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10 Black and White Movies Everyone Should See At Least Once

Many younger people today haven’t seen movies that are older than them, and it’s seriously a shame. The ‘60s, ’70s, and ‘80s have some great films that deserved to be watched by everyone. After all, you seriously can’t forget the original Star Wars trilogy or Ghostbusters.  Plus, there was 2001: A Space Odyssey and Rosemary’s Baby in the ‘60s. Honestly, it’s hard to narrow down the number of good movies someone has to see in their lifetime.

With that being said, one of the most neglected movies on the market is black and white films. They offer something that more modern movies can’t seem to capture. Even if they’re absolutely terrifying, they do it in a way where it almost seems realistic. Take Psycho, for example. There was the shower scene where it looked like real blood was dribbling down the drain. If that didn’t scare you, nothing could.

We’re an avid supporter of black and white films, and we think there are a number of them that everyone should see at least once. Here is our list of the top 10 black and white movies that every person should watch at least once. If anything, to say they watched the classic!

Citizen Kane (1941)

Citizen Kane (1941)

Often regarded as the greatest film of all time, Citizen Kane is Orson Welles's masterpiece. He not only starred in the movie but also co-wrote the script, produced, and directed this mystery drama. If you're a fan of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Citizen Kane is a can’t-miss!

(Image via Paramount Pictures)

Psycho (1960)

Psycho (1960)

At a time when movie censors were beginning to loosen their standards, producer and director Alfred Hitchcock took the opportunity to push the envelope with this film. If you enjoy movies like It Follows, give the horror classic Psycho a try.

Shamley Productions/Paramount Pictures

Schindler's List (1993)

Schindler's List (1993)

Only black and white can capture the story of Oskar Schindler, a businessman who saved Jews during World War II by employing them. Watching Schindler's List is not necessarily an enjoyable experience, but it is a valuable one. If gaining historical perspective and knowledge is important to you, put Schindler's List down for your next movie night.

(Image via Universal Pictures)

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

This critically acclaimed, feel-good movie achieved greater success decades after it was released when television made it a holiday classic. Jimmy Stewart plays a man examining his life in a panic on Christmas Eve. If you enjoyed The Tree of Life, It's a Wonderful Life is the obvious choice for you.

(Image via Paramount Pictures)

The Maltese Falcon (1941)

The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Detective Sam Spade gets mixed up in the pursuit of a priceless falcon statue made by Templar Knights and has to outwit the bad guys. It's a great choice if you like The Da Vinci Code and The Bourne Identity.

(Image via Warner Bros.)

High Noon (1952)

High Noon (1952)

High Noon is one of the greatest westerns of all time. It stars Gary Cooper as Marshal Will Kane, a retiring marshal who seeks help fighting off outlaws seeking revenge. The young and beautiful Grace Kelly also stars in her first big movie role. If you like The Revenant, you’re sure to find this black-and-white film enjoyable. 

(Image via United Artists)

Raging Bull (1980)

Raging Bull (1980)

Many critics think Raging Bull, a biography of boxer Jake LaMotta, is the best movie of the 1980s—and the best movie Martin Scorsese ever directed. To add to its credits, Robert De Niro won an Oscar for Best Actor in the role of LaMotta. If you enjoyed Creed, take a look at Raging Bull.

Chartoff-Winkler Productions/United Artists

On the Waterfront (1954)

On the Waterfront (1954)

Marlon Brando stars in this crime drama about dock workers dealing with their local mob boss. The film earned eight Academy Awards. Fans of The Departed will enjoy this one!

(Image via Columbia Pictures)

Rebecca (1940)

Rebecca (1940)

If you love a psychological thriller, Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca is a great choice! It's the only Best Picture Oscar winner among the famous director's movies, and it features a woman driven crazy by the legacy of her husband's dead first wife. If Gone Girl is your go-to flick, try swapping it out for Rebecca next movie night.

(Image via United Artists)

Casablanca (1942)

Casablanca (1942)

The pinnacle of romantic drama, Casablanca manages to be a guy's film as well as a chick flick. The love triangle, which includes Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, is set during World War II in Morocco with flashbacks to Paris. If you love The Notebook, you'll be head-over-heels for Casablanca.

(Image via Warner Bros.)