7 Underrated Streaming Services For Best Old Classic Movies

Hey, classic movie buffs! Ever get tired of scrolling through endless options on your usual streaming service only to find the same old’ stuff?

You’re in for a treat if you’re into the golden oldies. We’re talking about the best streaming services for those timeless shows that make you warm and fuzzy.

Trust me – it’s like finding a secret stash of cinematic treasures.

Okay, so you know about Netflix and all. But some under-the-radar streaming services are like hidden gems for old-time film lovers.

These excellent platforms dig up the old-school flicks you might not see elsewhere. It’s like your own private screening room for those vintage cinematic vibes.

And we know why you’re into these. They’re like a time machine. They show us how things used to be and why they still matter today.

Imagine the stories your grandparents watched on date nights – that’s what we’re discussing. This quick guide spills the beans on popular and not-so-popular streaming services specializing in these classics.

Whether you’re into the classics or just curious, these platforms are your ticket to a date night that’s more retro-cool than the latest blockbuster. Let’s dive into the good old days!

Key Takeaway

• Specialized streaming platforms like Criterion Channel, TCM, The Film Detective, Fandor, and Kanopy offer curated classic movie libraries, including rare finds, cult favorites, and remastered titles.
• Many niche classic movie streaming services have affordable subscription prices, starting as low as $3.99 per month. Free trial periods allow sampling of different platforms.
• Streamers should consider the types of classic films they enjoy, compatible devices, budgets, and tools for finding forgotten gems when selecting a service.
• Mainstream platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video also grant access to specific classic movie titles alongside original content libraries with their subscriptions.

Best Streaming Services for Old Classic Films

1. Criterion Channel

Source:  criterionchannel.com 

Criterion Channel is like the VIP lounge for classic, arthouse, foreign, and kinda obscure films. They’ve got over 1,000 flicks in their lineup, including interviews, essays, and behind-the-scenes stuff, too!

Now, the cost deets is $10.99 a month or $99.99 a year. But there’s more: they throw in a 7-day free trial so that you can dip your toes in. Cancel anytime, no strings attached.

And hey, even if you’re not subscribed, you can check what’s playing on the Criterion Channel – just hit up criterionchannel.com.

Oh, and if you’re looking to score it cheaper, they’ve got a 30% off deal until December 2022, just in time for a holiday sale.

Plus, they support all sorts of devices – Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Xbox, Samsung Smart TVs, iPads, iPhones, Android – you name it!

Even the big ones have something good to say about it. New York Magazine calls it “breathtaking,” Time says it’s a “streaming savior,” and Wired calls it a “godsend for movie buffs.”

So, what are you waiting for? Start that free trial and dive into a world of cinematic goodness!

2. Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

Source: tcm.com

TCM is another golden ticket to a cinematic time warp. For just $9.99 a month, you can dive into a collection of iconic dramas, comedies, musicals, and more.

It’s like having a personal cinema right at your fingertips.

So, what exactly is Watch TCM? It’s your pass to “TV Everywhere” – you can catch on-demand shows and even live broadcasts of Turner Classic Movies online or via the Watch TCM app.

You can enjoy this timeless goodness on iOS and Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.

Here’s the lowdown for those wondering if they need a cable or satellite TV subscription. Yup, you do. To get in on the Watch TCM action, you have to be subscribed to it at home through a cable or satellite TV provider.

Now, how do you get started? It’s simple.

• Grab your cable or satellite TV login info
• Find your service provider on the list
• Enter those credentials into the Watch TCM sign-up screen

Are you curious about what’s on the menu? Most shows air on TCM are up for grabs on Watch TCM. However, a few titles might be hard to get due to licensing requirements.

And they’re usually available for an incredible seven days on Watch TCM after they air on Turner Classic Movies, so you have time to savor the classics.

Here’s a bonus – you can catch the live broadcast of TCM on Watch TCM. Two live broadcasts, actually. West Coast shows films in PST, while the East Coast version serves them in EST.

So, no matter where you are, you’re covered.

If you missed your favorite flick, most of them on TCM make a comeback, airing more than once during the year, as long as the licensing stars align for Watch TCM.

But hey, if you’re looking for more ways to stream TCM besides cable, we’ve got you covered.

Our top pick is DirecTV Stream at $69.98 per month. It’s affordable, offers multiple simultaneous streams, and gives you access to many other channels. Plus, you can watch it on various devices like Amazon Fire TV and Android TV.

3. The Film Detective

Source: thefilmdetective.tv

If you’re searching for those rare and hard-to-find movies, look no further than The Film Detective, now Cineverse.

For just $3.99 a month (yep, the price of a fancy coffee), you get a golden ticket to a world of classic feature films, cult movie gems, and TV shows. These are from the ‘50s and ’60s – all in glorious HD!

Now, we’re not just talking about the usual ones. The Film Detective’s archive is like a time-traveling treasure chest.

We’re talking Westerns, Horror flicks, Mystery thrillers, Family favorites, Martial Arts madness, Film Noir coolness, and even rare finds like Religious Programming and Silents.

And get this – The Film Detective isn’t just some streaming newbie. They’ve been in the game since ‘9, thanks to film aficionado Philip Hopkins. He’s turned his love for collecting flicks into a haven for movie lovers.

These films aren’t just old copies; they’re digitally remastered from original elements, available in ProRes, and many are in HD.

Whether you’re into Turner Classic Movies, Hulu, or Amazon, chances are you’ve already seen some of The Film Detective’s handiwork.

But wait, there’s more! If you’re into unlimited access to classics and a whopping 70,000 premium films, series, and podcasts, say hello to Cineverse.

These guys are like the superheroes of entertainment distribution. They power up your streaming experience, delivering stories that tug at your heartstrings and tech that propels us into the future.

Cineverse ensures we’re all in for a cinematic treat, from big-name brands to cozy fan channels. Cheers to the future of entertainment – brought to you by Cineverse!

4. Fandor

Source: fandor.com

Ever heard of Fandor? It’s like the ultimate hangout for Cinephiles – an indie streaming service.

It’s all about bringing you the most remarkable independent films, international gems, documentaries, and classic movies.

We’re talking thousands of hours of movie magic you can enjoy on your web browser, iOS, Android, Roku, and more.

Its library is like a treasure chest that keeps growing, thanks to incredible partners who share our love for flicks and support independent filmmakers doing some rad stuff.

The next movie you check out on Fandor could be the next big thing!

We’re not just about streaming; we’re building a global community of movie lovers by teaming up with educators, students, filmmakers, festivals, and distributors.

They’re partying in the US and Canada right now, but guess what? They’ve got big plans to take this shindig worldwide soon, so stay tuned!

You can catch Fandor on your go-to web browser, Android and iOS devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs – you name it.

No need to break the bank either; their subscription plans are a steal at $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year.

And the best part? No hidden fees, no tricky commitments – just what it is. Switch plans whenever the mood strikes.

5. Kanopy

Source: kanopy.com

Meet Kanopy, the free streaming service that’s like a cinematic treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

It’s your go-to for classic films. And the best part? Thanks to your local library or university having your back, it’s all free.

With your library card or university login, you can dive into a sea of movies, documentaries, foreign shows, and more. What’s more, it’s without pop-ads interrupting your movie night.

Kanopy is not just a streaming service; it’s a bridge to a world of thoughtful entertainment.

Whether you’re into timeless classics, eye-opening documentaries, or independent films that spark your curiosity, Kanopy’s got your back.

Kanopy believes in the power of cinema to bring people together and expand horizons. It’s not just about watching movies; it’s about experiencing stories that inspire, enrich, and challenge us.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a cinematic journey that won’t break the bank, grab your library card or university login.

It’s available on smart TVs like Telstra and Samsung. Or on media streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

You can watch it on the web and mobile platforms for iOS, Fire OS, and Android.

6. Apple TV

Source: tv.apple.com

Apple TV has emerged as a tech giant and a hub for classic film enthusiasts seeking a curated collection of timeless gems. While Apple TV+ delivers original content, the broader Apple TV app opens the doors to a trove of classic cinema.

It allows users to embark on a nostalgic journey through the annals of film history, spanning various genres and eras. From iconic Hollywood masterpieces to international treasures, the platform has it.

What is the best about it? Apple TV ensures a seamless streaming experience. The user-friendly interface and advanced search features make navigating and discovering hidden gems easy.

Whether on your Apple TV device, iPad, iPhone, or Mac, the platform seamlessly syncs your watchlist, allowing you to pick up where you left off, regardless of the screen size.

With high-definition streaming and minimal buffering, Apple TV lets you enjoy classic films in all their visual glory.

As to price, an Apple TV+ subscription is $6.99 per month.

7. Amazon Prime Video

Source: amazon.com

Amazon Prime is like a cool all-in-one deal for $14.99 a month. With this, you get Amazon’s delivery perks (like free and speedy shipping) and a golden ticket to Prime Video – their movie and TV show streaming.

Now, if you’re just hungry for shows and movies and don’t need the delivery jazz, you can snag Prime Video for $8.99 a month.

Depending on where you live, how you access Amazon Prime might differ. You can pay monthly or yearly for it in the US, UK, or Germany.

And, if you’re in the US, UK, France, or Brazil, you might even catch some sports action on Prime Video, covering stuff like basketball and football.

But if you’re in a place where Amazon doesn’t deliver, you might have to stick to watching it on a web browser.

Prime Video serves up on-demand movies and shows and lets you rent or buy titles that aren’t in their library. Plus, you can grab extra channels like HBO or Starz if you’re into that.

So, if all this sounds like your kind of entertainment deal, you can check it out with a 30-day free trial.

Remember, it’s not just for Amazon devices; it’s also available on gaming consoles, iPhones, and Android.

Ready to dive into the Prime life? Go check it out on Amazon. It’s like your ticket to a ton of classic movies and shows.

Finding the Right Classic Films and Streaming Service for You

When looking for forgotten and overlooked classic movies on streaming services, there are a few key things to consider:

• Types of shows you enjoy: Think about genres, directors, and movie titles you’re interested in. Some services specialize in certain classics like film noir or silent movies.
• Your budget: Streaming services range from free to over $20/month. Evaluate what you can afford, especially if you want to watch old movies.
• Devices you’ll use: Some services only work on specific platforms like smart TVs or Roku. Make sure your devices are compatible.
• Finding forgotten gems: Vast libraries make finding overlooked classics possible. Use filters and search tools to uncover hidden gem movies that have stood the test of time but aren’t mainstream hits.
• Curated selections: Many services offer curated channels or spotlights on specific genres, directors, etc. These can help surface forgotten flicks you may not find on your own.

Conclusion

Explore the best streaming services for timeless classics like Criterion Channel, TCM, The Film Detective (Cineverse), Fandor, Kanopy, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.

These platforms offer a cinematic journey, from exclusive VIP lounges to indie hangouts. Find forgotten gems with filters and curated channels, considering your movie vibes, budget, and tech compatibility.

Classic movies are cultural touchstones, influencing the past and inspiring the future. Embrace the nostalgia with these streaming options, each offering a unique cinematic experience.

Happy watching and uncovering the magic of timeless films!