1940s movies had a special charm to them. Although the films on our list below range from monster movie to Christmas classic, each of them represents what made the films of the ’40s so great.
The Uninvited (1944)
1944’s The Uninvited is a unique offering. It is a supernatural film that could be dismissed as a “Ghost movie.” However, despite the spooky theme, it plays as more of a mystery with a touch of romance. This film’s combination of human drama and otherworldly entertainment make it one worth watching again.
The Wolf Man (1941)
The Wolfman was part of the classic Universal Monsters movies from the 1930s-1950s. While Dracula and Frankenstein were great, there was something special about this one. What made it so great is that even though it is a monster movie, it is a very human story. Lon Cheney Jr. so perfectly captured a man with a tortured soul that this became much more than a scary movie.
Miracle On 34th St. (1947)
Miracle on 34th Street is one of those films that has become part of American Culture beyond its initial theatrical success. This classic perfectly captures the wonder and the spirit of Christmas. This holiday favorite is rivaled only by It’s a Wonderful Life in the running for the most iconic Christmas movie of all time.
The Big Sleep (1946)
The Big Sleep set the standard for film noir. With convoluted plot twists at every turn, bold characters, rich dialogue, and the winning on-screen pairing of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, it quickly won audiences over. Beyond it’s original success, the film inspired countless other films and still stands today as a true classic.
What did you think of our movie selection? What other great 1940s movies should we be talking about? Let us know in the comments. While you’re here, check out our Do You Remember series for more nostalgia. Also, be sure to follow The Greatest Generation on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
