M (1931)
There is something special about older films like this that derives from their simplicity. Modern films about serial killers will have multiple layers, characters, themes, subplots and variety, but this is just in every sense of the word just pure and simple. There is tension right from the start with incredibly simple film techniques, that works so well because they are so clear and effective. A shot of a poster with a reward for capturing a serial killer of children, a girl playing with a ball and a the shadow of a man asking her a question. Easy to understand the implication in mere seconds, backed up by a scene of a mother waiting for her girl to get home and things are already scary and fully grabbed my attention.
This simplicity holds up while keeping things interesting with a rather hilarious development of both the police and the criminal underworld wanting to catch the killer, all leading to a wonderful finale.
This is definitely one of those classics that are worth watching in its own right, and not merely as part of cinematic history.
Rating: 4.5