50 Best Classic Movies On Netflix

50 Best Classic Movies On Netflix

Old is gold might be a cliche, but what better saying to describe films made ages ago when the internet was non-existent, or patchy at best? You have definitely seen the fast-paced and modern dramas, and now you are bored because they have become so predictable. Perhaps you watched something as a kid and want to remind yourself, or you might have missed a movie when it premiered for whatever reason, here’s a chance to open the window into the past with a great movie.

Well, let’s go back in time to savor the best the movie industry had to offer with great acting, nostalgic music, and superb dialogue that will leave your jaws sagging. The movies range from action, adventure, comedy, and yes, romance, to western, thrillers, and even sports. These best classic movies provided building stones to today’s great films. 

1.The Fugitive

If you are into action thrillers, then Fugitive is one of the best classic movies on Netflix. Starring Harison Ford supported by Sela Ward and Tommy Lee Jones, it follows the story of a doctor wrongly accused of murdering his wife and convicted. To vindicate himself, he breaks from custody in search of his wife’s killers, with Marshalls in hot pursuit.

Written by David Twohy and Job Stuart, and directed by Andrew Davis, this thriller classic is sure to keep you riveted in your seat. This 28-year old film had a budget of 44 Million USD, a figure that was worth it.

2.The Karate Kid

This martial-art drama is a favorite golden oldie. Written by Robert Mark Kamen and directed by John G Avildsen, The Karate Kid follows a chance encounter between Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and Miyagi, a master karate instructor. This happens at a time when Daniel is bullied by a group of teenagers on several occasions. However, Daniel learns more than karate from this martial arts master.

The budget for The Karate kid was USD 8 million but it went ahead to make over eight times that amount at the box office. This is one of the best classic family movies on Netflix that will surely keep you indoors over the 127 minutes it will be running.

3. Out of Africa

If you feel like traveling abroad without moving from your seat, then this Netflix classic should be on your watchlist. And for good reason. For one, you have until June 30 to do so. Secondly, it’s one of the best old classic movies on Netflix. Starring Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Klans Maria Brandeur, Out Of Africa is a story of Karen Blixen(Meryl Streep) who, having followed her husband to Nairobi, discovers that he has been cheating on her. She gets in a relationship with a hunter that eventually leaves her in a dilemma.

This film written by Isak Dinesen, and directed by Sydney Pollack received an Academy Award for Best Pictures and had a budget of $28 million. If you are into epic romantic drama, then this classic is definitely for you.

4.Jason And The Argonauts

This film is based on Argonautica, an epic poem written in Greece in 3BC. It is one of the oldest classics on Netflix. It transports you into the past of Greek mythology as Jason(Todd Armstrong) with his co-stars Nancy Kovack, Honor Blackman, and Gary Raymond go on a quest for the magical Golden Fleece.

Written by Apollonios Rhodios and directed by Don Chaffey, this film with fabled monsters and deities is sure to keep you riveted and in suspense as you wait to see whether Jason finds what he seeks. The movie's budget was $2.1 in 1963 when it was made.

5.She’s Gotta Have It

Laughter is indeed the best medicine, and this romantic comedy by the Oscar winner, Spike Lee, provides lots of humor. Starring Tracy Camilla Johns as Nola Darling, the story is about her being undecided on which man to date. It is humorous when she decides to date three men all at the same time. Even though all of the men have different personalities with some unique virtues, Nola still finds it difficult to find the right man for her.

The movie also stars Tommy Raymond Hicks and John Canada Terrell, and cost $175,000. It was written by Spike Lee as a black-and-white comedy-drama. It’s actually the best TV series to watch when you want to unwind after a long day.

7. Beirut Oh Beirut

Set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the Arab-Israeli War of 1967, this classic movie is one for those with a knack for history. It stars Ezzat El Alaily, Mireille Maalouf, and Joseph Nassar as they struggle to find their place and purpose amid a political environment that is rapidly changing.

It is one of the best classic movies on Netflix written by Oussman El-Aref and directed by Maroun Bagdadi. This movie intertwines both chaos and love in this beautiful middle-east city and makes you sympathize with its characters.

9. Back to The Future

Set in 1985, this Sci-Fi story follows Michael J. Fox(Marty Mcfly) who is put in a time-traveling machine by his scientist friend Christopher Lloyd(Doctor Emment 'Doc' Brown) and travels 30 years back in time. His one struggle is to ensure that both his parents, who are now teens, marry each other so that he exists in the future.

The movie was directed by Robert Zemeckis and co-written by Bob Gale on a budget of $19 million. Other stars in the film include Lea Thompson, Thomas F. Wilson, and Crispin Glover. It’s a suspenseful movie to watch as Marty travels back in time with no guarantee that he would be able to go back to the future.

10. Forrest Gump

Is it possible for a man with a low IQ to find himself in the middle of important historical events of the ’60s and ’70s? Well, in what is one of the best classic movies on Netflix, Tom Hanks finds himself in such a situation. In this feel-good and romantic drama film, Hanks’ only craving is a reunion with his childhood sweetheart Jenny. Hanks stars in the movie together with Robin Wright, and Gary Sinise to make it quite a sentimental classic.

It was written by Eric Roth and directed by Robert Zemeckis, and became a top-grossing movie in 1994 for a budget of $55 million.

11. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

An archaeologist played by Harrison Ford is in search of the Lost Ark which is said to have the power of making soldiers invincible. A rival archaeologist played by Renē Belloq is guiding Nazi soldiers to where the Ark is. It's a rush against time. Who triumphs in the end, and how?

This classic written by Lawrence Kasdan, and directed by the famous Steven Spielberg is a must-see Netflix classic that is sure to captivate you to the end. It also stars Karen Allen and Paul Freeman and was produced on a budget of $20 million.

12. Jurassic Park

If there was a Sci-Fi film that gave movie lovers goosebumps, then Jurrasic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg, was one of them. Adapted from the yet-to-be-published novel by Michael Crichton, the movie follows the story of a group of cloned dinosaurs that break free from a park and go ahead to cause havoc on visitors.

It features Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Richard Attenborough as starring with a budget of $ 63 million. This hair-raising movie is one of the best classic movies on Netflix.

13. Escape From Alcatraz

In this thriller adapted from J. Campbell Bruce’s non-fiction book Escape From Alcatraz, Frank (Clinton Eastwood) dramatizes the only successful jailbreak from the most feared maximum-security prison on Alcatraz Island.

Don Siegel directed this movie that is now available to download from Netflix, and it features Patrick McGoohan and Roberts Blossom in the cast. Its budget at the time was $8 million. The movie is an intriguing watch that compares to Escape From Pretoria or the series Prison Break.

14. In The Line Of Fire

This movie that stars Clintwood Eastwood, is one of the best old classic movies on Netflix. Written by Jeff Maguire and directed by Wolfgang Peterson, the story follows Horrigan, who is the only surviving member that was guarding President Kennedy at the time of his assassination. Plagued by guilt over his failure to protect the president at that time, he turns to alcohol and loses his family. But when an anonymous killer says he is planning to assassinate the current president, Horrigan is jolted into action.

John Makkovich and Rene Russo also star in this movie that had a budget of $40 million. It’s another Netflix thriller that keeps your mind engaged as you ponder how Horrigan will come out of his many problems and save himself from the would-be assassin torments.

15. Dumb and Dumber

Honestly is the best policy and two dumb but well-meaning friends decide to return a briefcase to its rightful owners. What they don’t know, however, is that the money wasn’t abandoned but was ransom money. This Netflix classic with stars like Jim Carey as Lloyd Christmas and Jeff Daniels(Harry Dune) will crack your ribs.

The budget for this comedy was $17 million and the film has developed a cult-like following ever since its release. So, if you can afford the time, you can surely find out why it’s that popular.

16. Glory

Based on two novels, Lay This Laurel and One Gallant Rush, this historical drama stars Matthew Broderick as Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and Denzel Washington as Commanding Officer of the 54th all African-American regiment. It depicts how the 54th regiment was formed and the actions of men who made history at the Battle of Fort Wagner on 18 July 1863. Morgan Freeman also stars in the film as a member of the regiment.

The film was directed by Edward Zwick on a budget of $18 million. It is a great movie to look at a battle that defined American history through men who had a significant share in a defining moment and is one of the best classic movies on Netflix.

17. Grease

If you are into a musical comedy, then this 1978 classic is a must-see. Written by Bronte Woodard and directed by Randal Kleiser, this ensemble is about an Australian student Sandy who falls in love with Danny and later discovers that they are both in the same high school. It stars John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, and Stick Channin.

The film cost $6 million and was commercially successful, making $366 million at the Box Office. It’s a classic tale of teen lovebirds and how they struggle to rekindle passion for each other amid the formation of new friendships.

18. The Remains of The Day

Released in 1993, this drama film based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel by the same name is the best classic family movies on Netflix to watch. It tells the story of a butler James Stevens(Anthony Hopkins) who dedicates himself to his Lord and refuses advances from Miss Kenton(Emma Thompson) in postwar Britain

The film cost $15 million and was ranked the one of the greatest British films of the 20th century in 1999. It was also nominated for eight academy awards, more reason to watch it on Netflix.

19. Blade Runner: Theatrical Cut

In this Sci-Fi film released in 1982 and starring Harrison Ford, Ruther Hauer, and Sean Young, a group of bio-engineered authentic humans that had been taken to space colonies escape and return to Earth. It's up to Rick Deckard (Ford) to hunt them down. This film takes place in 2019 in Los Angeles, and though criticized for being slow and with little action, it set the stage for other Sci-Fi films.

The film cost a massive $30 million and was based on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dicks. It’s interesting for Sci-Fi enthusiasts, especially because of its depiction of a decaying future.

20. Rosemary’s Baby

This 1968 movie directed by Roman Polanski is one of the best classic horror movies on Netflix. Starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, and Ruth Gordon, the story centers around the life of Mia who lives in Manhattan. She feels that her elderly neighbors want to use her unborn child for their rituals in a Satanic cult. The film is based on a novel of the same name written by Ira Levin.

The budget was $3.2 million and the film won acclaim and earned its place at the National Film Registry for its cultural and historical significance. A great film if you are looking for a classic hair-raising experience.

21. The Inferno

During a premier party for the world’s tallest building, a fire starts. Rescuers rush to the scene and race against time to save the lives of those trapped inside. This 1974 film was adapted from The Glass Inferno and The Tower, two novels written in 1974 and 1973 respectively. Steven Mcqueen, Paul Newman, and William Holden starred in this action-adventure movie that cost $14 million.

This amazing classic movie on Netflix was directed by John Guillermin. It earned the Academy Award for Best Picture and was nominated for eight Oscars, grossing $50 million at the Box-office. It is a must-watch for anyone who is used to fast-paced and action films.

22. Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of 

Cogliostro: Special Edition

When a thief robs a casino and finds that the money is counterfeit, he traces its source to the country of Cogliostro. While there, he attempts to save Princess Clarisse who has been forcefully married to the Count. This 1979 film starred Yasuo Yanada, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, and Eiko Masuyuma.

The animated action-adventure film cost

 ¥ 500 million and was directed by Hayao Miyazaki. This animation tells a story in a way that real characters wouldn't be able to. So, why not stream it, or download it from Netflix?

23. Cairo Station 

An obsessed newspaper vendor in Cairo is interested in a cold drink vendor, but the girl turns down his proposal because she’s already engaged. This drives him almost to madness and he plans to murder her using a knife. This 1958 film starring Farid Shaqwy, Hind Roston, and Youssef Chahine was entered for the 8th Annual Berlin International Film Festival in the same year it was released.

It was written by Mohamed Abu Youssef and Abdel Hay Adib and of late has become popular with film lovers who want to go back in time.

24. Saladin

This 1963 movie is based on the historical context of the Third Crusade when Egypt and Syria retook Jerusalem. The European powers plan to retake it and return Jerusalem to Christians. However, their action results in a three-year war that culminates in a truce. This film runs for a whole three hours and stars Ahmad Mazhar, Salah Zo El Faqqar, and Nadia Lofti.

It was written by Youssef Chahine and directed by Youssef El Sebai. It’s an interesting historical film that depicts the heroism of one man, Saladin in conquering the ancient city of Jerusalem.

25. And Now For Something Completely Different

Based on the TV comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus, this film features sketches from the show’s first two series and runs for one hour and twenty-eight minutes. It stars Graham Chapman, John Cleese, and Terry Gilliam. The film was directed by Ian MacNaughton and Terry Gilliam. Monty Python wrote the film, choosing the catchphrase from the TV series as the title.

The show’s budget was £80, 000 and was written with the American audience in mind. It includes ‘The Lumberjack Song’ and ‘The Upper-Class Twit of the Year’.

26. Monty Python and the Holy Grail

This 1975 film is among the best classic movies on Netflix and was written by Monty Python and directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones. The film is a comedic look at King Arthur’s horrors as he leads his men on a quest for the Holy Grail. The film stars Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, and Eric Idle.

Its production cost was $400,000 and the film was so popular that it has a cult-like following today. In fact, it was ranked the best comedy film by ABC and readers of Total Film; all the more reason to watch it.

27. Only Yesterday

Starring Miki Imai, Toshiro Yanagiba, and Yoko Honna, this Netflix classic tells the story of a 27-year-old woman who reminisces about the past when she was a child up to her teen years. This animated Japanese drama film is sure to steal your heart as it is full of sentimentality as Taeko Okajima travels out of Tokyo to her village. The film grossed $525,958 when it was released in 1991.

28. The Land

Adapted from a famous novel by Abdel Rahman, this drama film depicts the conflict between Egyptian peasants and their landlord in the 1930s. Let this Netflix movie transport you to the past for you to feel the tension between poor peasants and their landlord.

The film stars Hamdy Ahmed, Nagwa Ibrahim, and Ezzat El Alaily, and was written and directed by Youssef Chahine.

29. Dark Waters

When a sailor returns home after 36 months of absence, he comes to the realization that so much has changed. Not only is the woman she loves now distant, but there are feuds all over including in his community. This 1956 movie now available in the Netflix library stars Faten Hamama, Omar Sharif, and Ahmed Ramzy. With Egyptian classic films gaining popularity, this one is a must-see. The film was directed by Youssef Chanine and co-written by Mohamed Refaat and LezaitvFayed.

30. Mobile Suit Gundam 1

If you are into animated TV series, then this Sci-Fi military series should be on your list. Starring Toru Furuya, Shuichi Ikeda, and Hirotaka Suzuoki, the film depicts a war between robots in Zeon, a principality, and Earth. This amazing series had 43 episodes as a whole that aired between April 1979 and January 1980.

The series was produced by Nippon Sunrise and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino. If you are into animations, Netflix offers you a great classic for a change.

31. Howard’s End

1992, Starring Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, and Helena Bonham. Written by and directed by James Ivory.

32. What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

1993, Starring Johnny Deep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, and Darlene Cates. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom.

33. A Clockwork Orange

1962, Starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Adrienne Corri, and Miriam Karlin. Directed by Stanley Kubric.

34. Cool Hand Luke

1967, Starring Paul Newman and George Kennedy. Directed by Stuart Rosenberg.

35. Bonnie and Clyde

1967, Starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. Written by David Newman and Ribert Benton. Directed by Arthur Pen.

36.Mad Max

1969, Starring Mel Gibson. Created by George Miller and Byron Kennedy. Directed by George Miller.

37. Fiddler on The Roof

1971, Starring Topol, Norma Crane, Leonard Frey, Molly Picon, and Paul Mann. Written by Joseph Stein and Sholem Aleichem, and directed by Norman Jewison.

38. My Fair Lady

1964, Starring Audrew Hepburn, Rex Harrison, and Stanley Hollaway. Directed by George Cukor.

39. Dance With The Wolves

1990, Starring Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnel, Graham Greene, Rodney Grant. Written by Michael Blake and produced by Kevin Costner.

40. A Bridge Too Far

1977, Starring Dirk Borgade, James Caan, Michael Caine, and Sean Conner. Written by William Goldman and produced by Richard Attenborough.

41.Rain Man

1988, Starring Duatin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, and Valeria Golino. Written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass.

42. Scar face

1983, Starring Alpacino. Written by Oliver Stone and directed by Brian De Palma.

43. The Silence of The Lambs

1991, Starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glen, and Ted Lovine. Written by Ted Tally and directed by Jonatham Demme.

44. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Place

1975, Starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, and William Redfield. Written by Laurence Hauben and Bo Goldman, and directed by Milos Forman.

45. Life of Brian 

1979, Starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gillian, and Eric Idle. Written by Monty Python and directed by Terry Jones.

46.Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

2010, Starring Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, and Chris Evans. Written by Michael Cera and produced by Edgar Wright.

47. Taxi Driver

1976, Starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, and Albert brooks. Written by Paul Scrader, and directed by Martin Scorsese.

48. The Evil Dead

1981, Starring Brice Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, and Betsy Baker.  Written and directed by Sam Raimi.

49.Fargo

1996, Starring Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, and Harve Presnell. Written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.

50.Sleepless in Seattle

1993, Starring Tom Hanks, Mary Ryan, Bill Pullman, and Ross Malinger. Directed and co-written by Nora Ephron.

From the above 50 best old classic movies on Netflix, it is clear that you’ve more than enough films to keep you riveted whenever you are free. Whether you are into historicals, adventure, action, or romance, there’s so much in the Netflix library to go around. The oldies aren’t at all rustic, but they are worth their weight in gold. So grab some popcorn for you are going to have interesting movie nights with Netflix.