There have been some pretty amazing films that have been released this past year, but sometimes you just want to go back and rewatch an old favorite. Whether it's the elaborate costumes of a period piece, or the one-liners of a movie you've memorized from start to finish, there are just some movies that everyone needs to see at least once. And you don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home.
Netflix has gained a reputation for its binge-worthy original series, but they also have a pretty impressive collection of movies as well. Whether you are craving some nostalgia for a childhood favorite, or you just want to brush up on your classic cinema knowledge, these are the scary movies, romantic comedies, and coming of age tales that have stood the test of time. So grab your popcorn (don't forget to sprinkle one of our favorite seasonings on top), and get ready for your nostalgia fix. From the 1940s up to 2000s, here are all of the best classic movies on Netflix that you can stream right now.
1
The Stranger (1946)
Orson Welles directed and starred in the 1940s film about a notorious Nazi war criminal who is living under a false name in Connecticut. Newly married, his world is turned upside down when a war crimes commissioner comes to town.
2
The Graduate (1967)
If you haven't already started singing Simon & Garfunkel's best hits, allow us to introduce you to a not-so-typical romance story. After he graduates from college, Ben Braddock finds himself feeling lost ... and in an epic love triangle with an older woman and her daughter.
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3
Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
This epic spaghetti Western features Claudia Cardinale, Henry Fonda, Jason Robards, Charles Bronson, and a whole lot of action.
4
Dirty Harry (1971)
Inspector Harry Callahan, a.k.a Dirty Harry, refuses to play the rules, especially when it comes to hunting down a madman who is terrorizing San Francisco.
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5
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
For a goofy, good time, check out this movie about King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. There are as many jokes as there are twists and turns in the adventure, making it a go-to cult classic.
6
Taxi Driver (1976)
In Martin Scorsese's classic drama, a socially isolated young man loses his grip on reality in the gritty and crime-filled 1970's New York City. It may be more than 40 years old, but thanks to performances by Robert DeNiro, Jodie Foster, and Harvey Keitel, the film still feels just as shocking as when it was first released.
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7
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Can Indiana get to the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis? Harrison Ford's classic character finds plenty of adventure, enemies, and danger in the franchise's very first film.
8
Tootsie (1982)
Michael Dorsey, (Dustin Hoffman) who transforms himself into a woman to land the role of a soap opera star who ends up winning the hearts of everyone.
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9
Purple Rain (1984)
In the semi-autobiographical film, Prince plays a musician who escapes his tumultuous home life by spending his days and nights at the First Avenue nightclub. It's considered one of the greatest musical films of all time.
10
She's Gotta Have It (1986)
Spike Lee's breakthrough film features a woman balancing the three men in her life. Different from typical tropes, all the men want her to commit — but she's having fun playing the field.
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11
Paris Is Burning (1990)
This Sundance prize-winning documentary gives viewers an intimate look at Harlem drag balls. In addition to competition, it thoughtfully explores race, class, gender, and sexuality during the 1980s.
12
My Girl (1991)
Spend the summer with 11-year-old Vada Sultenfuss as she learns about love, loss, and everything else that comes with growing up.
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13
Howards End (1992)
The Oscar nominations and awards were well-deserved for this film about three very different families who influence each other in a variety of ways.
14
What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993)
Earning Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar nomination, What's Eating Gilbert Grape? centers around Gilbert (Johnny Depp), who is torn between staying in his small town for his family, or moving forward with new possibilities.
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15
Groundhog Day (1993)
This classic comedy finds a cynical news reporter (Bill Murray) waking up every morning repeating the same day over and over again as he tries to find a way to break the loop.
16
Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is convicted of double murder of his wife and her lover, although he swears he is innocent. Once he lands in jail, he befriends inmate Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and the bond the two form is unexpected and unbreakable.
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17
Jerry Maguire (1996)
Jerry Maguire is left with one client and one co-worker after he decides to leave his high-powered job as a sports agent. We won't give it all away but we guarantee he will have you at hello.
18
National Treasure (2004)
This fun adventure film imagines a world where there are clues on important historical documents that lead to a treasure hidden years ago by American Freemasons.
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19
Moonlight (2014)
Considered one of the best films of the 21st century, Moonlight follows Chiron through his youth, adolescence, and early adult life as he tries to find his place in the world.
20
Roma (2018)
A recent release that made such an impact on cinema, it's already become a classic. The film takes places in 1970s Mexico, and we see life through the eyes of Cleo, a housekeeper who lives with a middle class family. The black and white Oscar-winning film is filled with tragedy, drama, and love.
Blake Bakkila
Freelance Writer
Blake Bakkila has been writing about everything from pop culture to lifestyle products for more than eight years. Her work has appeared on GoodHousekeeping.com, WhattoExpect.com, Health.com, and in the print and digital versions of Real Simple and People.
Katie Bourque
As an Editorial Fellow for Good Housekeeping, Katie covers health, beauty, home, and pop culture. Outside of the office, you can find her killing it on the karaoke machine or listening to true crime podcasts.
