Casablanca has been called the perfect movie, and in many regards it is. Humphrey Bogart is a man's man, a swindler, a crook, and a bad boy with a heart of gold. Ingrid Bergman plays her part to a T, struggling between the two men that she loves. I don't need to continue to doll out praises for this movie. Chances are, if you've seen any movies in the last 20 years you've seen this one (Or heard a million people chide you for not seeing it.) Clocking in around 80 minutes, there isn't really a reason why you haven't seen it.
4. It's a wonderful Life
What can I say about this movie? I could probably make a top 5 of just Jimmy Stewart (I have to at least mention Mr. Smith goes to Washington), but he plays George Bailey with more conviction and heart than almost any other actor. An interesting fact, it was widely panned after it came out, and only when it became public domain did it get it's massive following. This movie is a christmas must. The scene where he has his honeymoon dinner, and later when he comes home yelling "MARY" is a scene I'll remember forever.
3. The Great Escape
This is my absolute favorite man movie. The classic telling of a concentration camp bustout, this story has everything that you would want, except women. In fact, there are no women entirely in this film. Steve Mcqueen's character in this movie is timeless, throwing the ball against the wall and being aptly named "The Cooler King." This movie also stars Richard Attenborough, James Garner, James Coburn, and a huge list of others. This movie is a marathon, clocking in at over 3 hours, but if you're willing to put the time in, the Great Escape will not disappoint.
2. It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
This movie might be the closest thing to the perfect comedy. The story is about a group of people that see a man drive off a cliff. Concerned, they go to help the man, only to find out that he has a huge stash of money under the giant "W". Perplexed, the 15 or so race to Santa Barbara to get the money. The police chief of Santa Barbara is on to their game and watches them the whole way to Santa Barbara. Hilarity ensues. Seriously, Hilarity. The scene with Jonathan Winters and the gas station is probably one of the funniest scenes I've seen in all of movies. Plus, this movie has spencer tracy (SPENCER TRACY!), who is one of only two actors to win back to back academy awards for best actor (Other than Tom Hanks). This movie is also around 3 hours, so be ready for a long watch, but its worth it. It's a must see.
1. Boys Town
Boys town is a real place. No I'm not talking about the north side of Chicago (Although that's a real place too), no, I'm talking about the town actually made for boys. This movie is dedicated to that school. It's about an Irish Catholic priest who believes that there is no such thing as a bad boy, and he builds a school for them to prove it. No sooner is the place constructed than the toughest boy anyone's ever seen comes strolling it to prove Father Flannigan wrong. This definitely has one of the best morals I've ever seen in a movie, and its just an enjoyable one to watch. I've always had trouble showing this to people because it sounds boring, but I've never had one person be angry that they've watched it. Everyone that has watched it that I know has loved it, and it easily becomes one of their favorite all time movies. Starring Spencer Tracy (This was one of those two back to back movies he won best actor for) and Mickey Rooney, you can't go wrong in Boys Town.
Honorable Mentions: Dr. Zhivago, Mr. Smith goes to Washington
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