ABC Airs COUNTDOWN TO THE OSCARS: 15 MOVIES THAT CHANGED AMERICAN CINEMA Tonight

What are the most influential American movies of all time? As part of ABC's countdown to the 2015 Academy Awards broadcast, ABC News presents a star-studded special for all movie lovers, revealing the 15 American films that changed Hollywood and movie making forever. Award winning directors, actors, film critics and historians give us the secrets and backstories on the iconic group of movies that dramatically altered the lens on how we make and enjoy movies. Anchored by Robin Roberts, "Countdown to the Oscars®: 15 Movies That Changed American Cinema" airs TONIGHT, FEBRUARY 17 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

As the perfect warm-up for this year's Academy Awards®, the list is full of surprises. Why does an 80's teen comedy make the cut? Which movie killed the studio system? Which movie was so shocking in its day, it launched a wave of protests and eventually led to the film ratings system? Which movie tops the line-up?

Many of this year's Oscar® acting nominees weigh in on the list, which was carefully curated with guidance from a diverse group of Hollywood's most successful filmmakers, critics and historians over the last few months. Plus, "Countdown to the Oscars: 15 Movies that Changed American Cinema" reveals rare behind-the-scenes footage of Hollywood's biggest stars associated with these unforgettable films, pulled from deep inside the Academy archives.

John R. Green and John Palacio are the Executive Producers of "Countdown to the Oscars: 15 Movies that Changed American Cinema."

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