50 Films You Need to Graduate from Film School

This film is a pillar of film study. Be skeptical of any university that doesn't feature it at least once in their film program.

One of the most beautifully tragic films ever made. It'll make you really appreciate what you have.

Suprisingly eerie and visually enticing for an older film. Great plot line!

Again, this film is amusing & tragic. It examines life's tight rope walk between pure happiness and utter despair.

A film for all movie lovers. This film explores the notion that the universal language of cinema ties us all together.

One of my favorite silent films. The fundamental concept of logic vs. emotion or mind vs. heart is the center of this film.

I'm amazed this film has yet to be remade. This film paved the way for the popular trend of finale twists used so often today.

I'm not much of a John Wayne fan, but this is a great Western. Natalie Wood plays a homesteader turned indian.

You'd have to make a home under a rock to never see Casablanca. I like that it's romantic, but realistic.

This film is emotionally packed. Two lost souls look for a family and end up finding it in eachother.

This film was packed with energy from beginning to end. It never loses its momentum.

A lot of big names wanted to be a part of this film because it is one of the best war flicks ever put on the big screen.

I can't say enough about this film. It's one of the most insightful portrayals of growing up ever.

I personally lean towards the original version of Psycho. It's more authentic, gritty, and supensful vs. gory.

Never thought I'd be an Astaire/Rogers fan, but I definitely am! Their dancing is genius and oh so entertaining.

This is the epitome of melodrama. If you like soap operas it doesn't get much better than this.

I never tire of hearing Judy Graland sing. Her idealistic persona reminds me of childhood dreaming.

This is a classic Chaplin flick that used some special effects that were pretty shocking for it's time.

The original scarface has very little in common with the Pacino remake. It's a terrific gangster flick.

Even the best laid plans aren't foolproof. One mistake decides the amazing fate of two lovers.

This classic is a bit lengthy, but it has one of the most famous scenes in film history on the steps of Odessa.

Hitchcock loves to explore Freudian themes. In this film, he hints at the incestuous desires of the unconcious.

This film gets 2nd place behind It's a Wonderful Life for being full of capitalist, idealist, & patriotic propoganda.

Who doesn't love a good cat fight between two shameless actresses? Both leading ladies are spectacular.

It was interesting to see a side of Jamaica's underworld that's commonly left unseen.

This film gives insight into pop culture. It's no cinematic masterpiece, but all the same it can be called a classic.

This is a really fun and playful film, literally. Two friends learn that love is not a game. Kind of a morbid ending though.

Who'd a thunk that a film about the Porn industry could have merit and staying power. It's worth a peek :)

This film is the epitome of cheesy song and dance numbers. Again, it's a pop culture phenomenon.

Experimental and edgy to say the least. If you're a fan of Salvador Dali's artwork, wait until you see it move!

I don't remember much about this film except that I laughed a lot; even when it wasn't appropriate.

This film contains some of the most famous images and moments in French cinema. Godard is distinctive.

I was suprised how much this film resonated with me. It's one of my most memorable film viewing experiences.

Interesting journey into the human psyche. How much is too much? What's the breaking point?

Great perfomances all around. This is a favorite gangster film of many. It's not one of mine, but it's worth seeing.

I've never liked this film, but..... every film student should see it to see where film began and how it's changed.

This film is one of the first that I had ever seen that seemed to transcend so many different genres.

I don't know why I enjoy this movie so much, I just do. The film art is abunantly apparent and fascinating to boot.

It's been so long since I've seen this film, but I know I enjoyed it tremendously. It's suspensful and mysterious.

This film is so smart. It centers around the issue of racism in a way similar to American History X.

This film has some beautiful landscapes since it's an escape and journey tale. Some moments are heartbreaking.

This is a terrific epic based on actual events. Peter O'Toole is young and plays an excellent heroic figure.

This is a satire that is very tongue in cheek. If I weren't so offended, I'd laugh kind of thing. Spike Lee excels at this.

This is a gorgeous film that stars amazing actors. The search for love in times of war never gets old.

Scarlett O'Hara is the woman you love to hate. She's stubborn and selfish, and essentially a survivor.

The appreciation for life is always a good topic to make a film out of, and this one is overflowing with it.

I'll be the first to admit that I didn't get this film, but even in it's "obscurity" I remained invested waiting for clarification.