When it comes to the classics, there is an ever-growing list of films that people will tell you are must watches. But, this can be quite overwhelming so I have taken it upon myself to select 5 films from Letterboxd’s list of ‘Movies everyone should watch at least once during their lifetime’.

Whether you are a movie buff or just getting into classic cinema, this list will help guide you through some of the most poignant films to date. Here are my top five out of the hundreds of films I have watched.

Psycho (1960)

1960’s Psycho from director Alfred Hitchcock tells the story of a larcenous real estate clerk as she goes on the lam with a wad of cash in hopes of starting a new life, but she ends up at the notorious Bates Motel, where manager Norman Bates is caring for his housebound mother.

The Virgin Suicides (1999)

Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides is an iconic film that portrays loss and the female experience during the 1970s. It is centred on a group of male friends who become obsessed with five mysterious sisters who have been sheltered by their strict, religious parents. The coming of age film still resonates strongly today.

Goodfellas (1990)

Goodfellas follows Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) who knows he must put the Mob’s interests before everything, including his family, but when the good times turn bad, his loyalties dissolve in the face of greater rewards. Faced with a terrible decision, Hill can see only one way to get out alive. Goodfellas is often compared to The Godfather.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Directed by Rob Reiner, The Princess Bride tells the story of Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) and the love interest Westley (Cary Elwes), as they try to overcome situations that threaten their happiness in this cracked fairytale. Even in the face of death, the pair are determined to fight for their love.

Back to the Future (1985)

Robert Zemeckis’ classic follows Martie McFly who is a teenager living in the 1980s with only the worry of getting to class, until he is sent back to the 1950s where he encounters his parents’ first meeting and causes a stir. With the help of his inventor friend Doc Brown, the pair are on a mission to return back to 1985.