13 Classic Films That Remain Enjoyable to View

      We've all seen classic films that are undeniably excellent but not particularly entertaining. These old movies have proven their worth over time.

      Notorious (1947)

      Alfred Hitchcock’s electrifying thriller features Cary Grant as T.R. Devlin, a U.S. agent with a slick name who enlists the notorious Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman, captivating) for his clandestine tasks. As romance blooms, chaos ensues.

      What stands out is the complex heroine whose integrity is questioned by nearly everyone in the film, right up until the conclusion.

      What's most remarkable about her? She’s indifferent.

      The Sweet Smell of Success (1957)

      This tale of powerful columnist J.J. Hunsecker (Burt Lancaster) and merciless press agent Sidney Falco (Tony Curtis) is a delight primarily due to its 1950s Broadway setting.

      It’s further enriched by an unpredictable narrative involving Hunsecker’s sister Susan (Susan Harrison) and a jazz guitarist, making it one of the most enthralling showbiz stories ever told.

      It casts today’s bleak media landscape in nearly a civilized light.

      The Apartment (1960)

      Throughout this clever, insightful comedy, you might find yourself repeatedly thinking: They made this in 1960? The premise—a young clerk lends his apartment to executives for secret affairs with vulnerable women—is grim even by today’s standards.

      Yet, you quickly find yourself rooting passionately for the charming Shirley MacLaine and reluctantly heroic Jack Lemmon. A very modern metaphor about standing up to authority is right there to be found.

      MacLaine, Lemmon, director Billy Wilder, and screenwriter IAL Diamond collaborated again three years later on Irma la Douce, revisiting some themes from The Apartment.

      Psycho (1960)

      Psycho will dispel any notions that old movies are boring and stale. From the outset, Janet Leigh’s Marion Crane is a good girl gone rogue, stealing from her drunken boss to escape across the Arizona desert to her unreliable boyfriend. It’s thrilling even before she encounters the titular psycho.

      While the explanatory ending may disappoint, it's worth noting that Psycho emerged at a time when many people were unfamiliar with the concept of a psycho. Psycho ensured they wouldn’t forget.

      Singing in the Rain (1952)

      This film is in color, but don’t let that deter you.

      If you simply recall a series of catchy songs and flawless dance sequences, that's acceptable. However, Singing in the Rain also serves as an enduring satire of Hollywood's trend-chasing and emptiness. Lina Lamont’s clueless exclamation, “I gave an exclusive to every newspaper in town!” may be even more amusing in 2023, where every news story seems to be both “breaking” and “exclusive.”

      All About Eve (1950)

      Bette Davis stars as a Broadway diva reluctant to relinquish her spotlight, while Anne Baxter portrays Eve Harrington, a crafty manipulator eager to take her place. This dynamic has been seen countless times since, from The Devil Wears Prada to Showgirls, but none have executed it better than All About Eve.

      It also includes an early appearance by Marilyn Monroe. Just think about how fascinating it is that the line, “Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy night!” came shortly after commercial air travel began to take off.

      The General (1926)

      Buster Keaton’s character aiding the Confederate Army hasn’t aged well, but the rest of the film has. This remarkable silent film, which was somewhat of a failure upon release, still excels due to its expertly crafted slapstick and endlessly clever gags. We assure you, you’ll laugh in joy and relief.

      Keaton, known as “the great stone face,” throws himself into absurdly violent yet humorous predicaments without altering his expression—a talent he honed while being tossed around on vaudeville stages by his father. (Admittedly, that aspect may not have aged well either.)

      Casablanca (1942)

      Casablanca is so thrilling, intelligent, and humorous that even kids in 2023 are still making memes about it.

      The line “I’m shocked, shocked” remains as witty as it was in 1942, and the chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman is one of the most captivating ever captured on screen.

      When people talk about their love for old movies, this is often the film they envision. It’s flawless from start to finish.

      Double Indemnity (1944)

      This is perhaps the most entertaining film ever made about insurance; this noir masterpiece crackles with intensity, especially in scenes like the anklet moment—aka the “how fast was I going” scene—featuring Fred McMurray as an insurance agent and Barbara Stanwyck as a conniving client.

      The Postman Always Rings Twice (1944)

      If you ever yearn for the supposedly simpler times of the past, watch this film to