The Top Ten Classic Movie Trailers

What would a movie be without the benefit of the preview? Well, a surprise, for one. But that's beside the point. A film's trailer gives us, the viewer, a look at what could be, what should be, and what often is. However, a trailer can also provide us with more than we really need or want to know about the picture. Anyway you look at it, here are ten classic examples of what a trailer should be.

10. THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE - 1974

Gritty, Grindhouse, fast-paced... scary as hell. This is what horror flick trailers ought to aspire to now a days. The narrator was just as chilling as the screams from the characters. You can almost hear the sickening thump as Leatherface hits home with that mallet. Just brilliant.

9. THE LAND BEFORE TIME - 1988

A true and undying classic. This trailer combines classic elements of suspense, beauty, and moments of sheer desperation. Sure, animated movies now maybe look better over all, but few compare to the classic majesty of a Don Bluth masterpiece.

8. TITANIC - 1997

How could you not want to see this movie after a trailer like that? Well, unfortunately, I didn't... however, my soon-to-be wife (at the time -now she is and she loves this film-) made me and at least she enjoyed it. I haven't seen it since. Well, regardless, James Cameron really did a fine job following up the testosterone fest of T2 with this love story, I'll give him that.

7. THE MATRIX - 1999

Showing the world what 'Bullet-Time' would become, the Watchowski Brothers took what it was to be Sci-Fi and amped it up. This preview made many boy's eyes jut out of their collective skulls and the movie would add weight to its promises.

6. BACK TO THE FUTURE - 1985

"You made a Time Machine... out of a DeLorian?" Awesome. Such a fun movie with all the aspects of what a fun movie should be plainly spelled out in a preview that doesn't spill too many beans.

5. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY - 1968

A promising glimpse into future space travel and ultimate discovery. Realistic astronauts, a beautifully rendered space ship and backdrops. It looked to be an amazing adventure, and, despite its initial slow star, it truly was.

4. SUPERMAN - 1978

An icon. Superman showed the world that a single man can rescue us from so much and yet, be so innocent and normal. Christopher Reeve will always be Superman to so many people and this preview has every reason why.

3. INDEPENDENCE DAY - 1996

An absolutely amazing trailer. It showed just so much without actually giving away anything about the attackers themselves, which was so nice in comparison to many of them released today. Watching the Capital Building getting obliterated was so stunning and we really hadn't seen anything like this in a long time. Excellent movie, as well.

2. THE WIZARD OF OZ - 1939

Though this trailer was from the 1959 'Letterboxed' re-release, it is still pure and absolute magic. Such a wonderful preview for one of movie history's most beloved films.

1. CLOVERFIELD - 2008

This movie finally hits theaters this Friday after months and months of speculation about exactly what this monster is. We all know it's a monster, and, according to Ain't It Cool News in Harry Knowles spoilerriffic review, it's going to be something to behold. Well, judging by this preview, it is certainly going to be an amazing ride.