It is possible to enjoy a good classic on YouTube . And, best of all, completely legal. No tricks. Because there comes a time when movies become public domain. More specifically, all the films made before 1923. But there are also cases of more recent films, whose license has not been renewed, films between 1923 and 1963. These, directly, belong to all of us.
The best royalty-free movies on YouTube
And since YouTube lives not only on music videos, we propose a cinephile plan. Interestingly, many of the most important movies in history can be watched for free . So, what better way to cycle through the royalty-free movies that we can see on YouTube?
Nosferatu (1922)
Even today it is considered one of the most terrifying films in the history of cinema due, in large part, to the majestic performance of the haunting protagonist, Max Schreck. The urban legend that revolves around this film is quite delusional: the actor of German origin would be, in reality, a vampire. Creature of the night or simple interpreter with a peculiar physique, of which we have no doubt is that this Nosferatu is one of the best film adaptations of the myth of Dracula. And in a restored version.
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The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1920)
We continue to haunt German Expressionism, in one of Robert Wiene's masterpieces, with a truly spectacular use of scenery and shadows . A seminal work in which the origins of Nazism can be traced and that was massacred by censorship, forcing its director to change the ending. We bring you a restored version.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
With this film we welcomed the era of modern horror. I give it a new life, never better, to the myth of the Antillean Zombie, Romero created a distressing and frightening parable left with nightmares for several generations. It still makes the hair stand on end. And the end is to frame it. Not as bloody as many think, although with a tremendously pessimistic and devastating message.
The Machinist from La General (1926)
Turn now for comedy. Buster Keaton was always in the shadow of Chaplin, but there are those who even prefer him. He incarnated like nobody else the pafilo and the imperturbable face that falls into disaster after disaster. And this is one of his best movies. According to legend, Keaton had a contract not to laugh in public , because he did n't laugh in his movies either. This link is worth as a tribute to one of the greatest comedians that the seventh art has given.
Metropolis (1927)
Surely the best science fiction movie ever . And another parable about the birth and rise of fascist policies in interwar Germany. On this occasion, we have found one of the most complete versions of those that have been restored, lasting 150 minutes. The majesty of her scenes, whose special effects still rattle jaws today, have not been surpassed. Without computers, with the use of perspective and ingenuity.
To watch any of these 5 royalty-free movies on TV you can connect your computer with an HDMI cable, or use the Chromecast. If you haven't seen some of these 5 gems, you still have time to fill an important gap in our film culture.