Must-See Movies from Last Century

Salutations readers! Throughout these few short weeks of holidays (which are unfortunately coming to an end in just over a week, what is life?), I've officially been getting into extreme movie mode. What exactly does that consist of? Me, my computer, some strong wi-fi connection and a good quality torrent search engine. So of course, after browsing through filmography upon filmography, I've stumbled across many a movie from back in the day, and have decided to list some of my favourite ones here (simply because I can). Who doesn't love a good throwback (and low and behold, it just happens to be Thursday!)? So without further ado, may I introduce to you some of the best flicks from last century that are essential viewing this upcoming holidays!

Grease (1978)

Sure, it's ridiculously cliché and one of the cheesiest movies of all time, but it is absolutely a viewing must! It is seriously one of my favourite movies ever. Who doesn't love films set in the 50's? Not to mention, the songs are amazingly brilliant and super catchy, which is really all you need in a musical. Come on, no matter how much you deny it (or in my case, proclaim it), everyone has a soft spot for 'Grease'. I don't think anyone watches it for the exciting, original plot, but none of that matters, because most of the time you'll be singing so loudly you won't even hear any of the dialogue! Everyone loves a good high school, teenage centric musical, and 'Grease' just happens to be the quintessential one. 

The Breakfast Club (1985)

Funnily enough, just about everyone my age has seen this movie. Shockingly, it seems teenagers have decided to make an exception with this John Hughes classic and willingly watch and enjoy something made over a decade ago, who would've thought? Of course, this is just your ultimate teenage movie. Unlikely friendships forming in a Saturday detention, how could that not be a popular concept? Plus, as it features characters on vastly different levels of the high school hierarchy, there is bound to be someone you can relate to at least a little. I mean, come on, it's just so damn quotable! If you haven't seen this, you just absolutely must, even just for the sake of cultural referencing. 

Dead Poets Society (1989)

This is seriously, no joke, one of the best movies ever. Not everyone my age has watched it, but I'm telling you now, you absolutely must. What's so great about it? Just, everything. It's just one of those films that you need to see to truly appreciate the awesomeness of it. I have to admit, I wasn't totally willing to watch it way back in 2010 for the first time (mainly because my mother kept raving about it, and you can never trust the taste of a parent), however I'm so glad I did. I mean come on, even Apple can understand the awesome power of the film, and are using quotes from the movie as their new tagline. I'm serious, just go watch it right now. 

Back to the Future I, II and III (1985, 1989 and 1990)

Who doesn't love a good movie trilogy about time travel? I know I'm a fan. If that's the case for you, there's no beating the adventures of Marty McFly in the DeLorean as he travels back to the 50's, travels forward to 2015, and goes back to the wild west. You can not simply watch one of the 'Back to the Future' movies, I'm sorry. All 3 or no deal. Luckily, each movie just happens to be as epic as the last, so there's no disappointment factor whatsoever. And come on, who doesn't love a good Michael J. Fox movie?

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

For anyone who loves a good sick day from school, this is the ultimate movie for you. Seriously, to this day, this film's officially the best how-to guide in skiving off from school. I mean, all the planning is so top-notch, you've got to admire this kid's zeal. Plus, apart from all of that, it also just happens to be an awesome, classic movie. If you're still not persuaded, it does contain a dancing Matthew Broderick which is always a draw card, but it also is referenced to in popular culture a ridiculous amount. Trust me, it's just one of your quintessential, must-watch teen movies (hence it's place on this list), and you certainly won't regret watching it (and if you do, go get therapy, because you have a problem). 

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

I seem to have blogged about this many a time, however those posts were not in vain. This schlockily brilliant cult classic is an absolute must-see for everyone! I'm going to tell you now, you're either going to love it or hate it. There are two kinds of people - those who hate Rocky Horror because they don't understand it, or those who love Rocky Horror because they don't understand it, it's that simple. It's weird, it's wacky, it's out there, and it most definitely doesn't make any sense whatsoever, yet that is what makes it so amazingly awesome. I mean come on, a cross dressing Tim Curry, who doesn't want to see that (besides everyone ever)?

Dirty Dancing (1987)

This movie is actually essential viewing for everyone, I'm serious. You have no idea how many references are made to it in just about everything, and to fully appreciate them, you have no choice but to watch the film. However, I don't exactly think that'll be a burden, seeing as it's one big colossal bunch of awesomeness. I mean, it's got Patrick Swayze, a summer camp, and a whole lot of dancing and controversy, doesn't that just sound like the best, most typical 80's movie ever? Plus, Baby tends to be put in a corner a lot which is always entertaining to watch (trust me, that'll make perfect sense once you actually watch it). 

There are probably a billion more I could add to this list, but in my opinion, these are the staples in any retro movie marathon. Yes, the majority of the movies happen to be from the 80's, but it's not my fault that films rocked back then (not to mention the clothing and music). Now go and get downloading, you have a lot of films to get through! Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx