The Problem With Generations

How many times has someone older asked someone younger about their favorite movie, and the reply was, “I have never heard of it before!” Think about music for example. How many songs today, are simply recycled tracks of decades ago? Time has a way to make people forget, however movies and music have a way to live on forever. The only way for this process to happen, is for an older generation to leave something worth the younger generations time. Movies, are a great way to bridge the gap between young and old and all in between.

Below is my list of 5 movies that fit every and all generations. I am pretty sure most all of you will agree with me, though some may not. However, ask yourself what makes a movie last from generation to generation? Will Avatar, the world’s best grossing movie of all time, really live on forever? Probably not, as the future special effects will make that movie look like child’s play. Will the next generation really want to rent or buy Twilight, The Hunger Games, or even Harry Potter? I am going to say no, as the next generation will have their very own brand-new version Harry Potter.

No Pirates or Batman On This List

Now let’s take a look at some super huge blockbusters. The Batman trilogy, Pirates of the Caribbean, or any other of the huge franchises movie studios put out? Are any of them really going to last forever? In 20 years, will Johnny Depp still be remembered as Captain Jack, or some guy that played a pirate? Most of these huge movies will be re-made and re-booted time and again to bring in more money. I will not include any of these in my list.

5. Fast Time At Ridgemont High
Yes I know, a wild-card, however this is the movie that set the way for movies like American Pie, Road Trip, and every other raunchy high school teenage movie. This movie has an all star cast both on and off the screen. Bruce Springstreet’s sister is even in the movie. Although this movie doesn’t have the huge box office success like the others, it has a legacy. The pool “dream” scene is one mocked and re-created in just about every other movie in the same genre. It was every high school boys fantasy then, and still lasts now. Sean Penn made burnouts famous long before anyone else could utter, “Hey Bud, Let’s Party.” This is one for the ages for all it takes is someone to know about it, to make others want to see it. Or at least the one scene that leaves guys wanting to know more of Phoebe Cates.

4. E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial
E.T. Phone Home…. I know this is somewhat of a debate or even wild-card as well but let me explain. First off, even those who have never seen this movie, know of this movie. There is no sequel, no book, no TV show, or any other additions to this movie to give it longevity or keep the name fresh. Countless children and adults have seen this movie and that tradition will continue. The infamous scene of the bike in front of the moon, or how about Reece’s Pieces flying off the shelf after the movie hit theaters. Hershey’s claimed a 65% spike in sales after E.T. was released! It cost just about $11 million dollars to make, and to this day has brought in close to $800 million dollars. That is staying power. That is never going away.

3. Scarface
“I always tell the truth. Even when I lie”…Tony Montana is one of the greatest characters to ever be on screen. This movie has longed lived past it’s heyday and still sells novelty items like hotcakes. T-shirts, posters, and the movie itself fly off the shelf each and every year. This movie has so many famous quotes and scenes that it is probably connected to half of Hollywood releases via some tagline or theme. It originally received an X-rating from the MPAA three times in a row for being so violent and obscene. The box office numbers don’t do it justice, as this is a cult classic that still gets plenty of air time. It is not family friendly by any means, however this movie will be watched time and time again by adult audiences everywhere.

2. The Godfather
Do I even need to explain why this movie is part of this list? This movie is actually part of college curriculum’s it is that good from start to finish. Setting the bar so high, no other organized crime movie even comes close. Marlon Brando will be forever known for this film and role, and it is well deserved. The Godfather is one of those movies that will be passed on from father to son and beyond. The box office numbers are pretty good and still rise every year. After you watch this movie, you will forever respect your godparents, that is for sure!

1. Star Wars
Yes I know, an easy top spot candidate. Well, can you argue with one of the best selling franchises of all time? For a movie that is over 30 years old, and still gaining fans worldwide, it deserves the top spot. Around the world, people claim Jedi as their religion. The fan base is this strong. From merchandising to video games to an endless supply of memorabilia, Star Wars captivates new audiences every generation and spreads imagination globally. Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader are international symbols, let alone famous. George Lucas has done a phenomenal job in ensuring youth always have video games to play, action figures and lunch boxes to show to friends, and of course every item of clothing to bed-sheets to lamps and all of the above. Generations will never not know Star Wars.

May the force be with you, and hope you enjoyed this list!