While it's easy to get caught up in all of the new movies available on Netflix, whether that be Netflix original or the latest releases coming from movie theaters, the Netflix library is also filled with classic movies. Whether it's an all-time favorite that you're eager to rewatch or a well-known title that you need to scratch off your must-watch list, Netflix has a bountiful slate of classic movies to look through. We're here to help with our own recommendations of the best classic movies on Netflix right now.
Now we should be clear about what we're talking about when we say classic movies. The best way to tell if a movie is truly a classic or not is time, so we made the call to only include movies that were 10 years or older (so nothing post-2015 made the cut). With that parameter, our list features award-winning movies, box office hits and both signature and early work of iconic stars and directors.
Find out what titles made our list of best classic movies on Netflix and why directly below.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
13 Going on 30 is more than 20 years old, but it is just getting better with age. The movie stars Jennifer Garner as a teen who suddenly finds herself as her future 30-year-old self (taking inspiration from another classic, Big). It has become one of Garner's most iconic roles, while the supporting cast of Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer and Andy Serkis help make for a great watch. Available: US only
About Time (2013)
One of the best romantic comedies that I can think of in then last 15 years, which should be little surprise since it comes from rom-com master Richard Curtis. Domhnall Gleeson stars as a lovelorn young man who finds out that the men in his family have the ability to travel through time, so he decides to use it to ensure he falls in love with the woman of his dreams, played by Rachel McAdams. Bill Nighy gives a fantastic supporting performance and it's also one of the first movies starring Margot Robbie. Available: US only
An Affair to Remember (1957)
If you're a fan of Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair to Remember is the movie that is often brought up in that movie about classic love affairs. The actual movie stars Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr as two strangers that meet on a cruise ship, fall quickly in love, are forced to go their separate ways, but promise to meet each other at the top of the Empire State Building six months later. But will life get in the way or will love win out? Available: US only
Apollo 13 (1995)
One of the most harrowing true stories from the NASA space program is brought to life in Apollo 13. The movie depicts the events of where the mission to the moon went wrong ("Houston, we've had a problem") and the incredible scramble to both on earth and on the space shuttle to ensure the astronauts returned home safely. Tom Hanks leads a great ensemble in this thrilling retelling of determination and ingenuity. Available: US only
Awakenings (1990)
Surprising that a movie starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro that was also nominated for Best Picture can be overlooked, but that is the case a bit with the 1990 drama Awakenings. It's worth a watch though as Williams plays a neurologist who finds a medication that can help patients who have been in catatonic states for years "wake up." Available: US only
Boyz n the Hood (1991)
John Singleton's memorable debut movie Boyz n the Hood depicts three teens (Cuba Gooding Jr., Morris Chestnut and Ice Cube) growing up in South Central Los Angeles, where drugs, violence and even the police make life exceedingly dangerous for young Black men. More than 30 years later the movie's legacy still resonates, so much so that WTW included it in our 100 best movies of all time list. Available: US only
Bruce Almighty (2003)
Jim Carrey is a comedy god, but in the movie Bruce Almighty he gains the powers of the God. Bruce (Carrey) is a dejected news reporter frustrated at where his life is, God (Morgan Freeman) invites Bruce to see if he can do any better, giving him divine powers. Carrey of course has plenty of fun utilizing his omnipotence for the delight of movie goers. Available: US only
Carol (2015)
Cate Blanchett gave one of her finest performances in the Todd Haynes' movie Carol. In the 1950s set story, Blanchett stars as the titular housewife for begins an intimate relationship with a young store clerk, played by the equally magnificent Rooney Mara. But as their connection grows, so does the complications in keeping their relationship a secret. Carol is as well made as it is emotionally powerful. Available: US/UK
Cinderella Man (2005)
Based on the inspiring true story of 1930s boxer, Russell Crowe stars in Cinderella Man as James J. Braddock. His family devastated by the Great Depression, Braddock resurrects his career and his family's situation with a string of improbable wins in the boxing ring that lead to him getting a chance to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world. Ron Howard directs the movie that also stars Paul Giammati and Renée Zellweger. Available: US/UK
Leaving February 28
Closer (2004)
When you have movies like The Graduate, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Birdcage on your resume as Mike Nichols does, a movie like Closer can get a little lost among the shuffle. But that's an oversight as this romance drama starring Jude Law, Clive Owen, Natalie Portman and Julia Roberts is complex and steamy. The entire quartet is fantastic and Nichols added another great movie to his filmography that should not be overlooked. Available: US only
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
The McConaissance was a fun time. After seeing his star dim after a slew of less than acclaimed rom coms and box office flops, Matthew McConaughey went on a hot-streak like few other, with perhaps his crowning achievement being his Oscar-winning performance in Dallas Buyers Club. In the movie he plays a straight man diagnosed with AIDS in the early days of the disease who finds he can procure more effective medicine outside of the normal health care channels. Jared Leto also earned an Oscar for his supporting performance. Available: US only
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Julia Roberts has two of her best movies ever on Netflix right now. We'll get to the other in a bit, but the first is her Oscar-winning turn in Erin Brockovich. In this based on a true story movie, Roberts plays a secretary at a law firm who's tough demeanor and determination helps bring a big case against a chemical company that is contaminating the water outside a small town. Available: US only
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
One of the best animated movies of last 25 years, How to Train Your Dragon is a fantastic story about a young Viking who befriends a dragon, going against what his entire culture has perpetuated. With an incredible score, gorgeous animation and a great voice cast, it hits all the boxes you could want. Watch the original (and its sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2, also now on Netflix) ahead of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake. Available: US only
Inception (2010)
Christopher Nolan's elaborate, dream-based heist thriller is an example of what makes the director one of the best in the business. Few directors working today are able to craft such stunning sequences, most of which are practical, not reliant on CGI. Combining that technical marvel with a great cast and an exciting (if at times heady) story makes Inception among Nolan's best. Available: US only
Interstellar (2014)
Interstellar, Nolan's sci-fi epic that just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Interstellar was a little derided at the time of its release, but the movie is still an incredible feat of creativity and filmmaking, with a couple of sequences that stand right up with the very best that Nolan has ever done. Available: US only
The Karate Kid (1984)
Cobra Kai is a big hit on Netflix (Cobra Kai season 6 returns in February), but it all started with the 80s classic The Karate Kid. Ralph Macchio stars in this movie as a new kid in town who after being bullied is taught karate by the unsuspecting groundskeeper at his apartment complex, Mr. Miyagi (the great Pat Morita), helping him stand up for himself and participate in a regional karate tournament. It's a classic for a reason. Available: US/UK
King Kong (2005)
The original 1933 King Kong is still the best version of gargantuan ape that causes a panic in New York City, but Peter Jackson, fresh of Lord of the Rings, did an underrated job in remaking the Hollywood classic. Jackson's King Kong is entertaining, though perhaps overly long, but its heart is in a great performance by Naomi Watts and performance-capture work by Andy Serkis as Kong. Available: US only
Love Actually (2003)
Christmas may be 10 months away, but Love, Actually's many romance storylines can bring you some joy year-round. The Richard Curtis ensemble rom-com has become a holiday staple, and while some storylines are better than others (personally think the best is Martin Freeman and Joanna Page), all of them mixed together is what makes Love, Actually what it is. Available: US only
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
For my money, Mad Max: Fury Road is one of the greatest action movies ever made. George Miller conducts a symphony of exhilarating carnage as the movie is basically one long chase sequence. I never tire of watching it. You can also stream Miller's follow up, Furiousa: A Mad Max Saga on Netflix right now as well. Available: US only
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a criminally underrated action movie from Guy Ritchie and starring Henry Cavill, Armie hammer and Alicia Vikander. An adaptation of an old TV series, this 1960s set spy drama is sauve, thrilling and overall damn entertaining. It's a real shame it didn't get the reception it deserved initially, but you can remedy that now on Netflix. Available: US only
Man on Wire (2008)
An Oscar-winning documentary, Man on Wire recounts the story of Philippe Petit, who in 1974 performed a high-wire act between the two towers of the World Trade Center... all without permission. Part thriller and circus performance, it is an exhiilrating documentary. Available: US only
Meet the Parents (2000)
We all know how awkward it is to go and meet your significant others' parents for the first time, but Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller made us all feel better about our own experiences with the comedy of errors that is Meet the Parents. Though it spawned a number of sequels (and potentially another soon), the original remains the best. Available: US only
Melancholia (2011)
Many movies use a world ending threat as a narrative device, but Lars von Trier fully committed to the idea with his meditative look at depression, Melancholia. The real star of the movie though is the fantastic performance from Kirsten Dunst, which in hindsight seems baffling she didn't get nominated for an Oscar for it. Available: US only
Notting Hill (1999)
Another Julia Roberts classic to watch on Netflix, Notting Hill is one of her iconic rom-coms. This time she stars as a movie star who falls in love with the charming book store owner, played by Hugh Grant. Penned by Richard Curtis, it's little wonder that people fall in love with this movie. Available: US/UK
The Other Guys (2010)
Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg aren't your standard action movie heroes in this movie, their just the other guys. But when they have the chance to tackle the biggest cases of their careers they seize at the opportunity and try not to bungle it. Ferrell and Wahlberg are a great team here, with a strong blend of action and laughs that will leave everyone entertained. Available: US only
Leaving February 28
Public Enemies (2009)
Michael Mann knows how to craft a riveting crime thriller, and he did so again with Public Enemies, a period piece that focuses on iconic criminal John Dillinger and the FBI's dogged pursuit of him. Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard lead the cast and are all great, but there are a number of familiar faces that pop up throughout that will be fun for viewers. Available: US only
Rush Hour (1998)
Who doesn't love a good buddy cop movie? Well Rush Hour is one of the best, as Jackie Chan's martial arts master meets Christ Tucker's master of talk in this great 90s movies. The original is the perfect blend of action and comedy, though if you're also interested you can watch the sequels on Netflix as well. Available: US only
Ruse and Bone (2012)
Jacques Audiard is earning raves and awards for his latest movie Emilia Perez, but another one of his fantastic movies is available to watch on Netflix, Rust and Bone. The movie stars Marion Cotillard as a whale trainer who loses her legs after an accident, and then forms a relationship with a bare knuckles boxer, played by Matthias Schoenarts. Available: US only
Schindler's List (1993)
Steven Spielberg may best be known for his action-packed, fantastical blockbusters like Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, ET and Jurassic Park, but it is entirely fair to say that Schindler’s List is the director’s best work (all of those movies listed are on WTW’s 100 best movies of all time list). The director’s Best Picture-winning ode for those lost during the Holocaust and the great act of humanity by Oskar Schindler to help save the lives of a few thousand Jewish people is one of the most profound movies ever made. It’s not an easy watch, but it is an important and worthwhile one. Available: US only
She's Gotta Have It (1986)
Spike Lee's breakout movie, She's Gotta Have It tells the story of a woman and the three men that she counts as her lovers (one of which is Lee, as he starred in many of his early movies). Many of the traits that would come to define Lee are present in this movie, so should be a must-watch for any fans of his or film history in general. The movie also inspired a Netflix original series that ran for two seasons. Available: US/UK
Stand By Me (1986)
Stephen King is best known for his horror stories (The Shining, Carrie, It), but a more sentimental story from the prolific author that was memorably adapted for the big screen is Stand By Me. This story of childhood adventure and friendship is a classic 80s movie, featuring memorable performances from a young Wil Wheaton, Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman and River Phoenix. Available: US/UK
Still Alice (2014)
The movie that finally got Julianne Moore her Oscar is truly a showcase for the actress. She plays a woman who is diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer's, and slowly begins to feel the effects. It's a devastating but powerful performance. But she's not alone, as Kristen Stewart gives one of her career-best performances in the movie as well as one of Moore's daughters. Available: US only
The Sting (1973)
Best Picture-winner The Sting returns to Netflix and instantly becomes a must watch. Paul Newman and Robert Redford star as a pair of conmen who gather a team to pull off a big heist of a seedy individual while he's one a train; think Ocean's Eleven but set during the Great Depression. Available: US only
The Thin Blue Line (1988)
If you love true crime, then you absolutely must watch The Thin Blue Line, one of the most influential documentaries ever made. Not only did Errol Morris' movie investigating a murder conviction in Dallas County, Texas, lead to helping the release of an innocent man, but it served as the blue print for all true crime documentaries (of which there are plenty on Netflix) to come. Available: US only
When We Were Kings (1996)
I never got to see Muhammad Ali fight, so the closest thing to that is watching the documentary When We Were Kings. The good thing is that it's an incredible documentary, chronicling Ali's preparation for the 1974 world heavyweight bout against George Foreman, where Ali attempted to overcome his underdog status and reclaim the title he held for years. It's one of the most fascinating sports documentaries ever made. Available: US only
Whiplash (2014)
Damien Chazelle's magnificent debut movie Whiplash is the story of an aspiring jazz drummer (Miles Teller) who is tormented by an abusive and demanding band leader (J.K. Simmons) is a frenetic and riveting watch, with one of the best endings that I have ever seen. Time to give it a watch if you haven't seen it in the last decade. Available: US only
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
