Movies Based In The 60s

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a feel-good drama about a man with an IQ of 75 who is never the less successful in life. The film follows Forrest from his childhood in Greenbow, Alabama in the 1950s, through his service in the Vietnam War, his meeting with the President, and his journey across the United States. Along the way, he experiences love, loss, and friendship and teaches everyone he meets about life, love, and destiny. Forrest is played by Tom Hanks who won an Academy Award for his performance. The film was a commercial and critical success, winning six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Miloš Forman, based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal who fakes insanity to be placed in a mental institution instead of prison. While there, he clashes with the tyrannical Nurse Ratched, who rules over the patients with an iron fist. McMurphy helps his fellow inmates resist the oppressive control of the institution and gain their freedom. The film also explores themes of freedom, individualism, and conformity, and is considered to be a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.

From Peter Farrelly, starring Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco
Rated PG-13

Green Book is a 2018 comedy-drama film directed by Peter Farrelly and written by Nick Vallelonga, Brian Hayes Currie and Peter Farrelly. The film stars Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali as a working-class Italian-American bouncer who is hired to drive and protect a world-class African-American classical pianist on a concert tour from the deep south in 1962. The movie follows the two men on a journey of discovery, friendship and understanding as they challenge each other and the racism and bigotry they encounter along the way. The film is inspired by the true story of Tony Lip and Don Shirley, and is based on Tony's son, Nick Vallelonga's memories of his father's time with Don Shirley. The film won 3 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Rated PG-13

Catch Me If You Can (2002) is a crime drama directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. Based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., it follows his life as a con artist, impersonator, and check forger as a teenager in the 1960s. With the help of a sympathetic FBI agent, Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks), Frank evades capture as he travels across the United States, Europe, and South America. As Carl and Frank become increasingly entangled in a cat-and-mouse game, Frank ultimately finds a way to turn his criminal activity into something beneficial. Along the way, Frank discovers the importance of family, friendship, and the power of redemption.

From Tate Taylor, starring Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated PG-13

The Help is a 2011 drama film produced and directed by Tate Taylor, based on the 2009 novel by Kathryn Stockett. The film follows the lives of a group of black female maids in the segregated South of the 1960s, and the struggles they face while working in white households. The story centers around a white woman named Skeeter (Emma Stone), who decides to write a book from the perspectives of the maids, in an effort to put a spotlight on the injustices they experienced. The maids, Aibileen (Viola Davis), Minny (Octavia Spencer), and others, support Skeeter in her endeavor despite the risks of retaliation from the white community. The Help explores themes of racism, segregation, and sexism, ultimately highlighting the strength in the power of friendship and unity in the face of adversity.

From Michael Wadleigh, starring Joan Baez, Richie Havens, Roger Daltrey, Joe Cocker
Rated R

Woodstock is a 1970 American documentary film directed by Michael Wadleigh and edited by Thelma Schoonmaker that chronicles the watershed counterculture Woodstock Festival which took place in August 1969 near Bethel, New York. The film presents a definitive eye-witness account of the famed music festival, capturing the some of the greatest performances from the festival's line-up of leading rock musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, The Who, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Interspersed with the live concert footage is a comprehensive profile of the diverse crowd of nearly half a million people in attendance. With a message of peace and love, Woodstock is widely considered a watershed moment in popular music history, and has since become an iconic symbol of the 1960s hippie movement.

From D.A. Pennebaker, starring Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Ravi Shankar, Country Joe McDonald
Rated Not Rated

Monterey Pop is a 1968 documentary film directed by D.A. Pennebaker that documents the Monterey Pop Festival, a three day music festival held in Monterey, California in 1967. The film features performances by some of the most influential musical acts of the time including Janis Joplin, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, Ravi Shankar, and The Mamas & The Papas. It also features interviews with many of the performers as well as behind the scenes footage of the event. Through its focus on the music of the era and the performers, Monterey Pop captures the spirit of the hippie movement and the sense of community that surrounded the festival. The film is widely acclaimed as one of the best music documentaries of all time and was added to the National Film Registry in 2017.

From D.A. Pennebaker, starring Bob Dylan, Albert Grossman, Bob Neuwirth, Joan Baez
Rated Not Rated

Bob Dylan: Don't Look Back is a 1967 American documentary film which follows Bob Dylan on his 1965 concert tour of England. The film was directed by D.A. Pennebaker and shows Dylan interacting with the people he meets on the tour, including other musicians, journalists, fans, and various members of the public. The film also features live performances of some of Dylan's best-known songs, including "Subterranean Homesick Blues" and "Mr. Tambourine Man". The film is widely praised for its portrayal of the artist and the format in which the film was shot. It is considered one of the most influential music documentaries ever made and a landmark in cinema verite filmmaking.

From John Schlesinger, starring Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Sylvia Miles, John McGiver
Rated R

Midnight Cowboy is a 1969 American drama film directed by John Schlesinger, and starring Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman. It tells the story of a naive Texan who goes to New York City in search of wealth and status, only to find himself struggling to survive as a hustler. The film follows his story of desperation and despair, and ultimately his attempt to redeem himself by helping a disabled homeless man. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and was the first X-rated film to win an Oscar. It is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

From Directors: Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Charlotte Zwerin, starring Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor, Charlie Watts
Rated GP

Gimme Shelter is a 1970 documentary film directed by Albert and David Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin chronicling the last weeks of The Rolling Stones' 1969 tour of the United States, which ended in the disastrous Altamont Free Concert. The film captures the behind-the-scenes chaos of the tour, as well as providing an intimate look at the members of the band. It also follows the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Santana, who all played at the fateful Altamont Free Concert. The documentary highlights the feud between the Hells Angels biker organization and the crowd, ultimately leading to a fatal stabbing that occurred during the show. The film also explores the hippie counterculture of the time, reflecting the turbulent social climate of the late 1960s.

From David Fincher, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards
Rated R

Zodiac is a 2007 American thriller film directed by David Fincher. It is based on the true crime book of the same name by Robert Graysmith and chronicles the story of the hunt for the Zodiac Killer, a serial killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film follows the story of Graysmith (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), a cartoonist who becomes obsessed with trying to discover the true identity of the killer. He teams up with a reporter (played by Robert Downey Jr.) and a police inspector (played by Mark Ruffalo) to lead the investigation. As they uncover more and more evidence, they come to realize the Zodiac Killer is far more clever and elusive than they ever imagined. The film is a tautly paced thriller that delivers an intense and suspenseful experience.

From James Marsh, starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Sophie Perry
Rated PG-13

The Theory of Everything is a biopic about the life of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. The film follows Hawking’s journey from his student days at Cambridge University, through his diagnosis of a motor neuron disease, to his rise to fame as an author and a scientist. Despite the incredible physical and mental challenges Hawking faced, he managed to make major contributions to the understanding of the universe. The film is a powerful and inspiring story of determination, courage, and love that celebrates Hawking’s life, his achievements, and his relationship with his wife Jane. It follows Hawking’s career and marriage through the development of his groundbreaking theories, the emotional and physical challenges of his condition, and the joys and sorrows of his family life. It is an uplifting story of hope and resilience.

From Aaron Sorkin, starring Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong
Rated R

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a 2020 historical drama film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. The film follows the trial of seven defendants charged by the federal government with conspiracy and crossing state lines with the intention of rioting at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The defendants include Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, David Dellinger, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, John Froines, and Lee Weiner. The trial captures the turmoil and unrest of the time, as the defendants use their trial as a platform for their protest and confrontations with the judge and prosecutor. After a long and chaotic trial, five of the defendants are acquitted and the remaining two are found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison. The film stars Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, and many more.

From Tom DiCillo, starring Johnny Depp, John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek
Rated R

When You're Strange is a feature-length documentary film directed by Tom DiCillo and narrated by Johnny Depp. The film chronicles the rise and fall of the legendary American rock band, The Doors. It features never-before-seen footage of the band, as well as rare interviews with surviving members. Through the film, viewers experience the psychedelic world of the band, as well as the unique personalities of the members. The band's history is also explored, from their early days in Los Angeles to their meteoric rise to fame and their eventual break-up due to the death of frontman Jim Morrison. When You're Strange is a powerful and fascinating look into the life of one of the most influential rock bands of all time.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Emile Hirsch
Rated R

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a 2019 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Set in the summer of 1969 Los Angeles, the film follows an aging television actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing film industry, while trying to make a name for themselves in Hollywood. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, with supporting performances from Al Pacino, Kurt Russell, Timothy Olyphant, Damian Lewis, Luke Perry, Dakota Fanning, and many more. The film is a tribute to the golden age of Hollywood and follows actor Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Pitt) as they journey to survive in a Hollywood that is changing. The movie follows their struggles to make it in an industry that is becoming increasingly dominated by the New Hollywood movement. Along their journey, the two meet a variety of characters, including the infamous Manson Family, and end up embroiled in a tragic series of events. The film is a mix of comedy, drama and tragedy, all wrapped up in a love letter to the nostalgia of the past.

From Tom Ford, starring Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Nicholas Hoult
Rated R

A Single Man is a 2009 American drama film directed by fashion designer Tom Ford in his directorial debut. The film stars Colin Firth as George Falconer, a middle-aged college professor in the 1960s who is struggling to cope with the death of his partner Jim. George comes to terms with his life and decides to make a fresh start by writing a will and saying goodbye to his friends. Along the way, he meets a student, Kenny (Nicholas Hoult), who is infatuated with him and eventually helps him to come to terms with his grief. The film is a deeply moving exploration of grief, love, and the human condition.

From John Lee Hancock, starring Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Annie Rose Buckley, Colin Farrell
Rated PG-13

Saving Mr. Banks tells the true story of the making of the film classic, Mary Poppins. It follows the journey of P.L. Travers, the creator of Mary Poppins, and her reluctance to have her beloved characters adapted to the big screen by Walt Disney. With the help of the songwriting Sherman Brothers and the persuasive Walt Disney, Travers slowly warms to the idea. In the end, she acknowledges the power of storytelling and finds her own inner peace.

From Ava DuVernay, starring David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Wilkinson
Rated PG-13

Selma is a powerful film about the historic march in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama led by the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others in the quest for equal voting rights for African Americans. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the film follows not only the march but also the events leading up to it, including the violent march known as "Bloody Sunday" on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. With a stellar cast led by David Oyelowo as King, Selma shows the courage and determination of the civil rights movement and its ultimate success in achieving the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The film is an emotional and inspiring look at a turning point in American history.

From Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund
Rated R

From Amy Berg, starring Cat Power, Janis Joplin, Karleen Bennett, Laura Joplin
Rated TV-MA

From Bill Pohlad, starring John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti
Rated PG-13

From Lone Scherfig, starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Olivia Williams
Rated PG-13

From Dennis Hopper, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, Antonio Mendoza
Rated R

From Julie Taymor, starring Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs
Rated PG-13

From Kent Jones, starring Wes Anderson, Peter Bogdanovich, David Fincher, Bob Balaban
Rated PG-13