No notes: 20 classic films that are perfect in every way

The Godfather is still referenced in today’s media and is a classic. There was no way this film could've flopped from its cast to its script to its director. For many fans of The Godfather, the only movie better is the sequel. 

Not many musicals have as much universal acclaim as The Sound of Music. A compelling drama, a beautiful love story, and arguably Rodgers and Hammerstein’s best work, this film is ageless and always a great watch. 

Few films have been watched by as many people as The Wizard of Oz. Anyone who hasn’t seen it can still do so because it’s still syndicated regularly. If that doesn’t illustrate its staying power, not much else can. 

Singin’ in the Rain has tons going for it that make fans think it’s perfect. It has fantastic music and choreography. The story is entertaining and just the right amount of silly. And it’s got an exceptional cast. 

Gone with the Wind is very long and requires a significant commitment if you’re going to watch it, but fans will tell you it’s worth every second. The Oscar-winning period piece features Clark Gable and Vivienne Leigh at their best, and who can forget about Hattie McDaniel’s work?

Casablanca is the blueprint for all romantic films, and that will never change. Only the most iconic pieces of media feature bits that are recognized even by people who haven’t consumed them, and Casablanca fits the bill with lines like, “Here’s looking at you, kid.”

Citizen Kane has been written about at length to praise it for its cinematic achievement. It’s still one of the best examples of narrative structure and cinematography, and there have been literally millions of films made since Citizen Kane was released.  

If there’s only one Christmas movie you see in your lifetime, it should be It’s a Wonderful Life. The film didn’t get its due when it first came out, but it’s since emerged as one of the greatest films of all time, and it’s widely considered the best holiday film of all time. 

Yes, films made in the ‘90s are considered classics now. The Shawshank Redemption is marked by many of its achievements, including its script, cinematography, and outstanding performances. It’s still one of Morgan Freeman’s best films. 

12 Angry Men is considered a masterpiece by many. Noted for its character development and dialogue, the film is a great model for anyone who wants to make a film with important themes and significant social commentary. 

You could argue that Jaws is the best film in history, and you’d have lots of evidence and supporters. You could also argue that it’s the most impactful film in history, and for that, you’d also have lots of evidence and lots of supporters. 

Tom Hanks has a long and illustrious filmography, and at the top for a swath of both his fans and critics is Forrest Gump. But not just Tom Hanks fans like this film. It’s got the love of millions of cinephiles and casual movie watchers alike. 

Robin Wright is an underrated star. She was in both  Forrest Gump and The Princess Bride. But Wright’s not the only reason The Princess Bride is hailed as a perfect film by so many. It has great dialogue, iconic characters, and many hilarious lines. 

If you haven’t seen 2001: A Space Odyssey, you’ve undoubtedly seen some sort of reference to it in another movie. Watch it to see the special effects and production value that have made it classic in so many people’s eyes. 

Some have criticized Pulp Fiction for its violence, but most who’ve seen the film say that only adds to its value. The film has been praised for its writing and aesthetic, and it’s at least partially responsible for keeping black bobs always en vogue. 

Psycho is the horror movie prototype. Other horror films have become classics of cinema and highly regarded for the genre, but none have quite reached the widespread acclaim and accepted levels of perfection like Psycho. 

It’s rare that an animated film gets such widespread acclaim, but anyone who’s seen Spirited Away will attest to its greatness. And it’s not just great to audiences by animated standards. It’s a great film, period. 

Titanic was wonderfully directed and had an incredibly compelling script. It took a historical event and made it accessible to everyone. Only a fraction of people would care about the Titanic sinking if it weren’t for the film.  

Schindler’s List is one of the few examples of a movie that was arguably better than the book. Additionally, the film is unbelievably good. The performances, direction, cinematography, screenplay, and editing could not have been better. 

Is there a romantic comedy as good as When Harry Met Sally…? Nora Ephron hit her peak with that script, and what a high peak it was. Even those who don’t particularly enjoy rom-coms can find enjoyment in When Harry Met Sally…