Wondering what are the best 50s movies? Back in the 1950s, there were many reasons why people found cinema as one of the most relaxing methods of enjoyment. By then the world had seen two world wars and people wanted to go into peace. Thanks to the advancement in technology and the use of that technology in making movies that resulted in the new world cinema.
Big Film studios and filmmakers were interested in using more and more technology in feature films. Alien Invasion and extraterrestrial life were hot topics and any film made on these themes was a hit.
Even though Filmmakers were using tech in movies yet no one was daring to make a superhero film. The decade saw the rise of some of the most admired actors, actresses, and directors.
Not only Hollywood, but the films of world cinema were also doing good. Believe it or not but Indian movies of that time were widely praised by International critics. Indian film Mother India even got an Oscar Nomination. Indian film Director Satyajit Ray directed the famous Apu trilogy in the 1950s decade.
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Classic 1950s Movies
It was due to that trilogy that Satyajit Ray was honored Posthumous Academy award in 1991. Among the actors, the most well-known names were – Humphery Bogart, James Stewart, Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, Marlon Brando, James Dean, Jack Lemmon, Alec Guinness, Charlton Heston, Paul Newman, and Spencer Tracy. Among the actresses, the most admired and loved ones were – Bette Davis, Vivien Leigh, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Eva Marie Saint, Ingrid Bergman, Elizabeth Taylor and of course the most loved woman of the century Marilyn Monroe.
Though these actors and actresses had a huge fan following at that time what really made them stars were the classic directors of that time. The 50s saw the most reputed and most respected directors of all time. It included – Akira Kurosawa, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, David Lean, William Wyler, John Ford, Fred Zinnemann, John Huston, Carol Reed, Elia Kazan, Satyajit Ray, and George Stevens.
Apart from the classic sci-fi films released in the 1950s, the decade is also known for giving evergreen drama films and war movies. The decade also focused on the romance genre and delivered some of the best romantic movies. The thriller, mystery and suspense genre was mastered and ruled by late Sir Alfred Hitchcock.
Several Pre-Historic and historical drama films were able to win audience not only at the box office but were also able to break records at the Academy Awards.
Here is the list of 100 most classic films released in the 1950s decade. Enjoy reading the list and if you think that we missed any classic 50s movies then feel free to share it with us in the comment section below.
100. Around the World in 80 Days
Director – Michael Anderson
Cast – Cantinflas, David Niven, Shirley Maclaine
IMDB Rating – 6.8
Rotten Tomatoes – 74%
Box Office – $42 Million
Awards – 5 Oscars Including Best Picture of 1956
Genre – Adventure, Family
Release Date – 17 October 1956
Plot – An English bets to complete one round of earth in 80 days.
99. Show Boat
Director – George Sidney
Cast – Ava Gardner, Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel
IMDB Rating – 7
Rotten Tomatoes – 89%
Box Office – $7 Million
Awards – None
Genre – Romance, Drama
Release Date – 17 July 1951
Plot – A reputed woman falls in love with a witty gambler.
98. Room at the Top
Director – Jack Clayton
Cast – Laurence Harvey, Heather Sears
IMDB Rating – 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes – 100%
Box Office – $24 Million
Awards – 2 Oscars (Best Actress and Best Screenplay)
Genre – Romance, Drama
Release Date – 22 January 1959
Plot – An accountant decides to loot a wealth lady by winning her heart with his charm.
97. Seven Year Itch
Director – Billy Wilder
Cast – Marilyn Monroe, Tom Ewell
IMDB Rating – 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes – 100%
Box Office – $12 Million
Awards – Best Actor Golden Globe Award
Genre – Romance, Comedy
Release Date – 1 June 1955
Plot – A married man falls for his beautiful neighbor.
96. In a Lonely Place
Director – Nicholas Ray
Cast – Humphrey Bogart, Gloria Grahame
IMDB Rating – 8
Rotten Tomatoes – 97%
Box Office – $1.3 million
Awards – None
Genre – Mystery, Film-Noir
Release Date – 17 May 1950
Plot – A writer is suspected for a murder but his neighbor clears him.
95. Julius Ceasar
Director – Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Cast – Marlon Brando, James Mason
IMDB Rating – 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes – 95%
Box Office – $3 Million
Awards – Best Oscar for Art Direction
Genre – History, Drama
Release Date – 4 June 1953
Plot – Adaption of famous Play of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
94. The Lady killers
Director – Alexander Mackendrick
Cast – Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers, Jack Warner
IMDB Rating – 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes – 100%
Box Office – $1 Million
Awards – Comedy, Drama
Genre – 2 BAFTA Awards
Release Date – 8 December 1955
Plot – 5 Robbers pretends to be musicians to stay at a hotel that is next to the bank they plan to rob.
93. A Star is Born
Director – George Cukor
Cast – Judy Garland, Jack Carson
IMDB Rating – 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes – 96%
Box Office – $6 Million
Awards – NONE
Genre – Musical
Release Date – 29 September 1954
Plot – An old Superstar decides to help a young girl to become a superstar.
92. Lola Montes
Director – Max Ophulis
Cast – Martine Carol, Peter Ustinov
IMDB Rating – 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes – 84%
Box Office – $1 Million
Awards – None
Genre – Romance, Biography
Release Date – 22 December 1955
Plot – A circus girl became center of attraction of several wealthy europeans.
91. Johnny Guitar
Director – Nicholas Ray
Cast – Joan Crawford, Sterling Hayden
IMDB Rating – 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes – 95%
Box Office – $2.5 Million
Awards – None
Genre – Western
Release Date – 23 August 1954
Plot – A woman in w!ld west is framed for murder and robbery by a lynch mob.
