Why Old Hollywood Still Reigns: A Required Viewing List

Taking a break from my usual ramblings to talk about something I’m deeply passionate about: film!

It’s awards season, and the Oscars—the so-called “best of the best”—are next week. I made a list of the Best Picture nominees, determined to watch my way through them.

Spoiler: I have a toddler and I’m in my third trimester… so that didn’t happen.

Honestly, though? I haven’t been all that excited about most films in recent years. Disappointed, really. So instead of looking to modern releases for artistic inspiration, I’ve turned to the classics—and let’s be real—old films are just better.

The original stories, the sharp writing, the sheer artistry—everything about them screams quality in a way that feels rare today. So, in quiet protest of the mediocrity that’s overtaken our screens, I’ve put together a Required Viewing List for you, my dear readers.

Now, before anyone gets defensive—no, I’m not saying every movie that isn’t black and white is bad. In fact, my top ten favorite films were all released after 1987. But I do believe we’ve lost the magic that the Golden Age of Hollywood brought, and it’s worth taking the time to revisit that era.

Piper’s Required Viewing List

(Please research before watching—your personal convictions are your own, no and I don’t want to offend anyone!)

1. Bringing Up Baby

2. Charade

3. Barefoot in the Park

4. Rear Window (this one’s actually in my top ten—so I may have fibbed earlier!)

5. Some Like It Hot

6. Vertigo

7. His Girl Friday

8. Pillow Talk

9. Giant (a 3.5-hour DOOZY, but so worth the commitment!)

10. Friendly Persuasion

Have you seen any of these? Let me know what you think!