25 Timeless Classics That Stand the Test of Time

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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!

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

Clueless

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

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

Office Space

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

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 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

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.