While there are more movies being made today than ever before with many streaming platforms creating content, older, classic films are still worth watching.
Some of the most iconic film moments of all time happened in older Hollywood movies, and they didn’t have to rely just on things like special effects to leave an impact.
Here are 10+ scenes from old Hollywood movies that will go down in history.
Rhett leaving Scarlett in *Gone With The Wind*
This line is one of the most iconic from the history of cinema.
While the relationship between these two is pretty toxic all around, the line, “frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” is just too much fun to repeat.
The opening scene in *Sound of Music*
Julie Andrews was iconic back then and still is today, and there are definitely many memorable moments from this film.
However, one of the best is when the movie opens up with Maria singing the title song joyfully surrounded by the beautiful German countryside.
Marilyn Monroe singing “Diamons Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
Because this scene and song have been parodied and copied many times over the years, many people forget just how great the original was.
This iconic Marilyn Monroe performance is from the film, Gentleman Prefer Blondes.
The ending of *Some Like It Hot.*
At the end of this film, Gerald is trying to convince Osgood that they really can’t marry one another. And, as nothing else is working, he reveals that he’s actually a man.
But, Osgood isn’t too worried about this and just casually replies, “well, nobody’s perfect.”
The chariot racing scene in *Ben-Hur.*
While action sequences today might go all out with special effects, some of these moments from classic movies are just as good.
Many viewers still find this sequence exciting and nail-biting even though it’s over 60 years old.
The doorway scene from *The Searchers*
Fans argue that this is one of the best John Wayne films because his acting is more subtle and the story is less macho.
The sequence of him walking alone through the doorway is framed beautifully, too, and the music fits the scene perfectly.
The *Pyscho* reveal.
One of the most memorable moments from any horror movie ever is the reveal of Norma Bates.
It’s shown that Mrs. Bates has been dead for a long time and that it was really Norman dressed up as her all along.
The “Singing in the Rain”song
Musicals can be delightful and fun, and movie musicals have been a thing for decades.
But, perhaps, one of the most recognized musical moments ever is this song from the movie with the same name. Plus, the choreography is delightful.
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The opening moment of *Rebel Without A Cause*
Even if you’ve never seen this film, you likely have heard about James Dean in this role.
The beginning scene shows his character, Jim Stark, in a police station making siren noises, and audiences love how it sets the tone for the movie.
“La Marseillaise” song in *Casablanca*
The moment in the film when everyone sings the French national anthem to drown out Nazis is an endearing and unforgettable moment.
It’s definitely one of the more powerful instances of fighting against hatred in a classic film.
The Tiffany’s scene from *Breakfast at Tiffany’s*
While this moment might not have any dialogue, it’s still one that is known and remembered by many people.
Holly arrives outside of the jewelry store while holding a pastry and drinking coffee, and it’s become a moment that many people like to re-create.
This intense moment from *In The Heat of the Night*
The moment when Virgil Tibbs has to deal with the racist cop in the film is a loaded one.
When asked what name he is called by, Tibbs responds, “They call me Mr. Tibbs.”
Sidney Poitier did amazing in this role.
The last scene from *It’s A Wonderful Life.*
One of the most heartwarming moments from any film is this one.
The town comes together to donate money to George Bailey, and they all sing “Auld Lang Syne.” Also, Zuzu Bailey says the line, “every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.
The shower scene from *Psycho.*
This is one of the most well-known scenes from any movie across the decades.
This is one moment that made many of us afraid we were going to be murdered while in the shower, and there’s nothing more vulnerable and scary than that.
When Dorothy clicks her heels…
Probably one of the most well-known lines from any movie ever is when Dorothy says, there’s no place like home” at the end of Wizard of Oz.
By clicking her heels three times, she’s able to return home, and this moment will always be part of cinematic history.
