History's Best Selling Movies of 1933

Revisiting 1933 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including 42nd Street, Gold Diggers of 1933, and I'm No Angel took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Lloyd Bacon and Mervyn LeRoy led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. 42nd Street

   Released in 1933 by Lloyd Bacon, Warner Bros.

   February 2, 1933, marked the world theatrical premiere of '42nd Street' in New York City, a dazzling cinematic event that wasn't just another musical, but a lifeline for Hollywood. Released at the nadir of the Great Depression, this film single-handedly revitalized the musical genre and became a massive box office hit, pulling Warner Bros. from the brink of bankruptcy. Its debut was a testament to the power of escapism and entertainment, instantly captivating audiences with its lavish production numbers and a classic underdog story. This specific date is celebrated as the moment a cultural phenomenon burst onto the screen, setting new standards for movie musicals and offering a much-needed dose of joy and spectacle to a struggling nation.

2. Gold Diggers of 1933

   Released in 1933 by Mervyn LeRoy, Warner Bros.

   On May 27, 1933, Warner Bros. unveiled 'Gold Diggers of 1933' to American audiences, a dazzling cinematic spectacle that became an instant sensation amidst the gloom of the Great Depression. This premiere marked the beginning of a remarkable box office run for a film celebrated for its daring pre-Code content, stunning musical numbers, and poignant reflection of its era. More than just entertainment, it offered a much-needed escape and a cultural mirror, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic musicals in Hollywood history and a cornerstone of the Busby Berkeley legacy.

3. I'm No Angel

   Released in 1933 by Wesley Ruggles, Paramount Pictures

   On August 4, 1933, the world was introduced to Mae West's audacious wit and uninhibited charm with the premiere of 'I'm No Angel.' This cinematic event wasn't just another film release; it was a cultural phenomenon that further cemented West's status as a bona fide superstar and a box office savior for Paramount Pictures. Coming on the heels of her previous hit, 'She Done Him Wrong,' this movie delivered on its promise of irreverent humor and risqué allure, captivating audiences and shattering box office records. Its debut date marked the genesis of another legendary chapter in pre-Code Hollywood history, a testament to West's unique ability to blend sex appeal with an independent spirit, making it a truly special moment in film.

4. Tugboat Annie

   Released in 1933 by Mervyn LeRoy, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On August 4, 1933, the cinemas ushered in the release of 'Tugboat Annie', a charming and robust comedy-drama that would quickly capture the hearts of Depression-era audiences. Starring the beloved duo of Marie Dressler and Wallace Beery, this film was an instant box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Its premiere marked the debut of a cinematic classic, a heartwarming tale of an indomitable female tugboat captain and her boisterous husband, offering much-needed escapism and laughter during challenging times. This particular date signifies the official launch of a film that cemented its stars' status and created a lasting legacy.

5. Dinner at Eight

   Released in 1933 by George Cukor, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   August 23, 1933, marked the grand premiere of 'Dinner at Eight,' an cinematic event that captured the public's imagination and became a significant success during the depths of the Great Depression. This date launched a film that would go on to be celebrated for its razor-sharp wit, poignant drama, and an ensemble cast that read like a who's who of Hollywood royalty. Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the film quickly established itself as a critical darling and a box office hit, offering audiences a potent blend of escapism and social commentary. Its initial release was not just a screening; it was a cultural moment, showcasing MGM's power to assemble an all-star roster and deliver a sophisticated narrative that transcended the era's economic gloom, setting a new standard for ensemble dramas.

6. Footlight Parade

   Released in 1933 by Lloyd Bacon, Warner Bros. Pictures

   On September 30, 1933, the lights dimmed in cinemas across America for the premiere of 'Footlight Parade,' a dazzling cinematic spectacle that arrived like a much-needed burst of joy during the depths of the Great Depression. This date marked the launch of one of Warner Bros.' most iconic pre-Code musicals, a film that not only offered audiences a lavish escape but also proved to be a significant box office success, cementing its place in the golden age of Hollywood musicals. Its unique blend of fast-paced storytelling, snappy dialogue, and groundbreaking musical numbers set it apart, making its original theatrical debut a memorable event that would echo through cinematic history.

7. Dancing Lady

   Released in 1933 by Robert Z. Leonard, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On November 24, 1933, the silver screens were graced by the dazzling musical-comedy 'Dancing Lady,' marking a significant moment in Hollywood history. This premiere introduced audiences to a formidable showcase of star power, primarily featuring the dynamic Joan Crawford, supported by Franchot Tone, and most notably, serving as the cinematic debut of the legendary Fred Astaire. Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during the heart of the Great Depression, the film quickly danced its way into the hearts and wallets of moviegoers, achieving a remarkable box office performance that cemented its status as one of the year's commercial successes. This specific date is special as it ushered in a new era for musical films, establishing a benchmark for lavish production and star-studded entertainment that would captivate millions.

8. She Done Him Wrong

   Released in 1933 by Lowell Sherman, Paramount Pictures

   On December 22, 1933, the cinematic world was graced with the premiere of 'She Done Him Wrong,' a film that would cement Mae West's status as a bona fide superstar and a defiant icon of the pre-Code era. Released at a time when Hollywood was teetering on the edge of strict censorship, this movie was a spectacular success, showcasing West's signature wit, audacious sexuality, and groundbreaking autonomy. The film wasn't just a box office triumph; it was a cultural phenomenon, pulling Paramount Pictures back from the brink of bankruptcy and solidifying its place in film history as a bold, unforgettable piece of entertainment. Its debut marked a pivotal moment for both the studio and its leading lady, launching a legacy that continues to fascinate audiences.

9. Roman Scandals

   Released in 1933 by Frank Tuttle, Samuel Goldwyn Productions

   A vibrant, audacious cinematic experience burst onto the screen on Christmas Day, December 25, 1933, with the premiere of "Roman Scandals." This musical comedy, starring the immensely popular Eddie Cantor, offered audiences a much-needed dose of escapism and laughter during the challenging era of the Great Depression. The film was a significant release for Samuel Goldwyn Productions and United Artists, showcasing lavish production values and daring pre-Code content that pushed boundaries. Its debut wasn't just another movie opening; it was a cultural event, promising spectacle, humor, and a dazzling array of musical numbers orchestrated by the legendary Busby Berkeley, marking its place as a memorable highlight of early 1930s Hollywood.