THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH (1952)

If you love circuses, good for you. This Best Picture winner is way too long and has way too much circus, and when the characters actually talk to each other it’s even worse.

REAR WINDOW (1954)

Jimmy Stewart becomes obsessed with watching his neighbors live their lives through his window, and maybe we do too.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)

The ultimate feel-good movie, or harrowing exercise in existential angst? Possibly both.

MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)

If Frank Capra’s particular brand of idealistic American mythmaking feels dated today, that may be more our problem than his.

THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)

The sheer star power and charm of Hepburn, Grant, and Stewart still shines through 80 years later.