This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on November 13, 2022). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
War of the Worlds (1953): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Holds up incredibly well. I mean, sure, part of that is the charm of early ‘50s sci-fi (weird red-hot meteor lands, so of course the local service station guy whacks it with a shovel, and when the scientist’s Geiger counter clicks like mad due to radiation, he casually says they might want to think about keeping people a little further away). But it’s also really tightly written, and still pulls me right into the story. Absolutely a classic.