The 45+ Best Movies Of 1969
- 1John Wayne, Glen Campbell, Kim Darby
True Grit, a masterpiece from 1969, showcases outstanding performances and expert storytelling that have led to its lasting admiration by film enthusiasts. Directed by Henry Hathaway, this beloved classic western stars John Wayne in an Oscar-winning role as Rooster Cogburn, a one-eyed U.S. Marshal helping a young girl (Kim Darby) track down her father's killer. The sweeping landscapes, gritty action sequences, and unforgettable dialogue add depth and dimension to the adaptation of Charles Portis' novel. With its skillful balance of humor, adventure, and drama, True Grit unquestionably deserves recognition among the best films of 1969.
More True Grit
- #5 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
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- 2James Garner, Joan Hackett, Walter Brennan
Support Your Local Sheriff! is an endearing comedic gem from 1969 that features James Garner in top form as an affable gunslinger turned lawman named Jason McCullough on his way to Australia for a gold rush expedition but reluctantly agrees to become sheriff in order to restore peace in an unruly frontier town. This wry spoof cleverly pokes fun at classic Western tropes while also delivering genuine laughs through uproarious slapstick scenes and witty banter between Garner and the excellent supporting cast, including Walter Brennan, Joan Hackett, and Jack Elam. Support Your Local Sheriff! effortlessly amuses viewers with its delightful blend of humor and charm.
- #54 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
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- 3George Lazenby, Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas
Undoubtedly one of the most memorable James Bond films ever made, On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) is a shining example of sophisticated action cinema at its finest. George Lazenby takes on the iconic role of 007 for his first and only outing as the suave super-spy who must stop Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Telly Savalas) from unleashing biological warfare upon the world population. Featuring breathtaking cinematography in exotic locales like Switzerland and Portugal, thrilling ski chases down treacherous slopes, and a heartrending romance with Tracy Draco (Diana Rigg), this enduring espionage thriller remains a fan favorite for many die-hard Bond aficionados.
- 4Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a captivating 1969 movie that tells the story of two notorious outlaws who try to outrun their pasts in a changing American West. Starring screen legends Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy and Robert Redford as The Sundance Kid, this stylish film directed by George Roy Hill features mesmerizing cinematography from Conrad L. Hall, unforgettable dialogue penned by William Goldman, an iconic soundtrack by Burt Bacharach, and a hallmark scene featuring the hit song "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head." With its seamless blend of action, drama, romance, humor, and stunning visuals, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid remains a timeless classic.
- #12 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
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- #39 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- 5Kurt Russell, Cesar Romero, Joe Flynn
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969) is an offbeat Disney comedy that boasts a charming performance from young Kurt Russell in his first starring role for Walt Disney Productions. Directed by Robert Butler, this lighthearted tale centers around Dexter Riley (Russell), a college student who gains extraordinary mental abilities after being accidentally electrocuted while repairing a computer. The intriguing premise paves way for plenty of wacky situations as Dexter uses his newfound powers to help friends during exams or outsmart nefarious gamblers seeking to exploit him for personal gain. This quirky collection of misadventures continues to bring smiles to viewers' faces decades later.
- 6William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan
Sam Peckinpah's revolutionary western epic The Wild Bunch (1969) remains an influential milestone in cinema history due to its unprecedented depiction of violence coupled with compelling storytelling about aging outlaws facing their inevitable end amidst societal transformation. Featuring a superb ensemble cast led by William Holden and Ernest Borgnine, the film masterfully captures the essence of camaraderie, betrayals, and bloody confrontations while exploring deeper themes of honor, loyalty, and disillusionment in a rapidly changing world. The Wild Bunch's innovative editing techniques, breathtaking cinematography, and impeccable direction still resonate with audiences today as an essential piece of classic American cinema.
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- 7John Wayne, Rock Hudson, Tony Aguilar
In 1969's The Undefeated, director Andrew V. McLaglen brings together Hollywood heavyweights John Wayne and Rock Hudson for a thrilling post-Civil War adventure that pits former enemies against each other in an uneasy alliance to rescue their kidnapped family members from ruthless bandits south of the border. This rousing western showcases epic battle sequences set against stunning Mexican landscapes while weaving tales of redemption, newfound friendships, and survival amidst chaos into its gripping storyline. With its impressive acting from the two leads alongside an excellent supporting cast (including Ben Johnson), The Undefeated remains an enjoyable cinematic experience that resonates with fans of the genre.
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- #70 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #27 of 46 onThe Best 1960s Western Movies, Ranked
- 8George Kennedy, James Whitmore, Monte Markham
Guns of the Magnificent Seven (1969) is an exhilarating sequel to the widely acclaimed 1960 classic western film The Magnificent Seven, based on Kurosawa's legendary Seven Samurai. In this riveting installment directed by Paul Wendkos, the iconic gunslinger Chris Adams (now portrayed by George Kennedy) leads a new group of skilled marksmen to rescue a Mexican revolutionary (Fernando Rey) held captive in the clutches of an oppressive colonel (Michael Ansara). Laden with explosive shootouts, tense standoffs, and poignant moments showcasing camaraderie among brave men standing against tyranny, Guns of the Magnificent Seven remains an enduring tribute to its illustrious predecessors.
- 9Bud Spencer, Terence Hill, Harry Carey
Italian director Giuseppe Colizzi helmed Boot Hill (1969), a visually arresting Spaghetti Western starring Terence Hill as Cat Stevens and Bud Spencer as Hutch Bessy—two wandering gunmen who help defend a group of traveling circus performers from ruthless mining tycoon Honey Fisher (Victor Buono) seeking to control their land for his own nefarious purposes. Boasting grandiose camera work capturing sweeping panoramas alongside hard-hitting action sequences peppered with dark humor throughout, this stylized shoot-'em-up has garnered cult status among enthusiasts over the years for its unique blend of high-impact entertainment.
- 10Elvis Presley, Victor French, James Sikking
Charro! is a 1969 western starring Elvis Presley as Jess Wade, an ex-outlaw who must reclaim his stolen identity from a ruthless gang led by Vince Hackett (Victor French). Directed by Charles Marquis Warren and featuring stunning cinematography amidst the evocative backdrop of rural Arizona, this engaging film offers a captivating storyline rife with action-packed sequences that effectively showcase Presley's acting abilities in a more dramatic role than his typical musical fare. With its unforgettable performances and gritty atmosphere, Charro! has earned its place as an essential entry in the canon of 1969 movies.
- 11Elvis Presley, Mary Tyler Moore, Barbara McNair
Change of Habit (1969), directed by William A. Graham, features Elvis Presley in a unique role as Dr. John Carpenter, an inner-city physician who finds himself falling in love with Sister Michelle (Mary Tyler Moore), a nun working undercover in his clinic to help the community. As their attraction grows, they both struggle with their personal values and the challenging circumstances surrounding them. This intriguing drama showcases a more somber side to Presley's acting abilities while tackling significant social issues of its time, such as poverty, drug abuse, and racial tensions — making it a worthy addition to the list of top films from 1969.
- 12Hayley Mills, Billie Whitelaw, Timothy West
Twisted Nerve is a psychologically complex thriller released in 1969, boasting masterful direction from Roy Boulting and outstanding performances by Hayley Mills and Hywel Bennett (as Susan Harper and Martin Durnley). The film delves into the twisted mind of Martin Durnley, who pretends to be mentally disabled to manipulate those around him for sinister purposes. Featuring Bernard Herrmann's haunting score and provocative themes exploring psychosexuality and mental illness taboo at the time, Twisted Nerve remains an engrossing cinematic experience that holds up today.
- 13Lee Van Cleef, Ignazio Spalla, William Berger
Sabata is a 1969 Spaghetti Western directed by Gianfranco Parolini that stars Lee Van Cleef as the titular character – an enigmatic gunfighter who arrives in town to foil a robbery orchestrated by corrupt local officials. The film features spectacular action sequences involving acrobatics and inventive weaponry alongside captivating plot twists that keep audiences guessing until the very end. With its stylish direction and stellar performances from its cast, including William Berger and Franco Ressel, Sabata has earned its place among classic westerns of the era.
- 14Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Sylvia Miles
Midnight Cowboy is an evocative tale of friendship set against the backdrop of New York City's seedy underbelly. Directed by John Schlesinger and released in 1969, the film has achieved legendary status for its unflinching portrayal of society's outcasts. Starring Jon Voight as Joe Buck, a naive Texan hustler, and Dustin Hoffman as Ratso Rizzo, his crippled friend with dreams of a better life in Florida, the movie offers captivating performances and striking imagery that echoes the grim realities faced by many during this turbulent era.
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- 15Omar Sharif, Gregory Peck, Julie Newmar
Mackenna's Gold (1969) is an epic western adventure directed by J. Lee Thompson that revolves around the search for a legendary gold treasure hidden in the Arizona desert. Gregory Peck stars as Marshal Mackenna, who becomes the reluctant guide to an outlaw named Colorado (Omar Sharif), seeking to find and claim the fabled loot before others do. With its all-star cast including Telly Savalas, Julie Newmar, and Ted Cassidy — along with breathtaking cinematography capturing vast landscapes — this action-packed film has solidified its place among classic westerns of its time.
- 16Jim Brown, Raquel Welch, Burt Reynolds
100 Rifles (1969) is an action-packed western directed by Tom Gries that depicts an unlikely alliance between American bounty hunter Lyedecker (Jim Brown) and Mexican revolutionary Sarita (Raquel Welch) to rescue Yaqui Joe (Burt Reynolds), who stole money to buy rifles for his oppressed people. The film delivers high-octane action sequences set against stunning Mexican locations while providing insightful commentary on themes such as race relations and social justice. With its well-rounded cast delivering stellar performances, 100 Rifles remains an engaging cinematic experience for fans of both westerns and action films.
- 17Glenn Ford, Carolyn Jones, Barbara Hershey
Heaven with a Gun is a thought-provoking western released in 1969 starring Glenn Ford as Jim Killian, a former gunslinger turned preacher seeking redemption by bringing peace to his troubled congregation in an isolated town plagued by violence and lawlessness. Directed by Lee H. Katzin, this engaging film explores complex themes such as redemption, morality, religion, and power struggles between rival factions while delivering tense action sequences set against stunning western landscapes.
- 18Peter Robbins, Pamelyn Ferdin, Glenn Gilger
A Boy Named Charlie Brown is an animated feature film released in 1969 under the direction of Bill Melendez that brings Charles M. Schulz's beloved Peanuts characters to life on the big screen for the first time ever. Chronicling Charlie Brown's journey to participate in the National Spelling Bee competition amid self-doubt and personal challenges, this heartwarming tale showcases the timeless appeal of these endearing characters while delivering enchanting animation and memorable musical moments that continue to resonate with audiences today.
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- 19Kenneth Williams, Barbara Windsor, Sid James
Carry On Again Doctor is a hilarious comedy installment from director Gerald Thomas in the long-running British Carry On series. Released in 1969, this uproarious film sees the return of James Robertson Justice as the irascible Sir Lancelot Spratt and Jim Dale as accident-prone Dr. Nookey, who finds himself banished to a remote island hospital after a series of unfortunate mishaps. The movie's clever gags, witty dialogue, and outrageous situations ensure that it remains an entertaining favorite among fans of classic British comedy.
- 20
Easy Rider
Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack NicholsonEasy Rider is a groundbreaking 1969 film directed by Dennis Hopper that captures the counterculture spirit and wanderlust of the late 60s in America. Peter Fonda stars as Wyatt alongside Hopper's character Billy – two bikers on a cross-country journey from Los Angeles to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Featuring captivating performances from Jack Nicholson (George Hanson) and Karen Black (Karen), this iconic road movie explores themes of freedom, disillusionment, and self-discovery against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and an unforgettable soundtrack filled with contemporary rock hits.
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- 21Michael Caine, Noel Coward, Benny Hill
The Italian Job is an exhilarating heist caper released in 1969 that has since become a classic among British cinema lovers. Directed by Peter Collinson and starring Michael Caine as Charlie Croker—a career criminal who assembles a skilled team to execute an audacious gold robbery amidst bustling Turin—it masterfully blends humor with high-stakes action sequences featuring iconic Mini Coopers navigating narrow streets while evading capture by police. With memorable one-liners like "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" from Caine's character, this fast-paced adventure remains etched in the minds of film lovers for generations.
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- 22Feng Hsu, Chun Shih, Pai Ying
A Touch of Zen is a visually stunning 1969 martial arts film directed by King Hu that follows the story of Yang (Hsu Feng), a fugitive noblewoman turned skilled swordsman seeking refuge in a remote village and forging an alliance with scholar Gu (Shih Chun) to battle against corrupt officials who hunt her down. The film is renowned for its innovative fight choreography, breathtaking cinematography showcasing lush landscapes, and meditative exploration of Buddhist themes. With its groundbreaking impact on the wuxia genre, A Touch of Zen continues to be regarded as a seminal masterpiece in Chinese cinema.
- 23Yul Brynner, Lee Van Cleef
Released between 1969 and 1971, The Sabata Trilogy comprises three iconic Spaghetti Westerns—Sabata, Adiós, Sabata, and Return of Sabata—directed by Gianfranco Parolini. Each film features Lee Van Cleef or Yul Brynner in the titular role as the enigmatic gunslinger Sabata, known for his unerring marksmanship and cunning wit. These films captivated audiences with their inventive action set pieces, thrilling shootouts, and elaborate plots filled with twists and turns. The Sabata Trilogy remains an essential collection within the Spaghetti Western canon for fans worldwide.
- 24Richard Burton, Geneviève Bujold, Irene Papas
Anne of the Thousand Days (1969) is a riveting historical drama that chronicles the stormy relationship between King Henry VIII (Richard Burton) and his second wife, Anne Boleyn (Geneviève Bujold). Directed by Charles Jarrott, this beautifully crafted film boasts opulent costume designs, sumptuous sets, and an outstanding cast whose performances breathe life into the intrigue and passion of Tudor England. Anne of the Thousand Days continues to captivate audiences with its engrossing portrayal of one of history's most tumultuous romances.
- 25James Garner, Gayle Hunnicutt, Carroll O'Connor
Marlowe is a stylish 1969 neo-noir detective thriller directed by Paul Bogart that follows private investigator Philip Marlowe (James Garner) as he unravels a complex web of deceit surrounding a missing person case. Based on Raymond Chandler's novel The Little Sister, this engaging adaptation captures the essence of hardboiled fiction, complete with moody lighting, razor-sharp dialogue, and an intriguing plot filled with twists and turns. With its charismatic lead performance from Garner and its captivating storytelling, Marlowe remains a classic within noir cinema.
- 26Jane Fonda, Michael Sarrazin, Susannah York
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is an emotionally charged drama set during the Great Depression that delves into human despair and desperation amidst a grueling dance marathon contest. Directed by Sydney Pollack and released in 1969, this poignant adaptation of Horace McCoy's novel features captivating performances from Jane Fonda as Gloria Beatty—a disillusioned woman seeking escape from her bleak reality—and Michael Sarrazin as Robert Syverton—her unwilling partner caught up in the brutal competition with tragic consequences. The powerful imagery and gripping storyline have cemented its reputation as a masterpiece within American cinema.
- 27Kenneth Williams, Barbara Windsor, Sid James
Carry On Camping is another hilarious installment in the popular British Carry On comedy series, released in 1969 under the direction of Gerald Thomas. This rib-tickling romp follows a group of hapless vacationers, including Sid James (Sid Boggle), Joan Sims (Joan Fussey), and Charles Hawtrey (Charlie Muggins), on their chaotic trip to a supposedly luxurious camping site that turns out to be anything but. The ensemble cast delivers endless laughs through their outlandish antics and witty one-liners, making Carry On Camping an enduring favorite among fans of classic British cinema.
- 28Hideyo Amamoto, Haruo Nakajima, Sachio Sakai
All Monsters Attack, also known as Godzilla's Revenge, is a 1969 kaiju film directed by Ishirō Honda in which the iconic monster faces off against various adversaries while helping a young boy named Ichiro Stand up to bullies and overcome his fears. Featuring dazzling special effects, exhilarating battles between gigantic creatures, and a heartening message about courage and friendship amid adversity, this entertaining entry into the long-running Godzilla franchise remains beloved by fans both young and old.
- 29Walter Matthau, Ingrid Bergman, Goldie Hawn
Cactus Flower (1969), directed by Gene Saks, is a lively romantic comedy adapted from Abe Burrows' Broadway play based on Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Grédy's original French play Fleur de cactus. The film stars Walter Matthau as Julian Winston—a philandering dentist who enlists his loyal assistant Stephanie Dickinson (Ingrid Bergman) to pose as his soon-to-be ex-wife in order to woo his young girlfriend Toni Simmons (Goldie Hawn in her Oscar-winning role). With impeccable comedic timing from its stellar cast and witty dialogue that keeps viewers laughing throughout, Cactus Flower has become a beloved classic within the genre.
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- 30Maggie Smith, Pamela Franklin, Robert Stephens
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) is a compelling drama starring Maggie Smith in her Oscar-winning role as the titular character—a passionate and unconventional teacher at an all-girls school in 1930s Edinburgh who seeks to instill a love for art, culture, and romance in her students while grappling with her own personal desires. Directed by Ronald Neame and based on Muriel Spark's novel, this thought-provoking film delves into themes of individualism, loyalty, and the impact of mentorship within its richly drawn characters. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie remains an enduring testament to the power of cinema to explore complex human emotions.
