Confessions of a Movie Newbie: Discovering the Magic of Classic Films

By: Mackenzie Bloom

I have a confession to make: I haven’t seen a lot of movies. Not the classics, not the cult favorites, not even some of the ones that everyone seems to know. For years, I found myself smiling and nodding along in conversations about films I’d never watched. “You haven’t seen that?!” was a phrase I heard too often.

So what gives? Why haven’t I seen these iconic films? To be honest, it just wasn’t a priority for me. Life got busy, and somehow movies became something that was always on the “I’ll get to it later” list. But recently, I’ve decided to change that and finally dive into the world of classic cinema. Here’s why and what I’ve learned so far:

1. Why I Decided to Start Watching Classic Movies

It all started with an epiphany: movies are more than just entertainment. They’re a way to understand different time periods, social issues, and human experiences. I realized I’d been missing out on a form of storytelling that has shaped culture for decades. Plus, I wanted to stop feeling out of the loop in conversations. 

2. What I Expected vs. What I Got

I’ll admit, I had some preconceived notions. I thought older movies might be slow, outdated, or hard to relate to. After all, how could a movie from 50 years ago hold up today’s flashy, fast-paced productions?

Turns out, I was wrong. While some classics do feel slower compared to modern blockbusters, I was surprised by how timeless many of these films feel. Great stories, strong characters, and universal themes transcend time, and I found myself connecting with movies that were made long before I was born. 

3. What Classic Movies Have Taught Me So Far

I’ve learned that great films stand the test of time because they explore themes that are universal and human. Whether it’s love, loss, power, or hope, these stories still resonate with people today because the core emotions are the same. 

I’ve also realized that watching these movies feels like an education, not just in film, but in culture and history. You can learn so much about the time period in which a film was made, the issues that were relevant, and how people viewed the world. 

4. How Watching Movies Has Changed How I See the World

One unexpected benefit of watching classic films is how it’s broadened my perspective. Films from different decades and countries show how society has evolved, what issues were considered important, and how culture has shifted over time. Watching older films has helped me better understand where modern cinema gets its influences and how historical events have shaped storytelling. It’s made me think more critically about the world today and how the stories we tell reflect our current reality. 

5. Advice to Other Movie Newbies

If you’re like me and haven’t seen many classic movies, my advice is simple: start somewhere. Don’t let the long list of “must-see” films intimidate you. Pick a genre you’re interested in or ask friends for recommendations. And most importantly, watch with an open mind. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it. 

This journey into the world of classic movies is just beginning for me, but I’m excited to see where it takes me. If there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s that it’s never too late to discover the magic movies. Who knows – maybe one day, I’ll be the one saying, “You haven’t seen that?”

What are some classic movies that I should add to my list? Leave your recommendations in the comments below.