If you were born in the 80s or 90s, then your parents probably introduced you to some of the best black-and-white movies ever made. And despite the lack of color, these 15 incredible movies have some of the best storylines and plots that will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who watched them. Do you have a favorite black-and-white movie? Read this blog to see who else agrees!
1. 12 Angry Men
12 Angry Men is a classic American drama film released in 1957, directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Henry Fonda. The movie is based on a play of the same name and takes place entirely in a jury room, following 12 jurors who are tasked with deciding the fate of a young man accused of murder.
One person stated, “Loads, but in this instance, I’m gonna have to go with 12 Angry Men. I truly believe it to be one of the best films ever made.”
A second person replied, “Ooooooo. I completely forgot about 12 Angry Men! Incredible movie.”
Another commenter added, “Glad to see this as the first comment. I came here to say exactly this.”
2. Some Like It Hot
The movie is famous for its clever conversations, slapstick comedy, and amusing acts by the ensemble, especially Monroe, who takes on the role of Sugar Kane, the band singer. The film also showcases a remarkable soundtrack composed by Adolph Deutsch and incorporates various well-liked songs from that time, including the hit “I Wanna Be Loved By You.”
One person stated, “One of the funniest movie endings of all time.”
Another Redditor replied, “In my opinion, the best final line.”
A third commenter added, “I had to make a floral arrangement based after some like a hot, so I made it all black and white, and I made a funeral piece that said Grandma because the entry to Grandma’s funeral.”
3. Casablanca
Casablanca, a timeless romantic drama of American cinema, was released in 1942. It was directed by Michael Curtiz and featured the renowned actors Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the leading roles. The story unfolds against the backdrop of World War II. It follows the story of Rick Blaine (played by Bogart), a pessimistic nightclub proprietor in Casablanca, Morocco. He finds himself at a crossroads, torn between aiding his past love Ilsa Lund (portrayed by Bergman), and her spouse, a leader in the resistance, in their escape from the clutches of the Nazis and pursuing his own personal interests.
One user commented, “I only just watched it a few years ago on a plane. I’d always heard it was good but didn’t know anything about the story, so I figured to give it a watch. Not what I expected, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Come on, anything with Nazis being misled is good entertainment. And Bogart’s character is a slick MF!”
Another commented, “Some parts were definitely enjoyable, but I just remember thinking Rick was the most obnoxious human on the planet. Of course, I haven’t seen it in a very long time, and when I did watch it, it was for school, so I might have been biased. Maybe I’ll give it a second chance.”
4. Schindler’s List
Schindler’s List is a 1993 historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes. The movie is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.
The movie is filmed using black-and-white cinematography and is renowned for its uncompromising and authentic portrayal of the Holocaust’s horrors. It has garnered acclaim for its compelling acting, stunning camerawork, emotional impact, and unwavering depiction of wartime atrocities.
5. Young Frankenstein
Young Frankenstein is a classic American comedy film released in 1974, directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, and Teri Garr. The movie is a parody of the classic horror film “Frankenstein.” It’s about the grandson of the original Dr. Frankenstein, who gets his family’s castle and decides to continue his grandfather’s experiments to make a new monster.
One person cheered, “Young Fronkensteen!”
Someone replied, “It’s pronounced ‘eyegore.’”
6. The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is a psychological horror film released in 2019, directed by Robert Eggers and starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. The movie is set in the late 19th century and follows two lighthouse keepers stranded on a remote island off the coast of New England. As they struggle to maintain their sanity, they are plagued by visions, strange occurrences, and the harsh realities of their isolated existence.
“I’ve been meaning to watch that!” one person exclaimed.
“‘How long have we been on this rock? Five weeks? Two Days? Where are we? Help me to recollect!’ Great movie about two people slowly losing their minds,” another one commented, quoting an unforgettable line in the movie.
7. Nosferatu
One user shared, “Nosferatu. Watched it late at night as a kid, and it terrified me. I watch it every so often, and it still freaks me out.”
Another agreed, “Indubitably.”
A third added, “Terrifying. I love it.”
8. Duck Soup
Duck Soup is a classic American comedy film released in 1933, directed by Leo McCarey and starring the Marx Brothers, including Groucho, Harpo, and Chico. The movie is a satirical take on politics and war and follows Rufus T. Firefly (played by Groucho Marx), the new president of the fictional country of Freedonia, as he becomes embroiled in a diplomatic crisis with a neighboring country.
One user shared, “This movie has me crying and laughing every time I see it, haha.”
Another person replied, “And the depressing thing is that it’s just as relevant today as it was at the time.”
9. Arsenic and Old Lace
The film is known for its fast-paced dialogue, physical comedy, and dark humor. It includes several memorable scenes and quotes, such as “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops” and “Oh, Mortimer, you’re going to love me for my mind.”
“This is the one I was looking for,” one person stated.
“Ooooooohhhhh, I just went full crazy on this movie before seeing you had already posted it. Thanks, bro,” another person replied.
10. The Thin Man
The Thin Man is a classic American detective comedy film released in 1934, directed by W. S. Van Dyke and starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett and follows retired detective Nick Charles (played by William Powell) and his wealthy wife Nora (played by Myrna Loy) as they investigate a murder case involving Nick’s former colleague.
“Nick and Nora are just such a charming couple,” one person commented.
“Yes! And Asta!!” someone replied.
Another Redditor added, “My guilty pleasure. The chemistry between the two and the jokes in the writing are just top-notch.”
11. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
The movie is renowned for its romantic and enchanting atmosphere, breathtaking cinematography, and outstanding acting from the ensemble. It delves into subjects of love, grief, and the mystical, earning praise for its clever script and unforgettable characters.
One person commented, “This is a real gem.”
12. It’s a Wonderful Life
Someone commented, “It’s a Wonderful Life. We watch it every Christmas without fail.”
Another person replied, “I love that movie and how hopeful it is.”
A third commenter added, “My wife and I love this one. It’s our Christmas Eve movie every year. Such a beautiful message and so relevant today with current suicide rates. ‘I wanna live again’ always gets a tear out of me, lol.”
13. Spellbound
Spellbound is a classic American psychological thriller film released in 1945, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. The film is known for its suspenseful plot, use of dream sequences and psychoanalytic techniques, and stunning visual effects, including the famous Salvador Dali-designed dream sequence. It explores themes of identity, memory, and mental illness and has been praised for its innovative storytelling and excellent performances.
“I absolutely love Spellbound. Gregory Peck was something else,” someone commented.
“One of my all time favorite movies. So good!” replied another.
14. Sin City
Sin City is a 2005 neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez. The film is known for its distinctive visual style, which incorporates black-and-white images with occasional splashes of color and utilizes a mix of live-action and digital effects. It features an ensemble cast that includes Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke, and Elijah Wood, among others.
“While everyone is listing ‘true’ black and white movies, hopefully, the splashes of color don’t disqualify this one, Sin City,” one user commented.
“So good. The small splashes of color give them such a bigger impact,” another person replied.
“I was coming here to say this,” a third commenter added.
15. Dr. Strangelove
Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, is a satirical black comedy film released in 1964, directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Peter Sellers in three different roles. The movie is renowned for its clever use of dark humor, its satirical approach to political and military figures, and the remarkable performances delivered by the ensemble. It delves into subjects like political authority, bureaucratic systems, and the perils associated with nuclear conflict, earning acclaim for its witty screenplay and innovative cinematography.
One person stated, “D**n right!”
Someone replied, “Came here for this.”
Source: Reddit.
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