January 22, 2025

MOVIES TURNING 50 IN 2025


Here’s something that’ll make some of you feel ancient. The following is a list of noteworthy movies celebrating their Golden Anniversary this year. Some are now classics, others were blockbusters of their time, and a few still retain a certain amount of cultural relevance. As for this crusty old cat, I remember seeing most of them for the first time like it was yesterday. How many have you seen?

JAWS - Once the highest grossing film of all time, it remains as thrilling as ever and a cultural milestone. Even today, you see the iconic logo and image everywhere.

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST - It swept the Academy Awards that year, winning Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor (Jack Nicholson), Best Actress (Louise Fletcher), Best Director (Milos Foreman) and Best Screenplay (Lawrence Hudson & Bo Goldman).

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW - The quintessential cult film, it’s been playing every weekend in my hometown for 50 years.


DOG DAY AFTERNOON - “Attica! Attica!”


ROLLERBALL - In the not-to-distant future (2018), wars will no longer exist. But there will be Rollerball. I still wish this was a real sport.


TOMMY - Actually, this one felt dated even back in 1975.


NASHVILLE - One of eclectic director Robert Altman’s greatest (and longest) films.


DEEP RED - Still the ultimate giallo film, and along with Suspiria, the high point of director Dario Argento’s career. 


DEATH RACE 2000 - Back when the year 2000 still seemed like the distant future. Kids don’t know how good they have it these days. Now they can mow down pedestrians themselves with their PS5.


THE STEPFORD WIVES - This one still gives off a creepy vibe.


MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL - People still quote this movie, even those who weren’t even born yet.


FRENCH CONNECTION II - Never approaching the greatness of the original, it’s still a solid sequel.


THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR - One of the most paranoid movies ever made.

ROOSTER COGBURN - John Wayne’s penultimate film. 


BARRY LYNDON - This three-hour epic isn’t Stanley Kubrick’s best film, but it is arguably one of his prettiest. 


THE GIANT SPIDER INVASION - If you ever wondered what the Skipper was up to after being rescued from Gilligan’s Island, here you go. I actually paid to see this junk in a theater. On the plus side, it inspired one of Mystery Science Theater 3000’s best episodes.

No comments: