History's Best Selling Movies of 1937

Revisiting 1937 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Lost Horizon, A Day at the Races, and Saratoga took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Frank Capra and Sam Wood 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. Lost Horizon

   Released in 1937 by Frank Capra, Columbia Pictures

   On February 10, 1937, audiences in San Francisco were transported to a mythical paradise with the premiere of Frank Capra's "Lost Horizon." This ambitious adaptation of James Hilton's best-selling novel was a cinematic event, promising an escape from the tumultuous realities of the Great Depression into a realm of peace and longevity. While initially facing a mixed reception and significant budget overruns, the film quickly established itself as a cultural touchstone, etching the legendary valley of Shangri-La into the global consciousness. Its launch date marked the beginning of a profound journey for cinema, offering a much-needed vision of hope and utopia at a critical juncture in history.

2. A Day at the Races

   Released in 1937 by Sam Wood, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   June 11, 1937, marked the eagerly anticipated premiere of 'A Day at the Races,' the seventh feature film starring the legendary Marx Brothers. Following the immense success of 'A Night at the Opera,' this release was met with widespread excitement, solidifying the comedic trio's revitalized career under Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film instantly connected with audiences, continuing the Brothers' string of hits and proving that their unique brand of anarchic humor could thrive within a more structured Hollywood system. This date wasn't just another movie release; it was a testament to enduring comedic genius and a significant event in the golden age of Hollywood cinema.

3. Saratoga

   Released in 1937 by Jack Conway, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The cinematic world paused on July 23, 1937, with the release of 'Saratoga,' a film that was eagerly anticipated but arrived shrouded in an air of profound sadness. Marketed as the ultimate pairing of Hollywood's reigning 'King and Queen,' Clark Gable and Jean Harlow, its premiere was tinged with tragedy following Harlow's sudden and untimely death during production. Despite this somber backdrop, 'Saratoga' burst onto screens, captivating audiences and quickly becoming one of the year's highest-grossing films. This release date marked not only the launch of a romantic comedy set against the thrilling world of horse racing but also a poignant farewell to one of cinema's most luminous stars, making it a truly unforgettable moment in Hollywood history.

4. Stella Dallas

   Released in 1937 by King Vidor, United Artists

   August 6, 1937, marked the poignant premiere of 'Stella Dallas,' a powerful melodrama that immediately captivated audiences and critics alike. This release date launched one of the year's most significant films, establishing itself as a commercial success for Samuel Goldwyn Productions and further cementing Barbara Stanwyck's reputation as a leading dramatic actress. The film's compelling narrative of maternal sacrifice resonated deeply, making its debut a memorable event in cinematic history and ensuring its status as a classic 'weepie' that would endure for generations.

5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

   Released in 1937 by Walt Disney, Walt Disney Productions

   On December 21, 1937, the history of cinema was forever changed with the premiere of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles. This wasn't just another movie release; it was the world's first full-length cel-animated feature film. Prior to this, animation was confined to short comic novelties that played before the main feature. Walt Disney risked his entire company on the belief that audiences would sit through an 83-minute cartoon. The industry had dubbed the project "Disney's Folly," certain it would be a catastrophic failure. Instead, the premiere earned a rapturous standing ovation, heralding the dawn of a new art form.

6. Rosalie

   Released in 1937 by W.S. Van Dyke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On December 24, 1937, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unveiled 'Rosalie' to American audiences, a grand musical production that served as a dazzling holiday spectacle. This release date marked the wide theatrical debut of what would become a beloved classic, featuring the formidable talents of Eleanor Powell and Nelson Eddy. Emerging during the golden age of Hollywood musicals, 'Rosalie' quickly captivated moviegoers with its lavish sets, intricate dance numbers, and charming romance. Its launch was a significant event for MGM, solidifying its reputation for high-quality, escapist entertainment during a challenging economic period.