People will always say "oh, that game is a classic" or "That movie is a classic, how have you've not seen it?" However, there is really no absolute definition of what a classic is. The dictionary definition of classic is "something judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind". There are the forms of entertainment that are considered "cult classics" because they left a culture impact on society. Of course, everyone has their own idea of what is classic and then there is the more critically acclaimed opinion. For it to be widely accepted I'm guessing that means there has to be an overall census of which movies/games/TV/books etc. officially become labeled as classics. Then there are those who simply say the movie is a classic because it is old and lastly the people who justify a classics because it is what it is.
Out of curiosity I turned to Google to search "Top 100 Classic Movies" on Rotten Tomatoes. Out of the top 10, I've only heard of 3 and have only seen 1. So why are these movies classics, what makes them so classic? Then again majority of the movies were before my time, the most recent one being 2004's "Hero". I've never even heard of that movie, but what bothers me is that have no movies from the time frame been good enough to even be considered a classic?
For instance, why is 1933's 'King Kong' considered a classic? Was it merely just because of the graphics, since it was something spectacular to see? If that's the case then I feel sorry for all the films releasing these days, because graphics have such high standards now it's not even funny. Some CGI looks so realistic these days like James Cameron's "Avatar", but I doubt that will be go down in history. There are so many aspects that critics look for in films, but then again it boils down to the individual. One person can see something else someone else cannot. If enough people see the masterpiece within the movie, it gains status, just like anything. How many people have to see this, there is no exact number, it more or less it is what it is. People will read between the lies to defend why films are consider classics.
Same with video games. For instance, let's look at what a lot of game critics think of the best game ever created: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. I have never played this game, but again, it is famous for doing something ahead of it's time. Something that no one has ever seen before. Now we have seen it, the majestic level designs, the music, the graphics...it's all been there done that from that day on (seriously just look at the entire Zelda franchise). People constantly tell me to try this game, that's I'll love it, and no doubt I probably would. However, I do not feel obligated to play it because there are so many games now that are good, the only thing is expectations have changed.
If I dwell on the past about what classics I missed out, I won't be able to see what's right in front of me. At the time these "classics" were released they were different and open society's eyes to the possibility of a new culture. However, we are not living in those days now, so why continue to hold on so dearly to these such "classics"? It is because we fear that nothing will ever be as good as them or is it because they hold sentimental value, that we give thanks to these entertainments for opening new doors? Regardless the answer, the genre of classic will stick around for years with or without new additions.
Unfortunately, in today's world, I feel less and less classics will be making history. A great story is always commendable, but how many different stories can there be without taking bits and pieces of writings that have already been out. Coming up with a unique idea and then executing it is not as easy as it seems. Great graphics, let's get real, graphics are so sharp today that people are constantly in a word war about which pixels are better. Music, everyone loves a good soundtrack, but what makes one stand out, everyone has different musical tastes.
My point is not to bash classics or say that classics are not classic. Maybe my young naive mind just doesn't see the amazingness that others see. I'm just really curious about what makes a classic, a classic!?
So tell me, I'd love to hear you're opinions about "classics"!
What are your favorite "classics"?
What will movies or games today have to do to reach the standard of the intangible classic status?
What do you think makes a classic?