13 Best Classic Films, Ranked (2020)

There is nothing like a good, classic film. Whether you're a movie buff or just a curious novice, you probably came here to watch some movies.

So here is a list of some of the greatest classic films of all time! These movies left their mark on cinematic history and in the hearts of the many fans who enjoyed them. So, without further ado, let's jump into it!

1. The Goonies

This classic film is about a group of kids whose lives are about to be ruined by a developing company that plans to destroy their homes to build a country club. When the children discover a treasure map in an old attic, they decide to go on one last adventure together, hoping to find the map's treasure. They quickly find that the plan is REAL, and so are the dangers and delights that follow them along the way.

What makes this movie so special is the lovable characters, the quit-witted humor, and the fun adventure. It is a film that both kids and adults enjoy and love.

Rating: PG for mild language and violence.

2. The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride is about everlasting love and the battles that it sometimes must endure. Princess Buttercup and Westley take on great adventures, perilous journeys, and an evil King, to be together.

This movie has a little bit of everything, which is what makes it so incredibly unique. It's the ultimate adventure film, and every chapter brings a new kind of magic into it. It's a cherished, fun, and adventurous story that is sure to warm your heart.

Rating: PG for violence, sexual references, and language.

3. The Shawshank Redemption

This film is about a man named Andy Dufresne, who was sentenced to life in prison to murder his wife and her lover. But Andy Dufresne is actually innocent, but only he knows the truth. Over many years, Andy makes friends, learns the realities of other inmates, experiences prison life's brutality, adapts, and even makes some unexpected waves in that prison during his stay.

What makes this film so spectacular is the emotional impact it will have on you. Having to witness an innocent man's descent into this awful prison will shake you to your core. It is also full of heart-warming moments, though, and is definitely a tear-jerker.

Rating: R for language, prison violence, and sexuality.

4. Back to the Future

This film is about a young teen named Marty, who accidentally gets entangled in a trip through time with his friend, Doc. When things get complicated, Marty learns that he needs to change some things in the past to repair certain events in the future; otherwise, he may cease to exist.

Back to the Future does not only has a brilliant storyline, but the humor and the charming characters make this film so lovable and fun. This movie is a wild ride from start to finish, and if you haven't seen it yet, you should definitely put this one on your list.

Rating: PG for language and mild violence.

5. Jurassic Park

In Jurassic Park, a group of scientists and doctors all explore a new theme park filled with dinosaurs created from prehistoric DNA. They quickly learn that these dinosaurs are smarter and more robust despite being in a controlled environment than they ever could have possibly imagined.

This movie is exciting from start to finish, and it is sure to delight if you really enjoy dinosaurs. It's got some very spooky elements to it, and it is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rating: PG-13 for intense sci-fi terror, creature violence, language, and sexuality.

6. Big Trouble in Little China

Big Trouble in Little China is about a man named Jack Burton, who accidentally becomes involved in strange happenings underneath San Francisco's Chinatown. An ancient Chinese warlock kidnaps a green-eyed woman, who happens to be the fiancé of Jack's best friend. Jack must help his best friend get his love back before the evil Lo Pan uses her to break a dark curse and unleash an ancient evil.

This film is fun because it encompasses ancient Chinese magic, creepy creatures, and that classic good vs. evil. Jack's character brings a hilarious sense of humor into the mix that is sure to keep you giggling, even though the scary stuff.

Rating: PG-13 for fantasy violence, language, and brief sexuality.

7. The Mask

The Mask is about a timid bank clerk named Stanley, who has been a kind and generous push-over all of his life. That is until he stumbles across a mask that encases the spirit of an ancient, trouble-making god. When Stanley puts the mask on, it changes who he is. Stanley does crazy things that he never would have done otherwise. This trouble-making god is about to get Stanley into a big kind of trouble that just might change his whole life!

This movie will keep you laughing until you're in tears. The hilarity that ensues when the mask goes on is unlike anything else you have ever seen. It's a hilarious story with fantastic characters. You'll want to experience this film over and over again.

Rating: PG-13 for sexuality, language, violence, and drug references.

8. The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club encompasses a group of teenagers who have to spend their weekends in detention together. All of them are part of different cliques and are painfully different from one another. But, since they re stuck together, they try to make the most of it. In a heartwarming series of events, the teens open up to one another, sharing experiences and ideas. By the end of detention, their relationships with one another and their outlook on life is changed forever.

This film is wonderfully heartwarming and sweet. The friendship the group forms are something extraordinary, even though it's unexpected. You'll laugh, and you'll cry.

Rating: R for language, sexuality, and drug use.

9. McLintock

Aging rancher, George, is a wealthy man, and everyone wants a piece of his farmstead. This brings many challenges George's way. Out of nowhere, his wife, who left him two years prior, returns. She isn't interested in George, though, or his wealth. She is interested in getting custody of their daughter.

This film has all the classic components that a western should; adventure, comedy, and southern hospitality. You'll love the excellent storyline and the heartwarming moments. Plus, it stars the legendary John Wayne! What more do you need?!

Rating: This film does not have a rating. There are some violence and some language in it.

10. The Exorcist

The Exorcist is one of the scariest classics of all time. It involves a young girl who begins to act strangely. When her mother believes her strange actions to be the cause of something sinister, she asks an expert to come to their aid. An expert priest comes to the house, and a horrifying exorcism begins.

This movie will give you chills and keep you jumping at your shadow for hours. Prepare yourself to be disturbed.

Rating: R for scary images, paranormal violence, sexuality, and intense scenes.

11. Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink is about a girl named Andy, who falls in love with one of the rich, popular boys in her school. When she discovers that he likes her too, the two begin dating. They quickly learn that dating someone in a different social sphere is anything but easy.

This film is a beautiful coming of age story that tugs on the heartstrings and leaves you wanting more. It's a heartwarming, feel-good film that you shouldn't miss out on.

Rating: PG-13 for language, some violence, sexuality/partial nudity, and some drug use.

12. Jaws

When a young girl is eaten alive by a giant shark, law enforcement officers buckle down to try to take on the massive beast to keep beach businesses. But what they don't know is that man vs. nature hardly ever wields positive results.

This movie is chock-full of jump scares and gore for ages! You'll love this cult classic!

Rating: PG-13 for bloody/gory images and animal violence

13. Avatar

On the alien world of Pandora are the Na' vi. They are beings who appear primitive but are actually quite highly evolved. Because the planet's environment is poisonous, humans create Avatars so they can explore the earth safely. Jake Sully is one of the explorers in an Avatar, and he falls in love with a Na' vi woman and their way of life. Jake quickly learns that the humans plan to destroy the planet to get what they want from it. Jake becomes torn between helping humans or helping the Na' vi.

The beautiful fantasy-world will blow you away! Plus, the whole movie is a non-stop adventure and wonder!

Rating: PG-13 for sensuality, violence, fantasy violence, language, and smoking.