If there’s one element that signifies a classic film, it’s standing the test of time. Stretching back to the earliest days of filmmaking at the turn of the 20th century, producers have often sought to touch on modern topics and timeless themes. The projects that hit both marks aren’t likely to be forgotten anytime soon.
When looking back at modern classics, which we’ll qualify as those released from 1990 to the present, there are a few common themes. Some of the best projects created during this period have taken the art in a new direction. Filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino, in particular, have left their mark. Both are known for taking a gritty and metaphysical look at the world.
Nolan and Tarantino aside, what other filmmakers and which projects are starting to stand out as ‘modern’ classics? Let’s take a look back at some of the greatest films released during this era.
Casino (1995)
‘Casino’ takes a deep and heartfelt dive into Las Vegas’s underbelly during the 1970s and 80s. Many regard this era as Vegas’s last true boom. That’s because, today, many gamers who would have spent time on the Strip can now find casino titles on any device connected to the internet. Not only do these platforms offer added convenience, but there’s also the benefit of a few added bonuses, too.
But back in the film’s setting, there was no virtual casino—and Martin Scorsese’s exploration of Vegas adds true texture to the era. From costume to set design, the project oozes a tangible and texturized experience of Vegas. Throw in stellar performances by Robert de Niro and Joe Pesci and it’s clear why this film has become a classic.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are two standout actors of their generation—but back in 1997, when ‘Good Will Hunting’ hit theaters, the pair were unknown. This project put them on the map, and for good reason. The film is a psychological drama that touches on a very human theme: intellect and morality.
Damon’s character is a genius—there’s no doubting that. But the film succeeds by letting slippery moral situations into the fold, which ask viewers to question ideas about fairness, opportunity, and even class.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Projects like ‘Casino’ and ‘Good Will Hunting’ leverage psychological questions that the viewer must find a way to answer. But in ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, filmmakers opted for a non-linear narrative to explore the nature of love, memory, and the drive to make sense of the past.
From the film’s scoring to its writing to its cast (which includes names like Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood, and Mark Ruffalo as supporting characters), the entire project aligns beautifully. Viewers are swept away into a story that might evade logic but somehow touches on our most brilliant sensations of love—and also the most heartbreaking.
Inception (2010)
Above, we mentioned that directors like Christopher Nolan helped usher in a more metaphysical era in filmmaking. This is especially true for his ‘Inception’ project, which he also penned. The film blew expectations out of the water worldwide because it beautifully incorporated the uncertainty and permanence of dreams.
By interweaving this psychological element into the film, both the physical and mental mechanics of reality were flipped on their heads. To add even more intrigue, the characters utilize dreams to steal ideas and supplant information into a subject’s head, which adds the intrigue of a crime drama.
Get Out (2017)
One key characteristic of a modern classic is its ability to perform well for both critics and audiences. This is certainly the case with ‘Get Out’, the first major film by Jordan Peele. The film takes on a simple premise: a boyfriend heads to his girlfriend’s home to meet her family for the first time.
But the film layers elements of social commentary with other genres like horror and drama. Like many other films on this list, there’s also a permeating metaphysical aspect to the film that helps convey what’s at stake.
