Top 10 Classic Films To Keep The Lock-down Blues Away
Staying home doesn’t have to be boring with our list of the most entertaining classic films.
1. West Side Story (1961)
For a film that’s more than half a century old, West Side Story hasn’t lost any of its former lustre. Inspired by a Broadway with the same name, this film is sure to get you off your feet and dance your heart out. The movie follows the love story of Tony and Maria through the gang riddled landscape of New York’s upper west side in the late 50s. With foot tapping music and iconic dance sequences that have since made their way into pop culture, this film is a must watch for the musical lovers and romantics. No wonder Steven Spielberg is working on a modern remake of this classic!
2. This is Spinal Tap (1984)
If a classic satire is on your radar, this is the film for you. With performances by greats such as Michael McKean and Rob Reiner, this film is the funniest and most honest portrayal of rock culture in the 80s. The film follows the famous rock band Spinal Tap satirising their musical pretentiousness, performance blunders and rogue lifestyle in a hilarious 82 minute package. It’s true to life humour and effortless banter will make you fall in love with it's not-so-perfect characters. This film is for all the metalheads and comedy lovers.
3. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
This period comedy was nominated for 26 Oscars upon release. An evergreen parody of King Arthur and the holy grail, the 90 minute film features impeccable comic timing with each scene playing out as a self-contained sketch of sorts. With Knights, Kings and Maidens in distress; this film is a definite rib tickler. So for all of you Game of Thrones fans looking for a little less gore and a little more comedy, this one should be on your watchlist.
4. 10 things I hate about you (1999)
A film with the late Heath Ledger portraying a young brute college student, this adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming Of The Shrew is a teen romantic comedy that can never disappoint. If not for the cheerful antics by the cast, and amazingly captured romantic sequences, Ledger’s ‘I love you baby’ song and dance number definitely makes this film worth a place on this list. Here’s an unintentional Easter egg- The film features the future Joker playing around with the future Robin. All you romantics, this movie is a cheesy delight!
5. Young Frankenstein (1974)
One of Mel Brook’s greatest comedies, Young Frankenstein is one of those no-brainer Sunday comedies. The film portrays the adventures of Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein when he inherits the family estate. The over the top comedy and a hyper dramatic Gene Wilder make this film easily passable as a true Frankenstein sequel. If you fancy yourself a monochrome piece of genius spoof comedy, this is the one for you.
6. Dazed and Confused (1993)
This one’s a doozy! With the absolute genius cinematic style by director Richard Linklater, this film based in 1976 America is something of an art piece. The film stars young future icons like Mathew McConaughey, Ben Affleck and Mila Jovovich in a high school drama about coming of age. The film is a perfect balance between drama, action, comedy and absolute absurdity with the underlying stoner element. Give this one a watch for a dose of drama, laughter and iconic Americana.
7. No (2012)
The youngest film on our list but one that truly deserves a place. No is for the one’s looking for a non-English banger. This film set in the Pinochet era of Chile, revolves around Gael Garcia Bernal playing a young advertising executive looking to sway a referendum. Unlike the regular political films, No is energy packed, entertaining and visually intriguing. The lead character Rene Saavedra, sells regime change like it’s candy. The film was nominated and won many awards at film festivals around the world including Cannes. This historical drama has to be on everyone’s must watch.
8. Dumb And Dumber (1994)
Having a bad day with office video conferences? Need something to lighten your mood instantly? What’s better than the comedic genius of Jeff Daniels, Jim Carrey and Lauren Holly. This film is for absolutely everyone. The best part of this film is that multiple scenes weren’t even scripted and simply improvised by the cast. The slapstick comedy is so perfectly choreographed and the dialogues so iconic; no wonder people quote lines from this movie to this day! There’s no category of audience that this film doesn’t entertain.
9. Tootsie (1982)
The 1980s was a great time for cinema and the Dustin Hoffman starrer Tootsie is one film where he flexes his acting prowess like no other. This interesting amalgamation of romance drama and comedy revolves around the life of a struggling actor Michael Dorsey who reinvents himself into a woman, Dorsey Michael to spice up his career. The comedy is praise worthy and the climax is just a treat to watch. The precursor to Mrs. Doubtfire, this film is 80s entertainment at it’s finest.
10. Trading Places (1983)
This last movie on our list definitely means BUSINESS! The Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd starrer film beautifully replicates the daily adrenaline fuelled frenzy at the trading centre back when analog was still a thing. Murphy’s comedy timing and Aykroyd's absolute madness make this film something of a spectacle. Director John Landis may have gotten away with a lot of questionable stuff but this film, he definitely aced! For all you working folk, this one’s what you're looking for.