Valley’s Top Ten Movies of All Time

There is one question asked among every family or group of friends that always leads to disagreements, and someone always ends up losing. It’s a question that has caused conflict for years. That’s right. It’s, “What movie should we watch?”

Everyone has different taste in movies. Some people are looking to lose sleep that night from a good horror film; others want to laugh or cry (or both) at a romantic comedy, more than likely starring Katherine Heigl or Channing Tatum. But, no matter what kind of movie you prefer, there are those select few that have been christened “classics,” making them enjoyable for nearly everyone. Some of the movies are agreed upon by the world as classics and others are still being debated. Here are ten we think should definitely make the cut (in chronological order, of course):

1. The Wizard of Oz

From its popular musical numbers to the famous line “There’s no place like home,” “The Wizard of Oz” has been a family favorite film since its release in 1939. Other movies and shows since have made nods to this classic and even after all these years, kids today still gather around the TV to see if Dorothy makes it back home.

2. Casablanca

The movie that gave Humphrey Bogart his perhaps most celebrated role of his illustrious acting career, “Casablanca” won five Academy awards in 1944. The movie combines history and romance, with Bogart’s character torn between the love of his life and helping his love’s husband continue efforts against Nazi Germany in WWII. “Casablanca” continues to be millions of people’s favorite movie today.

3. It’s A Wonderful Life

This 1946 Christmas classic stars James Stewart as the man who sees life had he never been born. A movie that so many families gather together to watch, “It’s A Wonderful Life” gets everyone ready for the holidays. You can constantly find it on TV as Christmas gets closer and we think it will stay that way for years to come.

4. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Many teenage girls idolize Audrey Hepburn for her role as the flighty yet charming Holly Golightly in this 1961 film that is widely considered a classic. With the handsome George Peppard playing opposite her, Hepburn shines as a character that girls will always be able to relate to. And that iconic black dress? To die for.

5. The Godfather Series

Stacked with an all-star cast including Al Pacino, James Caan and Marlon Brando, “The Godfather” series is nothing short of cherished and always will be by movie watchers. It elicits contrasting feelings, making you care for characters even though you watch them do unthinkable things. Television stations often air Godfather marathons, never letting its legacy fade.

6. The Lion King

A movie so many grew up watching, the “Lion King” is a classic for countless reasons. It has humor, drama, life lessons and remains kid friendly in the process. The catchy songs are known by everyone and it is a movie that you are never too old to enjoy. So many Disney movies are classics, and this one in particular surely deserves its spot on our list.

7. Forrest Gump

One of Tom Hanks’ most legendary films, “Forrest Gump” tells the story of a man’s triumph over his circumstances. It won six Academy Awards and three Golden Globes after its release in 1994. It is revered for the cast’s performance, the lessons it teaches and the genius script that reminds us “life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

8. Toy Story

The first Pixar film ever made, “Toy Story” has been a staple in so many people’s childhoods. If you went out on the street and took a survey, it is almost guaranteed that everyone you talked to would have seen at least one of the three “Toy Story” films. It demonstrates true friendship and reminds us of the innocence of simply being a kid. Woody and Buzz aren’t just Andy’s best friends, they’re ours too.

9. Titanic

What movie has every girl swooning over a young Leo DiCaprio and every guy drooling over a bare Kate Winslet? Yep, “Titanic.” Based in part on the true events of the sinking of the real ship, “Titanic” is guaranteed to make you cry and has been doing just that to watchers for years. It grossed the most money in box offices during its release in 1997, beat out only years later by “Avatar” in 2009. Regardless, this is one classic that we will never let go.

10. Mean Girls

Our final movie on the list of classics is one that is probably under the “debatable” category, but it is a classic in our hearts. Possibly the most quotable movie of all time, “Mean Girls” found its way into our hearts in 2004 and 10 years later, remains a favorite. Audiences, in one way or another, relate to the characters or plot of the film and get a good laugh in the process. It may not be a “classic” in the sense that it has been around for decades, but it is still pretty fetch to us.

Think we missed or left any out? Let us know in the comments!

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