Best classic movies: Iconic films you should watch (or re-watch) this summer

Get ready to rediscover the magic of cinema with this carefully created selection of classic movies.

L-R: Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Misery, When Harry Met Sally, The Witches of Eastwick. Credit: SBS On Demand

Looking to relive a cinematic experience that will leave you feeling breathless, emotionally connected or a little bit different? Look no further than the range of cinema classics on SBS on Demand (find more in the

Eras Collection Hub

, featuring films from the Golden 30s, 40s and 50s, right through to Iconic '90s and the decades that followed, too).

These iconic films have been widely acclaimed for their complex plot, memorable characters, visual beauty and ability to connect with audiences, which make them a great option to watch again and again.

Here are just a few of the timeless classics on offer. So, why not grab some popcorn and get ready to relive the thrills, chills and laughter this summer.

Misery (1990)

What happens when a writer’s biggest fan becomes his worst nightmare? A twisted game of cat and mouse that will ultimately leave him fighting for his life! In this film adaptation of Stephen King’s psychological thriller of the same name, bestselling author Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is rescued from a car crash by Annie (Kathy Bates), a reclusive nurse who claims to be his ‘number one fan’. Unfortunately for Paul, Annie is also a control freak with a history of violent psychosis, who is also obsessed with his series of romance novels. When she learns that Paul has killed off her favourite heroine (called Misery) in his yet-to-be-published novel, Annie forces the bedridden author to rewrite the story to satisfy her twisted desire to see the lead character come back to life. Regarded as one of the most memorable performances in cinematic history, Kathy Bates’ Academy Award-winning portrayal of the deranged and obsessive fan is both superb and terrifying!

Misery is streaming at SBS On Demand.

Stream free On Demand

Misery

horror •
thriller •
1990

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

Brace yourself for an excessive amount of hairspray, glitter and sassy one-liners in this hilarious camp classic! Hugo Weaving plays disillusioned drag performer Mitzi, who agrees to take his over-the-top stage show to the Outback, with fellow queen Felicia, played by Guy Pearce, and trans woman Bernadette (Terence Stamp). Taking to the open road in their flamboyant – albeit rundown – bus named Priscilla, the trio travel to Australia’s iconic Red Centre, performing dazzling numbers to the tunes of ABBA, Gloria Gaynor and the Village People. Glitz and glamour aside, the film deals with themes of identity, self-acceptance and friendship, and over the years has helped pave the way for greater LGBTQI+ representation in the media. With its campy humour, over-the-top costumes and heart-warming story, Priscilla has become a much-loved Aussie treasure that will continue to inspire audiences.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is streaming at SBS On Demand.

Stream free On Demand

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

comedy •
lgbtq •
1994

When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Can men and women ever truly be friends? Well, not according to Harry (Billy Crystal), who shares this unsolicited revelation with university graduate Sally (Meg Ryan), during a chance encounter road trip to New York. Needless to say, it’s hate at first sight and the pair ultimately go their separate ways upon their arrival in the Big Apple. As the years go by, the unlucky in love Manhattanites continue to bump into each other and eventually form an unlikely friendship, with the mutual understanding that there isn’t any underlying sexual tension between them – or is there? Directed by Rob Reiner and written by the talented Nora Ephron, this charming, romantic comedy is thoughtful, funny and entertaining and proves that even the most unlikely of friendships can sometimes lead to something special!

When Harry Met Sally... is streaming at SBS On Demand.

Stream free On Demand

When Harry Met Sally...

Romantic comedy •
1989

The Color Purple (1985)

Whoopi Goldberg in 'The Color Purple'. Credit: AccuSoft

Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Color Purple tells the poignant and powerful story of Celie (Whoopi Goldberg), a young black woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment after years of repeated abuse, neglect and brutality. Set in the deep American South in the early 20th century, this coming-of-age tale explores themes of self-realisation, empowerment and self-worth, and highlights the importance of female relationships. Life has not been kind to Celie, who was preyed on by her father, separated from her beloved sister, Nettie (Akosua Busia), and forced to marry an abusive man called ‘Mister’ (Danny Glover), who emotionally and physically abuses Celie in order to control her. Yet, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, she manages to find her strength and resilience in this tale of the unyielding human spirit.

The Color Purple will be streaming at SBS On Demand from 31 December.

Stream free On Demand

The Color Purple

drama •
1985

The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

In the picturesque town of Eastwick, the witches are in charge – and the men are just along for the ride. Best friends Alexandra (Cher), Jane (Susan Sarandon) and Suki (Michelle Pfeiffer) are three of the town locals, who are seemingly going through a midlife crisis after losing their husbands to death, divorce and abandonment. Fed up and disillusioned, the trio meet weekly to share their frustrations and gossip over a martini or two. Unaware that they are witches, however, the ladies unwittingly create a coven and accidentally summon the man of their dreams. Shortly afterwards, a devilish man called Daryl (Jack Nicholson) comes to town – and what follows is a whole lot of magic and mayhem! A story about the power of women and friendship, this dark fantasy comedy is an absolute delight from beginning to end.

The Witches of Eastwick will be streaming at SBS On Demand from 31 December.

Stream free On Demand

The Witches of Eastwick

comedy •
fantasy •
1987

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is on the hunt to find serial killer Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine), who skins his murder victims. But first, she must entertain the mind games of incarcerated psychiatrist and serial killer Hannibal ‘the Cannibal’ Lecter. Clarice’s boss, Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn), sends the rookie agent to interview Hannibal with the hope she might learn something new about Buffalo Bill – a strategy that pays off. After initially calling out Crawford’s ruse, Hannibal relents and decides to help Clarice in her quest to find the serial killer. This classic film is both suspenseful and intellectually stimulating. More than 30 years after its cinematic release, it continues to captivate audiences, with Hopkin’s portrayal of Hannibal ‘the Cannibal’ still regarded as one of the greatest villainous performances of all time.

The Silence of the Lambs is streaming at SBS On Demand.

Stream free On Demand

The Silence of the Lambs

Crime drama •
thriller •
1991

Looking for more summer movie options? Visit the

Eras Collection Hub

to take a trip down memory lane or discover a new favourite from past decades, or discover more great summer viewing with SBS World Movies Summer of Movies focus, with a selection of films airing Saturday and Sunday nights until 8 February (check the

Guide

for details). And find more titles streaming now, with new titles arriving across January and February, in SBS On Demand's curated

SUMMER OF MOVIES COLLECTION