1970s is conveyed through Forrest’s journey as he strives to be with his beloved Jenny (Robin Wright). It serves as a relatable tale for baby boomers.

      The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

      Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Credit: C/O

      Director: Frank Darabont

      Writers: Stephen King, Frank Darabont

      Cast: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, Clancy Brown, William Sadler, Gil Bellows, James Whitmore

      Drawing from Stephen King’s 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, this film narrates the remarkable friendship that develops between two inmates. One of them, Andy Dufresne, assists the warden in a money laundering operation, ultimately using that experience to his advantage. It’s a movie you can enjoy with family across generations.

      Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

      Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford in Star Wars (1977) – Credit: C/O

      Director: George Lucas

      Writer: George Lucas

      Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Cushing

      In the inaugural Star Wars installment, Luke Skywalker (Hamill) joins forces with Han Solo (Ford) and a couple of droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's menacing battle station and rescue Princess Leia (Fisher) from Darth Vader (Prowse).

      This film has become a milestone for both baby boomers and Generation X.

      Shaft (1971)

      Richard Roundtree in Shaft (1971) – Credit: C/O

      Director: Gordon Parks

      Writers: Ernest Tidyman, John D.F. Black

      Cast: Richard Roundtree, Moses Gunn, Charles Cioffi, Christopher St. John, Gwen Mitchell

      In this Blaxploitation action thriller based on Ernest Tidyman’s novel, Richard Roundtree takes on the role of