There are many movies that retain their status as classics, no matter how much time has passed.

Viewers across generations can appreciate these movies, and often have poignant lessons attached to them.

Other movies, likeGentleman’s Agreement, remain mirrors to hold up to modern society.

The Sound of Music

Image via 20th Century Studios

Each of these movies that have held up the best are ones that embrace their timeless stories and characters.

The jurors are initially all agreed that the accused is guilty and so must receive the death penalty.

The prisoners come together to plan their escape, which in reality was led by British troops.

Juror #3 furiously pointing his finger in Sidney Lumet’s ‘12 Angry Men’ (1957).

Image via United Artists

All About Evestands the test of time because it is a reflection on the nature of fame and stardom.

When Norma meets screenwriter Joe Gillis (William Holden), she plans a return to an illustrious career.

As the story unfolds, however, it becomes clear that Norma’s version of Hollywood no longer exists.

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ThroughoutSunset Boulevard, Norma becomes increasingly obsessive about finding ways to re-live her glory days.

The movie’s compassionate look at the evolution of the movie industry is what adds depth to the story.

The message at the heart ofGentleman’s Agreementis one that resonates today.

Hilts (Steve McQueen) escapes on a motorcycle in ‘The Great Escape’

Image via United Artists

The movie has a message of hope, however, that remains relevant to this day.

Make Way for Tomorrowis a deeply human story that can resonate with viewers across generations.

This movie resonates with anyone who has had a contentious relationship with their parents.

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NEXT: 10 Essential Movies That Are Truly Timeless

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A black and white shot of Bette Davis as Margo Channing toasting in All About Eve.

Image via Warner Bros.

Blended image of Bette Davis next to her name in white letters.

Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) glides through a pack of photographers, looking intensely into the camera in Sunset Boulevard

Image via Paramount Pictures

Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor as Don, Kathy, and Cosmo dancing in ‘Good Morning’ in ‘Singin in the Rain’

Image via MGM

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Philip and Kathy embracing in Gentleman’s Agreement

Image via 20th Century Studios

Keir Dullea in a red spacesuit walking through well-lit space pod in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Victor Moore as Barkley Cooper on the phone in make way for tomorrow

Image via Paramount Pictures

Maria plays guitar and sings surrounded by children in a meadow in The Sound of Music.

Image via 20th Century Studios

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Rick next to Ilsa looking outside a window in ‘Casablanca’.

Image via Warner Bros.

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The Sound of Music