re: Why is Casablanca a top rated movie for you?

It's arguably my number 1 - an early example of a very quotable, very rewatchable film that has a strong auteur vibe.

Chemistry among the cast was important - really only Paul Henreid didn't get along well with the others. The story is very accessible. The film is paced well. The use of light and shadow - the film had a strong "film noir" vibe (of course, having Bogey, Lorre and Greenstreet didn't hurt this), without being such a film.

It didn't talk down to the audience - about the only pandering was the marketing trying to capitalize on the Allied invasion of North Africa almost on top of the release of the film.

The music theme that tied everything together - very effective villains - Rick's initial moral ambiguity - the film is a homerun because it is lightning in a bottle - unlike Citizen Kane (which I defend - it is technically an amazingly influential film - most people don't get that because they've seen everything duplicated, enhanced, improved, but man - but I think some of its praise is not fully earned) - Casablanca developed its following more organically, over time and deserves it more.

It is arguably my #1 film of all time, so, yeah, definitely Top 5.