12 Timeless Films from the 1940s That Remain Enjoyable to View

      These timeless films from the 1940s have aged remarkably well over the years. Despite their flaws, they explore facets of human nature that remain relevant and may even provide reassurance that, despite our contemporary issues, certain things endure unchanged.

      A word of caution: even the most progressive films of the 1940s include portrayals that might be viewed as outdated and stereotypical by today’s standards—though audiences of that era likely perceived them as a straightforward reflection of reality.

      Indeed, many of these classic films present different expectations for men and women. However, the finest among them—such as Notorious, one of our all-time favorites—cleverly subvert those expectations.

      Here is a list of the films:

      Citizen Kane (1941)

      RKO Radio Pictures – Credit: C/O

      Regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane offers a reimagining of the life of real media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who despised it to the extent that he attempted to limit its release and influence.

      A powerful individual seeking to use his wealth and legal power to suppress criticism? To borrow a line from another film on this list: “I'm shocked, shocked.”

      If the slower segments start to bore you, consider that Orson Welles created this masterpiece at just 26 and ponder how he achieved that.

      Casablanca (1942)

      Warner Bros.

      When people express their love for classic 1940s cinema, this is probably one of the films they envision.

      Ingrid Bergman, who also features later in Notorious, is mesmerizing as Ilsa Lund, a woman caught between her love and her duty to combat fascism. Humphrey Bogart, as her former lover Rick, stands out as one of the best male leads in cinematic history.

      But Casablanca is a film where every character excels, from director Michael Curtiz to writers Howard Koch and the Epstein brothers. Everyone has their favorite moment, but ours is surely, as hinted previously, “I’m shocked, shocked.”

      The film's depiction of Sam, the Black piano player, isn't ideal; however, it surpasses the portrayal of many other Black characters in 1940s films. Sam is depicted as a charming character, highly talented, and genuinely one of the good guys.

      Also Read: 12 Movies from the 1950s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch

      Double Indemnity (1944)

      Paramount Pictures – Credit: C/O

      This noir classic is arguably the most entertaining film ever made about insurance, featuring sizzling moments like the anklet scene—nicknamed the “how fast was I going” scene—between Fred MacMurray as an insurance representative and Barbara Stanwyck as a cunning client.

      Its pacing is never too rapid, which somehow adds to its seductive allure. It inspired numerous subsequent films, including the very good Body Heat from 1981, but we still favor the original from the '40s.

      Laura (1944)

      20th Century Fox

      Laura could easily be reinterpreted today as an incel horror story or a #MeToo drama: it revolves around a young, beautiful, and talented executive, Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney), found murdered outside her apartment.

      Her tale is re-examined by columnist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb), who befriended her and attempted to leverage his connections for her benefit. Who would have thought that older men offering to help attractive younger women—often expecting something in return—is not a new issue?

      Yet with this premise, the twists in Laura are just beginning, and despite its dark start—spoiler alert—it surprisingly concludes on a positive note.

      The Lost Weekend (1945)

      Paramount Pictures

      A stark and compassionate depiction of addiction, this film noir directed by Billy Wilder is based on Charles R. Jackson’s 1944 novel, which reflects his own battle with alcoholism.

      Featuring Ray Milland and Jane Wyman, it provides a candid and compelling portrayal of talent squandered due to alcoholism, establishing a model for numerous addiction narratives that followed.

      Its excellence was acknowledged in its time: it remains one of only three films, alongside 1955’s Marty and 2019’s Parasite, to win both the Oscar for Best Picture and the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival (it shared the Grand Prix at the inaugural Cannes with ten other films).

      Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

      Warner Bros.

      You’ve likely encountered many recent films or shows (or TikToks?) about so-called influencers who feign perfect lives while being quite different behind the scenes. They owe a nod to Elizabeth Lane, the main character in Christmas in Connecticut, portrayed by Barbara Stanwyck in a role that contrasts sharply with her character in Double Indemnity.

      Lane is a magazine writer who pretends to reside on a perfectly kept farm in Connecticut, adored for her recipes and family narratives. However, she’s actually a