All David Niven Films, Ranked
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1Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony QuinnIn 1943, a small commando team is sent to destroy huge German guns on the Greek Island of Navarone in order to rescue Allied troops trapped on Kheros. Led by British Major Franklin (Anthony Quayle), the team includes American Mallory (Gregory Peck), Greek resistance fighter Stavros (Anthony Quinn) and reluctant explosives expert Miller. Facing impossible odds, the men battle stormy seas and daunting cliffs. When Franklin is injured, Mallory takes command, and personal enmities spill over.More The Guns of Navarone
- #43 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #147 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #24 of 167 onThe Greatest '60s Movies, Ranked
2David Niven, Richard Attenborough, Raymond MasseyThis film is a romantic fantasy film created by the British writing-directing-producing team of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, and set in England during the WWII. It stars David Niven, Roger Livesey, Raymond Massey, Kim Hunter and Marius Goring. The film was originally released in the United States under the title Stairway to Heaven, which derived from the film's most prominent special effect: a broad escalator linking Earth to the afterlife. The decision to film the scenes of the Other World in black and white added to the complications.- #48 of 67 onThe 65+ Best Ghost Movies Of All Time
- #42 of 51 onThe 50+ Best British Rom-Coms, Ranked
- #36 of 56 onThe Best Romance Movies Of The 1940s
3Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David NivenDejected by his efforts to raise money to build a cathedral, Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) beseeches heaven for guidance, and is visited immediately by Dudley (Cary Grant), who claims to be an angel. Henry is skeptical, then annoyed when Dudley ingratiates himself into the household as his assistant -- and worse, wins the attentions of Henry's long-suffering and kindly wife (Loretta Young). When Dudley continues to intervene in Henry's struggles, the bishop decides to challenge heaven.More The Bishop's Wife- #64 of 126 onThe Best Christmas Movies Of All Time
- #9 of 85 onThe Best Christmas Rom-Coms
- #30 of 34 onThe 30+ Best Winter Movies
4David Niven, Cantinflas, Shirley MacLaineVictorian-era Englishman Phileas Fogg (David Niven) proclaims before his fellow members of a London gentleman's club that he can circumnavigate the globe in a mere 80 days, further boasting that he will bet the princely sum of 20,000 pounds on the success of his endeavor. With his stalwart manservant Passepartout (Cantinflas) alongside, he goes forth on his adventure, pursued by a dogged Police Inspector (Robert Newton) who suspects Fogg of chicanery.
5Rita Hayworth, David Niven, Burt LancasterSeparate Tables is a 1958 film adaptation of Terence Rattigan's play of the same name, directed by Delbert Mann.
6Peter Falk, Peter Sellers, Truman CapoteFive diverse, infamous private eyes, including Sam Diamond (Peter Falk), Sidney Wang (Peter Sellers) and Jessica Marbles (Elsa Lanchester), are invited to the mysterious Lionel Twain's castle for a dinner party. There, they are told that Twain plans an unsolvable murder in the house at midnight -- and he will pay $1 million to the one who determines the killer. But when Twain's blind butler, Bensonmum (Alec Guinness), dies long before the deadline, the stakes go up for the trapped sleuths.More Murder by Death- #159 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #741 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #124 of 199 onThe Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
7Errol Flynn, David Niven, Basil RathboneMajor Brand (Basil Rathbone), the commander of the 59th division of the British Royal Flying Corps in 1915 France, is frantic over the many casualties his squadron has suffered. When Captain Courtney (Errol Flynn) and his buddy Scott (David Niven) lose another of their best friends in a dangerous mission, Courtney lashes out at Brand, who hands Courtney the reins. Now in control, Captain Courtney soon sees things from Brand's perspective as more good men are killed in the line of duty.
8Peter Ustinov, Bette Davis, David NivenOn a luxurious cruise on the Nile River, a wealthy heiress, Linnet Ridgeway (Lois Chiles), is murdered. Fortunately, among the passengers are famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) and his trusted companion, Colonel Race (David Niven), who immediately begin their investigation. But just as Poirot identifies a motley collection of would-be murderers, several of the suspects also meet their demise, which only deepens the mystery of the killer's identity.More Death on the Nile- #768 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #10 of 81 onThe 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
- #104 of 199 onThe Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
9Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, David NivenThis historical epic dramatizes the Battle of Peking, a turning point of the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900. When Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi (Flora Robson) orders the Boxers, a group of Chinese secret societies, to massacre foreigners within China, a group of ambassadors, their families and staff hole up in a diplomatic compound. Major Matt Lewis of the United States Marine Corps (Charlton Heston) leads the defense while romancing Russian baroness Natalie Ivanoff (Ava Gardner).More 55 Days at Peking- #128 of 163 onThe Best Political Films Of All Time
- #23 of 59 onThe 55+ Best Movies of 1963
- #18 of 28 onThe Best Charlton Heston Movies
10Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Patric KnowlesWhile stationed in India during the Crimean War, Major Geoffrey Vickers (Errol Flynn) is twice betrayed. His brother, Captain Perry Vickers (Patric Knowles), has swept his fiancée, Elsa (Olivia De Havilland), off her feet. Meanwhile, after Vickers saves the life of Surat Khan (C. Henry Gordon), the rajah launches a massacre in a nearby city and allies himself with the British troops' Russian enemies. Vickers and his Light Brigade respond to this provocation at the historical Battle of Balaklava.
11Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, David NivenIn this adaptation of the classic Emily Bronte novel set in 19th-century England, wealthy young Cathy Earnshaw (Merle Oberon) shares a loving bond with Heathcliff (Laurence Olivier), a poor childhood friend who now works in her stables. Unfortunately, things become complicated when the affluent Edgar Linton (David Niven) decides to pursue Cathy, and Heathcliff leaves out of resentment. Though Heathcliff returns with a self-made fortune, he realizes he may have lost Cathy in his absence.More Wuthering Heights- #44 of 80 onThe Best Period Romance Movies
- #6 of 79 onGreat Period Movies Set in the 19th Century
- #17 of 75 onThe 75 Best Classic Romance Movies
12Peter Sellers, David Niven, Robert WagnerIn this first film of the beloved comic series, dashing European thief Sir Charles Lytton (David Niven) plans to steal a diamond, but he's not the only one with his eyes on the famous jewel known as the "Pink Panther." His nephew George (Robert Wagner) also aims to make off with the gem, and to frame Charles for the crime. Blundering French police inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers) intercedes, but finds his career -- and his freedom -- jeopardized.More The Pink Panther- #68 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #21 of 167 onThe Greatest '60s Movies, Ranked
- #131 of 632 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
13Doris Day, David Niven, Janis PaigeLawrence Mackay (David Niven), a professor at Columbia University, lives happily with his wife, Kate (Doris Day), and their three children. But when he leaves his career in education to become a theater critic, his newfound celebrity causes problems with both his friends and family. A scathing review upsets a close friend, and Kate becomes jealous when his work keeps him out late feting with Broadway stars, including the particularly flirtatious Deborah Vaughn (Janis Paige).
14Ginger Rogers, David Niven, Charles CoburnPolly Paris (Ginger Rogers) accidentally stumbles into motherhood after discovering an abandoned baby on the steps of an orphanage. Believing the baby is Polly's, department store owner J.B. Merlin (Charles Coburn) and his son David (David Niven) offer Polly a job -- but only if she takes responsibility for the child. Unemployed and in need of work, Polly accepts and all seems well, until her increasingly romantic relationship with David raises suspicions about the child's paternity.
15David Niven, Glynis Johns, George CoulourisAppointment with Venus is a 1951 film adaptation of the Jerrard Tickell novel of the same name. It was directed by Ralph Thomas, produced by Betty E. Box and its screenplay was written by the novelist Nicholas Phipps. The film was based on the evacuation of Alderney cattle from the Channel Island during World War II. In the United States the film was re-titled Island Rescue.
16Ronald Colman, Madeleine Carroll, Douglas FairbanksThis adventure-filled drama finds Englishman Rudolf Rassendyll (Ronald Colman) on vacation in a small European country, where he discovers his resemblance to the nation's royal heir-apparent, Rudolf V. When the king-to-be is drugged and incapacitated, Rassendyll must impersonate him, so that the scheming Duke Michael (Raymond Massey) can't assume the throne. To further complicate matters, Rassendyll starts to fall for Rudolf V's intended bride, Flavia (Madeleine Carroll).
17Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress, David NivenThis wacky send-up of James Bond films stars David Niven as the iconic debonair spy, now retired and living a peaceful existence. Bond is called back into duty when the mysterious organization SMERSH begins assassinating British secret agents. Ridiculous circumstances lead to the involvement of a colorful cast of characters, including the villainous Le Chiffre (Orson Welles), seasoned gambler Evelyn Tremble (Peter Sellers) and Bond's bumbling nephew, Jimmy Bond (Woody Allen).
18Olivia de Havilland, David NivenRaffles is a film starring David Niven and Olivia de Havilland, and is one of several film adaptations of an 1899 novel by E. W. Hornung, Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman. Sidney Howard wrote the screenplay for the 1930 version, died in 1939, and was given credit as co-author of the screenplay with John Van Druten. F. Scott Fitzgerald may also have worked on the script, but this is unconfirmed.
19Walter Huston, Ruth Chatterton, David NivenWhen Sam Dodsworth (Walter Huston), the head of a car company, embarks on a vacation in Europe with his youth-obsessed wife, Fran (Ruth Chatterton), the couple find themselves growing apart. Soon Fran is flirting with other men and embracing a spontaneous and impulsive lifestyle, while Sam is left on his own. However, after running into the lively and independent Edith Cortwright (Mary Astor), an acquaintance from their transatlantic trip, Sam realizes that he may find love again.
20David Niven, Margaret Leighton, Noelle MiddletonCarrington V.C. is a 1955 legal drama released by Kingsley-International Pictures starring David Niven and Margaret Leighton. Others in the cast include Noelle Middleton, Allan Cuthbertson, Victor Maddern, Raymond Francis, Michael Bates, Laurence Naismith, Geoffrey Keen and Maurice Denham. It was adapted for the screen by John Hunter from the play of the same name by Campbell and Dorothy Christie. It was produced by Teddy Baird and directed by Anthony Asquith. The Victoria Cross worn by Niven in the film was that awarded to Arthur Henry Cross for service in the First World War.
21David Niven, Stanley Holloway, Raymond HuntleyPut in charge of a group of disgruntled British soldiers in the midst of World War II, Lt. Jim Perry (David Niven) tries to find a way to both train and unite the men. While Sgt. Fletcher (Billy Hartnell) attempts to take a forceful approach with the troops, Perry looks for the right mix of his own gentle temperament and the demands of a leader. When the soldiers eventually find themselves in Africa facing General Rommel's impressive forces, they must find a way to fight together.
22Deborah Kerr, David Niven, Jean SebergAnne (Deborah Kerr) travels to the French Riviera to visit Raymond (David Niven), the wealthy husband of her recently deceased friend. His pampered daughter, Cecile (Jean Seberg), afraid that the prim and proper Anne's visit may alter their hedonistic lifestyle, attempts to drive a wedge between the woman and her father, with the help of his young French mistress, Elsa (Mylène Demongeot). Little do they know that Anne's attitude hides a fragility and pain that may have tragic consequences.
23A Kiss in the Dark
David Niven, Jane Wyman, Victor MooreEric (David Niven) is a successful but high-strung pianist. His managers have forced him to focus all his attention on practicing and touring, and as a result he has few personal relationships. All this changes when he suddenly becomes the proprietor of a crumbling tenement in which he had previously invested. Eric decides to take a break from the road, move into the building and rub elbows with the wacky renters. And one beautiful leaser, Polly (Jane Wyman), helps bring him out of his shell.
24David Niven, Sharon Tate, Deborah KerrEye of the Devil is a 1966 British crime/horror film with occult and supernatural themes directed by J. Lee Thompson and starring Deborah Kerr and David Niven. The film is set in rural France and was filmed at the Château de Hautefort and in England. Eye of the Devil is based on the novel Day of the Arrow by Robin Estridge and was initially titled Thirteen.
25William Holden, David Niven, Maggie McNamaraIn New York City, prim and proper would-be actress Patty O'Neill (Maggie McNamara) meets charming architect Donald Gresham (William Holden) and, despite learning he has a girlfriend and being wary of his intentions, accompanies him to his apartment for dinner. They meet Don's girlfriend, Cynthia (Dawn Addams), in the elevator, but she ignores both of them. Later, when Don goes to buy groceries, Cynthia returns -- as does her decadent father, David (David Niven), who Patty unexpectedly likes.
26Stewart Granger, Walter Pidgeon, David NivenArchibald Ackroyd (Stewart Granger), Bill Sykes (Robert Newton) and Dennis Malloy (Cyril Cusack) are three mischievous but talented English soldiers stationed in India during the 19th century. The group's antics frustrate their hard-nosed commanding officers, Col. Brunswick (Walter Pidgeon) and Capt. Pindenny (David Niven). However, when a local Indian leader stages an uprising and attacks their army base, the three friends lead the heroic defense.
27Loretta Young, David Niven, Hugh HerbertBeautiful young Anita (Loretta Young) is engaged to the prosperous Don Barnes (Broderick Crawford) and headed on a path toward a comfortable life. Things suddenly change, however, when she encounters the Great Arturo (David Niven), a dashing stage magician, and falls head over heels for him. Easing into the role of both Arturo's wife and assistant, Anita eventually grows weary of the life of a world-wandering performer, causing a crisis in their marriage.
28David Niven, Leslie Howard, Rosamund JohnThe First of the Few, known as Spitfire in the United States, is a 1942 British film directed by and starring Leslie Howard as R.J. Mitchell, the designer of the Supermarine Spitfire, alongside co-star David Niven. The film depicts Mitchell's strong work ethic in designing the Spitfire and his death. The film's title alludes to Winston Churchill's speech describing Battle of Britain aircrew, subsequently known as "The Few": "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few".
29Roger Moore, Telly Savalas, David NivenA ragtag group of prisoners -- Italian chef Bruno (Sonny Bono), British archeology professor Blake (David Niven), American soldier Nat (Richard Roundtree) and Greek prostitute Eleana (Claudia Cardinale) -- befriend each other in a Greek POW camp run by Otto Hecht (Roger Moore), an art-loving Nazi officer. With the help of local resistance fighters, the inmates plot to escape and steal valuable artifacts from a heavily guarded monastery that's used as a storehouse.
30David Niven, Margaret Leighton, Cyril CusackDuring the French Revolution, Englishman Sir Percy Blakeney (David Niven) dons an outlandish disguise to become the Scarlet Pimpernel, and rescues doomed French aristocrats from the guillotine, sneaking them to safety in London. To protect his secret identity, Percy acts as a coward and a fool around his fellow English noblemen. When Percy's brother-in-law, Armand St. Just (Edmond Audran), is taken prisoner in France, it's up to the Scarlet Pimpernel to rescue him.
