Back in the Good Old Days when there were only two TV channels (I vaguely recall there only being one, once, I think), you could pretty much rely on almost everybody having seen certain programmes. Not any more! Sometimes I think I'm the only person who saw Small Potatoes...

As for what films to see to understand film as a medium, it's no good asking me. I mostly go for ActionAdventureBullshit. I believe some people think Blade Runner is iconic in certain cinematic respects - I just lay back and enjoyed it.