The 70+ Best Movies of 1941
Ranked By
4.8K votes
192 voters
5 reranks
1Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter LorreIn the intricate web of The Maltese Falcon, private detective Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) finds himself entangled in a dark mystery. A femme fatale, Brigid O'Shaughnessy (Mary Astor), hires him for what appears to be a simple case. But when his partner is murdered, things take a sinister turn. The plot thickens as an elusive artifact - the titular Maltese Falcon - comes into play. John Huston directs this noir classic, which was nominated for three Academy Awards in 1942. Amidst shadowy allies and treacherous enemies, Spade navigates deception and danger in this gripping tale of greed and betrayal.More The Maltese Falcon
- #672 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #107 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #72 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
2Lon Chaney, Claude Rains, Ralph BellamyWhen his brother dies, Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney) returns to Wales and reconciles with his father (Claude Rains). While there, he visits an antique shop and, hoping to impress Gwen (Evelyn Ankers), the attractive shopkeeper, buys a silver walking cane. That same night he kills a wolf with it, only to later learn that he actually killed a man (Bela Lugosi). A gypsy (Maria Ouspenskaya) explains that it was her son, a werewolf, that he killed, and that Larry is now one himself.More The Wolf Man
3Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward ArnoldA reporter writes a fictitious column about a man named "John Doe," who claims to despair at America's neglect of the little people and plans to kill himself. The newspaper then hires a ballplayer-turned-hobo to pose as John Doe. In a series of radio addresses written by a publisher with fascist leanings, Doe captures the public's imagination. When he finally realizes he has been used, Doe comes to his senses and becomes the man he never knew he could be.More Meet John Doe- #36 of 61 onThe Funniest Movies About Politics
- #12 of 51 onThe 50+ Best Movies In Public Domain
- #222 of 322 onThe 200+ Best Romantic Comedies Of All Time
- 4Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Ruth WarrickCitizen Kane is a riveting drama, directed by Orson Welles. The film delves into the life of Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles), a wealthy newspaper magnate. Told through the memories of those who knew him, the narrative unfolds like a jigsaw puzzle. It's a tale of ambition, power, and the quest for love. Kane's life is revealed in fragments from his humble beginnings to his opulent adulthood. The film, notable for its innovative techniques and narrative structure, won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Its distinctive storytelling style keeps audiences engrossed till the end.More Citizen Kane
- #704 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #146 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #2 of 63 onThe Greatest Directorial Debuts Of All Time
5Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman, Lana TurnerGentle Dr. Jekyll (Spencer Tracy) experiments with human nature, believing that each person has both good and evil sides that can be brought forth chemically. Jekyll tests a serum on himself, releasing his vicious alter ego, Mr. Hyde, on 19th-century London. Prowling the town, Hyde ventures to a music hall and encounters Ivy (Ingrid Bergman), whom he takes forcibly as his mistress. When the serum's effects wear off, Jekyll vows never to take it again. But Hyde is not gone for good.- #13 of 73 onThe Best Movies About Split Personalities
- #11 of 21 onHorror Movies Made By Oscar-Winning Directors
- #3 of 50 onThe 50 Best Horror Movies Of The '40s, Ranked
6Frances Gifford, Buddy Pepper, Nana BryantExcited at the idea of producing a film about a children's book, humorist Robert Benchley visits the Walt Disney Studio to offer the idea. At the studio, Benchley evades an enthusiastic young tour guide and, wandering about the lot, goes into a drawing class. He then visits a soundstage, where he watches a couple recording a song, unaware they provide voices for famous cartoon characters. Benchley later visits the camera stage and then the animation department, where he discovers a surprise.
7Lou Costello, Bud Abbott, Dick PowellIn The Navy is a 1941 film starring the comedy team of Abbott and Costello. It was the second service comedy based on the peacetime draft of 1940. The comedy team appeared in two other service comedies in 1941, before the United States entered the war: Buck Privates released in January and Keep 'Em Flying released in November.
8Walter Pidgeon, Maureen O'Hara, Roddy McDowallHuw Morgan (Roddy McDowall), the academically inclined youngest son in a proud family of Welsh coal miners, witnesses the tumultuous events of his young life during a period of rapid social change. At the dawn of the 20th century, a miners' strike divides the Morgans: the sons demand improvements, and the father (Donald Crisp) doesn't want to rock the boat. Meanwhile, Huw's eldest sister, Angharad (Maureen O'Hara), pines for the new village preacher, Mr. Gruffydd (Walter Pidgeon).- #71 of 96 onThe Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
- #186 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #43 of 91 onThe 90 Best Black And White Movies
9Walt Disney, Marcellite GarnerMinnie wants Mickey to clean up her yard - or else he won't get any of her just-out-of-the-oven cake. Mickey cleans the yard, but then wrecks it trying to get rid of a pesky tornado.
10Humphrey Bogart, Ida Lupino, Alan CurtisAging mobster Big Mac (Donald MacBride) is looking to pull off one more heist before he retires. With his sights set on robbing a California casino, Big Mac breaks one of his former associates, Roy Earle (Humphrey Bogart), out of prison to mastermind the job. When the robbery goes awry, Earle is forced to go on the lam and settles for the night in the hills of the nearby Sierra Nevadas. But, with the cops on his tail, Earle is soon forced to fend off the law from the mountains.More High Sierra- #76 of 94 onThe 90+ Best Mafia Movies Of All Time
- #15 of 15 on15 Movies Where Everybody Loses In The End
- #37 of 92 onThe 90+ Best Film Noirs Of All Time
11Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, Cedric HardwickeCharming scoundrel Johnnie Aysgarth (Cary Grant) woos wealthy but plain Lina McLaidlaw (Joan Fontaine), who runs away with him despite the warnings of her disapproving father (Cedric Hardwicke). After their marriage, Johnnie's risky financial ventures cause Lina to suspect he's becoming involved in unscrupulous dealings. When his dear friend and business partner, Beaky (Nigel Bruce), dies under suspicious circumstances on a business trip, she fears her husband might kill her for her inheritance.More Suspicion- Dig Deeper...The Best Quotes About Suspicion
- #104 of 168 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
- #18 of 33 onThe Scariest Alfred Hitchcock Movies
12Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Fonda, Charles CoburnIt's no accident when wealthy Charles (Henry Fonda) falls for Jean (Barbara Stanwyck). Jean is a con artist with her sights set on Charles' fortune. Matters complicate when Jean starts falling for her mark. When Charles suspects Jean is a gold digger, he dumps her. Jean, fixated on revenge and still pining for the millionaire, devises a plan to get back in Charles' life. With love and payback on her mind, she re-introduces herself to Charles, this time as an aristocrat named Lady Eve Sidwich.More The Lady Eve- #229 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- #587 of 633 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
- #29 of 75 onThe 75 Best Classic Romance Movies
13Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, Joan LesliePrize-winning Tennessee marksman Alvin York (Gary Cooper), a recent convert to Christianity, finds himself torn between his non-violent beliefs and his desire to serve his country when recruited to fight in World War I. Kindly Major Buxton (Stanley Ridges) convinces York to engage in battle, where the pacifist's prowess with a rifle earns him honors as he continues to struggle with his decision to kill. Howard Hawks directs this adaptation of the real York's memoirs.More Sergeant York- #55 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #154 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #14 of 65 onThe Most Patriotic Movies Of All Time
14Herman Bing, Billy Bletcher, Edward BrophyDumbo, an enchanting Disney classic, spins the poignant tale of a young circus elephant named Dumbo (voiced by Katie Leigh). Born with oversized ears that grant him the astounding ability to fly, Dumbo becomes an unlikely sensation in a world that initially ridiculed his difference. Guided by a wise-cracking mouse, Timothy Q. Mouse (Edward Brophy), Dumbo navigates trials and triumphs in a journey that resonates with themes of self-acceptance and courage. This animation masterpiece, filled with memorable characters and heartwarming moments, is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and individuality.More Dumbo- #89 of 452 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- #65 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #52 of 168 onThe 165 Best Tearjerker Movies of All Time, Ranked
15Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Dana AndrewsHoping to update his chapter on modern slang, encyclopedia writer Professor Bertram Potts (Gary Cooper) ventures into a chic nightclub. Inside, he meets the snarky burlesque performer "Sugarpuss" O'Shea (Barbara Stanwyck). Fascinated by her command of popular jargon, Potts invites her to stay with him. But, unknown to Potts, she is the fiancée of a mobster (Dana Andrews) and wanted by the police. In the ensuing mayhem, Potts must stay on his toes or be swallowed up by bigger fish.More Ball of Fire- #5 of 60 onThe Best Comedies Of The 1940s
- #25 of 56 onThe Best Romance Movies Of The 1940s
- #6 of 19 onThe Best Gangster Movies of the 1940s
16Mel BlancTortoise Beats Hare is a 1941 Merrie Melodies animated short directed by Tex Avery. The short stars Bugs Bunny and, in his first appearance, Cecil Turtle.
17Joel McCrea, Veronica Lake, Robert WarwickSuccessful movie director John L. Sullivan (Joel McCrea), convinced he won't be able to film his ambitious masterpiece until he has suffered, dons a hobo disguise and sets off on a journey, aiming to "know trouble" first-hand. When all he finds is a train ride back to Hollywood and a beautiful blonde companion (Veronica Lake), he redoubles his efforts, managing to land himself in more trouble than he bargained for when he loses his memory and ends up a prisoner on a chain gang.
18The Marx Brothers, Tony Martin, Margaret DumontPrivate detectives Wolf J. Flywheel, Wacky and Ravelli (The Marx Brothers) are hired by the officious Martha Phelps (Margaret Dumont), co-owner of the Phelps Department Store. Her beloved nephew, Tommy (Tony Martin), has been assaulted, shortly after he announced plans to sell his share of the store. Unbeknownst to Martha, the culprit is her fiancé, sleazy store manager Mr. Grover (Douglas Dumbrille), who wants Tommy dead before the sale exposes his years of fraud and theft.
19Lou Costello, Bud Abbott, Shemp HowardHold That Ghost is a 1941 comedy horror film starring the comedy team of Abbott and Costello and featuring Joan Davis, Evelyn Ankers, and Richard Carlson. On August 1, 1941, Abbott and Costello performed a live version of the film for radio audiences on Louella Parsons' Hollywood Premiere.More Hold That Ghost- #18 of 48 onThe Funniest Movies About Ghosts
- #18 of 60 onThe Best Comedies Of The 1940s
- #11 of 17 onThe Best Ghost Parody Movies, Ranked
20William Powell, Myrna Loy, Gail PatrickA happily married architect, Steve (William Powell), and his wife, Susan (Myrna Loy), plan a romantic celebration for their fourth anniversary, but their evening is interrupted when Susan's meddling mother, Mrs. Cooper (Florence Bates), stops by for a visit. Later, when Mrs. Cooper eavesdrops on Steve talking with an old flame, Isobel (Gail Patrick), she tells Susan, who files for divorce. Steve, still in love with Susan, decides he must feign insanity to stop the divorce proceedings.
21Alfred Hitchcock, Carole Lombard, Robert MontgomeryMr. & Mrs. Smith is a 1941 screwball comedy film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, written by Norman Krasna, and starring Carole Lombard and Robert Montgomery. It also features Gene Raymond, Jack Carson, Philip Merivale and Lucile Watson. While Hitchcock later claimed he directed the film—the only pure comedy he made in America—as a favor to Lombard, the files at RKO Radio Pictures show that Hitchcock himself pursued the project.
22Shirley Temple, Herbert Marshall, Laraine DayTwelve year-old Kathleen Davis (Shirley Temple) finds comfort from the loneliness caused by her neglectful father, John (Herbert Marshall), by daydreaming plots against her hated governess. To Kathleen's dismay, John brings home haughty Lorraine Bennett (Gail Patrick) and announces she will be Kathleen's new mother. A medical specialist advises John to have Kathleen see psychologist Dr. Angela Kent (Laraine Day), who immediately sides with Kathleen and concludes that it is John who needs help.
23Lou Costello, Bud Abbott, Martha RayeKeep 'Em Flying is a 1941 film starring the comedy team of Abbott and Costello. The film was the third service comedy based on the peacetime draft of 1940. The comedy team appeared in two previous service comedies in 1941, before the United States entered the war: Buck Privates released in January, and In the Navy released in May. The movie title is taken from the official motto of the Army Air Force.
24John Payne, Maureen O'Hara, Randolph ScottAfter being expelled from his academy, wealthy youngster Chris Winters (John Payne) lives it up with his socialite girlfriend, Helene Hunt (Nancy Kelly). But soon his military hero father forces Chris to enlist in the marines. There Chris must overcome his reputation as a spoiled brat to earn the respect of iron-willed Sgt. Dixie Smith (Randolph Scott). Meanwhile, the new recruit struggles to impress Mary Carter (Maureen O'Hara), a beautiful nurse who outranks him.
25Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Sheila RyanOverjoyed to escape his overprotective aunts when he receives a draft notice, wealthy young Dan Forrester (Dick Nelson) goes to training camp, followed by his faithful chauffeur, Oliver (Oliver Hardy), and gardener, Stan (Stan Laurel). Although Dan takes to the grueling routine, Oliver and Stan are run ragged but nobly continue to believe that Dan needs their help. When Dan falls for photographer Ginger Hammond (Sheila Ryan), the boys do everything they can to break up the budding romance.
26Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dorothy LamourTired of working the traveling sideshow circuit in Africa, con men Chuck Reardon (Bing Crosby) and Hubert "Fearless" Frazier (Bob Hope) get tangled up with tycoon Charles Kimble (Eric Blore), who fleeces them with the deed to a worthless diamond mine. After swindling someone else with the same mine deed, the boys rescue a pair of seemingly innocent young cuties in peril, Donna (Dorothy Lamour) and Julia (Una Merkel), not realizing that the girls are confidence tricksters themselves.
27Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, Alan MowbrayWhen small-town courtesan Emma Hart (Vivien Leigh) suddenly finds herself married to British Ambassador Sir William Hamilton (Alan Mowbray), her little world is turned upside down. Just as Emma is finally settling into her new life as the eponymous Lady Hamilton, she meets British naval hero Horatio Nelson (Laurence Olivier) and the two fall madly in love. However, their forbidden romance is soon threatened by the ever-growing shadow of the Napoleonic Wars.More That Hamilton Woman- #48 of 80 onThe Best Period Romance Movies
- #41 of 75 onThe 75 Best Classic Romance Movies
- #27 of 56 onThe Best Romance Movies Of The 1940s
28William Powell, Myrna Loy, Barry NelsonIn San Francisco, retired Detective Nick Charles (William Powell) and his attractive wife, Nora (Myrna Loy), learn from police Lt. Abrams of the murder of a race jockey, but Nick refuses to get involved. Approached later by athletics commission head Maj. Jason Scully and reporter Paul Clarke (Barry Nelson), Nick still declines to investigate. When another reporter is murdered and Paul is arrested, Nick gives way to Nora's plea and, with their fox terrier Asta, sets out to solve the murders.
29Fred Astaire, Rita Hayworth, Robert BenchleyMartin Cortland (Robert Benchley), a philandering Broadway producer, is caught by his wife buying a gift for a chorus dancer, Sheila Winthrop (Rita Hayworth). To save his marriage, Martin insists that dancer Bob Curtis (Fred Astaire) bought the gift, and sets the two up on date. Soon after, Bob is drafted into World War II and sent to boot camp. When Sheila travels to the camp to perform for the troops and visit her real boyfriend, Tom (John Hubbard), she and Bob fall in love.
30Irene Dunne, Cary Grant, Beulah BondiSince marrying Roger Adams (Cary Grant), Julie (Irene Dunne) has wanted to start a family. An accident while she's visiting Japan causes a miscarriage and makes Julie incapable of having children. After they adopt a little girl, Trina (Eva Lee Kuney), Roger's small newspaper folds, and the couple has to fight in court to keep her. Even though they succeed, another tragedy strikes out of nowhere. The Adams' marriage looks headed for divorce, unless something brings them close again.
