History's Best Selling Movies of 1931

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1931 saw a swell surge of swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship in the world of movies! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like The Man Who Came Back and Cimarron, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Raoul Walsh and Wesley Ruggles proved their mettle with City Lights, delivering craftsmanship that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. The Man Who Came Back

   Released in 1931 by Raoul Walsh, Fox Film Corporation

   On January 15, 1931, Fox Film Corporation unveiled 'The Man Who Came Back' to audiences, marking another entry into the burgeoning sound era of Hollywood. This release was significant not for breaking box office records, but for presenting a familiar dramatic narrative with a popular leading duo, Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor, in a full 'talkie' format. As the film premiered, it offered a glimpse into the evolving landscape of cinema, showcasing the industry's continued efforts to adapt stage plays for the screen while leveraging established star power. This particular date solidified the film's place as a testament to the period's dramatic conventions and technological advancements, providing entertainment in a rapidly changing world of motion pictures.

2. Cimarron

   Released in 1931 by Wesley Ruggles, RKO Radio Pictures

   The premiere of 'Cimarron' on January 26, 1931, marked a significant moment in early sound cinema, introducing audiences to an epic Western saga that would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. This RKO Radio Pictures production captivated viewers with its sweeping portrayal of American expansion, garnering considerable attention and solidifying its place in film history. The film, which debuted in Los Angeles before its wider release, quickly drew crowds, signaling its potential to become a major cinematic event. Despite facing the economic challenges of the Great Depression era, 'Cimarron' demonstrated the enduring appeal of grand storytelling and adventurous narratives, proving that audiences were eager for large-scale spectacles even in difficult times. Its immediate impact highlighted the power of an ambitious cinematic vision.

3. City Lights

   Released in 1931 by Charlie Chaplin

   On January 30, 1931, against the overwhelming tide of sound pictures, Charlie Chaplin debuted his silent masterpiece, *City Lights*. The world premiere was held at the Los Angeles Theatre and was a star-studded event, famously attended by Albert Einstein as Chaplin's guest of honor. This date marks the public's first exposure to a film that was a tremendous gamble. Chaplin invested his own money and spent nearly three years crafting it, stubbornly refusing to incorporate spoken dialogue despite the industry's complete shift to "talkies." The film's immediate critical and commercial success from this day forward validated his artistic vision and proved the universal power of his Little Tramp character.

4. Trader Horn

   Released in 1931 by W. S. Van Dyke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On January 30, 1931, audiences in New York City experienced the thrilling debut of 'Trader Horn,' a landmark adventure film that plunged viewers deep into the wilds of East Africa. This premiere wasn't just another movie launch; it marked a significant moment for Hollywood's early sound era, showcasing unparalleled on-location shooting and a daring vision. As one of the first films to brave the logistical challenges of filming in a truly exotic foreign locale, 'Trader Horn' immediately captured public imagination, becoming a significant box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during the trying years of the Great Depression. Its release heralded a new frontier for cinematic realism and epic storytelling.

5. A Connecticut Yankee

   Released in 1931 by David Butler, Fox Film Corporation

   The movie 'A Connecticut Yankee' launched on April 8, 1931, marking a significant moment for early sound cinema. This date brought Mark Twain's classic satirical novel to life on the big screen with musical numbers and the beloved star power of American humorist Will Rogers. Released by Fox Film Corporation during the challenging economic climate of the Great Depression, the film proved to be a substantial box office hit, captivating audiences with its unique blend of humor, fantasy, and music. Its premiere signaled a successful blend of literary adaptation and the burgeoning 'talkie' format, solidifying its place as a notable film from its era and allowing the public to experience this imaginative journey back in time, amplified by sound and song.

6. M

   Released in 1931 by Fritz Lang, Thea von Harbou, Nero-Film AG

   On May 11, 1931, German cinema reached a new zenith with the premiere of Fritz Lang's "M" in Berlin. Lang's first sound film, "M" was a chilling and psychologically complex thriller that transcended the crime genre to become a profound commentary on society, justice, and human nature. Released during the fragile and politically charged era of the Weimar Republic, just before the rise of the Nazi party, the film's depiction of a city gripped by fear and paranoia resonated deeply with contemporary audiences. The film's premiere was a landmark event, showcasing the artistic potential of the new "talkie" medium and establishing technical and narrative conventions that would influence filmmakers for generations to come, particularly in the thriller and film noir genres.

7. Bad Girl

   Released in 1931 by Frank Borzage, Fox Film Corporation

   The cinematic landscape of 1931 was forever changed on August 13 when Fox Film Corporation released "Bad Girl." This poignant romantic drama, helmed by the acclaimed Frank Borzage, captivated audiences with its honest portrayal of young love and the challenges of early marriage, including an unplanned pregnancy. Marking its world theatrical premiere, "Bad Girl" became an immediate box office success, a crucial achievement during the Great Depression. Its ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level, coupled with strong performances and sensitive direction, propelled it to earn a significant $1.1 million against a modest budget. The film’s launch date signifies the beginning of its journey to critical acclaim and popular adoration, cementing its place as a significant work in early sound cinema.

8. Palmy Days

   Released in 1931 by A. Edward Sutherland, United Artists

   November 14, 1931, marked the dazzling premiere of 'Palmy Days,' a musical comedy that brought the irrepressible energy of Eddie Cantor to the silver screen during the nascent era of talkies. This date unleashed a cinematic spectacle, blending Cantor's signature humor with lavish production numbers choreographed by the legendary Busby Berkeley. Released by United Artists, the film quickly became a much-needed box office success amidst the grim backdrop of the Great Depression, generating approximately $1.6 million. Its launch was more than just a movie debut; it was a significant event for early sound cinema, solidifying Eddie Cantor's status as a major star and showcasing innovative musical staging that would define a genre.

9. Possessed

   Released in 1931 by Clarence Brown, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   November 21, 1931, marked the dazzling debut of 'Possessed,' a quintessential pre-Code drama that captivated audiences with its daring narrative and the magnetic pairing of Joan Crawford and Clark Gable. This date ushered in a box office success story, generating an impressive $1,030,000 against a modest budget, a substantial sum for the Great Depression era. The film's premiere was not just another movie release; it was a cultural event, solidifying the star power of its leads and affirming Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's prowess in crafting compelling, sophisticated adult entertainment. Its bold exploration of social mobility and forbidden romance ensured it instantly became a topic of widespread discussion, making this release date a significant moment in early Hollywood history.

10. Arrowsmith

    Released in 1931 by John Ford, United Artists

    On December 10, 1931, the cinematic adaptation of Sinclair Lewis's acclaimed novel, 'Arrowsmith,' premiered, marking a significant moment in early sound film history. Released by United Artists during the throes of the Great Depression, this prestigious production stood out as a beacon of quality and intellectual depth. Its launch was met with widespread critical praise, establishing it as a serious contender in the awards season and a commercially successful venture for its time, pulling in an impressive $1,250,000 at the box office in the US and Canada. This date represents the debut of a compelling narrative that brought complex ethical and scientific themes to the silver screen.

11. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

    Released in 1931 by Rouben Mamoulian, Paramount Pictures

    On December 31, 1931, the cinematic world was introduced to a new level of psychological horror with the premiere of Rouben Mamoulian's 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.' This date marked the debut of one of the most iconic horror films of the pre-Code era, solidifying its place in film history and terrifying audiences with its innovative special effects and groundbreaking performance by Fredric March. While exact record-breaking box office figures are scarce for this period, the film's strong commercial performance and critical acclaim immediately established it as a major success for Paramount Pictures, setting a high bar for adaptations of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novella and influencing countless horror films to follow. The film's impact was instantaneous, cementing this date as a pivotal moment in the horror genre.