25 Classic Movies That Still Hold Up Today

There’s always something available to watch, but it can be hard to figure out what movies are worth watching. There’s a lot of junk out there, for lack of a better term, and moviegoers are starting to notice. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, for example, has gone from an unstoppable machine to box office disappointment in the past couple of years.

According to Deadline, global box office revenue is projected to drop by 5% in 2024 compared to 2023. It is the first post-pandemic year to see a decrease in its annual forecast. Additionally, the estimates would result in a 20% drop in revenue compared to the pre-pandemic years of 2017, 2018, and 2019.

If the present looks grim for entertaining movies, we at Tehcnabob will look to the past and deliver timeless classics that will always stand the test of time.

The Truman Show

The Truman Show
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Before the release of The Truman Show, many viewed Jim Carrey solely as a comedic actor.

Truman Show proves that Carrey has dramatic chops, too. He plays who is unaware he’s the star of the world’s most popular TV show.

The Thing

The Thing
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

The sci-fi horror film by John Carpenter hooks viewers from the very beginning. An engaging story is made only better with impressive practical effects.

The Thing stars Kurt Rusell, Keith David, and A. Wilford Brimley.

Young Frankenstein

Young Frankenstein
Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

The 1974 Mel Brooks classic spoofs more than just the Frankenstein story; it covers a little of everything from the monster movie genre.

Like any Brooks film, it is incredibly quotable. Young Frankenstein stars Gene Wilder and Madeline Kahn.

Galaxy Quest

Galaxy Quest
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Many fans believe Galaxy Quest is the best Star Trek movie ever.

The film stars Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, and Tony Shalhoub.

Stand By Me

Stand By Me
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.

The coming-of-age film based on the Stephen King novella The Body is an all-time classic.

Rob Reiner directs the 1986 film, which stars Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Keifer Sutherland.

Schindler’s List

Schindler's List
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

The 1993 Steven Spielberg film won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Not only is Schindler’s List regarded as one of the best movies of all time, but people also believe it’s one of the most influential films ever made.

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.

One of Bill Murray’s finest roles comes in this 1993 comedy classic.

Murray’s character is stuck in a time loop on Groundhog Day. Fans believe that he’s stuck re-living the same day for over 10,000 years.

Coming to America

Coming to America
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

The 1988 John Landis film stars Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and James Earl Jones.

It features Murphy playing the wealthy crown prince Akeem Joffer, leaving behind his pampered lifestyle to make it on his own in New York City.

Terminator 2

Terminator 2
Image Credit: Tri-Star Pictures.

The explosive sequel brings back Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator character. But this time, he’s the good guy!

James Cameron’s 1991 film forever changed the action movie genre.

The Mummy

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

Before his big Oscar win, Brendan Fraiser was best known for this 1999 action-adventure film.

The movie is best known for its impressive effects and epic setpieces.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures.

While it may not be as widely appreciated, the 2005 film by Shane Black is still a worthy recommendation.

The movie stars Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer in one of their best performances.

Secondhand Lions

Secondhand Lions
Photo Credit: New Line Cinema.

Another underappreciated film, 2003’s Secondhand Lions, offers more than meets the eye.

The performances from Michael Caine and Robert Duvall are incredibly memorable.

My Cousin Vinny

My Cousin Vinny
Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Regardless of how you feel about Marissa Tomei’s Oscar win, there’s no denying My Cousin Vinny is a classic.

Tomei’s on-screen chemistry with Joe Pesci helps carry an already great movie.

Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting
Photo Credit: Miramax Pictures.

1997’s Good Will Hunting still holds up today.

On top of an emotional story, Robin Williams’ performance will never be forgotten.

The Iron Giant

The Iron Giant
Photo Credit: AccuSoft Inc.

While you’d think this animated film is targeted at children, you’d be wrong. It’s going to deliver an emotional gut punch to everybody. For many, this is the first time they cried at a movie, aged 7 or 37.

Howl’s Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle
Photo Credit: Studio Ghibli.

Every Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki film is a work of art.

Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki said Howl’s Moving Castle is his favorite movie. “I wanted to convey the message that life is worth living,” he said, “and I don’t think that’s changed.”

The Matrix

The Matrix
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

The breakthrough sci-fi kung-fu film from The Wachowskis forever changed filmmaking.

The Matrix is an all-time classic thanks to incredible special effects and the introduction of bullet time.

The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs
Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

Based on the novel of the same name, Anthony Hopkins delivers an incredible performance as Hannibal Lecter.

Jodie Foster’s performance is not to be forgotten either, and her pivotal moments with Buffalo Bill are spine-tingling.

Goodfellas

Goodfellas
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

While the Academy Awards may have snuffed Goodfellas (minus Joe Pesci’s Best Supporting Actor win), many view this as Martin Scorsese’s best film.

The bioggraphical crime film strars Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Pesci.

Airplane!

Airplane!
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

The 1980 satirical film is one of the funniest movies ever.

Clueless

Clueless
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

If anything else, Clueless is proof that Paul Rudd doesn’t age.

1995’s Clueless brilliantly spoofs the 90s Beverley Hills lifestyle.

Office Space

Office Space
Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Mike Judge’s Office Space is the definitive satirical take on the office workplace.

Additionally, the film is still insanely quotable even today.

The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption
Photo Credit: Castle Rock Entertainment.

Few movies can be described as genuinely perfect. The Shawshank Redemption is one of the movies.

The movie was filmed at The Ohio State Reformatory, which is now a popular tourist attraction.

The Fifth Element

The Fifth Element
Photo Credit: Buena Vista International.

The sci-fi action film by Luc Besson is one of the best movies ever.

Gary Oldman’s performance is incredible, as expected. Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich deliver great performances, too.

The Prestige

The Prestige
Photo Credit: Touchstone Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures.

Christopher Nolan’s film about competing magicians is some of his finest work.

The Prestige features a gripping story and concludes with a satisfying twist ending.

Read More From Us – 17 Movies With Zero Expectations That Blew Us Away

The Fugutive
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

 

Never judge a book by its cover. You can say the same about movies.

Some of our favorite films are the ones we went into with no expectations. Despite this, they blew us away from start to finish.

17 Movies With Zero Expectations That Blew Us Away

Read More From Us – Classic 80s Movies Better Than Anything Released Today

Fletch
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

The 80s was an incredible time for film. From award-winning cinema to hilarious comedies and everything in between, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Thankfully, many of these 80s movies still hold up today. I regularly find myself watching these beloved 80s movies more often than modern cinema.

Classic 80s Movies Better Than Anything Released Today

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