22 Best Old Hollywood Movies to Watch for Free on YouTube (2024)

A particularly good period for moviemaking, the golden age of Hollywood is undoubtedly one of the most popular eras in the film industry. From the mid-1920s to the early 1960s, filmmaking was thriving – Hollywood stars oozed charm, glamour, and unmatched talent. Although it's been a while since all the classic films we now love finished production, most of them have carved a legacy so strong that it stands the test of time today.

There are a lot of essential, timeless classic Hollywood films that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, finding a streaming service that provides audiences with these gems can be difficult. Not to worry, though: luckily for viewers, thanks to a few YouTube channels like Retrospective and Feature Film, these favorite oldies are out in the open for anyone to see. From thrillers like Rebecca to Westerns like The Magnificient Seven, these are some of the best free old movies on YouTube that are great Hollywood classics worth checking out.

22 'Dear Murderer' (1947)

Directed by Arthur Crabtree

Starring EricPortman and GretaGynt, this slightly overlooked but enjoyable British film noir directed by ArthurCrabtree sees a businessman hatch a plan to kill his cheating wife's lover and make it look like suicide.

Despite its dark plot, Dear Murderer is an elegant, sophisticated film guaranteed to appeal to anyone who enjoys the genre, as it provides audiences with a well-written mystery best enjoyed late at night. It also benefits from funny bits, featuring a good dose of sarcastic British humor and other fun moments. While it does not differ much from other films in the category Crabtree’s movie surely helps pass the time. Furthermore, the acting performances, costumes, hair, and makeup are noteworthy, too.

Watch on YouTube

21 'Sapphire' (1959)

Directed by Basil Dearden

Another addition to the best old English movies is Sapphire, a 1959 drama that is also worth mentioning that explores themes of racism by focusing on the investigation of two Scotland Yard detectives of the murder of a young woman of mixed race who had been passing as white. As they get to know the suspects, the detectives unearth an entrenched sludge of racial prejudice and bigotry.

Frequently described as an “ahead-of-its-time” film for the sensitive themes it tackles, Sapphire, which stars Nigel Patrick, Yvonne Mitchell, Michael Craig, and Paul Massie, is undoubtedly worth checking out — especially considering how easily available for audiences to stream it is. All in all, Basil Dearden’s film is bold and daring, with great execution to match its intriguing, thought-provoking plot.

Watch on YouTube

20 'Man with a Million' (1954)

Directed by Ronald Neame

Originally titled The Million Pound Note, Ronald Neame's comedy depicts the story of an American sailor (Gregory Peck) who, out of pure luck, is fortunate enough to be passing by two rich gentlemen who have the idea of distributing a £1,000,000 in the form of a single banknote to a random stranger.

Man with a Million is essentially a highly entertaining film that shows the audience how an extremely wealthy person doesn't have to work and can live off just by showing off the good fortune in his possession. A hilarious watch through and through, Neame's 1954 movie is a great social commentary that provides viewers with a good time.

Watch on YouTube

19 'The Suspect' (1944)

Directed by Robert Siodmak

Directed by Robert Siodmak, this 1944 classic American film noir follows an unhappily married man (Charles Laughton) who engages in a flirtation with a much younger woman (Ella Raines) in 1902 London. When their relationship is discovered by his wife (Rosalind Ivan), she threatens to expose the two. Fearing that the word spreads and a scandal arises, Philip knows exactly what he will do.

If there is something The Suspect does seamlessly, it is delivering fantastic performances from everyone involved (including, of course, Laughton's impeccable talent). Apart from that, this top-notch, captivating domestic drama also relies on a very well-written plot that will likely surprise and exceed many viewers' initial expectations.

Watch on YouTube

18 'Jane Eyre' (1943)

Directed by Robert Stevenson

While this 1943 film adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel of the same name may not be on the same level as the 2011 one (especially for audiences who like modern films), the Robert Stevenson picture is certainly worthwhile. As expected, the story centers around the titular character, played by Joan Fontaine, hired by the lord of a mysterious manor house, Edward Rochester (Orson Welles in one of his best roles), and tasked to care for his young daughter.

Jane Eyre is a solid adaptation of a classic literary tale, which, like many other great classics on this list, is available to stream for free on the digital platform. Stevenson's black-and-white film's stunning cinematography of the brooding Jane Eyre plays a huge part in what makes it appealing. However, the acting performances — particularly by Fontaine, who brings the heroine to life flawlessly — are also worth a mention.

Watch on YouTube

17 'The Scarlet Claw' (1944)

Directed by Roy William Neill

Based on SirArthurConanDoyle's "Sherlock Holmes" detective stories, The Scarlet Claw is a mystery crime thriller centering on Holmes (Basil Rathbone) and Watson's (Nigel Bruce) attempt to solve a series of twisted murderers that are terrifying the residents of a quaint country village in Canada after a woman is found dead.

Directed by Roy William Neill, this 1944 film is a compelling and atmospheric watch that makes for the perfect pick for those who like the genre, specifically the Sherlock Holmes novels and adaptations. All in all, The Scarlet Claw is gripping and blends suspense with the horror genre seamlessly.

Watch on YouTube

16 'Born Yesterday' (1950)

Directed by George Cukor

Blending the drama and comedy genres, the entertaining Born Yesterday sees the Oscar-winning JudyHolliday as a junkyard tycoon's (Broderick Crawford) ill-educated lover and ex-showgirl, who is taught proper etiquette by a newspaperman (William Holden) with unexpected results, which includes Billie eventually falling in love with Paul. The acclaimed film is based on the 1946 stage play of the same name by GarsonKanin.

With charming likability and impeccable comedic timing, Holliday's cheerful and playful performance is a major standout in this George Cukor movie, hence why she rightfully took home the Best Actress Oscar at the Academy Awards. On top of its great direction, the well-crafted political and social satire of the screwball comedy movie guarantees Born Yesterday a watch.

Watch on YouTube

15 'The Spiral Staircase' (1961)

Directed by Boris Sagal

Set in 1916, The Spiral Staircase follows a shadowy serial killer who is targeting vulnerable women; one night during a thunderstorm, Helen, a mute servant (Dorothy McGuire) to an ailing matriarch, feels menaced. After being warned, Helen attempts to leave the house but eventually finds that it is too late.

Exploring misogyny and the mishandling of women’s health care, The Spiral Staircase is certainly an intriguing Robert Siodmak picture. Even if not as popular as other entries on this list, it is well-crafted and engaging, benefiting from an absorbing atmosphere and ambiance in which its murder mystery melodrama plot thrives. The performances were also remarkable, with EthelBarrymore, who plays Mrs. Warren, even earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Watch on YouTube

14 'The Bishop's Wife' (1947)

Directed by Henry Koster

If one is looking for free movies on YouTube, Henry Koster's Christmas flick The Bishop's Wife is a great pick. The movie follows Bishop Henry Brougham (DavidNiven) who seeks heavenly guidance and is soon visited by a self-proclaimed angel (CaryGrant). When Dudley ingratiates himself into the household as his assistant, Henry is skeptical and eventually annoyed. What's even worse is when he captures the attention of Henry's wife (LorettaYoung).

Koster's classic movie is a cozy Christmas viewing for the holiday season, though a bit overlooked compared to other popular picks. The Bishop's Wife is joyful, appealing, and even fit for those who aren't into the fantasy genre. As always, Grant delivers a charming performance in this thoughtful, though comedic film about doing the right thing.

Watch on YouTube

13 'Detour' (1945)

Directed by Edward G. Ulmer

Detour illustrates the life of a New York club pianist, AI Roberts (TomNeal), who hears a song that reminds him of his recent past. When Roberts decides to hitchhike to Los Angeles in order to see his girlfriend (ClaudiaDrake), he has no idea that his life is about to descend into a nightmare.

While it is far from being the most remarkable noir, this stylish classic crime drama film by Edgar G. Ulmer assuredly makes for an enjoyable time in front of the screen. On top of good performances, the film, which is told in flashbacks, also counts on an intriguing narrative.

Watch on YouTube

12 'People Will Talk' (1951)

Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz

When Dr. Noah Praetorius (Cary Grant), an extremely talented and thus successful gynecologist treats, at his private clinic, Deborah Higgins (Jeanne Crain), a student nurse who feels sick, both learn that she's pregnant by her ex-boyfriend, and she tries to take her life by suicide. Before the two come to realize it, they fall in love with each other.

People Will Talk is a wonderfully directed 1951 unconventional comedy-drama that gets better with time. Joseph L. Mankiewicz's movie is far from mainstream — it isan underrated piece of cinema about the enforcement of unnecessary rules and jealousy and a fully entertaining watch throughout.

Watch on YouTube

11 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' (1953)

Directed by Howard Hawks

Starring the talented friends Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe in two of their most memorable roles, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a lively classic musical comedy film based on the 1949 stage musical of the same name. Directed by Howard Hawks, the movie follows Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw, two polar-opposite American showgirls (and great friends), as they embark on a trip to Paris, pursued by a private detective hired by Lorelei's fiancé's suspicious father.

Without a doubt, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes reigns as one of the most well-known musicals to date. Packed with comical moments that'll likely give the audience the giggles while simultaneously reflecting on women's objectification, this cheeky social satire about gender and class is fun essential viewing for anyone who appreciates classic films.

Watch on YouTube

10 'Leave Her to Heaven' (1945)

Directed by John M. Stahl

In John M. Stahl's Leave Her to Heaven, audiences are introduced to a novelist (CornelWilde) and a young socialite (Gene Tierney). The two fall in love and get married despite their differences. However, Ellen's love for Richard is obsessive and threatens to destroy not only the two of them but everyone in their lives.

This intense technicolor story seamlessly blends romantic melodrama with film noir to impeccable results. It also counts on beautiful cinematography and memorable performances (particularly from Tierney), which is enough to hold some of the viewers' interest.

Watch on YouTube

9 'The Bells of St. Mary's' (1945)

Directed by Leo McCarey

This American musical comedy-drama film features BingCrosby and the iconic Ingrid Bergman in the lead roles, focusing on a friendly rivalry between Father O'Malley and Sister Benedict at a big city Catholic school and their attempt to save their building from being shut down. It is based on a story by filmmaker LeoMcCarey.

Witnessing Bergman’s fun role as a nun for free on YouTube? It doesn’t get much better than that. The Bells of St. Mary’s is a genuinely engaging movie that has audiences invested in its lighthearted and fun premise. The fact that it was a huge box office success back when it was released and is now available to stream at no cost is a bonus.

Watch on YouTube

8 'The Awful Truth' (1937)

Directed by Leo McCarey

The charming Cary Grant stars opposite IreneDunne in The Awful Truth, a romantic comedy that centers around a married couple who begin amicable divorce proceedings after suspicions arise. In the meantime, they start undermining each other’s attempts to find new romance.

Featuring witty dialogue and an amusing premise that has viewers glued to their screens, the criminally underrated The Awful Truth is the perfect comedy for slapstick enjoyers; this Leo McCarey screwball picture (one of the first in the genre) is guaranteed to provide audiences with a good time. It also showcases the comedic talents of its lead performers, perfectly highlighting Grant’s skills for full-body comedy. While it is arguably not the star’s best, it is surely worth checking.

Watch on YouTube

7 'The Magnificent Seven' (1960)

Directed by John Sturges

The Magnificent Seven is an excellent American remake of the highly epic Japanese samurai drama Seven Samurai. It centers around seven gunfighters from the United States who are hired by Mexican peasants to capture a bandit who terrorizes their small farming village each year.

The highly-rated John Sturges film is the perfect pick for those looking to immerse themselves in a 1960s action-packed Western world with loads of adventure. Featuring an incredible score (which earned an Oscar nomination at the time), The Magnificient Seven relies on an engaging storyline with some interesting differences from the original remarkable Japanese piece.

Watch on YouTube

6 'Charade' (1963)

Directed by Stanley Donen

Pairing Cary Grant and AudreyHepburn, this 1963 romantic-comedy mystery film by Stanley Donen follows Regina, a woman who is pursued by four men who insist that she is in possession of a huge amount of money, which was supposedly stolen by her murdered husband, that they claim to be theirs. But can she really trust anyone?

Considered "the best Alfred Hitchco*ck film which he didn't make," Charade still holds up today as an extremely entertaining piece of classic entertainment that deserves more praise. Starring two extremely classy and charming actors and featuring a deeply enthralling storyline, this 1963 movie is a delight that should be cherished by worldwide audiences. What's more, it is among the best and free classic movies to watch.

Watch on YouTube

5 'Sabrina' (1954)

Directed by Billy Wilder

The awkward daughter (again, played by the iconic Audrey Hepburn) of a household chauffeur has been infatuated with playboy David (William Holden) all her life. Her fondness, however, is hardly reciprocated. That is until she returns an elegant and sophisticated woman from a Paris adventure that took place over two years. While Sabrina successfully captures David's attention, she finds herself slowly falling for the serious and more mature brother, Linus (played by Humphrey Bogart).

Billy Wilder's Sabrina is assuredly a charming watch featuring a talented cast that handles their roles flawlessly, and it is guaranteed to have viewers' eyes glued to the screen. Filled with both comical moments and thoughtful ones, this delicious mix of romance and comedy is essential viewing for those who are getting into classic films, remaining a highly referenced piece of cinema in today's pop culture.

Watch on YouTube

4 'The Kid' (1921)

Directed by Charlie Chaplin

Now more than a century old, The Kid remains a very popular Charles Chaplin essential feature. The actor/filmmaker stars as a tramp who cares for an abandoned child (JackieCoogan) after he was left in the backseat of an automobile. However, the relationship between the two is put to the test as the boy grows up.

Often regarded as a masterpiece, the 1921 black-and-white silent feature is both hilarious and thought-provoking. Chaplin's movie is also a highly groundbreaking and influential piece that stands the test of time. Just like the mentioned films, The Kid is available to watch for free on YouTube.

Watch on YouTube

3 'And Then There Were None' (1945)

Directed by René Clair

Based on the novel of the same name by the exceptionally talented Agatha Christie, a real master of her field and surely the best mystery genre novel writer to date, And Then There Were None is a classic crime drama mystery directed by René Clair. The movie focuses on the gathering of a newly hired personal secretary, two staff and seven guests on an isolated island. After a record is played and a message from the delayed hosts reveals that all the people present are guilty of murder, the killing spree begins and the group is mysteriously murdered one by one. ​​​​​​

Those looking for old movies to watch should give this a shot, as even almost 78 years later, this appealing murder mystery will have you at the edge of your seat. Without any doubt, the 1945 classic is the best adaptation of the Christie novel to date, offering audiences a nearly perfect and extremely memorable plot that gets better with each viewing.

Watch on YouTube