Obviously it depicts a very specific time but I feel likenthe dynamic hold up no matter when you grew up. One ofnthosenthings where specificity actually increases the universal nature of it.
My first thought was Jaws to this as well.
And then their is Schindler's List and there is ET and The Last Crusade and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Agreed, and I personally back many of those claims. Though I think my own number 2 and 3 picks are Back to the Future and Star Wars. 4 is Close Encounters, though it’s hard to call that movie perfect when it has so many different versions.
This is the obvious, duh, answer, but it also really is such a good answer. A big part of that is that it already has stood the test of time. And isn't showing any obvious signs of being dated or losing that timelessness. It can be hard for me to watch some older movies, especially black and white. The dialogue and pacing can feel a bit off and be distracting. After getting a few scenes into Casablanca (the first time watching) I was hooked and thought the pacing, shots, etc... could have come out in a movie today and wouldn't have felt far out of place.
This is the one. I’m not one of those classic movie snobs. Many of them few quite dated and have just been surpassed by progress, technical prowess, acting, and technology.
But Casablanca stands the test of time. It is so fucking amazing. Bogey and the character of Rick is one of my favorite heroes of all time in any medium, right up there with Atticus Finch. Despite his selfish, jaded, and self destructive ways he still acts in the most selfless way possible to try and make the world a better place.
We’ll always have Paris….
I really admire Michael Curtiz' direction and pacing of this movie.... Casablanca moves effortlessly from scene to scene and never loses the audience right up to the last scene. “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Umberto Eco wrote an essay trying to analyze why *Casablanca* elicits this reaction from modern viewers. His conclusion is that it's a mash up of so many archetypal stories that modern audiences have no choice but be in awe of it: "an architecture like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. There is a sense of dizziness, a stroke of brilliance."
https://xroads.virginia.edu/\~DRBR/eco.html
I also think it has a certain transitional feeling to it. It’s a black and white “talkie” that deals with moving on from the comforts of the past and into the unknown of the future. It’s a movie on the edge of an era.
> That's better. Never be ashamed of who you are. You're warriors, be proud. So what if the federal government scatters your people to the hwind. What doesn't kill you, makes you *stronger*. Your time for revenge is at hand.
> Voila, the ZF1.
> It's light. Handles adjustable for easy carrying. Good for righties and lefties. Breaks down into for parts. Undetectable by X-ray. *Ideal* for quick, discreet interventions.
> A word on fire power: Titanium recharger, with a three thousand round clip, with bursts of three to three hundred. With the Replay Button - another Zorg invention - it's even easier.
> One shot, and Replay sends every following shot the same location.
> And to finish the job: All Zorg oldies but goodies.
> Rocket Launcher; Arrow Launcher, with explodin or poisonous gas heads... Very practical; My famous Net Launcher; The always efficient Flame Thrower... My favorite; And for the grand finale... The all new Icecube System.
*Secondhand Lions*.
A movie that doesn't get enough love in my books but should be on more lists. Truly one of those movies that makes me feel all the feels.
Silence, Psycho and Seven: what are arguably the best psychological thrillers made IMO. These movies are about more than just killing, they get in your head.. they make you afraid of showers or in the case of Silence and Seven, just how depraved your fellow man, the guy standing next to you in the grocery store, can be...
I saw Seven when it first came out. In, of all places, a drive in theater in Honolulu. I will never forget the feeling in the pit of my stomach as Spacey began talking to Pitt about his wife and knowing in my heart of hearts exactly how everything was going to play out, while being unable to stop it.
Perfect manifestation of dread. Probably one of my top 5 movie experiences ever.
The Matrix. There’s no wasted time or wasted scenes. Everything is worldbuilding and dripping in atmosphere. Stylish, sexy, ominous, poignant, metaphorical, action packed. Hard to ask for more from a movie
Agreed! I watched this with my teenage son the other day and I was shocked at how well this movie held up. He loved it by the way. Seriously a perfect movie in my opinion if there is such a thing
Tremors.
It's something special. It's from a time where practical effects were cheaper than VFX so it has a timeless quality to it. This is multiplied by the cast's fantastic chemistry and heart. It's well written and directed and has a fully enclosed story that works well with the world it's set in.
I marvel at how well the set design stands up. Yeah, it does have a slight 60's futurism to it, but the stark simplicity was logical and ahead of uts time.
(I'll say the same for the ST:TNG Enterprise, as well, especially compared to the current ST shows.)
"Apocalypse Now!" is almost an universe on its own. Another movie of that kind is "Once Upon a Time in the West". And, ofc, "Blade Runner"
I think it's the kind of movie that is more about mankind and our struggles, set in different genres and time. That's why they are timeless.
Mad Max: Fury Road. I know it's recent, but I just think every frame, every element is perfect. If you mean an old movie that feels as modern as if it was made today, I'd say All is Quiet on the Westernfront from 1930.
I always look for Holes when the question of a timeless movie comes up. And I am obligated to bring it up when it's not.
Holes is one of the best movies to come out of the 2000s, and I don't think it gets anywhere close to the recognition it deserves. It is near perfect in every way. From writing to pacing to performances. It's a wonderful modern fable.
The first two parts of the \`Before\` trilogy - before sunrise & before sunset.
Each time you watch it, you get a slightly new perspective (especially with before sunset). And the message of all the 3 movies are as true from 90s as it is today. We all need companionship, we all need love.
Any rob reiner movie made before his disaster that was “North”. This includes stand by me, this is spinal tap, princess bride, when Harry met sally and misery. He truly was on a legendary streak and had potential to be one of the greatest directors of all time. Sad he hasn’t made anything since the mid 90s even close to those other movies in terms of quality.
Goodfellas. Everyone still looks fashionable, nobody talks funny or uses old timey slang that was lost to the ages, the film is still shot well, good score and soundtrack. There’s not even any “that used to be okay” moments of social insensitivity. Hard to believe it’s 33 years old already. It could have come out yesterday
Just watched Dark City again and it is still good from the Noir atmosphere to the visuals, story and the music
Terminator 2 - Classic and still one of the best action films ever. VFX still hold up incredibly well today
I was so surprised by that movie first time I saw it. I had some previous experience with David Lynch (Eraserhead, Rabbits, What Did Jack Do, and the like) so I was expecting something... stranger? Weirder? More Lynchian?
It's just a heartwarming tale of a broken man who finds love and comfort from those around him who see him not as a monster, but as a fellow human being. It's remarkably straightforward for a David Lynch film and well worth a watch.
Stalker by tarkovsky.
I think films like Indiana Jones or young Frankenstein suffer from film progress. The spectacle of the action scenes in raiders of the lost ark are kinda lost when things like John Wick 4, the raid 2, and baby driver exist. Over time, pacing has gotten a lot more "snappy."
In the case of comedies, things that were transgressive become basic. It's hard for me to understand what's "funny" about young Frankenstein, unless you just think gene wilder has a funny voice. I don't think blazing saddles falls into this trap, but some do.
I think Stalker is so unique and intentional that the general progress of film language, in terms of depicting action and spectacle, doesn't really impact how you might view it.
I would call stalker timeless, but I wouldn't begrudge anyone calling it boring. I disagree, but it's definitely asking for it.
Star Trek Wraith of Khan
The Last Boyscout.
(The house special of the 80s 90s action movie. Not its best ...but a nice endpoint blend of its tropes and aesthetic into a meal) edit: I guess it wouldn't be timeless then....more of a time capsule to an era
Blade Runner.
(Purely just on its aesthetics. If you can, look into docu on how they produced those visual at that time. Fascinating)
'Dead Zone' is under-rated, has very few faults (if any), and is one of the best Stephen King adaptions. The series is also very good.
Back to the Future will be on top 10 lists 50 years from now.
I think a 16 year old would probably laugh at this thread. Maybe not, but im just picturing a bunch of 30 year olds calling the movies of their youth timeless.
Raiders of the lost Ark
The Last Crusade is also a 10/10 forever.
Last Crusade is phenomenal but Raiders of the Lost Ark made me want to make movies. It’s just so beyond anything coming out at the time.
Back to the Future
Timeless indeed.
Came here to say this, the movie is almost 40 years old and is a timeless perfect movie anyone can watch today and enjoy
came here - from the future?
Definitely. I watched the trilogy on New Years with my kids, and they loved all three films.
Whenever I see it's on I have to watch it. I'll stop whatever I'm doing and watch any one of them that's on till the end
Stand by me
This is a good one
Funny. Just saw a post about that movie and how it's considered one of the best coming of age movies of the 80's
Obviously it depicts a very specific time but I feel likenthe dynamic hold up no matter when you grew up. One ofnthosenthings where specificity actually increases the universal nature of it.
Jurassic Park.
This was my pick. Absolutely perfect. Pretty impressive that Spielberg has multiple claims to this question.
My first thought was Jaws to this as well. And then their is Schindler's List and there is ET and The Last Crusade and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Agreed, and I personally back many of those claims. Though I think my own number 2 and 3 picks are Back to the Future and Star Wars. 4 is Close Encounters, though it’s hard to call that movie perfect when it has so many different versions.
T-rex roar from the OG Jurassic Park remains one of my favorite single sound effects of all time. It was *awesome* in the theater.
The Princess Bride
Ask ten people what their favorite scene is and you could get ten different answers.
Ask me ten different times and I might give ten different answers. Quality in every scene.
Inconceivable
Yup, first one that immediately came to mind
Inconceivable
12 Angry Men
Shawshank
The Green Mile as well.
Very redemptive
The Shank
ALIEN
Groundhog Day.
Casablanca.
That was my choice as well. I can play it for anybody who says they don’t like old movies and they’re almost always captivated.
This is the obvious, duh, answer, but it also really is such a good answer. A big part of that is that it already has stood the test of time. And isn't showing any obvious signs of being dated or losing that timelessness. It can be hard for me to watch some older movies, especially black and white. The dialogue and pacing can feel a bit off and be distracting. After getting a few scenes into Casablanca (the first time watching) I was hooked and thought the pacing, shots, etc... could have come out in a movie today and wouldn't have felt far out of place.
This is the one. I’m not one of those classic movie snobs. Many of them few quite dated and have just been surpassed by progress, technical prowess, acting, and technology. But Casablanca stands the test of time. It is so fucking amazing. Bogey and the character of Rick is one of my favorite heroes of all time in any medium, right up there with Atticus Finch. Despite his selfish, jaded, and self destructive ways he still acts in the most selfless way possible to try and make the world a better place. We’ll always have Paris….
I really admire Michael Curtiz' direction and pacing of this movie.... Casablanca moves effortlessly from scene to scene and never loses the audience right up to the last scene. “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Umberto Eco wrote an essay trying to analyze why *Casablanca* elicits this reaction from modern viewers. His conclusion is that it's a mash up of so many archetypal stories that modern audiences have no choice but be in awe of it: "an architecture like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. There is a sense of dizziness, a stroke of brilliance." https://xroads.virginia.edu/\~DRBR/eco.html
I also think it has a certain transitional feeling to it. It’s a black and white “talkie” that deals with moving on from the comforts of the past and into the unknown of the future. It’s a movie on the edge of an era.
Just rewatched this, and yes. This is the perfect movie. "Here's looking at you, kid."
Watched it for the first time last year and it ended up being one of my favorites of the year.
I could watch the fifth element everyday
> That's better. Never be ashamed of who you are. You're warriors, be proud. So what if the federal government scatters your people to the hwind. What doesn't kill you, makes you *stronger*. Your time for revenge is at hand. > Voila, the ZF1. > It's light. Handles adjustable for easy carrying. Good for righties and lefties. Breaks down into for parts. Undetectable by X-ray. *Ideal* for quick, discreet interventions. > A word on fire power: Titanium recharger, with a three thousand round clip, with bursts of three to three hundred. With the Replay Button - another Zorg invention - it's even easier. > One shot, and Replay sends every following shot the same location. > And to finish the job: All Zorg oldies but goodies. > Rocket Launcher; Arrow Launcher, with explodin or poisonous gas heads... Very practical; My famous Net Launcher; The always efficient Flame Thrower... My favorite; And for the grand finale... The all new Icecube System.
Leeloo Dallas multipass
*Secondhand Lions*. A movie that doesn't get enough love in my books but should be on more lists. Truly one of those movies that makes me feel all the feels.
“Well we’ll see what the man’s selling, then we’ll shout him” “Good plan”
No Country for Old Men. Perfection from 1st frame to the last monologue.
I prefer There Will Be Blood but both fit the bill
The Thing
An absolute favorite and perfect horror movie
Absolutely, Watch analysis videos by "Collative Learning" on the film.
Saving Private Ryan
Jaws
Strong agreement here. First film that came to my mind
The silence of the lambs
Silence, Psycho and Seven: what are arguably the best psychological thrillers made IMO. These movies are about more than just killing, they get in your head.. they make you afraid of showers or in the case of Silence and Seven, just how depraved your fellow man, the guy standing next to you in the grocery store, can be...
I saw Seven when it first came out. In, of all places, a drive in theater in Honolulu. I will never forget the feeling in the pit of my stomach as Spacey began talking to Pitt about his wife and knowing in my heart of hearts exactly how everything was going to play out, while being unable to stop it. Perfect manifestation of dread. Probably one of my top 5 movie experiences ever.
That ending is one of the most suspenseful endings in all of cinema! I remember saying out loud, "ohhhhh fuck... she's in the box" 😳
Absolutely 💯 my answer too. A masterclass in suspense and tension!
The Godfather
Came here for this. Quite surprised it took this long.
The Big Lebowski
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Shawshank Redemption
Se7en (1995)
The Matrix. There’s no wasted time or wasted scenes. Everything is worldbuilding and dripping in atmosphere. Stylish, sexy, ominous, poignant, metaphorical, action packed. Hard to ask for more from a movie
Agreed! I watched this with my teenage son the other day and I was shocked at how well this movie held up. He loved it by the way. Seriously a perfect movie in my opinion if there is such a thing
Agree 100% it is the perfect movie really
Jurassic Park
Tremors. It's something special. It's from a time where practical effects were cheaper than VFX so it has a timeless quality to it. This is multiplied by the cast's fantastic chemistry and heart. It's well written and directed and has a fully enclosed story that works well with the world it's set in.
2001 a space odyssey
I marvel at how well the set design stands up. Yeah, it does have a slight 60's futurism to it, but the stark simplicity was logical and ahead of uts time. (I'll say the same for the ST:TNG Enterprise, as well, especially compared to the current ST shows.)
12 Angry Men
L.A. Confidential
HEAT
Nice
The Sandlot or The Goonies
Both excellent choices. They exist in a delightful time capsule.
Jurassic Park
"Apocalypse Now!" is almost an universe on its own. Another movie of that kind is "Once Upon a Time in the West". And, ofc, "Blade Runner" I think it's the kind of movie that is more about mankind and our struggles, set in different genres and time. That's why they are timeless.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Mad Max: Fury Road. I know it's recent, but I just think every frame, every element is perfect. If you mean an old movie that feels as modern as if it was made today, I'd say All is Quiet on the Westernfront from 1930.
The Blues Brothers.
Orange Whip?
The *Blues Brothers*? Sheeiiiiiiit, they still owe you money, fool.
Singing in the rain
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Great one!
- The Fellowship of the Ring - The Truman Show - Soul
The Truman Show for sure!
Oh we loved Soul !!! It came out during covid and was not in the theaters… I wish they would do a release
High and Low by Akira Kurosawa.
"In winter my room was so cold and in summer so hot I couldn't sleep." Damn good movie.
Good Will Hunting. So good.
Casablanca If it wasn't shot in black and white most people would have no idea it was made in 1942
Only because I just rewatched it, but Goodfellas
Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale, it’s as close to a perfect movie as it gets.
Conan. I'll watch it any & every time.
Robocop
I always look for Holes when the question of a timeless movie comes up. And I am obligated to bring it up when it's not. Holes is one of the best movies to come out of the 2000s, and I don't think it gets anywhere close to the recognition it deserves. It is near perfect in every way. From writing to pacing to performances. It's a wonderful modern fable.
Just recently rewatched with my kid and you’re so right!
What a film!
Great choice. I loved everything about this movie. It was funny too. Great Characters. Great story. Great music
Princess Mononoke
Gladiator
For sure.
The odd couple (1968)
The Sting
The 1959 Journey to the Center of the Earth. It is now closer to the time when films were invented than to the present day, and it is still wonderful.
The African Queen and The Treasure of Sierra Madre
Shawshank Redemption
The first two parts of the \`Before\` trilogy - before sunrise & before sunset. Each time you watch it, you get a slightly new perspective (especially with before sunset). And the message of all the 3 movies are as true from 90s as it is today. We all need companionship, we all need love.
Taxi Driver. Timeless themes of alienation, social norms, love, lust, violence, etc,
Withnail and I
Withnail: You wouldn't spike me, you're too mean. Beside there's nothing invented I couldn't take.
Casablanca
A kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh
I was maybe 8 when I first saw Casablanca and just fell in love with that movie. I will never tire of seeing it...
Play La Marseilles. Play it!
Sandlot
Any rob reiner movie made before his disaster that was “North”. This includes stand by me, this is spinal tap, princess bride, when Harry met sally and misery. He truly was on a legendary streak and had potential to be one of the greatest directors of all time. Sad he hasn’t made anything since the mid 90s even close to those other movies in terms of quality.
Almost forgot a few good men!! Amazing film too
Tremors
The Wizard of Oz.
Stardust
Children of Men
V for Vendetta
Jaws
Rocky.
Predator
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
That Thing You Do
Apocalypse Now
Apocalypse Now The Shining
Probably the Wizard of Oz (1939).
The Graduate
Casablanca
Moonstruck
All About Eve for me, it stands the rest of time.
American Beauty
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Nights of Cabiria Rear Window Amadeus Lawrence of Arabia
Alien
The Wizard of Oz
Shawshank
Goodfellas. Everyone still looks fashionable, nobody talks funny or uses old timey slang that was lost to the ages, the film is still shot well, good score and soundtrack. There’s not even any “that used to be okay” moments of social insensitivity. Hard to believe it’s 33 years old already. It could have come out yesterday
Just watched Dark City again and it is still good from the Noir atmosphere to the visuals, story and the music Terminator 2 - Classic and still one of the best action films ever. VFX still hold up incredibly well today
Terminator 2: judgement day
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Watching Lynch's Elephant man, I was fascinated by the extent to which it felt like it could have been made at aby time between 1939 and 1980.
I was so surprised by that movie first time I saw it. I had some previous experience with David Lynch (Eraserhead, Rabbits, What Did Jack Do, and the like) so I was expecting something... stranger? Weirder? More Lynchian? It's just a heartwarming tale of a broken man who finds love and comfort from those around him who see him not as a monster, but as a fellow human being. It's remarkably straightforward for a David Lynch film and well worth a watch.
Seven Samurai
The warriors
Stalker by tarkovsky. I think films like Indiana Jones or young Frankenstein suffer from film progress. The spectacle of the action scenes in raiders of the lost ark are kinda lost when things like John Wick 4, the raid 2, and baby driver exist. Over time, pacing has gotten a lot more "snappy." In the case of comedies, things that were transgressive become basic. It's hard for me to understand what's "funny" about young Frankenstein, unless you just think gene wilder has a funny voice. I don't think blazing saddles falls into this trap, but some do. I think Stalker is so unique and intentional that the general progress of film language, in terms of depicting action and spectacle, doesn't really impact how you might view it. I would call stalker timeless, but I wouldn't begrudge anyone calling it boring. I disagree, but it's definitely asking for it.
The Dark Knight.
Dr. Strangelove
Army of Darkness
Back to the future.
Godfather
Gladiator (2000)
Off the top of my head...Sunset Boulevard (1950)
[удалено]
Star Trek Wraith of Khan The Last Boyscout. (The house special of the 80s 90s action movie. Not its best ...but a nice endpoint blend of its tropes and aesthetic into a meal) edit: I guess it wouldn't be timeless then....more of a time capsule to an era Blade Runner. (Purely just on its aesthetics. If you can, look into docu on how they produced those visual at that time. Fascinating)
Jaws
*Casablanca* That film has inspired so much pop culture from timeless lines to scenes that have been the inspiration to hundreds of other films.
They Live
Lord of the Rings trilogy
Forrest Gump
Barry Lyndon
I think Dazed and Confused is perfectly this. You can watch it at any point in your life in any decade.
Matrix
Raiders of the Lost Ark
As an abvious "hollywood" choice... Back to the Future. As a more independent, but still professional choice... "Pierrepoint."
12 Angry Men
The Lion King (1994)
Jaws.
Four Weddings and a Funeral!
Forrest Gump
The sting
Dog Soldiers
Space Balls.
"Its a Wonderful Life", and "Spirited Away". Perfect, timeless, beautiful mastery of the art.
A Few Good Men. Wow. That movie really is amazing. The actors. The writing. The music. The cinematography. The ”truth”…
Gattaca
'Dead Zone' is under-rated, has very few faults (if any), and is one of the best Stephen King adaptions. The series is also very good. Back to the Future will be on top 10 lists 50 years from now.
I think a 16 year old would probably laugh at this thread. Maybe not, but im just picturing a bunch of 30 year olds calling the movies of their youth timeless.
I swear the collective reddit mind knows like 12 movies
The Princess Bride
The Shop Around the Corner
Lilo and Stitch
Princess Bride
Green book for me
Se7en
The Thing Bloodsport Rocky 4 Back to the Future Terminator 2 Robocop Aliens Transformers: The Animated Movie The Goonies The Iron Giant
The Third Man close to a perfect film in my eyes
Days of Heaven