Movies That Take Place In The 50s

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 drama film directed by Frank Darabont, based on the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King. The film follows Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. During his time in prison, Andy befriends a fellow inmate, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself becoming increasingly entrenched in prison life. Despite the harshness of prison life, Andy persists in finding a way to gain his freedom and eventually succeeds, leaving behind a legacy of hope for the prisoners of Shawshank.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is an iconic crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola that follows the story of the Corleone family and their struggle to maintain their power and influence in the organized crime world of New York City. The story centers on the aging patriarch Vito Corleone, his son and eventual successor Michael, and their attempts to protect the family and their business interests while dealing with the mob politics of the day. Michael is forced to deal with rival families, the police, and treacherous associates as he attempts to hold the family together while taking it in new, more lucrative directions. Through a series of violent and sometimes brutal events, Michael is eventually able to secure his vision for the family, but not without a heavy cost.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is the sequel to the Academy Award-winning film The Godfather. The film continues the saga of the Corleone family, as it follows the rise and fall of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) and his attempts to reconcile his criminal life with his family. As Michael struggles to keep his power and influence in the criminal underworld, a flashback reveals the story of his father Vito Corleone (Robert DeNiro) and his struggles to build a criminal empire in 1930s New York. The film also stars Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire and John Cazale. This critically acclaimed sequel won six Academy Awards and is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made.

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

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American epic romantic-comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The film stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. The story depicts several decades in the life of Forrest Gump (Hanks), a slow-witted but kind-hearted and athletically prodigious man from Alabama, whose simple-minded innocence gets him into a series of odd adventures which influence some of the most important events of the latter half of the 20th century in the United States. Forrest Gump is a love story between Forrest and his childhood sweetheart Jenny (Wright). As Forrest's life progresses, he comes in contact with key people from the world of politics and entertainment, including Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon; Elvis Presley; John Lennon; and Lieutenant Dan (Sinise). Forrest eventually finds success in the shrimping business, becomes a war hero in the Vietnam War, and is awarded the Medal of Honor. As his life progresses, Forrest encounters a series of challenges including racism, prejudice, and multiple tragedies, while

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is a 1990 American crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta. The film follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a mob associate who works his way up the ranks of the Italian-American crime syndicate. Along the way, Hill deals with the ruthless criminal lifestyle and the harsh realities of life in the mob. The film captures the highs and lows of a criminal underworld, from the excitement of pulling off a successful heist to the horrific costs of loyalty and betrayal. Goodfellas paints an unflinching portrait of a world where loyalty and violence are the only constants.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

Back to the Future is a 1985 American science fiction comedy adventure film directed by Robert Zemeckis. The story follows Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), a teenager who is accidentally sent back in time to 1955. While there, he meets his future parents and becomes his own mother's romantic interest. With the help of his scientist friend, Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), Marty must ensure that his parents-to-be fall in love and also find a way to return to 1985. Along the way, he must also find a way to stop the villainous Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) from stealing the time machine and changing the future. The film was a box office success and spawned two sequels, making it one of the most successful movie franchises of all time.

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

Psycho is a classic 1960 psychological horror film by Alfred Hitchcock. It follows the story of Marion Crane, a real estate secretary who steals $40,000 from her employer and goes on the run, eventually stopping at the Bates Motel. There, she meets the strange owner, Norman Bates, and his domineering mother. As Marion's stay at the motel drags on, she begins to suspect that something sinister is afoot. What follows is a shocking and suspenseful journey into the depths of madness and murder. Psycho is considered one of the greatest films of all time and has gone on to become an iconic film in the horror genre.

From Curtis Hanson, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger
Rated R

L.A. Confidential is a 1997 neo-noir crime film directed by Curtis Hanson and starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and Kim Basinger. Set in Los Angeles in 1953, the film follows three LAPD officers who investigate a series of murders linked to a high-profile celebrity. As the investigation spirals out of control, the officers must confront their own moral dilemmas, as well as corruption and violence, in order to uncover the truth. Ultimately, L.A. Confidential is a thrilling, morally complex, and hard-hitting look at the dark side of the "City of Angels."

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

"A Beautiful Mind" is a biographical drama film directed by Ron Howard and based on the real-life story of Nobel Prize winning mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr. The film chronicles Nash's struggle with paranoid schizophrenia and his eventual triumph over the disease. The story begins with Nash's college years, where he meets his future wife Alicia and establishes himself as a mathematical genius. After graduating, Nash is hired by the Department of Defense to solve complex equations, but his gradually progressive mental illness leads him to withdraw from society and suffer delusions. His wife eventually discovers his illness and seeks help for him. After hospitalization and treatment, Nash learns to cope with his illness and resumes his professional career, eventually winning the Nobel Prize in Economics. In the end, Nash and Alicia are happily reunited, and Nash is able to maintain control over his mental illness.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
Rated R

Shutter Island is a psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels. The film is set in 1954 on a fictional island in Boston Harbor, where Daniels and his new partner, Chuck Aule, investigate the disappearance of an inmate from an asylum for the criminally insane, Ashecliffe Hospital. As Daniels and Aule explore the island, they uncover a sinister plot involving the hospital's director and a gruesome experiment in mind control. As they get closer to the truth, they begin to question their own sanity. The film is a thrilling journey into terror and insanity as Daniels and Aule unravel the secrets of Shutter Island.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent
Rated R

Raging Bull is a 1980 biographical drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro as real-life boxer Jake LaMotta. The film follows LaMotta's career as a boxer and his subsequent struggles with alcohol and violence outside of the ring. It also explores the complex relationship between LaMotta and his brother Joey (Joe Pesci), his wife Vickie (Cathy Moriarty), and his close friend Salvy (Frank Vincent). With its raw, realistic style and intense performances, Raging Bull has been hailed as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Rob Reiner, starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell
Rated R

Stand by Me is a 1986 American coming of age adventure drama directed by Rob Reiner and based on the novella, The Body, by Stephen King. The film follows four young boys—Gordie, Chris, Teddy and Vern—as they embark on a two-day journey to find the body of a missing boy. Along the way, they each confront personal issues while experiencing the joys of friendship and the pains of growing up. Through their adventures, they come to understand the importance of loyalty, courage, and friendship.

From Brad Bird, starring Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Aniston, Vin Diesel
Rated PG

The Iron Giant is a 1999 animated science-fiction adventure film directed by Brad Bird and based on the 1968 novel "The Iron Man" by Ted Hughes. The film tells the story of a young boy, Hogarth Hughes, who discovers a giant metal robot who has fallen from the sky and befriends him. As the robot, known as the Iron Giant, adapts to life in the small town of Rockwell, Maine, a paranoid government agent and a local beatnik artist come together to stop it before it can cause destruction. Along the way, Hogarth learns valuable lessons about friendship and loyalty, as he and the Iron Giant come to understand each other and defend the town from their enemies. In the end, the Iron Giant sacrifices itself to save the town, leaving Hogarth with a newfound appreciation for life and friendship.

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams. Set in 1959 at the fictional Welton Academy, a prestigious preparatory school in New England, it tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. The film's plot is centered on an English teacher who encourages his students to live their lives to the fullest by expressing their individualism and embracing the ideas of romantic poets. Through his unconventional teaching methods, the teacher helps his students gain self-confidence and begin to break away from their traditional and repressive backgrounds. The students are inspired to form the Dead Poets Society, a secret club where they share their feelings and poems. As the students struggle with the conflicts between their own dreams and the strict expectations of their parents and school, they soon realize the power of friendship, freedom, and the importance of following one's dreams.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
Rated G

My Neighbor Totoro is a 1988 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film follows the story of two young girls, Satsuki and Mei, who move with their father to a rural home near a large camphor tree where they discover magical creatures living in the nearby forest. The creatures, including the eponymous Totoro, a large, cheerful, and sometimes intimidating creature, help the family through moments of joy and sorrow. The film is a beloved classic, often cited as one of Miyazaki’s masterpieces and a symbol of modern Japanese culture. It also serves as an exploration of themes such as the strength of family, the environment, and the importance of imagination.

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

The Battle of Algiers is a 1966 war drama film about the Algerian struggle for independence from French colonial rule. It was directed by Italian director, Gillo Pontecorvo and stars Jean Martin, Yacef Saadi, and Saadi Yacef. The film follows the lengthy struggle between the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN) and French forces during the Algerian War of Independence. It follows the actions of Ali La Pointe, an FLN leader, and Colonel Mathieu, an officer of the French paratroopers sent to stop the FLN. The film is considered a masterpiece of political cinema, and was nominated for three Academy Awards. The film realistically portrays the brutality of the conflict, giving equal weight to both sides of the struggle, and emphasizes the desperation of the fight for independence. The Battle of Algiers was a milestone in cinema history because of its documentary-like story-telling and its focus on the struggle of a people determined to be free.

From Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange
Rated PG-13

Big Fish is a 2003 fantasy-drama film directed by Tim Burton and starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, and Jessica Lange. Based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Daniel Wallace, the film tells the story of Edward Bloom, an elderly man who recounts his incredible life stories to his estranged son, Will. As Will unravels the truth behind his father's tall tales, he discovers a mysterious and magical past filled with colorful characters and extraordinary adventures. From a giant to a circus, from a witch to a mermaid, and from a giant catfish to a giant peach, Edward Bloom's life is a never-ending series of tall tales that both enchant and frustrate his son. In the end, Will discovers the truth about his father and learns that one man's life can be full of both love and adventure.

From Je-kyu Kang, starring Jang Dong-Gun, Won Bin, Eun-ju Lee, Hyeong-jin Kong
Rated R

Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War is a 2004 South Korean war drama directed by Je-kyu Kang. The film tells the story of two brothers, Jin-tae and Jin-seok Lee, who are forced to enlist in the South Korean army during the 1950-53 Korean War. Despite their conflicting personalities, the brothers are devoted to each other and their country. However, as their circumstances worsen, Jin-tae and Jin-seok come to realize the brutality of war, and their bond is tested as the conflict takes its toll on the two. In the end, the brothers are left to grapple with the consequences of the war and their own choices.

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is a 1982 British musical drama film directed by Alan Parker and written by Pink Floyd vocalist and bassist Roger Waters. It is based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album The Wall and tells the story of rock musician Pink, who, after being driven into insanity by the death of his father and many depressive moments during his lifetime, constructs a metaphorical wall to be protected from the world and emotional situations around him. The film follows Pink as he deals with abandonment and isolation, symbolized by a metaphorical wall. Through a series of flashbacks, Pink remembers the experiences that led up to his breakdown, including his overbearing mother and wife, in an attempt to understand himself and his place in the world. The film also shows him interacting with various people from his life and explores his inner thoughts and emotions as he begins to overcome his psychological barriers. As he slowly reconnects with the outside world, Pink Floyd's songs and live performances provide the soundtrack for his journey back to reality.

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson
Rated R

The Last Picture Show is a coming-of-age drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, based on the novel by Larry McMurtry. It is set in a small, declining town in Texas in 1951, and follows the lives of two teenagers, Sonny (Timothy Bottoms) and Duane (Jeff Bridges), as they grow up and try to make sense of their place in the world, and the choices they have to make. The film also focuses on the adult inhabitants of the town, most notably Sam the Lion (Ben Johnson), the owner of the local movie theater, and the coach and teacher, Coach Popper (Cloris Leachman). As the town slowly fades away, Sonny and Duane's friendship is tested as they must decide how to make a life for themselves without their small-town comforts. Ultimately, their journey leads them both to hard truths about life and what it means to be an adult.

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

La Dolce Vita is a 1960 Italian comedy-drama film directed by Federico Fellini. The film follows Marcello Rubini, a journalist from Rome, as he searches for meaning in a world of hedonism, wealth, and fame. Through a series of episodes, Marcello's life reveals the excesses of Rome's high society and the desperate attempts of the idle rich to find meaning and solace in their lives. The film also stars Anita Ekberg and is widely considered to be Fellini's masterpiece. La Dolce Vita is a satirical look at the emptiness of modern existence and a statement on the moral decline of post-war Italy. It is a visually stunning and captivating exploration of the human condition.

From Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall
Rated PG-13

Edward Scissorhands is a 1990 romantic fantasy film directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. The film follows the story of an artificial man named Edward, created by an eccentric inventor. Edward is left unfinished, however, with scissors for hands, and is taken in by a suburban family. Though he is initially feared due to his strange appearance, he eventually endears himself to the community. Despite the good intentions of those around him, Edward struggles to fit in as his scissor hands and naivety lead to unintended consequences. Through a series of events, Edward is ultimately forced to leave the suburban paradise he had come to call home.

From John Frankenheimer, starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury
Rated PG-13

The Manchurian Candidate is a 1962 film directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Laurence Harvey, Frank Sinatra, Janet Leigh, and Angela Lansbury. The film focuses on a former Korean War POW, Raymond Shaw, who is brainwashed during the war to become an unwitting assassin in the service of a Communist conspiracy. His unwitting task is to murder a U.S. presidential candidate, which will further the aims of the conspiracy. He is helped in his mission by his domineering mother, Eleanor Shaw, who is herself a pawn of the conspiracy. The film follows Raymond Shaw's struggle to overcome his programming and undo the conspiracy's plans. The Manchurian Candidate is a gripping thriller that has been acclaimed as one of the greatest political films ever made.

From Richard Brooks, starring Robert Blake, Scott Wilson, John Forsythe, Paul Stewart
Rated R

In Cold Blood is a 1967 American crime drama directed by Richard Brooks and starring Robert Blake, Scott Wilson, and John Forsythe. Based on Truman Capote's non-fiction book of the same name, it tells the story of the 1959 multiple murders of the four members of the Herbert Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas. Two ex-convicts, Richard "Dick" Hickock (Blake) and Perry Smith (Wilson), are responsible for the murders and the subsequent robbery of the Clutters' safe. As the police pursue them, the two men travel across the Midwest, gradually becoming more and more desperate. The film explores the motivations and eventual downfalls of Hickock and Smith, as well as the effects their actions have on the Clutter family and the local community.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond
Rated PG-13

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a 2008 fantasy drama directed by David Fincher. It tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who is born old and ages backward. The film follows Benjamin as he experiences life in reverse, from old age to infancy, and the struggles and triumphs that come with leading an unconventional life. Along the way, Benjamin meets a series of people who come to mean a great deal to him, including Daisy, a dancer who he falls in love with. As he and Daisy get older, their relationship goes through many changes, demonstrating the transformative power of love. Ultimately, Benjamin learns to accept the strange life he has been given, and his story is an inspiring reminder to make the most of every moment.