History's Best Selling Movies of 1938

Hats off to 1938! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as In Old Chicago. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Test Pilot and The Adventures of Robin Hood, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Henry King and Victor Fleming set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. In Old Chicago

   Released in 1938 by Henry King, 20th Century Fox

   On January 7, 1938, the spectacular disaster film 'In Old Chicago' premiered, igniting screens with its fiery depiction of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This epic production from 20th Century Fox was not merely a movie; it was a grand cinematic event designed to captivate audiences with its blend of family drama, romance, and unprecedented special effects. Its launch marked a significant moment for Hollywood's Golden Age, showcasing the studio's ambition to produce large-scale spectacles. The film quickly became a major commercial success, captivating moviegoers and critics alike with its dynamic performances and the climactic, devastating fire sequence that cemented its place as one of the year's biggest box office hits.

2. Test Pilot

   Released in 1938 by Victor Fleming, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   Released on April 16, 1938, "Test Pilot" soared into cinemas as a star-studded aviation drama, instantly capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. This date marked the grand premiere of one of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's most successful films of the year, bringing together Hollywood's most beloved actors – Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy – in a thrilling tale of love, sacrifice, and the dangerous world of flight. The film quickly proved to be a major box office hit, further solidifying the star power of its lead trio and cementing its place as a quintessential example of 1930s cinematic spectacle. Its commercial success underscored the public's enduring fascination with daring aviators and the emotional complexities that accompanied their high-stakes lives, making its debut a memorable moment in film history.

3. The Adventures of Robin Hood

   Released in 1938 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   The premiere of "The Adventures of Robin Hood" on April 23, 1938, in Hollywood, marked the grand unveiling of a cinematic legend. This release date is particularly significant as it introduced moviegoers to Errol Flynn's iconic portrayal of the legendary outlaw, setting an unparalleled standard for action-adventure films. The film immediately captivated audiences with its vibrant Technicolor, thrilling escapism, and swashbuckling heroism, quickly becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its era. Its initial domestic box office success, generating nearly $2 million, underscored its widespread appeal and solidified Warner Bros.' reputation for producing grand, epic entertainment that resonated deeply with the public.

4. Love Finds Andy Hardy

   Released in 1938 by George B. Seitz, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On July 22, 1938, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released 'Love Finds Andy Hardy' to audiences, marking a pivotal moment for the burgeoning Andy Hardy franchise and for several young stars. This particular installment, the fifth in the wildly popular series, quickly proved to be a box office triumph, further solidifying the character of Andy Hardy as a cultural icon of American adolescence. Its premiere date ushered in another wave of wholesome entertainment, showcasing not only the reliable charm of Mickey Rooney but also providing breakout roles for rising talents Judy Garland and Lana Turner, making it a significant event in Hollywood history.

5. Alexander's Ragtime Band

   Released in 1938 by Henry King, 20th Century Fox

   On August 5, 1938, audiences were transported through a vibrant tapestry of American music history with the premiere of 'Alexander's Ragtime Band.' This date marks the initial launch of a cinematic spectacle that celebrated the timeless melodies of Irving Berlin and captivated a nation eager for lavish entertainment. The film became an immense commercial success, ranking among the highest-grossing productions of its year and solidifying its place as a cornerstone musical in Hollywood's Golden Age. Its release was not just a film premiere; it was a cultural event that showcased the evolution of popular music and established new benchmarks for musical dramas, ensuring its immediate and lasting impact on the entertainment landscape.

6. You Can't Take It with You

   Released in 1938 by Frank Capra, Columbia Pictures

   On August 23, 1938, Frank Capra's delightful comedy-drama "You Can't Take It with You" premiered in New York City, launching a cinematic classic that would capture the hearts of a Depression-era audience. This date marks the arrival of a film that was not only an instant critical success but also a significant box office triumph for Columbia Pictures. Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Capra masterfully brought to the screen a heartwarming tale of an eccentric family challenging the materialistic values of society, offering a much-needed dose of optimism and charm that resonated deeply with viewers and further cemented Capra's reputation as a purveyor of uplifting American narratives.

7. Boys Town

   Released in 1938 by Norman Taurog, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   Boys Town," a deeply moving and inspirational drama, premiered on September 8, 1938, in Omaha, Nebraska, marking the auspicious debut of a film that would swiftly capture the hearts of audiences and critics alike. This original theatrical release heralded a significant box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and cemented its place in cinematic history, largely due to its compelling narrative and powerful performances. The film's immediate commercial triumph, coupled with its profound social message, distinguished this premiere as not just another movie launch, but the unveiling of a cultural phenomenon that would earn lead actor Spencer Tracy his second consecutive Academy Award.

8. Sweethearts

   Released in 1938 by W. S. Van Dyke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On December 22, 1938, audiences in New York City were treated to the glittering spectacle of 'Sweethearts,' a landmark musical film that premiered with much anticipation. This date marked the official theatrical debut of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's first full-length Technicolor production, an ambitious project designed to showcase the studio's technical prowess and the enduring chemistry of its beloved stars, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. The film quickly became a commercial triumph, enchanting viewers with its vibrant colors, lush score, and romantic narrative, firmly cementing its place as a significant achievement in the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals.