History's Best Selling Movies of 1936

Make way for the hits of 1936! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the golden era of American industry and the march of first-rate movies. Crowd-pleasers such as Strike Me Pink shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Rose Marie and Modern Times. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Norman Taurog and W.S. Van Dyke, these trailblazing products swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Strike Me Pink

   Released in 1936 by Norman Taurog, United Artists

   On January 24, 1936, audiences nationwide were introduced to the energetic antics of Eddie Cantor in the musical comedy "Strike Me Pink." This date marked the film's theatrical premiere, launching a vibrant production that aimed to deliver pure escapism during the challenging times of the Great Depression. As a star vehicle for one of Hollywood's most popular song-and-dance men, its release was a significant event for fans eagerly anticipating Cantor's latest blend of humor, song, and frantic charm. The film quickly proved to be a commercial success, affirming Cantor's enduring appeal and Samuel Goldwyn's acumen in crafting popular entertainment, solidifying its place as a memorable entertainment offering of the era.

2. Rose Marie

   Released in 1936 by W.S. Van Dyke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The enchanting musical 'Rose Marie' premiered on January 31, 1936, captivating audiences with its spectacular blend of romance, adventure, and unforgettable melodies. This release marked a significant moment in Hollywood's Golden Age, solidifying the meteoric rise of its beloved stars, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, as one of cinema's most iconic on-screen duos. The film quickly became a major box office sensation for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, setting financial benchmarks and demonstrating the enduring appeal of the operetta genre translated to the big screen. Its debut introduced moviegoers to a lavish production set against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, promising an escapist journey filled with soaring vocals and dramatic tension that resonated deeply with audiences during the challenging era of the Great Depression.

3. Modern Times

   Released in 1936 by Charles Chaplin, United Artists

   The premiere of Charlie Chaplin's "Modern Times" on February 5, 1936, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history. Released in an era dominated by "talkies," this film daringly pushed the boundaries by largely retaining Chaplin’s iconic silent film style, albeit with synchronized sound effects and a musical score. Despite this artistic choice, or perhaps because of it, the movie quickly became a commercial success, generating an estimated $1.8 million at the box office during its initial run. This remarkable financial performance underscored Chaplin's enduring appeal and the public's hunger for his unique brand of social commentary wrapped in masterful physical comedy. The date signifies not just a film release, but a powerful artistic statement from one of cinema's greatest pioneers.

4. The Great Ziegfeld

   Released in 1936 by Robert Z. Leonard, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   April 8, 1936, marked the grand premiere of 'The Great Ziegfeld,' a colossal musical biopic that instantly captivated audiences and critics alike. This cinematic spectacle, a lavish tribute to the legendary Broadway impresario Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., wasn't just a film release; it was an event. Debuting amidst the tail end of the Great Depression, it offered an unparalleled escape into a world of glamour, music, and opulence, making it an immediate box office sensation. The film's ambitious scale, star-studded cast, and record-breaking budget set a new standard for Hollywood musicals, cementing its place as one of the year's most important cinematic achievements and paving its way to multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

5. Anthony Adverse

   Released in 1936 by Mervyn LeRoy, Warner Bros.

   July 29, 1936, marked the grand theatrical premiere of 'Anthony Adverse,' a monumental epic drama that instantly captivated audiences worldwide. This date launched one of the most ambitious and successful films of the year for Warner Bros., quickly establishing itself as a critical and commercial triumph. With a substantial box office return for its era, the film not only solidified its place in cinematic history but also showcased Hollywood's burgeoning capacity for adapting vast literary works into visually stunning spectacles. Its release was a significant event, offering a much-needed escape into adventure and romance during the challenging years of the Great Depression, making this premiere date a memorable moment in film lore.

6. Swing Time

   Released in 1936 by George Stevens, RKO Radio Pictures

   On August 27, 1936, audiences were swept off their feet by the premiere of 'Swing Time,' a dazzling musical comedy that would cement the legendary status of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Released by RKO Radio Pictures, this film swiftly became a critical and commercial triumph, bringing much-needed joy and escapism during the Great Depression. Its debut marked not just the arrival of another Astaire-Rogers vehicle, but a pinnacle of their on-screen chemistry and the golden age of Hollywood musicals, with its intricate dance numbers and captivating story enchanting moviegoers from day one.

7. Libeled Lady

   Released in 1936 by Jack Conway, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On October 9, 1936, the cinematic world was introduced to "Libeled Lady," a sparkling screwball comedy that instantly captivated audiences and critics alike. This release date marked the premiere of a film boasting an unparalleled ensemble cast – Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy – all at the peak of their stardom. Their combined star power and the film's witty script ensured its status as a major event, propelling it to significant box office success and solidifying its place as one of the definitive romantic comedies of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The film’s launch was not just a movie premiere; it was a cultural moment, showcasing MGM's mastery of the genre.

8. After the Thin Man

   Released in 1936 by W. S. Van Dyke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   After the Thin Man premiered on a festive Christmas Day, December 25, 1936, bringing a delightful dose of sophisticated mystery and sparkling wit to audiences. As the highly anticipated sequel to the immensely popular 'The Thin Man', its release was met with significant enthusiasm, quickly establishing itself as a box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This holiday launch date was strategically chosen to capitalize on the season's movie-going rush, and it paid off handsomely, cementing the film's place as a beloved classic and further solidifying the iconic screen partnership of William Powell and Myrna Loy. The film's immediate popularity highlighted the enduring appeal of its charming leads and clever script.

9. The Plainsman

   Released in 1936 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

   The Plainsman rode into theaters on December 31, 1936, marking a significant entry into the Western genre and solidifying Cecil B. DeMille's reputation as a master of epic storytelling. This New Year's Eve premiere was more than just another film release; it was a grand cinematic event, a historical spectacle brought to life by the legendary director and a stellar cast. With its impressive box office performance, the film quickly became a commercial success, cementing its place as a quintessential Golden Age Western and a testament to the enduring appeal of frontier legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane to American audiences during the Great Depression.