Top 10 classic films releasing on Netflix today, including one that women wanted banned
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Classic films offer a treasure trove of cinematic history, storytelling excellence, and unforgettable performances. If you're a fan of classic cinema, there's a good news for you. Netflix is adding a fantastic selection of timeless films to its streaming library, all releasing on July 1.
These movies span various genres and decades, offering something for every classic movie enthusiast. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, Netflix's new additions are sure to provide hours of entertainment and nostalgia.
So, let's delve into the top 10 classic films releasing on Netflix today. Get ready to immerse yourself in these captivating tales and iconic characters that have stood the test of time.
1. 'American Psycho' (2000)
'American Psycho', a 2000 satirical horror film directed by Mary Harron, is set to release on Netflix today. This cult classic stars Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banker with a dark and psychopathic alter ego.
He leads a double life as a serial killer. Bateman explains that he is in constant agony and desires to inflict his suffering on others. The film masterfully combines elements of horror and dark comedy to create a satirical commentary on 1980s yuppie culture and consumerism. Through the character of Bateman, it explores the superficiality and moral emptiness prevalent among the wealthy elite of that era.
Based on the 1991 novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, the film also stars Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Josh Lucas, Chloë Sevigny, Samantha Mathis, Cara Seymour, Justin Theroux, and Reese Witherspoon in pivotal roles.
Gloria Steinem, who is Bale's stepmother, led protests from women's groups and advocates calling for a ban over the movie's misogynistic views.
2. 'Back to the Future' (1985)
'Back to the Future', a beloved 1985 film directed by Robert Zemeckis, is set to make its debut on Netflix today. This iconic sci-fi adventure takes viewers on a thrilling journey through time with its endearing characters and imaginative storyline.
Starring Michael J Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as the eccentric inventor Doc Brown, this film is considered by critics and audiences to be one of the greatest science-fiction films and among the best films ever made.
The film follows Marty, a teenager who is inadvertently transported back to the year 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean automobile built by his eccentric scientist friend Brown. In 1955, Marty accidentally interferes with the moment his future parents were supposed to fall in love, jeopardizing his own existence. To set things right, he must find a way to reconcile his parents and ensure they end up together, all while figuring out how to return to his own time in the future.
Fans can enjoy this timeless classic on Netflix, experiencing the magic of time travel from the comfort of their homes.
3. 'Matilda' (1996)
'Matilda', a 1996 American fantasy comedy film co-produced and directed by Danny DeVito, follows the story of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a gifted young girl with telekinetic powers who overcomes adversity with her wit and intelligence.
Matilda faces neglect and mistreatment from her family. Despite her challenging home life, Matilda's intelligence and independence shine through as she finds comfort in books at the public library. Gradually, she uses her power to find happiness.
The film also stars Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, and Pam Ferris in pivotal roles. 'Matilda' continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Now available on Netflix, viewers can experience the magic and inspiration of Matilda's story, celebrating the power of intelligence, kindness, and the spirit of a young girl who refuses to be underestimated.
4. 'Spider-Man' (2002)
'Spider-Man', a 2002 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, is set to release on Netflix today.
Directed by Sam Raimi from a screenplay by David Koepp, the film stars Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, an ordinary high school student who gains extraordinary abilities after being bitten by a genetically modified spider.
The film follows Peter's transformation into Spider-Man, a masked man dedicated to fighting crime and protecting New York City. Along the way, he faces personal challenges, including his complicated relationship with Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst).
With its release on Netflix, both longtime fans and new viewers can enjoy the thrilling origins of Spider-Man, revisiting the film that set the stage for 'Spider-Man' trilogy.
5. 'The Blind Side' (2009)
'The Blind Side,' a 2009 American sports drama film written and directed by John Lee Hancock, is set to join Netflix's streaming lineup today.
Based on the 2006 book of the same name by Michael Lewis, the film recounts the journey of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a football offensive lineman who rose above an impoverished childhood to achieve success in the National Football League (NFL).
The film concludes with details and photographs of the real Tuohy family and Michael Oher. 'The Blind Side' stars Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne and Tim McGraw as Sean.
6. 'The Karate Kid' (1984)
'The Karate Kid' is a 1984 American martial arts drama film written by Robert Mark Kamen and directed by John G Avildsen.
'The Karate Kid' tells the story of Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), an Italian-American teenager from New Jersey who relocates with his widowed mother to the Reseda neighborhood of Los Angeles.
In his new environment, LaRusso faces harassment from local bullies. To help him defend himself, a handyman and war veteran named Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) teaches LaRusso karate, preparing him to compete in a karate tournament against his bullies.
With its addition to Netflix, audiences old and new can experience the nostalgic charm and powerful messages of 'The Karate Kid'.
7. 'The Nun' (2018)
'The Nun', a 2018 American gothic supernatural horror film directed by Corin Hardy and written by Gary Dauberman, is set to drop on Netflix today.
In 'The Nun', Bonnie Aarons reprises her eerie role as the Demon Nun, an incarnation of the malevolent entity Valak, first introduced in 'The Conjuring 2'. This terrifying installment in 'The Conjuring' universe delves into the origins of the sinister figure, offering a deeper exploration of the dark forces at play.
The film also stars Taissa Farmiga, Demián Bichir, and Jonas Bloquet in pivotal roles. The plot centers on a Roman Catholic priest and a novice nun as they uncover a sinister secret in 1952 Romania.
'The Nun' promises to deliver a haunting experience for horror fans as it joins the Netflix lineup today.
8. 'Zombieland' (2009)
'Zombieland,' a 2009 American post-apocalyptic zombie comedy film directed by Ruben Fleischer, takes audiences on a wild ride through a world overrun by zombies.
The film follows a diverse group of survivors - Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone), and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) - as they navigate the zombie apocalypse with humor, wit, and survival skills.
Tallahassee draws the zombies into a carnival game booth where he dispatches several of them, while Columbus makes his way to the drop tower. Evading the zombie horde, he manages to safely guide the girls down from the tower, using his sharpshooting skills to protect them along the way.
'Zombieland' has become a cult favorite among fans of horror and comedy alike. Enjoy watching the film on Netflix today!
9. 'Captain Phillips' (2013)
'Captain Phillips,' a 2013 American film, depicts the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, an unarmed US container ship, by Somali pirates led by Abduwali Muse while en route to Kenya. The film portrays the intense struggle between the ship's captain and Muse as they face unpredictable and perilous circumstances beyond their control.
Based on the real-life events of the 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking, the film portrays the ordeal of Captain Richard Phillips, an American merchant mariner who was held hostage by Somali pirates. Tom Hanks stars as Phillips, while Barkhad Abdi plays the role of Muse, the leader of the pirates.
Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Abdi.
10. 'Life' (2017)
'Life', a 2017 American science fiction horror film directed by Daniel Espinosa, is also set to release on Netflix today.
The film follows astronauts who make a groundbreaking discovery of extraterrestrial life on Mars, only to realize that the life form is highly intelligent and dangerous.
'Life' stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ariyon Bakare, and Olga Dihovichnaya in pivotal roles.
How to stream these classic films?
Netflix is adding these timeless films to its streaming library today. One needs a Netflix membership to watch these films.
The Standard Plan with advertising costs $6.99 per month and offers full HD (1080p) streaming.
Without ads, the Standard Plan is $15.49 per month, allowing streaming in 1080p/full HD quality on two screens simultaneously.
The Premium Plan costs $22.99 per month, enabling up to four simultaneous streams in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos and HDR.