5 Classic Movies You Should Watch on Prime Video

A few weeks ago, a video went viral in which director John Waters answered fans’ questions about how to make better films. One of his recommendations was to get involved in the film industry as a spectator.. In other words, enjoy the full experience of learning about the changes and evolution of Hollywood and other markets over the centuries. And also how films influence popular culture and even social change.

Just a few decades ago, this was a difficult task, forcing fans of the seventh art to seek out physical copies of the most famous great classics. Sometimes a fruitless task involving low quality or very expensive recording. However, streaming platforms have found a solution to the problem. Their catalogs are not only an invaluable source of audiovisual resources. At the same time, collections of publications that would otherwise be inaccessible to a large part of the public.

The best classic films on Prime Video

We leave you with five classic 20th century films you can watch right now on Prime Video. From a legendary character to the first steps of one of the most revered directors of the thriller genre. The selection is a review of the best cinema and especially some of its stellar moments. Entertainment for those who want to explore and study the cinematic field from the very beginning.

Modern times

The satirical comedy written and starring Charles Chaplin is one of the gems you can find on Prime Video. It was released in 1936 and is considered one of the masterpieces of silent cinema. As in many of the artist’s films, the plot focuses on the character Charlotteplayed by Chaplin himself.

This time it’s about a factory worker who struggles to survive in an industrialized and dehumanized society. This is during the Great Depression. Despite its apparent simplicity, this argument touches on issues such as automation, labor exploitation, alienation and the difficulties of life at that time.

Throughout the film, the comedian uses his signature style of physical humor to satirically portray the absurd and depressing situations the character faces. From lugging around factory equipment to being a guinea pig on a feeding machine demonstration. Charlot encounters a cruel world that the film critiques with grace and intelligence.

39 steps

This spy thriller, released in 1935, is one of the first films directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film adaptation of John Buchan’s novel of the same name is one of the director’s first international successes and one of the key works of his early filmography.

The narrative focuses on Richard Hannay (Robert Donat), an ordinary man who finds himself caught up in a spy intrigue. What after the mysterious Annabella Smith (Lucy Mannheim) falsely accuses him of murder. Hannay He escapes from the police and embarks on a dangerous quest to uncover a conspiracy surrounding the disappearance of a scientist. At the same time, the involvement of a secret organization known as the “39 Steps”.

The feature film already shows Hitchcock’s signature visual and narrative style. With elements like the chase, tension, use of false identities and psychological tension, it’s a combination of your favorite obsessions. He would retain many of them throughout his career.

King Kong on Prime Video

The film that started the current phenomenon was released in 1933 and directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack. He is considered one of the most influential and iconic in the history of cinema. Moreover, some of his scenes are considered iconic, as well as pioneers in the use of special effects and scale.

Like some later versions, the plot centers on Carl Denham (Robert Armstrong). It’s about an explorer who goes to a remote island in search of a giant mythical creature. There, discover King Konga prehistoric gorilla who falls in love with a young actress named Ann Darrow (Fay Wray). The creature is captured and brought to New York as a circus attraction, but escapes and wreaks havoc on the city.

Known for her innovation in character creation and animation. King Cong, quickly became the showpiece of Hollywood’s evolution. A combination of stop-motion animation techniques and image integration created the illusion that the gorilla on screen was real. Additionally, it was known for its impressive action sequences, including the iconic fight sequence. King Kong with planes on top of the Empire State Building.

Robin from the forest

The film, which became a role model for many action and romantic films released later, was released on the big screen in 1938. Directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, it is based on the legend of Robin Hood. a famous archer and bandit who robbed the rich for the benefit of the poor.

As in the vast English mythology of the character, the plot follows the exploits. Saxon nobleman Robin of Locksley (Errol Flynn). He becomes a criminal after Prince John usurps the throne and exercises tyranny over the people. Robin takes refuge in Sherwood Forest and forms a gang of outlaws who fight injustice and oppression. With the help of your beloved Marian (Olivia de Havilland) challenges Prince John and fights to restore the rightful king to the throne.

Thanks to its star-studded cast, it is renowned for the charm and charisma of Errol Flynn, who captures the brave and noble spirit of the character. Likewise, his chemistry with Olivia de Havilland created scandals and made the film even more popular.

Jezebel

The 1938 film, directed by William Wyler and starring Bette Davis, is a classic that also introduced the world to its young star. The story is set in 1850s New Orleans, allowing for a character-driven story Julie Marsden (Bette Davis), a free-spirited and self-confident young woman.

The story is set in the context of antebellum Southern society and touches on themes such as tradition, honor, and rebellion against established social norms. Julie defies society’s conventions by rejecting a marriage proposal from the man she loves. Pres Dillard (Henry Fonda). Only to then act outrageously to get his attention.

With a contemporary twist that still surprises today, the film explores the conflict between personal desires and social expectations. At the same time, her protagonist’s choices have consequences for both her and those around her. As the story progresses Julia He will have to face the consequences of his actions and learn important lessons about love and responsibility. A classic that created a new genre of actresses who played powerful women who made history.