Classic Movies (and where to watch?)

[Acim]

I'm a fan of classic movies. Not a huge fan, but I like to think I'm at least a little literate on the topic of older classics. Perhaps a thread like this already exists where we discuss favorite classics. But I'm also wondering if anyone knows a good streaming service that emphasizes a library of classic films (truly classic, and older, black and white films).

Here are some films that I like that I think fits in this category:

• Double Indemnity - saw it rather recently, was told the dialogue was good and found it amazing
• A Thousand Clowns - older cousin suggested this and I really enjoyed it. It's hard to find, and would be great to see it on streaming (Cable channels either never or rarely play it)
• Casablanca - who doesn't like it, what's not to like
• Pscyho - not exactly old, but fits all other criteria, and is probably my favorite on this list. I like most things Hitchcock but this is only one I'll add to this list, otherwise every other film would be Hitchcock
• The Time Of Your Life - caught this one afternoon and had magical connection to it. It's this type of film (not genre, but just classic style) that I hope for when seeing any classic movie
• Citizen Kane - tops most critics list and I do understand why. Not a favorite for me, but I do like it
• Bicycle Thief - other one that I see topping most critics list. Didn't especially care for it the first time, but found it better the second time
• It's A Wonderful Life - sure it's overplayed now, but I still think it is a fantastic film
• Maltese Falcon - can't recall how much I really like this and would be one I'd check out if I found a good streaming service for classics

Would note that I recently saw "His Girl Friday" and thought it just okay. Dialogue was too snappy for me.

Also wish to note that there are classics that are intentionally left off this list because they are in color. I guess I'm not opposed to others bringing those up, but am really trying to stick to black and white. Films like: Wizard of Oz (I love), The African Queen (1951 - I really like), and Singing In The Rain (I love) are all classics in my book, but not what I'm looking for. Nor modern classics - like I think Schindler's List would fit and is a top notch movie IMO.

I'm seeking recommendations on others that fit what I think is fairly wide open criteria, but has a scope that I've hopefully made clear.

And if anyone knows of a streaming service that has the ones I've mentioned plus more, that would be great (for all of us classic film fans).

 

[RabbiO]

Here are some films that I like that I think fits in this category:

• 
  
• A Thousand Clowns - older cousin suggested this and I really enjoyed it. It's hard to find, and would be great to see it on streaming (Cable channels either never or rarely play it)
• 
  
• Psycho - not exactly old, but fits all other criteria, and is probably my favorite on this list. I like most things Hitchcock but this is only one I'll add to this list, otherwise every other film would be Hitchcock

Not sure why the comment about Psycho not being particular old, given that it was made 56 years ago (1960). Furthermore, A Thousand Clowns is a "newer" film, being only 51 years old (1965).

 

[Acim]

Not sure why the comment about Psycho not being particular old, given that it was made 56 years ago (1960). Furthermore, A Thousand Clowns is a "newer" film, being only 51 years old (1965).

Well made point. Psycho is a (older) classic.

 

[HakkaMex]

In terms of where to watch them, there's a good chunk of them for free on Youtube, quite a few highly regarded one like Rififi, L'Eclisse, 8 1/2, Tarkovsky's The Mirror and Stalker, Godard's Breathless, Orson Welles' The Stranger, Bergman's Wild Strawberries and The Virgin Spring, and a tonne of Hollywood noirs.

A couple free sites to watch them are ShoutFactoryTV and TubiTV, they have ads unless you have an adblocker but the quality is fantastic and they both have at least around a dozen good ones.

If you're fortunate enough to be in the US then you can also subscribe to Filmstruck which has a lot of classic films, mainly Criterion releases.