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The old classic films became a starter or a mentor for the films we watch today, and while change is good and inevitable, people still hold back on the old classic movies. They’re still as famous as they were back in the day.
One main reason people love these movies is that these movies depict simplicity in an attractive way which makes them enjoyable. Even people from the current generation enjoy the movies.
they are acted in a simple manner, or based on innocent days, and yet attractive.
If you love old films, here is a list of the best classic movies that I bet you will enjoy in your lifetime. Some movies are available on Netflix. And can be streamed with the use of a VPN.
Gone with the Wind 1939
Director: Victor Fleming
Writers: Oliver H.P. Garrett, Margaret Mitchell, Sidney Howard
Cast: Oscar Polk, Victor Jory, Vivien Leigh., Red crane, Thomas Mitchell
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Scarlett has always wanted Ashley. But later, she learns that Ashley is to be married to her cousin Melanie. At the engagement party in Ashle’s home, Scarlett overtures Ashley but gets the attention of another guest.
The Godfather (1972)
Director: Francis ford
Writers: Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola
Cast: John Marley, Robert Duvall, Al Pacino, Sterling Hayden, Sterling Hayden
IMDb Rating: 9.2 /10
Don Vito is at an event for his daughter’s wedding. Michael, the youngest son of Vito, is also present but seems not interested in the family business. However, the father passes on a mantle to Vito though single-heartedly. The Godfather is one of the best classic movies on Netflix.
The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
Director: Victor Fleming
Writers: Edgar Allan Woolf, Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson.
Cast: Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Garland, Billie Burke, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Dorothy is walking with her dog (Toto). On their way, she meets a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Coward lion who requires courage, and Tin Man with a missing heart. The witch asks the group to bring him Wicked Witch of West’s broom to earn his help.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Director: David Lean
Writers: Micheal Wilson, Robert Bolt
Cast: Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sheriff, Jack Hawkins
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Lieutenant Lawrence is sent to get Prince Faisal in Arabia. However, the lieutenant disobeys the orders and embarks on a journey to attack a Turkish well-guarded port. Lawrence of Arabia is classified among the best classic movies due to its epic score and perfect cinematography.
Citizen Kane 1941
Director: Orson Welles
Writers: Orson Welles, John Houseman, Herman J.
Cast: Paul Stewart, Phillip Van, Georgia Backus, Ray Collins, Ruth Warrick, Orson Welles,
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Newsreel starts the film where several reporters detail Kane’s life. The reel shows masses of life for Kane, his life’s flashback how he rose to fame and fell off the top of the world. This movie is rated as one of the best classic movies 2021 ever made.
Casablanca (1942)
Director: Michael Curtiz
Writers: Howard Kotch, Philip Epstein, Julius Epstein
Cast: Ius Epstein, Peter Lorrwe, Joy Page, Paul Henreid, Dooley Wilson, Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet
IMDb Rating 8.5/10
Casablanca club has become a place for refugees to seek illegal letters to enable them to escape to America. Casablanca is original with artistic quality. It deserves to be one of the best classic movies in terms of story structure with different plotlines.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Director: Billy Wilder
Writers: Robert Thoeren, I. A Diamond, Billy Wilder
Cast: Joan Shawlee, Tony Curtis, Billy Gray, Dave Barry, Harry Wilson, Mike Mazurki, George Raft.
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Joe and Jerry, Chicago musicians, witness a massacre organized by gangster Spats Combo, whom they work for. They opt to flee out of the town to join a female crew (Josephine and Daphne) who plays bass and saxophone, but complications ensue.
An American In Paris (1951)
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Writer: Alan Jay
Cast: Nina Foch, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Gene Kelly, Georges Guetary
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Jerry Mulligan, an American painter, is trying to build his reputation. He is noticed by influential heiress girl Milo Roberts. She takes him to her apartment and invites him to a dinner party. The painter falls for the heiress, but she is already engaged. The film is one of the best movies on Netflix.
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Director: Jana Campion
Writers: Thomas Savage, Jane Campion
Cast: Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit, Stephen Brian, Max Mata, Josh Owen, Cohen Halloway, Eddie Campbell.
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Phil owns a ranch with George. On a cattle drive, they meet Rose with her son Peter. Phil mocks Rose’s son while George falls for Rose, marries her, and relocates. This film is one of the best classic movies in 2021 for those who love tension.
West Side Story (2021)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writers: Arthur Laurents, Tony Kusher
Cast: Rita Moreno, Debose, Ansel Elgort, Ricardo Zayas, Corey Stoll, Andriel Flete
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Jets and The Sharks focuses on the story of Romeo and Juliet. The film explores ethnic diversities of Ancient Catholics and Jewish families who lived in Manhattan in 1959. The movie is super technically thrilling. It deserves to be one of the best classic movies of all time.
Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)
Director: Vincennte Minnelli
Writers: Sally Benson, Fred F, Irving Brecher
Cast: Leon Ames, Joan Carol, Robert Sully, Tom Drake, Chil Wills, Hugh Marlowe
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
The Smith family has four beautiful daughters. Esther, 17 years old, has fallen for John next door. John barely recognizes Esther since he just moved in. Esther becomes sad as her family has to move to New York. Her father has secured a pleasant position there.
Roman Holiday (1953)
Director: William Wyler
Writers: John Dighton, Ian Hunter, Dalton Trumbo
Cast: Alfredo Rizzo, Gorilla Gori, Tullio Carminati, Harcout Williams, Laura Solai, Paolo Carlini
IMDb Rating:8.0/10
Joe Bradley is a reporter in Rome and is on the verge of getting fired due to poor job performance. He has missed an interview with the Princess, who cancels her tour to Rome. Joe and the princess later meet and still have feelings for one another.
The Last Letter from You Lover (2021)
Director: Augustine Frizzell
Writers: Jojo Moyes, Esta Spalding, Nick Payne
Cast: Emma Appleton, Ncuti Gatwa, Joe Alwyn, Shailene Woodley, Felicity Lones
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Journalist Ellie Haworth finds some love letters. She tries to uncover the love affair between a wealthy industrialist’s wife, Jennifer, and a financial journalist tasked with covering the wealthy industrialist. It’s one of the best classic movies on Netflix.
Lady Bird (2017)
Director: Greta Gerwig
Writer: Greta Gerwig
Cast: Tracy Letts, Laurie Metcalf, Odeye Rush, Marielle Scott, John Karna, Laura Marano
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Christine Lady Bird yearns for adventure, but doesn’t get any in her Sacramento Catholic school. Christine attends a theatre program with her friend, where she meets Daniel from another school. She develops a romantic relationship. However, the friend gets disappointed since Christine chose to spend the after-party with her lover Dani.
Malcolm & Marie (2017)
Director: Sam Levinson
Writers: Sam Levinson
Cast: Zendaya, John David
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Filmmaker Malcolm with his wife returns home after a film premiere. He realizes his wife is not happy and is bothered to ask her about the issue. She complains that he did not get applause or recognition in her premiere speech as she believes she played an essential role in the film.
The Witch (2015)
Director: Robert Eggers
Writer: Robert Eggers
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Harvey Scrimshaw, Kate Dickie, Ralph Ineson
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
William and his family are evacuated from a Puritan because of a religious disagreement. They move and build a farm and bear another child. The child later disappears abruptly. The Witch is one of the best classic horror movies that is incredibly believable and quite frightening. Good for the targeted audience.
Marriage Story 2019
Director: Noah Baumbach
Writer: Noah Baumbach
Cast: David Turner, Eric Berryman, Raymond Lee, Pete Simpson, Mickey Sumner, Adam Driver.
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Charlie and Nicole have a perfect marriage, but after some time things change. They both agree to seek help by writing what each wants. Nicole later leaves her company and husband to stay with her mother in West Hollywood while the husband remains in New York.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Director:Emile ardolini
Writer:Eleanor Bergstein
Cast: Patrick Swayze, Jack Weston, Jerry Obach, Brucker, Wayne Knight, Max Cantor
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Houseman goes to Catskill Mountain Resort with her family. She is a big girl ready to join college but becomes engaged to Johnny castle, a dance instructor. She fetches money from her father to carry out an abortion for her lover’s friend,meet-upwho later becomes sick after the abortion.
On the Waterfront (1954)
Director: Elia Kazan
Writers: Malcolm Johnson, Budd Schulberg, Robert Siodmak
Cast: Marlon Brando, Lee Cobb, Erickson Patt Henning, Blackman
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Terry Malloy runs errands for a corrupt boss at the docks. She witnesses a murder scene by her boss’ guys where she meets the deceased person’s sister. But Father Barry tries to get information from her boss.
On the Waterfront is one of the best classic movies due to its emblematic cinematography.
Army of The Dead (2021)
Director: Zack Snyder
Writers: Shay Hatten, Joby Harold, Zack Synder
Cast: Theo Rossi, Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Steve Corona, Samantha Win
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Tanaka realizes he has left $200 million in Sin City. But with a strong casino vault, his money seems safe. But he has to worry since the city will be nuked within 96 hours. This movie is rated as the best classic horror movie in 2021.
Rebecca (1940)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Writers: Robert Sherwood, Daphine Maurier, Joan Harrison
Cast: Nigel Bruce, George Sanders, Philip Winter, Bunny Beatty, Reginald Denny.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
An inexperienced young lady meets widower Maxim, whose wife has just died of a boat accident. The widower is rich and marries the young lady as a second wife and goes to Manderley. Nevertheless, she tries to please her husband after realizing she still loves her deceased wife.
All About Eve (1950)
Director: Joseph Mankiewicz
Writers: Mary Orr, Joseph Mankiewicz
Cast: Gary Merrill, George Sanders, Craig Hill, Barbara White, Barbara Bates
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Margo Channing, who has turned 40, is worried about her career. So Eve manipulates Margo by acting as her secretary. Still, her evil plans are being monitored by Addison, who is invited to attend a party hosted by Eve, who is performing in place for Margo.
The Apartment (1960)
Director: Billy Wilder
Writers: A. L. Diamond, Billy Wilder
Cast: Jack Lemmon, Jack Kruschen, Bill Baldwin, Paul Bradley, Hope Holiday
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Bud is a lonely officer who works at an insurance corporation till late night. He has given out his mansion to other executives to be used for extramarital affairs so as to rise in his business. The Apartment is one of the best classic movies for those who love romantic comedies.
Vertigo (1958)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Writers: Samuel Taylor, Pierre Boileau, Alec Coppel
Cast: Henry Jones, James Stewart, Tom Helmore, Kim Novak, Raymond Baile
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Detective John has sought to retire after a chase that left an officer dead. His wife has been observed with mental disorders, so Scottie must follow her closely. Scotties does this unwillingly as they both buy a flower to place on the graveside of Carlotta Valdez.
An Affair to Remember (1957)
Director: Leo McCarey
Writers: Leo McCarey, Delmer Daves, Mildred Cram
Cast: Richard Denning, Carry Grant, Deborah Kerr, Mary Carroll Bain
IMDb Ratings: 7.5/10
Nickie goes to New York to marry, while singer Terry will see her boyfriend. They decide to stay for six months before they meet. Nickie is too eager for the meet up while Terry is overwhelmed, but will tell whether this will happen.
How to Steal a Million (1966)
Director: William Wyler
Writers: Harry Kurnitz, George Bradshaw
Cast: Remy Longa , Edward Malin, Marcel Dalio, Jacques Marin, Pierre Mirat
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Charles, a collector of valuable items, has licensed a statue to Kleberg museum for $1 million. His daughter Bonnets is afraid and wants him to stop the business since she fears it will land him in jail. How to Steal a Million is one of the best classic movies on Netflix.
What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1962)
Director: Robert Aldrich
Writer: Heller, Henry Farrell
Cast: Anna Lee, Bert Freed, Dave Willock, Michael Fox, Barbara Merrill,
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Jane became famous as she acted alongside her dad. Blanche became a perfect actress but later became disabled. Jane is now controlling everything that Blanche does, making her lose her mind. The movie is one of the best horror movies with masterful performances.
Titanic (1997)
Director: James Cameron
Writer: James Cameron
Cast: Billy Zane, Frances Fisher, Gloria Stuart, Suez Amis, Danny Nucci
IMDb Ratings: 7.8/10
Ruth, Rose’s mother, and her wealthy lover Cal Hockley board the titanic. Ruth is certain that they will attain an upper-class status after Rose marries Cal, but Rose is not in love with Cal. Due to this, she gets up to the rail, ready to jump, but Jack stops her.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Director: Ang Lee
Writers: Diana Ossana, Annie Proulx, Larry McMurtry
Cast: Duval Lang, Anne Hathaway, Dean Barett, Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Del Mar and Jack decide to work on Joe’s sheep farm. Though looking for a job, they both start falling for each other. Their love becomes sexual and emotional. But before both have a fight that leaves them injured and all bloodied.
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Directors: George Cukor
Writers: Philip Barry, Waldon Salt, Donald Stewart
Cast: John Howard, Roland Young, Lionel Pape, King Baggot, Rex Evans, Mary Nash
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Tracy and Dexter have broken up. She remarries George, a businessman, and upcoming politician, after two years of breaking up. A day before the wedding, Dexter shows up with an editor to get Tracy’s wedding story as the wedding of the year.
The Sound Of Music (1965)
Director: Robert Wise
Writer: Ernest Lehman
Cast: Julie Andrews, Peggy Wood, Anna Lee, Portia Nelson, Charmiancarr, Kym Karath
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Maria has always opted to become a nun. But this becomes an issue due to her lack of discipline. The mother sends her to a retired Captain to care for seven children. The Sound of Music is among the best classic movies due to its many elements of interest in the romance genre.
So, this was our list of the best classic movies that are golden even in the current day and age. We hope you’ll enjoy watching them. Happy Binging!
