Inception,The Matrix,Parasite,Deadpool,Arrival,Edward Scissorhands,The Fifth Element, andMemories of Murder–Hulu’s library is packed to the brim with great modern films and older releases that are on the verge of being deemed classics. The streaming service is not lacking in current content, but one of the appeals of these types of platforms is that they provide access to decades-old movies that might otherwise be forgotten.
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Hulu predominantly focuses on movies released after the year 2000, so much older projects are in short supply. That said, there are still a few brilliant oldies on the platformer. What are thebest classic movies on Hulu?
Disclaimer:1975 is the cutoff point, so any movie released after that will not be included.
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1923)
Lon Chaney’s influence on the horror genre cannot be understated, andThe Hunchback of Notre Damewas the movie that elevated the actor to superstar status. An ambitious adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, this 1923 classic is a moving tale that captures the source material’s devastatingly tragic tone.
As a showcase of one of thesilent era’s greatest performers,The Hunchback of Notre Dameis an epic with few contemporary equals. After watching this movie, people should try and track down some of Chaney’s other classics, particularly 1924’sHe Who Gets Slapped and 1925’sThe Phantom of the Opera.
The Quiet Man (1952)
John Ford and John Wayne are mostly known for their Westerns, but both film icons dabbled in other genres.The Quiet Manfinds the Duke cast as a romantic lead, a role well out of the actor’s comfort zone. Set in the Irish countryside,The Quiet Manis a charming little movie with gorgeous cinematography that rivals Ford’s best Westerns.
While the film certainly feels like a product of its time,The Quiet Manstill has its charm. It is also a must-watch for people who wish to see a different side of John Wayne.
Shane (1953)
Westerns have become a rare treatin modern cinema, but that wasn’t the case prior to the 1960s. Most of these ancient releases have fallen to the wayside, only remembered by genre aficionados who wish to experience the Old West in all of its glory and failures. However, a few movies have stood the test of time, andShaneis one such example.
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On the surface, this is a tale about a gunman taking arms to protect a farmer from a slew of gunslingers, but the story goes deeper than that.Shaneis about a battle of worlds and the changing of eras; the unintimidating eponymous gunfighter is removed from the towering leading men of classic Hollywood. Jack Palance’s Jack Wilson is also one of cinema’s greatest villains.
The War Of The Worlds (1953)
H. G. Wells’The War of the Worldsis one of those novels that has always inspired adaptations.Steven Spielberg’s 2005 moviedid a respectable job bringing this classic to the big screen, while Orson Welles' 1938 radio adaptation infamously convinced a number of people that aliens were genuinely taking over the world.
The first feature film to adapt Wells' story, 1953’sThe War of the Worldswas a triumphant showcase of cinema’s potential to bring to life spectacles that were once restricted to imaginations. The special effects have aged to the point that most of the film’s horror elements have been lost, however,The War of the Worldsis still a brilliant adventure film.
Once Upon A Time In The West (1968)
When it comes to Westerns, it is difficult to go wrong with a Sergio Leone movie.Once Upon a Time in the Westtakes a fantastic roster of actors and casts them against type in a slow-burning and complicated narrative. As one can expect from the director, this 1968 classic is gorgeously filmed and boasts a soundtrack that can match nearly any in the industry’s history, includingThe Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
Once Upon a Time in the Westis a masterpiece and, consequently, one of thebest movies on Hulu, regardless of when it came out.
A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969)
The first feature-lengthPeanutsmovie,A Boy Named Charlie Brownfinds the somber child participating in a spelling bee as he tries to prove his worth to the other children. Effectively animated and cleverly written,A Boy Named Charlie Browndelivers its life lessons with a healthy helping of humor, nuance, and sadness.
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1972’sSnoopy Come Homeis also available on Hulu, soPeanutsfans can plan a double feature. Anyone new to Charlie Brown should also check these movies out.
True Grit (1969)
Eclipsed by2010’s remake by the Coen Brothers, 1969’sTrue Gritis nevertheless a strong late-era Western with one of John Wayne’s more memorable performances in the genre. As Rooster, Wayne is hired by a young girl to take out the man responsible for killing her father.
True Gritis a revenge story that rejects the heroics that permeate the majority of classic Westerns, including most films starring Wayne. Rooster is by no means a noble person, as he is depicted as a drunk with a violent streak.
Theatre Of Blood (1973)
Vincent Price was a legend of the B-Moviehorror scene, but his films can be quite difficult to track down in this day and age.Theatre of Bloodfinds the icon in fine (and ghoulish) form as a theatre actor who goes on a murder spree against critics who lambasted his Shakespearean performances.
Over-the-top, strangely comedic, and quite gory in place,Theatre of Bloodis a bizarre but highly enjoyable flick that will satisfy horror fans.
The Conversation (1974)
Sandwiched betweenThe Godfatherand its sequel,The Conversationis sometimes underappreciated among Francis Ford Coppola’s ’70s masterpieces. Revolving around a surveillance expert who accidentally records a murder,The Conversationis a captivating thriller that rewards patience.
Gene Hackman delivers a brilliant performance as the lead, and the film’s themes hold up well after all these years.The Conversationis Coppola at his best.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
A contender for the definitive B-movie experience,The Rocky Horror Picture Showis anightmarish delight fit for Halloween nightor a random Tuesday. Packed with unforgettable tracks and legendary performances by a game cast, Jim Sharman’s movie is a joyous celebration of the unusual.
More importantly, this film is irresistibly charming and a whole lot of fun.The Rocky Horror Picture Showis a cult classic that has grown so big, the “cult” part is starting to feel inaccurate.
