Discovering the Timeless Classics: Cultured Cinema for the Modern Teen

Are you an American teenager who has never watched movies? Want to become more culturally aware without the tedious slog of outdated films? This article will guide you through timeless classics from various eras that will entertain and educate you, all while keeping you engaged and passionate about cinema.

Why Classics?

Watch films from any era for their entertainment value, not because you're trying to become 'cultured.' While it's understandable to want to join the ranks of cinephiles, the journey can be overwhelming. If you do decide to delve into classic cinema, choose wisely. Ingmar Bergman's works, for instance, are renowned for their depth, but require a keen interest to keep up. Similarly, Andrei Tarkovsky's films might just need you to stay awake, but they are also worth the effort. Consider joining a discussion group to share your insights and learn from others.

Alternative Reading

For those interested in cultural films but wary of the traditional selection, picking up any reference book can be a fun and informative alternative. These books will guide you towards classic films, some of which you might find timeless, while others might be less appealing. It's all about personal preference. If you're not into musicals, there's no point in watching 'Singin' in the Rain.' Similarly, if you're not a fan of Westerns, 'The Searchers' or 'Pale Rider' might not be for you. A recommendation from IMDB, like 'Citizen Kane' or 'Seven Samurai,' will certainly help.

A Personalized List

Here is a list of classic movies that I personally enjoy, spanning from the 1960s to modern times. These films are not just culturally significant, but also highly entertaining:

American Beauty (1999) Forrest Gump (1994) Taxi Driver (1976) One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) The Shining (1980) The Usual Suspects (1995) Reservoir Dogs (1992) Se7en (1995) Heat (1995) Scarface (1983) Silence of the Lambs (1991) Raging Bull (1980) The Goodfellas (1990) Office Space (1999)

A Diverse List for a Cultured Look

Ultimately, it depends on what type of 'cultured' you aspire to be. Here's a diverse list of films that I enjoy, ranging from classics of old to modern masterpieces:

The Sound of Music (1965) The Princess Bride (1987) The Danish Girl (2015) The Lion King (1994) The Departed (2006) Black Panther (2018) The Room (2003) Labyrinth (1986) Clueless (1995) Tangled (2010) My Girl (1991) Titanic (1997) Frozen (2013) Brave (2012) Selma (2014) Jaws (1975) Up (2009) Se7en (1995) Rocky (1976) Get Out (2017) Die Hard (1988) John Wick (2014) Fight Club (1999) Interstellar (2014) Pulp Fiction (1994) Home Alone (1990) Forrest Gump (1994) Spirited Away (2001) Trainspotting (1996) 13 Going on 30 (2004) School of Rock (2003) Thor: Ragnarok (2017) Iron Man trilogy (2008, 2010, 2013) My Neighbor Totoro (1988) The Avengers series (2012-2019) To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) The Silence of the Lambs (1991) Captain America trilogy (2011, 2014, 2016) The Shawshank Redemption (1994) E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982) Guards of the Galaxy (2014) Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) Saving Private Ryan (1998) Good Will Hunting (1997) Back to the Future (1985) Shaun of the Dead (2004) The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) The Dark Knight (2008) 12 Years a Slave (2013) Les Misérables (2012) Mary Poppins (1964) The Notebook (2004) Jurassic Park (1993) The Goonies (1985) Billy Elliot (2000) Star Wars (1977-2019) Hot Fuzz (2007)