Ever wanted to explore all those classic films everyone raves about?
Well, your search ends here as I share my personal list of 10 streaming services for old movies. And yes, I swear by each one (my couch has a permanent me-shaped dent now) as I actually used them for about 2 months. These platforms offer everything from timeless comedies to gripping dramas, and there's bound to be something for every taste.
Oh and if you stick around till the end, you'll get to learn about my favorite streaming service where you can enjoy vintage films while learning a new language. Intrigued? Let's jump right in and discover your next favorite movie service!
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Best Streaming Services For Old Movies
Fandor
Fandor is a streaming service that focuses on classic movies and independent films. It's a great option if you're looking for something different from what mainstream platforms offer. In fact, you'll find everything from old Hollywood classics to recent independent films from around the world in their catalog. They even have a good selection of cult favorites from the 70s and 80s!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Focus on classic and indie films | Limited to niche audiences |
| Wide selection of cult favorites | Smaller catalog compared to mainstream services |
The Criterion Channel
The Criterion Channel is a streaming service that specializes in classic and art house films. Their library includes critically acclaimed films from around the world, ranging from silent-era classics to modern masterpieces. You'll also find lesser-known gems that film buffs rave about.
The best part? They also offer special features like director commentaries and behind-the-scenes content, making it a great resource for those who want to dive deeper into film history and analysis.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive classic and art house films library | Higher subscription cost |
| Offers special features like commentaries | Lesser-known films may not appeal to casual viewers |
Turner Classic Movies
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is the best streaming service for classic movies as it brings the popular cable channel's content to your devices. It's a go-to platform for fans of Hollywood's golden age, offering a large collection of films from the 1920s through the 1980s. You'll find everything from silent films to technicolor musicals, film noir to epic westerns.
What makes TCM special is its focus on preserving and celebrating film history. Along with movies, you get access to expert introductions, behind-the-scenes stories, and interviews with film stars and directors. It's like having a film historian guide you through cinema's past. TCM also regularly features themed collections and special events, making it easy to discover new old favorites.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large selection of films from the 1920s to 1980s | Limited availability outside the U.S. |
| Expert introductions and historical context | Requires cable subscription or special access |
Shudder
Shudder is a streaming service that caters specifically to horror, thriller, and suspense fans. It's the perfect platform for those who love to be scared or thrilled by their entertainment. Their library includes a wide range of content, from classic horror movies to modern indie frightfests, and even exclusive Shudder original productions.
The highlight of this streaming service? They also offer curated collections, making it easy to explore different sub-genres or themed movie marathons. Whether you're a hardcore horror buff or just looking for a good scare, Shudder provides a dedicated space for all things spooky and suspenseful.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dedicated to horror and thriller genres | Focused on horror, limiting broader appeal |
| Curated collections and original productions | May not be ideal for non-horror fans |
Kanopy
Kanopy is one of the best streaming services for classic movies, and the best part? It's often free through your local library or university. This unique platform offers a diverse collection of films, including a robust selection of classic cinema from around the world.
Inside, you'll find critically acclaimed films from legendary directors, award-winning documentaries, and indie gems. Their classic movie section includes everything from silent era masterpieces to influential films of the 20th century. Oh and did you know that many of the films here come with supplementary materials? Now that makes it a super valuable resource for film students and enthusiasts alike.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free through libraries and universities | Availability depends on local institutions |
| Offers a diverse range of classic and indie films | Limited to specific regions and institutions |
Crave
Crave is a Canadian streaming service that offers a mix of current TV shows, movies, and classic content. While it's not exclusively focused on classic films, it does provide a solid selection of older movies, making it a good option for those looking to stream classic movies alongside more recent content.
So if you're looking for movies like The Terror Train (1980), The Witches Of Eastwick (1987), or the original Beetlejuice (1988), then Crave is perfect for you!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers a mix of classic and modern content | Primarily available in Canada |
| Includes rare classic films | Subscription cost varies by content package |
Disney+
Disney+ is a streaming service that offers a vast library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. While it's known for its family-friendly content and recent blockbusters, Disney+ is also a great platform for fans of classic movies.
With Disney+, you'll find animated classics from the early days of the studio, live-action family favorites from the 1960s and 70s, and even some older Marvel and Star Wars content. The service also includes a selection of 20th Century Fox classics, expanding its offering of older films.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Includes Disney and 20th Century Fox classics | Focuses mostly on family-friendly content |
| Vast library of old and modern movies | Limited selection of classic films outside of Disney-owned content |
Milena Andrade
Lingopie
Lingopie is a unique service that combines entertainment with language learning. Its library includes a mix of modern and classic content from various countries, depending on the language you're learning. While the selection of classic movies may not be as huge as other dedicated classic film platforms, it offers a unique way to experience international classics in their original language.
What sets Lingopie apart is its innovative language learning feature. As you watch content in your target language, you'll see subtitles in both the original language and your native language. You can click on any word to see its definition and add it to your vocabulary list. This approach makes Lingopie not just a streaming service, but also a powerful tool for improving your language skills while enjoying classic and modern international films.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Combines entertainment with language learning | Limited selection of classic films |
| Offers international classics in their original language | Primarily targeted at language learners |
Lingopie Team
Netflix
This roundup wouldn't be complete without Netflix in it, right? While it's not specifically focused on classic movies, Netflix does offer a selection of older films alongside its more contemporary offerings. The selection of classics varies by region and changes over time, so it's worth checking their current offerings.
Basically, Netflix is a good option for those who want to mix their classic movie-watching with more recent films and TV shows all on one platform.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers a mix of classic and modern movies | Classic film selection varies by region |
| Accessible on multiple devices | Focus on new content can overshadow classics |
Milena Andrade
Which Streaming Service Will You Try Next?
So, which is the best streaming service for classic movies? Well, that depends on what you're looking for. Each platform we've explored offers something unique:
- For pure classic film buffs, The Criterion Channel or TCM might be your go-to.
- If you want a mix of old and new, try Netflix or Disney+.
- Horror fans should definitely check out Shudder.
- And for those who want to combine movie-watching with language learning, Lingopie is an absolute must.
Remember, streaming services are always evolving. New ones pop up, and existing ones regularly update their libraries. Don't hesitate to explore different platforms until you find the perfect fit for your classic movie cravings.
Whether you're a dedicated cinephile or just dipping your toes into the world of classic cinema, there's a service out there for you. So why not pick one from our list and start your classic movie marathon tonight? You might just discover your new favorite film!
