Classic Cinema Central: What is the best movie ever?

Arguably, the top films that most often come up when this question is asked are:

"Citizen Kane" (1941)

"Casablanca" (1942)

"The Wizard Of Oz" (1939)
"Gone With The Wind" (1939)

I think the answer greatly depends on the particular demographic of the viewer.

For instance, I bet if you were asking children, they would obviously pick "The Wizard Of Oz", for being a fantasy wonderland dazzling with colors, characters, and reverie.

One thing I noticed is that all of these films were made around the same era (late '30s and early '40s). There's been thousands of movies made since then. Including some films that people would say top these. Perhaps they are still seen as seminal and standard setting classics today simply due to the fact that they were innovative and ahead of their time.

They had pioneering camera work (especially "Citizen Kane"), clever and engrossing plot stories ("especially Casablanca"), extravagant visual delight (especially "The Wizard Of Oz") and pure epic escapism (especially "Gone With The Wind").

All four of these movies are masterpieces in their own right. I happen to enjoy them all.

But if I had to choose, I'd go with "Oz".

Maybe it's just my inner child voting, or perhaps I'm being a bit bias because I'm a Kansas girl myself who grew up watching this movie (who didn't?!) so it will forever hold a special place in my heart.

It's the kind of classic I can watch countless times and never grow tired of.

But honestly, I don't think that question can ever be definitely answered, as there are SO many great movies out there, each for different reasons.

To me, the greatest movie of all time is usually whatever classic film

I just happened to watch that day.

I'll change my mind after I watch another one tomorrow though... ;-)