The 50s was known as the golden age of cinema. Even now, 70 years later, the masterpieces we’ve listed here are a must-watch for every movie fan. So, let’s revisit these classic films. You’ll find there’s still much to love.
Sunset Boulevard
Directed by Billy Wilder, Sunset Boulevard follows a struggling screenwriter who becomes entangled with a delusional former silent film star, Norma Desmond (played by Gloria Swanson). The film is considered a classic example of film noir and black comedy, winning 3 Oscars. IMDB: 8.4
All About Eve
All About Eve delves into the competitive world of Broadway theater, focusing on the ambition of an aspiring actress, Eve Harrington. With its clever script and stellar performances by Bette Davis and Anne Baxter, the movie won 6 Oscars. IMDB: 8.2
Rashomon
Directed by Akira Kurosawa, Rashomon is a Japanese film that tells the story of a murder from multiple perspectives. By challenging the audience’s perception of truth and reality, and with its groundbreaking narrative structure and stunning cinematography, Rashomon has earned a revered place in cinema history. It’s often cited as a groundbreaking work that influenced filmmakers worldwide. IMDB: 8.2
Singin’ in the Rain
Directed and choreographed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly and starring Kelly in the lead role, this musical comedy celebrates the transition from silent films to “talkies” in 1920s Hollywood. Known for its catchy songs and fantastic dance sequences, Singin’ in the Rain is a joyous tribute to the golden age of cinema. Gene Kelly’s iconic dance in the rain is one of the most memorable moments in film history. IMDB: 8.3
Tokyo Story
This Japanese drama follows an elderly couple as they visit their grown children in Tokyo. Understated and profound, Tokyo Story explores societal change, the generation gap, and the fragility of human relationships. It is now considered a masterpiece of world cinema. IMDB: 8.1
The Seventh Seal
Set in Denmark during the plague, this Swedish film follows a medieval knight who plays a game of chess with Death. With its haunting imagery and philosophical themes, The Seventh Seal is considered one of Ingmar Bergman’s greatest works and a landmark of European cinema. IMDB: 8.1
12 Angry Men
This courtroom drama unfolds as a jury deliberates the fate of a young man accused of murder. Shot almost entirely in one room, the film explores issues of justice, prejudice, and the power of persuasion. 12 Angry Men is a thought-provoking examination of the American legal system and, although it won no Oscars, is considered one of the greatest films ever made. IMDB: 9
The Bridge on the River Kwai
This epic war film follows British prisoners of war forced to build a bridge for their Japanese captors during World War II. Known for its sweeping cinematography and tense drama, The Bridge on the River Kwai won 7 Oscars, including Best Picture. IMDB: 8.1
Vertigo
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this psychological thriller follows a retired detective who becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman. Vertigo is hailed as one of Hitchcock’s most influential works. IMDB: 8.3
Some Like It Hot
This Oscar-winning crime comedy follows two musicians who disguise themselves as women to escape from gangsters. Marilyn Monroe’s iconic performance adds to the film’s long-lasting appeal. IMDB: 8.2
North by Northwest
Another Alfred Hitchcock film, North by Northwest, is a suspense thriller about a man mistaken for a spy who goes on a cross-country chase to clear his name. Cary Grant plays the lead in a film full of classic set pieces, suspense, and dark humor. IMDB: 8.3
Ben-Hur
This epic historical drama (at over three and a half hours, ‘epic’ seems a suitable term) tells the story of a Jewish prince who seeks revenge against the Roman friend who betrayed him. Renowned for its grand scale and action sequences, Ben-Hur won 11 Oscars. The film’s chariot race scene is particularly legendary. IMDB: 8.1
The 400 Blows
Directed by François Truffaut, this French New Wave film follows a young boy’s struggles with school, family, and society. Autobiographical in nature, The 400 Blows is praised for its honesty, realism, and nostalgia-free portrayal of adolescence. IMDB: 8.1
Anatomy of a Murder
This courtroom drama centers on a small-town lawyer defending a man accused of murder. Anatomy of a Murder is known for its provocative subject matter, sharp dialogue, Duke Ellington’s jazz score, and James Stewart’s portrayal of the defense attorney. IMDB: 8
The Night of the Hunter
Directed by Charles Laughton and starring Robert Mitchum, this atmospheric thriller follows a criminal disguised as a preacher and marries a widow in pursuit of stolen money. Laughton’s direction is influenced by German expressionism and gives the film an eerie, timeless quality. IMDB: 8
On the Waterfront
This gritty drama tells the story of a dockworker who takes a stand against corrupt union bosses, including his older brother. On the Waterfront won 8 Oscars, stars Marlon Brando as the conflicted protagonist Terry Malloy, and explores themes such as loyalty, redemption, and social injustice. IMDB: 8.1
A Streetcar Named Desire
This adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play follows a troubled woman who moves in with her sister and her abusive husband in New Orleans. Featuring solid performances by Vivien Leigh as Blanche DuBois and Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski, A Streetcar Named Desire won 4 Oscars and is considered a landmark of American cinema. IMDB: 7.9
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
This cult classic science fiction/horror film follows a small-town doctor who discovers that emotionless alien duplicates are replacing his community. It is a chilling allegory of conformity and McCarthyism praised for its eerie atmosphere and social commentary. IMDB: 7.7
The African Queen
Starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, this adventure film follows a prim-and-proper British missionary and a rough boat captain as they navigate dangerous waters in Africa during World War I. IMDB: 7.7
Touch of Evil
Written and directed by Orson Welles, this film noir follows a Mexican narcotics officer investigating a bombing along the U.S.-Mexico border. Touch of Evil is one of Welles’ most daring and influential films with its dark and seedy portrayal of corruption and obsession. IMDB: 8
La Strada
La Strada (The Road) is an Italian neorealist film following a carefree woman who is sold to a circus strongman and becomes his assistant. La Strada is a world cinema masterpiece with its poetic imagery, emotional themes, and Giulietta Masina’s heartbreaking portrayal of the vulnerable protagonist. IMDB: 8
