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.
The Age of Innocence (1993)
Fans of Martin Scorsese know the director is not afraid to show violence in his movies, but it may surprise people that the movie he considers to be his most violent is The Age of Innocence, a period drama love triangle set in 19th century New York's high society. The violence that Scorsese refers to is being done behind is "emotional and psychological violence" that is "refined," as Daniel Day-Lewis' Newland Archer who finds himself caught between his fiance (Winona Ryder) and her cousin (Michelle Pfeiffer). It may not be the first Scorsese movie you think of (that one is probably another Scorsese movie we have below), but The Age of Innocence is a well thought of entry from the master director by many. Available: US only
American Gangster (2007)
Even when Denzel Washington is bad he is so darn good. In American Gangster, the Oscar-winner plays drug kingpin Frank Lucas as he builds his empire in Harlem (another interpretation of Frank Lucas is currently playing out in Godfather of Harlem season 4). Paired with Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe as the dogged cop looking to take Lucas down and an ensemble of recognizable faces all on their game, American Gangster is a fantastic crime drama to watch at any time. Available: US only
American Graffiti (1973)
George Lucas' legacy will forever be hitched to Star Wars, but his career first took off with something about as far away from the sci-fi classic as you can imagine. American Graffiti tells the story of a group of high school friends cruising about town in the early 1960s before they set about the next phase of their lives. The movie earned five Oscar nominations (including Best Picture and Best Director for Lucas) and is on the American Film Institute's top 100 American movies of all time. Available: US only
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Ron Burgundy is kind of a big deal. One of Will Ferrell's most beloved and quotable comedies, Anchorman is more than a one-man show, as Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner and the late Fred Willard, along with the slew of cameos, bring wildly fun antics in this story of a 1970s news anchor in San Diego. The sequel is also streaming on Netflix right now, if you're interested. Available: US only
Animal House (1978)
There are definitely elements of Animal House that haven't aged particularly well, but the college comedy that was the first movie made by the creatives at National Lampoon remains a hilarious romp on campus. A large part of that is the performance by John Belushi, but the ensemble is great from top to bottom (including Kevin Bacon in his first movie role). Animal House is the college comedy that all others in the genre are judged on, and for my money no other one has eclipsed it. Available: US only
Annie (1982)
This one is a bit of a nostalgia pick, as Annie has one of the first non-Disney musicals that I can remember watching. With an great cast that includes Albert Finney, Carol Burnett, Ann Reinking, Tim Curry, Bernadette Peters and Aileen Quinn as Annie, it's hard not to be charmed by the iconic songs "Tomorrow" or "It's a Hard Knock Life." Available: US only
Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
There are two types of war movies: those that show the horrors of battle, and those that depict the trials that come after the battles are over for those that fought in them. Born on the Fourth of July is the latter, featuring one of Tom Cruise's best performances (that arguably should have won him an Oscar) in this true story of how a Vietnam veteran's sense of patriotism evolved after being injured in the war. I think it's a superior movie to Oliver Stone's other Best Picture-winning Vietnam movie, Platoon. Available: US only
The Breakfast Club (1985)
The king of teen movies, John Hughes, made perhaps his most iconic movie in The Breakfast Club. This story of five teenagers bonding and learning about each other while they are stuck together in detention on a Saturday, The Breakfast Club works so well because it doesn’t treat its teen characters like children, it takes their problems seriously. Throw in some great 80s soundtracks, including the iconic “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” and you have an all-time classic. Available: US only
*Leaving August 1
Burn After Reading (2008)
Who knows if or when we are ever going to get another Coen Brothers' movie (they're currently working solo, with Ethan Coen's latest, Honey Don't! releasing in summer 2025), so you should take the opportunity to watch the filmmakers' work when you have the chance. Burn After Reading is one of their more comedic entries, as Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, George Clooney, John Malkovich and more star in this bumbling spy story. Available: US only
Captain Phillips (2013)
Director Paul Greengrass is known for directing intense, thrilling movies, and that is definitely the case of Captain Phillips. Based on a true story of a cargo ship being taken over by Somali pirates, Tom Hanks portrays the titular captain who has to manage the situation, working with the leader of the pirates (Oscar-nominated Barkhad Abdi) to try and ensure the safety of his crew while a rescue mission is organized. The movie's iconic line, "I'm the captain now," has been parodied a bunch, but there's more to love in this movie. Available: US only
Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
When you have movies like The Graduate, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Birdcage on your resume as Mike Nichols does, movies like our next two picks can get lost in the shuffle. But both, from the 2000s, show Nichols remained an impeccable filmmaker. The first is Charlie Wilson's War, based on the true story of a low-key congressman who helps build up the defense of Afghanistan when the Soviet Union invades. Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman star in a movie that finds humor and tragedy in this moment in history that had incredible and unforeseen ripple effects. Available: US only
The Deer Hunter (1978)
Another brilliant but brutally tough Vietnam movie on Netflix right now is The Deer Hunter. Like Born on the Fourth of July, this one is less concerned with the battlefield than the mental turmoil wrought by it, in this case an intense and iconic prisoner of war scene (though the historical accuracy of it is questionable). But the real highlight of The Deer Hunter are the incredible performances of its cast, led by Robert De Niro and featuring early work from Christopher Walken (who would win an Oscar for his performance) and Meryl Streep (earning her first ever nomination). Available: US only
Field of Dreams (1989)
John Mulaney memorably and jokingly summarized Field of Dreams at the 2024 Oscars, but all jokes aside, the Kevin Costner movie is a true classic and has become engrained in our cultural minds, from the image of the baseball field in the middle of a corn maze to James Earl Jones' classic monologue about baseball and the movie's emotionally cathartic moment. Mulaney was definitely onto something. Available: US only
*Leaving August 1
Friday Night Lights (2004)
The Friday Night Lights TV show may be the fan favorite, but let's not overlook the original movie. A more direct adaptation of the book of the same name about a real-life Texas high school football team's season as they pursue a state championship in a football-obsessed town, the movie Friday Night Lights is a rich sports movie, with great game action and a plethora of rich characters, led by Billy Bob Thornton's Coach Gaines. Available: US only
The Guns of Navarone (1961)
An old school Hollywood epic action movie, The Guns of Navrone follows a group of Allied soldiers in World War Two that set about destroying a Nazi base where long-range guns are pinning down Allied forces. David Niven, Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn and Richard Harris help make up the ensemble of soldiers that take audiences on this thrilling mission. Available: US only
Happy Gilmore (1996)
With Happy Gilmore 2 coming out in July, there's no better time to rewatch the original Happy Gilmore on Netflix right now. The golf comedy stars Adam Sandler as an aspiring pro hockey player who, after discovering he can drive the ball further than anyone else, switches to golf when in desperate need of money. But you can't take the hockey player out of Happy Gilmore, as he flaunts traditional golf decorum. Available: US/UK
The Holiday (2006)
If you ever just need a pick-me-up, then The Holiday is always a good option; I’ll even forgive the fact that this is technically a Christmas movie (though the actual holiday is just a small fact of the movie) and ignore my usual stance that Christmas movies should be reserved for post-Thanksgiving. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black are all great in this charming rom-com. Available: US only
The Intern (2015)
Nancy Meyers movies are nothing if not endearingly charming, and The Intern is no exception. Robert De Niro stars as a retiree who doesn't want to just sit around in his golden years and decides to become an intern for a new fashion website. He soon becomes the confidant of the passionate and driven CEO, played by Anne Hathaway. This was our last movie from Meyers, now 10 years ago, but her work remains comfort watching material. Available: US/UK
The Jerk (1979)
If you're a fan of Steve Martin and haven't seen The Jerk, you need to remedy that immediately. Martin, best known currently for Only Murders in the Building, made his big screen debut with this absolutely absurd tale of a simple country boy whose naivete both brings him luck and gets him into trouble. There numerous fantastic bits in the movie, which are best enjoyed by watching it rather than me try to explain them. Available: US only
The Karate Kid (1984)
A new generation of Karate Kid fans have been developed between Cobra Kai and Karate Kid: Legends, but the original The Karate Kid is still "the best around" in my book. You can actually watch just about all Karate Kid movies (save for The Next Karate Kid and the 2025 new movie) on Netflix right now, but the original is a must. Available: US/UK
The Lego Movie (2014)
Part of the fun of playing with Lego's is building whatever you want, and the filmmakers behind The Lego Movie clearly took that to heart in this hilarious and incredibly fun animated movie for all ages. An all-star voice cast (including Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Will Arnett, Will Ferrell, Liam Neeson and more) and a story that goes deeper than you might expect for a movie about toy blocks made The Lego Movie both a box office and critical hit. It's always a good pick for to watch. Available: US only
*Leaving August 1
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
*Leaving August 6
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
Midnight Run (1988)
A combination of the buddy movie, crime movie and road trip movie, Midnight Run stars Robert De Niro as a bounty hunter tasked with bringing a former mob accountant, played by Charles Grodin, back to New York. Of course, the trip is anything but easy. De Niro and Grodin are great alongside each other, making this an easy to watch and entertaining picture. Available: US only
Mission: Impossible (1996)
The first five Mission: Impossible movies are now streaming on Netflix. If you aren't willing to choose to accept watching all five movies, then may I recommend just sticking with the original. While the entries starting with Ghost Protocol and going to the latest Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning get most of the hype, 1996's Mission: Impossible is a fantastic spy movie that still features the most iconic stunt of the series. I'd also recommend trying the underrated Missions: Impossible III, but if you're just up for one, go with the original. Available: US/UK
Neighbors (2014)
One of my personal favorite comedies of the last 10-15 years, Neighbors stars Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen as new parents who are terrified to learn that their new neighbors are a fraternity, led by Zac Efron. Neighbors has fantastic gross out bits, but the relationships between the characters is what makes it one worthy coming back to. The only downside is that its sequel, Neighbors 2, isn't available on Netflix to make for a double feature. Available: US only
The Notebook (2004)
For all of the romantics out there, The Notebook is on Netflix to make you fall in love with love all over again. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams are star-crossed lovers in this adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks book. Critics may not have been the biggest supporters of the movie, but fans were certainly charmed with Allie and Noah's love story. Available: US only
The Other Guys (2010)
Ever wonder what it was like for the other cops in John McLane's precinct? That's basically the premise of The Other Guys, with Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell starring as a pair of overlooked detectives that take on a case when the A-team of officers are out of commission. Directed and co-written by Adam McKay, this is another strong collaboration between McKay and Ferrell (who also worked together on Anchorman and Step Brothers). Available: US only
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Animation in the 90s was dominated by Disney and Pixar, but The Prince of Egypt, which hailed from DreamWorks Animation, is a classic in its own right. Telling the story of Moses, it is an epic animation unlike much else at the time. Charlton Heston's The Ten Commandments has been the go-to story of Passover forever it feels like, but The Prince of Egypt matches, and surpasses, it in many facets. Available: US only
Psycho (1960)
One of Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpieces, Psycho is a taut, expertly crafted horror/thriller. I know that to be true because no matter how many times you’ve seen the movie, or even if you haven’t but it’s place in popular culture has spoiled some of the movie’s biggest surprises, I dare you to not jump when the strings of the iconic Psycho score first play. Available: US only
*Leaving August 1
Rear Window (1954)
Another Hitchcock classic (in fact, Netflix has a number of them in June as they put a spotlight on the director), Rear Window may be the movie you need to watch to understand just how good of a director Hitchcock was. The movie is set entirely in the apartment of a professional photographer who has a broken leg, leaving him unable to do anything but watch his neighbors. Things take a turn when he suspects one of his neighbors may have committed murder.
Hitchcock and his production team created an entire apartment complex in a studio, giving him complete control over the environment. Combined with the tension he's able to create without ever leaving the main apartment, it's an incredible feat of filmmaking. Available: US only
*Leaving August 1
Red Eye (2005)
In the first part of Red Eye you think that Rachel McAdams could be setting herself up for another wonderful romance, this time with Cillian Murphy's character, who she meets in an airport. But as their plane is in the air, the dynamic shifts and Red Eye becomes an entertaining thriller, which is what we'd expect from director Wes Craven. Available: US only
Rudy (1993)
College football fans that are eager for the next season to get underway can ease the wait by watching the classic college football movie Rudy on Netflix. Sean Astin stars as the diminutive titular character, who dreams of playing for the Notre Dame football team and will push himself to make it happen. Even if you're not a Notre Dame fan, Rudy is one of those sports movies that will get your emotions riled up, especially in the final moments. 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
Sicario (2015)
Before he conquered the world of Dune, director Denis Villeneuve depicted a different kind of desert conflict, as Emily Blunt's federal agent attempts to stop drug trafficking across the US-Mexico border with the help of a dangerous but mysterious ally(?), played by Benicio Del Toro. A taut, brilliantly excellent thriller (written by a pre-Yellowstone Taylor Sheridan) is always worth a watch. Available: US only
Slap Shot (1977)
If you're sad that hockey season is about to come to an end, then you can ease some of that pain with the brilliant hockey comedy Slap Shot. Paul Newman stars as the player-coach of a failing minor league hockey team that decides to embrace a violent play of hockey in order to draw fans. It's one of the best sports comedies that I can think of. Available: US only
Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
Burt Reynolds’ has all of his movie star charm in this classic road trip comedy where he plays The Bandit, a driver who is taking on the challenge of escorting a tractor-trailor full of beer across state lines (illegal at the time). Picking up a runaway bride (Sally Field) and having a local sheriff (Jackie Gleason) give chase along the way just adds to the fun in this one. Available: US only
*Leaving August 1
The Sugarland Express (1974)
Steven Spielberg's first big-screen directing job came with The Sugarland Express. Often overshadowed by Jaws, released just a year later, The Sugarland Express is an intriguing first effort from the then 26-year-old who was destined to become the biggest director in Hollywood, with the movie starring Goldie Hawn and playing out mostly as a chase sequence based on a surprising true story. Available: US only
*Leaving August 1
Tommy Boy (1995)
Chris Farley is a comedy legend taken from us too soon, but thankfully he made a number of great comedies that will live on, one of which is Tommy Boy. Farley and David Spade (both SNL alums) hit the road to try and sell enough car parts to save their company. The movie works on this tag team performance, with Farley's physical comedy and Spade's sarcasm playing perfectly alongside each other. Available: US only
The Town
While Argo may have won Ben Affleck Best Picture, for my money The Town is still his best movie. The crime drama where he and Jeremy Renner play bank robbers in Boston has some intense heists (including one of the more memorable heists in recent movie history as they team robs Fenway Park) and a number of surprisingly funny moments. It's definitely worth a rewatch on Netflix. Available: US/UK
*Leaving August 1
Trainwreck (2015)
I'm always surprised that Trainwreck didn't become a bigger hit, as I found the movie absolutely hilarious. Amy Schumer stars as a woman who doesn't believe in monogamy, only to have that challenged when she meets a sports medicine doctor (Bill Hader). Written by Schumer and directed by Apatow, the movie is stuffed with great jokes, including a surprisingly hilarious performance by LeBron James, but also an effective romance you want to root for. Available: US only
V for Vendetta (2005)
An adaptation of the popular graphic novel, V for Vendetta is a mix of action and political thriller as a future, Orwellian England sees the spark of a revolution from a mysterious man in a Guy Fawkes mask simply known as V. Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman and John Hurt headline this fan-favorite movie that celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. Available: US only
Y tu mamá también
Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma is one of the most acclaimed Netflix original movies to date, but now one of the Oscar-winning director’s early classics is also now streaming on the platform. Y tu mamá también (which translates to “and your mother too”) stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna as two teenage boys who learn about life and themselves when they head out on a road trip with an older woman. Available: US/UK
