Introducing: The New Classics
There are movies that are all-time classics, part of every childhood—movies like Cinderella, Star Wars, The Sound of Music and ET. These were big, theatrical events and became milestones
The generation born after 1980 loves movies, too, of course. And they have one advantage over all the previous generations—home video. This is the first group of young people who have had the opportunity to watch movies at home on their own schedule and over and over again. So we wondered, what are the movies that this generation will make their favorites—and remember all their lives. What, in effect, are the new classics?
TimetoPlayMag.com took this challenge. Twelve of our “movie buffs” from four different generations went through the movies over the last 25 years. First and foremost, the movie had to have had a theatrical release. (Call us “old school” if you want.) Then, we looked at the stories, the quality of the film, entertainment value, whether they stand up to repeated viewings over time, and did kids still love them today. And we naturally asked the question we ask about everything: Is it fun?
So, here’s what we came up with. What do you think? Do you agree with us? Do you think we’re dead wrong? We’d like to hear from you.
Click here and then scroll down to see and post comments about the TimetoPlayMag.com New Classics
Presley E. from Alaska (11/13/08, 12:45 pm)
Wes P., you might as well change your name and hide yourself. Cars was most certainly a good film, but for FAMILY fun, there is no better than Elf. I agree with Andrew. But I would also have argued for Santa Clause as well.
Wes P. from Washington (State) (11/12/08, 8:33 pm)
Why isn't Beauty and the Beast number one. It's the only movie to ever be nominated for Best Oscar. Did the reviewing staff take this into account. As for Andrew K and Elf, Top 20 is a compliment. Cars was a better movie than Elf!
Irwin S. from Florida (11/12/08, 7:59 pm)
Mary G., he's living in Florida! And fyi Little Rascals was an insult to the original series!!!
Andrew K. from New Jersey (11/12/08, 7:56 pm)
Please! With all due respect to your so called experts, ELF could be number 1 and should definitely be 2. Honey I Shrunk the Kids before Elf. Ridiculous. Another huge gaff is leaving Flinstones the Movie and the SpongeBob Movie off the list. Put on your thinking caps folks.
David W. from Pennsylvania (11/12/08, 3:30 pm)
Where is the Brave Little Toaster? It is a staple of anyone's childhood who grew up in the last 20 years. And Transformers? Really? Little loose with the word "classic" aren't we? And Erik K. is mistaken - the Muppets definitely belong on the list ahead of 3 Ninjas.
Megan R. from Pennsylvania (11/12/08, 11:15 am)
I would have to agree with Erik K. from Colorado - "3 Ninjas" was an intrical part of my childhood. I also have to wonder how this list was created when classics like Big Fat Liar are not included!
Mary G. from New York (11/12/08, 11:10 am)
What happened to Big Fat Liar?
Erik K. from Colorado (11/11/08, 11:15 am)
I think your ranking of 3 Ninjas is way too low. There are at least a half dozen films ahead of it - Muppets Take Manhattan, Remember the Titans (is this really even a kids movie), and Matilda to name a few - that should be lower/not qualify for the list. Ask any person who grew up in the last 20 years what "Rocky" loves, and they're not going to tell you it's boxing.