Lately I’ve been streaming some old shows on various streaming platforms. I’ve been enjoying watching them with my husband. Some I’ve never seen and some I’ve seen a few episodes of before.

I can’t guarantee the ones I mention below will still be on the respective streaming services when you read this post. So I am focusing more on sharing those that are WORTH watching either for the first time or again. I’ve included links to buy them as well.

Classic Films and TV Shows That Are Worth Watching

Disclosure: Product links will be affiliate links. I make a small commission but at no extra cost to you.

Beverly Hillbillies

About: This show ran from 1962-1971 and features short episodes. If you aren’t familiar with it, it’s about a hillbilly family who strikes it rich and moves to Beverly Hills where they stand out quite a bit from the rich folk who live there. The show is in black and white till late 1965.

My Thoughts: I was surprised at how funny the show is, even today! It certainly aged well and isn’t like some old shows that are just too outdated to watch. I laugh out loud many times during the show and it’s never boring or bland.

Watch It!: I am currently streaming it on Amazon Prime Video. If you can’t find it there, you can buy all the seasons on DVD on Amazon.

DEAL – In US, EBT Cardholders can get Amazon Prime for only $5.99/month until Dec. 31, 2021 – check it out here.

Charlie Chaplin Movies

About: Charlie Chaplin was an English Comic, Actor and became well known during the silent movies era. He is considered one of the most important figures in film history. His movies are in black and white and are shorter than what is average but that’s because they are from the 1920s and 1930s.

My Thoughts: You might think that movies THAT old can’t be any good but you’d be wrong. If you aren’t familiar with a Charlie Chaplin film, you should know that while you can hear music, you won’t hear talking. Most of the time you can tell what is happening and if it isn’t clear words are shown on the screen. It’s interesting actually to try to read lips, to see how life was different almost 100 years ago and to see how they accomplished what we now call “special effects.”

Watch It!: I am currently streaming a few different Charlie Chaplin movies on Netflix. If you can’t find it there, you can find his movies on Amazon (along with a documentary about him and some books about him). There is also currently a documentary about Charlie Chaplin on Prime Video. See above for a deal on Amazon Prime for EBT cardholders.

Star Trek: The Original Series

About: The original series is the original Star Trek from 1966 to 1969. It’s the one that features Captain Kirk and Spock. Although future made Star Trek shows take place before this one, this was the first made show in the series.

My Thoughts: The original series’ special effects are trivial compared to what we can do now. However the show is a must watch for anyone who loves Star Trek, especially if, (like me,) you started becoming a Trekkie with a later series. It is nice to see the roots my favourite series started from.

Watch It!: I am currently streaming Star Trek: The Original Series on Netflix. If you can’t find it there, you can buy the whole series on DVD or Blu-ray at Amazon.

Classic Popeye

About: There have been multiple iterations of Popeye but Classic Popeye is the best. Each cartoon is short, less than 10 minutes each. These Popeye cartoons are from 1960. Popeye is dressed like a sailor and when he or his friends get into trouble, he eats some canned spinach and suddenly becomes super strong.

My Thoughts: I’m in my 30s so I didn’t grow up watching Popeye but I had seen some reruns of it when I was younger. Watching it now, I wasn’t laughing out loud per say but it was enjoyable enough to keep watching it. I think it would be a great thing to watch with your kids. Or if you are older than me and grew up with it, it might be great to reminisce.

Watch It!: I am streaming it on Amazon Prime Video but if you can’t find it there you can find different versions of Popeye on DVD or Blu-ray or even discs with Popeye mixed with other older shows on Amazon.

Fantasia

About: Fantasia is a Disney film from 1940 and is quite different from most Disney films past and present. It features a symphony playing classical music such as from Bach but instead of just listening to the music you see different pictures and illustrations that go along with the music.

My Thoughts: I remember watching Fantasia as a child and enjoying it, especially the part with Mickey Mouse, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” I don’t remember that it was so long though! The whole film is just over 2 hours but includes multiple “stories” that go along with the music. The one with Mickey is just one of them.

I still love Fantasia and I think it’s a wonderful way to show your children classical music. However don’t watch it when you are tired as it might put you to sleep. Not because it’s boring, but because classical music and soothing illustrations are very relaxing.

Watch It!: You can stream Fantasia on Disney + or buy it at Amazon.com. A sequel was made called Fantasia 2000 in 1999.

Steamboat Willie

About: Steamboat Willie was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon released. It was made in 1928 and is only 7 minutes long. Mickey Mouse is a mischievous deckhand on a riverboat that is under the command of Captain Pete. There is sound but NO words.

My Thoughts: Steamboat Willie may be short, lacking words and a simple animation style but I think it’s important for any Disney lover to see some of the first Disney features to see how far they’ve come. It might also be fun to show your kids what cartoons looked like from so long ago. I may not have been laughing out loud per say but we did find it funny. There are other earlier Mickey Mouse (and other) cartoons you should check out too, all on Disney +.

Watch It!: You can stream Steamboat Willie (and others) on Disney + or buy various videos on Amazon.com that include it like Celebrating Mickey, Walt Disney Treasures: Mickey Mouse in Black and White.

Also you may not be aware but a LOT of famous Disney movies were made before 1960, you can see and buy them at Amazon.

Final Thoughts

These aren’t by any means the ONLY classic (pre 1970) shows out there that are worth watching but I had the stop the post somewhere. Take some time to stream some older shows to see which ones you enjoy. If you have watched an older show lately and want to recommend it, do so in the comments! Or just tell me which of the ones I mentioned, you’d like to watch.