Classic Films

Browse classic films recommendations from people with great taste on Rec League.

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Watching ‘90s movies on vacation

Think: The Firm (1993), The Fugitive (1993), Clueless (1995), The Truman Show (1998)… all classics, everyone loves them, super fun to watch at the Airbnb at night.

Ali LaBelle

The Sound of Music (1965)

The Sound of Music holds up as one of the most perfect pieces of art of all time. It's visually stunning, Captain Von Trapp is HOT, Julie Andrews is a treasure, and it's on the right side of history, which you can't always say about old movies these days. I also love the "intermission" card — movies need more intermissions.

Dylan

Nine to Five / 9 to 5 (1980)

WHY DID NOBODY TELL ME THIS MOVIE WAS SO FUCKING BAD ASS! IF I KNEW IT HAD ICONIC ANGRY WOMEN GETTING STONED & SEEKING REVENGE ON CREEPY SLIMEBALL MEN, I WOULD'VE WATCHED THIS AT BIRTH!!! I simply HAD to re-rec this, thank you @Nitabel! For a premium viewing experience, I also recommend getting high and watching it as @Danielle advised.

Analisa Burns

Purple Noon (1960)

dir. René Clément — a French-Italian psychological thriller & the first film adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley

Being Whelmed

Highly recommend it.

April

Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961)

A tried and true classic favorite.

Hannah Harvey

The Philadelphia Story

“The time to make up your mind about people…is never.”

Ali LaBelle

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

A perfect movie. Sartorially, romantically, and New Yorkally.

Shin Ko

Claire's Knee (1970)

Claire's Knee is one of those French films where you watch it and argue about it with your friends for the rest of your life.

Analisa Burns

La Piscine (1969)

latest scandalous summer favorite

Spines, Flicks, and Wax

Bicycle Thieves (Vittorio De Sica)

Set in post-WWII Rome, Antonio's ability to support his family is heavily dependent on accessing his sole mode of transportation: his bicycle. On the first day of his new job, his bicycle is stolen and, along with the help of his son, Antonio is determined to track down the thief and get his back bike. I am just now realizing how this is a bit similar to the plot of Pee Wee's Big Adventure (the stakes for Pee-Wee considerably lower, of course) but, it's totally different...but you should probably watch both. They're both excellent!

Ali LaBelle

Funny Face (1957)

What a visual feast!!! The costumes and sets in Funny Face are unmatched.

Louise Buckley

The muppets take manhattan

Amazing. Except for when Kermit gets hit by a taxi and dies.

James Kylstra

The Princess Bride

A true all timer. My kids watched ut recently and loved it

Space Camp

Mon Oncle (1958)

OK this is an annoying answer but I remembering seeing Mon Oncle in film school and drooling over the interiors (and exteriors). I'm not usually head over heels for modern design, but this felt so wonderfully wacky and fresh and really left a mark on my psyche. Sharing more of the images below. And a video if you want to also enjoy the delightful wit and costuming.

Ali LaBelle

Father of the Bride (1991)

I didn't purposely move down the block from the Father of the Bride house, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a major selling point for this apartment.

Louise Buckley

Dance in the Sun (1953)

This is how it feels sometimes. Choreographer Daniel Nagrin performs in a studio and in the sun. Directed by Shirley Clarke.

Londyn Harris

Barry Lyndon (1975)

10/10 for the soundtrack alone. A truly epic tale of ambition, greed, glory, and reckoning.

Analisa Burns

The Way They Were (1973) "What Kind Of Pie?" Scene

I love him

Sarah Cooney

Desk Set (1957)

Did I repost this yet because this film is a top film of my life

April

When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

This is my favorite movie of all time and the singular and only perfect rom com to me. My brother gave me the script signed for a Christmas gift one year and it’s still the best gift I’ve ever gotten. I watch it every fall/winter a few times. This is not a warm weather movie.

Jessie

To Be or Not to Be (1942)

I adore this movie <3 A screwball comedy that is as touching and suspenseful as it is funny. It features a beautiful final film performance by Carol Lombard- before her untimely death in a plane crash :( From Criterion: "thespians in Nazi-occupied Warsaw become caught up in a dangerous spy plot.To Be or Not to Be is a Hollywood film of the boldest black humor, which went into production right before the U.S. entered World War II. Lubitsch manages to brilliantly balance political satire, romance, slapstick, and urgent wartime suspense in a comic high-wire act that has never been equaled."

Analisa Burns

Amadeus (1984)

he was such a diva oh my GOD

Spines, Flicks, and Wax

Brief Encounter

The quiet story of a love affair between a housewife and married doctor after a chance meeting at a train station. Expertly directed by Hollywood legend David Lean (Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhviago and The Bridge on the River Kwai fame) and expertly penned by legendary playwright Noel Coward. Subdued yet all-encompassing, the film is an exquisite example of revealing so much without showing the audience much at all.

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