25 Greatest Warner Bros Movies Ever
4. Casablanca
There are few things stronger or more appealing in movies than a truly compelling love story that ends with a happy ending and a promise of longevity. Incredibly, Casablanca manages an even more satisfying ending - albeit a profoundly affecting one - by eschewing the Happily Ever After to make its leads renounce their love for the greater good.
As stunning as it sounds, there was little faith in Casablanca to be a major hit when it was being made: the smaller budget reflects it, even if the names attached don't quite fit. But thanks to a subtly irresistible story and perfect casting that seemed to marry actors to characters very close to themselves, it worked beautifully.
It's an almost timeless gem, romantic and haunted and nostalgic but still compelling no matter when it's watched.