History's Best Selling Movies of 1935

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1935 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 Roberta and China Seas, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like William A. Seiter and Tay Garnett proved their mettle with The Crusades, 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. Roberta

   Released in 1935 by William A. Seiter, RKO Radio Pictures

   On March 8, 1935, RKO Radio Pictures unveiled 'Roberta' to American audiences, marking another triumphant chapter in the golden age of Hollywood musicals. This lavish production, an adaptation of the popular Broadway show, quickly cemented its status as a critical and commercial success, further solidifying the legendary on-screen partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Its release during the height of the Great Depression offered much-needed escapism, dazzling viewers with its sophisticated humor, unforgettable music, and spectacular dance numbers. The film's premiere was not just an event; it was a reaffirmation of the power of musical cinema to uplift and entertain, contributing significantly to RKO's financial stability and its reputation for quality entertainment.

2. China Seas

   Released in 1935 by Tay Garnett, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   August 9, 1935, marked the electrifying premiere of 'China Seas,' an action-packed adventure film that brought together two of Hollywood's biggest stars, Clark Gable and Jean Harlow, in a fiery on-screen reunion. This date was a major event for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, launching a picture that would become one of the year's top grossers, solidifying the box office power of its leading duo. The film’s launch promised audiences a thrilling escape into exotic locales, dangerous romance, and maritime intrigue, making its debut a highly anticipated cinematic moment that set the stage for its significant commercial success.

3. The Crusades

   Released in 1935 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

   The grand premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's epic, "The Crusades," on August 21, 1935, marked a significant moment in Hollywood's golden age of spectacle. This monumental historical drama, brought to the screen by the legendary director, promised audiences an immersive journey into one of history's most tumultuous eras. While its box office performance of nearly $1.5 million was substantial for the time, reflecting its ambitious scope and star power, the film faced immense production costs, making this premiere date a launch into both critical fascination and financial scrutiny for Paramount Pictures. It was a bold cinematic endeavor that aimed to transport viewers back to the religious wars of the 12th century, underscoring DeMille's enduring appeal for lavish historical productions.

4. Top Hat

   Released in 1935 by Mark Sandrich, RKO Radio Pictures

   On August 29, 1935, the cinematic world was graced with the premiere of "Top Hat," a dazzling musical comedy that would solidify Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as an iconic screen duo. This release marked a pinnacle in the RKO-produced Astaire-Rogers series, offering Depression-era audiences much-needed escapism through its luxurious settings, witty dialogue, and, most notably, its breathtaking dance numbers. The film's immediate success at the box office wasn't just a testament to its stars' undeniable chemistry but also to the masterful craftsmanship behind every frame, establishing it as an instant classic and a benchmark for the golden age of Hollywood musicals.

5. Steamboat Round the Bend

   Released in 1935 by John Ford, Fox Film Corporation

   On September 8, 1935, movie screens across North America lit up with 'Steamboat Round the Bend,' a cinematic event that quickly became a bittersweet milestone in Hollywood history. This premiere marked the commercial release of what would tragically be the last completed film starring the beloved American humorist and actor, Will Rogers. Launched by Fox Film Corporation, the movie quickly captivated audiences, drawing an impressive box office of over $1.5 million at a time when entertainment offered a crucial escape from the Great Depression. Its release was tinged with a profound sense of loss, as Rogers had died in an airplane crash just weeks before, transforming the film from a charming comedy into a poignant farewell from one of America's most cherished stars, making this date a significant moment in film and cultural memory.

6. Mutiny on the Bounty

   Released in 1935 by Frank Lloyd, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On November 8, 1935, the cinematic world was captivated by the premiere of 'Mutiny on the Bounty,' an epic adventure film that would etch itself into Hollywood history. This monumental release from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer wasn't just another movie; it was a grand spectacle, lauded by critics and adored by audiences, setting new benchmarks for storytelling and production value in its era. Its initial launch heralded a remarkable box office performance, solidifying its place as one of the highest-grossing films of 1935 and ultimately earning the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture. The film's compelling narrative, stellar cast, and immersive production ensured that this specific date marked the beginning of a legendary run for a true cinematic masterpiece.

7. In Old Kentucky

   Released in 1935 by George Marshall, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

   November 15, 1935, marked a poignant moment in cinematic history with the release of "In Old Kentucky." This film, notable for being the final screen appearance of beloved humorist Will Rogers, alongside the burgeoning superstar Shirley Temple, captivated audiences during the Great Depression. Its premiere offered a blend of heartwarming drama, music, and patriotic spirit, serving as a significant cultural event that provided much-needed escapism and cemented its place as a classic piece of early Hollywood. The date itself became a marker for the end of an era for one star and the continued ascent of another, drawing considerable attention and emotional resonance from the public.