Bicycle Thieves is considered a classic because it is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It is a seminal work of Italian neorealism, a movement that rejected the glossy artifice of Hollywood-style filmmaking in favor of a more grounded, authentic approach. The film's story is simple yet powerful, following a father and son on a desperate search for a stolen bicycle that the father needs for work. Through their journey, the film explores themes of poverty, family, and the struggle to maintain one's dignity in difficult circumstances. Its influence can be seen in countless films that have followed, and it continues to resonate with audiences today.