Top Movies Of 1969

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

Z is a political thriller directed by Costa-Gavras in 1969. It follows the story of a Greek magistrate (played by Yves Montand) who investigates the murder of a leftist political activist and discovers a government conspiracy in the murder. In his investigation, he finds a web of corruption involving high-ranking military and political figures in the Greek government. The film is a powerful indictment of the military junta that was in power at the time and a compelling examination of the idea of justice in a country where the government puts its own interests first. Despite its controversial content, the film was a critical and commercial success, earning Gavras an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

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

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a western adventure film directed by George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The film follows the daring exploits of Butch Cassidy (Newman) and Sundance Kid (Redford), two legendary outlaws who lead the Hole in the Wall gang in a series of daring train and bank robberies. When the law begins to close in on the gang, Butch and Sundance flee to Bolivia in search of a new life. Along the way, the two become close friends and find themselves in a series of thrilling and comedic escapades. In the end, though, their luck runs out and the two are forced to confront their mortality in an epic shootout with the Bolivian army.

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

The Wild Bunch is a 1969 Wild West drama directed by Sam Peckinpah and starring William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, and Edmond O'Brien. Set in 1913, the film follows the exploits of an aging group of outlaws, known as "the Wild Bunch", as they attempt one last big score in a world that is rapidly changing around them. As the gang commits one violent act after another, they are forced to confront their own mortality, as well as the morality of their actions. The film is noted for its gritty realism, intense violence, and themes of loyalty and honor among outlaws.

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. It stars Dustin Hoffman as Ratso Rizzo, a homeless hustler, and Jon Voight as Joe Buck, a naïve Texan who comes to New York City to become a male prostitute. The two form an unlikely friendship as they navigate the city's underworld. Along their journey, they experience both the joys and dangers of the city, and the film ends with a bittersweet conclusion. In the end, their friendship is the only thing that matters. Midnight Cowboy was the first and only X-rated film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, and the film also won Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

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. Set during the Great Depression, the film tells the story of a marathon dance contest in a fading Venice, California, ballroom. Gloria (Jane Fonda) and Robert (Michael Sarrazin) are two desperate strangers who meet at the event. Forced by circumstances to partner up, they struggle against each other and the arduous demands of the contest as they strive to win the grand prize. The film is an unflinching look at the desperation of poverty-stricken people in the 1930s, and the harsh realities of a dance marathon. The film provides an emotional and physical examination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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