The streamer has a large library of timeless treasures from decades past. The 15 best classic movies on Netflix right now

The streamer has a large library of timeless treasures from decades past.

The 15 best classic movies on Netflix right now

The streamer has a large library of timeless treasures from decades past.

By Kevin Jacobsen

and Declan Gallagher

on September 3, 2025 11:12 a.m. ET

Tracy Camilla Johns as Nora Darling in 'She's Gotta Have It'; Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler in 'Jurassic Park'; Roy Scheider as Chief Martin Brody in 'Jaws'. Credit:

Island Pictures/Courtesy: Everett Collection; Murray Close/Sygma/Sygma via Getty; Universal Studios/Courtesy of Getty

The best part about classic movies is that there are more and more of them with each passing year. That said, to ensure true timelessness, we only included selections made before 2005. Netflix has classic movies of all genres, for every taste group and age range. In addition to older features like *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory* (1971) and *Jaws* (1975), there are also slightly more modern favorites like *The Age of Innocence* (1993) and *Jurassic Park* (1993).

Join EW as we highlight the 15 best classic movies on Netflix right now.

The Age of Innocence (1993)

Winona Ryder as May Welland and Daniel Day-Lewis as Newland Archer in 'The Age of Innocence'.

Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Even Martin Scorsese's most violent gangster epics don't quite compare to the emotional devastation at the heart of this period drama. A departure from the legendary director's typical subject matter, *The Age of Innocence* nonetheless has many features of a Scorsese film, centered on an ecosystem with its own set of punishing rules and customs. Set in Gilded Age New York, the film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Newland Archer, a lawyer in a love triangle with cousins May (Winona Ryder) and Ellen (Michelle Pfeiffer). EW's critic calls *The Age of Innocence* "a masterfully orchestrated tale of romantic yearning." —*Kevin Jacobsen***

Where to watch *The Age of Innocence*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+ (read the review)

**Director:** Martin Scorsese

**Cast:** Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder

American Graffiti (1973)

Candy Clark as Debbie in 'American Graffiti'.

George Lucas' nostalgic coming-of-age dramedy is an earnest ode to his formative years growing up in Modesto, Calif., in the early-'60s. Centering on a group of friends hanging out on the last day of summer vacation, *American Graffiti* is a slice-of-life film that follows their exploits over the course of the evening. Some deal with relationship problems, while others are more concerned with celebrating their last night in their hometown before the rest of their lives begin. Told in a series of dreamy vignettes (aided by a killer soundtrack), the film transports the viewer back to a specific time and place, a snapshot of life before it got messy and complicated. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *American Graffiti*: Netflix

**Director:** George Lucas

**Cast:** Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, Cindy Williams, Wolfman Jack, Harrison Ford

Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Tom Cruise as Ron Kovic in 'Born on the Fourth of July'. Everett Collection

Based on the real-life story of war veteran Ron Kovic, *Born on the Fourth of July* is a gripping story of a man losing faith. Tom Cruise plays Kovic, whose experience in the Vietnam War left him paralyzed and disillusioned with his country's leadership. He channeled his anger into protest, becoming a prominent figure in the anti-war movement. Cruise delivers one of his best performances as he tracks Kovic's growing cynicism upon realizing how little support is being given to him and his fellow veterans. The film earned eight Academy Award nominations, with Oliver Stone winning his second Oscar for Best Director. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Born on the Fourth of July*: Netflix through Sept. 30

**EW grade:** (Read the review)

**Director:** Oliver Stone

**Cast:** Tom Cruise, Kyra Sedgwick, Raymond J. Barry, Jerry Levine, Frank Whaley, Willem Dafoe**

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Jeremy Fox as Hirschfelder, Esteban Powell as Carl Burnett, Wiley Wiggins as Mitch Kramer, and Mark Vandermeulen as Tommy Houston in 'Dazed and Confused'.

Gramercy Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Rated by EW as the third-best high school movie of all time, *Dazed and Confused* is a seminal film, not only for Generation X but for generations to come. Richard Linklater's Texas-set hangout comedy follows various soon-to-be seniors and first-year students on the last day of high school in 1976, from hazings to ragers, humiliations to revelations. It also gave rise to future A-lister Matthew McConaughey, solidifying his "All right, all right, all right" persona here as a guy who's probably a little too old to be hanging out with teenagers. The cult classic may be light on plot, but the vibes still have us livin', man. L-I-V-I-N. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Dazed and Confused*: Netflix

**EW grade:** (Read the review)

**Director:** Richard Linklater

**Cast:** Jason London, Joey Lauren Adams, Milla Jovovich, Rory Cochrane, Adam Goldberg, Cole Hauser, Parker Posey, Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck**

The Deer Hunter (1978)

Christopher Walken as Nick, John Cazale as Stanley, and Robert De Niro as Michael in 'The Deer Hunter'. Everett Collection

Just a few years after the end of the Vietnam War, director Michael Cimino helmed what would become known as one of the era's most defining films. This war drama tells the story of three close friends living in small-town America who enlist in the military, unaware of what horrors await them. From lost limbs to a dangerous game of Russian roulette, each man emerges forever changed by the experience, trying to move on from unimaginable trauma. Speaking directly to the American veteran's experience during turbulent times, the bracing epic — featuring standout turns from a young Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep — was showered with accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Picture. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Deer Hunter*: Netflix through Sept. 30

**Director:** Michael Cimino

**Cast:** Robert De Niro, John Cazale, John Savage, Meryl Streep, Christopher Walken

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Robert Romanus as Mike Damone and Sean Penn as Jeff Spicoli in 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'. Universal/Everett

In a decade largely remembered for John Hughes' contributions to coming-of-age teen comedies, Amy Heckerling's *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* has proven just as indelible in the years since. The film, written by first-time screenwriter Cameron Crowe, chronicles the lives of teenagers attending high school in a San Fernando Valley town, bursting with hormones and ready to enter the real world. It's plenty raunchy, but there's also a refreshing honesty to its depiction of growing up and figuring out who you want to be. EW's rated it one of the best teen movies of all time, claiming *Fast Times* "presents the 'glory days' with unvarnished awkwardness and a truth-first approach, setting the template for every great teen comedy that followed." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*: Netflix

**Director:** Amy Heckerling

**Cast:** Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Brian Backer, Robert Romanus, Ray Walston

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1985)

Alan Ruck as Cameron Frye, Mia Sara as Sloane Peterson, and Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'. Everett Collection

Matthew Broderick inspired an entire generation of kids to be bad in John Hughes' classic about hipster high schooler Ferris Bueller (Broderick) and his wacky, wild day playing hooky with his morose friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara). It's a silly romp and perhaps not much more than that, but the movie holds up (and manages to feel a bit modern) all these years later. As an EW writer recalls, "It's the rare film that charms both Kurt Cobain and Dan Quayle, but like Ferris Bueller himself — who was popular with sportos, motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wasteoids, dweebies, and d---heads alike...*Ferris Bueller's Day Off* appealed to just about everyone." —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Ferris Bueller's Day Off*: Netflix

**Director:** John Hughes

**Cast:** Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Grey

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Aunt (voice: Akemi Yamaguchi), Seita (voice: Tsutomu Tatsumi), and Setsuko (voice: Ayano Shiraishi) in 'Grave of the Fireflies'.

Studio Ghibli/Kobal/Shutterstock

Far from your traditionally kid-friendly animated adventure, this sobering hand-drawn drama explores the horrors of war with bracing imagery. The film centers on a pair of young siblings, Seita and Setsuko, as they try to survive the chaos of the Pacific War in Kobe, Japan. EW's critic ranks *Grave of the Fireflies* as one of the best Studio Ghibli films of all time, calling it a "legendary tear-jerker" that depicts a world in which "the fires of war are still burning hot enough to consume life, love, and family." It's a tough watch, but devastatingly effective as an antiwar statement. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Grave of the Fireflies*: Netflix

**Director:** Isao Takahata

**Cast:** Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara, Akemi Yamaguchi

Groundhog Day (1993)

Bill Murray as Phil Connors in 'Groundhog Day'. Columbia Pictures/Getty Images

After cynical reporter Phil (Bill Murray) gets stuck in a time loop, constantly waking up on Feb. 2, he decides to exploit his powers and tries to seduce his producer, Rita (Andie MacDowell). While she rejects him time and time again, Phil comes to find he has genuine feelings for her, and his cold, bitter heart gradually warms. "*Groundhog Day* — with its really high concept — unfolds with a goofy elegance that feels like a tonic," wrote EW's critic in 1993. Decades later, the fantasy comedy remains a favorite, one worth revisiting again and again. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Groundhog Day*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A (read the review)

**Director:** Harold Ramis

**Cast:** Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doyle-Murray**

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Jaws (1975)

Robert Shaw as Quint, Roy Scheider as Chief Martin Brody, and Richard Dreyfuss as Matt Hooper in 'Jaws'. Everett Collection

The miracle of this granddaddy of all summer blockbusters is that it still holds up 50 years later. Steven Spielberg's iconic thriller about a great white shark terrorizing beachgoers and the trio of men who try to hunt it down is pure entertainment at its most biting. From the menacing Oscar-winning score by John Williams to the vividly drawn personalities of the three heroes to the near-constant state of dread, Spielberg's confidence in his vision is remarkable to witness, especially so early in his career. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Jaws*: Netflix

**Director:** Steven Spielberg

**Cast:** Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton

Jurassic Park (1993)

Sam Neill as Alan Grant, Joseph Mazzello as Tim Murphy, and Ariana Richards as Lex Murphy in 'Jurassic Park'.

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

Steven Spielberg's quintessential blockbuster is arguably a trussed-up exploitation riff, but what a perfect riff it is. Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, and Laura Dern play scientists sent on a media weekend to the titular park, where things go horribly awry. Remarkably, the film remains a high watermark for digital effects, especially in light of the ropey-looking dinosaurs from the *Jurassic World* movies. —*Declan Gallagher*

Where to watch *Jurassic Park*: Netflix

**EW grade:** (Read the review)

**Director:** Steven Spielberg

**Cast:** Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, Richard Attenborough**

The Karate Kid (1984)

Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in 'The Karate Kid'.

Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett

We could — pardon the pun — wax on about the virtues of this enduring coming-of-age classic for days. Ralph Macchio stars as Daniel LaRusso, a teenager who learns to stand up for himself thanks to the teachings of his apartment building's handyman, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita, in an Oscar-nominated performance). Mr. Miyagi instructs his young student on the art of karate and finding inner peace, allowing Daniel to stand up to his bullies and channel his emotions. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Karate Kid*: Netflix

**Director:** John G. Avildsen

**Cast:** Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka

Midnight Run (1988)

Robert De Niro as Jack Walsh and Yaphet Kotto as Special Agent Alonzo Mosely in 'Midnight Run'.

Universal/Everett

Before Martin Brest tanked his career with the atomic bomb *Gigli* (2003), he helmed this quintessential buddy comedy starring Charles Grodin and Robert De Niro as a mob accountant and a bounty hunter, respectively, who travel to L.A. for the former's court trial. Along the way, they must avoid thugs and cops alike, and darn it if they don't develop a grudging admiration for each other. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Midnight Run*: Netflix

**Director:** Martin Brest

**Cast:** Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano, John Ashton

She's Gotta Have It (1986)

Tracy Camilla Johns as Nora Darling and Spike Lee as Mars Blackmon in 'She's Gotta Have It'. Everett Collection

Spike Lee established with this feature directorial debut that he was going to be one of his generation's signature voices. Shot in striking black and white, *She's Gotta Have It* centers on Nora Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns), a Brooklyn artist who has relationships with three men, each of whom wants her to commit exclusively to them. But Nora is a free spirit who enjoys her liberation; of course, problems arise when the three men meet and decide to be more proactive about the situation. The depiction of the messy complications of polyamorous love was refreshing at the time and remains so today. Lee also adapted the story into a TV series for Netflix in the late-2010s. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *She's Gotta Have It*: Netflix

**Director:** Spike Lee

**Cast:** Tracy Camilla Johns, Spike Lee, Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'.

Silver Screen Collection/Getty

A world of pure imagination is brought to life in this enduring children's classic, adapted from Roald Dahl's treasured novel. Little Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), a paperboy living in squalor with his family, gets the opportunity of a lifetime when he finds a golden ticket granting him a private tour of Willy Wonka's (Gene Wilder) titular chocolate factory. Touring the factory with four greedy, spoiled children, he soon discovers in hilariously dark fashion how being humble has its virtues. Wilder's fascinating, enigmatic performance and the film's childlike sense of wonder make this a delightful watch even 50-plus years later. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory*: Netflix

**Director:** Mel Stuart**

**Cast:** Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear

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