Movie Magic From Long Ago
Some films feel so present in pop culture that it’s easy to assume they’re relatively recent. A few of the most quoted, rewatched, and re-referenced titles are actually far older than many people guess. And we're not talking a few years off, we're talking decades! Here are just five movies whose release years tend to surprise even enthusiastic film fans.
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1) The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Given the timelessness of the story and how often it gets brought up to this day, many viewers associate this film with mid-century family television. In reality, it actually premiered way back in 1939! Everything from its songs to characters and lines is still widely recognized, which is likely why it gets misjudged so easily.
2) Casablanca (1942)
A beloved film many adults still enjoy to this day, people often place Casablanca later than it is because it feels like a permanent fixture of classic cinema. It was released in 1942, which definitely makes it a lot older than you'd likely guess. Still, its reputation has only grown, and it continues to be a staple for film-enjoyers around the world.
3) Psycho (1960)
Because its influence is everywhere, many assume Psycho arrived after or during the major wave of modern thriller filmmaking. That's why you'll be surprised to learn it was released in 1960, and was instead an influential film that helped to set a new standard for suspense.
4) 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Maybe it's the 2001 in the title that confuses people, or maybe it's the film’s technical polish that leads people to guess it came out in the 1970s or even later. The truth is, this beloved classic premiered in 1968 and has been analyzed ever since for its design and pacing. Its ongoing appearances in “best of” lists help it feel newer than it is.
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5) Jaws (1975)
Of course we can't leave out Steven Spielberg's classic film that forever cemented his spot as one of Hollywood's greatest directors! To this day, Jaws is still treated as a reference point for summer blockbusters, so it's easy to overlook how old it actually is. It was released in 1975, over 50 years ago!
