Abby Reinhard is a writer, editor, and native Jersey Girl. Before Best Life, she was working in medical writing, covering neurological news for healthcare professionals. She also published her nonfiction history book, The Marine Society of the City of New York 1770-2020, with Fort Schuyler press in 2020.
Truly passionate about writing, she’s always up for a new research project or to deep dive into a new topic—whether it be the latest medical studies or a wellness trend she can try out herself. She began her career at a local newspaper in New Jersey, where she was able to work in her hometown writing for and about the people she knows best. She took a hiatus to complete her book before continuing her work in journalism at NeurologyLive and later at Best Life.
Off-price retailer Big Lots has been making headlines for some time now—and the news hasn't necessarily been positive. In June, the retailer announced plans to close between 35 and 40 stores in 2024, citing "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue. Now, the situation seems even more dire. In a recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Big Lots upped the number of potential closures to a whopping 315 stores.
The retailer currently operates 1,389 stores in 48 states (excluding Hawaii and Alaska), with the largest presence in Texas (116 stores), Florida (106 stores), California (109 stores), and Ohio (102 stores). While the July 31 SEC filing didn't name the closing stores, they have been identified on Big Lots' store locator page. Stores on the chopping block have banners that read "CLOSING THIS LOCATION," also advertising up to 20 percent savings, with "limited exceptions."
Per the website, the majority of states are losing at least one Big Lots store. Idaho has been spared closures, however, as all six stores will remain open for now. All three of Iowa's stores will stay open, and so will the 12 Big Lots stores in Mississippi. Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, and West Virginia were also spared during this round of closures. If you want to check a specific location, visit the retailers' location page and look for that "Closing This Location" banner in orange.
"While the majority of our stores are profitable, we have made the difficult decision to close certain underperforming stores," a Big Lots spokesperson told Retail Dive. "We are confident that the steps we are taking will best position the Company for the future as we return to our roots, focus on owning the bargain space, and deliver unmistakable value to our customers."
The spokesperson didn't confirm how many stores will be shuttered in total but noted that employees affected by the closures can request a transfer to another Big Lots store. They also told Retail Dive that severance pay will be offered to those who can't transfer.
Big Lots has reported declining sales, with net sales down by 10.2. percent ($114.5 million) in the first quarter of 2024. The company cited "net losses and use of cash in operating expenses" in 2022, 2023, and this year, as well as current projections, as reasons it may not stay afloat.
In a June 6 press release outlining results from the first fiscal quarter, Big Lots CEO Bruce Thorn shed some light on the retailer's financial struggles.
"While we made substantial progress on improving our business operations in Q1, we missed our sales goals due largely to a continued pullback in consumer spending by our core customers, particularly in high ticket discretionary items," Thorn said.
In addition to closing stores, Big Lots is taking other initiatives to improve performance, driven by its "five key actions" to "own bargains, to communicate unmistakable value, to increase store relevance, to win customers for life with our omnichannel efforts, and to drive productivity."
With this in mind, Thorn has expressed optimism moving forward.
"We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but remain confident that the five key actions are putting us on the right path to turn around our business," the CEO said in the June release.
Best Life reached out to Big Lots for comment on the latest round of closures and will update the story when we hear back.
If you’re looking to lose weight, diet and exercise absolutely go hand in hand. However, experts say the choices you make at the dinner table far outweigh the choices you make at the gym. That’s why, to move the needle on the scale, you should regularly opt for nutritionally dense, low-calorie foods that fill you up with their high fiber content—which is why we consulted experts about the best fruits for weight loss.
“Losing weight doesn't necessarily mean that you have to eat less food,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “You can create lower-calorie versions of some of your favorite dishes by substituting low-calorie fruits and vegetables in place of higher-calorie ingredients.”
The health authority further explains that the water and fiber in fruits and vegetables can help bulk up your meals, allowing you to eat the same amount of food without packing on the pounds. “You can feel full while eating fewer calories,” they write.
Besides being naturally low in fat and calories, many fruits contain vitamins A, C, and E, along with antioxidants, which have been linked with lower body weight, reduced fat gain, and less abdominal fat.
Wondering which ones dietitians recommend? These are the seven best fruits for optimizing weight loss and shedding those unwanted pounds.
Any fruits that are high in fiber and low in calories with a low glycemic index should help aid in weight loss, says Amie Alexander, an accredited dietitian at Nutri Peak.
“My pick would be berries—like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—since they are rich in fiber and antioxidants while being low in calories. They keep you fuller for much longer and help sweet cravings without a big blood sugar spike,” she explains.
“For a whole pound of strawberries, you eat only 150 calories,” adds fitness expert and content creator Eric Roberts in a recent TikTok post.
2. Apples
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Alexander also recommends following the old adage of having an apple a day. She says they can satisfy your sweet tooth while helping to control hunger between meals.
“They are full of fiber, particularly pectin, a type of fiber that slows digestion and makes one fuller longer,” the dietitian says. “It's also good for those on a weight loss diet because it has a very low ranking in the glycemic index, and it is known to aid in fat burning due to its high water content and presence of compounds that may lower insulin levels.”
3. Pears
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Pears offer many of the same benefits as apples. “They are rich in dietary fiber, especially in the skin. They have the same filling effect as apples and can prove to be a quite satisfying low-calorie snack,” Alexander notes.
Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, a fitness and nutrition advisor at Fortune Recommends Health, agrees that pears should top your list of weight loss-friendly foods: “They're low in calories and filled with vitamins and minerals.”
4. Kiwi fruit
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Alexander says kiwis are another “excellent addition” to a weight loss diet.
“They are full of fiber and vitamin C and have one extraordinary quality—fixing digestion and boosting metabolism of fats. In addition, natural sweetness helps to kill the desire for unhealthy snacks,” she tells Best Life.
In a 2018 animal study, researchers from the University of Western Ontario looked at the effects of nobiletin—a flavonoid found in oranges—on weight loss. They found that when they added nobiletin extract to the diets of obese mice, the animals not only lost weight and reversed their symptoms of metabolic syndrome, but they also reversed the effects of atherosclerosis—a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
“These tangy fruits are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense choice that can help with weight loss,” says Catherine Gervacio, RD, a registered dietitian and a certified exercise nutrition coach working with Living.Fit. “The fiber in oranges helps you feel full and aids in digestion while its vitamin C content enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron from plant-based foods, which is especially important for preventing anemia. One to two oranges per day is enough."
6. Grapefruit
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Ever since the 1930s, grapefruit has been a popular part of weight-loss diets. However, experts note that these eating plans rely on a dramatically reduced calorie intake, not some secret superpower of the fruit itself.
Gervacio points out that grapefruit contains only 38 calories per half-fruit but can be relatively large and filling. This means that if you eat it before meals, as these diet plans suggest, you may go on to eat less during your meal while still feeling satiated.
“It is also rich in vitamin C that supports the immune system. This is important to ensure a healthy weight loss,” she says.
Besides being a low-calorie food that can aid in weight loss by reducing your overall calorie intake, watermelon is a robust source of citrulline, an amino acid that metabolizes into arginine, which has been shown to help burn fat quickly.
“Watermelon is about 90 percent water, so it helps keep you hydrated and full without adding a lot of calories," says Gervacio. "It is also rich in vitamins A and C to support overall wellness. It is generally recommended to eat one to two cups per day of watermelon."
Birthstones can make a birthday personable and special, but they’re more than pretty shiny gems that can be worn as jewelry. It’s been long believed they hold symbolic meanings and can say a great deal about your personality traits. Like zodiac signs, birthstones can provide insight into who you are but also have an energy that influences aspects of our lives, like love. Birthstones have a vibrant charm that can help you navigate, and Best Life spoke with astrologer Alice Smith, who breaks down what each birthstone means for your love life.
Garnets are gems with historical significance that were used as protective charms to ward off negativity. They’re associated with love and inner fire, and if a garnet is your birthstone, you can be passionate, committed, and devoted.
“Garnet energy encourages you to open up in love and to let go of your inhibitions, Smith tells us. “Its energy is enlivening and heartfelt, so if a garnet is your birthstone, its energy can help you to stay optimistic and present in your relationships. Garnet energy supports you in feeling safe and secure in yourself so that you’re able to give generously and receive love without fear.
February: Amethyst
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Amethyst has long been known as the “couple’s stone” because it’s associated with love and fidelity.
“By strengthening your connection to your inner wisdom, amethyst can help you tune out anxious chatter and see your relationships and partners clearly,” says Smith. “If amethyst is your birthstone, you have the ability to navigate your relationships through the clarity of your intuition. Listen to your gut.”
March: Aquamarine
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The Aquamarine gem symbolizes peacefulness, clarity, and serenity. If this is your birthstone, you embody loyalty and truth in love.
“In matters of love, the energy of the aquamarine helps you to be vulnerable and trusting in relationships, explains Smith. “The act of letting go of control is a courageous act, and aquamarine energy supports our bravery when we need help leaning into love and trusting our partners, which can often feel like diving into an unfamiliar ocean. But like the sailors at sea that the aquamarine is said to protect, if this is your birthstone, it encourages you to dive in and trust in the outcome.”
April: Diamond
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Diamonds have been the go-to gem for engagement rings for centuries and symbolize eternal love and longevity in relationships.
“If the diamond is your birthstone, it means that the best relationships for you are genuine and uncomplicated,” says Smith. “Because of the diamond’s translucent and clear qualities, it also represents innocence, so the most important thing in a relationship, if a diamond is your birthstone, is just to be yourself and not overthink.”
May: Emerald
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Emeralds are connected to harmony and love and enhance domestic happiness when worn. The pretty green gem is also known for its prosperity and for setting emotional balance in relationships.
“You know what they say—you can’t love others if you don’t love yourself,” Smith states. “ If the emerald is your birthstone, its energy can help you uncover your inner beauty and worthiness. For those who have the emerald as their birthstone, the path to love is through loving themselves first.”
June: Pearl
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Seen as a symbol of love, affection, and meaning because they take years to form, pearls are popular gifts to give as earrings and necklaces for different occasions such as birthdays, graduation, and anniversaries.
According to Smith, “If the pearl is your birthstone, then it teaches you that you can still get what you want by listening and cooperating with your partner. The pearl’s energy encourages us to let go of the need to be right and to win because, in a partnership, you only win together or not at all.”
July: Ruby
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The fiery red ruby is associated with sensuality and inspires confidence when worn. The stone is also said to decrease anxiety and stress and ignite passion.
“The ruby’s energy brings passion and vigor into relationships, says Smith. If the ruby is your birthstone, it’s time to open your heart and let love reign. Be brave in love and stay present in your relationships so that you can truly enjoy them. The energy of the ruby makes love feel vibrant and alive, so get out and do things together more with your partner.”
August: Peridot
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Peridot represents compassion and peace. Some believe this stone can bring healing energy when worn and can balance the mind and emotions in relationships.
“If peridot is your birthstone, then you can use it to let go of the past, Smith says. “Peridot can help you move forward in your relationships by helping you to release old grudges. It soothes fears so that you can make room for grace and forgiveness in your love life. Having this as a birthstone means that your strength in love is the ability to identify whether something is actually a big deal and let it slide if it’s not.”
September: Sapphire
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The striking deep blue color of the sapphire symbolizes commitment and true life. If this is your birthstone, you’re likely to instill stability and wisdom in your romantic relationship.
According to Smith, a sapphire “can help stop unwanted and intrusive thoughts. It can help you see your relationship clearly, so when you’re feeling emotionally reactive, you can use the energy of the sapphire to clear your mind.”
She adds, “This birthstone helps you to stay objective in emotional situations so that you can maintain a bird’s eye view of your relationship. It doesn’t mean that emotions don’t matter—sapphire energy just helps to keep emotions from clouding judgment.”
October: Opal
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Opals are associated with many things in love, including creativity, safeguarding precious qualities, uniqueness, and passion. It’s a seductive stone that can also balance emotions in relationships.
“If the opal is your birthstone, your love life flowers when it’s expressive and fun,” says Smith. “There’s a reason why we call things that are multicolored ‘opalescent,’ and it’s because the opal contains within it a glittering myriad of colors. So for those with opal birthstones they thrive best when their love lives are interesting and active. If opal is your birthstone, its energy can help you keep your relationship from getting boring and stale!”
November: Citrine
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Known as the Radiant Rock for Love, citrine is often associated with hope, optimism, and joy. It can attract happiness and positivity in relationships.
“To have citrine as a birthstone means that you must infuse your love life with laughter, Smith explains. “Citrine energy encourages you to be an active participant in generating goodwill and cheer in your relationship, as opposed to opting for suspicion and criticism.”
Life has its challenges that can’t be overlooked, but in love, the citrine stone is a reminder that things don’t always have to be hard.
“At the end of the day, citrine energy wants to help us to lighten up and enjoy life, so in matters of love, it reminds us that love should be fun, too, Smith says.
December: Turquoise
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In love, turquoise symbolizes durability, everlasting love, and strong commitment. It can also represent peace and harmony and is often seen as good luck.
According to Smith, “Turquoise energy helps to encourage healthy and honest communication in relationships. If the turquoise is your birthstone, then it can help you to create a safe and brave space within which you and your partner can communicate honestly and openly.”
She adds, “In relationships, turquoise energy protects against miscommunication. Instead of contracting when things get difficult, the turquoise gently encourages us to do the opposite, which is to open up and listen.”
Inflation fell just below 3% (2.9%) for the first time since 2021, which makes it the perfect time to look at your financial matters with a fresh perspective. But how can you take advantage of the current economic climate? “The top ways to grow your wealth are really simple, almost deceptively so,” self-made millionaire and author of “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” Ramit Sethi tells CNBC. “And they seem boring, but they are the ones that actually work.” So what should you do? Here’s how to save money and grow wealth, according to financial experts.
Consider investing even a small amount of money to grow wealth. “Invest a percentage of your income every year automatically and increase that percentage 1%,” Sethi says. “We often believe that rich people have access to secret investments, and that’s how they make a ton of money. Listen, I have access to those investments, and I can tell you right now, they typically do not perform better than a simple S&P index fund. The ordinary truth is that you can get great returns with a simple low-cost long-term index fund.”
2. Make More Money
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Don’t feel limited by the amount of money you make. "An often-overlooked option to save more money is to make more,” Kevin M. Curley, II, CFP, wealth advisor at Global Wealth Advisors, tells CBS News. “Working to improve or build up a skillset can increase an employee's value and the amount of money someone might be willing to pay them. Market any specialized skills on social media platforms by broadcasting them to anyone who will listen. You don't have to be an influencer to make money on YouTube, for example. It is possible to reach people who are interested in very niche areas and start making money with only 1,000 subscribers.”
2. Plan Ahead
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Plan ahead when doing food shopping or planning to go to a restaurant so you don’t get tempted by something outside your budget. "Be honest with yourself and set expectations with friends and family who might be expecting you to pick up the tab or purchase a gift,” Dr. Kate Mielitz, Accredited Financial Counselor at Beyond Finance, tells CBS News. “Yes, it's hard, and uncomfortable, to say, 'I can't afford it,' but it pays off when you have money in your account at the end of the pay period.”
4. Switch Service Providers
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Consider switching service providers to save money. "As a personal example, I recently switched telecom services and found it was 30% cheaper, and the plan gave me free cell service for the first year," Curley says. “Shopping around for home and auto insurance rates can be a good way to save money,” says Nia Adams, personal finance educator at Perspectives.
5. Is Your Salary Fair?
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Don’t be afraid to ask for a raise to make sure you are getting a fair wage. “Learn the skills of negotiating your salary and getting paid what you’re worth,” Sethi says.
6. Side Hustle
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Consider making more money by exploring side hustles. By using your spare time to work on new projects, you can make more money. “If you really want to increase your earnings, consider starting a business on the side,” Sethi says.
7. Reduce Investment-Related Fees
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Don’t overlook the fees on your investment accounts. "Fees are imperative to consider when choosing an investment because they can diminish your investment returns, and with compound interest, can cost you a substantial amount of money over time," Vincent Grosso, founder at Pascack Capital, tells CBS News. "To save money, investors can look for less expensive fund options. A more expensive fund does not always equate to a superior fund. Evaluating your fund fees can save you money today, and your future self will thank you, as well.”
Netflix fans rejoice—the streaming giant just renewed two major shows. Supacell and The Gentleman will both be returning for season 2 after performing very well in their initial seasons. “The world of The Gentlemen is a little bit of me,” Ritchie previously told Netflix. “We’re looking forward to bringing fans back into that world, introducing new characters and their stories, and I am excited to be doing it with this extremely talented cast.” Here’s what to expect in season 2 of both hit shows.
According to the official description, Supacell is about “a group of five ordinary people who unexpectedly develop superpowers. They have little in common except for one thing: they are all Black South Londoners. It is down to one man, Michael Lasaki, to bring them all together in order to save the woman he loves.”
2. What's Next?
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Creator Rapman says he has a clear idea of what will happen on the show. “I’ve always had it [mapped out] to Season 3. I know how Season 2 ends,” he told Tudum. “I’ve got stuff planned for this story. I’ve had this in my head for years, so I’m ready to go.”
3. Just Getting Started
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Rapman says each of the five Supacell heroes is just getting started. “Supacell Season 1 is my Batman Begins. It’s a prequel of what they’ll be like,” he told Tudum. “Season 2 is when you really see what they become. That future you saw at the end of the pilot in London, that exact future doesn’t exist anymore. They’ve changed everything. It’s going to be interesting when we get into the writers’ room.”
4. What's The Gentlemen About?
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The Gentlemen, based on the Guy Ritchie movie of the same name, is coming back for another 8-episode season. “When aristocratic Eddie inherits the family estate, he discovers that it's home to an enormous weed empire — and its proprietors aren't going anywhere,” says Netflix in their official description.
5. What's Next?
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Even the cast are full of questions and speculations about what’s coming next. “It’d be fun to see the business spread a bit more,” Kaya Scodelario, who plays Susie, tells Tudum. “How do they take it to the next level? They’re very adamant about not getting into the chop game, so how do they then continue to build the empire? Where does that take them? How does the new structure of the business work practically?”
6. What About Susie and Eddie?
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Fans of the relationship between Susie and Eddie should be prepared for anything. “I think they’ve grown to love each other in their own way, but I think they’ll never fully trust each other because they are so different and they’re from such vastly different worlds,” Theo James told Tudum. “There’s a love between them, but ultimately they will never be from the same cloth.”
7. Supacell Rave Reviews
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Supacell scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and viewers alike raving about the show. “Though the excitement of supernatural abilities and the magic of science fiction ripple across the show, the series also explores major themes that disproportionately affect Black people, including human trafficking, extreme surveillance, pervasive global anti-Blackness and predatory medical practices,” writes Aramide Tinubu for Variety.
8. London Superheroes
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Other reviews highlight the unique aspect of having a superhero story take place amongst people of color in London. “This is not your typical superhero origin story, where preserving truth, justice and the American way is the primary concern,” Leila Latif writes for The Guardian. “Instead, the characters are operating in a society where the odds are stacked against them, and they are all struggling to make ends meet and avoid violence. Their priority is to use the unexpected new tools at their disposal to even the playing field.”
9. Cheeky Humor
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Fans of Guy Ritchie will know what to expect from The Gentlemen. “As you’d expect from the prolific and provocative filmmaker behind Snatch, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes movies, etc., The Gentlemen is filled with cheeky humor, sweeping camera movements, callbacks to previous plot developments and the occasional use of a graphic that spells out definitions and sometimes does some convenient math for us,” Richard Roeper says cia the Chicago Sun-Times.
What is it that makes a movie a timeless classic? “I’ve probably been asked that question more than any other. Everybody says, ‘So what makes a film a classic?’ And the answer to that is, I don’t know. It really depends,” TCM host Ben Mankiewicz tells CNN. “What I do know is that if you’re arguing about it, then I think we’re doing our job. This question is supposed to be argued over, and it’s supposed to be argued over passionately.” One of the hallmarks of an iconic movie is a powerful moment that not only makes the movie a must-watch, but comes to represent the film itself. Here are 20 unforgettable moments from iconic classic films that will make movie night special again.
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn," says Clarke Gable’s Rhett Butler before leaving Scarlett O’Hara, immortalized by Vivien Leigh, in this classic Civil War-era epic. You can only push a man so far, Scarlett!
2. The Godfather (1972)
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"I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse,” says Marlon Brando’s Vito Corleone in this groundbreaking crime movie which was essentially the Godfather (sorry, I had to) of all the mob movies that followed. Brando’s bone-chilling threat of the line, so casually and quietly delivered, is truly ionic.
3. Casablanca (1942)
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"Here's looking at you, kid," Humphrey Bogart’s Rick Blaine says to Ingrid Bergman’s Ilsa, an improvised line that was not in the original script. Blaine says it in flashback, and when he tells her goodbye at the end of the movie (spoiler alert?). Truly the stuff romance is made of.
4. The Wizard of Oz(1939)
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"There's no place like home," uttered by Judy Garland’s Dorothy Gale, is one of the most beloved and quoted lines from a cherished classic movie. A close second is “only bad witches are ugly.”
5. Citizen Kane (1941)
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"Rosebud" is the last word uttered by Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) in what’s widely considered one of the best movies ever made. "Here's a man who might have been president. He's been loved and hated and talked about as much as any man in our time - but when he comes to die, he's got something on his mind called Rosebud. What does that mean?" says the newsreel editor in the movie.
6. Psycho (1960)
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"We all go a little mad sometimes," says Norman Bates, famously played by Anthony Perkins in a movie that ruined showers forever (thanks Alfred Hitchcock!). Perkins is delightfully deranged in this classic horror/thriller film.
7. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
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"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,"says Henry Travers as the hapless angel Clarence in this classic Christmas movie. This perennial holiday favorite will make you happy at any time of year.
8. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
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"The trick, William Potter, is not minding that it hurts," Peter O’Toole’s T.E. Lawrence says to Potter in this sweeping classic. The line perfectly encapsulates Lawrence’s attitude and eccentricity when Potter tries to follow Lawrences’ example and put out a burning match with his fingers.
9. Chinatown (1974)
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"Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown," is one of the most memorable lines in cinema history, uttered by Lawrence Walsh (Joe Mantell) at the end of the movie. Bleak? Yes. Iconic? Also yes.
10. 12 Angry Men (1957)
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"I’m talking about somebody’s life here!" says Juror #8 in this intense, dialogue-driven courtroom drama. Henry Fonda gives a typically brilliant performance as the one juror who refuses to just casually send a man to his death.
11. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
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"I’m just crazy about Tiffany’s!" says Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly. Hepburn perfectly portrays Golightly’s vulnerability and sadness in this iconic romantic comedy.
12. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
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"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view," says Atticus Finch in this adaptation of Harper Lee’s timeless novel. Gregory Peck’s powerful performance as a lawyer trying to save an innocent man against all odds is heartbreaking and inspiring.
13. Vertigo
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“You shouldn't keep souvenirs of a killing. You shouldn't have been that sentimental,” says John ‘Scottie’ Ferguson, played by James Stewart. It’s moments like that which make Vertigo the perfect Hitchcock classic.
14. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
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"Get busy living, or get busy dying," says Andy Dufresne in a movie packed so packed with incredible lines and moments it’s hard to pick just one. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman give gripping performances in this movie about hope, friendship, and never giving up.
15. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
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"I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain," sings Don Lockwood, memorably played by Gene Kelly, in this iconic, timeless musical. Kelly’s performance was just one of many stunning musical and dance numbers in this beautiful and hilarious classic.
16. The Sound of Music (1965)
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"The hills are alive with the sound of music," sings Maria in one of the most stunning openings in film. The gorgeous Untersberg mountain is as much a character in this beloved musical as Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer are.
17. Rear Window (1954)
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“She's too perfect, she's too talented, she's too beautiful, she's too sophisticated, she's too everything but what I want,” says James Stewart’s L.B. 'Jeff' Jefferies when discussing the luminous Lisa Carol Fremont, played to perfection by Grace Kelly. Another Hitchcock/Stewart classic.
18. Sunset Boulevard (1950)
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"I am big! It's the pictures that got small," says Gloria Swanson in an unforgettable turn as aging star Norma Desmond. This dark satire perfectly skewers the film industry—deservedly so.
19. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
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"I have always depended on the kindness of strangers," says tender, fragile Blanche DuBois in this Southern Gothic drama film adapted from Tennessee Williams's Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh are magnificent.
20. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
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The line "the stuff that dreams are made of," is uttered by Humprey Bogart at his weary best. Bogart’s turn as private detective Sam Spade is considered one of his most iconic performances in this noir classic considered the greatest detective movie ever made.