Before the streaming service focused on more recent programming, especially original programs, its collection of vintage movies—defined as those released more than 25 years ago—was far larger. For those who would want to see a taste of the history of filmmaking, there are, however, a few classic gems from the 1960s through the early part of the 1990s. All are highly regarded by critics; some have won important prizes, while others have been included in lists of the “greatest films” produced by historical organisations or cinema institutions. Check out our list of the Best Netflix Movies for a wider variety.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Description
Eleven years after the events of “The Terminator,” in this follow-up, the shape-shifting T-1000 (Robert Patrick), a Terminator sent from the future, is hunting for young John Connor (Edward Furlong), who holds the secret to civilization’s victory against a future robot rebellion. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s redesigned T-800, another Terminator, has been dispatched to guard the youngster. John develops an unusual kinship with the robot as he and his mother (Linda Hamilton) flee with the T-800.
- Year – 1991
- Genre – Sci-Fi
- Actors – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, Edward Furlong, Joe Morton
- Director – James Cameron
- Age Restriction – R Rated
Rating
IMDB: 8.6/10 (1M+ Votes)
Rotten tomato: 91% (87 Votes)
Watch now: https://www.netflix.com/watch/60028202
Starship Troopers
Description
An extraterrestrial species of enormous insects is at war with Earth in the far future. The only thing that is known about the Bugs is that they want to wipe out every human being. But before the conflict, there was a period of time… To take the battle to the Bugs, a Mobile Infantry ventures to far-off other worlds. They are a merciless foe whose one goal is to ensure the survival of their race at any cost.
- Year – 1997
- Genre – Sci-Fi
- Actors – Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Jake Busey, Clancy Brown, Neil Patrick Harris
- Director – Paul Verhoeven
- Age Restriction – R Rated
Rating
IMDB: 7.3/10 (314K+ Votes)
Rotten tomato: 72% (81 Votes)
Watch now: https://www.netflix.com/title/1181616
Reservoir Dogs
Description
To carry off the ideal diamond robbery, a bunch of crooks get together. When one of the men turns out to be a police informant, it becomes a brutal ambush. Before the cops intervene, the group’s growing tensions threaten to blow out before they start questioning each other’s culpability.
- Year – 1992
- Genre – Thriller, Crime drama
- Actors – Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney,
- Director – Quentin Tarantino
- Age Restriction – R Rated
Rating
IMDB: 8.3/10 (1M+ Votes)
Rotten tomato: 90% (82 Votes)
Watch now: https://www.netflix.com/title/902003
Groundhog Day
Description
A weatherman named Phil (Bill Murray) goes out every year to cover the groundhog’s yearly emergence from its burrow. Unexpectedly caught in a blizzard, he discovers he is stuck in a time warp. He will always be stuck repeating the same day until he gets it right.
- Year – 1993
- Genre – Comedy
- Actors – Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
- Director – Harold Ramis
- Age Restriction – PG Rated
Rating
IMDB: 8/10 (6774K+ Votes)
Rotten tomato: 94% (145 Votes)
Watch now: http://www.netflix.com/title/563104
Rocky
Description
Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, is a working-class boxer from Philadelphia who gets picked at random to face Apollo Creed, played by Carl Weathers, the current heavyweight champion after the opponent of the unbeaten fighter gets hurt. Adrian (Talia Shire), the quiet sister of Rocky’s meat packer friend Paulie (Burt Young), is the person he hesitantly starts dating while training with the tough former bantamweight contender Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith).
- Year – 1976
- Genre – Sci-Fi
- Actors – Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith
- Director – John G. Avildsen
- Age Restriction – PG Rated
Rating
IMDB: 8.1/10 (620K+ Votes)
Rotten tomato: 92% (73 Votes)
Watch now: https://www.netflix.com/title/915927
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Description
Matthew Broderick’s character Ferris Bueller has a remarkable talent at skipping lessons and getting away with it. With the intention of taking one more vacation before graduating, Ferris calls in sick, “borrows” a Ferrari and spends a day touring Chicago’s streets. Jeffrey Jones, the principal of the high school, is pursuing Ferris with the intention of catching him red-handed.
- Year – 1986
- Genre – Comedy
- Actors – Matthew Broderick, Jeffrey Jones, Mia Sara, Alan Ruck, Jennifer Grey, Edie McClurg
- Director – John Hughes
- Age Restriction – PG-13
Rating
IMDB: 7.8/10 (382K+ Votes)
Rotten tomato: 92% (729K+ Votes)
Watch now: http://www.netflix.com/title/498716
Sleepless in Seattle
Description
Tom Hanks plays Sam Baldwin, who relocates to Seattle with his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) following the loss of his wife. Sam reluctantly answers the phone to express his sentiments when Jonah comes into a talk radio show to ask for help finding his father a new bride. Despite being engaged, Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a reporter in Baltimore, hears Sam talk and becomes enamoured with him. She asks Sam to meet her at the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day in a letter, not knowing where it would go.
- Year – 1993
- Genre – Romantic comedy
- Actors – Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, Rosie O’Donnell, Bill Pullman, Rob Reineris
- Director – Nora Ephron
- Age Restriction – PG
Rating
IMDB: 6.8/10 (188K+ Votes)
Rotten tomato: 75% (61 Votes)
Watch now: https://www.netflix.com/title/973331
Dune
Description
The most expensive material in the cosmos in the year 10191 is a spice known as melange, which can only be found on the desert planet Arrakis. Duke Leto Atreides receives Arrakis by royal edict, which also drives out the Harkonnens, his fierce rivals. But after the Harkonnens brutally retake their fief, Leto’s son Paul (Kyle MacLachlan) must lead the Arrakian inhabitants, the Fremen, in a war for the planet and its spice. based on the epic novel by Frank Herbert.
- Year – 1984
- Genre – Sci-Fi
- Actors – Kyle MacLachlan, Jurgen Prochnow, Francesca Annis, Patrick Stewart
- Director – David Lynch
- Age Restriction – PG-13
Rating
IMDB: 6.3/10 (170K+ Votes)
Rotten tomato: 44% (77 Votes)
Watch now: https://www.netflix.com/search?q=dune&jbv=464403
American Graffiti
Description
American Graffiti, from producer Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather) and director George Lucas (Star Wars), is a timeless tale of a boy growing up against the backdrop of the 1960s, which is known for its drive-in theatres, hot rods, and rock & roll. In this nostalgic look back, which stars Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Mackenzie Phillips, Suzanne Somers, and Cindy Williams in their breakthrough roles, a gang of youngsters cruise the streets on their final summer night before heading off to college.
American Graffiti, a Classic, that was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, has an iconic soundtrack with hits by Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, Bill Haley & His Comets, and Wolfman Jack’s Screams.
- Year – 1973
- Genre – Comedy
- Actors – Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Cindy Williams
- Director – George Lucas
- Age Restriction – PG
Rating
IMDB: 7.4/10 (97K+ Votes)
Rotten tomato: 95% (62 Votes)
Watch now: https://www.netflix.com/title/70019013
The Karate Kid
Description
After moving to Southern California with his mother Lucille (Randee Heller), Daniel (Ralph Macchio) soon becomes the target of bullies who train in karate at the Cobra Kai dojo. Luckily, Daniel becomes friends with Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki “Pat” Morita), a modest repairman who also happens to be a skilled martial artist. Daniel is taken under Miyagi’s tutelage, where he learns a more gentle style of karate and is ready to face the vicious Cobra Kai.
- Year – 1984
- Genre – Drama, Action
- Actors – Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka
- Director – John G. Avildsen
- Age Restriction – PG Rated
Rating
IMDB: 7.3/10 (241K+ Votes)
Rotten tomato: 82% (317K+ Votes)
Watch now: https://www.netflix.com/title/60036164
Conclusion
To conclude we can say that many original films and TV series produced especially for Netflix are available to streaming service subscribers. Every month, there are new options available, so occasionally old choices are missed. These films narrate epic Classic stories.
There are broad historical biographies, gritty crime or horror dramas, thought-provoking satires, and monochromatic black-and-white films that serve as a foundation for many contemporary filmmakers who have drawn inspiration from them and established their distinctive styles. These films are masterful examples of visual expression that highlight the creative and narrative abilities of people.
