Classic Movies to Stream While You Stay at Home

By Caroline Dweck

After streaming the new Emma—which is available now . . . the story itself isn’t exactly gripping, but the sets are a feast for the eyes—you might find yourself at a loss when it comes to what to watch next. Fear not my friends, we’ve got a list! Old Hollywood movies will forever hold a place in our hearts, and in times of uncertainty, when we’re in need of relief, relaxation, and escapism (for a million reasons), they’re always a good idea. For a full two hours, you can forget the world’s problems and get lost in the drama, beauty, and fashions of another time.

If you’re self-isolating with your extended fam, we know you may not have the couch to yourself right now, which is all the more reason to select something tried and true—you won’t have to endure watching any awkward sex scenes with your parents, or worse yet, your in-laws. So sanitize the remote, get your quarantine snacks ready, and work your way through our list of unforgettable classics.

Netflix

For an instant mood booster, flee to sunny Miami (if only for a bit) with Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis, the motley crew of Some Like it Hot. Or for some glam suspense, go on a skiing holiday in the French Alps with the classic duo, Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, in Charade, a murder mystery with a bit of romance.

Hulu

If there are teens in your living room who are in need of some entertaining, look no further than quintessential 80s punk princess, Molly Ringwald. Her innocence, innate style, and sweet goofiness make her lovable in the very sweet Sixteen Candles (with forever swoon-worthy, Jake Ryan) or the equally warm and insightful classic, The Breakfast Club.

Disney+

Dame Julie Andrews is every bit the inspiring entertainer and class act. Re-watch classics like The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins for pure joy, musical therapy, and a healthy dose of enchantment and imagination! If anything, it’s a nice break from Frozen 2, which is surely on your recently watched list if you’re at home with little ones.

Amazon Prime Video

Take an epic adventure to the French Riviera, filled with equally epic looks and jewels galore, in To Catch a Thief. Grace Kelly lights up the screen, as the film goddess that she is in one of Hitchcock’s lightest and glitziest movies. Or jump into a fashion editorial with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire, in Funny Face, where the costumes almost compete with the Parisian backdrops.

YouTube

These days, there’s a good chance you have four hours to spare, which is just what you need to take in Gone with the Wind. Revel in Vivien Leigh’s powerful performance of Scarlett O’Hara—a woman who, if you ask us, was way ahead of her time. Finally, there is no better film to get lost in than Roman Holiday—watch and think of Italy in all its glory and know that we will get back there again, but for now the most important thing we can do to help is stay home.