These 11 Movies Prove That Boomers Made The Best Movies in History

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Written By Kelsey Waddell

Kelsey Waddell is a freelance writer living in Virginia. She's a fan of science fiction, Iron Chef, and anything with a musical number and a happy ending.

From iconic classics to timeless masterpieces, these movies remind us that when it comes to crafting memorable stories, no one does it quite like the baby boomers. Get ready to be steeped in nostalgia, and remember why these movies can’t ever be topped.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Butch cassidy
Image Credit: 1969 20th Century Fox.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a thrilling journey following two Wild West outlaws on the run. As the unstoppable duo, made up of Butch’s brain and Sundance’s brawn, rob one train too many, they’re doggedly pursued by a relentless posse through a rapidly changing West. When luck finally smiles on them, they hatch a new plan: Bolivia.

The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather
Image Credit: 1972 Paramount Pictures.

The Godfather presents an epic tale of the Corleone family, tracing the life of Don Vito Corleone as he passes the reins of his Mafia empire to his reluctant son, Michael. Mired in power struggles, familial bonds, and a life of organized crime, Michael’s ascent to power becomes a chilling portrait of the American dream gone awry. As a quintessential baby boomer film, The Godfather captures the socio-economic shifts of the era, revealing the dark underbelly of the pursuit for power and success, themes that highly resonated with the generation.

Annie Hall (1977)

Annie Hall
Image Credit: MGM

Annie Hall is a witty exploration of modern romance, showcasing the comically neurotic Alvy Singer and his relationship with the eccentric Annie Hall. Amidst existential crises and lobsters-on-the-loose, this film frames love in the chaos of 70’s New York. As a quintessential baby boomer movie, Annie Hall brilliantly mirrors the generation’s quest for identity and meaning within the complexities of relationships and self-reflection.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest
Image Credit: Warner Brothers.

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, McMurphy, a wily criminal seeking asylum from prison labor, finds himself in a mental ward under the iron-fisted rule of Nurse Ratched. This engaging tale of rebellion, camaraderie, and the human spirit unfolds as McMurphy inspires his fellow inmates to resist their oppressive environment.

All The President’s Men (1976)

All The Presidents Men
Image Credit: Warner Brothers.

Journey back to an era of seismic political shifts with All The President’s Men, where we ride along with intrepid reporters Woodward and Bernstein as they expose the Watergate scandal. This film’s not just a thrilling chronicle of investigative journalism but also a classic baby boomer movie that encapsulates the zeitgeist of a generation demanding transparency and accountability.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

2001A Space Odyssey
Image Credit: Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.

2001: A Space Odyssey is a thrilling exploration of the unknown, where a cryptic artifact unearthed on the Moon sets off a journey deep into space. Along with two astronauts and the eerily sentient supercomputer, HAL 9000, the film transforms into an extraordinary cosmic mystery that will keep you glued until the very end.

The Graduate (1967)

The Graduate
Image Credit: Rialto Pictures.

In The Graduate, we follow Benjamin Braddock, fresh from college and lost in transition, as he gets entangled in a messy love triangle with Mrs. Robinson and her daughter, Elaine. This movie is a Boomer classic, reflecting the era’s exploration of identity, the struggle with societal expectations, and the search for personal fulfillment.

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

The Manchurian Candidate
Image Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Get ready for a thrilling ride with The Manchurian Candidate. Major Bennett Marco, played by the iconic Frank Sinatra, is an esteemed soldier haunted by a frightful nightmare involving his war-time comrade, Raymond Shaw. Beneath the family turmoil of Shaw, lies a chilling conspiracy that makes this movie a tantalizing display of mystery and suspense. This is classic Boomer cinema at its peak, proving its unmatched ability to combine well-crafted plots with memorable performances.

Jaws (1975)

Jaws (1975, 124 minutes)
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Jaws is a thrill ride that will make you think twice about your next beach vacation. When a monstrous great white shark terrorizes an island town, the unlikely trio of Sheriff Brody, Hooper the marine biologist, and salty seaman Quint, set out to stop it. This Spielberg masterpiece is a testament to the riveting storytelling and suspenseful build-up that Boomer movies are revered for.

Dirty Harry (1971)

Dirty Harry
Image Credit: 1971 Warner Bros. Ent.

In Dirty Harry, Clint Eastwood delivers an unforgettable performance as tough Police Inspector Harry Callahan. The plot is a thrilling chase as Harry hunts down the deranged “Scorpio Killer” who’s terrorizing San Francisco. This 1971 classic is an essential watch for any fan of gritty cop dramas.

American Graffiti (1962)

American Graffiti
Image Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

American Graffiti captures the adventures of a group of teenagers on an epic final night of cruising post-graduation in California’s central valley. Set in 1962, this film encapsulates the freedom, dreams, and farewells that come with saying goodbye to high school. It’s a poignant and fun-filled trip down memory lane.

The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month

Forrest Gump
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Have you found yourself overwhelmed by streaming services, unable to make a decision about what to watch for your next movie night? Don’t worry, we’ve made this decision easy. Netflix is stacked with incredible classic movies, and these ones are the best of the best.

The Best Fantasy Movies to Stream on Netflix

Labyrinth
Image Credit: The Jim Henson Company.

If it’s magic, spirits, and other realms you’re looking for, a fantasy movie is just what you need. Netflix has some quality options in this category, and we’ve done the hard work of choosing for you. Check out these fantasy movies, available for streaming on Netflix.

The Best Comedy Series on Netflix

Jason Bateman with an Eagle in Arrested Development
Image Credit: Netflix

Everyone loves a good laugh, and these comedy series will draw chuckle after chuckle as you binge-watch your way through the seasons. No need to settle for jokes that just don’t land- check out our list of the best comedy series available for streaming on Netflix.