In the mood to binge-watch some classic movies on Netflix Canada?
If you’re into old movies, you’ll find plenty of great ones on Netflix Canada, whether you’re into adventure or romance films.
While some older movies may have giggle-worthy special effects and outdated styles, some old movies are just classics.
I’ve listed movies from various decades in case you’re looking to watch from a specific time period.
Here are some of the best classic and old movies to binge-watch on Netflix Canada, from the 1960s through the early 2000s!
Be sure to also follow me on Instagram and TikTok – I share a lot more content on those platforms that don’t make it to the blog!
More things to watch
If you’re looking for more things to watch on streaming services in Canada, check out my other posts on shows and movies:
- Looking for more Netflix? Check out the best Netflix movies (including horror movies) or the best Netflix shows (including Korean dramas and animes).
- Got a Crave subscription? Peep out the best movies on Crave (including comedies and horrors) or best shows on Crave.
- Looking to make the most of your Amazon Prime membership? Watch the best movies on Prime Video (including horror movies and holiday movies), or the best shows on Prime Video.
- Into all things horror? Check out my ultimate horror movie binge list.
Best classic movies on Netflix Canada
Best 60s movies on Netflix Canada
The Graduate (1967)
Ever heard of the term “Mrs. Robinson”? It’s actually from The Graduate!
It basically is used as a term to describe an older woman who pursues someone younger than herself, and Simon & Garfunkel even wrote a song about it.
A college graduate gets lured into a seductive affair with the wife of his father’s business partner, while also falling in love with her daughter.
A very young Dustin Hoffman stars in this classic rom-com film, and the soundtrack is pretty great.
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Best 70s movies on Netflix Canada
Grease (1978)
After falling in love during the summer, Danny and Sandy realize they’re now at the same high school.
Based in 1950s California, Grease is a fun musical film that’ll give you chills, they’re multiplying.
A young John Travolta stars in Grease!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Best 80s movies on Netflix Canada
Indiana Jones (1981, 1984, 1989, & 2008)
Indiana Jones is an archaeology professor who travels around in search of ancient artefacts.
The Indiana Jones movies are always fun to watch, and you can watch all 4 movies on Netflix Canada.
Steven Spielberg directed the first four movies, and there’s actually a new movie coming out next year in 2022!
4 films available on Netflix
Ghostbusters (1984, 1989, & 2016)
Even if you haven’t seen any of the Ghostbusters movies, you’ve definitely heard the iconic theme song before.
It’s a supernatural comedy franchise all about the Ghostbusters, a group of NYC scientists who capture ghosts for a living.
3 films available on Netflix
The Karate Kid (1984, 1986, 1989, 1994, & 2010)
The Karate Kid is all about Daniel LaRusso, who learns karate from Mr. Miyagi in order to help defend himself and compete in a tournament against his bullies.
The first 3 movies are all about the same guy, the 4th movie stars Hilary Swank, and the latest movie stars Jaden Smith.
There’s also a Netflix Original series based on the franchise called Cobra Kai!
5 films available on Netflix
Top Gun (1986)
Top Gun is an action movie starring a young Tom Cruise.
He plays a hotshot fighter pilot training at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, not only fighting to be the top fighter pilot, but to also win the heart of his flight instructor.
The remake is actually coming out this fall, 35 years later!
You’ve probably heard the song “Take My Breath Away”, which was actually made for this classic film.
It also inspired the name of a ride at Canada’s Wonderland, but it was changed to “Flight Deck” sometime in the last several years.
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Nobody puts baby in a corner.
Dirty Dancing is a classic romance film, and you’ll love it even if you’re not really into dance movies.
While vacationing with her family at a resort, Frances falls in love with a dance instructor, and her father diapproves.
There’s an episode about Dirty Dancing on the Netflix docu-series The Movies That Made Us, and it really makes you appreciate the film so much more.
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice honestly terrified me as a kid, but now I think it’s a fun classic movie.
When a deceased couple are unsuccessful in scaring away a family that’s moved into their old house, they seek the help of a bio-exorcist.
Tim Burton directed the movie, and Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Alec Baldwin all starred in it!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Best 90s movies on Netflix Canada
The Addams Family (1991 & 1993)
An imposter pretends to be the missing relative of a strange family in an attempt to swindle them out of their wealth.
The Addams Family scared me as a kid, but it’s definitely a classic movie!
2 films available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Schindler’s List (1993)
A businessman arrives in Krakow at the start of WWII and joins the Nazi party for political reasons.
He staffs his factory with Jewish workers, and when the Nazis start doing terrifying things, he keeps his workers safe.
Schindler’s List is a powerful film by Steven Spielberg based on true events – Oskar Schindler helped to save more than 1,200 Jews during WWII.
Liam Neeson stars as Oskar Schindler, and I honestly never knew he did any popular films before Taken!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Forrest Gump (1994)
Another 90s classic that’ll never get old is Forrest Gump.
Forrest is a loveable guy with a low IQ, and we see him go through all sorts of life experiences while never forgetting his childhood sweetheart, Jenny.
Forrest Gump is arguably one of the best films of all-time, and it’s one of the best classic movies on Netflix Canada!
Tom Hanks is also in this one.
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
A successful banker gets arrested for the murders of his wife and her lover, and is sentenced to life in prison at the Shawshank prison.
The Shawshank Redemption is a classic movie, and it’s actually based on a Stephen King novel!
Morgan Freeman stars in Shawshank.
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction is a Quentin Tarantino film about the lives of a bunch of criminals and how their lives get intertwined.
It’s a black-comedy crime film, and it’s known as one of the best movies of all-time!
John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson all star in it.
You might’ve seen people dressing up as Mia Wallace and Vincent Vega for Halloween – you’ll know when you watch the movie!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Jumanji (1995, 2017, & 2019)
After two kids come across a magical board game called Jumanji, they discover a man who’s trapped in the game and try to rescue him.
It’s a fun movie that’s sparked a more modern remake (AKA a video game rather than a board game), and you can watch the remake movies on Netflix as well!
3 films available on Netflix
Clueless (1995)
Shallow, rich, and popular Cher helps a new student become popular while also falling in love with someone.
Clueless is an classic teen 90’s film and the fashion will always be iconic.
Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, and Brittany Murphy all star in Clueless!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
The Net (1995)
After computer programmer Angela Bennett comes across government secrets, she finds herself on the run from an unknown enemy.
A young Sandra Bullock stars in The Net!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Matilda (1996)
Matilda discovers she has telekinesis powers and starts to use them to fight back against her unappreciative family and her evil principal.
Danny DeVito directs and stars in this Roald Dahl adaptation!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Will Hunting is a math genius who gets help from a psychiatrist after facing an emotional crisis.
Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Robin Williams all star in Good Will Hunting!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Best early 2000s movies on Netflix Canada
American Psycho (2000)
American Psycho is another psychological horror classic that came out less than a decade after Silence of the Lambs.
Patrick Bateman is a wealthy investment banker with a secret psychopathic side, and his bloodlust gets increasingly violent as he indulges in his dark desires.
It’s a pretty gory one, so shield your eyes from this one if too much blood freaks you out.
Some big names are in this horror classic, including Christian Bale, Reese Witherspoon, and Jared Leto!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
In 19th century China, warrior Master Li embarks on a quest to find his sword when it’s stolen.
If you’re into martial arts movies, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is in Mandarin, so you’ll have to read subtitles!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Catch Me If You Can is one of my favourite films of all-time – it’s incredible seeing how intelligent people can be.
Con artist Frank Abagnale progressively gets bolder and bolder with his scams, faking everything from his degrees to cheques.
All the while, he gets chased by an FBI agent named Carl Hanratty.
The movie is actually based on a true story, which is amazing!
Young Leo is nice to watch, and Tom Hanks is his co-star.
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Maid in Manhattan (2002)
Marisa is a single mother who works as a maid at a Manhattan hotel.
She tries on a designer coat while cleaning a room, and a rich politician becomes smitten with her thinking she’s a socialite.
Jennifer Lopez stars as the main character in Maid in Manhattan!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Peter Pan (2003)
Peter Pan is a super cute movie based on the story we all know, which we probably saw countless times through the Disney cartoon version.
Peter Pan invites Wendy and her brothers to the magical island of Wonderland, where the children are kidnapped by Captain Hook, and he works with Tinker Bell to save them.
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
The Notebook (2004)
Every single day, Duke reads the story of Noah and Allie to Ms. Hamilton, a woman with dementia.
The Notebook is another movie that makes me cry every single time I watch it, no matter how many times I’ve seen it.
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
50 First Dates (2004)
After meeting Lucy, who has short-term memory loss, womanizer Henry tries to woo her every single day.
50 First Dates is one of my favourite Adam Sandler movies, and it’s absolutely adorable.
It’s also set in Oahu, so it’s a nice little movie escape if you want to travel while sitting on your couch!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Ella Enchanted (2004)
As a baby, Ella gets enchanted by her fairy godmother to obey anything she’s told to do, and she sets out to break the spell as an adult.
Ella Enchanted is a super cute fantasy romance that’s perfect for families, and young Anne Hathaway is in it!
1 film available on Netflix, watch the trailer
Best classic movies on Netflix Canada:
- The Graduate
- Grease
- Indiana Jones
- Ghostbusters
- The Karate Kid
- Top Gun
- Dirty Dancing
- Beetlejuice
- The Addams Family
- Schindler’s List
- Forrest Gump
- The Shawshank Redemption
- Pulp Fiction
- Jumanji
- Clueless
- The Net
- Matilda
- Good Will Hunting
- American Psycho
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
- Peter Pan
- Catch Me If You Can
- Maid in Manhattan
- The Notebook
- 50 First Dates
- Ella Enchanted
There are plenty of incredible classic old movies you can watch on Netflix Canada, but these are just some of my personal favourites.
Every time I watch a movie, I rate it on Letterboxd – it’s a great way to keep track of what you’ve watched and what your friends are watching!
Have you seen any of these classic films? What are some of the best old movies on Netflix Canada in your opinion? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
More things to watch
If you’re looking for more things to watch on streaming services in Canada, check out my other posts on shows and movies:
- Looking for more Netflix? Check out the best Netflix movies (including horror movies) or the best Netflix shows (including Korean dramas and animes).
- Got a Crave subscription? Peep out the best movies on Crave (including comedies and horrors) or best shows on Crave.
- Looking to make the most of your Amazon Prime membership? Watch the best movies on Prime Video (including horror movies and holiday movies), or the best shows on Prime Video.
- Into all things horror? Check out my ultimate horror movie binge list.
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