Despite its massive catalog of movies, the oldest Hollywood film on Netflix is from 1973, and it’s worth watching. The film, “The Sting,” starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman, is a spiritual predecessor to “Ocean’s Eleven” and an absolute classic. While there are older films on the platform, including six Bollywood movies and a documentary from World War II, “The Sting” is the oldest Hollywood film on Netflix.
The film follows Johnny Hooker (Redford) and Henry Gondorff (Newman), two grifters who team up to scam a mobster as revenge for the death of their friend. The movie is full of twists, unexpected moments, and suspenseful reveals, making it a treat to watch the scammers work together flawlessly.
Netflix has largely moved away from offering older films, prioritizing original programming and new releases. According to Will McKinley, the platform doesn’t have a wide range of older films because original programming is more profitable and more people watch new releases over classic films. Additionally, older classics don’t have the same level of demand as new movies and shows.
Despite being the oldest Hollywood film on Netflix, “The Sting” is a must-watch, offering an enigmatic and suspenseful story that’s still worth watching half a century later. Released on December 25, 1973, the film is available to stream, with a runtime of 129 minutes, directed by George Roy Hill.