Watch Classic Movies for Free Online

Classic Movies in Public Domain

Dreaming backwards to those old Classic Movies of yesteryear? Well, I'm happy to say that there are a ton of movies made before 1970(for most of us boomers, those were our teen years-- classics like "Beach Blanket Bingo" and all those gorgeous Audrey Hepburn flicks and Hayley Mills and Gidget and Gigi and "South Pacific" and Elvis and on and on (*sigh*)that have likely all "fallen into" the Public Domain now). That means that we can watch them on our laptops, iPads, and various other devices in bed... sort of like the old drive-in movie experience, but closer up. With no awkward girl-boy stuff. Free. Streaming. You don't have to sign up with any of those rip-off online sites that promise more than they deliver... or who deliver a pile of viruses in lieu of your classic movies.

Get Out The Popcorn-- Be Cozy!

Here are some platforms where you might find free classic movies, particularly those made before 1980:

1. YouTube: Many classic movies are available on YouTube for free, either through official channels or user uploads. Some channels specialize in classic films and have obtained the necessary rights.
2. Internet Archive: The Internet Archive's Moving Image Archive contains a vast collection of classic films, including feature films, shorts, and silent films.
3. Public Domain Torrents: This website offers classic movies that are in the public domain and can be downloaded legally.
4. Classic Cinema Online: This website provides a collection of classic movies, including films from the silent era and the Golden Age of Hollywood.
5. Crackle: Crackle is a free streaming service that occasionally features classic films in its library.
6. Retrovision: This website offers a variety of classic movies and TV shows, and it's entirely free to use.
7. PopcornFlix: PopcornFlix is a free streaming service that has a category for classic movies. The selection may vary, but it's worth checking for classic films.
8. Tubi TV: Tubi is an ad-supported streaming service that offers a diverse selection of movies and TV shows, including some classic films.

Remember that the availability of movies on these platforms can change, and the legal status of films can vary. Always ensure that you are accessing content legally and abiding by the terms of service of the respective platforms. Additionally, new platforms may have emerged since my last update, so it's a good idea to explore current options and check for updates.

So I Can Watch Any Classic Movie Made Before 1973?

Well, unfortunately, not necessarily. Films have slightly more complex rights than other media (such as books, paintings, etc.) Films, the category in which classic films belong, are actually a "package" of copyrights made up of cinematography, drama, literature, art, musical score, and even something as esoteric as 'trademark'. So, while the book that the film was based on might have 'fallen into' public domain, perhaps there are copyrights made later than 1970 on the screenplay or some music that was inserted at the last minute in the production. And, of course, there is the inevitable adversarial legal system with its hand in the matter-- disagreeing legal counsel is not obliged to do as the public would wish them to.

Classic Movie Links

• Audrey Hepburn, online free movies and interviews
  For all you Audrey Hepburn diehard fans out there-- and interestingly, some of you were probably not born before the death of Audrey Hepburn! She is a classic.
• 8 Great Cary Grant Movies - Best Cary Grant Movies List
  Suave, funny, romantic - Cary Grant's movies show his talents as the leading man to end all leading men. Just about everything he made is worth watching - here's a list of beloved Cary Grant films.
• Feature Films : Free Movies : Download & Streaming : Internet Archive
  Feature films, shorts, silent films and trailers are available for viewing and downloading. Enjoy! View a list of all the Feature Films sorted by popularity. Do you want to post a feature film? First, figure out if it's in the Public Domain. Read thi

Comments

Robert Sacchi on July 31, 2020:

Yes, there is a lot to be said about these vintage films.

Cynthia Zirkwitz (author) from Vancouver Island, Canada on July 30, 2020:

Dear Robert

Thanks for coming by and offering up your knowldgeable information on "Its a Wonderful Life." These old classics are hard to beat!

Robert Sacchi on July 30, 2020:

Thank you for pointing this out. Yes, Creature Feature type shows often exclusively show movies in the science fiction/fantasy/horror genres. An odd thing happened with "It's a Wonderful Life", for a short time it was in public domain. It seemed in the US every channel was showing it at Christmas Time. An episode of "Married With Children" even made fun of that fact. This bombardment made "It's a Wonderful Life" if a perennial Christmas Classic. It probably wouldn't have achieved that hadn't a clerical error put the movie in the Public Domain for a time.

Cynthia Zirkwitz (author) from Vancouver Island, Canada on February 01, 2015:

Thank you Jojoy for your comment and suggestion that I post some other similar articles-- I might just take you up on that! (Perhaps you would like to write a hub about something similar-- this is a wonderfully nurturing community and your input would be much appreciated!)

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Jojoy on December 28, 2014:

From the article I can tell you know what your tankilg about. Thank you for sharing this quality information. Please post some other articles on the same topic.

Insightful Tiger on April 26, 2013:

You are so right about that! Many movies and shows today add many things that are unnecessary to the plot.

Cynthia Zirkwitz (author) from Vancouver Island, Canada on April 26, 2013:

You're welcome Insightful Tiger... this hub was done quite a while ago so if you find that the sites mentioned here are no longer up, please let me know! (so lazy, sorry) And yes, our mothers are our movie touchstones, I believe! There certainly used to be more movies that one was not embarrassed to watch with one's mom...

Insightful Tiger on April 26, 2013:

I love classic movies. It reminds me of watching them with my mom. I will be checking some out soon thanks to your hub. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia Zirkwitz (author) from Vancouver Island, Canada on July 30, 2012:

Hi Hypenbird! Best of luck! I have some 'obscure' favourites from my childhood as well to look up... you've inspired me!

Brenda Barnes from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

I am going to look up some of your suggestions. I have found some on Amazon free with my Prime membership and some on Netflix which we pay $8 a month to watch. But I cannot find The Unfinished Dance which is a beloved favorite since I was little. Thanks for the ideas and tips.

Cynthia Zirkwitz (author) from Vancouver Island, Canada on October 17, 2010:

You're very welcome Mary! Hope you find some old favourites to enjoy with your dried apples :-) ~Cynthia

Mary Dicerni on October 17, 2010:

Thank you so much. I have been looking for these old movies on safe sites. I enjoy munching on my dried apple slices while watching them. Ketch-ya later...

Cynthia Zirkwitz (author) from Vancouver Island, Canada on October 10, 2010:

thanks Andy-- I hear ya re preferring to watch movies on TV but there is also something so sort of sweet about the grainy old classic movies up close and personal on the laptop. Thank you so much for your lead to "Penny Serenade" and the link! Cheers!

Andy Webb on October 08, 2010:

I must admit I prefer to watch movies on a proper TV, rather than streaming but I do like the fact that some older movies which are no longer broadcast can be found to watch for free - legally. One site I discovered whilst looking for info on "Penny Serenade" is the internet archive which has a lot of old fims available to watch - http://www.archive.org/details/feature_films