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Every film buff has at least the one friend, or maybe more, who just hates old movies. In fact, there are some people who love films who aren't big fans of the films that came before the complete advent of color in movies, or even the second golden age, which came in the mid-1960s and ended in the mid-1970s. You know, there's even a good possibility that you, the reader, are this type of person.

You know who I'm talking about. The kind of person who, when the phrase "black-and-white" is mentioned, even in passing, shudders and convulses with fear and even rage. Now, most of the people who act like this are under 30 and are so well-versed in movies that aren't old, that aren't in black-and-white; with this mindset, they're completely against films that didn't have the option to use Technicolor or choose to forego it (a good example of the latter type of movie is 1993's Schindler's List). If you're anything like me, when you hear about people railing against older films, or films shot in black-and-white, you're just about ready to burst with frustration, thinking of the many, many films that may be old but are amazing, essential cinematic viewing.

If you're in search of some movies, any movies, that fit the criteria of being old and/or black-and-white but are easily accessible to people who can't stand the thought of either type, this is the A-List for you. The five movies that will be highlighted in the following list are definitely among the best of their respective genres and are arguably among the best films ever made. Most importantly, even the more modern film viewer can find much to love here, even if they come in thinking otherwise. The movies that this A-List will discuss are those that even the most anti-old movie person will love. Keep in mind, not all of the films are in black-and-white, but all were made before 1960 and are essential films to watch, whether you like old movies or not. Let's get to the list!

It Happened One Night

Not only is It Happened One Night, the 1934 screwball comedy classic, the best of its genre (followed closely by "The Philadelphia Story" and "His Girl Friday"), but it's one of only a few films in cinematic history to boast a certain Oscar record. The film was the first ever to win the Oscars for Best Actor, Actress, Director, Screenplay, and Picture. In fact, only two other movies have ever won all five awards: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Silence of the Lambs. Oscars or not, It Happened One Night is one of the great all-time comedies, pairing Clark Gable with Claudette Colbert. She is an heiress trying to disappear, avoiding her family and the threat of impending marriage. He is a journalist with roguish charm, who winds up joining her on her cross-country journey. Not only do Colbert and Gable have great chemistry with each other, but the script by Robert Riskin provides them both with plenty of memorable lines. The scene with Gable showing off his hitchhiking prowess is a classic, though, and few words are spoken. What makes this so accessible is the chemistry between the leads, the type that more mediocre entries in the romantic comedy genre can only dream of. Also, with Frank Capra at the helm, "It Happened One Night" may be the most crowd-pleasing entry on this A-List, something to cheer for.

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