Why would a modern teenager find classic films enthralling? This book presents an eye-opening tour of how old movies foreshadowed, influenced--and continue to shape--popular culture in many surprising ways. From foreseeing today's image-dominated social media landscape to ushering rock music into the mainstream, and sparking elements of the #MeToo movement, classic movies remain relevant and inspiring.

Despite prevailing attitudes that old films are outdated, many dramatically broke boundaries around racism and antisemitism. They predicted current trends in divorce and sexual relations. They helped shape current icons like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, as well as foreshadowing more sobering events such as the Covid-19 pandemic. A Gen Z-age cultural critic, author Simone O. Elias presents an insider's perspective on the socio-cultural impact of classic Hollywood films on a modern generation.