329 Films from the 1950s
328 titles
- 301
I'll Cry TomorrowMovie · 1955 · 117mAmbitious mother Lillian Roth sacrifices a normal childhood for her daughter, who quickly becomes a Broadway and Hollywood star by the age of twenty. Shortly before she is to marry her childhood sweetheart, David Tredman, he dies. Lillian then begins a path of heavy drinking, ultimately becoming an alcoholic.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.1 - 302
I Want to Live!Movie · 1958 · 120m · Drama, CrimeSet in 1950s Los Angeles, Barbara Graham, a habitual criminal, tries to leave her life of crime behind. But she becomes entangled in a dangerous situation that results in a murder, and her hopes for a new life are shattered as she faces death row. This story explores the difficulties of finding redemption and the serious consequences of past choices, revealing a compelling look at human nature and the search for hope in difficult circumstances.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.9 - 303
OrdetMovie · 1955 · 125m · DramaIn rural Denmark, this film explores the complicated relationships within farmer Morten's family. His three sons – Anders, Mikkel, and Johannes – hold very different religious views. Anders is deeply faithful like his father, Mikkel questions his faith, and Johannes claims to be the reincarnation of Jesus.
Family tensions escalate when a difficult childbirth for Mikkel’s wife, Inger, forces everyone to confront their beliefs. The film examines faith, doubt, and family bonds, revealing how deeply belief shapes lives and relationships.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 304
The Pajama GameMovie · 1957 · 103m · Music, Comedy, RomanceAt a small-town pajama factory, an honest worker and the new superintendent who arrives to resolve a labor dispute develop a gentle romance. As employees seek better pay, they find comfort in each other and build a connection that goes beyond their jobs. They navigate love, friendship, and loyalty while dealing with power struggles, exploring themes of human connection and what people are willing to defend. This touching drama offers a thoughtful look at the search for fairness, understanding, and happiness in the workplace.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 305
Elena and Her MenMovie · 1956 · 95m · Drama, Comedy, RomanceIn Jean Renoir's romantic comedy *Elena and Her Men*, Ingrid Bergman stars as Elena, a Polish princess in late 19th-century France. Though struggling financially despite her noble birth, she attracts the attention of men from all walks of life. Her beauty captivates a famous general, drawing her into a world of romantic games and political maneuvering. The film explores how her charms influence the feelings of her suitors and even the future of France, all while balancing humor and romance. It's a story about love's uncertainties and the complexities of power.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.9 - 306
RififiMovie · 1955 · 118m · Crime, Thriller, DramaAfter serving five years in prison, Tony returns to a world of high-stakes jewel theft and a personal vendetta. His old friend Jo offers him a seemingly simple heist, but the job becomes complicated when Tony discovers his former lover, Mado, is now with local gangster Pierre Grutter.
Tony assembles a crew, transforming the planned robbery into a daring operation. Though they succeed in escaping, their actions trigger unforeseen consequences for everyone involved. The relationships and loyalties within the group unravel, revealing hidden secrets and putting lives at risk.
The film is a suspenseful story about love, betrayal, and the dangerous world of jewel heists. As tensions rise and allegiances shift, it explores the motivations behind revenge and redemption, and how far people will go to achieve them.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8 - 307
A GeishaMovie · 1953 · 85m · DramaSet in historical Japan, the film follows Eiko, a determined young woman who seeks apprenticeship with Miyoharu, a renowned and mysterious geisha. As they navigate the world of high-class entertainment, they discover they both possess the power to refuse clients who don't meet their standards. This leads to an examination of women's independence, societal pressures, and personal choices during a difficult period for women in Japan. Eiko and Miyoharu grapple with tradition and their own aspirations, exploring a timeless theme of self-determination.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 308
The Marrying KindMovie · 1952 · 92mFlorence and Chet Keefer are going through a difficult divorce. During the hearing, the judge suggests they reflect on happier moments in their relationship, hoping to encourage reconciliation.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 309
Secrets of WomenMovie · 1952 · 104m · Drama, ComedyThe film explores marriage and personal truth through connected stories. Four wives gather at a summer cottage, each awaiting their husbands' return and sharing their experiences. Rakel reveals a past affair and confrontation with her husband. Marta discusses her initial reluctance to marry and choosing to raise a child alone. Karin recounts a funny story of being trapped in an elevator with her spouse. Intertwined with these stories is Marta's younger sister Maj, secretly planning to elope, adding another layer to the film's look at relationships. The film captures the complexities of human connections and how love changes over time.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 310
SayonaraMovie · 1957 · 147m · Drama, RomanceAir Force Major Lloyd Gruver (Marlon Brando) is assigned to a Japanese air base, where his rigid approach to duty is challenged by racial prejudice among his fellow soldiers against the local Japanese people. The situation becomes more complex as some servicemen begin romantic relationships with Japanese women, violating military rules.
Gruver's beliefs are tested when his friend, Joe Kelly (Red Buttons), falls in love with and decides to marry a Japanese woman named Katsumi (Miyoshi Umeki). Despite the potential consequences, Gruver supports his friend by acting as best man at the wedding. This story examines love, prejudice, and loyalty amidst cultural differences and personal transformation in postwar Japan.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 311
DreamsMovie · 1955 · 88m · Drama, RomanceSet in Stockholm's vibrant fashion scene, the film follows Susanne, a 35-year-old owner of a modeling agency, and her top model Doris as they travel to Gothenburg for a photoshoot. Surrounded by the world of glamour, both women confront complicated feelings about love and desire.
Susanne, involved in an affair, starts to examine her own feelings and the effect the relationship has on her. Doris, a young and driven model, becomes interested in an older man who reminds him of his late wife. As their romantic interests overlap, Susanne and Doris develop an unexpected connection, finding support and understanding in each other as they explore love and who they are.
The film explores intimacy, friendship, and self-understanding, depicting the lives of these two women and their search for connection in a world that often prioritizes appearance over genuine feelings.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 312
The LineupMovie · 1958 · 87m · CrimeSan Francisco is the setting for a dangerous operation run by a ruthless criminal called "the Boss" and his loyal protégé, a violent enforcer. They target travelers, tricking them into carrying heroin through airport security, then retrieve the packages after they've been shipped. The film follows their chillingly efficient work in the drug underworld, while also examining the complicated relationship between the two criminals and the emotional cost of their choices.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 313
Ashes and DiamondsMovie · 1958 · 103m · Drama, War, RomanceSet against the backdrop of post-World War II turmoil, the film follows Maciek Chelmicki, an academy soldier ordered to assassinate a political figure. A chance meeting throws him into a difficult situation: carry out the killing or disobey his orders and face the repercussions. As Maciek struggles with this moral dilemma, he meets Krystyna, a young barmaid whose kindness questions his sense of duty. In the midst of war's aftermath, their moments of connection highlight the human cost of this emotional story.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 314
The Incredible Shrinking ManMovie · 1957 · 81m · Science Fiction, Drama, AdventureScott Carey experiences a bizarre transformation after exposure to radiation and insecticide, causing him to shrink dramatically. His home becomes a dangerous landscape as he faces new threats, like cellar spiders, and adjusts to life with his cat, who now seems enormous. The story is a gripping exploration of survival, adaptation, and how people endure when faced with unbelievable circumstances.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 315
The Caine MutinyMovie · 1954 · 124m · Drama, WarBased on true events, this drama explores the conflict between duty and personal well-being aboard a US Naval vessel. The crew grapples with their captain's deteriorating mental health, as his unpredictable behavior endangers the ship and everyone on board. The first officer is forced to choose between removing the captain and risking court-martial, or risking escalating danger by allowing the situation to worsen. The film examines leadership, responsibility, and the human impact of maintaining order during crisis, as legal challenges arise both ashore and at sea. It’s a powerful look at the complexities of military life and the courage needed to question authority when lives are at risk.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.2 - 316
South PacificMovie · 1958 · 157m · Music, Romance, WarNellie Forbush, a spirited nurse from Little Rock, navigates duty and love during World War II in the South Pacific. Working in a military hospital, she meets Emile de Becque, a French planter, and falls for him after a memorable evening. Their relationship faces cultural and social obstacles that challenge their love.
Bloody Mary, a philosopher on the island, complicates matters by claiming to be the mother of Liat, the woman Lieutenant Joseph Cable has fallen for. The film blends comedy and drama, showing sailors and nurses enjoying a musical comedy show for entertainment during wartime.
As the war nears the island, their peaceful life is disrupted, and Nellie and Emile's romance becomes a story about love and self-discovery. They confront prejudice, misunderstandings, and personal growth, forcing them to examine their beliefs and decide if their love can conquer all or if they should part ways.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.1 - 317
Death of a SalesmanMovie · 1951 · 115mWilly Loman, a declining salesman, battles to confront reality and his inability to attain the American Dream.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 318
The Ballad of NarayamaMovie · 1958 · 98m · DramaSet in a secluded mountain village, the film explores a unique tradition born from food shortages: elderly relatives carry loved ones to Narayama mountain to pass away. Granny Orin, approaching 70 and accepting her destiny, evokes complex feelings in her son and grandson. Her son grapples with grief, while her grandson sees a chance for personal gain. Interwoven with the lives of others – including a family of thieves facing repercussions – the story examines sacrifice, acceptance, and the strength of familial bonds during hardship. As Orin's gentle spirit influences her family’s journeys, the film prompts reflection on what truly defines us.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 319
The Naked SpurMovie · 1953 · 91m · WesternA hardened bounty hunter's pursuit of a notorious murderer takes a turn when he's forced to team up with two mysterious strangers. The story follows the hunter as he faces perilous situations and dangerous people in his attempt to capture the killer. Loyalty and betrayal become central as the characters struggle with their pasts while confronting a brutal criminal. Set against a stunning but unforgiving landscape, the film explores the difficult choices people make when pushed to the limit.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 320
Auntie MameMovie · 1958 · 143m · Comedy, DramaIn the vibrant 1920s, Mame Dennis lives life on her own terms. When her brother-in-law dies, she unexpectedly becomes responsible for his son, Patrick. As Mame embraces this new role, she clashes with the estate's executor, who disapproves of her unconventional approach to raising Patrick. Their conflict intensifies as he tries to force a traditional education on the boy, opposing Mame’s progressive values and the strong connection they share. The story explores themes of independence, societal expectations, and the power of family.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.0 - 321
SuddenlyMovie · 1954 · 77m · Crime, ThrillerIn a quiet small town, Sheriff Tod Shaw persistently tries to win over the reserved widow Ellen Benson. Their peace is shattered when the U.S. President visits, drawing the attention of John Baron, a dangerous hired assassin with a disturbed mind.
Baron sees Ellen's home as the ideal place for an ambush and begins plotting. This forces Ellen to question her pacifist beliefs and the danger of guns. Sheriff Shaw struggles with his duty as lawman as the threat of violence grows.
The story explores themes of love, morality, and the conflict between personal beliefs and what society expects, building suspense as the ambush nears and its consequences become clear.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.3 - 322
I'm All Right JackMovie · 1959 · 105m · ComedyAfter returning from war, Stanley Windrush is eager to build a successful business career. He soon discovers that achieving success requires starting at the bottom and working his way up. As he tries to climb the ladder, Stanley finds himself caught between management and labor unions, both vying to exploit his position for their own gain. This story reveals the difficult realities of working in a company after the war, and the personal struggles and ethical challenges faced by those trying to navigate these complicated power dynamics.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 323
The Narrow MarginMovie · 1952 · 71m · Thriller, CrimeA veteran police officer teams up with the widow of a notorious gangster for a dangerous train journey. Danger is everywhere as they travel. The cop, used to the city's toughest streets, must overcome his biases to work with the mysterious widow. Their relationship reveals hidden depths as they learn to trust each other in a desperate race against time. The suspenseful story explores themes of trust, second chances, and unlikely partnerships, blurring the lines between right and wrong.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 324
Nights of CabiriaMovie · 1957 · 110m · DramaRome, 1957. Cabiria, an optimistic woman, is betrayed by her boyfriend Giorgio and left for dead near the Tiber River. Rescued by strangers, she confronts the harsh realities of life with remarkable strength. Determined to find happiness despite cynicism, Cabiria navigates love and loss, learning that appearances can be misleading. The film explores betrayal, resilience, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of late 1950s Rome, examining the complexities of human connection and the pursuit of contentment.IMDb 8.1TMDB 8.0 - 325
I Was Monty's DoubleMovie · 1958 · 101mThis is the remarkable true story of an impersonator who was secretly enlisted to pose as General Montgomery. The goal? To deceive the Germans about Allied plans before the crucial North Africa campaign.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 326
Johnny GuitarMovie · 1954 · 110m · Western, Drama, RomanceIn a lawless frontier town, Vienna owns a saloon frequented by outlaws like the Dancin' Kid and his gang. Johnny Guitar, an ex-gunslinger and Vienna's lover, is among her regulars. When a robbery goes wrong and a man dies, Emma Small, Vienna’s rival, stirs up the townspeople to seek revenge against Vienna’s saloon, despite lacking any proof. This Western examines loyalty, power, and the cost of vengeance in a wild, lawless society.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 327
On the BoweryMovie · 1957 · 65mThis film blends documentary and scripted elements to depict life on the Bowery, New York City's skid row. Set against the backdrop of men (and some women) socializing in bars, conversing, and sleeping on the streets, the story centers on a man named Ray.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.6 - 328
Three Came HomeMovie · 1950 · 106mBorneo, 1941. As Japan invades the island, American writer Agnes Newton Keith is separated from her husband and taken prisoner with her son. They are held in a camp overseen by Colonel Suga, a man shrouded in mystery.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.6
