Movies that used to be really big - but they aren't anymore

[Gorn Captain]

When I went to the 1976 King Kong, the line was a mile long. And ET played in our multiplex in four of the ten theatres simultaneously.
Everyone was talking about those movies.
Yet oddly enough, you don't see too many die-hard ET fans these days...

[madmarva]

Some films are just of their time. They lose significance and impact, particularly films that rely on technical qualities. Other films remain timeless.

One of the greatest period in film was the late 1960s through maybe the early 1980s. Films became more realistic less melodrama and far more gritty. Films were given time to tell a story, whether sweeping or small.

That's kind of been lost. Films aren't as serious today. I enjoy the fanciful nature of films today but where are the movies like Norma Rae, Silkwood, Ordinary People, as mentioned before Network or French Connection or Chinatown. There are independent films the broach such subjects, but all the films I mentioned were big studio movies.

I'd like to second Samurainoir's recommendation of Hugo. Excellent film. Every shot is like a mini painting or composition. The 3D without a doubt enhances the film. Certainly it contains a great film lecture, but it's a great little adventure story and mystery.

In another age, I could see it becoming a film like David Lee mentioned that was appointment TV like Wizard of Oz, The 10 Commandments or The Sound of Music. It's probably my favorite film of the year.