Here’s Looking Back at You, Kid: The Appeal of Classic Cinema

At one point or another we’ve all encountered one of those movie die-hards who swears up and down by “the classics”. You might find these people sentimental, perhaps a little a pretentious, or flat out annoying…hell, you might even be one of them. They’ll tell you that unless you’ve experienced them, you can’t fully appreciate how far movies of come. And that’s true in a way, but for many modern movie lovers, the slower pacing, black-and-white imagery, and outdated cultural references can feel pretty, well, boring, to be honest.

Even though I don’t blame them, those in the latter category have probably missed out on seeing some of the greatest movies ever made, including ones that have absolutely withstood the test of time. So today I’m here to answer one question: Are the Classics really worth watching in 2024?

TLD;DR? Totally.

Often remade but never replicated, classic movies continue to captivate viewers decades after their initial releases. Special effects have evolved tenfold since the sixties, yet people continue to fawn over 2001: A Space Odyssey. CGI has brought terrifyingly realistic monsters to our screens, but nothing scares horror fans like Michael Myers in a William Shatner Halloween mask. Could it all be a matter of our addiction to nostalgia?

With many new blockbuster releases being revivals of old classics, it does appear that many moviegoers would rather see the characters they know and love instead of new ones…and Hollywood knows it. Even so, these modern takes on the classics almost never measure up to their predecessors. How many times have you heard of a remake being better than the original? Once in a blue moon, I’d bet.

So what exactly do we mean by “Classic Cinema”? Think of some of the most famous Golden Age movies out there; perhaps you’re thinking of 12 Angry Men, or Sunset Boulevard, or Casablanca. These movies aren’t classics simply because they’re old – there were mediocre movies back then too, of course. They’re classics because of the legacies they’ve left behind. Their names resonate with the vast majority of movie fans and echo through the decades because of the notable impact they continue to have on the world’s best directors and its most passionate movie fans. Only films that have left their mark on history earn the title of “Classic”.  

Part of what makes these movies so great is the extent to which their DNA is still present in our culture. Lines like ‘You talkin’ to me?’ from Taxi Driver are as recognizable in real life as they are on screen. If you immerse yourself in the classics, you’ll recognize more references than ever before, be it a gag from The Simpsons or a lyric written by your favorite artist. That beautiful shot from your favorite movie? You’ll probably end up discovering the frame that originally inspired the cinematographer. And when you hear the famed words ‘Here’s lookin’ at you, kid’, you can almost envision Humphrey Bogart saying them, even if you haven’t seen the movie! The classics lend themselves to imitation, and their iconic status knows no bounds.

Appreciating the classics can also be a refreshing change of pace for any film fan. Much like foreign films, movies from a different era employ different storytelling techniques and make different statements about society and culture. It’s a lens into the way that those societies viewed the world around them. You might find yourself put off by the black and white scenes, dated special effects and unfamiliar faces, but I can promise you that if you go in with an open mind, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

For some, it can be helpful to do a little bit more research beforehand; for example, you might be able to appreciate Citizen Kane a little more in 2024 if you watch it with the knowledge of just how revolutionary the movie was in 1941. Classic films have a lot to teach us about our favorite art form.

So if you’re apprehensive about watching the classics, I’d recommend giving them a shot. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, because cinema is all about stories, and good stories are timeless. And the great news is, you already have decades’ worth of movies to add to your watchlist!