2001: A Space Odyssey

The journey of man from ape to human to super-consciousness.

The Wizard of Oz

A story about seeking what you already have.

Citizen Kane

This is about a man who got everything, then he lost it. He had so much wealth, but since he was poor in his relationships, his material wealth was overshadowed by that poverty.

At the end of his life he mutters "Rosebud", a symbol for what was lost, or seemingly so. His whole life was a quest for "rosebud". Is it not childhood innocence that he was long in seeking?

Casablanca

Surely this has to be one of the great classics of all time. One the one hand we have Rick, a cynical night club owner ("I stick my head out for no one.") On the other hand we have Victor Lazlo, a freedom fighter one willing to take a stand for himself and others.