Countless iconic movies have been released throughout the years and many have been dubbed as “classics” receiving critical acclaim. Let’s take a look at the 7 movies that have definitely earned a spot on our list.

7. Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away is an animated movie directed by Hayao Miyazaki that follows a young 10 year old girl named Chihiro Ogino. Young Chihiro and her family are moving to the suburbs. While making a pit stop they wander into an abandoned amusement park. While eating there Chihiro’s parents are turned into livestock. Chihiro quickly meets and bonds with a young boy named Haku. He explains that they have been transported into a different world that is ruled by supernatural beings. The girl must work at the amusement park to free herself and her parents. This movie features a captivating story and excellent female lead. Watching Chihiro go from an incapable young child to a young adult that can now manage herself gives this classic movie a spot on our list.

6. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Directed by Wolfgang Peterson, the NeverEnding Story immediately begins as a young boy named Bastion is bothered by bullies at school and runs into a book store to avoid them. While in the store, he “borrows” a book called the NeverEnding Story from a gentleman and begins reading the novel in the school attic. The story in that book is about a fantasy land called “Fantasia” that is threated by “The Nothing” - a dark entity that is threatening to destroy everything it comes into contact with. The land of Fantasia needs the help of a human to stop “The Nothing.” As Bastian continues reading the book, he begins to wonder if Fantasia is actually a real place and if the fate of this mysterious land relies on him. This film hits home with many children and adult viewers alike the especially with scenes like “Swamp of Sadness.”

5. The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
The Grapes of Wrath, based on John Steinbeck’s 1939 prize winning novel, was a drama film directed by John Ford. In this film, we learn about the Joads, a family from Oklahoma that loses their farm during the Great Depression. Due to the scarcity of that time, the family will end up laboring as immigrant workers in California. What really captivates the viewers is their journey across the United States as they search for work and how the family overcomes the obstacles and hardships placed in front of them.

4. West Side Story (1961)
This classic musical drama is directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. The film is based off the Broadway musical of the same name released in 1957. The film and book both take inspirations from William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. The movie takes place in the Upper West Side of Manhattan where a recently immigrated group of Puerto Ricans called the “Sharks” and a Polish gang of teens called the “Jets” face off for control of the town. The tension and situation becomes both complicated and difficult when a gang member from the Jets falls in love with a member from the Sharks’ sister. This film was well praised from critics and was the second highest grossing film of the year in the United States during the year of release.

3. A Christmas Story (1938)
I’m sure we all remember the “Red Ryder Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle” (we dare you to quickly say that three times in a row).  This 1983 classic American Christmas comedy film is based off stories from the book “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash.” This film is about a nine year old boy named Ralphie Parker who only wants one thing for Christmas, that Red Ryder Action Rifle! However, his mom stands in the way of him receiving this gift due to her concern for the safety of Ralphie. His mom, teacher and even the Santa Claus from the store all tell the young boy the exact same thing, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” The film’s main plot is the quest and strides the boy takes to receive this gun. This film has earned many awards and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. This truly is a holiday classic.

2. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
This 1939 American musical film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was based off the 1900 novel of the same title. The film follows a young girl named Dorothy a farm girl that is caught in the path of a tornado and, ends up in the Land of Oz. While in Oz, Dorothy meets a group of memorable characters that assist her in her journey to meet the Wizard of Oz who can take her back home as well as help grant the wishes of her new friends. This movie has been nominated for six Academy Awards and has always been a crowd favorite, thus earning the number two spot on this list.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)
We end this top list with the American epic drama directed by Steven Spielberg. The film Schindler’s List was based on the novel “Schindler’s Ark” by Thomas Keneally. This movie focuses on Oskar Schindler (played by Liam Neeson), a German business owner that used Jewish slave labor to run his factory. However as the story continues we observe Schindler develop a bond with his laborers to the point where he goes out of his way to keep them from harm’s way. This film has been listed as one of the greatest films ever made and has also been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Well, there we have it! Our list included magical worlds, musical battles in New York, and a leap back in history to the time of the holocaust; we hope you enjoyed this wild ride! These movies are all considered greats in their own right and they have elements that hit home with viewers and will never be forgotten.

Check out view times for The Metropolitan Opera to experience award-winning live performances Live in HD.