I absolutely adore black and white movies. Some of my favorite flicks are black and white, if not necessarily film noir, and I'm sure that you've seen many of them before. Actually, you've probably seen me write about them before! Still, I can't resist making some repeats because some movies are just so classic, they naturally come up again and again. And you'll be seeing many of these classics on this list of black and white flicks you should see!
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1. Sabrina
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I think anyone who's read me already knows how much I love this movie. Honestly, I like this even better than Breakfast at Tiffany's, partly because of Audrey's Paris makeover (and haircut!), but primarily because of Bogey and her interaction with him. I mean yeah, he's incredibly older than her in this, but I don't even care. The whole story is just incredible.
2. The Maltese Falcon
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This was really my introduction into the straight up film noir genre. I loved this movie from the very first, and I was sure I was going to hate it, that it was going to be boring, that I'd never remember even seeing it. I was so wrong. You honestly can't watch Humphrey Bogart on screen, especially in this, and not be riveted. This is one black and white flick you should see post haste. You won't be disappointed.
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3. To Kill a Mockingbird
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This also happens to be one of my favorite books of all time, and it's one of those rare cases when the book and the film are neck and neck. This movie never fails to make me cry. It really brought Scout, Boo, and every other character to life. And Gregory Peck as Atticus is just frigging amazing.
4. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
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This is a very strange movie, a very black movie, but a very amazing movie as well. It's crazy good. Kubrick fans are no doubt already aware of it, but I'm serious, this is a black and white flick you should see right now. I initially saw it because I have this thing for Peter Sellers, who stars in several roles, but it's aces from top to bottom, especially if you secretly like army movies.
5. Lolita
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I know this is a little risque, given the subject matter, but I adore Vladimir Nabokov and this has always been one of my favorite books by him. James Mason is incredible as Humbert Humbert, and as far as I'm concerned, little Sue Lyon is the only girl who could ever pay Lolita. What's really genius about this film, however, is Peter Sellers – again! – as Clare Quilty, in all his different disguises. If you've never seen this film or the remake, and if you haven't read the movie, go see the original (the genius of which can also be attributed to Kubrick) right now! You'll never even guess what goes on there.
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6. Citizen Kane
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This film is one of the most intriguing things I've ever seen. I'm a huge sucker for Orson Welles, and this is one of my favorites. The whole plot line is amazing, and even though the ending has been ruined in a thousand different ways over the years, it's still more than worth the watch, if only for the controversy that still exists over the fact that Kane – Charles Foster Kane – is based on William Randolph Hearst.
7. Casablanca
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Let's go back to Bogey again, shall we? This is one of the most iconic movies of all time, but that's not even the main reason why this is a black and white film you should see right away. It's just a damn good movie, and the chemistry between Bogey and Ingrid Bergman is out of this world. And I love movies about this era – as you shall see!
8. Schindler's List
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Compared to the other films, this one is relatively new. I remember people groaning about the fact that it was in black and white when it came out, since it did so in the 1990s, and everyone thought it would be boring because it wasn't in color. Um, no. Maybe Liam Neeson's best role to date, and since I love him, that's saying a lot.
9. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
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This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Knowing that Bette Davis and Joan Crawford absolutely hated each other makes it even better. If you know anything about Joan, it's hard to feel sympathy for her … until you get a load of what Baby Jane is really capable of doing. I mean, Bette Davis is just vile in this. It's awesome!
There are tons more black and white flicks you should see, I'm sure. I somehow think I should have put Clerks on there, but … anyway! This is just a list of my absolute favorite ones. For that matter, I'm sure there are plenty that I haven't seen – and probably should. Do you have any amazing black and white movies to recommend?
