The Movies That Shaped Our Generation: 10 Classics from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s Worth Rewatching
Do you like watching classic movies? Some classic movies from the ´30s, ´40s, and ´50s actually shaped our generation and are favorites to rewatch again and again.
Our top 3 favorite movies to rewatch:
- Gone With the Wind: BEST HISTORICAL DRAMA/ROMANCE – This 1939 epic historical movie was adapted from the novel of the same name. The film received a total of ten awards at the 12th Academy Awards.
- The Wizard of Oz: BEST FANTASY/MUSICAL – This wildly acclaimed movie was nominated for five Academy Awards and was a pioneer in the musical fantasy genre. We could watch this one over and over, forever!
- Casablanca: BEST ROMANTIC DRAMA, WAR – With its iconic cast of legendary actors, Casablanca consistently makes its way up on “best films ever” lists.
Continue reading to discover more movies from the ´30s, ´40s, and ´50s that you will want to put on your watch list.
Where to Watch Classic Movies
There are plenty of ways to watch your favorite classics. The easiest way is through streaming services. Some are paid platforms, while others are free but often include advertisements.
Here is a list of the main streaming services available today.
Paid Streaming Services to Watch Old Movies
The Criterion Channel
This is the streaming service you want if you enjoy restored vintage classic movies. They offer a 7-day free trial and then a monthly fee of $10.99 or $99.99 if you choose to pay for a whole year.
Amazon Prime Video
You have access to Amazon Prime Video if you have an Amazon Prime subscription. While not dedicated to classic movies, it has a good selection of old movies. Find films by searching “Movies from the 1950s” or with an actor’s name, “Audrey Hepburn,” for example.
YouTube Movies & TV
YouTube is now much more than a simple video upload website. It offers movies and TV shows, new and old, that you can rent, buy, or sometimes watch for free (with advertisements).
Max (Formerly HBO Max)
Max offers Hollywood and international old classics through their partnership with TCM.
Netflix
Netflix is one of the pioneering streaming services and has a wide range of movies, TV shows, and documentaries from all decades and from around the world. Use the find feature to discover their classic movie selections from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s.
Free Streaming Services to Watch Vintage Films
Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
TCM is the top streaming platform for vintage movies. It’s free to watch movies without advertisements if you have a cable provider or use the Watch TCM app.
Pluto TV and Tubi TV
Pluto TV and Tubi TV are both free streaming services that offer a good selection of classic movies that you can rewatch. They both have advertisements during your watching experience.
Public Libraries and Kanopy
You can gain access to classic movies through your local library. Log in with your library card online and browse your library’s catalogue of classic movies.
Classic Movies Worth Rewatching
Here is our curated list of classic movies that we feel shaped our generation.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937 – Animated Fantasy, Musical
This Disney favorite has been filmed in almost every generation, but the first-ever Snow White movie was released in 1937. This was Disney’s first animated film ever, which set the path to all the other classic animated Disney movies.
Gone with the Wind, 1939 – Historical Drama, Romance
This epic film is all about romance, loss, and survival in the American South during the Civil War. It made history with its elaborate costumes and remarkable performances.
The Wizard of Oz, 1939 – Fantasy, Musical
“We’re not in Kansas anymore!” The Wizard of Oz is another one of those epic movies that pioneered the fantasy movie genre. The movie starts in black and white and moves to bright colors, which was a new feature in films at the time.
Citizen Kane, 1941 – Drama, Mystery
Citizen Kane was groundbreaking with its storytelling and timeline. The movie was directed by and stars Orson Welles and is often at the top of the “best movies of all time” lists.
Casablanca, 1942 – Romantic Drama, War
Humphry Bogart and Ingrid Bergman star in this classic romantic-drama movie about love and loss. The movie is well known for its one-liners like “Here’s looking at you, kid” and “We’ll always have Paris.”
Meet Me in St. Louis, 1944 – Musical, Romance
Meet Me in St. Louis is a classic musical movie set in early 20th-century USA. The movie is all about family, love, and the American dream. It’s beautifully told through the seasons and is famous for the timeless holiday classic song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946 – Drama, Fantasy
It’s a Wonderful Life is a feel-good story of an ordinary small-town man who spent his life putting others first. An angel appears and shows him what the world would be like if he hadn’t been born. He realizes all the good he’s doing and what is really important in life.
All About Eve, 1950 – Drama
All About Eve won six Academy Awards and stars Bette Davis as an aging theater actress. The movie is acclaimed for its witty dialogue and charming characters. It even stars a young Marilyn Monroe at the very beginning of her acting career.
Singin’ in the Rain, 1952 – Musical, Comedy, Romance
This musical movie phenomenon stars Gene Kelly as an actor in the 1920s at the turn of the era from silent movies to “talkies,” where they all had to adapt or be left behind.
Some Like It Hot, 1959 – Comedy, Romance
This classic comedy starring Marilyn Monroe was acclaimed for its humorous plot and dialogue. Two men are witnesses to some mob activity and go undercover by dressing as women. Hilarity ensues!
These are but a few of the movies that shaped our generation. You can go to our comments section below and tell us about your favorite classic films from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s.
Read more: Introducing Grandchildren to the Movies You Love.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Which classic movie is your favorite? How many times have you watched it? Will you watch any of the movies on our list? Which other films do you think shaped our generation? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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