The 35+ Best Movies of 1950

Ranker Film
Updated May 15, 2024 36 items
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The golden year of 1950 heralded an era of exceptional films that captivated audiences with their inventive storytelling and stylistic prowess. This remarkable era birthed numerous groundbreaking movies that carry a lasting legacy even today. These masterpieces struck a chord with moviegoers and critics alike, offering unparalleled artistic expression in their themes, characters, ideologies, and storylines. 

A deeper look into the best movies of 1950 reveals how these exceptional films transcended typical cinematic conventions, challenging and inspiring viewers in equal measure. Each of these outstanding examples holds its own unique place in film history, captivating film enthusiasts with their enthralling storytelling and memorable performances. The 1950 movies showcased in this selection illuminated various aspects of human existence, encapsulating the essence of the era and exploring new dimensions of cinema. 

Among the best movies from 1950 are The Sound of Music, an enchanting tale of love, music, and hope set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Austria. This unforgettable classic became an instant hit, winning multiple Oscars and mesmerizing audiences for generations to come. Another gem is Doctor Zhivago, a critically acclaimed epic drama that traverses the tumultuous landscape of the Russian Revolution through the eyes of a poet and physician. Additionally, For a Few Dollars More emerges as an iconic example of the Spaghetti Western genre, featuring gripping performances from Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef as bounty hunters in pursuit of a ruthless outlaw. These films, among others, serve as exemplary instances of the best movies of 1950, embodying the artistic prowess of the era. 

Reflecting on the best movies of 1950 allows us to appreciate the transformative potential of cinema, as well as the boundless creativity that thrived during this historic time. Their enduring impact leaves a lasting impression on all who are fortunate enough to experience these masterpieces. Reflecting on the best movies of 1950 offers an insightful perspective into the transformative nature and boundless creativity of the cinematic world during this remarkable period. 

Most divisive: Born Yesterday
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 35+ Best Movies of 1950
  • Sunset Boulevard
    1
    William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim
    112 votes

    For Fans Of: Classic Cinema, Film Noir, Mystery, Drama
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Sunset Boulevard showcases the darker side of Hollywood's golden age, with a masterful combination of drama, film noir, and twisted humor that reflects the complex nature of 1950s cinema. Featuring unforgettable performances by Gloria Swanson and William Holden, this classic piece delves into fame, obsession, and the consequences it brings to those in its grip.

    Gritty, noir-ish, and deeply captivating, Sunset Boulevard spins a tale of faded fame in the heart of Hollywood. The plot swirls around Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a forgotten silent film star, and Joe Gillis (William Holden), an out-of-luck screenwriter. Gillis, desperate and on the run, finds himself ensnared in Desmond's delusional world, resulting in a dangerous liaison. A classic Billy Wilder film noir masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard won three Academy Awards. It is a stark depiction of ambition, desperation, and the haunting specter of obsolescence in Tinseltown's golden age.
  • Rio Grande
    2
    John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Ben Johnson
    82 votes

    For Fans Of: Classic Westerns, War Films, Romance
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Rio Grande serves as a testament to director John Ford's timeless talent for crafting captivating Westerns. Starring screen legends John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, this engaging tale of love and duty amidst military conflict embodies the grandeur and spectacle synonymous with American cinema in the 1950s.

    Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Yorke (John Wayne) heads a cavalry post on the Texas side of the Rio Grande, defending settlers against Apaches launching raids from the Mexican side of the river. When Yorke's 16-year-old son, Jeff (Claude Jarman Jr.) --- who he has not seen since he was a baby -- shows up at the post as one of the new recruits, he treats him more harshly than the others. Things are further complicated when Yorke's estranged wife, Kathleen (Maureen O'Hara), returns to take her son home.
  • All About Eve
    3
    Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, Celeste Holm
    103 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Classic Films
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: All About Eve is a superbly written, expertly acted film that explores ambition, jealousy, and the treacherous inner workings of show business in one of the finest examples of 1950s drama. The iconic performances by Bette Davis and Anne Baxter, combined with Joseph L. Mankiewicz's masterful direction, make this Academy Award-winning masterpiece an essential viewing for any fan of classic cinema.

    In the captivating drama All About Eve, Margo Channing (Bette Davis), an accomplished yet aging Broadway star, encounters Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter), an apparent superfan turned personal assistant. Basking in her idol's glow, Eve's intentions soon reveal to be far from innocent. As the plot thickens, Eve's ambition to replace Margo unfolds with a chilling precision. George Sanders shines as Addison DeWitt, a theatre critic with a keen eye for the unfolding duplicity. This classic film, laden with sharp wit and biting commentary on fame, won six Academy Awards including Best Picture.
  • Harvey
    4
    James Stewart, Josephine Hull, Cecil Kellaway
    87 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedies, Fantasy, Drama, Classic Films
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Harvey is a delightful comedy-drama infused with fantasy elements that encapsulate the charm characteristic of classic films from this era. With an enchanting performance from James Stewart as an amiable man whose best friend is an invisible rabbit, this movie offers a heartwarming portrayal of friendship while exploring themes like mental health and societal norms.

    Elwood P. Dowd (James Stewart) is a wealthy drunk who starts having visions of a giant rabbit named Harvey. Elwood lives with his sister Veta (Josephine Hull) and her daughter (Victoria Horne), and Veta worries that Elwood has gone insane. In the process of trying to have him committed, Veta admits that she occasionally sees Harvey herself. The director of the mental home, Dr. Chumley (Cecil Kellaway), tries to reconcile his duty to help Elwood with his own growing experiences with Harvey.
  • Treasure Island
    5
    Bobby Driscoll, Robert Newton, Basil Sydney
    73 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Family, Classic Films
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Treasure Island is an enthralling adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's swashbuckling adventure that captures the imagination with its colorful characters and timeless tale of intrigue. Boasting memorable performances from Bobby Driscoll and Robert Newton, this classic film transports viewers into a world of pirates, buried treasure, and unforgettable adventure emblematic of 1950s storytelling.

    In this Disney adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel, young Jim Hawkins (Bobby Driscoll) finds a map to the coveted treasure of the notorious pirate Captain Flint. Jim enlists Dr. Livesy (Denis O'Dea) and Squire Trelawney (Walter Fitzgerald) to prepare for the voyage. Along the way, the likes of infamous pirate Long John Silver (Robert Newton) and other nefarious swashbucklers join the crew, and they set sail on the Caribbean Sea aboard the Hispaniola.
  • Winchester '73
    6
    James Stewart, Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea
    81 votes

    For Fans Of: Westerns, Action-Adventure, Drama
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Winchester '73 further solidifies James Stewart's status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading men during this era while redefining Western genre conventions under director Anthony Mann's deft touch. This thrilling tale of revenge and rivalry features a star-studded cast, including Shelley Winters, Stephen McNally, and Dan Duryea, cementing its status as exceptional 1950s cinema.

    Lin McAdam (James Stewart) pursues notorious outlaw Henry "Dutch" Brown (Millard Mitchell) into Dodge City, Kansas. There, in an effort to flush out the criminal, McAdam enters a sharp-shooting contest and wins the top prize: the eponymous Winchester rifle. Brown, desiring the rifle for himself, sneaks into McAdam's room and makes off with it. After finding the rifle missing, McAdam chases Brown across the state and toward an epic confrontation.
  • Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion
    7
    Lou Costello, Bud Abbott, Walter Slezake
    71 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, War, Classic Films
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: This comedic gem features iconic duo Bud Abbott and Lou Costello at their finest as they embark on a riotous adventure in North Africa. Demonstrating their unmatched comedic timing and wit throughout hilarious mishaps, Abbott & Costello in the Foreign Legion exemplifies how comedy was paramount within early-1950s filmmaking.

    Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion is a 1950 film starring the comedy team of Abbott and Costello.
  • The Gunfighter
    8
    Gregory Peck, Helen Westcott, Millard Mitchell
    74 votes

    For Fans Of: Western, Drama
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: The Gunfighter expertly blends Western genre tropes with an introspective examination of guilt and redemption through Gregory Peck's portrayal of a notorious gunslinger seeking peace. Director Henry King masterfully explores themes such as masculinity and societal expectations while offering stellar cinematography that encapsulates the beauty and desolation characteristic of the American West during this era.

    Jimmy Ringo (Gregory Peck) is a veteran gunslinger known for being quick on the draw, but his talent inevitably leads to trouble, with others constantly out to challenge him. All Ringo wants is to be reunited with his estranged family, but he has to contend with various foes, including the ambitious young sharpshooter Hunt Bromley (Skip Homeier). As Ringo attempts to reconcile with his wife, Peggy (Helen Westcott), he finds that he can't easily shake his violent past.
  • At War with the Army
    9
    Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Polly Bergen
    62 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, War, Musical
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: At War with the Army showcases popular comedic team Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in one of their most iconic film collaborations that captivated audiences during this time period. As they navigate military life with slapstick humor and impeccable chemistry, this comedy offers nostalgic insight into both popular entertainment trends in post-World War II America.

    When former business partners Vic Puccinelli (Dean Martin) and Alvin Korwin (Jerry Lewis) enlist in the U.S. Army, they have different ambitions. Puccinelli, who has made the rank of sergeant, wants to see action rather than the drudgery of his current post. On the other hand, Korwin, who is a klutz, wants to stay out of combat and near his family in the United States. However, they both have to deal with stern Sgt. McVey (Mike Kellin) while also preparing for an Army variety show.
  • Cinderella
    10
    Ilene Woods, Eleanor Audley, Verna Felton
    89 votes

    For Fans Of: Animation, Drama, Musical, Family
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Cinderella stands as a testament to Disney’s unmatched ability to capture hearts through animation in this timeless fairy tale brought to life. With enchanting visuals, memorable songs, and endearing characters like Gus-Gus and Jaq that have become beloved by generations ever since, this animated classic embodies the magic of 1950s cinema.

    In the classic Disney film Cinderella, the eponymous character (voiced by Ilene Woods) is a good-hearted young woman subjected to the servitude of her wicked stepmother, Lady Tremaine (Eleanor Audley), and her two spiteful stepsisters. When a royal ball is announced, Cinderella's dreams of attending are thwarted by her cruel family. With help from her Fairy Godmother (Verna Felton), Cinderella transforms into a stunning belle, enchanting Prince Charming (William Phipps) but leaving at midnight, dropping only a glass slipper. The prince, smitten, launches a kingdom-wide search for the foot that fits the slipper. This musical fantasy won an Academy Award for its unforgettable score.
  • The Asphalt Jungle
    11
    Sterling Hayden, Sam Jaffe, Marilyn Monroe
    83 votes

    For Fans Of: Film Noir, Crime, Drama
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: The Asphalt Jungle offers a gritty look at the criminal underworld through its exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and human vulnerability in a heist gone wrong. Directed by John Huston and boasting exceptional performances from Sterling Hayden and Marilyn Monroe early in her career, this classic crime caper epitomizes the dark allure of 1950s noir dramas.

    Recently released from prison, Dix Handley (Sterling Hayden) concocts a plan to steal $1 million in jewels. Dix gathers a team of small-time crooks, including a safecracker (Anthony Caruso) and a lawyer (Louis Calhern), and the heist is a success until a stray bullet kills one of the men. As they scramble to pick up the pieces after the theft, the men let their greed get the best of them while entangling themselves in webs of deceit, treachery and murder.
  • D.O.A.
    12
    Edmond O'Brien, Pamela Britton, Luther Adler
    61 votes

    For Fans Of: Mystery, Film Noir, Thriller
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: D.O.A. is a prime example of film noir at its finest, filled with suspense, urgency, and a haunting sense of doom that permeated the era's cinema. Centralizing on an ordinary man's quest to solve his own murder after being fatally poisoned, this riveting thriller showcases Edmond O'Brien's captivating performance and expertly crafted tension.

    Frank Bigelow (Edmond O'Brien) is about to die, and he knows it. The accountant has been poisoned and has only 24 hours before the lethal concoction kills him. Determined to find out who his murderer is, Frank, with the help of his assistant and girlfriend, Paula (Pamela Britton), begins to trace back over his last steps. As he frantically tries to unravel the mystery behind his own impending demise, his sleuthing leads him to a group of crooked businessmen and another murder.
  • Comanche Territory
    13
    Maureen O'Hara, Macdonald Carey, Will Geer
    46 votes

    For Fans Of: Western, Adventure, Romance
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Comanche Territory represents the essence of Western adventure films during this period, featuring striking cinematography of rugged landscapes juxtaposed against tense action sequences. Starring Maureen O'Hara as an empowered woman navigating a male-dominated frontier alongside Macdonald Carey, this film exemplifies Hollywood's ability to entertain while pushing boundaries in gender representation.

    Legendary gunslinger Jim Bowie (Macdonald Carey) is sent to the remote town of Crooked Tongue, where he and local Daniel Seegar (Will Geer) struggle to arrange a friendly treaty with Quisima (Pedro de Cordoba), the chief of the Comanche tribe. When the vicious Stacey Howard (Charles Drake) -- an opportunist with plans for an illegal silver mine -- and his barkeep sister, Katie (Maureen O'Hara), catch wind of the treaty, they plot to break down relations between Bowie and the Comanches.
  • Convicted
    14
    Glenn Ford, Broderick Crawford, Dorothy Malone
    25 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Convicted provides a thought-provoking exploration of morality and redemption within the confines of a prison setting, anchored by powerful performances from Glenn Ford and Broderick Crawford. Examining themes such as justice, crime, and human resilience, this dramatic film serves as an engaging reflection on societal issues that were prevalent in the 1950s.

    During a barroom brawl, Joe Hufford (Glenn Ford) accidentally kills the son of a powerful, prominent man. The district attorney, George Knowland (Broderick Crawford), wins a manslaughter conviction, despite having doubts about the defendant's guilt. Joe is sent to prison, and George, who eventually becomes the warden there, hopes to get him released. But Joe gets so immersed in the culture and codes of the jailhouse that he finds it difficult to believe in his own innocence.
  • Father of the Bride
    15
    Spencer Tracy, Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Bennett
    65 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Family, Drama
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Father of the Bride captures both familial warmth and comedic charm through Spencer Tracy's endearing performance as an overprotective father facing his daughter's impending nuptials. Co-starring Elizabeth Taylor as his radiant daughter, this heartwarming comedy exemplifies how films like these brought levity and laughter into homes across America during a transformative decade.

    When beautiful Kay Banks (Elizabeth Taylor) announces her engagement to Buckley Dunstan (Don Taylor), her doting middle-class father, Stan (Spencer Tracy), must contend with a variety of problems, ranging from money issues to wedding planning difficulties. As things get hectic, Stan's wife, Ellie (Joan Bennett), tries to be the calm in the center of the storm. At the heart of the comedy, though, is Stan's emotional tie to his little girl, and his realization that she has indeed grown up.
  • The Secret Fury
    16
    Claudette Colbert, Robert Ryan, Jane Cowl
    33 votes

    For Fans Of: Film-Noir, Drama, Mystery
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: The Secret Fury presents a gripping tale filled with suspense, romance, and unexpected twists that exemplify classic Hollywood mysteries from this era. Claudette Colbert's emotionally charged performance propels viewers into her character's harrowing journey to reveal hidden truths about her past – an experience emblematic of vintage silver-screen intrigue.

    The wedding of Ellen (Claudette Colbert) and David (Robert Ryan) is halted by a stranger who insists that the bride is already married to someone else. Though the flabbergasted Ellen denies the charge, the interloper produces enough evidence that his accusation must be investigated. Ellen and David travel to the small coastal town where her first wedding allegedly occurred. There, they meet a number of individuals whose stories make Ellen question her own sanity.
  • Three Hams on Rye
    17
    Larry Fine, Moe Howard, Shemp Howard
    39 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Musical, Family
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Three Hams on Rye showcases slapstick comedy royalty - The Three Stooges - in one of their most memorable shorts. Full of physical gags, puns, and hilarious antics that cemented the trio's popularity during this time, the film provides a nostalgic look into the lighter side of 1950s cinema.

    Three Hams on Rye is the 125th short subject starring American slapstick comedy team the Three Stooges. The trio made a total of 190 shorts for Columbia Pictures between 1934 and 1959.
  • Trail of Robin Hood
    18
    Roy Rogers, William Farnum, Monte Hale
    50 votes

    For Fans Of: Western, Action
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Trail of Robin Hood offers a unique spin on the classic tale by placing it in a western setting while retaining its core themes of heroism and fighting for justice. Led by Roy Rogers' charismatic performance as an outlaw-turned-hero, this action-packed film incorporates elements of both genres, demonstrating the versatility and inventiveness of storytelling during this era.

    Trail of Robin Hood is a 1950 American Trucolor film starring Roy Rogers and filmed in the San Bernardino Mountains and Big Bear Lake California. It is notable for featuring a large cast of Western stars and the last film that Roy Rogers filmed in Trucolor. There is no reference to Robin Hood in the film.
  • Studio Stoops
    19
    Larry Fine, Moe Howard, Shemp Howard
    40 votes

    For Fans Of: Short, Comedy, Family
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Studio Stoops is another delightful short featuring The Three Stooges at their comedic best in a zany behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood filmmaking. Packed with laughs and showcasing their trademark chemistry, this lighthearted romp demonstrates how comedy was an integral part of entertainment throughout the decade.

    Studio Stoops is the 126th short subject starring American slapstick comedy team the Three Stooges. The trio made a total of 190 shorts for Columbia Pictures between 1934 and 1959.
  • North of the Great Divide
    20
    Roy Rogers, Gordon Jones, Noble Johnson
    49 votes

    For Fans Of: Western, Adventure
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: North of the Great Divide illustrates how Western films resonated with audiences through their high-stakes adventures rooted in American values like honor and courage. Starring Roy Rogers as a government agent protecting indigenous land rights, this film highlights crucial social issues while remaining entertainingly engaging.

    North of the Great Divide is a 1950 American film starring Roy Rogers.
  • The Jackie Robinson Story
    21
    Ruby Dee, Minor Watson, Louise Beavers
    39 votes

    For Fans Of: Biography, Drama, Sport
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: The Jackie Robinson Story is not only a vital biographical sports film but also an important exploration of racial integration within American society during this era. With Jackie Robinson himself portraying his groundbreaking journey as the first African-American Major League Baseball player, this inspiring movie delves into themes of perseverance, equality, and social change.

    After a successful baseball career in college and as a coach in the military, Jackie Robinson (playing himself) attracts the attention of Major League Baseball's Branch Rickey (Minor Watson). Rickey wants Robinson to play in the minor leagues, believing he can become the first player to break the color barrier and play in the majors. The only catch: He is forbidden from defending himself against racial bigotry. Supported by his wife (Ruby Dee), Robinson is steadfast in his determination to win.
  • Crisis
    22
    Cary Grant, José Ferrer, Paula Raymond
    29 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Drama, Thriller
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Crisis marks an impressive directorial debut for Richard Brooks, exploring political intrigue and moral dilemmas through Cary Grant's versatile performance as a doctor caught in a life-threatening international conflict. This suspenseful thriller exemplifies how filmmakers during this time were unafraid to tackle complex subject matter while delivering riveting entertainment.

    Vacationing in a Latin American country, American brain surgeon Eugene Ferguson (Cary Grant) and his wife, Helen (Paula Raymond), get caught in a revolutionary uprising against dictator President Raoul Farrago (Jose Ferrer). Kidnapped by the military and ordered to operate on Farrago, who has a life-threatening brain tumor, Eugene hesitates, believing he might reason with Farrago to stop the imminent civil war. The situation is heightened when Helen becomes a pawn of the revolutionaries.
  • The Fuller Brush Girl
    23
    Lucille Ball, Eddie Albert, Carl Benton Reid
    37 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Romance
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: The Fuller Brush Girl offers a charming blend of slapstick comedy and romance, showcasing Lucille Ball's undeniable comedic talent and charisma before her iconic television role. This lighthearted film is an excellent example of the humor and escapism that made American cinema so enjoyable during this period.

    Milquetoast Humphrey Briggs (Eddie Albert) and his impetuous girlfriend, Sally Elliot (Lucille Ball), are office workers at a shipping firm whose corrupt owner, Harvey Simpson (Jerome Cowan), uses his company as a front for a massive smuggling operation. When an accident causes Simpson's rich and jealous wife (Lee Patrick) to assume he's cheating on her, the lovebirds get unwillingly drawn into a murder investigation involving a stripper (Gale Robbins) and a hired killer (Fred Graham).
  • The West Point Story
    24
    Doris Day, James Cagney, Alan Hale
    29 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Music, Romance
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: The West Point Story features powerhouse duo James Cagney and Virginia Mayo in an entertaining musical-comedy that highlights Cagney's magnetic screen presence alongside a lively ensemble cast. Showcasing memorable song-and-dance numbers, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, this energetic film represents the charm and vibrancy of American musicals from this period.

    The West Point Story is a 1950 musical comedy film directed by Roy Del Ruth and starring James Cagney, Virginia Mayo and Doris Day.
  • Kim
    25
    Errol Flynn, Dean Stockwell, Paul Lukas
    44 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Drama, Family
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Kim offers an enthralling adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic novel, transporting viewers to British colonial India with breathtaking cinematography and a captivating performance from a young Dean Stockwell. This lush adventure film highlights the sense of wonder and exoticism that permeated Hollywood's storytelling during this period.

    During the 1880s in India, a young orphan named Kim (Dean Stockwell) is employed by Mahbub Ali (Errol Flynn), an English spy who masquerades as a horse trader. Kim meets a Tibetan lama (Paul Lukas) and agrees to help him find a sacred river. When it is discovered that Kim has British ancestry in his blood, from his father, he is sent to school. Ali, however, is convinced that the boy has the makings of a great spy. Now educated and trained, Kim has a lot of responsibility thrust upon him.
  • Colt .45
    26
    Randolph Scott, Ruth Roman, Zachary Scott
    49 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Western
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Colt .45 is a thrilling western featuring Randolph Scott as a righteous man seeking justice against villainous opposition in true cinematic fashion. The film showcases how gunfights, horseback chases, and complex moral dilemmas formed the backbone of many gripping narratives in post-World War II filmmaking.

    While gun purveyor Steve Farrell (Randolph Scott) shows off the latest revolver innovation, a Colt .45 repeating handgun, to Sheriff Harris (Alan Hale), outlaw prisoner Jason Brett (Zachary Scott) grabs a pair and hightails it out of town -- and the sheriff jails Farrell as a likely partner in crime. But during Farrell's incarceration, Brett goes on an unstoppable rampage. Farrell is released, and must stop the outlaw with the assistance of Walking Bear (Chief Thundercloud) and the Colt .45.
  • Wagon Master
    27
    Ben Johnson, Joanne Dru, Ward Bond
    64 votes

    For Fans Of: Western, Adventure
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Wagon Master is another compelling entry by legendary director John Ford, capturing the rugged beauty of America's western frontier alongside masterful storytelling. Emphasizing themes like community-building and overcoming adversity with a strong ensemble cast, this film exemplifies the rich artistic legacy of westerns during this era.

    When a group of Mormons are run out of town for their religious beliefs, Elder Wiggs (Ward Bond) searches for a wagon master to guide the outcasts to the San Juan Valley. Happening upon horse traders Travis Blue (Ben Johnson) and Sandy (Harry Carey Jr.), Wiggs convinces the men to take the position due to their intimate knowledge of the area. Despite Blue and Sandy's guidance, the travelers experience numerous setbacks, especially when the Clegg family outlaws take refuge in their wagon train.
  • The Flame and the Arrow
    28
    Burt Lancaster, Virginia Mayo, Robert Douglas
    29 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, History, Romance
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: The Flame and the Arrow transports viewers to medieval Italy through spectacular action sequences, daring stunts, and swashbuckling adventure led by Burt Lancaster's acrobatic prowess. As an energetic exploration of heroism and romance, this film demonstrates what made historical epics so popular among audiences during this time.

    Italian archer Dardo Bartoli (Burt Lancaster) is waging a war against the Hessians. His grudge against their leader, Count "The Hawk" Ulrich (Frank Allenby), is more than simply political. Long ago, he took away Dardo's beautiful wife, Francesca. Then, under his former spouse's orders, Ulrich returned to steal the couple's son, Rudi. Incensed, Dardo kidnaps Ulrich's comely niece, Anne (Virginia Mayo), and slowly emerges as a rebel leader who may be able to drive out the Hessians for good.
  • The Furies
    29
    Barbara Stanwyck, Walter Huston, Wendell Corey
    44 votes

    For Fans Of: Western, Romance, Drama
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: The Furies combines western conventions with elements of noir drama to create a tense, deeply psychological exploration of power dynamics within a wealthy family empire. Led by powerhouse performances from Barbara Stanwyck and Walter Huston, this film exemplifies the boldness and ingenuity of 1950s cinema.

    T.C. Jeffords (Walter Huston) rules his sprawling New Mexico ranch with an iron fist. But his authority doesn't extend to his strong-willed daughter, Vance (Barbara Stanwyck), who both hates and loves her father with equal ferocity. Tensions rise when Vance falls for bad boy Rip Darrow (Wendell Corey), whom T.C. buys off. But the family conflict turns violent when T.C. decides to marry Flo Burnett (Judith Anderson) -- and evict Vance's childhood friend Juan (Gilbert Roland) from his land.
  • Annie Get Your Gun
    30
    Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Louis Calhern
    45 votes

    For Fans Of: Biography, Comedy, Musical
    Why These Movies Are Worth Going Back to the 50's: Annie Get Your Gun is a dazzling Technicolor musical that brings Irving Berlin's timeless tunes and the extraordinary life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley to the silver screen. With Betty Hutton's energetic portrayal of Oakley and memorable numbers like "There's No Business Like Show Business," this film stands as an iconic representation of American musicals during this era.

    The musical tale of Annie Oakley (Betty Hutton) moves from stage to screen in this rollicking film adaptation. Renowned in the Wild West as a sharpshooter, Annie meets her match, both romantically and professionally, in the form of fellow ace gunslinger Frank Butler (Howard Keel). While Annie and Frank are performing as part of the famous traveling show headlined by the legendary Buffalo Bill (Louis Calhern), the two compete and flirt, with plenty of ups and downs along the way.