Best 30s Movies

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee, Harry Myers
Rated G

City Lights is a 1931 classic silent film written, produced, and directed by Charlie Chaplin. It follows the story of a tramp, who, while struggling to make ends meet, falls in love with a blind flower girl. To earn enough money to restore her sight, he proceeds on a series of comedic misadventures. Along the way, he is helped by a millionaire who befriends him in secret, unaware that the tramp is, in fact, the same person he had previously humiliated. In the end, the tramp succeeds in his mission and is rewarded with the flower girl’s love. City Lights is renowned for its sentimental touch and has become one of the most successful films of the silent era.

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Henry Bergman, Tiny Sandford
Rated G

Modern Times is a classic 1936 comedy film starring Charles Chaplin as the iconic Tramp character. The movie follows the Tramp's struggles in a modernizing world as he attempts to find his place. The film is a satire on the industrialized world of the 1930s, focusing on the dehumanizing effects of the rapidly changing industrial environment and the pressures of modern life. The Tramp gets a job at a factory, but soon finds himself unable to cope with the factory's assembly line and gets fired. He then falls into a series of misadventures, eventually being arrested for vagrancy. While in jail, he meets a beautiful young girl who helps him to escape. The two of them then go on a series of adventures, including a stint in a jail, a madhouse and a jail break. In the end, the Tramp and the young girl find themselves in a better place, having learned to accept the struggles of life and to find joy in it.

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Sam Wood, starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell, Barbara O'Neil
Rated Passed

Gone with the Wind is a 1939 American epic romantic drama film directed by Victor Fleming and produced by David O. Selznick, based on the 1936 novel of the same name by Margaret Mitchell. Set in the American South against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, the film tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh), a strong-willed Southern belle who must use every means necessary to survive the war and its aftermath. The story follows Scarlett as she falls in love with Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) and is forced to confront the harsh realities of life during the war, including death and destruction, as well as being separated from her beloved family and home. The film also stars Olivia de Havilland and Leslie Howard, along with Hattie McDaniel, who was the first African American to win an Academy Award. The film was a critical and commercial success and was the highest-grossing film of all time until it was surpassed by Gone with the Wind's own sequel, The Wizard of Oz, in 1942.

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, King Vidor, starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr
Rated PG

The Wizard of Oz is a 1939 American musical fantasy film based on the 1900 children's novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. The film stars Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Jack Haley as the Tin Man, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, Billie Burke as Glinda the Good Witch, and Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West. The film follows Dorothy and her dog, Toto, as they journey through the Land of Oz to meet the Wizard, who can help them return home to Kansas. Along the way, they encounter many strange characters, including the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, and must use their wits and courage to overcome the Wicked Witch of the West. After a long and perilous journey, they finally reach the Emerald City, where they meet the Wizard and receive their heart's desire.

From Frank Capra, starring Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly, Roscoe Karns
Rated Passed

It Happened One Night (1934), directed by Frank Capra, is a romantic comedy starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. The story follows a spoiled heiress who runs away from her father in order to marry a man he believes to be beneath her. Along the way, she meets an out-of-luck newspaperman who agrees to help her in exchange for the exclusive story of her escape. As they travel together, the pair slowly falls in love and discover that good things can come in unexpected packages. The film is considered a classic of the romantic comedy genre and was the first to win the five major Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Writing).

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold
Rated Passed

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington tells the story of Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart), an idealistic and naive small-town scoutmaster who is appointed by the governor to fill a vacant seat in the U.S. Senate. Smith quickly finds himself in the middle of a political scandal as he discovers that his state's two corrupt senators are planning to use him as a puppet for their own financial gain. With the help of a cynical female reporter, Smith stands up against the corrupt politicians, taking his fight all the way to the Senate floor. The film follows Smith's journey as he experiences the power of democracy and learns the value of speaking truth to power. Along the way, Smith's courage and determination remind viewers of the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it seems impossible.

From Lewis Milestone, starring Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray, Arnold Lucy
Rated Passed

All Quiet on the Western Front is an Academy Award-winning World War I drama directed by Lewis Milestone. Set in 1918, the film follows a group of young German soldiers who, full of enthusiasm, join the army to fight for their country. After experiencing the harsh realities of war, they slowly come to terms with the futility of their actions and the devastation caused by their actions. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1930 and was added to the National Film Registry in 1997. It is an iconic story of the tragedy of war and the human cost of conflict.

From Gregory La Cava, starring William Powell, Carole Lombard, Alice Brady, Gail Patrick
Rated Approved

My Man Godfrey is a screwball comedy directed by Gregory La Cava and released in 1936. It stars William Powell as Godfrey, a homeless "forgotten man" who is discovered in a dumpster by a rich family. At the insistence of the family's daughter, Irene (Carole Lombard), he is hired to be the family's new butler. Godfrey goes from rags to riches and helps to bring the dysfunctional family back together. As Godfrey works for the family, he and Irene fall in love, and Godfrey must also contend with the antics of the family's eccentric members. In the end, Godfrey and Irene marry, and the family is restored to a healthy and happy state.

From Victor Fleming, starring Spencer Tracy, Freddie Bartholomew, Lionel Barrymore, Melvyn Douglas
Rated G

Captains Courageous is a 1937 adventure drama film directed by Victor Fleming and based on the novel of the same name by Rudyard Kipling. The film stars Freddie Bartholomew, Spencer Tracy, Lionel Barrymore, Melvyn Douglas and Mickey Rooney. The story follows the journey of spoiled rich kid Harvey Cheyne (Bartholomew) who falls off an ocean liner and is rescued by a Portuguese-American fisherman, Manuel Fidello (Tracy). From there, Harvey is taken on board a fishing boat, the We're Here, where he learns hard work and humility on the voyage. Along the way, he experiences many adventures and makes friends with a motley bunch of sailors, including Disko Troop (Barrymore), his son Dan (Rooney) and their friend, Long Jack (Douglas). In the end, Harvey is redeemed and learns invaluable lessons about life, friendship, and responsibility.

From Directors: Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack, starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot, Frank Reicher
Rated Passed

King Kong is a 1933 American monster adventure film directed and produced by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack. The film follows Carl Denham, an ambitious filmmaker, who captures an enormous ape-like creature, known as Kong, on an island in the South Pacific and brings him to New York City for display. After escaping from captivity, Kong rampages through the city, eventually being captured and taken to the top of the Empire State Building by an airplane. Kong then defends himself against the attacking planes until he is fatally shot and falls to the street below. The film is remembered for its groundbreaking special effects, epic story, and iconic scenes, including Kong scaling the Empire State Building while being pursued by airplanes.

From Directors: Michael Curtiz, William Keighley, starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains
Rated PG

The Adventures of Robin Hood is a classic 1938 swashbuckling adventure film directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley. The film stars Errol Flynn as the legendary English hero Robin Hood, Olivia de Havilland as his love interest Maid Marian, and Basil Rathbone and Claude Rains as his enemies, the Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John. The film follows the classic story of Robin Hood, who defends the people of Nottingham from the tyrannical rule of Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. He steals from the rich and gives to the poor, rallies a band of merry men to help him fight injustice, and attempts to win the heart of Maid Marian. Along the way, Robin faces perilous obstacles, including an archery contest, tournaments, and a daring plan to rescue King Richard the Lionheart. With the help of his loyal companions, Robin defeats the villains and restores justice to the land.

From W.S. Van Dyke, starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan, Nat Pendleton
Rated TV-PG

The Thin Man is a 1934 American film directed by W.S. Van Dyke and based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The film stars William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles, a sophisticated couple who have retired from detective work. They are drawn into a mysterious murder case involving an inventor and his wife. With the help of their wire-haired terrier Asta, they solve the crime. The film was a critical and financial success, and spawned a series of sequels.

From Lewis Milestone, starring Lon Chaney Jr., Burgess Meredith, Betty Field, Charles Bickford
Rated Passed

Of Mice and Men is a 1939 American drama film based on John Steinbeck's 1937 novella of the same name. Directed by Lewis Milestone, the film stars Burgess Meredith, Betty Field, and Lon Chaney Jr. The story follows two drifters, Lennie Small and George Milton, as they travel across the country during the Great Depression, looking for work and dreaming of one day owning their own piece of land. Along the way, they meet a variety of people, eventually finding work on a ranch in California. However, Lennie's inability to control his own strength soon leads to a heartbreaking tragedy. The film captures the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of the American Dream in a bleak and desperate time.

From John Ford, starring John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Andy Devine, John Carradine
Rated Passed

Stagecoach is a 1939 American Western film directed by John Ford and starring Claire Trevor and John Wayne in his breakthrough role. The film follows a group of travelers on a stagecoach ride, through dangerous Apache territory, to the town of Lordsburg. Along the way, they face various dangers, including an escaped fugitive, hostile Native Americans, and a dangerous ringleader. The travelers must band together and use their wits to overcome the obstacles and make it to safety. Along the way, they learn about each other's pasts, and develop an unlikely bond. The film features beautiful cinematography, witty dialogue, and a powerful score, and is considered one of the greatest Westerns of all time.

From James Whale, starring Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester, Colin Clive, Valerie Hobson
Rated Not Rated

The Bride of Frankenstein is a 1935 horror classic directed by James Whale. The film picks up shortly after the events of the original Frankenstein (1931) with the Monster (Boris Karloff) still on the loose and the scientists Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) and Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger) plotting to create a mate for the Monster. The Monster soon finds himself in the company of a blind hermit, who teaches him to be understanding and gentle. Meanwhile, Pretorius succeeds in creating a female version of the Monster (Elsa Lanchester) at the request of Dr. Frankenstein. Although the Monster is initially repelled by the female, he eventually comes to accept her. The two then attempt to flee from Frankenstein and Pretorius, only to be confronted by an angry mob. In the end, the Monster and his bride escape on a windmill and the film ends with an iconic image of the two silhouetted on the horizon.

From Howard Hawks, starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Charles Ruggles, Walter Catlett
Rated Passed

Bringing Up Baby is a 1938 screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks and starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. The plot follows Susan Vance (Hepburn) who meets and quickly befriends David Huxley (Grant), a paleontologist. Susan persuades David to go on a series of wild adventures with her, including a search for her pet leopard, Baby. Along the way, David's world is turned upside down as he finds himself in a world of chaos. As David and Susan try to find ways to get out of their predicaments, they develop a strong bond and eventually fall in love. The film is widely considered to be a classic screwball comedy, and is widely regarded as a classic in the genre.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave, Paul Lukas, May Whitty
Rated Not Rated

The Lady Vanishes is a classic 1938 British suspense thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. While traveling by train, socialite Iris is befriended by an elderly English governess, Miss Froy. But when Iris wakes up after a nap, the governess has mysteriously vanished. With the help of fellow passengers, Iris sets out to solve the mystery of the lady who vanished before her eyes. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, and Iris and her accomplices must race against time to uncover the truth of the governess' disappearance before they reach their destination. With its witty dialogue, suspenseful plot, and unexpected twists, The Lady Vanishes is one of Hitchcock's best-known and beloved films.

From Leo McCarey, starring Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Zeppo Marx
Rated Not Rated

Duck Soup is a classic Marx Brothers comedy film directed by Leo McCarey in 1933. It follows the antics of Rufus T. Firefly, the president of the small, bankrupt nation of Freedonia, as he attempts to thwart the plans of a neighboring country to invade. Along the way, the Marx Brothers deliver their trademark blend of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and chaotic hijinks. The film also features popular musical numbers such as "I'm Against It" and "The Country's Going to War," reflecting the political and economic upheaval of the time. The film is widely considered to be one of the Marx Brothers' best works, and has been praised for its irreverent humor and satirical look at war and politics.

From Tod Browning, starring Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, Roscoe Ates
Rated Not Rated

Freaks is a 1932 horror film directed by Tod Browning. The film focuses on a group of “freaks,” people with physical deformities or genetic mutations, who live in a carnival sideshow. They are ostracized by “normal” society. When one of the freaks, Hans, falls in love with a beautiful trapeze artist named Cleopatra, a cruel rivalry ensues between him and the strongman Hercules. Cleopatra attempts to seduce and exploit the freaks for financial gain, but instead incurs their collective wrath. In a twist of fate, the freaks ultimately exact their revenge on Cleopatra and Hercules, forcing them to accept an offer of marriage from Hans. Freaks is an unsettling film that questions prejudice and explores the idea that beauty is only skin deep.

From James Whale, starring Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, Boris Karloff, John Boles
Rated Passed

Frankenstein is a 1931 horror film directed by James Whale and based on Mary Shelley's 1818 novel of the same name. The film stars Colin Clive as Henry Frankenstein and Boris Karloff as the creature. The story follows Henry Frankenstein, who, driven by a scientific obsession, attempts to create life by assembling a creature from parts of corpses. After bringing the creature to life, Victor finds himself horrified by his creation and attempts to abandon his experiment, leading the creature to embark on a violent rampage in search of a companion. In the end, Victor and the creature do battle, and the creature is finally destroyed. The movie is widely regarded as a classic of the horror genre, and is credited with helping to define the genre in popular culture.

From Directors: Jack Conway, Robert Z. Leonard, starring Ronald Colman, Elizabeth Allan, Edna May Oliver, Reginald Owen
Rated Passed

A Tale of Two Cities (1935) is a classic adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel set in France and England during the French Revolution. The story follows Charles Darnay, who is accused of treason for his family ties to the French aristocracy and is put on trial. His former friend, Sydney Carton, steps in to defend him, but is unsuccessful. Darnay is sentenced to death, but Carton decides to take his place and is guillotined instead. The movie also features a romance between Lucie, Darnay's wife, and Dr. Alexander Manette, her father. The film, starring Ronald Colman and Elizabeth Allan, is full of memorable moments, including Carton's famous last words, "It is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done." It is an emotionally powerful and timeless classic.

From Leo McCarey, starring Irene Dunne, Cary Grant, Ralph Bellamy, Alexander D'Arcy
Rated Passed

The Awful Truth is a screwball comedy directed by Leo McCarey that follows Jerry Warriner (Cary Grant) and Lucy Warriner (Irene Dunne) as their marriage falls apart after Jerry's suspicions of infidelity. After unsuccessfully attempting to reconcile, they agree to an uncontested divorce and Lucy moves to Florida with her new love interest, Dan Leeson (Ralph Bellamy). Jerry soon regrets his decision and sets out to win Lucy back. Along the way, he meets a series of wacky characters, including an aging playboy (Alexander D'Arcy) and a runaway heiress (Molly Lamont). Through a series of misunderstandings, Jerry and Lucy eventually reunite and the film ends with a happy ending.

From Frank Lloyd, starring Charles Laughton, Clark Gable, Franchot Tone, Herbert Mundin
Rated Passed

Mutiny on the Bounty is an award-winning 1935 film directed by Frank Lloyd. It is a romantic adventure drama based on the novel of the same name by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall. The movie stars Clark Gable, Charles Laughton, and Franchot Tone, and tells the story of a tyrannical British sea captain who is overthrown by his crew during a voyage to Tahiti in 1787. After the mutiny, the crew sails to an uncharted island to escape the vengeance of the Royal Navy, but find themselves in even more peril. Ultimately, the men must rely on the courage and leadership of the first mate Fletcher Christian in order to survive the island and find their way back to England. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture and was nominated for several more awards.

From Mark Sandrich, starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Edward Everett Horton, Erik Rhodes
Rated Not Rated

Top Hat is a 1935 American romantic musical comedy film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, directed by Mark Sandrich. The story follows Jerry Travers, a dancer from America in London, who meets and falls in love with Dale Tremont, a beautiful society girl, while both are in London. After a series of comedic misadventures, they eventually get together against the wishes of her disapproving father. Featuring classic musical numbers such as "Cheek to Cheek" and "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails," Top Hat is considered an all-time classic of the Hollywood musical and a hallmark of the Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers partnership.

From Directors: Howard Hawks, Richard Rosson, starring Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, Karen Morley, Osgood Perkins
Rated PG

Scarface is a 1932 American gangster film directed by Howard Hawks and Richard Rosson and starring Paul Muni as Antonio "Tony" Camonte. The screenplay was written by Ben Hecht and Seton I. Miller. Set in Chicago during the Prohibition era, the film tells the story of an ambitious Italian-American gangster, Tony Camonte, who attempts to make a name for himself in the criminal underworld. With the help of his best friend and loyal lieutenant, Cesca, Tony rises to power, taking on rival gangs and even his own family. He also falls in love with Poppy, a cabaret singer. However, his ruthless ambition leads him into a confrontation with his former boss, the powerful gangster Johnny Lovo. In the end, Tony is betrayed and killed by Cesca, with Poppy taking her own life shortly afterwards. Scarface is a classic gangster film and a landmark in American cinema. Its gritty realism and hard-hitting violence set the tone for movies that followed in the genre.