12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today

12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today

      Not every classic film remains enjoyable to watch—with some feeling more like an assignment.

      However, these movies from the 1960s continue to be a delight to view even after all these years.

      Here’s the list, presented without a specific order.

      Valley of the Dolls (1967)

      Credit: 20th Century Fox

      We didn’t claim to compile a list of the finest films of the 1960s—only the most entertaining.

      While Lawrence of Arabia may hold more critical acclaim and significance than Valley of the Dolls, watching this dazzling and excessively dramatic adaptation of Jaqueline Susann's sensational bestseller is certainly more enjoyable.

      Barbara Perkins, Patty Duke, and Sharon Tate portray young women aiming to succeed in the entertainment world, ultimately resorting to pills due to the pressures and toxic men surrounding them. Although it received negative reviews, it beautifully captures the often dark reality behind the supposedly vibrant 1960s. Watching this film makes one nostalgic for the flourishing film career that Sharon Tate could have had.

      It’s interesting to note that the esteemed critic Roger Ebert authored the screenplay for the film's 1970 sequel, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, after working with Russ Meyer on the story.

      The Apartment (1960)

      Credit: United Artists

      You’ll find yourself repeatedly exclaiming during this sharp comedy: They made this in 1960? The premise—a young clerk lending his apartment to executives for their clandestine affairs with vulnerable women—is grim even by today's standards.

      Yet the film is still enjoyable, as you quickly become invested in the charming Shirley MacLaine and the reluctantly heroic Jack Lemmon. The narrative offers a modern metaphor about resisting exploitation from authority figures.

      MacLaine, Lemmon, director Billy Wilder, and screenwriter IAL Diamond teamed up again three years later for Irma la Douce, which revisited some themes from The Apartment.

      Also Read: 12 Stars of the 1960s Who Are Still Going Strong

      Breathless (1960)

      Credit: Société Nouvelle de Cinématographie

      This classic by Jean-Luc Godard serves as a critique of the film industry itself—the storyline feels almost incidental, and the jump cuts reveal the artificial nature of everything—or you can enjoy it as a simple, fun excursion through Coolsville. Each shot is stunning.

      Breathless remains one of those timeless films that continues to feel cooler than much of today’s cinema.

      Additionally, it’s one of the most pertinent 1960s films now, as the talented Richard Linklater has an upcoming project centered on the creation of Breathless.

      Psycho (1960)

      Paramount

      Psycho will dispel any notions that classic films are stuffy and unexciting. From the outset, it’s a gripping thriller: Janet Leigh’s Marion Crane is a good woman who turns rogue by stealing from her alcoholic boss to escape across the Arizona desert to her unreliable boyfriend, only to encounter the film’s title character.

      While the explanatory conclusion may disappoint, the film moves swiftly to its climax. Consider that when Psycho debuted, many viewers were unfamiliar with the concept of a psycho.

      Psycho ensured they wouldn’t forget.

      West Side Story (1961)

      Credit: United Artists

      A powerful musical filled with genuine emotional depth, West Side Story (directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins) is a vibrant blend of color, dance, and song that will uplift any dreariness you may feel.

      The impressive cast features Richard Beymer as Tony, Rita Moreno as Anita, and Natalie Wood as Maria.

      Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, it’s a stunning journey from start to finish.

      Also Read: 10 Movie Sex Scenes Someone Should Have Stopped

      Lolita (1962)

      Credit: MGM

      This film represents the quintessential example of a project that probably wouldn’t get made today. We can hardly even mention the title without triggering filters on certain platforms. Yet the film is a joy because of how elegantly director Stanley Kubrick combines dark humor, tragedy, and drama while remaining within the limits of propriety.

      Based on Vladimir Nabokov's book deemed unfilmable and notable for not containing any explicit language, the movie features James Mason as the tragic Humbert, who continuously seeks empathy for his disturbing inclinations but instead faces disdain—especially from the audience. However, Kubrick skillfully refrains from pushing us to feel a certain way—the narrative speaks for itself.

      Sue Lyon, who was 15 at the film's release, portrays the 12-year-old title character with grace and vigor, conveying the awful tragedy of her circumstances without melodrama. Peter Sellers gives a delightful and sinister performance as Quilty, Humbert’s main foe, who is just as offensive but even craftier.

      A Hard Day's Night (1964)

      Credit: United Artists

      This completely captivating depiction of 36 hours in the chaotic lives of John, Paul, George, and Ringo encapsulated the height of Beat

12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today

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12 Timeless Movies from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today

Numerous old films are considered classic movies — that's true. However, they can sometimes feel like an assignment. These films from the 1960s are both timeless and enjoyable to watch.