12 Angry Men (1957)
Not only a great film, but also a learning experience in terms of how the jury system works and how leadership evolves (not to mention the fact that juries in those days tended to be all-male). Excellent performances by all involved.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Kubrick's film revolutionized the science fiction genre. Place an advance order for the Special Edition to be released in October, 2007.
An American In Paris (1951)
This musical has its unforgettable moments, particularly the ballet sequence with its Gershwin music. Gene Kelly's dancing is superb.
Casablanca (1942)
One of the most perfect films ever made, although they just started out to make a romantic war drama.
Citizen Kane (1941)
Orson Welles' greatest achievement and everybody's "greatest movie of all time," if not necessarily everybody's personal favorite.
The Godfather (1972)
A undeniable masterpiece, and an American saga, to boot. Many feel Part 2 is even better.
Gone With the Wind (1939)
One of the greatest films of all time, of course. Be sure to visit the Classic Movies Tribute to this film for more background information for that report.
High Noon (1952)
Everybody's favorite Western, with Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly standing alone against the bad guys.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Jimmy Stewart's favorite film is now everybody's holiday favorite, as well.
King Kong (1933)
The first great monster movie. Its special effects were state-of-the-art for its day, and it has been ripped off many times. But its heart still comes through 65 years later.
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Bogart was never better, and this film is still the greatest hardboiled detective story ever made. John Huston's first film as a director.
Metropolis (1926)
The first great sci-fi film was a silent masterpiece of German Expressionism by Fritz Lang (no relation), depicting a 21st century anti-utopian workers hell.
Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)
While not historically accurate, the original is still the most entertaining, with Clark Gable and Charles Laughton.
My Fair Lady (1964)
Despite the complaints about the dubbing of Audrey Hepburn's singing voice, you can't picture anybody else in the role, can you?
On The Waterfront (1954)
A great film that really could be in the "history" category, since it paints such a strong picture of racketeering in the labor movement.
Psycho (1960)
Hitchcock might not be happy to hear that he started the slasher flick craze, but this is still his most popular movie, and one which influenced generations of filmmakers.
The Seven Samurai (1954)
Great Akira Kurosawa film, remade in the U.S. as The Magnificent Seven, starring Yul Brynner, Charles Bronson, Horst Buchholz, James Coburn, Steve McQueen, and Eli Wallach.
Singin' In The Rain (1952)
A wonderful musical, some feel the greatest musical of all time, with wonderful dancing and singing from Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds.
The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
An institution.
The AFI100
Although The American Film Institute's celebrated list of the 100 Greatest American Films wasn't everybody's cup of tea, there are plenty of essential films here.
