As great as the new movies that are bring produced today are, there is something uniquely comforting about a classic. Whether it’s a black and white masterpiece or a just movie your dad insists “changed cinema forever”, classic films have a timeless quality that still draws us in. They’re more than just old movies. They laid the foundation for modern storytelling, introduced iconic characters, and captures moments in our culture that still resonate today. These are some of my certified classics.

Image: https://iucat.iu.edu/catalog/7902473
Grease follows the unexpected reunion of Sandy, the sweet new girl, and Danny, the leather-jacket-wearing heartthrob she fell for over the summer. But now that school’s back in session, fitting into a new school is a lot harder than she expected, especially when reputations are on the line. With its unforgettable dance sequences, iconic songs like ‘You’re the One That I Want,’ and a healthy dose of retro flair, Grease delivers an exciting and nostalgic celebration of teen rebellion, friendship, and musical expression

Image: https://iucat.iu.edu/catalog/5651747
Set in the uncertainty of World War II, Casablanca tells the story of Rick Blaine, a cynical American expatriate who runs a nightclub in Morocco. His world is shaken when Ilsa, a former lover, walks into his bar with her resistance-leader husband, Victor Laszlo. Ilsa needs Rick’s help to escape the Nazis, but the pain of their past complicates everything. Full of iconic lines (“Here’s looking at you, kid”), unforgettable characters, and a bittersweet ending, Casablanca is more than a love story. It truly is a film about sacrifice, loyalty, and doing the right thing when it matters most.

Image: https://iucat.iu.edu/catalog/15702994
Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, The Godfather follows the powerful Corleone crime family and their complex web of loyalty, betrayal, and violence. At its core is Michael Corleone, a quiet war hero who wants nothing to do with the family business, until circumstances slowly pull him into its darkest depths. As he rises to power, the line between duty and destruction blurs. With haunting performances, unforgettable scenes, and a chilling look at the cost of power, The Godfather proves to be a cultural touchstone.
Ziora Ossi is a freshman at IU Bloomington double majoring in Economic Consulting and International Business.
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