Black-and-white films are movies that use only shades of black, white, and gray, without color. This style was prevalent from the early 1900s until the late 1960s, when color film became more common. The lack of color often emphasizes contrast, lighting, and composition, allowing filmmakers to focus on storytelling and character development. Many classic films, such as Casablanca and Citizen Kane, are celebrated for their artistic use of black-and-white cinematography. Directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Charlie Chaplin utilized this format to create memorable visuals and evoke strong emotions. Today, some filmmakers still choose black-and-white to achieve a specific aesthetic or nostalgic feel.