10 Best Old Movies on Netflix

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If you love cozy nights with popcorn, a blanket, and a classic movie, Netflix has plenty of options. While it’s famous for new shows and trending series, Netflix also has a great collection of beloved films from years past. From 70s horror to 80s teen favorites, Netflix’s movie selection lets you revisit timeless cinema.

We’re constantly adding new films, so you can easily access some of the most important and beloved movies ever made. These classics inspired countless filmmakers, gave us characters we’ll never forget, and continue to spark meaningful discussions. While new movies come out all the time, these older films offer a uniquely creative and authentic style of storytelling.

Here are 10 of the best old movies currently streaming on Netflix.

10
‘The Goonies’ (1985)


Warner Bros.

The classic 1980s movie, The Goonies, begins on a rainy afternoon in Astoria, Oregon. It tells the story of a group of adventurous kids who find an old map in an attic. This map promises the hidden treasure of the pirate One-Eyed Willy! Facing the possibility of losing their homes, the kids embark on a dangerous underground journey, dodging traps, skeletons, and a family of criminals who are also after the treasure.

Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg, The Goonies remains a beloved classic. Its energetic story, unforgettable characters, and perfect mix of excitement and fun have kept it popular for decades. The film beautifully captures the feeling of childhood – that sense of wonder and limitless possibility. It’s gained a devoted following over the years, and even today, its famous lines (“Hey you guys!”) and adventurous spirit feel surprisingly modern and engaging, sparking a strong sense of nostalgia.

9
‘The Karate Kid’ (1984)


Columbia Pictures

In The Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso’s life changes when he moves from New Jersey to California. He struggles to fit in and becomes a target for bullies who are karate students from the Cobra Kai dojo, led by Johnny Lawrence. Luckily, he meets Mr. Miyagi, a calm and skilled handyman with a hidden past and a love for bonsai trees and finding balance. Miyagi agrees to teach Daniel karate, helping him develop discipline and patience as he trains for the All Valley Karate Tournament, where he’ll face Johnny and the Cobra Kai.

Everyone considers The Karate Kid a classic story about growing up, and it continues to inspire audiences today. It’s known for its powerful messages about never giving up, learning who you are, and finding strength when you least expect it. Pat Morita’s portrayal of Mr. Miyagi is especially memorable – he even received an Oscar nomination for a performance that was both kind and strong. Plus, the movie is filled with iconic ‘80s moments, from the training sequences to the beach scenes and the exciting final tournament.

8
‘Scarface’ (1983)


Universal Pictures

Tony Montana comes to Miami from Cuba with little more than ambition and a tough attitude. He quickly becomes involved in the drug business, eliminating competition and building a lavish criminal empire. The film follows Tony’s rapid ascent to power and his eventual, predictable collapse, showing his journey from a small-time criminal to a major drug lord.

Brian De Palma’s Scarface is a bold, chaotic, and truly memorable film. Al Pacino delivers a powerful performance, portraying Tony Montana as a flawed and ultimately tragic figure whose confident exterior hides his vulnerabilities. By the time he delivers his famous line, “Say hello to my little friend,” the empire he’s created is already falling apart, making for a compelling watch. Though initially controversial, the movie has become a beloved classic, frequently referenced in music, fashion, and comedy.

7
‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ (1982)


Universal Studios

Cameron Crowe’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High isn’t just a movie about high school – it’s a look at the chaotic world of teenage life, filled with first loves, after-school jobs, and hanging out at the mall. The film doesn’t focus on one main story, but instead follows several students, including Stacy Hamilton as she experiences her first romance, her hardworking brother Brad, the quick-witted Mark Ratner and his friend Damone, and the laid-back surfer Jeff Spicoli.

This movie offers a realistic and relatable look at teenage life, filled with humor, awkwardness, and heartwarming moments. It doesn’t try to make adolescence seem glamorous, and that’s a big part of its appeal. The script feels genuine thanks to the director’s research, and the direction keeps the film light and fun. Jennifer Jason Leigh gives a particularly moving performance, and Sean Penn’s character instantly became a well-known pop culture figure. Ultimately, the movie’s ability to find drama in everyday embarrassments is what makes it so endearing.

6
‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ (1982)


Universal Pictures

In a peaceful neighborhood, a boy named Elliott discovers a lost alien hiding in his shed. Their initial curiosity quickly grows into a strong friendship, and Elliott, along with his siblings, secretly works to help the alien contact its home planet. But as government officials start searching, the children must hurry to keep their new friend safe.

There’s a simple, powerful quality to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The film beautifully captures the feelings of childhood loneliness, the power of imagination, and the sadness of saying goodbye – especially in its moving final moments when E.T.’s ship departs and Elliott promises, “I’ll be right here.” Spielberg’s direction is gentle and sincere, and John Williams’ iconic music feels like a character itself. Beyond its success at the box office, the film’s lasting impact comes from the deep emotional connection it creates with viewers.

5
‘Dracula’ (1979)


Universal Pictures

John Badham’s 1992 film brings Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula story to life. Frank Langella plays the Count as a charming and alluring figure who arrives in England. This adaptation focuses on the romantic and frightening aspects of the tale, showing Dracula captivating Lucy Seward. As Van Helsing tries to uncover the cause of strange deaths and Lucy’s unsettling changes, the movie leads to a dramatic, gothic confrontation.

Langella’s portrayal of Dracula is a refreshing change from the typical monstrous depiction. He’s presented as refined, sorrowful, and surprisingly relatable. This approach lends the film a captivating and melancholic beauty, particularly in scenes like Lucy’s voluntary embrace of Dracula. With direction from Badham, stunning cinematography by Gil Taylor, Laurence Olivier’s powerful performance as Van Helsing, and another memorable score by John Williams, this Dracula is a deeply moving experience.

4
‘Animal House’ (1978)


Universal Pictures

Released in 1962, the comedy Animal House takes place at the made-up Faber College. The film centers on the Delta Tau Chi fraternity – a group of lovable underdogs – as they constantly butt heads with the strict Dean Wormer and the snobby Omega fraternity. Led by the charismatic Bluto, the fun-loving Otter, and the always-worried Flounder, the Deltas are a carefree bunch known for their wild parties and outrageous antics, like toga parties and food fights.

Animal House is a wildly exaggerated take on college life. The movie doesn’t follow a typical story structure; instead, it’s a non-stop series of increasingly outrageous pranks and silly situations. John Belushi’s performance is incredibly chaotic – the scene where he’s overeating in the cafeteria and yells, “I’m a zit!” is a perfect example. The movie’s loose, rambling style actually works in its favor, making it feel like something that really could have happened at a college party. It’s definitely immature, but it’s also cleverly committed to its over-the-top humor.

3
‘Taxi Driver’ (1976)


Columbia Pictures

Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver follows Travis Bickle, a Vietnam veteran and insomniac, as he drives a cab through the gritty, brightly lit streets of 1970s New York City. The film is told through Travis’s perspective as he spirals into loneliness and anger, becoming increasingly disturbed by the city’s problems. He focuses his attention on two women: Betsy, a kind campaign worker he tries to connect with, and Iris, a young girl he believes he needs to rescue.

Martin Scorsese expertly creates a tense and mesmerizing atmosphere in Taxi Driver, powerfully enhanced by Bernard Herrmann’s unforgettable score. The film’s shocking and dreamlike ending leaves you questioning whether the main character, Travis, is a savior or a danger. This ambiguity is what makes the movie so compelling. At its heart, Taxi Driver is a story about isolation and fear, brought to life by Robert De Niro’s captivating performance. Even more impressively, a young Jodie Foster, just 12 years old at the time, gives a remarkable performance as well. The film sparked a lot of debate and critical analysis, and was nominated for four Academy Awards.

2
‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974)


Bryanston Distributing Company

A group of friends on a summer road trip in Texas have a terrifying experience when their van breaks down far from help. They find what seems like a safe haven in an old farmhouse, but quickly discover it’s home to a dangerous, cannibalistic family, including the terrifying Leatherface who wields a chainsaw. The film becomes a relentless and horrifying fight for survival as the friends are hunted and terrorized by the brutal Sawyer family.

Directed by horror icon Tobe Hooper, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a truly groundbreaking film that profoundly impacted the horror genre. While it has inspired numerous sequels, remakes, and tributes, the original remains uniquely terrifying. This is largely due to its raw, documentary-like look, Gunnar Hansen’s frightening performance, and how it cleverly breaks from typical slasher movie conventions.

1
‘Night of the Living Dead’ (1968)


Continental Distributing

A brother and sister’s visit to a cemetery quickly turns terrifying when the dead start rising. Barbara manages to escape to a farmhouse, where she finds herself with a group of strangers all trying to survive the night. As zombies surround the house, a strong leader named Ben finds himself at odds with a fearful man named Harry Cooper.

George A. Romero’s first film, Night of the Living Dead, is a hugely important achievement, not just for horror movies, but for independent filmmaking in general. Casting Duane Jones, a Black actor, as the main character in 1968 was a subtle but groundbreaking decision, and his powerful performance is the heart of the film. Shot in stark black and white with a gritty, realistic style and unsettling quiet moments, it’s a bleak and truly memorable experience. Despite being made with very little money, its impact has been enormous. Every zombie movie made since owes something to it, and it remains surprisingly scary even today.

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2025-11-17 01:21