Discovering new movies can be a rewarding experience. But the recommendation algorithms of the popular sites and services are prone to suggestions divided between the latest releases and shows nearly identical to the ones we already know. Where should the aspiring cinephile turn when looking to step into uncharted territory? A dip into cinema history and a brief look into some of the genres outside of Action, Comedy, Romance, and Drama may provide some inspiration. This brief survey is far from exhaustive but hopefully serves to spark some excitement for navigating the aisles of the neighbourhood video store.
Part 1: Movies Through the Decades
Hollywood Classics
The Golden Age of Hollywood, which lasted from the 1920s to the late 1950s, was a time of significant growth and innovation in the American film industry. During this period, Hollywood emerged as a significant player in the global film industry, and many of the most iconic films and stars of all time emerged from this era. The Golden Age of Hollywood was characterized by the emergence of the studio system in which major Hollywood studios such as MGM, Warner Bros., and Paramount controlled all aspects of film production, from the development of scripts and casting to distribution and exhibition. The studio system allowed for the production of a large number of films each year and also for the creation of stars and genres that defined the era.
During this era, films were primarily shot in black and white, and typical genres were musicals, comedies, dramas, and Westerns. The period also saw the emergence of some of the most iconic American stars of all time, such as Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, James Stewart, and Marilyn Monroe. Additionally, many of the most critically acclaimed films of all time were produced during this period, such as Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, and The Wizard of Oz. Technology evolved steadily with the introduction of sound, color, and other technological advancements greatly expanding the possibilities of cinema as an art form.
The 1930s
The 1930s was a crucial decade in the evolution of cinema, as the introduction of sound revolutionized the industry and brought the magic of the movies to even greater heights. The pre: Code era, which preceded the establishment of the Motion Picture Production Code, saw the release of films that were daring and provocative, dealing with themes that would later be considered taboo. This was a time when Hollywood was fearless and willing to take risks, producing some of the most groundbreaking and thought: provoking movies in its history.
The 1930s also witnessed the emergence of two of the most iconic stars in Hollywood history: Bette Davis and Clark Gable. Davis was a trailblazer, a woman ahead of her time who challenged the conventions of the industry and created a new archetype for female characters on screen. Gable, on the other hand, embodied the quintessential leading man, projecting an effortless charisma and rugged masculinity that captivated audiences around the world. In addition, The Thin Man series, starring William Powell and Myrna Loy, was one of the most popular and enduring film franchises of the decade. With its razor: sharp wit, stylish visuals, and irresistible charm, The Thin Man set the standard for the sophisticated and urbane films that would follow in its wake. In short, the 1930s was a pivotal era in the history of cinema, marked by a willingness to take risks that forever changed the medium.
The 1940s
The cinema of the 1940s was a veritable feast for moviegoers, with a smorgasbord of comedies, musicals, and film noir lighting up the silver screen. In these genres, filmmakers captured the essence of the era, offering audiences a range of stories that ran the gamut from light and frothy to dark and moody. Indeed, the 1940s represented a golden age of filmmaking, with some of the most iconic movies of all time originating from this period.
Take, for example, the screwball comedy His Girl Friday (1940), directed by Howard Hawks and starring the incomparable Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. In this high: energy caper, Grant plays a newspaper editor trying to win back his ex: wife, played by Russell, who is now his top reporter. The witty dialogue and rapid: fire pacing make this film a joy to watch even today. Alternatively, musical lovers were treated to the dazzling Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring the luminous Judy Garland. Set against the backdrop of the 1904 World’s Fair, this film features memorable songs such as ‘The Trolley Song’ and ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and is a testament to Garland‘s talent as a performer.
For those who prefer a darker, more complex narrative, film noir offered plenty of thrills and chills. Double Indemnity (1944), directed by Billy Wilder and starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray, is a prime example of the genre. In this suspenseful tale, an insurance salesman falls for a woman who convinces him to plot the murder of her husband for the insurance payout. And who can forget The Philadelphia Story (1940), directed by George Cukor and featuring a powerhouse cast that includes Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart? This witty and romantic comedy offers up some of the most memorable lines in cinematic history and is a must: see for anyone who loves classic Hollywood.
With unforgettable performances by icons such as Cary Grant, Judy Garland, Barbara Stanwyck, and Katharine Hepburn, these films continue to captivate and delight audiences today.
The 1950s
The 1950s were a decade of tremendous change and creativity in the world of cinema. In Hollywood, the industry was facing new challenges from the growing popularity of television, which led to a period of experimentation and innovation. Some of the most memorable films of the era were produced during this time, including the classic musical Singin’ in the Rain (1952), starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, and the epic western Shane (1953), directed by George Stevens and featuring Alan Ladd in the title role. Meanwhile, in Japan, filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa were creating groundbreaking works of cinema, such as Rashomon (1950) and Throne of Blood (1957), that continue to inspire and influence filmmakers around the world.
In Hollywood, the 1950s saw the emergence of two of the biggest stars in the history of cinema: Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Monroe, whose performances in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and Some Like It Hot (1959) helped establish her as a sex symbol and one of the most popular actresses of all time. Her untimely death in 1962 only added to her mystique and cemented her place in Hollywood history. James Dean, on the other hand, became an instant icon with his performances in East of Eden (1955) and Rebel Without a Cause (1955). His method acting and brooding intensity helped redefine the possibilities of acting in film and paved the way for the likes of Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. Unfortunately, Dean‘s career was also cut tragically short when he died in a car accident in 1955, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.
Other top stars of the era included James Stewart, whose performances in Vertigo (1958) and Anatomy of a Murder (1959) are among his best, Grace Kelly, whose beauty and talent made her one of the most beloved actresses of all time, and Marlon Brando, whose groundbreaking performance in On the Waterfront (1954) helped redefine the possibilities of acting in film.
In Italy, a new wave of filmmakers emerged who were creating films that focused on the struggles of everyday people. Known as the ‘neorealist’ movement, these films often dealt with social issues and were shot on location with non: professional actors. One of the most famous examples of this style is La Strada (1954), directed by Federico Fellini and starring Anthony Quinn and Giulietta Masina. In England, a similar movement known as the ‘kitchen sink’ drama emerged, which focused on the lives of working: class people. Some of the most notable films from this era include Room at the Top (1959), directed by Jack Clayton and featuring Laurence Harvey and Simone Signoret, and Look Back in Anger (1959), directed by Tony Richardson and starring Richard Burton.
Meanwhile in Scandinavia, the filmmaker Ingmar Bergman was creating some of the most daring and innovative films of the era. His introspective and deeply personal works, such as The Seventh Seal (1957) and Wild Strawberries (1957), challenged the norms of traditional storytelling and continue to inspire and influence filmmakers to this day.
Two of the most influential and innovative directors of the decade were Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense whose films remain some of the most memorable in the history of cinema, and Akira Kurosawa, whose films helped establish the modern Japanese film industry and inspired a generation of filmmakers around the world.
The 1960s
The 1960s saw a number of influential film movements that continue to shape cinema to this day. Some of the most popular and influential film movements from the 1960s include:
French New Wave: This movement, led by directors such as Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut, emphasized new techniques and storytelling styles, often using handheld cameras and natural lighting.
Spaghetti Western: This movement, directed by Italian filmmakers, was popularized by Sergio Leone, and characterized by its stylized violence, and the use of a Morricone‘s music.
Cold War super spy movies: These movies often feature suave, sophisticated agents battling against international espionage and political intrigue. Some notable examples include Dr. No (1962) and From Russia with Love (1963), both featuring the iconic character James Bond (Sean Connery), and The Manchurian Candidate (1962), a political thriller about brainwashing and assassination.
Czechoslovak New Wave: This movement, characterized by its focus on social and political issues, often with a dose of black humor, and led by directors such as Milos Forman and Jiri Menzel.
Some of the enduring movies to top the box office in the 1960s are:
- The Sound of Music: a beloved musical film from 1965, directed by Robert Wise and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, based on the true story of the von Trapp family.
- 101 Dalmatians: the classic Disney animated film from 1961, based on the children’s book by Dodie Smith, and tells the story of a group of Dalmatians who are kidnapped by the evil Cruella de Vil for her own selfish fashion purposes.
- The Graduate: a classic coming-of-age film from 1967 that follows a recent college graduate as he navigates his uncertain future and falls in love with an older woman
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: the 1969 Western directed by George Roy Hill and starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, which tells the story of two Wild West outlaws trying to evade the law and make a new life for themselves in Bolivia.
The 1970s
Film movements that emerged in the 1970s continue to have an impact on contemporary cinema. Some of the most popular include:
The German New Wave (also known as the New German Cinema): This movement, led by directors such as Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Werner Herzog and Volker Schlöndorff, emphasized personal and political filmmaking and often dealt with controversial topics.
The New Hollywood: This movement, which began in the 1960s, continued to be popular in the 1970s, and saw a group of young filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg, come to the fore, and challenged the traditional Hollywood studio system with their personal and innovative approach. The book and subsequent movie Easy Riders Raging Bulls has become a classic in film history and is often cited as an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the evolution of American cinema during this pivotal period.
Italian Giallo: Known for their stylish cinematography, suspenseful murder mystery plots, and graphic violence, with influential directors in the genre including Dario Argento, Mario Bava, and Lucio Fulci.
Blaxploitation: An American subgenre that often featured predominantly Black casts, stylish action sequences, and gritty urban settings, and dealt with issues of crime, racism, and social justice. Examples include Shaft (1971) and Super Fly (1972), which showcased Black heroes who fought against corrupt systems and featured funk and soul music in their soundtracks.
Ozploitation: A wave of low-budget exploitation films made in Australia during the 1970s and 1980s, included iconic movies such as Mad Max (1979), which launched the career of director George Miller and helped establish the country’s reputation for producing gritty, action-packed cinema.
The 1970s and early 1980s also saw the production of many science fiction and fantasy movies whose influence is still felt strongly today, including:
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) : Although often seen as a children’s movie, this adaptation of Roald Dahl‘s book remains a classic, blending fantasy elements with dark humor.
- Star Wars (1977) : George Lucas‘s space opera became a cultural phenomenon and introduced audiences to a rich, imaginative universe full of memorable characters and iconic visual effects.
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) : Steven Spielberg‘s tale of alien contact was praised for its realistic portrayal of a first contact scenario and innovative use of special effects.
- Superman (1978) : Richard Donner’s adaptation of the iconic comic book superhero brought the Man of Steel (Christopher Reeve) to the big screen in a big way, setting the standard for superhero movies to come.
- Blade Runner (1982) : Ridley Scott‘s dark and atmospheric film noir set in a dystopian future explored themes of artificial intelligence, identity, and mortality.
- The Dark Crystal (1982) : Although technically released in the 1980s, this movie was developed and produced throughout the 1970s, and its groundbreaking use of puppetry and animatronics revolutionized the possibilities of fantasy filmmaking.
- Conan the Barbarian (1982): The sword-and-sorcery epic film starring future mega-star Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- The NeverEnding Story (1984) : A visually stunning and imaginative tale about a young boy who becomes immersed in a magical book.
The 1980s
The movies of the 1980s, with their iconic soundtracks, memorable characters, and coming-of-age themes, fuel Gen-X nostalgia and parallel the rise of the video store, which allowed for easy access to these films and contributed to the era’s love of home video viewing. Some of the trends to emerge in this totally awesome decade include:
The Hollywood Blockbuster: This movement saw the emergence of big budget, special effects-laden films such as The Empire Strikes Back, Indiana Jones, and E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, which were designed to appeal to a wide audience and gross large amounts of money at the box office.
The Brat Pack: This movement, led by actors such as Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, and Andrew McCarthy, and filmmakers like John Hughes, focused on young adult films, often with a comedic and coming-of-age tone.
The Hong Kong Action Cinema: This movement, led by directors such as Jackie Chan and John Woo, brought a new level of stylization and energy to Hong Kong cinema, and also helped to establish the careers of many of the region’s most prominent action filmmakers.
The UK Social Realism: This movement, characterized by its gritty and realistic depiction of working-class life and social issues, often shot on location with non-professional actors and using a hand-held camera.
Many of the top stars of the 1980s are still enjoy fame today, including:
- Tom Cruise: Risky Business (1983), Top Gun’ (1986), Rain Man (1988)
- Bill Murray: Stripes (1981), Ghostbusters (1984), Scrooged (1988)
- Eddie Murphy: Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Coming to America (1988)
- Arnold Schwarzenegger : The Terminator (1984), The Running Man (1987), Twins (1988)
The 1990s
The 1990s saw a number of distinct trends and movements in cinema. Some of the key characteristics of films from this decade include:
The rise of independent cinema: The 1990s saw the emergence of a strong independent film scene, led by filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Kevin Smith, and the Coen brothers, who often used low-budget productions and non-traditional storytelling methods to create unique and critically acclaimed films.
The emergence of the Sundance film: The Sundance Film Festival, which was established in the 1980s, continued to gain popularity in the 1990s, and helped to launch the careers of many independent filmmakers.
The explosion of CGI: With the advancements in computer generated imagery (CGI) technology, many films in the 1990s featured extensive use of special effects and CGI, which allowed for more spectacular and fantastical elements in movies, such as Jurassic Park (1993) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).
Cyberpunk cinema: Cyberpunk cinema reached its peak in the 1990s with films like Johnny Mnemonic (1995), The Matrix (1999), and Strange Days (1995), exploring the genre’s hallmark themes of futuristic dystopias, advanced technology, and the line between humanity and artificial intelligence.
The rise of the New Queer Cinema: This movement, led by directors such as Gus Van Sant, Todd Haynes and Gregg Araki, brought a new level of visibility and representation to LGBTQ+ stories and characters in film.
The emergence of the grunge aesthetic: The emergence of the Grunge movement in music had an impact on the aesthetic of many films made in the 90s, which often had a distinct, gritty, and raw feel, often with a focus on the youth subculture. Three movies from this era that reflect the grunge ethos are Singles (1992), Reality Bites, (1994) and Empire Records, (1995) which capture the disillusionment and uncertainty of a generation coming of age in the wake of the Reagan era. Each of these films explores the themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning amidst the ennui of everyday life, and their soundtracks are a testament to the enduring power of grunge music.
The 21st Century
The 21st century has seen a number of changes and advancements in cinema, leading to distinct differences between films of the 21st century and those of the 20th century. Some of the key differences include:
The use of technology: The 21st century has seen a significant increase in the use of digital technology in filmmaking, from digital cameras and editing software to the use of CGI and motion capture. This has allowed for greater flexibility and creativity in filmmaking, as well as a decrease in costs.
The dominance of the superhero genre: The 21st century has seen a significant increase in the popularity of superhero films, with Marvel and DC comic adaptations becoming some of the highest grossing films of all time.
The Franchise film: The 21st century has seen a significant increase in the popularity of franchise films, with several film series such as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and The Hunger Games becoming some of the most popular film series of all time.
Reboots and remakes: Hollywood has increasingly turned to remakes, reboots, and sequels to known properties in order to attract audiences. For example Ocean’s Eleven (2001), The Karate Kid (2010), and A Star is Born (2018).
The increasing diversity and representation in film: The 21st century has seen a significant increase in the representation of diverse voices and perspectives in film, with a greater number of films featuring stories and characters from underrepresented communities and cultures. Examples include:
- Hidden Figures (2016) : A historical drama about a team of Black women who played crucial roles in NASA’s space program during the 1960s.
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018) : A romantic comedy featuring an all-Asian cast.
Black Panther (2018) : A superhero film with a predominantly Black cast and African inspired setting.
Part 2 will will look at the world of genres and subgenres.