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New movies that will live on forever

post #1 of 73
10/11/07 at 10:42am
Thread Starter 
My Uncle and I got into a discussion about movies and he was saying how my generation (movies of the 90s and newer) were just crap. He said there weren't any original movies that would become classics for us in the future and there were alot of them that were rip offs of the old classics of his day. To a large extent he's right but I'm trying to think of movies that he and others would agree are great original movies that will be classics.

Contribute your own movies and/or opinions about what I have listed.

edited list
Forest Gump
Jurassic Park
American Beauty
Fried Green Tomatoes
Traffic
Field of Dreams
Pulp Fiction
Dances with Wolves
Schindler's list
Saving Private Ryan
A Thin Red Line
Silence of the Lamds
Goodfellas
Pretty Woman
The Piano
Lorenzo's Oil
Eyes Wide Shut
The Green Mile
The Sixth Sense
Fight Club
Titanic
Braveheart

possible
300
The Matrix trilogy
Saw trilogy
Jackie Brown
The Bourne trilogy
Lord of the Rings
Blow
Clerks
Office Space
The Shawshank Redemption
The Usual Suspects


What can you guys add? I know some of those aren't instant classics but I'm having a difficult time coming up with some. I don't see any type of list on the net that has the top 50 movies of 1990 and newer (based on the movie itself and not it's ticket sales).
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post #2 of 73
10/11/07 at 11:05am
I would add the Harry Potter series, Lord of the Rings, Minority Report, and As Good As It Gets. (I would also remove the Saw trilogy, American Beauty, and Office Space from the list.)
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post #3 of 73
10/11/07 at 11:19am
Frankly, your uncle is wrong. Just as much crap was made in the golden eras - we simply don't remember them. I've used the IMDB top 250 to help form the list below although it still represents for me some of the finest, and most likely longest lasting, films from '90-2000.

Goodfellas
Miller's Crossing
Silence of the Lambs, The
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Beauty and the Beast
Reservoir Dogs
Unforgiven
Schindler's List
Groundhog Day
Trois Couleurs: Bleu (Three Colors: Blue)
Shawshank Redemption, The
Pulp Fiction
Léon
Forrest Gump
Ed Wood
Trois couleurs: Rouge
Usual Suspects, The
Se7en
Braveheart
Toy Story
Twelve Monkeys
Heat
Fargo
Sling Blade
Trainspotting
L.A. Confidential
Vita è bella, La
Mononoke-hime
Good Will Hunting
Saving Private Ryan
American History X
Lola rennt
Festen
Big Lebowski, The
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
American Beauty
Matrix, The
Fight Club
Sixth Sense, The
Toy Story 2
Green Mile, The
Straight Story, The
Magnolia
Insider, The
Being John Malkovich
Todo Sobre Mi Madre (All About My Mother)
Memento
Requiem for a Dream
Wo hu cang long
Amores perros
Gladiator
Almost Famous
Snatch
Traffic
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
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post #4 of 73
10/11/07 at 12:21pm
flyersfan -

I don't see how your list really contributes to the idea of what the OP is trying get at. I agree that a lot of what was made in the golden years is crap (as much I like Frank Sinatra as a singer, High Society is simply awful compared to The Philadelphia Story -- but it has songs, and was IN COLOR! That doesn't make it any better).

I'd have to say at least half of that list is crap and most of the rest may be good movies but they ceratinly aren't going to be classics in the sense the OP is looking for.

I don't think the full trilogies in th OP's list will be classics either, maybe the first of each, but not the entire trilogy. And yeah, I'd take SAW off completely. And probably 300. I'd might add Master and Commander.

Of course, trying to guage what people will like in 30 years is a crapshoot, so maybe crappy movies need to be on there (we WERE supposed to have flying cars by now).
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post #5 of 73
10/11/07 at 12:53pm
I would say half of the Oscar winning films will be forgotten. My first and second choice would be the English Patient and Chariots of Fire
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post #6 of 73
10/11/07 at 12:54pm
To change the topic slightly, do you think people will still be watching I love Lucy, Gilligans Island and the Brady Bunch 50 years from now?
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post #7 of 73
10/11/07 at 4:43pm
Thread Starter 
What's wrong with the trilogies? Granted not every one is as good as the last, some are better, but the whole are needed to tell the story sometimes. Should we acknowledge the comedy and horror genre?

I went and edited the first post, I left some and put them into a 'possible' category because even though some movies are good, you never know what will be considered a classic. Honestly, what critic thought Porkys, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Halloween, Friday the 13th, Cadyshack, Starwars and The Rocky Horror Picture Show would still be selling this many years after their release?
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post #8 of 73
10/11/07 at 6:27pm
In hindsight, I agree with tlogan - my original list was far too broad. I've edited the post to narrow it down a bit.
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post #9 of 73
10/11/07 at 7:08pm
I just copied your list and deleted the ones that I thought would fade away. I've also left on the ones that have already soaked in to popular culture and will remain there for the next 40ish years. I don't know if anyone hasn't been told to "Run Forrest!" at some point in there life, and FG is far from a recent release. I've left the ones that kids still watch and talk about or use as a reference like SotLambs (I teach high school). Anyway, here goes:

Goodfellas
Silence of the Lambs, The
Beauty and the Beast
Reservoir Dogs
Unforgiven
Groundhog Day
Shawshank Redemption, The
Pulp Fiction
Forrest Gump
Usual Suspects, The
Se7en
Toy Story
Twelve Monkeys
Fargo
Sling Blade
Trainspotting
L.A. Confidential
Saving Private Ryan
Big Lebowski, The
Matrix, The
Fight Club
Sixth Sense, The
Magnolia
Being John Malkovich
Memento
Requiem for a Dream
Gladiator
Almost Famous
Snatch
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
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post #10 of 73
10/12/07 at 5:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Hutnicki View Post

I would say half of the Oscar winning films will be forgotten. My first and second choice would be the English Patient and Chariots of Fire

I thought this was about movies from the '90s or later? Chariots was from the late '70s or early '80s, as I recall.
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post #11 of 73
10/12/07 at 6:43am
Quote:


To change the topic slightly, do you think people will still be watching I love Lucy, Gilligans Island and the Brady Bunch 50 years from now?

I'd say yes to Lucy. It depends on life expectancy 50 years from now for the others. I think once the kids who grew up on the other two die off they will too. I think GI and BB are far less "universal" (for lack of a better word) in their appeal. Lucy's already been around over 50 years and is STILL one of the most popular syndicated shows on (which Desi Arnaz invented, btw. Along with reruns and the three camera setup used in virtually every sitcom since). Lucy was a clown in the truest sense and that has far more more universal appeal than putting on your Sunday clothes to go to Sears (yeah, I know, that was from the movie, but, still), although, getting hit in the head with a coconut IS pretty funny in any language.

Tom
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post #12 of 73
10/12/07 at 4:55pm
Quote:
thought this was about movies from the '90s or later? Chariots was from the late '70s or early '80s, as I recall.

you are correct and I apologize. On the other hand, I dont think the Uncle from the original post probably thought that the movies from the 80s were any better which we all know is wrong because Bachelor Party with Tom Hanks will be a classic and watched until until the sun goes Supernova
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post #13 of 73
10/15/07 at 6:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Hutnicki View Post

Bachelor Party with Tom Hanks will be a classic and watched until until the sun goes Supernova

I have never seen that one. Are you being facetious, or is it good?
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post #14 of 73
10/15/07 at 8:09am
Most that is on that list I agree will be considered classics in another 15 years or so. Most of which I have on DVD and laserdisc.
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post #15 of 73
10/15/07 at 7:55pm
Classic Movies are not the same as Classic TV. A typical classic TV season contains 13-26+ hours of programming, whereas a classic movie is rarely longer than 2 hours.

People will still be watching THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD, THEM, and Forbidden Planet 50 years from now, because they tell exceptionally entertaining stories.

But TV is harder to predict simply because Studios now own their own Networks. Back in the day, syndication meant your show could turn up anywhere..and there were plenty of Independent local cable TV stations that lived and died based on their syndicated shows they broadcast. (I have an old VHS tape where I recorded some station promos and bumpers between shows and it advertised THE TONY RANDALL SHOW and Phyllis...I mean, think THOSE will ever see DVD release?)

But today syndication is odd, with too many channels to choose from and syndicated shows being passed aside for cheaper modern programming.

I'd like to think that someday there will still be channels showing "Classic" TV like Briscoe County Jr., Xfiles, My Three Sons, BattleStar Galactica, The Muppet Show and so on.......but I dont hold my breath.
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post #16 of 73
10/15/07 at 8:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tlogan6797 View Post

I think GI and BB are far less "universal" (for lack of a better word) in their appeal.

I have to disagree....GI is a show based around stereotypes, and its a charming show. The snobby hollywood starlet, the Ivory girl, the rich elderly couple, and the bumbling star.....and Brady Bunch is unique in the annals of television (I mean, BB is fun watching....8 Is Enough is not fun, really, and thats why its not on any more).

Now, on the other hand, you take a show like The Monkeys...or The Many Loves of Dobey Gillis....(doby?)....I dont think people will be watching those (or, for that matter, watch them TODAY).

Twilight Zone and Outer Limits will always have an audience....but will Emergency? Or Chips?

Hell, it scares me to think that Miami Vice may be lost to the annals of time when it really was some truly groundbreaking TV (its first two seasons), and a great snapshot of the 80's, shot in a unique visual style.

But what should I expect.....I haven't seen IRONSIDES or The Streets of San Francisco on the tube lately...nor Starsky and Hutch. And shoot, I haven't seen The Six Million Dollar Man in syndication EVER!

(What, are they waiting for Lee Majors to DIE before they put that one out on DVD?).
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post #17 of 73
10/15/07 at 11:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelDorsey View Post

Anyway, here goes:

Goodfellas
Silence of the Lambs, The
Beauty and the Beast
Reservoir Dogs
Unforgiven
Groundhog Day
Shawshank Redemption, The
Pulp Fiction
Forrest Gump
Usual Suspects, The
Se7en
Toy Story
Twelve Monkeys
Fargo
Sling Blade
Trainspotting
L.A. Confidential
Saving Private Ryan
Big Lebowski, The
Matrix, The
Fight Club
Sixth Sense, The
Magnolia
Being John Malkovich
Memento
Requiem for a Dream
Gladiator
Almost Famous
Snatch
O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Saving Private Ryan is the only classic on this list.
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post #18 of 73
10/15/07 at 11:40pm
It's as hard to forcast the future as it is to pick a future classic. In my opinion, in order for a movie to become a classic, it has to transcend current culture. Why are Casablanca and Singing in the Rain considered classics? Both tell good stories, are well acted, and defy stereotypes of the time. One appeals to our darker nature and the other appeals to our lighter side and both have that 'character tension' that writers say is needed for a good story. In other words, all the characters do things not quite the way we expect them to. So in that respect they come alive. After that, it's a crap shoot guessing what will become a classic.

As you might guess, I'm not big on dramas:

The Matrix
Pulp Fiction (for the filmmaking more than anything. Might be too violent otherwise)
The Incredibles
For TV: Firefly (once you could finally watch episodes in order on DVD)

Doug
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post #19 of 73
10/16/07 at 12:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by PULLIAMM View Post

I have never seen that one. Are you being facetious, or is it good?

It's good. Hanks should have stuck to comedy.
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post #20 of 73
10/16/07 at 5:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnR_IN_LA View Post

Saving Private Ryan is the only classic on this list.



Thats cute. :P
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post #21 of 73
10/16/07 at 5:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rammitinski View Post

Hanks should have stuck to comedy.

I'm glad he didn't for the following reasons:

Philadelphia
Forrest Gump
Apollo 13
Saving Private Ryan
The Green Mile
Cast Away
Road to Perdition
Catch Me If You Can

Throw in comedy/lightheartedness:

A League of Their Own
Sleepless in Seattle
You've Got Mail
Various animated character voices.

I'd be hard pressed to find 5 actors who have had a better body of work over the last 15 years. Looking back at Bosom Buddies, I would have never guessed in a million years this guy would have had the success he's had as a dramatic actor. One of our finest actors, IMO.
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post #22 of 73
10/16/07 at 5:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aliens View Post

I'd be hard pressed to find 5 actors who have had a better body of work over the last 15 years. Looking back at Bosom Buddies, I would have never guessed in a million years this guy would have had the success he's had as a dramatic actor. One of our finest actors, IMO.

Seconded, he's one of the few "actors" we have left, guys who transform into the role so well that you no longer see Tom Hanks, you see the charcter.

He, Johnny Depp, and a handfull of others have managed to pull this off...few others can claim that in this day and age....there are too many "actors" these days that are really only good at being themselves, not really being a character in a movie. Harrison Ford is a good example of this....no matter what he's in, he's Harrison Ford...he's always Jack Ryan or Indiana Jones no matter if he's supposed to be a banker, a doctor, whatever. I could go on, but I dont wanna steal this thread too badly
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post #23 of 73
10/16/07 at 6:38am
Okay, here's one that is not yet mentioned, and will likely stir up some dissension, but I think it will meet the OP criteria:
"A.I. - Artificial Intelligence"
This movie tells a fascinating story, and tells it in a memorable way. The story of the production itself is also interesting, and two iconic directors were involved. All the complaints about the coda are mere fuel for the fire when it comes to giving this film a very long life. Supertoys last all summer long, and A.I. should last as well.
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post #24 of 73
10/16/07 at 6:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by IAM4UK View Post

Okay, here's one that is not yet mentioned, and will likely stir up some dissension, but I think it will meet the OP criteria:
"A.I. - Artificial Intelligence"
This movie tells a fascinating story, and tells it in a memorable way. The story of the production itself is also interesting, and two iconic directors were involved. All the complaints about the coda are mere fuel for the fire when it comes to giving this film a very long life. Supertoys last all summer long, and A.I. should last as well.

A.I. is almost forgotton about today, forget 50 years from now
And I really enjoyed it, but thats about the truth of the matter regarding this one. I hate to say this, but had Kubrick not died....this movie probably would have been even more work to sit through.

While I enjoyed A.I., its got one major problem...its pacing. The movie suffers from being tedious to get through, particularly if you already know the story having seen it once before. Add to that the fact that some aspects of the story are quite silly (the anti-robot carnival, for example, is handled pretty poorly if you ask me)..and of course the ending which I thought was novel, but kinda absurd in the whole scheme of things (we can only bring things back alive for 24 hours?).....c'mon, if that wasn't a "quick and easy way to wrap up the movie" I don't know what is...

AI is going to be like Barry Lyndon.....a film from a master that ultimately gets watched alot less than The Shining or 2001....an experiment that just didn't work....a dull film...whatever
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post #25 of 73
10/16/07 at 8:06am
Transformers
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post #26 of 73
10/16/07 at 8:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by IAM4UK View Post

Okay, here's one that is not yet mentioned, and will likely stir up some dissension, but I think it will meet the OP criteria:
"A.I. - Artificial Intelligence"
This movie tells a fascinating story, and tells it in a memorable way. The story of the production itself is also interesting, and two iconic directors were involved. All the complaints about the coda are mere fuel for the fire when it comes to giving this film a very long life. Supertoys last all summer long, and A.I. should last as well.

A potentially great movie, if it were edited to about 1/2 its current length.
Before I forget, The Full Monty and Waking Ned Divine both need to go on the list.
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post #27 of 73
10/16/07 at 8:50am
I think A.I. is one of the greatest science fiction films, warts and all (the flesh fair/carnival handled poorly?? There's no disputing taste, I suppose). I would argue all of the great sci-fi films have problems of some sort or other- and arguably the most perfect, 2001, is among the dullest, though monotony is part of its point.

There are plenty of films that were forgotten five or six years after they opened that are now regarded as classics. You could barely manage a viewing of Citizen Kane until after William Randolph Hearst died.

Each generation selects the works of art that it regards as great. We are now at the mercy of what the post-boomers relate to when these lists are prepared. As time moves on, certain things will drop off and others will be added. It's difficult to predict what will appeal to generations to come, though I would put my money on films with well-drawn characters and scripts that don't just recycle other films or television shows.
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post #28 of 73
10/16/07 at 9:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mauly View Post

Transformers

I have not bothered to watch that one, and I am not sure if I will. Seems pretty mindless to me. (Of course, part of this is being the wrong generation to have ever seen the TV series.)
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post #29 of 73
10/16/07 at 9:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeadRusch View Post



Thats cute. :P

Im serious! You guys are WAY off. You have to put the movie title into a list of movie classics, and see if it fits. If it don't, it is not a classic.


Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
Lawrence Of Arabia
Snatch

North By Northwest
The Maltese Falcon
Saving Private Ryan


Citizen Kane
Its A Wonderful Life
Being John Malkovich
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post #30 of 73
10/16/07 at 10:03am
I'll throw out another one, highly speculative: Pitch Black. It's tightly edited, tells a great story, and has great characters. It's the finest sci-fi film of the last 20 years in my opinion.

Doug
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