Top 10 Must Watch Old Hollywood Movies

1. Citizen Kane

The Legendary Orson Welles Starrer, which is considered one of his best works and the 'greatest film of all time' by many, was made in 1941. A political drama with a story that starts from a tycoon's very old age, how he dies and then shows flashbacks from his past to tell the interesting tale of "Rose Bud." The script won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and Welles for Best Actor.

2. Lawerence of Arabia

Yes, Inarguably one of the greatest films ever made - Lawrence of Arabia is a historical movie about the larger than life exploits of the legendary T E Lawrence and his adventures in Syria. It was nominated for over ten Oscars & won seven of them, including Best Picture, Best Director, and more.

If you are a huge fan of cinematography or are just looking for something epic to do this weekend, this movie is for you.

3. Ben Hur

Adapted from Lew Wallace's Ben Hur: A Tale of Christ, this epic movie is known across the ages for its unbelievable production + art sets, exhilarating chariot race sequences, and for one of the largest budgets ever in movie history. The chariot race itself had over 7000 extras and cost around a whopping 2 million dollars at the time. It had won 11 Oscars.

4. The Ten Commandments

A Bible Epic made by the legendary director Cecil B DeMille in 1956, this movie is all about Moses, played by Charlton Heston ( "Let My People Go" ), leading his people out of Egypt to freedom which includes the famous parting of the Red Sea sequence "Behold his Mighty Hand). Who can forget the legendary performance by Yul Brynner as Pharaoh Ramses? The film was considered a technological marvel for its time.

5. Psycho

Albert Hitchcock's Masterpiece was a revelation to the horror movie genre. Infact it created a spark that went on to become the foundation for the discovery or innovations of many filmmaking techniques. One of the very first accurate portrayals of an unstable mind of a killer, Pyscho is indeed one of the best old Hollywood movies ever.

6. Sound of Music

The most famous musical of all time - The Sound Of Music, is a 1965 classic musical about an ex-nun who becomes a governess to the children of a Naval Captain during the Nazi times in Austria. It won five Oscars and remained one of the best old Hollywood movies ever made.

7. 12 Angry Men

Sidney Lumet's courtroom drama film, 12 Angry Men, is a classic that was made in 1957. It is about how seven men find out that an 18 year old boy is accused of killing his own father with a knife. One of the most gripping drama films ever, this classic is all about justice, morality, and human emotions. It was nominated for 3 Oscars.

8. Breakfast at Tiffany's

This Classic Romantic Comedy was one of the best movies made back in the day. It was made in 1961 and is all about an aspiring writer living in New York who meets his beautiful neighbor, but then things go awry when he finds out that she's a call girl. The actress Audrey Hepburn won everyone's heart with this movie which also had George Peppard as her love interest.

9. Casablanca

"Here's Looking at you Kid"

This 1942 Romantic War Drama is one of the best old Hollywood movies ever made and has dozens most quipped quotes of all time like "We'll Always Have Paris.", I think this is the Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship and of course Of All The Gin Joints In All The Towns In All The World, She Walks Into Mine! Evergreen and Memorable. Directed by Michael Curtiz, it tells the tale about an American who escapes from the Nazis in World War II Casablanca and then helps a former lover escape with her husband to America. It has been voted as one of the finest films ever made and won three oscars. This film is a must watch for any true cinema fan

10. Modern Times

Charlie Chaplin's masterpiece, Modern Times, is a 1936 classic about an unfortunate worker who gets entangled in the world of machines. The movie brings to life all the hardships and pain that one had to go through during those times, which had almost become extinct with time due to further technological advancements.

11. Dracula(1931)

The 1931 film "Dracula" is an excellent pick for an old Hollywood movie because of its iconic portrayal of the vampire mythology, Bela Lugosi's outstanding performance, and its considerable influence on the horror genre. Its symbolic cinematography and ageless appeal make it a great example of early American filmmaking.

12. Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Bride of Frankenstein performs admirably as an old Hollywood horror film. It expertly integrates the genre's gothic atmosphere and horrific themes with cutting-edge special effects. The famous picture of the Bride, brought to life by Boris Karloff's scary monster and Elsa Lanchester's eccentric depiction, has a place in horror history. The picture explores complicated feelings like as loneliness and the yearning for friendship, which adds complexity to the horror components. Bride of Frankenstein is a monument to the continuing power of classic Hollywood horror, providing chills, thrills, and an unexpected touch of humanity.

13. All About Eve(1950)

All About Eve is an excellent example of classic old Hollywood drama. It tells a fascinating story of ambition and betrayal in the world of theater. Bette Davis gives a classic performance as Margo Channing, a fading star threatened by the fresh attraction of Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter). The film expertly explores issues of aging, manipulation, and the relentless chase of celebrities. Sharp dialogue, flawless performances, and a thrilling story make this movie a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences today.

Best Classic Hollywood Movies - Bonus Watch

The Wizard of Oz

A 1939 musical fantasy film made by Mervyn Le Roy, The Wonderful World Of Oz was an adaptation of L Frank Baum's novel that starred Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale alongside Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and more. It was nominated for 6 Oscars but wasn't able to win any (Although it has won AFI's top 100 movies list). It's one of the best Old Hollywood movies ever made.

Singing in the Rain

The most famous old Hollywood musical, Singing in the Rain, is a 1952 classic about an actor who gets into trouble when he starts dubbing for another actor (who was mute during his performance) and then eventually turns out to be a success. The song 'Singin' In The rain' by Gene Kelly is one of the best songs and is considered an evergreen classic.

Gone With The Wind

Staring Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara, Goen With The Wind is a classic epic Hollywood movie. The story goes through the romance story between Scarlett and Clark. It is one of the most evergreen romance movies ever made. The movie was adapted from the Novel "Gone With The Wind" by Margaret Mitchell, published in the year 1936. In 1939, the movie Gone With The Wind was released under the direction of Victor Fleming.

West Side Story

Directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise, the movie "West Side Story" was released in 1961 with an exceptional plot and story line. The story goes like a lover couple - Tony and Maria, getting entangled in a war with their gangster families. The story has several plot twists and turns that makes the watcher seated with its exceptional musical romance.

We know that this is barely scratching the surface of the legendary classics, but these are our top picks.

Also Read:

• Best Romantic Movies

• Indian Travel Movies

Let it be any motivational movies, slice of a life movies or let it be of any genre, these list of movies offers you great values, which will help you through your thoughts and difficulties. Found your Favourite among our Best Old Hollywood Movies?

If not, do share them with us in the comments section below.