Golden oldies: Why do some films leave a lasting legacy?

Nothing beats watching a film on the big screen. Even in today’s age of streaming services and on-demand movies, nothing matches the full experience of being at the cinema – surround sound and your phone firmly on silent.

More and more cinemas are running “anniversary” showings, celebrating milestone dates for some of the best films ever to hit the silver screen.

But why do some films stay in our memories? What makes one movie special enough to re-run, while so many others made in the same year are left to metaphorically gather dust?

Here, we take a trip down memory lane and explore the lasting legacy of six cinematic favourites.

Celebrating their golden anniversary and still going strong today

1975 was a great year for the movies, with some absolute classics hitting cinemas. Here are three of the standout films celebrating their 50th anniversaries – still drawing crowds and filling seats in 2025.

1. Jaws

Steven Spielberg’s iconic masterpiece became the inaugural summer blockbuster, paving the way for other big blockbusters released during a previously quiet season for movies.

Think Jaws, and the chances are you’ll hear its famous music, composed by John Williams. The menacing da-dum, da-dum pre-empted the often-unseen arrival of the shark, creating a sense of tension and dread.

The shark itself was no great shakes. Well before the days of CGI, the mechanical prop was famously unreliable, which meant it appeared far less than originally intended.

This wasn’t to the detriment of the finished product, however. Quite the contrary – the suspense of what the audience doesn’t see is now an integral part of the film.

With strong acting from the three male leads – Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw – and memorable performances from the supporting cast, Jaws remains a classic to this day.

The film isn’t reliant on special effects or jump scares that only work once; rather, it’s a masterclass in subtle, unshowy techniques that quietly grip the audience.

Tagline: You’ll never go in the water again!

2. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

This is one of only three films to win all five major Academy Awards – a testament to its enduring power and influence. Taking home Best Picture (beating Jaws), Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, it captivated audiences and critics alike.

The dynamic, energised performance by Jack Nicholson as McMurphy is at direct odds with the cold, clinical Nurse Ratched, played by Louise Fletcher.

Their performances alone create a standout film, but its exploration of freedom, rebellion, and societal expectations gives it even greater depth.

Today, the film continues to resonate for its nuanced depiction of mental health and exploration of how people were once ostracised for conditions we would now receive with greater empathy.

Tagline: “If he’s crazy, what does that make you?”

3. The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Arguably the first film to encourage audience participation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show had all the hallmarks of a flop at first. But it started to gain a cult following, with audiences dressing up and singing along – a tradition which continues in theatrical production today.

When it was released back in 1975, it had a refreshing openness about self-expression, with extravagance, flamboyance and confident charisma oozing from its lead actor, Tim Curry as Dr Frank-N-Furter.

Half a century on, and it’s beloved across the world as a representation of acceptance, positivity, and sheer joy.

Tagline: “Don’t dream it, be it.”

Silver anniversaries of the silver screen, from epic to auteur to upbeat rom-com

Released in 2000, these three very different films captured the hearts and minds of cinemagoers and are still much-loved and much-quoted 25 years on.

4. Gladiator

Packed with powerhouse performances from cinematic greats such as Oliver Reed and Richard Harris, it was the hero and villain of the piece who really made this movie.

Russell Crowe’s understated, quiet strength as Maximus, his tormented grief at the loss of his wife and son, and his undeterred honour and integrity paint him as the definitive hero.

Meanwhile, Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as Commodus was a masterful portrait of weakness, cruelty, and deception.

The epic nature of the film, with its sweeping gladiator arena scenes, battles, and rousing music, has sealed it as a classic. It took four Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.

Tagline: “What we do in life echoes in eternity.”

5. Memento

The second and breakthrough offering from auteur director Christopher Nolan, Memento is a film best watched several times. Protagonist Leonard, played by Guy Pearce, is an amnesiac seeking to avenge the murder of his wife.

Using photographs and tattoos to remind him of events, people, and his perceptions, we see the story unfold through Leonard’s eyes. The timeline is played backwards, forcing audiences into the uncertainty of Leonard’s world.

It was a film that made cinemagoers sit up and take notice, paving the way for Nolan’s later highly creative and experimental work.

Tagline: “Some memories are best forgotten.”

6. Miss Congeniality

At first glance, Miss Congeniality would appear to be in the My Fair Lady camp – a woman being taught how to look and behave by men. Thankfully, Sandra Bullock’s tough-talking cop Gracie Hart may get a makeover, but the essence of her character remains.

We see her gain a better understanding of the beauty queens she once mocked, plus some fantastic comic timing, silliness, and one or two tender moments.

Ably supported by William Shatner, Benjamin Bratt, Michael Caine, and Candice Bergen, Bullock brings an endearing balance of tough insecurity to her character. Maybe it’s not a hard hitter, but it has stayed in our hearts and minds for a quarter of a century now.

Tagline: “Unpolished. Unkempt. Unleashed. Undercover.”

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Email us at info@andersonfinancialltd.com or call us on 020 8943 0065.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.