There are some films in life that you simply have to watch. From the moment they burst onto our cinema screens they became instant classics, being handed down to the next generations as must-watch movies and truly iconic.
No matter how old you are, where in the world you’re from, and even what genre of film you typically like to watch, there are films you really should watch before you die.
Which is why we’ve decided to run down our top five ultimate movies you should watch before you die…
Casino
For many, it’s the ultimate gangster movie. It is certainly the ultimate casino movie, and it is without a doubt the best film set in Las Vegas. Many have tried to capture the essence of Las Vegas, from comedies to thrillers.
It was a simpler time when Casino was released back in 1995. There was no such thing as online casinos like 777, or even slot games. Gambling was illegal in most states in the USA, and when it came to a hand of cards or spin of the slot reels, it was all about Vegas.
This tells a darker tale of Las Vegas’ casino scene and stars Robert De Niro in one of his most iconic roles. Playing an expert gambler, the Chicago Mob hire him to run their new casino in the city, in a thrilling film from Martin Scorsese that earned De Niro’s co-star Sharon Stone a Golden Globe for her role in the film.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Moving to a much lighter note, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is the hallmark for the teen movie and is the story of a high school slacker who decides to skip school for the day and get in all sorts of trouble and has all sorts of fun.
It’s a movie which breaks the fourth wall, with Matthew Broderick regularly turning to camera to express his thoughts and reasoning. It became an instant classic and many scenes will go down in history. In fact, in 2014 the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry with it deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. Not bad for a movie in which John Hughes wrote in less than a week!
The Shining
Famed for the “Here’s Johnny” scene, The Shining saw Jack Nicholson take on his most iconic role. Starring Nicholson as Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic who takes over the caretaker role at a historic hotel, the film delves into the details of Jack’s mental health, as well as his son Danny, who has psychic powers that can see the hotel’s horrific past.
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the film initially saw mixed reviews and many critics didn’t take to the characters or believe it reflected Stephen King’s best-selling book truly. However, it has since been given the credit it deserves, and now, rightfully goes down as one of the best movies of all time.
Citizen Kane
Citizen Kane is often considered the best film ever made, so it’s no surprise that it enters this list. The Orson Welles film is a true masterpiece, winning multiple awards and to this day is revered and topping polls, including the American Institute’s top movie of the last 100 years.
The film itself follows a reporter who is tasked with deciphering Charles Foster Kane’s dying words, it unveils a fascinating portrait of the man in what is a unique and intelligent way of storytelling.
Casablanca
Casablanca is another of those films that continues to rank in top 10 bests of all time despite being released way back in 1942. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the movie is set to the backdrop of WWII and sees two former lovers reunite in what is a formidable romance film.
It’s the love triangle of all love triangles and is cool, stylish and packed with a real punch. They don’t make them like this anymore.
