Classic 60s Movies

From Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef, Aldo Giuffrè
Rated R

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a classic Spaghetti Western directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood as "The Good" (Blondie), Lee Van Cleef as "The Bad" (Angel Eyes), and Eli Wallach as "The Ugly" (Tuco). The movie follows the three as they search for a Confederate treasure in the American West during the Civil War. Along the way, they get caught up in a series of double-crosses and betrayals as they try to outwit each other and survive the harsh environment of the West. The movie is known for its iconic soundtrack and tense, bleak atmosphere. With its intense scenes of violence and suspense, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly stands alongside Leone's other works as a classic of Italian Western cinema.

From Masaki Kobayashi, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Ishihama, Shima Iwashita, Tetsurô Tanba
Rated Not Rated

Harakiri is a Japanese drama film directed by Masaki Kobayashi and released in 1962. It tells the story of a ronin, or wandering samurai, who appears at the feudal lord's castle, requesting to commit ritual suicide on the grounds. Initially, the lord and his retainers regard the ronin's request with suspicion, thinking that he is hoping to gain an assist from the lord in his suicide. However, the ronin’s true intention is to reveal the truth behind the death of a former ronin who committed ritual suicide at the same place several years prior. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that the lord and his retainers had taken advantage of the former ronin, refusing to offer assistance and compelling him to commit ritual suicide as a form of humiliation. The film explores themes of loyalty, honor, and betrayal, and has been hailed as a masterpiece of Japanese cinema. It was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1962 Cannes Film Festival, and was the winner of the Special Jury Prize at the Mainichi Film Awards.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a classic horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released in 1960. It stars Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, a disturbed young man who runs the Bates Motel. When Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) stops at the motel one night, Norman's dark secrets come to light. Marion is murdered in the infamous shower scene, leading her sister and boyfriend to investigate her disappearance. As the investigation unfolds, it reveals the twisted psyche of Norman and the madness of his mother, Norma Bates. With its shocking plot twists, suspenseful soundtrack, and iconic performances, Psycho has become one of the most influential films in cinematic history.

From Sergio Leone, starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards
Rated PG-13

Once Upon a Time in the West is a classic spaghetti western starring Henry Fonda and directed by Sergio Leone. Set in the years following the American Civil War, the film tells the story of a mysterious, harmonica-playing stranger (Charles Bronson) and his quest for revenge against a ruthless railroad tycoon (Fonda) who is determined to take control of a small town in the American West. Along the way he teams up with a vengeful prostitute (Claudia Cardinale) and a wandering gunman (Jason Robards) to defend the town against the tycoon's henchman. The film is known for its masterful direction, sweeping vistas of the American West, and its memorable soundtrack.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn
Rated PG

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a 1964 dark comedy directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows the story of a deranged Air Force general (Jack D. Ripper) who launches an attack on the Soviet Union leading to an impending nuclear apocalypse. A desperate attempt is made to recall the bombers and prevent disaster, but fails. The President of the United States, Merkin Muffley, and his advisers, including the titular Dr. Strangelove, frantically attempt to come up with a solution to the crisis. Ultimately, the only way to save humanity is for everyone to move into deep underground bunkers and wait out the nuclear winter. The film culminates in a comedic, yet harrowing scene in which Dr. Strangelove presents a plan to repopulate the earth with a select few people. The movie is a satirical look at the Cold War, nuclear war, and mankind's seeming inability to prevent its own destruction.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Yutaka Sada, Tatsuya Nakadai, Kyôko Kagawa
Rated Not Rated

High and Low is a crime drama directed by Akira Kurosawa which tells the story of a wealthy businessman, Kingo Gondo (Toshiro Mifune), who is faced with a moral dilemma when a criminal demands a ransom for the return of Gondo's kidnapped son. Gondo must decide whether to pay the ransom or to use the money to save his struggling business. Faced with a last-minute revelation, Gondo makes a decision that has far-reaching consequences. High and Low is a gripping drama which examines the human cost of the pursuit of money, power, and justice.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

2001: A Space Odyssey is a 1968 science fiction epic directed by Stanley Kubrick and written by Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke. The movie follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The film deals with themes of existentialism, human evolution, technology, artificial intelligence, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The film is divided into four sections, "The Dawn of Man", "TMA-1", "Jupiter Mission", and "Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite". It follows a journey beyond the depths of space to uncover the ultimate question of life's origin. The film features groundbreaking visual effects, and its soundtrack includes classical music and some famous unreleased pieces by avant-garde composer György Ligeti. The movie is widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and is considered among the best science fiction films ever made.

From David Lean, starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins
Rated Approved

Lawrence of Arabia is an epic 1962 British-American historical drama film based on the life of T. E. Lawrence. Directed by David Lean, the film stars Peter O'Toole in the title role. It tells the story of Lawrence's experiences in the Arabian Peninsula during World War I, in particular his attacks on Aqaba and Damascus and his involvement in the Arab National Council. Lawrence's experiences are seen as a struggle between his passionate feelings for the cause of Arab independence and his own personal desire for recognition and glory. The film is renowned for its cinematography, costumes, and its sweeping desert landscapes. Lawrence of Arabia won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

From Billy Wilder, starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston
Rated Approved

The Apartment is a 1960 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Billy Wilder. The film stars Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, and features Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston, Jack Kruschen, David Lewis, Willard Waterman, and Edie Adams. The film follows C.C. Baxter, an ambitious young employee of a large insurance company, who allows executives of the company to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs. Baxter hopes that by doing this he will get ahead in the company and be promoted. As he grows more successful, however, he finds himself torn between his relationship with Fran Kubelik, the elevator operator in the building, and his loyalty to his superiors. This leads to a tangled web of lies, deceit, and betrayal. In the end, Baxter must decide whether to remain loyal to the company or to follow his heart and pursue a relationship with Fran.

From Robert Mulligan, starring Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy
Rated Approved

Adapted from Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) is a classic film directed by Robert Mulligan. The movie follows the story of Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) and his two children, Scout (Mary Badham) and Jem (Phillip Alford), as they navigate life in a small town in the South during the 1930s. Atticus is a lawyer who decides to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman, despite the racism and prejudice rampant in the town. Through this experience, the children grow up and learn lessons about courage and justice. The film also examines themes of racial injustice, poverty, courage, and the loss of innocence. To Kill a Mockingbird was an incredible success, and remains an important classic of American cinema to this day.

From John Sturges, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson
Rated Approved

The Great Escape is a classic 1963 war movie directed by John Sturges. The film is based on the true story of an escape attempt by Allied prisoners of war (POWs) held in a German POW camp during World War II. Led by a brash American officer, the prisoners dig an elaborate tunnel under the camp and hatch an ambitious plan to escape en masse. Despite numerous setbacks, the POWs are determined to make it to freedom, and their courage and resilience is put to the test as they struggle to evade their captors and make it out alive. With a stellar cast, including Steve McQueen, James Garner and Richard Attenborough, The Great Escape is an intense, thrilling adventure that celebrates the indomitable spirit of the human will.

From Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Gian Maria Volontè, Mara Krupp
Rated R

"For a Few Dollars More" is a 1965 Italian Spaghetti Western film directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Gian Maria Volonté. The plot revolves around two bounty hunters, Colonel Douglas Mortimer (Van Cleef) and "Manco" (Eastwood), who team up to pursue the notorious bandit El Indio (Volonté). In the course of their pursuit, they become rivals for a treasure El Indio has stolen from a bank, as well as for a precious pocket watch belonging to Mortimer. Along the way they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including a sadistic henchman, a Mexican bandit, and a former outlaw turned preacher. In the end, the two bounty hunters are forced to put aside their differences to confront El Indio and his gang in a final showdown.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Eijirô Tôno, Tatsuya Nakadai, Yôko Tsukasa
Rated Not Rated

Yojimbo is a 1961 Japanese samurai film directed by Akira Kurosawa. Set in a small town in 19th century Japan, it follows a nameless ronin (masterless samurai) who arrives looking for work. He soon finds himself in the middle of a struggle between two rival gangs and uses his wits and martial arts skills to play one off against the other. Ultimately, he is able to restore law and order to the town. The film is renowned for its use of the more traditional samurai genre and its strong influence on the spaghetti western genre. It remains one of Kurosawa's best-known films.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Bibi Andersson, Liv Ullmann, Margaretha Krook, Gunnar Björnstrand
Rated Not Rated

Persona is a psychological drama directed by Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. The film follows two women, Alma (Bibi Andersson) and Elisabet Vogler (Liv Ullman), as they spend time together in a secluded cottage by the sea. Elisabet, a prominent stage actress, has suddenly stopped speaking and Alma is hired to care for her and to try to get her to speak again. During their time together, Alma and Elisabet form a bond, but their relationship is strained as their personalities clash and repressed feelings and memories start to emerge. As their time together progresses, the two women start to blur the boundaries between themselves and eventually their identities become intertwined. The film is a powerful exploration of identity, gender, the power of language and communication, and ultimately personal transformation.

From Robert Wise, starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn
Rated G

The Sound of Music is an Academy Award-winning musical drama film directed by Robert Wise. It is an adaptation of the 1959 stage musical of the same name, composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Set in Austria in 1938, the film tells the story of Maria, a young Austrian woman studying to become a nun in Nonnberg Abbey. After failing at her postulancy, she accepts a governess position at the von Trapp family estate, where she soon forms a strong bond with the motherless children and falls in love with their widowed father, Georg von Trapp. As the Nazis begin to gain power in Austria, the family must make a difficult decision involving escape and their love for each other. The Sound of Music contains classic songs such as "My Favorite Things", "Do-Re-Mi", "Edelweiss", and the iconic title song.

From Gillo Pontecorvo, starring Brahim Hadjadj, Jean Martin, Yacef Saadi, Samia Kerbash
Rated Not Rated

The Battle of Algiers is a 1966 Italian-Algerian historical war drama film directed by Gillo Pontecorvo. It portrays the Algerian struggle for independence from France in the 1950s and is based on events that occurred during the Algerian War of Independence (1954-62). The film follows the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN) as they fight for their independence in Algiers, the capital of Algeria. The story is told in three segments—the planning of the FLN attacks, the resulting military response by the French, and the eventual FLN victory in Algiers—and culminates with the Battle of Algiers. The film's raw and realistic portrayal of the violence and suffering of war has been acclaimed as one of the best war films ever made, and has been credited as a major influence on the New Wave style of filmmaking.

From Stuart Rosenberg, starring Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin, J.D. Cannon
Rated GP

Cool Hand Luke is a 1967 American prison drama film directed by Stuart Rosenberg, starring Paul Newman as the title character. The story centers on Lucas Jackson, a former soldier who is sentenced to two years in a Florida prison camp for cutting the heads off parking meters. In the camp, Lucas plays by his own rules and refuses to conform to the system. His refusal to obey authority lands him in conflict with the camp's authorities, including the sadistic Captain, who eventually drives him to a mental and physical breakdown. With the help of his fellow inmates, Lucas eventually triumphs over the system and his own weaknesses. The film is noted for its exploration of themes of individualism, freedom, and justice.

From Jean-Pierre Melville, starring Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Simone Signoret
Rated Not Rated

Army of Shadows is a 1969 French-Italian war drama film directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. It follows the story of a small group of French Resistance fighters working in occupied France during World War II. Led by Philippe Gerbier (Lino Ventura), the group of men risk their lives to carry out clandestine missions against the German occupiers. The film portrays their struggle with the moral dilemmas of their work, their camaraderie, and their eventual disintegration. Army of Shadows is widely regarded as one of Melville's greatest films, and has been praised for its realism and its unflinching portrayal of the harshness of war.

From John Ford, starring James Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles, Lee Marvin
Rated Approved

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a 1962 American Western film directed by John Ford and starring James Stewart, John Wayne, and Lee Marvin. Set in the small town of Shinbone, Montana, the film tells the story of a respected but aging lawyer, Ransom Stoddard (Stewart), who returns to the town of his youth after many years away to attend the funeral of an old friend, Tom Doniphon (Wayne). Stoddard soon discovers that the death of his friend is shrouded in mystery and involves the town's most notorious figure, Liberty Valance (Marvin). As the truth behind the past unravels, Stoddard discovers that he is the only one who can put an end to Valance's reign of terror. With a mixture of courage and justice, Stoddard's actions ultimately lead to the restoration of peace in the town of Shinbone.

From Roman Polanski, starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer
Rated Approved

Rosemary's Baby is a 1968 horror film directed by Roman Polanski. It tells the story of Rosemary Woodhouse, a young wife and aspiring actor, and her husband Guy, who move into a haunted apartment building in New York City. Rosemary soon discovers that the building's strange inhabitants are part of a Satanic cult who want her to bear the child of the devil. As her pregnancy begins to take its toll on her mind, Rosemary must fight to protect herself and her unborn child from the cult's sinister plan. The film received critical acclaim and was a box office hit, launching Polanski's career as a director.

From Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aimée, Claudia Cardinale, Sandra Milo
Rated Not Rated

8½ is an Italian comedy-drama directed by Federico Fellini. The story follows Guido Anselmi, a successful movie director who is suffering from a creative block. He is trying to come up with a new film idea but is unable to focus. Guido then begins to retreat into his own mind, exploring his past and dealing with his personal demons. He visits his old school, meets old friends, and embarks on a surreal journey. As he searches for inspiration, he must also face his own mortality. Through the film, Guido comes to terms with his past, his artistic ambitions, and his relationships with others. 8½ is an exploration of the creative process and one man's attempt to come to terms with his life.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans
Rated G

Planet of the Apes (1968) is a science-fiction classic directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. The film follows a trio of astronauts who crash-land on a mysterious planet. The planet is ruled by intelligent apes, and humans are treated as lowly animals. The astronauts soon discover that they have landed on a future Earth, where man has been enslaved by ape. With the help of a sympathetic chimpanzee, they set out to overthrow the ape government and free humanity. The film is an allegorical tale of human racism and oppression, and it contains a powerful message of hope and revolution.

From Mike Nichols, starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, William Daniels
Rated PG

The Graduate is a 1967 American dark comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols and written by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham, based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Charles Webb. The film stars Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross and William Daniels. The film follows recent college graduate Benjamin Braddock, who, after being seduced by the much older Mrs. Robinson and encouraged by her husband, falls in love with their daughter Elaine. The Graduate was a critical and commercial success, and it launched Hoffman's career in film. It won the Academy Award for Best Director (Nichols) and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The film is also notable for its music, including Simon & Garfunkel's soundtrack "The Sound of Silence" and their song "Mrs. Robinson", which was named after the film's main character.

From Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, Anouk Aimée, Yvonne Furneaux
Rated Not Rated

La Dolce Vita is a 1960 Italian drama directed by Federico Fellini. It follows Marcello Rubini (Marcello Mastroianni), a journalist in Rome, as he follows a variety of people and lifestyles in high society, struggling to find meaning in a seemingly never-ending cycle of parties, decadence, and brief moments of joy. Through his encounters with a young actress, a gossip columnist, an aristocrat, and a wealthy intellectual, Marcello is eventually able to make peace with himself and his place in society. As he does so, he discovers that the sweet life he imagined is often, in fact, a bitter one, and that true joy comes only from within. La Dolce Vita is widely regarded as one of Fellini’s greatest works, and its influence on the art of filmmaking is still felt today.

From Robert Rossen, starring Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie, George C. Scott
Rated Not Rated

The Hustler is a 1961 American drama film directed by Robert Rossen, starring Paul Newman as "Fast" Eddie Felson, a small-time pool hustler seeking to break into the big time by challenging the legendary, ruthless champion Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason). Eddie, an ambitious but ultimately flawed character, agrees to play for high stakes despite warnings from his friend and mentor, Bert Gordon (George C. Scott). When Eddie is eventually beaten by Minnesota Fats, he embarks on a self-destructive journey, where he has to confront his emotional demons and take responsibility for his own life. With the support of Sarah (Piper Laurie), he eventually triumphs over his own flaws and defeats Minnesota Fats in a dramatic, high-stakes rematch. The film won two Academy Awards and was nominated for six additional awards.