Top Movies 1969

From Costa-Gavras, starring Yves Montand, Irene Papas, Jean-Louis Trintignant, François Périer
Rated M/PG

Z is an award-winning 1969 political thriller directed by Costa-Gavras, starring Yves Montand, Irene Papas, Jean-Louis Trintignant and Jacques Perrin. The film is based on the real-life assassination of Greek politician Grigoris Lambrakis and the subsequent police investigation and trial. It follows the investigation of the magistrate (Montand) into the death, the attempts to cover it up by the military and police, and the subsequent trial. The film is known for its fast-paced editing and gripping suspense, as well as its powerful political message and strong condemnation of police brutality and government corruption. At the time of its release, it was seen as a powerful symbol of the struggle for democracy and social justice in Greece, and it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

From George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross, Strother Martin
Rated PG

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a classic western starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The story follows the two outlaws as they flee to Bolivia in an attempt to evade a relentless posse. Along the way, their friendship is tested as Butch attempts to use his charm and wit to get them out of trouble, while Sundance relies on his lightning-fast reflexes with a gun. Despite their differences in style, the two have an unbreakable bond and an entertaining chemistry that adds humor to the film. With a few gunfights, a daring escape, and a memorable soundtrack, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a beloved classic that is sure to entertain viewers of all ages.

From Sam Peckinpah, starring William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, Edmond O'Brien
Rated R

The Wild Bunch is a classic Western from 1969 directed by Sam Peckinpah. The film follows a group of aging outlaws who are on the run from a new, younger generation of criminals. In the course of their journey, they cross paths with a revolutionary Mexican rebel, "Mapache," who hires the Wild Bunch to help him in his fight against the Mexican Federal Army. As their mission progresses, the gang gradually become disillusioned and divided over the violence and suffering they cause. In the end, the Wild Bunch face off against the Federales in a legendary and bloody shootout. The Wild Bunch is widely regarded as one of the greatest Westerns ever made, and it received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

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

Midnight Cowboy is a 1969 American drama directed by John Schlesinger, based on the 1965 novel of the same name by James Leo Herlihy. The film follows two desperate men, naïve Texan Joe Buck (Jon Voight) and ratty conman Ratso Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman), as they try to survive on the streets of New York City. Joe moves to the city hoping to make a living as a male prostitute, while Ratso uses his street smarts to con people out of money. Their unlikely friendship helps them to survive their struggles together, and helps Joe to find meaning in his life. The film ultimately shows the importance of friendship and human connection in the face of poverty and despair.

From Sydney Pollack, starring Jane Fonda, Michael Sarrazin, Susannah York, Gig Young
Rated M

They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is a 1969 American drama film directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Jane Fonda and Michael Sarrazin. The film is a period piece set in Depression-era Los Angeles. It tells the story of an exhausted dance marathon contestant, played by Fonda, and the emcee, played by Sarrazin. The film follows the couple and the other contestants through the grueling, months-long competition, as they struggle to survive and to maintain their sanity. As the competition progresses, it becomes an increasingly desperate battle of endurance and hope. The film paints a bleak and moving portrait of poverty and desperation in the 1930s. It was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress, and won the 1969 Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

From Henry Hathaway, starring John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Jeremy Slate
Rated G

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

From Gene Saks, starring Walter Matthau, Ingrid Bergman, Goldie Hawn, Jack Weston
Rated M

From Gene Kelly, starring Barbra Streisand, Walter Matthau, Michael Crawford, Marianne McAndrew
Rated G

From Bob Fosse, starring Shirley MacLaine, John McMartin, Ricardo Montalban, Sammy Davis Jr.
Rated G

From Herbert Ross, starring Peter O'Toole, Petula Clark, Michael Redgrave, George Baker
Rated G

From Paul Mazursky, starring Natalie Wood, Robert Culp, Elliott Gould, Dyan Cannon
Rated R

From Mark Rydell, starring Steve McQueen, Sharon Farrell, Ruth White, Michael Constantine
Rated PG-13

From Joshua Logan, starring Lee Marvin, Clint Eastwood, Jean Seberg, Harve Presnell
Rated PG-13

From John Sturges, starring Gregory Peck, Richard Crenna, David Janssen, James Franciscus
Rated G