The Top 10 Films of the 1950s

Home media became more prevalent in the early 1950s. Television was growing, and movie studios sought to get people back to the theater. The key to that success was technological advancement, particularly in picture quality.

Some films used Cinemascope, which is a lens that captures images in a widescreen format, rather than the “box” format that people were used to. VistaVision followed, but with better picture quality. Epics such as The Ten Commandments (1956) and Ben-Hur (1959) used VistaVision.

The traditional film format also took a departure with the 3D format becoming more popular. I’m sure that intrigued many people at that time, but my opinion of 3D still stands.

The 1950s also gave way to the paranoia of the Cold War. This sparked a revived interest in science and therefore spawned a slew of science-fiction films. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) and The War of the Worlds (1953) are notable examples.

These changes in film proved to be influential in the movies we see today. The 1950s are one of my favorite decades in cinematic history. Here are some of my favorites from that era:

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

This movie is the perfect representation of teen angst. James Dean, in his only starring role, is perfect as Jim Stark, an unhappy teen who is trying to get through to his parents. The film also stars Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo, who are perfect in their roles as well. When these characters can’t find happiness in their homes, they find it with each other. It took me days to get this movie out of my mind after I first watched it. I was in awe of how great it was…and still is!

The Seventh Seal (Det Sjunde Inseglet) [1957]

A knight returning from the Crusades, during the Black Plague, plays a game of chess with the Grim Reaper. The time has come for Death to take the knight, but the knight intrigues him with the chess game. This is one of the most interesting concepts I’ve ever seen in a film and it remains one of the best, if not, the most iconic movies of all time!

12 Angry Men (1957)

A young boy is on trial for murder. The twelve jurors have heard all the evidence. The heat in the deliberation room is stifling, and they all just want to return to their normal lives. Eleven of them vote “guilty,” while one votes “not guilty.” That juror is number #8 (Henry Fonda), who believes that they need to go over the facts again. As he makes his points to the other jurors, the performances intensify along with the heat, and the movie leads to an unforgettable finish. Modeled after the famous play of the same name, Sidney Lumet directs what will forever be one of the best film adaptations ever made.

Rififi (Du Rififi Chez Les Hommes) [1955]

I’ve always loved heist movies. Rififi is an obvious influence on modern heist films in terms of plot twists and production value. The story is about four men who devise a plan to steal an expensive jewel. It’s supposed to be a one-and-done deal so that they have the financial means to secure their families’ futures. However, things don’t always go as planned, and the men suffer the consequences. Rififi is a dazzling film that never ceases to entertain!

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

This film is rife with memorable performances, set designs, and dialogue. I love that this movie is about Hollywood and references the Silent Era. On top of that, it’s a film noir…but not a detective story – so it’s very unique. William Holden plays Jake Gillis, a down-on-his-luck screenwriter who crosses paths with Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson). They make a deal for Jake to polish a story that Norma started – her only hope for a comeback to the big screen. However, the more he learns about Norma, the more Jake realizes the danger he is in. The film is an unforgettable classic with one of the most memorable endings in all of cinema.

Rashomon (1950)

I love how the film opens with a storm unfurling over the deteriorating Rashomon gate. Two men sit under the gate to stay dry but are in shock from their recent experiences. A murder has occurred, but the men hear different accounts of how it took place. This is a plot device never-before-seen in cinema: unreliable narration. Each story contradicts the others, leaving the viewer to decide what makes sense. This is one of the most original films I’ve seen, and because of the cinematography, one of the most beautiful as well.

Umberto D. (1952)

Seeing a lonely man, with his dog as his only companion, wandering through the streets of postwar Italy makes me sad. Sad in the way that I sympathize with them and want the story to have a happy ending for both. I love how the sets and scenery of Umberto D. show the realism of society. With Italy just getting back on its feet after the war, a man near poverty is trying to do the same. This is truly an engaging film and I highly recommend it!

Tokyo Story (Tōkyō Monogatari) [1953]

This film is told in a way that makes you relate to its characters. It’s a story about a family trying to get together, but life’s complications tend to get in the way. An elderly couple is trying to see their grown children, but only their widowed daughter-in-law makes time for them. When the family is together, they engage in conversations that make you relate to them. Not just in terms of family values, but the shots are framed in point-of-view, which makes it seem like the characters are talking directly to you. The film also offers some breathtaking shots of Japan. This is an enjoyable film for its beauty and realism.

The Searchers (1956)

Many people shake their heads when I tell them that this was my introduction to John Wayne. Everyone says that it’s a great film, but it’s not the right introduction to the Duke. Ethan Edwards is one of cinema’s most memorable anti-heroes. He goes on a search to locate his missing niece, but his demeanor and character are somewhat unlikable, possibly due to the horrors he experienced in the Civil War. Nonetheless, The Searchers is well told through acting, story, and unforgettable scenery. Utah’s Monument Valley never looked better!

The 400 Blows (Les Quatre Cents Coups) [1959]

Like Rebel Without a Cause, The 400 Blows also deals with troubled youth. Antoine Doinel is a boy who gets in trouble constantly. His mother and stepfather, who never formed a connection with Antoine, often misunderstand him. We feel for the boy during his misadventures – by the end of the movie, we understand him quite well. This is François Truffaut’s first of many great films and is semi-autobiographical. Truffaut puts a lot of his childhood into the picture and he molds it into an unforgettable story. A must-see!

If you missed my earlier posts, you can read about my favorites from past decades here: 1930s and 1940s.

Happy watching!