Where to Watch Fred Astaire Movies: A Streaming Guide
With over 40 film credits, Fred Astaire firmly, but gracefully made his mark on the movie industry. He didn’t linger in one genre either. Musicals may have been his bread and butter, but Astaire shined in dramas, westerns, and animation. He even received an Oscar nomination for his role in the horror/suspense hit film The Towering Inferno. Probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Fred Astaire.
In today’s streaming landscape, it can be confusing and time consuming to figure out where to watch what you want, especially older films. This will be a living guide to where to watch Fred Astaire films. Unfortunately, most of Fred Astaire’s films are not free to stream, even if you have a subscription to a streaming service. Most titles are available to buy (usually $9.99) or rent (usually $3.99). This is also not a comprehensive list of Fred Astaire titles as some are not available online at all. So until Turner Classic Movies starts a streaming service (more thoughts on that below), I will update as “new” titles become available to stream. Also, in an effort to make the titles readable, some platforms have multiple pages of titles that are available.
Streaming Platforms
Turner Classic Streaming
There are a few options to stream the channel Turner Classic Movies without having to buy a cable package. The DirecTV Entertainment and Sports package includes TCM for $70 a month. Hulu Live TV also includes TCM for a comparable $76 a month. The only other option is about half the price of $46 a month for Sling Blue with the Entertainment add on. However, this is for the channel Turner Classic Movies, not an on-demand list of their movie titles.
In today's seemingly boundless streaming landscape, the lack of a dedicated Turner Classic Movies streaming service is notable. With a growing demand for classic movie content fueled by nostalgia, the idea of a dedicated TCM streaming service holds considerable allure and has been much wanted by classic movie enthusiasts online. TCM’s own streaming service could offer their already curated collections, expertly hosted retrospectives, and enhanced accessibility to iconic movies from Hollywood's golden age on a modern platform.
However, the launch of a standalone TCM streaming service may encounter challenges, similar to those faced by Warner Media’s failed classics streaming service FilmStruck. Securing rights to a vast library of classic films, navigating licensing agreements, and standing out in a crowded market are just a few hurdles to overcome. Additionally, attracting and retaining subscribers in an era of subscription fatigue poses a significant challenge.
Despite these obstacles, the potential benefits of a dedicated TCM streaming service are undeniable. TCM already has the dedicated support of legendary filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola as well as valuable programming with hosts like Ben Mankiewicz and Jacqueline Stewart. TCM could provide a centralized hub for classic movie enthusiasts with programming and titles they already have, just presented to a broader audience. Such a platform would not only cater to the nostalgic cravings of cinephiles, but also serve as a valuable resource for preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of film.
For fans of Fred Astaire and other iconic stars of classic Hollywood, a TCM streaming service could mean easier access to their timeless performances, ensuring that their cinematic legacy continues to inspire and delight audiences for generations to come.
Since this idyllic streaming service does not seem to be coming to screens near you anytime soon, the platforms that do have Fred Astaire and other classic movies available will have to do. Even behind frustrating paywalls, Fred Astaire’s films are still sought out for their nostalgic charm and his inspirational dancing. If you happen to be so inspired, come back for next week’s blog to find out how to dance like Fred Astaire. It’s easier than you think and you probably won’t have to go very far.
