Many years ago, I sat down and watched Les Diaboliques, a moody and unnerving mystery film by the great French auteur Henri-Georges Clouzot. Having previously enjoyed The Wages of Fear, I sat down and watched.
It was incredible.
The performances by Simone Signoret and Véra Clouzot (the director's wife)? Divine.
The music? Stupendous.
The writing? Riveting.
That ending? Don't get me started.
It's a great film, truly among the best black and white films I've had the pleasure of viewing.
Some time after that, I watched Eyes without a Face, which convinced me that the French are a macabre bunch.
People shared their film recommendations with us after Redditor TheChainLink asked the online community:
"What black and white movies would you recommend?
12 Angry Men (1957)
"12 Angry Men. Phenomenal film. Absolutely still holds up in fact I would say it's more important that people see this film today."
ChipmunkBackground
A riveting production featuring great writing and wonderful acting. Truly some of Sidney Lumet's finest work as a director.
The Third Man (1949)
"The Third Man. Always at the top of my list. Just stunning in every single way."
7decadesofhistory
It's definitely a gorgeous film. Some of that cinematography is truly breathtaking. And that ending!
Arsenic and Old Lace (1943)
"I'm surprised that I haven't seen Arsenic and Old Lace mentioned yet."
The film nominally focuses on a young man with two crazy aunts. Said aunts have a habit of inviting down-and-out travelers to their bed-and-breakfast inn, then poisoning them and burying them in the basement. The protagonist's brother, on the other hand, believes himself to be Teddy Roosevelt, and... you know what? Just give it a watch."
RamsesThePigeon
Truly a classic that still holds up today. More people need to see it! I have watched this movie so many times.
The Thin Man (1934)
"The Thin Man and its entire series. Made in the 1930s, it holds up as a detective story. It is as good as any modern detective movie. It is a fun detective movie, not grim or dark."
AgentElman
This film was one of the biggest hits of its day, to say nothing of the rest of the series!
Casablanca (1943)
"Casablanca."
"Stupendous. Years ago, a friend and I decided to do a films you have to have watched at least once marathon, including Casablanca, Gone With the Wind, and Apocalypse Now, and I enjoyed this one (well, all of them, but this one in particular), since it barely shows its age. Truly a timeless classic."
[deleted]
If you haven't seen it yet, you really should! It's currently on HBO Max! Bogie and Bergman? Where could you go wrong?
Gaslight (1944)
"Gaslight, starring Ingrid Bergman, from which we use the popular term."
liltx
Bergman one the Oscar for this film, her first. She would later win for Anastasia (1956) and Murder on the Orient Express (1974).
Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
"Dr. Strangelove. Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!"
photoguy423
I… I… I don’t know how to put this sir, but do you know how much of a breach of security that would be? I mean, he’ll see everything. He’ll see the big board!
Psycho (1960)
"Psycho. Fantastic horror movie, and timeless too. Janet Leigh's stabbing shower scene is still legendary."
[deleted]
Truly! Perhaps Alfred Hitchock's most famous film – and it spawned countless imitations.
The General (1927)
"The General is incredibly funny even now and even as a silent film absolutely holds up, highly recommended."
skipperxc
Every stunt in that film was real, which makes the scene where Johnny removes the railroad ties from the tracks even crazier.
It Happened One Night (1934)
"It Happened One Night. Glorious screwball comedy with Clark Gable."
spoonfingler
The hitchhiking scene is hilarious! Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert were true movie magic.
Well, what are you waiting for? I'll throw out a few others, as a bonus: It's a Wonderful Life, Strangers on a Train, Sweet Smell of Success, Seconds, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Angel Face... need I go on?
Have some suggestions of your own? Feel free to tell us more in the comments below!
Want to "know" more?
Sign up for the Knowable newsletter here.
Never miss another big, odd, funny, or heartbreaking moment again.
