Movies have been continually made for over 130 years. New technologies, societal changes, and advancements in cinema have greatly influenced people’s expectations when it comes to movies. I have never second guessed a movie because of its age, but I do know many people who have, since they have only seen movies from 1990 or later. So, I sat down and put four movies made before 1970 to the test to see if they still stand true as great movies.

1) 12 Angry Men is highly regarded as one of the best movies of all time. The plot centers around a jury deciding the fate of a young man on trial. The entire movie is set in one room for a couple of scenes, which engaged me instantly. The more the movie plays out, the more anxious you become. Finally, at the climax, you’ll practically jump out of your seat. The screenplay is phenomenal, and the camera work really makes the film. For example, wide angles are used at the beginning of the movie to include everyone in the picture, but as time goes on and as it gets more intense, you feel more claustrophobic from the close-ups and the dramatic lighting. I think this movie could have been created in any recent years by how well the story is presented. This is a must-see movie for anyone. 10/10.

2) Rear Window is one of the most popular Alfred Hitchcock films, and with a director like Hitchcock, I knew I had to check it out. A man is bound by wheelchair to spend his days in his apartment looking out his window at his adjacent neighbors. One day, he suspects one of them has committed a murder. This movie is okay. It wasn’t as suspenseful as I thought it was going to be, but then again, no other Hitchcock films have made me anxious either.His films are only scary if they are the only thriller movies you have ever seen. You can definitely tell it was made to frighten viewers with the “beware of your neighbors” gimmick. Maybe I missed something from it, but as soon as it ended I was left with the feeling that it either ended too soon or wasted my time. I am not going to recommend it, but if you think it might be something you would enjoy, go ahead. 6/10.

3) Imagine traveling to another country to visit a friend, but after arriving, you find out he died a week earlier in a mysterious incident. This is the plot of The Third Man. Stunning cinematography, compelling characters, and a film that will keep you guessing are all parts of this movie. I did not expect much from this film because I have been influenced by what a good thriller should be over the years, but it held up. It is the perfect “wait, things are not adding up” story, but I do have to say that it is a bit dated. It left some plot holes that I can excuse since it is a 68 years old movie. There were some character relationships and side plots that did not really need to be included, but again, that was just the style of movies back then. It is a good film-noir to the introduction of the genre. 7/10.

4)A Trip to the Moon is by far the oldest movie on this list, coming in at 110 years old. It is 13 minutes long but has some ridiculous sets and costumes that even recent movies do not compare to. It is clear they were trying to go all out in this, as much as you could in 1902. It’s a cute little movie, something nice to watch to see the beginning of cinema, as it is regarded as the first science action movie and has the first animated sequence ever. You can truly appreciate the hard work that was put into it, especially the hand-colored version. A Trip to the Moon is not a cinematic masterpiece, but rather a nice, short film to finally get around to watching. 7/10.

Movies don’t have an expiration date. You can enjoy a black and white movie while still appreciating recent movies. Getting into the beginning of cinema can be a tricky thing to undergo, but it is possible.