With the launch of Max, the new site has a hub devoted to just movies under theTurner Classic Moviesbanner. The number of acclaimed films can be pretty overwhelming, and shy of Criterion Channel, you won’t find a better collection of classic Hollywood,indie, andforeignfilms available for streaming. But it can be a little tough to know where to start when there’s so much good stuff available, so we’ve narrowed it down a bit by providing a list of the best classics available on Max. We’ll keep updating this list as new classics are added toMax’s massive selection, but in the meantime, take a look at these giants of cinematic history.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Max.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best movies onMax,Netflix,Prime Video, orHulu.
‘Diabolique’ (1955)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 8.1/10
Diabolique
Based onPierre BoileauandThomas Narcejac’s 1952 novelShe Who Was No More,Diabolique(orLes Diaboliques, as it’s titled in French) is a 1955 psychological horror thriller co-written and directed byHenri-Georges Clouzot. Primarily centered around a boarding school, the film follows a woman who conspires to kill her husband with the help of his mistress. The movie starsSimone Signoret,Véra Clouzot,Paul Meurisse, andCharles Vanel.
Diaboliquewas quite a successful movie at the time of its release, becoming the 10th highest-grossing French film of 1955. In the decades since, the movie has inspired a number of other films and shows, most notably an American remake directed byJeremiah Chechikthat released in 1996. Clouzot’sDiaboliquehas been likened to the works of Alfred Hitchcock; in fact, the story goes thatHitchcock wanted to buy the rightsto the book, but Clouzot beat him to it by just a few hours. A horror thriller with a cruel and genuinely twisted story,Diaboliqueis arguably one of the greatest suspense films ever made.
Watch on Max
‘Some Like It Hot’ (1959)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 8.2/10
Some Like It Hot
StarringMarilyn Monroein one of her most iconic roles,Some Like It Hotfollows Joe and Jerry, played byTony CurtisandJack Lemmon,respectively, who flee, dressed as women, after they witness Spats Colombo (George Raft) and his mafia commit the St. Valentine’s Day massacre. Somewhat ahead of its time, the movie was nominated for six Academy Awards and won one, with its tight, comedic script and excellent performances showcasing how deserving it is of such accolades. Irresistibly funny, the story has tender moments, too, with Joe and Jerry’s friendship leaping in all its unconfined joy from the screen. Charming and cheeky, legendary directorBilly Wilderbrings a twinkle to the eye of all on screen, especially Monroe, who unsurprisingly dazzles. -Jake HodgesWatch on Max
‘I Married a Witch’ (1942)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.1/10
I Married a Witch
A 17th-century witch, seeking revenge on the descendants of her persecutors, inadvertently falls in love with a modern-day politician. As the witch’s intentions collide with her feelings, the two must navigate the complexities of their unexpected relationship, blending comedy and fantasy in a whimsical exploration of love and sorcery.
In theromantic comedyI Married a Witch,Veronica Lakestars as Jennifer, a mischievous witch from the 17th century who’s accidentally released into the modern world. When she crosses paths with Wallace (Fredric March), a descendant of her old enemy, the two quickly fall in love, sparking a delightful blend of romance and supernatural chaos. As Jennifer attempts to win Wallace’s heart, her magical antics cause hilarious mayhem and unforeseen consequences. The film showcases Lake’s enchanting charm and March’s charismatic performance, creating a perfect chemistry between the leads. Renowned for her signature hairstyle, Veronica Lake shines in her role as the spirited and captivating witch.I Married a Witchis a timeless classic that has delighted audiences for generations, one of whom,Sol Saks,drew inspiration in creating the showBewitched. The film is a lighthearted escape that appeals to all who appreciate love’s enchanting journey through time.Watch on Max
‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ (1934)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.3/10
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Based on the play and subsequent adventure novel of the same name, directorHarold Young(The Storm) pumps life into the 18th-century French Revolution vigilante.The Scarlet Pimpernelhas many tenets of what we now consider staples of the superhero genre: secret identities, damsels, and daring escapes. The story followsLeslie Howard(Pygmalion) as Sir Percy Blakeney, who presents as a weak, ineffective aristocrat but secretly takes on the role of the Scarlet Pimpernel to lead a band of men to rescue his fellow upper-class citizens from the guillotines of the Reign of Terror. Though the premise of the film feels like a stark contrast to our modern “Eat the Rich” sensibilities, it is still a classic worth enjoying. Between Howard’s performance of the Pimpernel, which is considered the definitive mold of the character, and the jaunty swashbuckling, it’s a good time all around. –Tauri MillerWatch on Max
‘Gone with the Wind’ (1938)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 8.2/10
Gone with the Wind
Adapted from the novel byMargaret Mitchell,Gone with the Windis a classic romance epic that takes place during the American Civil War. Though a product of its time, with all the views on slavery and plantations that come with that, the film has a wonderful love story between Scarlett O’Hara(Vivien Leigh) and Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard), who play a game of cat and mouse as they grapple with their feelings for one another despite their marital and familial obligations. This ten-time Academy Award winner is a fascinating view into classic cinema — the costumes, the filming techniques, and the storytelling sensibilities that would pave a path for filmmakers for years to come.Watch on Max
‘Pygmalion’ (1938)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.7/10
A true classic that has been retold, reimagined, and redesigned,Pygmalionis an original story first told on stage by theater iconGeorge Bernard Shaw. Adapted by directorsAnthony AsquithandLeslie Howard, with assistance from Shaw on the screenplay,Pygmalionstars Howard as Professor Henry Higgins, a dictation expert determined to transform a low-class cockney girl (Wendy Hiller) into a proper English lady. Cleverly written,Pygmalionplays with language and classism through a lively romp. An ideal revisitation is suggested for fans ofMy Fair Lady,She’s All That,orConfessions of a Teenage Drama Queen.– Yael TygielWatch on Max
‘Blithe Spirit’ (1945)
Rotten Tomatoes: 77% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Blithe Spirit
Blithe Spirit, based on the hit play, is a delightful comedy starringRex Harrison(My Fair Lady) andConstance Cummings, along with a spooky performance byKay Hammond. The charming picture follows a man and his new wife as they find themselves haunted by the ghost of his first wife, whom only he can hear.Blithe Spiritis such an endearing story that it ran successfully in theaters in London, as well as spending two years gracing the stages of Broadway.Blithe Spiritwas even remade, starringDan Stevens(Legion),Isla Fisher(Wolf Like Me), andJudi Dench(Belfast)and directed byEdward Hall.– Yael TygielWatch on Max
‘The Lady Vanishes’ (1938)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 7.7/10
The Lady Vanishes
The Lady Vanishesis an underappreciatedAlfred Hitchcockthriller starringMargaret Lockwoodas Iris Henderson, a wealthy young woman traveling by train through Europe and the only rider to have noticed the disappearance of Miss Froy (May Whitty). Hitchcock, the king of suspense, brings to life a riveting mystery based on the story by Ethel Lina White, adapted by writersSidney GilliatandFrank Launder(who also directedThe Blue Lagoon).The Lady Vanishesis a precursor to modern missing woman mysteries yet an often forgotten gem in Hitchcock’s catalog. –Yael TygielWatch on Max
‘Casablanca’ (1942)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.5/10
Casablanca
The 1942 winner for Best Picture,Casablancahas lost none of its impact over the decades. It really is a movie that has it all—action, adventure, intrigue, romance, patriotism, sacrifice—it’s more than just “Here’s looking at you, kid.” The story follows jaded nightclub owner Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) who just wants to be left alone until the love of his life, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), comes to him looking for help for her husband, a Czech Resistance leader. Don’t be daunted by the film’s prestige; you can still enjoy it for how damned entertaining and surprisingly funny it can be.Casablancastill hits with all the immediacy of its original release as it embraces universal themes about love and self-sacrifice. It’s a beautiful movie, and one worth revisiting. –Matt GoldbergWatch on Max
‘North by Northwest’ (1959)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.3/10
North By Northwest
Obviously, Alfred Hitchcock was “The Master of Suspense”, but a film likeNorth by Northwestshows how he could use that suspense in so many different ways. Sometimes it would be horror; other times it could be drama, but here it’s used for one of the best thrillers ever made. The film follows Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant), who is mistaken by some goons for special agent George Kaplan. Kidnapped, drugged, and framed for murder just for a start, poor Roger goes on the run for his life and to find some answers about his predicament. Hitchock puts his action chops on display with some exhilarating set pieces, but never loses sight of the breakneck pacing and exciting narrative of mistaken identity. –Matt GoldbergWatch on Max
