There’s just something about knowing it’s mandatory to stay put that makes people restless. One of the best ways to overcome this is by going through old movies. It’s no secret – the quality and content of movies has changed over time, but taking a step back in time to see a classic usually results in big smiles.

Netflix has a ton of classic Hollywood movies on deck to help pass the time away. No matter what part of the world, having a VPN that works with Netflix unlocks the key to hours and hours of classic hits that are a part of history. So, what makes a great movie?

Great movies has good to great characters. Of course, these are the main reasons why people watch. They want someone to smile for; get mad at; have sympathy for; and someone you can cheer on. The characters are also relatable. If the audience doesn’t connect with the characters, chances are the film won’t be viewed as one to watch.

Additionally, the plot needs to be simple enough to “get it” while keeping viewers engaged. The overall theme is key. What do you want your viewers to take with them? What do you want them to remember? It’s the little details that count. From the most minute to the glaringly obvious, in a good movie, nothing is left out. Finally, there’s the ending. If the ending isn’t good, it can throw the entire movie off. It should wrap up the beginning and middle to make it all make sense.

Celebrating the classics

We’ve gone over what makes a great movie, but there’s just something about a classic that makes you warm inside. Classics are always popular, no matter what time period they are featured in. No matter how many times someone sees them, there’s always something new to see. They are a part of the fiber of society from the past and in the future.

Here are 10 classics that continue to stand the test of time:

• Once Upon a Time in the West

For many, westerns never go out of style. This 1968 blockbuster featured Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Jason Robards, Lionel Stander and Claudia Cardinale. It’s a great film about a mysterious stranger who partners with a notorious desperado to protect a new widow from an assassin. It contains all the action, suspense and violence western movie lovers will ever need.

• Dirty Harry

Never heard of Dirty Harry? Oh the shame! This award-winning 1971 action crime thriller stars none other than Clint Eastwood. Following the story of San Francisco police inspector “Dirty” Harry Callahan as he tracks down the Scorpio Killer who kidnaps innocent victims, leaving ransom notes at the scene.

• Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark

Harrison Ford’s been acting for a long time but really got his big break in the Academy Award winning Indiana Jones franchise. The first installment was in 1981, where Indiana Jones is joined by Paul Freeman and Karen Allen to find the Ark of the Covenant before Nazis can get to it and obtain its powers, which holds the key to human existence.

• Purple Rain

Gone but never forgotten. This Oscar-winning 1984 semi-autobiographical film features Prince Rogers Nelson and his life as a musician who escapes his crazy home life and an abusive situation through his playing days at the First Avenue nightclub. The movie covers romance, a rival singer, and his turmoil with his band as he starts gaining popularity. Other notables include Apollonia Kotero and Morris Day.

• She’s Gotta Have It

Noted director Spike Lee struck gold with this award-winning breakout film in 1986 as it follows Nola Darling and her promiscuity with three different men. All three men want her to commit, and she’s fine with being happy and free. The story is told from her point of view, the views of her partners and other friends. An interesting rom-com that is seriously sexy. Interestingly enough, Spike Lee came back in 2017, turning the movie into a TV series with two seasons.

• My Girl

This award-winning 1991 film is a feel-good, come into your own as you’re growing up movie that captured the hearts of viewers all over the world. Full of big names like Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Macaulay Culkin and Anna Chlumsky, this story shines a light on the issues pre-teens go through and their journey into maturity.

• Jerry McGuire

“Show me the money!” That’s one of the most famous lines of this 1996 Academy Award winning movie. The story of a sports agent who has a moment of truth after realizing he has it all, he writes a mission statement that gets him in hot water. Once he realizes no one is supporting him, he sets off on his own with one client and a co-worker he ends up marrying. It’s a startling picture of being true to yourself, the hardships that occur when starting your own business, and the beauty of making it through. Starring big names such as Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Rene Zellweger, Regina King, Kelly Preston and more.

• Spy Kids

There’s nothing better than a great classic kids movie. The 2001 Spy Kids movie fits the bill. Based on two secret agents with the assignment of getting rid of each other, they fall in love instead, get married and start raising their family. Enjoying retirement, they are called back to help save the world. Unfortunately, they end up disappearing and they have to be rescued by their kids. A quirky and funny movie with stars Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alexa PenaVega, Teri Hatcher, Cheech Marin and others, this is sure to keep the laughs and smiles going.

• Groundhog Day

Bill Murray set the silver screen on fire in this 1993 film about a weather man who was initially sent to cover a story on the groundhog. He wakes up repeating Groundhog Day every day while he searches for a way to break the spell. Hilariously funny, the premise is that this guy will have the worst day of his life over and over.

• National Treasure

2004 was a great year because it’s the year National Treasure hit the big screen. Based on the character Benjamin Franklin Gates learning about a treasure from his grandfather, he sets out on a quest to find it. Interestingly enough, his colleague Ian has plans of stealing the Declaration of Independence. Ben has to steal the Declaration while working with the curator of the archives Abigail to find the clues and rescue the national treasure. Featuring Nicholas Cage, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight, Christopher Plummer and a wonderful supporting cast.

Netflix offers the best in classic movies to encourage people from all over the world to find out more on these classic movies. Having a VPN to ensure there won’t be any issues with watching from wherever they are can make the difference.

What does a VPN do?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network acts as a buffer between the user and the internet to hide their activities no matter where they are. For countries that have certain restrictions, using a VPN will help alleviate the censorship. In the case of Netflix, there are different versions of the platform based on the location. Imagine being in a different country but watching the movies on Netflix US. It is entirely possible with no interference.

The beauty of using the VPN is that it can also be used on mobile devices. This means that even on a mobile device, the transmission of the streams will be protected when watching. The user is basically anonymous on every network so their identity can’t be traced. This comes in handy in the event hackers are trying to get into a user’s computer or mobile device.

Netflix has a lot to offer with a different catalog of movies and shows in every country that allows their services. Netflix is consistently putting up classic movies for the audience to enjoy. When there’s nothing else to do but watch TV, having the ability to connect with the past can be comforting. By using Netflix to watch the classics, a user can go on a classics world tour, enjoying movies from each and every culture.

While these are just 10 classic movies, there are quite a few that will help pass the time away. Any additional information on the movies can be found on IMDB, which details all the information on the movie, any awards won, the actors in the movie and the director. It’s a great time to learn something new and study the way movies used to be done. With today’s new technology, movies are sharper, with sound effects that are out of this world. It’s always good to look back and remember where things came from, and to see the promise in those actors who have gone on to bigger and better movies.