Best Bette Davis Movies

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

All About Eve is a 1950 drama film written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. It tells the story of aspiring actress Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) who charms her way into the lives of a prominent Broadway star (Bette Davis) and her theater director (Gary Merrill). As the story unfolds, Eve gradually reveals her true motives, and it becomes apparent that she will stop at nothing to become a star. The iconic film features an Academy Award winning performance from Bette Davis and an all-star cast that includes Celeste Holm, Marilyn Monroe, and George Sanders. The film was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From Robert Aldrich, starring Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Victor Buono, Wesley Addy
Rated Passed

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a psychological thriller directed by Robert Aldrich and released in 1962. The film stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as former child star Baby Jane Hudson and her older sister, Blanche Hudson. Blanche is now a successful and beloved Hollywood star, while Baby Jane has become a bitter and delusional has-been, living off her sister's success. When Blanche suffers an accident and is left paralyzed, Baby Jane begins to psychologically and physically abuse her until Blanche's friends intervene. As Baby Jane's grip on reality increasingly slips away, the tension builds to a terrifying climax. The film is a chilling examination of the destructive power of fame, jealousy, and sibling rivalry.

From Irving Rapper, starring Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Gladys Cooper
Rated Passed

"Now, Voyager" (1942), directed by Irving Rapper, is a romantic drama film about the transformation of a repressed, plain-looking woman named Charlotte Vale (played by Bette Davis). After her family wrongly commits her to a mental hospital, she is taken under the wing of a compassionate psychiatrist, Dr. Jaquith (Claude Rains), who helps her to become an independent and confident woman. With the help of a glamorous makeover and an ocean cruise, Charlotte soon meets a married man, Jerry Durrance (Paul Henreid), and falls in love with him. Though she is torn between her strong feelings for him and the knowledge that their love cannot last, Charlotte is eventually able to find strength, self-confidence and inner peace. The film ends with Charlotte’s newfound inner strength and freedom, as she embarks on a new life journey.

From William Keighley, starring Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan, Monty Woolley, Richard Travis
Rated Not Rated

The Man Who Came to Dinner is a classic screwball comedy film directed by William Keighley and starring Bette Davis, Monty Woolley, Ann Sheridan and Jimmy Durante. The story follows a cantankerous and acerbic celebrity, Sheridan Whiteside (Woolley) who visits the home of a small-town Ohio family, the Stanleys. After a fall on their doorstep, he is forced to stay longer than planned and proceeds to wreak havoc on the household. With the help of an array of eccentric friends who come to help him, Whiteside infuriates the Stanleys and befriends the children, all while trying to get out of his predicament. The film is a light-hearted look at the power of celebrity, and the chaotic and humorous consequences that come with it.

From John Guillermin, starring Peter Ustinov, Mia Farrow, Simon MacCorkindale, Jane Birkin
Rated PG

From Dan Curtis, starring Karen Black, Oliver Reed, Burgess Meredith, Eileen Heckart
Rated PG