12 Reasons Why Casablanca is the Greatest Film of All Time

by Tim Rich

12. Ending

I don't need to say much here. Even people who've never seen Casablanca are familiar with the ending. It was shown in When Harry Me Sally, where Harry (Billy Crystal) proclaims it the best movie ending ever. I would have to agree. Oh, and the iconic closing line, "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.", was not in the original shoot. It was dubbed in later. I can't imagine the film having the same impact without it. So, when we add it all up - several of the best actors of all time, one of the greatest movie songs, a ton of memorable quotes, a great script, an exotic locale, great character development, unending romance, etc. - it's hard to argue with Casablanca's standing in film history. Citizen Kane, The Godfather, and Gone With the Wind may come close, but none of those is my favorite movie so they don't count.
Contributor

Tim is a varied character. He's lived on three continents. He hates ice cream. He has been a highly-paid computer programmer. He invents collectible card games. He is a coffee shop owner. He has had fantasy stories published in magazines. Eventually he wishes to retire from life and become a professional 10-pin bowler who writes articles while living in his RV and traveling from bowling tournament to bowling tournament with his faithful wife in tow. And of course, Tim is a major horror and science fiction fan.