From the creators of The Toys that Made Us comes the Netflix behind-the-scenes documentary series about classical movies in The Movies that Made Us. For its first four episodes, the documentary series covered the origins, the production, the release, and the eventual legacy of the 80s (or 90s) films Dirty Dancing, Ghostbusters, Home Alone, and Die Hard.
With anticipating the other episodes to be released, it is ideal to consider the other iconic and classical movies that the series should cover. Here are 10 classic movies that would be most interesting to be featured in The Movies that Made Us.
A Christmas Story
While in its day, A Christmas Day attained moderate success. Today, it is considered as a Christmas classic for its realistic approach, innocent look on childhood, and iconic pieces like the Red Ryder Carbon Action BB gun, the tongue stuck in the pole, the pink bunny onesie, and the leg lamp.
It would be fascinating to see how director Bob Clark was able to bring Jean Shepherd’s novel to life, and it also neat to feature Ralphie’s house in Cleveland.
Beverly Hills Cop
The heat is on for Eddie Murphy thanks to his comeback role in Dolemite Is My Name and his recent guest hosting on Saturday Night Live.
So, featuring the origins of the Axel Foley character and how many rewrites were made to have it tailor-fit for Murphy is an intriguing story on its own. And, since this is a Jerry Bruckheimer production, it is an extra point to feature his and producer Don Simpson’s (rest in peace) vision and execution.
Stand By Me
Here is one that can hit home for novelist Stephen King, director Rob Reiner, and star Wil Wheaton. Stand By Me is a poignant film landmark in the coming-of-age genre.
This drama about four desperate boys searching for redemption could highlight the production in the town of Brownsville, Oregon, the stand-in for Castle Rock and the famous bridge in McCloud River Railroad. Since the documentary also had tributes, it is a must to feature a tribute to River Phoenix.
The Blues Brothers
The Blues Brothers is one of the first movies about a Saturday Night Live sketch. This one features Jake and Elwood Blues on “a mission from God” to raise money for an orphanage. With the duo established as icons in SNL thanks to John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd and musical chops, the film is renowned for its numerous cameos, its over-the-top comedy and the most epic car crash in cinema. Like the latter, let this have a tribute to Belushi.
Groundhog Day
Other than being a very popular term for déjà vu or time-loop tropes, Groundhog Day is a romantic comedy about a man who must change the errors of his ways and win the girl.
The production history for this movie is really an interesting one since it involves a feud between Ghostbusters colleagues Bill Murray vs. Harold Ramis and the crew. Other than that, it is interesting to see the present-day settings and locations for the movie in Woodstock, Illinois.
The Goonies
A mix of Spielbergian magic and 80s nostalgia, The Goonies is a fun family adventure of four boys and three teenagers discovering a treasure trove that could save their town.
While just receiving a mild reception, it eventually spawned a large cult following to this day, and the filming locations in Astoria, Oregon have been lucrative tourist spots… unfortunately. It would be fascinating for Richard Donner to revisit the film’s production like he did in The Making of The Goonies.
Top Gun
Top Gun is one of those action films that is more of the spectacle than it is on the story level. Regardless, it was a gem in the 80s that spawned memorable characters like Maverick, Goose, and Iceman.
With the 2020 sequel coming, it would be tons of fun and nostalgia to revisit the production of the movie from the aircraft used to Tony Scott’s stylish direction. Well, movie buffs would certainly feel the need, the need for throwback scenes.
The Terminator
The film that cemented James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s status as formidable talents in Hollywood, The Terminator was a sleeper hit on its release, but it eventually spawned a franchise and an iconic status as an action sci-fi thriller like no other.
With the numerous studio interference, the alterations in the script and the intricate practical effects, it would make for an exciting episode. One that should not be missed is the history of Schwarzenegger’s signature line, “I’ll be back”.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones is one of the most iconic characters in film history that had a lot of iconic moments, like, for instance, the “Snakes” bit. Thus, it would be a great treat to track down his roots, including the production of his first movie.
From George Lucas’ innocent idea of an archaeologist character “better than James Bond” to the different exotic locations where the film set, Raiders of the Lost Ark has a rich history from conception to influential legacy.
Back to the Future
Arguably the best movies of the 80s,Back to the Future is a landmark film that brought lots of iconic pieces that are instantly embedded in the public consciousness. Thus, the nearly five-year production course would be so interesting to uncover.
There are notable highlights in the production for Back to the Future like the studio copyright haggling, the execution of the clock tower climax, and the eventual casting of Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly over Eric Stoltz. Not only just a staple of the 80s over even time-traveling pictures, Back to the Future is a touchstone in pop culture.
