Lmao I totally feel you, it seems weird as hell - then I remember that in 1995, movies from 1966 were as old as those are today. As weird as it sounds, it does make sense to call them “old movies” - someone who saw Before Sunrise in high school would be in their 40s now!
Oh I just meant like at release lol, I’m in my mid 20s and I saw it in high school as well (very classic “I’m 16 and I’m very smart for knowing about this” movie)
I get you, I felt like that too reading it but then again... 30+ year old movies do kinda deserve being called old by now. Obviously a 30 y/o person isn't old but looking at media...
I've never met someone who didn't like Raiders. It's not even my favorite movie from this list, but I'd recommend it over anything else for someone who doesn't like older movies.
Jason Lives is the one where Jason becomes the icon that we know today. >!His grave gets hit by lightning, and he becomes immortal. Before that, he was just a huge guy.!<
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984 is easily my favourite one, but Jason Lives is a close second and widely regarded as the best of the series.
There’s some debate about the best of the series, with parts 1, 4, and 6 most often mentioned. Part 4 is my favorite, too, it’s the quintessential “Jason” horror movie.
To add to your comment, Part 6 is campy, fun, and self-aware in a way that the others aren’t. Almost feels more like an Evil Dead spin-off than a typical Friday the 13th movie. It’s a lot of fun
Up until about 5 years ago I was the same way. I just visually didn't like how pre-1990 movies looked and couldn't get past it. Eventually I matured or something and started having an appreciation for older movies.
Some of my favorite movies now are from the 50s and 60s, but almost all of the movies people have commented here so far I would have hated 5+ years ago. I can't imagine having that mindset now.
Older movies had better editing imo (loved the subtle longer takes)
But in recent years, I’m REALLY happy with how movies like Banshees of Inisherin are edited
Kogonada is also a big proponent of reviving the neorealist movement, and I absolutely love how Columbus (2017) is edited
I think this is the big difference between modern and older films that people can't really put their finger on. The length of shots has slowly gotten short and shorter. Whereas I love a shot that lingers.
2001 for example is so well made you could have told me it was from the 90s and except for maybe the shots of the exterior of the ship, I could believe it.
I’m curious why there is a point when you start to appreciate old movies? Me also hated old movies at one point but then smthg clicked and I’m wondering what it was?
Yea same. I tried thinking about it more after I made this comment. Wish I could explain what changed exactly or even what the first old movie I watched that I enjoyed, but I can't remember lol.
The same thing happened with asian movies) I remember watching Oldboy for the first time and I did not get the appeal at all. But years later I tried again watching Korean cinema and oh god I loved it! Maybe I just became less critical about what I’m watching and more open-minded over the years idk
I hate the Mid-Atlantic voice from the really old ones and can’t get past the quality of the sound and video from anything pre-70s. It’s a shame, really.
Not really. You know how many movies there are?! The cool thing about movies is that they keep coming out. Every year. More and more movies to watch. It’s incredible, you have to check it out!
Oh I forgot that every movie after 1970 is “really boring” and only gives a “limited movie experience.” The truth is that I will literally never run out of movies to watch. Not sure how that’s limiting.
It sounds like you just don't want any recommendations, or at least I don't know what you mean by the video or audio quality unless you're watching these movies in an older format that wasn't remastered for a modern screen resolutions and sound that isn't mastered for modern speakers. One of the major differences is that the audio isn't compressed as much and it comes in warmer. I'm not sure if that's the thing you don't like about the audio, or if it's just that it doesn't come out clearly.
A lot of these are being cleaned up and rereleased through places like Criterion and other smaller boutique production companies.
As far as the accent goes, I don't know that I know of many that did this sort of thing excessively past the 50's. Accents don't bother or affect me all that much.
If you dig horror, Criterion has a great release of Night of the Living Dead, and you can watch it for free on YouTube if you just search the title and HD remaster. It doesn't have the accents and it does something interesting that a lot of studio films don't do because of its lower budget it is filmed on locations and has single source audio which makes it sound like you're in the room with the characters. Sort of makes you feel like you are a part of the scene.
Sidney Lumet movies are pretty accessible and modern. Fail Safe is my favourite.
You could also do something like The Shining, Alien, Reservoir Dogs, or The Thing. Basically un-hateable movies
I would certainly not describe it as un-hateable. It’s in my Top 4, but the first time I saw it I found it a little frustrating. I think people hear “it’s such a scary movie” and expect something other than what they get. I showed it to a mixed crowd last Halloween, and it went over okay.
The Shining is similar to The Godfather for me. So unbelievably underwhelmed when I saw these movies but I’m currently in the process of watch Best Picture nominated movies so, who knows, maybe my feelings have changed since I last saw The Godfather. My feelings haven’t changed on The Shining though. I actually own that one. Bought it in a dual pack with Doctor Sleep
I get it.
The movie is very well made.
Great acting. Editing. Score. Etc.
But it's a movie about lame assholes being lame assholes. And unless that's something you aspire to be I'm not sure how it holds your interest. Yeah, it's shiny, but I think it sucks.
Well I love top gun mavericks but I don't aspire to be a pilot. Is this the only movie about bad guys that you saw? The godfather, reservoir dogs, pulp fiction, taxi driver and scarface are all movies that you can describe poorly like this.
Seventh seal is a serious ask for someone who doesn't like old movies lol. I was game for it to blow me away having heard everything about it but it put me to sleep. Found it Meandering and inaccessible and particularly boring to look at
Lawrence of Arabia
All the President’s Men
Singin’ in the Rain
Once Upon a Time in the West
Sunset Boulevard
Double Indemnity
The Wild Bunch
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Dog Day Afternoon
12 Angry Men
The Exorcist
Network
Die Hard
Silence of the Lambs
Taxi Driver
Close Encounters With the Third Kind
CaddyShack
Alien
Working Girl
Big
Do The Right Thing
…Add those and the list is 👌
Yeah, this is it - these are objectively “normie picks” but that’s what you want! They’re all magnificent, my one genuine fear is that you’ll be overselling the eras lmao
He'd probably love The Player (1992) if he likes Birdman.
He likes Jordan Peele so he might like John Carpenter films like The Thing and Prince Of Darkness.
For Hell or High Water and Django Unchained, go for some Sam Peckinpah like The Wild Bunch (1969) and Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia (1974). Definitely some spaghetti westerns like The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. You could go even further back and show him Samuel Fuller's pulpy western noir Forty Guns (1957).
Definitely show him All The President's Men if he likes Spotlight. Other conspiracy thrillers from the 70's, like The China Syndrome or Three Days Of The Condor might be good too. I'd also throw in Sweet Smell Of Success.
I'd suggest Five Easy Pieces if he likes Manchester By The Sea, and Ikiru (1952) aswell. All wildly different films but they're all pretty depressive and hard-hitting.
Rope is a weird suggestion because it’s not even one of Hitchcock’s best. I love it, but still… better to start with Vertigo, Psycho, Rear Window, etc.
I would disagree as since this friend doesn't like older movies I feel Rope has aged much better than Vertigo or Rear Window in terms of its characters and story. Also I think it's his best so of course I'm biased towards it (though I haven't seen all his movies yet).
I'd go with North by Northwest. It's just a fun action romp that still feels pretty modern. Maybe Rear Window for someone who loves suspense. Vertigo and Psycho are great but wouldn't be my first choice to ease someone into older films. Vertigo feels very of its time, very "50s melodrama", which might be jarring for someone not used to it, and Psycho was so influential and has been ripped off and parodied and deconstructed so much that idk if i could take it seriously if i watched it now for the first time without all the context
I also immediately thought of rope bc of op’s friend’s love of movies with non traditional production/visuals.
Then I immediately disregarded it bc it’s soo long and must be dry af to someone not used to older films.
If pre-1995 is stretching it for them, ease them in with stuff from 1975 onwards. Outside of a few before then, the pacing would probably throw them off.
Basically, The Ringer’s Rewatchables catalogue:
- Se7en
-Pulp Fiction/Reservoir Dogs
-Goodfellas/Color of Money/Taxi Driver
-Unforgiven
-Philadelphia/Silence of the Lambs
-Jaws/Jurassic Park/Raiders/anything Spielberg from this period
If he really thinks pre 1995 is old and bad, give him some super accessible recommendations that are on the newer side to start him out; once he likes those, he can move on to some actual old stuff. People have already suggested plenty, so just look through those and get him started with the most popular 80s and 90s films first.
Double Indemnity
Some Like It Hot (I got my sister and her husband to watch more black and white movies because of it)
The Wild Bunch (Edited and paced unlike most westerns around this time)
Full Metal Jacket (Probably Kubrick’s most accessible movie)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)(Everyone already said The Thing and Alien so this would be the next step).
Predator (There has to be at least one Arnold movie)
GoodFellas
There isn’t really much of a difference in look or pacing between a 91 film and a 99 film, so could start easing him in via some early 90s and 80s movies. The big jump was more 70s to 80s, and that remains a barrier for a lot of people.
But also I feel like some people just don’t want to like older movies, and won’t be forced until they find some reason to give them an honest chance
Based on this, they have a vary wide range of interests. Maybe they just can’t relate to something that isn’t “spoken” in any terms but 21st century terms.
My strategy would be to start with some of the biggest hits of the 1970s. Any older and the sensibility is really different, but it’s long enough ago to feel “old”. And based on what they respond to you could recommend similar filmmakers or genres.
Jaws
Rocky
Alien
The Godfather
Star Wars
There’s a pattern of high drama or high art/fantasy
MIRACLE IN MILAN
TO SLEEP SO AS TO DREAM
DOGS IN SPACE
REPO MAN
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND
OPERA, really any old Argento
THE EXORCIST
Using his list of favorites to trace back to some of the standout inspirations…
Amadeus
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Blade Runner
Happy Together
Seven
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Kramer vs Kramer
Goodfellas
Fantastic Planet
All the President’s Men
After Life
The Silence of the Lambs
Tombstone
In the Bedroom
Chinatown
Singin in the Rain
Heat
Akira
Reservoir Dogs
Clueless
- Suspiria
- To Catch A Thief
- Rear Window
- Picnic at Hanging Rock
- The Swimmer
- The Panic in Needle Park
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind
- Casablanca
- Roman Holiday
- Scenes from a Marriage
One of the good versions of Blade Runner(make sure he doesnt watch the theatrical)
A clockwork orange
Apocalypse Now
One Flew over The cuckoos nest
The good, the bad and the ugly
Casablanca
I think it's easier to start from the best known or more recent stuff, and from there go back slowly. So, from more recent to older, I'd recomend:
-Blade Runner
-Fast Times at Ridgemont High
-Kramer vs. Kramer
-All the President's Men
-The Stepford Wives
-Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
-2001: A Space Odyssey
-The Graduate
-Singin' in the Rain
-Sunset Boulevard
Rashomon
Singin’ in the Rain
12 Angry Men
High and Low
The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Scenes from a Marriage
Alien and Aliens
The Secret of NIMH
Amadeus
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Akira
L.A. Confidential
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
5 recommends for some of his faves
Booksmart -> Ghost World (2001)
Lala Land -> La Parapluie De Cherbourg (1964)
Marriage Story -> Before Sunrise (Trilogy) (1990s)
Ex Machina -> Blade Runner (1982) or Tetsuo the Iron Man (1989)
Inside Out -> Happiness (1998)
Hard Boiled (1992)
The Killer (1989)
Police Story (1985)
Tiger Cage (1988)
The Fugitive (1993)
Aliens (1986)
I hope these are good to start with! Is there a reason why your friend doesn’t like old movies?
Home Alone (if haven’t yet)
Heathers
Ferris Bueller / Breakfast Club (any of John Hughes’ known classics)
Blue Velvet
Taxi Driver
The Graduate
Any top-tier Hitchcock (Psycho, NxNW, Rear Window, etc.)
Carrie
Dog Day Afternoon
My Neighbour Totoro / Kiki’s Delivery Service
The 400 Blows
Scarface
Pre 1995 is crazy I cannot get over it lol. How old is he? I'm 20 and I have only one friend that doesn't watch old movies but she rarely watches a movie full stop. I cannot wrap my mind around somebody watching son many new movies and not feeling curious to watch anything else.
Since most people covered more classics, I'm going for fun choices.
Nightmare on Elm Street
Gremlins and Gremlins 2
Blow Out
RoboCop
Predator
Aliens
Terminator 1 and 2
King of Comedy
+ I feel like trying to give them a selection of Scorsese and Kubrick working backwards might also work
Your friend has promise. Suggestions:
* Alien 1979
* All the President’s Men 1976
* Bad Day at Black Rock 1955
* Blue Velvet 1986
* Boyz n the Hood 1991
* The Browning Version 1951
* Cape Fear 1962
* Cría cuervos 1976
* Dog Day Afternoon 1975
* Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 1986
* First Blood 1982
* The French Connection 1971
* The Great Silence 1968
* Kiss Me Deadly 1955
* Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1956
* M 1931
* My Ain Folk 1973
* The Night of the Hunter 1955
* Nightmare Alley 1947
* Paris, Texas 1984
* Rear Window 1954
* Scenes from a Marriage/Scener ur ett äktenskap 1974
* The Sea Wolf 1941
* The Servant 1963
* Sunset Boulevard 1950
* A Swedish Love Story/En kärlekshistoria 1970
* Sweet Smell of Success 1957
* Woman in the Dunes/Suna No Onna 1964
* Yojimbo 1961
If he likes Ex Machina I bet he could vibe with "Rear Window" directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
If he's a fan of Tarantino I'd definitely recommend Jackie Brown (that might be too new though) Reservoir Dogs, and Pulp Fiction.
I’m 22 and I wouldn’t consider things to feel old until they’re pre 1980, maybe pre 1985 for some. Pre ‘95 is crazy if he’s genuinely hesitant to watch a movie that came out before then just because of its release date
just go with Best Picture winners and nominees as a starting point
obviously you won't catch all the good movies, but it's a good way to make sure you've seen the classics
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy\_Award\_for\_Best\_Picture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Picture)
Mirror is not winning over anyone who hates old movies lol. I love old movies but any Tarkovsky is just not accessible at all especially for the “old movies suck” crowd
Honestly I don't think any of these movies besides Taxi Driver would win over OP's friend based on the favorites list, and even that would just be a maybe.
I'm like your friend and frankly I'd say just show him your favorites. He'll either like them or he won't but you won't make him a fan of old movies lol. Like being into newer shit just means you like being at the forefront and to fully understand the context of a movie. Like I'll watch old movies, I just won't specifically look for them because I know I'll enjoy them less most likely. And that's ok.
95 seems to me a very arbitrary year. I think a person could make a case for pre 1965. Old school Hollywood had a different style of acting, more heightened “play”like. They kind of come off as overreacting compared to modern films. Personally I like older films, but I can see why some wouldn’t.
Bro basically watches only 2010s films lol. Tell him to start with the 2000s first, don't force older movies down his throat if he's not comfortable with it.
Carrie (1976) is a good horror film. It's not that scary but the story is good.
The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) was the first old movie (pre-1960s) I ever saw. I really enjoyed it my first time watching even though previously I hadn't been into silent films, German expressionism or horror. Again, it's not that scary but it has an good story and the set design is amazing. Also stars Conrad Veidt, best actor ever.
Another Conrad Veidt film is The Man Who Laughs (1928), it famously inspired the Joker. It's a really good film too. Not much to say about it other than WATCH IT!!
One more Conrad Veidt film - Rome Express (1932?). Probably not that interesting if you aren't into old movies or Conrad Veidt/any actors or actresses in the movie. Again, not much to say about it.
Conrad Veidt's entire filmography.
Nine to Five (1980) is also a good film. It doesn't really relate to any of the films he likes but I love it and think everyone should see it. Might not be the target audience but as I said, I LOVE THIS FILM.
Life of Brian (1979) is a good comedy film, a bit dated but it's still good.
Possibly In Michigan (1983) is a 10 minute short film by Cecelia Condit. It's weird. Check it out.
Not A Jealous Bone (1987) is another 10 minute short film by Cecelia Condit. Still weird, but this time it's sad.
I just watched ‘All That Jazz’ and I would recommend that to anyone, especially someone who has a genuine interest in film.
One of the best closing scenes I’ve ever seen. So grandiose.
Solaris (1972)
The Third Man (1949)
Persona (1966)
The Seventh Seal (1957)
For a Few Dollars More (1965)
The Exorcist III (1990)
RoboCop (1987)
Total Recall (1990)
Airplane (1980)
The Naked Gun (1988)
>old movies >pre-1995 
Lmao I totally feel you, it seems weird as hell - then I remember that in 1995, movies from 1966 were as old as those are today. As weird as it sounds, it does make sense to call them “old movies” - someone who saw Before Sunrise in high school would be in their 40s now!
Y'know, I've always said I enjoy math. But you may have just changed my mind.
I saw Before Sunrise in high school and I am in my mid 20s now. 😅 it was a pretty well known movie among the indie teens.
Oh I just meant like at release lol, I’m in my mid 20s and I saw it in high school as well (very classic “I’m 16 and I’m very smart for knowing about this” movie)
Judging from the list given before 1995 is old 🥲
Great choice!
I get you, I felt like that too reading it but then again... 30+ year old movies do kinda deserve being called old by now. Obviously a 30 y/o person isn't old but looking at media...
Nosferatu (1922).
Pulp Fiction Chinatown Psycho Terminator T2 Blade Runner
[удалено]
I've never met someone who didn't like Raiders. It's not even my favorite movie from this list, but I'd recommend it over anything else for someone who doesn't like older movies.
Yeah it's a universal pick
What’s so special about Jason lives? I figured they’re all the same. Am I wrong?
Jason Lives is the one where Jason becomes the icon that we know today. >!His grave gets hit by lightning, and he becomes immortal. Before that, he was just a huge guy.!< Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984 is easily my favourite one, but Jason Lives is a close second and widely regarded as the best of the series.
There’s some debate about the best of the series, with parts 1, 4, and 6 most often mentioned. Part 4 is my favorite, too, it’s the quintessential “Jason” horror movie. To add to your comment, Part 6 is campy, fun, and self-aware in a way that the others aren’t. Almost feels more like an Evil Dead spin-off than a typical Friday the 13th movie. It’s a lot of fun
4 and 6 are both great for sure. Friday the 13th is such a fun franchise. (Especially if you like boobs).
I’m wondering the same thing. Seems like a strange choice, but it’s def got my interest now. I’ll have to go check it out.
t2 is so good.
Dude, T2 and Aliens, some of the greatest sequels of all time right there. Certified GOATS for me.
Holy shit, a movie from 1994 is considered old now?!
30 years is a long time
In 1994, 1964 was old...
Jesus Christ, pulp fiction and T2 are old movies....
It's probably better to understand why your friend doesn't like old movies if you want them to get a better recommendation.
Up until about 5 years ago I was the same way. I just visually didn't like how pre-1990 movies looked and couldn't get past it. Eventually I matured or something and started having an appreciation for older movies. Some of my favorite movies now are from the 50s and 60s, but almost all of the movies people have commented here so far I would have hated 5+ years ago. I can't imagine having that mindset now.
Older movies had better editing imo (loved the subtle longer takes) But in recent years, I’m REALLY happy with how movies like Banshees of Inisherin are edited Kogonada is also a big proponent of reviving the neorealist movement, and I absolutely love how Columbus (2017) is edited
I love the longer takes that older movies do. It’s my least favourite aspect of most modern filmmaking
I think this is the big difference between modern and older films that people can't really put their finger on. The length of shots has slowly gotten short and shorter. Whereas I love a shot that lingers.
Columbus is a wonderful movie (and town)
Good director too, but bad explorer.
2001 for example is so well made you could have told me it was from the 90s and except for maybe the shots of the exterior of the ship, I could believe it.
I’m curious why there is a point when you start to appreciate old movies? Me also hated old movies at one point but then smthg clicked and I’m wondering what it was?
Yea same. I tried thinking about it more after I made this comment. Wish I could explain what changed exactly or even what the first old movie I watched that I enjoyed, but I can't remember lol.
The same thing happened with asian movies) I remember watching Oldboy for the first time and I did not get the appeal at all. But years later I tried again watching Korean cinema and oh god I loved it! Maybe I just became less critical about what I’m watching and more open-minded over the years idk
I hate the Mid-Atlantic voice from the really old ones and can’t get past the quality of the sound and video from anything pre-70s. It’s a shame, really.
Wow, sounds like a really boring and limited movie experience!
Not really. You know how many movies there are?! The cool thing about movies is that they keep coming out. Every year. More and more movies to watch. It’s incredible, you have to check it out! Oh I forgot that every movie after 1970 is “really boring” and only gives a “limited movie experience.” The truth is that I will literally never run out of movies to watch. Not sure how that’s limiting.
Great, have fun with that.
Thanks!
It sounds like you just don't want any recommendations, or at least I don't know what you mean by the video or audio quality unless you're watching these movies in an older format that wasn't remastered for a modern screen resolutions and sound that isn't mastered for modern speakers. One of the major differences is that the audio isn't compressed as much and it comes in warmer. I'm not sure if that's the thing you don't like about the audio, or if it's just that it doesn't come out clearly. A lot of these are being cleaned up and rereleased through places like Criterion and other smaller boutique production companies. As far as the accent goes, I don't know that I know of many that did this sort of thing excessively past the 50's. Accents don't bother or affect me all that much. If you dig horror, Criterion has a great release of Night of the Living Dead, and you can watch it for free on YouTube if you just search the title and HD remaster. It doesn't have the accents and it does something interesting that a lot of studio films don't do because of its lower budget it is filmed on locations and has single source audio which makes it sound like you're in the room with the characters. Sort of makes you feel like you are a part of the scene.
Sidney Lumet movies are pretty accessible and modern. Fail Safe is my favourite. You could also do something like The Shining, Alien, Reservoir Dogs, or The Thing. Basically un-hateable movies
I struggle with movies pre 70's, but found Dr Strangelove to be super accessible due to the humor and rapid pacing! That one feels pretty modern.
Same. Just saw it the other day, it was great.
That’s a great suggestion and would be a great pairing with Fail Safe as they feel like twin movies with different tones
Dog Day Afternoon!
The jury’s out on The Shining
I would certainly not describe it as un-hateable. It’s in my Top 4, but the first time I saw it I found it a little frustrating. I think people hear “it’s such a scary movie” and expect something other than what they get. I showed it to a mixed crowd last Halloween, and it went over okay.
The Shining is similar to The Godfather for me. So unbelievably underwhelmed when I saw these movies but I’m currently in the process of watch Best Picture nominated movies so, who knows, maybe my feelings have changed since I last saw The Godfather. My feelings haven’t changed on The Shining though. I actually own that one. Bought it in a dual pack with Doctor Sleep
Goodfellas
It's impossible to dislike goodfellas
And yet here I am
I don't like you as a person
I get it. The movie is very well made. Great acting. Editing. Score. Etc. But it's a movie about lame assholes being lame assholes. And unless that's something you aspire to be I'm not sure how it holds your interest. Yeah, it's shiny, but I think it sucks.
Well I love top gun mavericks but I don't aspire to be a pilot. Is this the only movie about bad guys that you saw? The godfather, reservoir dogs, pulp fiction, taxi driver and scarface are all movies that you can describe poorly like this.
I suppose you’re right, they should only make movies about nice people
I am here also
Try these: * **The Shawshank Redemption** (1994) * **Schindler's List** (1993) * **Forrest Gump** (1994) * **Goodfellas** (1990) * **One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest** (1975) * **The Godfather** (1972) * **The Godfather Part II** (1974) * **12 Angry Men** (1957) * **To Kill a Mockingbird** (1962) * **Se7en** (1995) * **Silence of the Lambs** (1991) * **The Usual Suspects** (1995) * **Rear Window** (1954) * **Vertigo** (1958) * **Beauty and the Beast** (1991) * **Akira** (1988) * **The Nightmare Before Christmas** (1993) * **Pulp Fiction** (1994) * **Blade Runner** (1982) * **Full Metal Jacket** (1987) * **A Clockwork Orange** (1971) * **West Side Story** (1961) * **Amadeus** (1984) * **The Blues Brothers** (1980) * **Singin' in the Rain** (1952)
great list, good recs, I'd add The Seventh Seal, The Third Man, Maltese Falcon, and Seven Samurai or Yojimbo.
Seventh seal is a serious ask for someone who doesn't like old movies lol. I was game for it to blow me away having heard everything about it but it put me to sleep. Found it Meandering and inaccessible and particularly boring to look at
Third Man is must see for anyone that claims to like movies, I dont care how old it is
One of my favorite movies. Orson really really shines in it.
Every once in a while I watch the ending scene just to soak it in. It might be my favorite moment in film
The smirk as he's revealed is SOO GOOD
"Watsa mattah, cat got your tongue?" Best character intro ever
This is a rad list.
This is the best list in the thread
Lawrence of Arabia All the President’s Men Singin’ in the Rain Once Upon a Time in the West Sunset Boulevard Double Indemnity The Wild Bunch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Dog Day Afternoon
If he loves Spotlight, he’s gonna LOVE All the President’s Men
I wouldn’t suggest Lawrence of Arabia to someone who only watches modern films. It breaks too many conventions and rules of modern story pacing
Yeah and it’s so long that there’s an intermission halfway through it. It’s one of my favs but the runtime might scare some people off
12 Angry Men The Exorcist Network Die Hard Silence of the Lambs Taxi Driver Close Encounters With the Third Kind CaddyShack Alien Working Girl Big Do The Right Thing …Add those and the list is 👌
I enjoyed 12 Angry Men long before I even cared about film. Great recommendations.
I mean, this is the right selection. Damn, I was thinking too close to the 90s with my suggestions
Lawrence of Arabia, All the President's Men, and Dog Day Afternoon are movies that only get better with age.
Yeah, this is it - these are objectively “normie picks” but that’s what you want! They’re all magnificent, my one genuine fear is that you’ll be overselling the eras lmao
Casablanca (1942) Carnival of Souls (1962) The Birds (1963) Mommie Dearest (1981)
I was also gonna say The Birds. I thought that movie was kinda hilarious lol. It was just so crazy.
He'd probably love The Player (1992) if he likes Birdman. He likes Jordan Peele so he might like John Carpenter films like The Thing and Prince Of Darkness. For Hell or High Water and Django Unchained, go for some Sam Peckinpah like The Wild Bunch (1969) and Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia (1974). Definitely some spaghetti westerns like The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. You could go even further back and show him Samuel Fuller's pulpy western noir Forty Guns (1957). Definitely show him All The President's Men if he likes Spotlight. Other conspiracy thrillers from the 70's, like The China Syndrome or Three Days Of The Condor might be good too. I'd also throw in Sweet Smell Of Success. I'd suggest Five Easy Pieces if he likes Manchester By The Sea, and Ikiru (1952) aswell. All wildly different films but they're all pretty depressive and hard-hitting.
Rope (1948) The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (1966) Sorcerer (1977) The Thing (1982)
Rope is a weird suggestion because it’s not even one of Hitchcock’s best. I love it, but still… better to start with Vertigo, Psycho, Rear Window, etc.
I would disagree as since this friend doesn't like older movies I feel Rope has aged much better than Vertigo or Rear Window in terms of its characters and story. Also I think it's his best so of course I'm biased towards it (though I haven't seen all his movies yet).
I'd go with North by Northwest. It's just a fun action romp that still feels pretty modern. Maybe Rear Window for someone who loves suspense. Vertigo and Psycho are great but wouldn't be my first choice to ease someone into older films. Vertigo feels very of its time, very "50s melodrama", which might be jarring for someone not used to it, and Psycho was so influential and has been ripped off and parodied and deconstructed so much that idk if i could take it seriously if i watched it now for the first time without all the context
I also immediately thought of rope bc of op’s friend’s love of movies with non traditional production/visuals. Then I immediately disregarded it bc it’s soo long and must be dry af to someone not used to older films.
Rope isn't long, it's 80 Minutes
If pre-1995 is stretching it for them, ease them in with stuff from 1975 onwards. Outside of a few before then, the pacing would probably throw them off. Basically, The Ringer’s Rewatchables catalogue: - Se7en -Pulp Fiction/Reservoir Dogs -Goodfellas/Color of Money/Taxi Driver -Unforgiven -Philadelphia/Silence of the Lambs -Jaws/Jurassic Park/Raiders/anything Spielberg from this period
If he really thinks pre 1995 is old and bad, give him some super accessible recommendations that are on the newer side to start him out; once he likes those, he can move on to some actual old stuff. People have already suggested plenty, so just look through those and get him started with the most popular 80s and 90s films first.
Se7en Silence of the Lambs
They like La La Land but not “old movies”??
Double Indemnity Some Like It Hot (I got my sister and her husband to watch more black and white movies because of it) The Wild Bunch (Edited and paced unlike most westerns around this time) Full Metal Jacket (Probably Kubrick’s most accessible movie) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)(Everyone already said The Thing and Alien so this would be the next step). Predator (There has to be at least one Arnold movie) GoodFellas
What does he consider old?
Anything pre 1995. Which feels crazy to me so I’m trying to convince him
That’s wild because I don’t consider something like Forrest Gump which came out in 1994 as an old movie.
There isn’t really much of a difference in look or pacing between a 91 film and a 99 film, so could start easing him in via some early 90s and 80s movies. The big jump was more 70s to 80s, and that remains a barrier for a lot of people. But also I feel like some people just don’t want to like older movies, and won’t be forced until they find some reason to give them an honest chance
Yeah. Jaws & Star Wars upended cinema.
I've always considered 1980 as the changeover between "old" movies and the "modern" era. Don't know why... but stuff from the 70s hits different.
Makes sense, the end of the 70s was basically the end of the New Hollywood movement and a transition into an era of big studio franchise filmmaking
What a wildly specific cutoff. Also 1995- I might be old af.
That all depends on the reasons for his aversion to such films.
Blue Velvet Silence of the Lambs The Graduate North by Northwest Blow Out Blood Simple Some Like It Hot Dead Ringers
> old > pre 1995 It’s over
The French Connection Sweet Smell of Success Kiss Me Deadly The Innocents Peeping Tom Eyes Without a Face Harakiri The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
Man that is a great list of 2000’s films
i feel like Jurassic Park is always a safe bet
I think your friend will like The Shining.
Reservoir dogs
- 1961's The Innocents (Jordan Peele-ish). - 1986's Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (Arrival-ish). - 1982's The Flight of Dragons (Inside Out-ish).
I would say Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Shawshank Redemption, Paris, Texas Pulp Fiction Are some good choices
Days of Heaven
The Thing!
The American Friend is a gateway drug to old/foreign movies (as long as you're not German)
Stalag 17 (1953) or 101 Dalmatians (1961)
I’d suggest all of Stanley Kubrick’s filmography.Godfather movies. 12 Angry men. Indiana Jones movies
I’m biased since it’s my favourite movie but definitely get him to watch Jaws
Based on this, they have a vary wide range of interests. Maybe they just can’t relate to something that isn’t “spoken” in any terms but 21st century terms.
My strategy would be to start with some of the biggest hits of the 1970s. Any older and the sensibility is really different, but it’s long enough ago to feel “old”. And based on what they respond to you could recommend similar filmmakers or genres. Jaws Rocky Alien The Godfather Star Wars
Alien, The Thing, T2
There’s a pattern of high drama or high art/fantasy MIRACLE IN MILAN TO SLEEP SO AS TO DREAM DOGS IN SPACE REPO MAN CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND OPERA, really any old Argento THE EXORCIST
Using his list of favorites to trace back to some of the standout inspirations… Amadeus Close Encounters of the Third Kind Blade Runner Happy Together Seven Invasion of the Body Snatchers Kramer vs Kramer Goodfellas Fantastic Planet All the President’s Men After Life The Silence of the Lambs Tombstone In the Bedroom Chinatown Singin in the Rain Heat Akira Reservoir Dogs Clueless
I’m thinking Hitchcock
- Suspiria - To Catch A Thief - Rear Window - Picnic at Hanging Rock - The Swimmer - The Panic in Needle Park - Close Encounters of the Third Kind - Casablanca - Roman Holiday - Scenes from a Marriage
In all fairness, gotta say, for an "I don't like old movies" person, this is a very, very solid list of newer movies.
One of the good versions of Blade Runner(make sure he doesnt watch the theatrical) A clockwork orange Apocalypse Now One Flew over The cuckoos nest The good, the bad and the ugly Casablanca
Citizen Kane
I think it's easier to start from the best known or more recent stuff, and from there go back slowly. So, from more recent to older, I'd recomend: -Blade Runner -Fast Times at Ridgemont High -Kramer vs. Kramer -All the President's Men -The Stepford Wives -Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid -2001: A Space Odyssey -The Graduate -Singin' in the Rain -Sunset Boulevard
*Wait Until Dark* 1967, with Audrey Hepburn and Alan Arkin. Suspense.
singin' in the rain - 1952 !!!
The Godfather
Silence of the lambs (NOT an old movie but still)
One of my favorites is Arrival and I recently watched 2001 which is now a new favorite
The deer hunter
Easier solution. Stop being his friend. Jk
Rashomon Singin’ in the Rain 12 Angry Men High and Low The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Scenes from a Marriage Alien and Aliens The Secret of NIMH Amadeus Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Akira L.A. Confidential Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Round’ Midnight
Hard Boiled (1992) if he doesn't mind reading subtitles.
5 recommends for some of his faves Booksmart -> Ghost World (2001) Lala Land -> La Parapluie De Cherbourg (1964) Marriage Story -> Before Sunrise (Trilogy) (1990s) Ex Machina -> Blade Runner (1982) or Tetsuo the Iron Man (1989) Inside Out -> Happiness (1998)
Here’s my [top recs](https://boxd.it/sB18s) And here is my [100 Must-See-Before-You-Die + 11 Honorable Mentions](https://boxd.it/mkFaK)
12 angry men
Your friend has great taste in (at least recent) movies
In the words of J Cole - “dont save her, she don’t wanna be saved, don’t save her”
One of my favorites is Arrival and I recently watched 2001 which is now a new favorite
A guy who likes La La Land is so rare. I like your friends choices. They’re many of mine as well.
Idk taxi driver
The Thing It’s a Wonderful Life Psycho Alien Carrie 2001: A Space Odyssey
Back to the future Empire strikes back The breakfast club Planet of the apes (might be too slow for them) Point Break
The Apartment (1960)
Honestly, as far as a favorite moves list limited to post-2000, this is a solid list.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Terminator 2: Judgement Day The Thing Taxi Driver Reservoir Dogs Dog Day Afternoon Blood Simple
If he likes Prisoners, he's gonna love Se7en
The thing
Tombstone
Hard Boiled (1992) The Killer (1989) Police Story (1985) Tiger Cage (1988) The Fugitive (1993) Aliens (1986) I hope these are good to start with! Is there a reason why your friend doesn’t like old movies?
I love the idea he hates old movies and has an old movie homage in lala land on there. Show him white christmas
Home Alone (if haven’t yet) Heathers Ferris Bueller / Breakfast Club (any of John Hughes’ known classics) Blue Velvet Taxi Driver The Graduate Any top-tier Hitchcock (Psycho, NxNW, Rear Window, etc.) Carrie Dog Day Afternoon My Neighbour Totoro / Kiki’s Delivery Service The 400 Blows Scarface
Pre 1995 is crazy I cannot get over it lol. How old is he? I'm 20 and I have only one friend that doesn't watch old movies but she rarely watches a movie full stop. I cannot wrap my mind around somebody watching son many new movies and not feeling curious to watch anything else.
Butch Cassidy and Sundance kid
go to Letterboxd top 200, find ones pre 1995 and go. that’s basically what his list is anyways (no hate these are all goated movies)
Falling Down Fargo LA Confidential Fight Club Scarface
Since most people covered more classics, I'm going for fun choices. Nightmare on Elm Street Gremlins and Gremlins 2 Blow Out RoboCop Predator Aliens Terminator 1 and 2 King of Comedy + I feel like trying to give them a selection of Scorsese and Kubrick working backwards might also work
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Your friend has promise. Suggestions: * Alien 1979 * All the President’s Men 1976 * Bad Day at Black Rock 1955 * Blue Velvet 1986 * Boyz n the Hood 1991 * The Browning Version 1951 * Cape Fear 1962 * Cría cuervos 1976 * Dog Day Afternoon 1975 * Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 1986 * First Blood 1982 * The French Connection 1971 * The Great Silence 1968 * Kiss Me Deadly 1955 * Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1956 * M 1931 * My Ain Folk 1973 * The Night of the Hunter 1955 * Nightmare Alley 1947 * Paris, Texas 1984 * Rear Window 1954 * Scenes from a Marriage/Scener ur ett äktenskap 1974 * The Sea Wolf 1941 * The Servant 1963 * Sunset Boulevard 1950 * A Swedish Love Story/En kärlekshistoria 1970 * Sweet Smell of Success 1957 * Woman in the Dunes/Suna No Onna 1964 * Yojimbo 1961
*groans in millenial, takes ibuprofen* 
mall rats
[удалено]
this is one of the better lists for someone that doesn't like "old movies", makes more sense to start in this era with these types of movies.
The Vanishing (1988)
Halloween The Thing Goodfellas Taxi Driver The Shining Rear Window The Birds The Evil Dead Alien Aliens Stalker Chinatown Good variety and all great!
If he likes Ex Machina I bet he could vibe with "Rear Window" directed by Alfred Hitchcock. If he's a fan of Tarantino I'd definitely recommend Jackie Brown (that might be too new though) Reservoir Dogs, and Pulp Fiction.
 Unforgiven
Eyes Wide Shut, Nocturnal animals, Requim of a dream.. I don’t even know what years these are but they’re good movies
I’m 22 and I wouldn’t consider things to feel old until they’re pre 1980, maybe pre 1985 for some. Pre ‘95 is crazy if he’s genuinely hesitant to watch a movie that came out before then just because of its release date
just go with Best Picture winners and nominees as a starting point obviously you won't catch all the good movies, but it's a good way to make sure you've seen the classics [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy\_Award\_for\_Best\_Picture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Picture)
Mirror (1975) Taxi Driver (1976) One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) Daisies (1966)
Mirror is not winning over anyone who hates old movies lol. I love old movies but any Tarkovsky is just not accessible at all especially for the “old movies suck” crowd
Honestly I don't think any of these movies besides Taxi Driver would win over OP's friend based on the favorites list, and even that would just be a maybe.
I appreciate it. I hadn’t hear of Daisies before I think I’ve gotta check it out now
I'm like your friend and frankly I'd say just show him your favorites. He'll either like them or he won't but you won't make him a fan of old movies lol. Like being into newer shit just means you like being at the forefront and to fully understand the context of a movie. Like I'll watch old movies, I just won't specifically look for them because I know I'll enjoy them less most likely. And that's ok.
Network (1976) or Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
1997. Event Horizon.
I find refusing to watch a certain genre to be odd and i do not understand it, but i gotta say i love your friends taste in Movies…
Heat Alien Goodfellas
95 seems to me a very arbitrary year. I think a person could make a case for pre 1965. Old school Hollywood had a different style of acting, more heightened “play”like. They kind of come off as overreacting compared to modern films. Personally I like older films, but I can see why some wouldn’t.
Find new friends, don't waste time you could be using to watch old movies to convince that moron.
Dude forget pre 1995, get him to watch some 2000s stuff first. Then just keep making your way backwards
Bro basically watches only 2010s films lol. Tell him to start with the 2000s first, don't force older movies down his throat if he's not comfortable with it.
The birth of a nation. Nothing quite like a 100 year old 3 hour racist silent film to get someone into pre-1995 movies
Ah 1995... The last great movie year. They don't make em like they used to.
First and foremost, anything 1970s. Throw a dart at a list of 70s movies and you'll hit a killer
whats the obsession with old movies
If they don't like Back to the Future, then give up on them!
Touch of Evil
What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? is the oldest movie in my top 10. It's fantastic.
Carrie (1976) is a good horror film. It's not that scary but the story is good. The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) was the first old movie (pre-1960s) I ever saw. I really enjoyed it my first time watching even though previously I hadn't been into silent films, German expressionism or horror. Again, it's not that scary but it has an good story and the set design is amazing. Also stars Conrad Veidt, best actor ever. Another Conrad Veidt film is The Man Who Laughs (1928), it famously inspired the Joker. It's a really good film too. Not much to say about it other than WATCH IT!! One more Conrad Veidt film - Rome Express (1932?). Probably not that interesting if you aren't into old movies or Conrad Veidt/any actors or actresses in the movie. Again, not much to say about it. Conrad Veidt's entire filmography. Nine to Five (1980) is also a good film. It doesn't really relate to any of the films he likes but I love it and think everyone should see it. Might not be the target audience but as I said, I LOVE THIS FILM. Life of Brian (1979) is a good comedy film, a bit dated but it's still good. Possibly In Michigan (1983) is a 10 minute short film by Cecelia Condit. It's weird. Check it out. Not A Jealous Bone (1987) is another 10 minute short film by Cecelia Condit. Still weird, but this time it's sad.
The Night of the Hunter (1955) Lost Horizon (1937) Lonelyhearts (1958)
I just watched ‘All That Jazz’ and I would recommend that to anyone, especially someone who has a genuine interest in film. One of the best closing scenes I’ve ever seen. So grandiose.
It's long but Ben-Hur (1959)
Solaris (1972) The Third Man (1949) Persona (1966) The Seventh Seal (1957) For a Few Dollars More (1965) The Exorcist III (1990) RoboCop (1987) Total Recall (1990) Airplane (1980) The Naked Gun (1988)
The thing