An Affair to Remember is considered one of the greatest romance movies of all time. Even modern movie-goers who have never seen it still find themselves somewhat familiar with the movie, because modern movie-makers can’t help but pay homage to the old romance by showing the movie playing in the background, or even by having characters refer to it in their conversations. (Sleepless in Seattle, anyone? Although I suppose that movie’s hardly modern any more. Sigh.)

The movie, so beautiful to watch, has such subtleties in the acting that before you realize what’s happened, you’re completely invested in the character’s lives as though they might be your own. Nickie Ferrante (played by Cary Grant) is an infamous playboy, though recently engaged to a rich American woman, who finds himself completely intrigued by Terry McKay (Deborah Kerr) while cruising his way back to the sates on an ocean-liner filled with busy-bodies and gossipers. Terry surprisingly shows no interest in Nickie, probably encouraging his affections even more than if she had. But of course, though she has been in a long-term relationship with a rich and affectionate man of her own, she begins to fall hard for Nickie, as he does for her.

The two of them decide to try to make it on their own, without being “kept” by their wealthy partners who can only give them mere illusions of love. If after six months, Terry and Nickie still want to be together and have been successful at supporting themselves, they decided they would meet at the top of the Empire State Building to being their new lives together.

Without telling you what happens, I must say, I might liken this plot-line to a modern-day Jane Austen type of romance. Forbidden love between two poor people who are betrothed to others to improve their social situation. They go six months without even talking to each other, and there are so many things that should be said. The scene where they do see each other again is so filled with tears (in my own eyes more than their own), that I couldn’t help but think of Elinor and Edward at the end of Sense and Sensibility. Such an amazing emotional scene!

So if you like 1950s Americana, if you adore romance, and if you don’t mind a lump or two in your throat (and maybe even tears!), An Affair to Remember is for you. Its smart sensibilities are universally adored, and guess what ladies, I think you could even convince your man to enjoy this one on a date night. (Pssst! I even caught a glisten in Phil’s eye at the end!)

It’s the reason I sometimes peek around the shower curtain to make sure I’m alone. It’s why I always examine hotel room walls for mysterious holes, and why I will never stay in a motel. It’s also one of the most iconic horror movies of all time, brought to us by none other than Alfred Hitchcock himself.

Marion Crane was so innocent and sweet before she started her afternoon trysts at an LA motel with her soon to be divorced boyfriend. Why just as quickly as she exchanges her white bra for a black one, Marion decides to run away with $40,000 without thinking of the consequences.

Plagued with regret and paranoia, Marion decides to stop at a quaint little motel to rethink her actions and get some rest. Of course, nobody ever hears from her again…. and so her sister starts the hunt that eventually leads back to the Bates Motel and its creepy young owner, Norman. Ah, Norman Bates. Such a nice guy he seems to be. You can’t help but wince at his every stutter. But what is he hiding in that big old house on the hill?

Compared to modern horror movies, Psycho might seem a bit like a stroll through the park. Thankfully, most of the acting in this 1960s horror flick is top notch, so you won’t be giggling through the entire thing (as sometimes happens when I watch 1960s “scary movies”). This period in movie history showed no rated R slasher scenes or realistic special effects that we’ve come to expect from horror movies today. The suspense in Psycho is created by the anticipation of horror, and by the little bits we are allowed to see, here and there. It’s just enough creepiness to really make me a little squeamish when I shower (I’m sure you’ve at least heard of the famous shower scene), without keeping me awake at night. The perfect classic horror movie, in my opinion!

Young and in love, Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse move into a quirky old apartment with plans to make it their own and begin a long, happy life together. But before the paint is even dry on the beautifully paneled walls, some very strange events begin to take place in their building. Soon, Rosemary finds herself pregnant, paranoid, and absolutely terrified of the silly old couple that lives next door.

Despite feeling alienated from her husband and enduring concerned glances from everyone else in her life, Rosemary decides to follow her hunches and investigate the history of her apartment building and possibily find out more about her increasingly odd neighbors. Towards the end of her pregnancy, her small frame has become gaunt, she feels faint and looks ill, and to everyone else, her mind appears to be going a little nutso. But what if she is right? What if things are about to terribly go wrong?

I must admit, I’m not really one for horror movies of the terrifying variety, but give me suspense and intrigue and I’m sure to be pleased. Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby has a beautiful, atmospheric feeling to it, largely due to the overhaul of the apartment as well as Mia Farrow’s costumes, designed by Anthea Sylbert for this film. Everything in Rosemary’s life is so pristine and well ordered, until the fateful night that changes everything. I particularly love Mia’s costumes, but the contrast between her appearance and that of the other character’s is important to note. Each character is so well fleshed out, that you really get wrapped up in their lives, rather than a feeling of terror throughout the movie. Now, I might not have been scared witless while watching Rosemary’s Baby, but boy oh boy…. that feeling of dread! That’s what makes a good scary movie in my opinion. And this classic does not disappoint, I promise!