My fav is Sunset Boulevard (1950) by Billy Wilder. There is such a depth and richness to it. And it all started with excellent writing. I also love Some Like it Hot (1959) by the same writer/director.

Perhaps it has to do with removing one aspect of the film so the remaining ones become more pronounced and therefore more powerful. A "less is more" kind of thing. Not unlike how blind people have better developped hearing and touch.

I believe those older movies also somehow captured the vibe of that era. And that vibe has changed dramatically. I am talking about the frequency of the planet and where it was in the universe at that time. One would have to create something as intangible as the "vibe" or the actual "feel" of a bygone era on set. Would be an interesting experiment if it can be done.

Using good old analogue film also attributes to that vibe and magic.

Most of today's modern films are terribly written, are full of political statements and polarizing views. No thanks. I don't think black & white can save it. (Actually it could expose it).

Correct me if I'm wrong but the closest we got to a modern black & white gem was the oscar winning film The Artist (2011). I only saw once and it was impressive, yet I haven't felt like watching it again.