Iconic '80s and '90s Movies: Now Streaming on Netflix

What To Watch
9 Iconic ’80s and ’90s Movies to Stream Now
From rom-coms to sci-fi adventures, there’s a film for every occasion.
By Krutika Mallikarjuna
April 9, 2026

Anyone brave enough to scour the wilds of Letterboxd is familiar with the refrain, “They don’t make movies like they used to anymore.” While that sentiment might be up for debate, there’s one thing that’s not: Viewing American film classics is good for the soul and a delightful way to spend the weekend. So whether you were lucky enough to catch these blockbusters in theaters or you’re watching for the very first time, it’s time to take a trip down memory lane with these illustrious ’80s and ’90s movies. And since you’ll be expanding your cinephile street cred, get ready to debate your favorites with family, friends, and maybe a few online foes. Keep reading to decide which of these iconic films to stream first.

Ghostbusters

When Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) discovers a demonic creature in her fridge chanting the name Zuul, she knows she needs the help of New York City’s most available paranormal investigators. Despite being ridiculed by their peers, Columbia University parapsychology professors Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) are more than up to the task. As they investigate Dana’s case — as well as other ghostly occurrences around the city — they realize there’s a supernatural force trying to bring about the apocalypse, and they’re the only ones standing in the way. Directed by Ivan Reitman (Twins), the 1984 hit comedy went on to spawn a legion of sequels and a woman-led reboot. The original also stars Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, Ernie Hudson, Will Atherton, and David Margulies.

Ghostbusters

1h 45m PG 1984

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She's Gotta Have It

Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns) isn’t just a cool Brooklyn artist, she’s also a fiercely independent woman who refuses to follow a prescribed path to romance. Eschewing the classic narratives of monogamy and marriage, she dates three suitors at once: Greer Childs (John Canada Terrell), a rich, self-obsessed model; Jamie Overstreet (Tommy Redmond Hicks), an overprotective alpha male whose good manners hide a dark side; and Mars Blackmon (Spike Lee), an immature geek with a kind heart. When Nola’s three boyfriends finally meet each other, the race to make her their one and only is on. She’s Gotta Have It also stars Raye Dowell, Bill Lee, Aaron Dugger, S. Epatha Merkerson, Joie Lee, and Cheryl Burr. The 1986 seminal rom-com is directed by Spike Lee and was adapted into a two-season Netflix show in 2019 starring DeWanda Wise.

She's Gotta Have It

1h 24m R 1986

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Desperado

After a drug lord named Bucho (Joaquim de Almeida) mercilessly kills the girlfriend of El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas), a guitar player with a violent streak, he goes on an epic quest for revenge. Aided by his friends and the locals in a small Mexican town, El Mariachi hunts down Bucho’s men one by one until innocents accidentally get caught in the crossfire. As El Mariachi weighs the true cost of vengeance, Bucho decides to end the pesky thorn in his side once and for all. The 1995 action flick, directed by Robert Rodriguez (We Can Be Heroes), also stars Abraham Verduzco, Albert Michel Jr., Tito Larriva, Carlos Gallardo, Danny Trejo, Salma Hayek, Quentin Tarantino, Cheech Marin, Steve Buscemi, David Alvarado, Carlos Gómez, and Angel Aviles.