Every month I show an old movie to a bunch of twentysomethings (like me). Sometimes it goes over well and other times…not so well. So I thought I’d put together a list of the movies that have been well received by my friends who share my generation in case you’re ever in this situation. Granted, your pals may still make fun of these films and not fully understand their brilliance, but some movies are so good that even the hippest young adults can forgive their corniness.
On to the list …
- Some Like it Hot – probably our most successful Old Movie Night to date. It’s just full of good stuff that will never go out of style: men dressing up as women, hot blond chicks, the Mafia. Plus there are also plenty of dirty innuendos that any young crowd is sure to love.
- Psycho – This movie is so famous that anyone who hasn’t seen it will at least know about the shower scene. And while some of it is a little strange, it’s still scary enough to creep everyone out.
Casablanca – A classic that even the youngsters have heard of! And is still good enough to hold everyone’s attention. Plus it contains a number of quotes that are commonplace even today.
The Sting – Paul Newman never fails.
Sunset Blvd. – This movie is insane (and who doesn’t love insanity)? Once Norma buries that monkey, there’s no turning back.
The Philadelphia Story – Everything about this one is great. It’s funny and it helps that most people know who Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Jimmy Stewart are. It’s just a good time.
The Birds – It’s a little corny, but still pretty scary and definitely a favorite amongst my friends.
Singin’ in the Rain – I was hesitant about showing a musical for Old Movie Night. Some people my age just don’t understand them. But luckily, Singin’ in the Rain is famous and fabulous enough that my crowd dismissed the painful unreality of it and just enjoyed the film. Plus that Gene Kelly is a dreamboat and everyone knows it.
Miracle on 34th St. – Really just a classic!
Goldfinger – Pretty much everyone loves James Bond and gold painted ladies laying in a bed.
As I write this I’m preparing for the next Old Movie Night this weekend featuring The Mummy and House of Wax. Double features are usually safe bets. My friends have to like at least one of these, right?
Kimberly Clay lives in Chicago and has loved old movies since a young age. She’s trying to convince her friends of their greatness too. Her website is 50 Years Too Late.