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, there are some free old movies on YouTube that are great Hollywood classics worth checking out.

17 '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.

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16 '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.

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15 '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.

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14 'The Scarlet Claw' (1944)

Directed by Roy William Neill

Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle'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 Crow is gripping and blends suspense with the horror genre seamlessly.

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13 'Born Yesterday' (1950)

Directed by George Cukor

Blending the drama and comedy genres, the entertaining Born Yesterday sees the Oscar-winning Judy Holliday 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 Garson Kanin.

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.

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12 '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 (David Niven) who seeks heavenly guidance and is soon visited by a self-proclaimed angel (Cary Grant). 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 (Loretta Young).

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.

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11 'Detour' (1945)

Directed by Edward G. Ulmer

Detour illustrates the life of a New York club pianist, AI Roberts (Tom Neal), who hears a song that recalls him of his recent past. When Roberts decides to hitchhike to Los Angeles in order to see his girlfriend (Claudia Drake), 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.

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10 '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 is an underrated piece of cinema about the enforcement of unnecessary rules and jealousy and a fully entertaining watch throughout.

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9 '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.

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8 '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 (Cornel Wilde) 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.

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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.

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6 'Charade' (1963)

Directed by Stanley Donen

Pairing Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, 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 Hitchcock 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.

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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.

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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 (Jackie Coogan) 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.

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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.

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2 'Rebecca' (1940)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

1940's thrilling Rebecca, among the renowned free classic movies streaming today, is based on the 1938 novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier, directed by the remarkable Alfred Hitchcock. The film follows a shy, awkward, and self-conscious woman (Joan Fontaine) who marries a charming, wealthy recently-widowed man, Maxim de Winter (Sir Laurence Olivier), only to realize that Maxim's deceased first wife, Rebecca, still has a gripping, powerful hold on everyone in the house.

This engaging romantic thriller is quite popular today, and for good reason. Although a new film with the same name based on the same novel premiered on Netflix in 2020, it barely lived up to expectations — unlike Hitchcock's first American project, which blew many minds away. An engaging atmospheric gothic horror with a nameless protagonist who, intimidated by her husband's first wife's spectral presence, finds it extremely hard to fit in, Rebecca is haunting all around.

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1 'Notorious' (1946)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Directed by the prized Alfred Hitchcock, Notorious is a near-flawless film-noir romance revolving around the daughter (Ingrid Bergman) of a convicted Nazi spy accused of treason against the US. When she is eventually approached by a government agent (Cary Grant) who asks her to spy on a group of her father's Nazi friends, a strong bond unfolds between the two.

Notorious is essential viewing for anyone who wants to get into classics, and the good news is that readers can now watch Hitchcock's film for free on YouTube by clicking the link below. In addition to incredible chemistry, this must-see espionage thriller — and the filmmaker's most romantic — possesses a thoroughly entertaining and unforgettable premise.

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NEXT: Classic Hollywood Movies That Haven't Aged Well