Ben-Hur

Charlton Heston brings a muscular, physical and moral presence to the role of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman in Palestine whose heroic odyssey includes enslavement by the Romans, a bold escape from an embattled slave galley, vengeance against his tormentors during a furious arena chariot race and fateful encounters with Jesus Christ. Heston's performance bought him the Best Actor Oscar. The winner as 1959's Best Picture with the legendary William Wyler earning his third Best Director trophy, the film won a total 11 Academy Awards.

Doctor Zhivago

David Lean demonstrates again why he's a peerless filmmaker of substance and scale, directing Boris Pastemak's tumultuous tale of Russia divided by war and hearts torn by love. Omar Sharif plays the title role, in love with Lara (Julie Christie) and caught up in the tidal wave of history. Hauntingly scored by Maurice Jarre (who earned one of the film's five Academy Awards) and full of indelible performances. Doctor Zhivago is a moviemaking wonder.

Gone With The Wind

The sweeping Civil War-era romance won and impressive 10 Academy Awards (including Best Picture), and its immortal characters Scarlett (Vivien Leigh), Rhett (Clark Gable), Ashley (Leslie Howard), Melanie (Olivia de Havilland). Mammy (Hattie McDaniel) and Prissy (Butterfly McQueen) populate an epic story of enduring appeal across generations.