Netflix's library of new movies [1] isn't all it has to offer: there are several old movies on Netflix that are definitely worth a watch! Even as Netflix continues to stream brand-new movies [2] and its own originals [3], it's also the perfect place to find some older classic films [4] that you might not have seen before, or at least not in a long time. Many of the older offerings on Netflix are cinematic classics, from old musicals to fan-favourite comedies to Oscar-winning dramas, often starring actors you'll recognise, much earlier in their careers.
If you're in the mood for a throwback movie night, you're in the right place! We've rounded up some of the best classic offerings from Netflix's library — keep reading to see our picks for the best old movies on Netflix.
Carrie (1976)
It's the Stephen King classic we all know and love (is that weird to say?). Unpopular teen Carrie (Sissy Spacek) deals with a terrifying, abusive mother, the bullying of her classmates, and her emerging supernatural powers until it all becomes too much.
Watch Carrie on Netflix. [5]
Benji (1974)
A sweet dog is abandoned, but never fear! He is adopted by a loving family, gets into plenty of mischief, and becomes a major hero when two kids are abducted.
Watch Benji on Netflix. [6]
The Bishop's Wife (1947)
A bishop (David Niven) receives guidance from an angel (Cary Grant) as he struggles to build a new cathedral. As it turns out, though, the angel isn't there for architectural advice but to help the man save his marriage. (Yes, this is the movie that inspired your favourite Whitney Houston/Denzel Washington [7] movie, 1996's The Preacher's Wife.)
Watch The Bishop's Wife on Netflix. [8]
The Stranger (1946)
After the fall of Nazi Germany, one Nazi fugitive manages to hide away in Connecticut, hiding his old life from his new wife and community. He's not in the clear, though — a determined investigator is right on his heels. The Stranger was directed by and stars Orson Welles and deserves a watch.
Watch The Stranger on Netflix. [9]
Who's That Knocking at My Door (1969)
A well-off young woman (Zina Bethune) and her boyfriend (Harvey Keitel), a reformed street thug, seem to be perfectly happy. But when she recalls a violent past trauma, her boyfriend struggles to avoid falling back into his old ways. This happens to be Martin Scorsese [10]'s feature debut as a director, as well as Keitel's onscreen debut.
Watch Who's That Knocking at My Door on Netflix. [11]
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Plenty of your favourite Monty Python lines can be found in this classic! King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table pursue the legendary Holy Grail, but these definitely aren't the dignified knights of legend.
Watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail on Netflix. [12]
Taxi Driver (1976)
A deranged New York taxi driver (Robert De Niro [13]) gets fed up with the crime he sees on the streets every day in this iconic, Oscar-nominated film. So, naturally, he takes matters into his own hands, plotting a murder and deciding to try to rescue a teenager (Jodie Foster [14]) from a life of prostitution. Martin Scorsese [15]'s disturbing masterpiece is back in the spotlight this year, as it's one of the inspirations for Joker [16].
Watch Taxi Driver on Netflix. [17]
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974)
After her husband dies, Alice (Ellen Burstyn, who won an Oscar for the role) is forced to uproot her and her young son, and they wind up in Arizona, where she works as a waitress in a diner. Her plans to get out of town as soon as she's saved enough money fall apart when she falls for a rancher (Kris Kristofferson).
Watch Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore on Netflix. [18]
The Graduate (1967)
A young college graduate (Dustin Hoffman [19]) thinks he's got it all figured out . . . until he's seduced by an older woman, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft). Things only get more complicated as he realises that he's actually in love with her daughter (Katharine Ross). The Graduate took home a number of awards, including an Oscar for director Mike Nichols and a bushel of Golden Globes. If you still haven't seen it, it's time.
Watch The Graduate on Netflix. [20]
Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
In irreverent Monty Python fashion, the comedy follows Brian (Graham Chapman), a normal guy who happens to be born in a stable and grows up to speak out against Roman rule in Judea. Of course, the circumstances of his life lead to him getting mixed up with someone else who has that biography. Expect to see the usual rowdy lot of John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.
Watch Monty Python's Life of Brian on Netflix [21]
Mean Streets (1973)
A low-level member of a New York crime family struggles with his loyalties in this early Scorsese film starring Robert De Niro [22] and Harvey Keitel. (Are you sensing a pattern? The director's new film, The Irishman, is headed to Netflix in November, so much of his catalogueue is currently being featured on the streaming service.)
Watch Mean Streets on Netflix. [23]
Rocky (1976)
For a publicity stunt, an unknown Philadelphia man (Sylvester Stallone) is given the chance to fight champion boxer Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). There's a reason this movie has spawned so many sequels — it's really, really good.
Watch Rocky on Netflix. [24]
White Christmas (1954)
In the decade after WWII, two veterans form a successful song-and-dance duo. When they join up with a pair of singing sisters, they discover their former general has fallen on hard times and make a plan to turn things around. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen all star in the Christmas classic.
Watch White Christmas on Netflix. [25]