History's Best Selling Movies of 1940

Revisiting 1940 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including The Fighting 69th, Pinocchio, and Tom and Jerry took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like William Keighley and The Walt Disney Company 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. The Fighting 69th

   Released in 1940 by William Keighley, Warner Bros.

   On January 26, 1940, Warner Bros. released 'The Fighting 69th' to American theaters, a patriotic war drama that resonated deeply with audiences on the cusp of World War II. Starring the powerhouse duo James Cagney and Pat O'Brien, the film depicted the valor of the New York National Guard's 69th Infantry Regiment during World War I, often referred to as 'The Fighting Irish.' Its timing was impeccable, offering a timely narrative of courage, duty, and redemption that appealed to a nation increasingly aware of global conflict. The movie quickly became a box office success, a testament to its compelling story and powerful performances, establishing itself as a significant entry in early 1940s cinema.

2. Pinocchio

   Released in 1940 by The Walt Disney Company, Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton Luske

   On February 7, 1940, at the Center Theatre in New York City, Walt Disney unveiled his second-ever feature-length animated film, *Pinocchio*. Following the unprecedented success of *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*, Disney gambled on a darker, more complex story about a wooden puppet who yearned to become a real boy. This premiere marked the public's first glimpse into what many would come to regard as the pinnacle of hand-drawn animation, a technical and artistic marvel that set a new standard for the medium and introduced the world to the iconic song "When You Wish Upon a Star."

3. Tom and Jerry (Debut in "Puss Gets the Boot")

   Released in 1940 by William Hanna, Joseph Barbera, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On February 10, 1940, audiences were first introduced to a seemingly familiar cat-and-mouse chase that would launch an entertainment empire. The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer animated short *Puss Gets the Boot* marked the public debut of the characters who would become Tom and Jerry. Though the cat was named Jasper and the mouse was an unnamed character (later unofficially called Jinx) in this initial outing, their classic dynamic of slapstick rivalry was fully formed. This single theatrical short, initially seen as just another cartoon, was a surprise smash hit that earned an Academy Award nomination and convinced the studio to commission a full series, giving birth to one of the most successful and enduring animation franchises in history.

4. Rebecca

   Released in 1940 by Alfred Hitchcock, United Artists

   March 27, 1940, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history with the world premiere of Alfred Hitchcock’s "Rebecca" in the United States. This gothic psychological thriller, based on Daphne du Maurier's beloved novel, became an instant critical and commercial success, launching Hitchcock's illustrious Hollywood career and solidifying his reputation as the "Master of Suspense." Grossing an impressive $3 million at the box office, a significant sum for its era, "Rebecca" not only captivated audiences with its atmospheric tension and haunting narrative but also earned the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture, the only Hitchcock film to ever achieve this distinction. This date is special as it represents the grand debut of a timeless classic that continues to fascinate and influence filmmakers and audiences alike, showcasing Hitchcock's genius in adapting complex literary works to the silver screen.

5. Boom Town

   Released in 1940 by Jack Conway, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On August 30, 1940, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unveiled 'Boom Town' to eager audiences, marking the theatrical premiere of a cinematic powerhouse that promised high drama and unparalleled star power. This particular date heralded the arrival of one of the year's most anticipated films, not just for its ambitious storyline set against the rugged backdrop of the American oil industry, but primarily for its extraordinary cast. Boasting the combined charisma of Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Claudette Colbert, and Hedy Lamarr, 'Boom Town' was an instant sensation, quickly cementing its status as a monumental box office success and a shining example of Hollywood's Golden Age studio system at its peak. The film's robust performance underscored its commercial appeal, making this premiere date a significant moment in the annals of classic cinema.

6. Strike Up the Band

   Released in 1940 by Busby Berkeley, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On September 27, 1940, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unleashed "Strike Up the Band" upon an eagerly awaiting public, cementing the iconic screen partnership of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. This release date marked a pivotal moment for the musical film genre and for MGM, demonstrating the incredible drawing power of its young stars. The film was an instant commercial success, pulling in an impressive $2,265,000 at the domestic box office. More than just a financial triumph, this movie delivered much-needed escapism and joy to audiences during a period of global uncertainty, solidifying its place as a beloved classic from the golden age of Hollywood musicals, and further establishing its lead actors as bona fide superstars.

7. The Great Dictator

   Released in 1940 by Charlie Chaplin, United Artists

   On October 15, 1940, Charlie Chaplin's audacious and groundbreaking film, 'The Great Dictator,' made its world theatrical premiere in the United States. This date marks a pivotal moment in cinematic history, not only as Chaplin's first full talkie but also as a courageous and direct satirical attack on Adolf Hitler and Nazism during a time when America was not yet officially at war. Despite considerable political pressure and threats, Chaplin self-financed and released this powerful statement, earning over $11 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $2 million. Its launch was a defiant act of artistic expression, instantly cementing its place as one of the most significant political comedies ever made and a testament to cinema's power to confront tyranny.

8. North West Mounted Police

   Released in 1940 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

   On October 21, 1940, Cecil B. DeMille's epic Technicolor Western, 'North West Mounted Police,' made its North American theatrical debut, captivating audiences with its vibrant visuals and thrilling narrative. This marked a significant moment for Paramount Pictures, as the film was their very first production shot entirely in Technicolor, a technological marvel for its era. The movie's grand scale, star-studded cast, and timely patriotic themes resonated deeply with a nation on the cusp of global conflict, cementing its place as a major cinematic event of 1940 and contributing significantly to the studio's box office success for the year.

9. Kitty Foyle

   Released in 1940 by Sam Wood, RKO Radio Pictures

   On December 27, 1940, RKO Radio Pictures premiered "Kitty Foyle," a groundbreaking romantic drama that solidified Ginger Rogers' dramatic prowess and captured the hearts of a nation. This release date marked a pivotal moment for Rogers, transitioning her from her iconic dance pairings with Fred Astaire to an Academy Award-winning dramatic actress. The film's compelling portrayal of a working-class woman navigating love and class distinctions resonated deeply with audiences, ultimately becoming a significant box office success and earning Rogers her only Oscar for Best Actress. Its debut introduced a new kind of heroine to the silver screen, making this date a landmark in Hollywood history.