Best 50s Movies

From Sidney Lumet, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, John Fiedler
Rated Approved

12 Angry Men is a classic courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet. The film follows the deliberations of a jury of 12 men as they decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. The jury's initial vote is for a guilty verdict, but one juror, played by Henry Fonda, casts a dissenting vote. He then launches a passionate argument proving reasonable doubt and attempts to sway the other jurors, leading to a gripping debate about morality, justice, and the law. The film explores the individual jurors' motivations and prejudices, as they become increasingly divided on the issue of guilt or innocence. Ultimately, the jurors reach a unanimous verdict of not guilty, acquitting the young man.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter
Rated PG

Rear Window is a 1954 classic suspense thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly. Stewart plays a professional photographer, L.B. "Jeff" Jefferies, who is confined to a wheelchair after breaking his leg. While stuck in his apartment, Jeff begins to spy on his neighbors with his camera and his binoculars. He soon becomes suspicious that his neighbor, Lars Thorwald, may have murdered his wife. With the help of his girlfriend, Lisa Fremont, Jeff enlists the help of the police to investigate, and soon finds himself in a thrilling race against time. The film is a thrilling and suspenseful examination of voyeurism as Jeff and Lisa try to uncover the truth and save themselves from a deadly fate.

From Billy Wilder, starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester
Rated Approved

Witness for the Prosecution is a 1957 courtroom drama directed by Billy Wilder and starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester. The story follows Leonard Vole, an Englishman accused of murdering a wealthy widow. His defence lawyer, Sir Wilfrid Robarts, puts up a strong case, but the prosecution has a surprise witness in the form of Vole’s wife, who claims her husband is guilty. The jury must decide if the witness is telling the truth or if Vole is the victim of a miscarriage of justice. The courtroom drama is filled with unexpected twists and turns as the fate of Vole hangs in the balance.

From Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen
Rated G

Singin' in the Rain is a classic musical comedy set in Hollywood during the transition from silent films to "talkies." It follows the story of silent film star Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and his relationship with leading lady Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen). When Lockwood's latest film is re-made into a musical, Lockwood and his best friend Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor) must find a way to save the production by having Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) dub in the voice of Lina. As the production progresses, Lockwood and Kathy fall in love, and must contend with Lina's attempts to ruin them. The film features iconic musical numbers such as "Make 'Em Laugh" and the title song, "Singin' in the Rain," and is widely regarded as one of the best musicals of all time.

From Joseph L. Mankiewicz, starring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm
Rated Passed

All About Eve is a 1950 American drama film written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. It stars Bette Davis as Margo Channing, a highly regarded but aging Broadway star. Anne Baxter plays Eve Harrington, an ambitious young fan who insinuates herself into Channing's life, ultimately threatening Channing's career and her personal relationships. The film also features Celeste Holm, George Sanders, and Marilyn Monroe in supporting roles. The film follows Eve's calculated attempts to disrupt Margo's career and relationships, and Margo's efforts to protect herself. As the narrative progresses, Margo and Eve's relationship evolves from admiration to rivalry and contempt. All About Eve is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, and has been consistently ranked in the top 100 by the American Film Institute. It was nominated for fourteen Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Machiko Kyô, Masayuki Mori, Takashi Shimura
Rated Not Rated

Rashomon is a 1950 Japanese crime drama directed by Akira Kurosawa. Set in ancient Japan, the film tells the story of a man murdered in a forest, with four different people giving conflicting accounts of what happened. The film follows a woodcutter, a priest, a bandit, and a woman as they each tell their version of events at the Rashomon city gate. Through these testimonies, the audience is left to decide which version is the truth. Ultimately, Rashomon concludes that there is no single truth, and all perspectives are valid. The film is a landmark of world cinema, and has been praised for its insightful commentary on human nature and the power of subjectivity.

From Henri-Georges Clouzot, starring Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Peter van Eyck, Folco Lulli
Rated Not Rated

The Wages of Fear is a classic French thriller directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot. Set in a small South American village, the film tells the story of four men who are hired to transport a shipment of nitroglycerin across a dangerous mountain road in two decrepit trucks. In order to escape their impoverished existence, the men accept the dangerous job, despite its potentially lethal consequences. As the journey progresses, their courage and determination are tested to the limit. The film culminates in a tense and suspenseful climax as the men risk their lives to complete their mission. Along the way, the film explores the human cost of desperation and the lengths people will go to in order to survive.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings, John Williams
Rated PG

Dial M for Murder is a 1954 thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It stars Ray Milland as a former tennis pro who plots to have his wife (Grace Kelly) murdered after he discovers she is having an affair. He recruits an old college acquaintance to carry out the murder, but things don't go as planned and his wife winds up the prime suspect. The film is a classic suspenseful thriller with a clever plot and unexpected twists that keep the audience guessing until the very end. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Director for Hitchcock.

From Billy Wilder, starring Kirk Douglas, Jan Sterling, Robert Arthur, Porter Hall
Rated Approved

Ace in the Hole is a 1951 American drama film directed by Billy Wilder, starring Kirk Douglas. The story follows the exploits of down-on-his-luck reporter Chuck Tatum, who finds himself in the midst of a huge controversy involving a man trapped in a cave in New Mexico. Tatum seizes the opportunity to revive his career by manipulating the story for his own gain, but as the situation spirals out of control, he discovers how far he is willing to go to get what he wants. The film is a pitch-black drama that examines the corrupting influence of ambition and media sensationalism.

From Elia Kazan, starring Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Rod Steiger
Rated Approved

On the Waterfront is an Academy Award winning classic film directed by Elia Kazan, and starring Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint. The movie is set in Hoboken, New Jersey, and follows the story of dockworker, Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando), who is torn between his loyalty to his corrupt union bosses and his decision to testify against them. Malloy's growing sense of morality leads him to stand up against the mob, and in doing so, he becomes an unlikely hero among the dockworkers. The film examines the universal themes of justice and redemption, as Malloy battles against the forces of corruption and greed. It also explores his relationships with his brother, his mob-connected friends, and the woman he loves, Edie (Eva Marie Saint). As Malloy fights for justice, he discovers the power of one person to make a difference.

From Jules Dassin, starring Jean Servais, Carl Möhner, Robert Manuel, Janine Darcey
Rated Not Rated

Rififi is a classic French film noir directed by Jules Dassin, who also wrote the screenplay. Set in the Paris underworld, the film follows a former thief, Tony (Jean Servais), who is pulled back into a life of crime by his former partner, Jo (Carl Mohner). Together, they create a plan to rob a jewelry shop, enlisting two other ex-cons, Mario (Robert Manuel) and Cesar (Marcel Lupovici), to help them. The heist itself is an extended suspenseful sequence, as the four men methodically disable security measures and break into the shop. Unfortunately, the heist does not go as planned, and the four men end up facing off against the police and rival criminals. Ultimately, Tony and Jo are forced to make a desperate last stand in order to escape with their loot.

From Fred Zinnemann, starring Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges
Rated PG

High Noon is a 1952 American Western film directed by Fred Zinnemann, starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. It tells the story of a small town marshal who is forced to face a gang of killers alone. He is supported by his Quaker wife, but she ultimately leaves him because of his violent nature. With the townspeople refusing to help, the marshal is left to face the outlaws alone. The story plays out in real time, with the clock ticking towards the noon showdown. The film's moral dilemma is whether the marshal will stand up against the gang or abandon the town and his duty. High Noon is considered both a classic Western and a timeless classic. It is one of the most influential and acclaimed movies of all time.

From Charles Laughton, starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason
Rated Not Rated

The Night of the Hunter is a 1955 thriller directed by Charles Laughton. It stars Robert Mitchum as a sinister preacher, Harry Powell, who is on the hunt for two young children, John and Pearl, in order to find a hidden fortune. Along the way, Powell terrorizes the poor family of the children's father, and murders anyone who gets in his way. Ultimately, the children manage to escape Powell's clutches and are taken in by a kindly widow. The Night of the Hunter is a classic of the horror genre, and its nightmarish visuals and themes of good and evil still resonate with audiences today.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Sterling Hayden, Coleen Gray, Vince Edwards, Jay C. Flippen
Rated Approved

The Killing is a classic crime drama directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie follows the heist of a racetrack by a group of small-time criminals. The plan is masterminded by Johnny Clay, a veteran criminal who assembles a diverse ensemble of crooks to execute the robbery. After the heist goes off without a hitch, the group finds themselves in a desperate race against time to avoid capture and escape with their loot. Along the way, they must contend with a variety of obstacles, including their own mistrust and a relentless detective determined to bring them to justice. Despite its relatively low budget, The Killing is widely regarded as a classic of the crime genre, praised for its taut suspense and sharp dialogue.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Farley Granger, Robert Walker, Ruth Roman, Leo G. Carroll
Rated PG

Strangers on a Train is a classic 1951 thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It tells the story of two strangers, the wealthy but troubled tennis player Guy Haines and the mysterious, psychopathic Bruno Anthony, who meet on a train journey. Bruno proposes a diabolical plan to Guy: if Guy kills Bruno's hated father, Bruno will kill Guy's unfaithful wife in return. Guy is horrified, but Bruno does not take no for an answer. As Bruno goes ahead with his sinister plan, Guy must find a way to evade him and save his wife before it's too late. This edge-of-your-seat thriller is a classic of Alfred Hitchcock's suspenseful filmmaking style, combining mystery, danger and unexpected twists.

From Elia Kazan, starring Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter, Karl Malden
Rated PG

A Streetcar Named Desire is a 1951 American drama film, adapted from Tennessee Williams's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1947 play of the same name. Directed by Elia Kazan and scripted by Oscar Saul, the film stars Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh, Kim Hunter and Karl Malden. The film tells the story of a young woman, Blanche DuBois, who moves in with her sister and brother-in-law in New Orleans. She is soon confronted by her brother-in-law's aggressive nature and her own repressed desires. The film follows Blanche's struggle to find a place in a world she no longer understands, and her eventual destruction under the pressures of society. The film is noted for its use of both dream-like and expressionistic cinematography to convey the psychological turmoil of the characters.

From John Huston, starring Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, James Whitmore
Rated Passed

The Asphalt Jungle is a 1950 crime drama film directed by John Huston and starring Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, and Sam Jaffe. The film follows a group of criminals who plan and execute a daring jewelry store heist in a large city. Despite their best efforts, the criminals are unable to keep their plans secret, and their scheme quickly unravels, leading to murder, betrayal, and ultimately a tragic end for the group. The film is a classic noir that captures the desperation of criminals in a cruel and unforgiving world.

From Vincente Minnelli, starring Lana Turner, Kirk Douglas, Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell
Rated Passed

The Bad and the Beautiful is a 1952 drama directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Lana Turner, Kirk Douglas, Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, and Gloria Grahame. The film tells the story of Jonathan Shields (Kirk Douglas), a ruthless film producer who has made a name for himself in Hollywood by manipulating and exploiting people around him. He is soon faced with a trio of people that have had enough of his underhanded tactics and seek revenge. The story is told in flashback as each of the three people recount their experiences with Shields. The film is a look at the ruthlessness and glamour of Hollywood, and explores the darker side of ambition.

From Henry King, starring Gregory Peck, Helen Westcott, Millard Mitchell, Jean Parker
Rated Not Rated

The Gunfighter is a 1950 Western directed by Henry King. The film follows aging gunslinger Jimmy Ringo (Gregory Peck), who is trying to make a fresh start and leave his violent past behind him. Despite his attempts to stay out of trouble, he is forced to face his old nemesis, Eddie (Helen Westcott), and her brother, recent gunfighter Jack Colby (Millard Mitchell). After a tense standoff, Jack decides to back down, and Jimmy rides off into the sunset in peace. Along the way, he meets a young widow, Grace (Olive Carey), and her son, Mark (Skip Homeier), providing them protection from the bad men who want to take advantage of them. In the end, Jimmy is able to reconcile with his past and find solace with Mark and Grace, while also allowing Jack the opportunity to prove himself a better man through his own actions.

From George Stevens, starring Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, Shelley Winters, Anne Revere
Rated Passed

"A Place in the Sun" is a 1951 romantic drama film directed by George Stevens and starring Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, and Shelley Winters. The film follows the story of a working-class young man, George Eastman (Clift), who falls in love with his wealthy cousin, Angela Vickers (Taylor). When Angela's wealthy aunt (Winters) disapproves of the match, George is forced to choose between his newfound love and his ambitions for a better life. As his situation becomes increasingly complicated, a tragedy ensues, changing the course of his life forever. The film offers a critical look at the power dynamics between the wealthy and the working class, exploring themes of class struggle, social mobility, and the consequences of ambition.

From Edward Dmytryk, starring Humphrey Bogart, José Ferrer, Van Johnson, Fred MacMurray
Rated Not Rated

The Caine Mutiny is a 1954 American drama film directed by Edward Dmytryk, based on the 1951 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Herman Wouk. The film stars Humphrey Bogart as Lieutenant Commander Philip Francis Queeg, a tyrannical United States Navy officer aboard the fictional USS Caine. During a series of typhoons in the Pacific Ocean during World War II, Queeg's mental stability breaks down, resulting in a mutiny led by the executive officer, Lieutenant Steve Maryk (Van Johnson). The film follows the court-martial trial of Maryk and his defense of Queeg's mental instability as the cause of his actions. Widely acclaimed upon its release, The Caine Mutiny was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Bogart), Best Supporting Actor (Fred MacMurray), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Stanley Roberts). The film was a critical and commercial success and is considered a classic of the war film genre.

From Don Siegel, starring Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Larry Gates, King Donovan
Rated Approved

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) is a classic science fiction/horror film directed by Don Siegel. The film is set in a small, fictional California town, where strange events have been occurring. The population is being slowly replaced by alien "pod people", emotionless duplicates grown from alien seed pods. Doctor Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) is the first to discover the sinister happenings and is quickly joined by his former girlfriend Becky Driscoll (Dana Wynter). The two set out to save the town, but find that their warnings are ignored and their efforts to stop the alien invasion are futile. The conclusion of the movie leaves the fate of the town uncertain, with Miles and Becky leaving in a car and screaming as they are pursued by pod people, leaving the audience with a chillingly unanswered question as to what will happen next.

From Billy Wilder, starring Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden, Walter Hampden
Rated Passed

Sabrina (1954) is a romantic comedy directed by Billy Wilder. The film follows the story of Sabrina Fairchild (Audrey Hepburn), the naive and sheltered daughter of the wealthy Larrabee family's chauffeur. Sabrina falls in love with the wealthy playboy, David Larrabee (William Holden), who's been sent by his brother to keep her away from the family. When Sabrina is sent to culinary school in Paris, she transforms into a beautiful and sophisticated woman. On her return, both David and his older brother, Linus (Humphrey Bogart) fall in love with her. In the end, Sabrina must choose between the wealthy but shallow David and the sincere and devoted Linus.

From Nicholas Ray, starring James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, Jim Backus
Rated PG-13

Rebel Without a Cause is an iconic American coming-of-age drama film directed by Nicholas Ray and released in 1955. It stars James Dean, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo, and tells the story of three teenage friends living in the suburbs of Los Angeles who struggle to find their identity and place in the world. Jim Stark (Dean) moves to town and soon finds himself in multiple conflicts with his parents, the police, and his schoolmates. His new friends, Judy (Wood) and Plato (Mineo), help him confront the issues of authority and responsibility as he searches for his place in society. This poignant and groundbreaking film explores timeless themes of teenage rebellion and social conformity.

From Ishirô Honda, starring Takashi Shimura, Akihiko Hirata, Akira Takarada, Momoko Kôchi
Rated Not Rated

Godzilla is a classic 1954 Japanese science fiction monster film directed by Ishirô Honda. The film follows the consequences of a nuclear test performed by the United States in the Pacific Ocean that awakens a giant, prehistoric amphibious monster. The monster, dubbed Godzilla, begins wreaking havoc, attacking cities and leaving destruction in its wake. It is up to Japan's scientists and military to try and find a way to stop the beast before it completely destroys Japan. Godzilla is a classic and influential film which popularized the giant monster genre and spawned numerous sequels, remakes, and spin-offs.