History's Best Selling Movies of 1943

Make way for the hits of 1943! 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 Casablanca shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Coney Island and Dixie. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Michael Curtiz and Walter Lang, 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. Casablanca

   Released in 1943 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   On January 23, 1943, the romantic drama "Casablanca" received its general American release, an event timed with masterful publicity. The date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the Casablanca Conference, a high-level strategic meeting between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and French leaders Charles de Gaulle and Henri Giraud. This real-world event, taking place in the very city depicted in the film, generated enormous public interest and turned the movie's release into a major patriotic and cultural event. While the film had a limited premiere in New York City in November 1942 to qualify for the Academy Awards, its nationwide rollout on this date cemented its place in the public consciousness during a pivotal moment of World War II.

2. Coney Island

   Released in 1943 by Walter Lang, 20th Century Fox

   The dazzling musical 'Coney Island' starring the incomparable Betty Grable made its grand debut on June 18, 1943, marking a significant moment in wartime entertainment. Released by 20th Century Fox, this vibrant film transported audiences away from the anxieties of World War II with its Technicolor spectacle and catchy tunes. This premiere date was a beacon of light, offering a much-needed escape and becoming one of the year's top-grossing films, solidifying Grable's status as a major box office draw and contributing significantly to the morale of a nation craving joy and distraction amidst global conflict.

3. Dixie

   Released in 1943 by A. Edward Sutherland, Paramount Pictures

   June 23, 1943, marked the world theatrical premiere of 'Dixie' in New York City, a vibrant Technicolor musical that brought the life of songwriter Daniel Decatur Emmett to the big screen. Starring the immensely popular Bing Crosby, the film promised a lavish escape for wartime audiences. Its debut was met with considerable enthusiasm, quickly establishing it as one of the year's top grossing films. This premiere date is significant as it launched a musical that, while celebrated for its entertainment value at the time, would later become a point of discussion regarding its historical portrayals, yet undeniably solidified its place in Hollywood's golden age of musicals.

4. For Whom the Bell Tolls

   Released in 1943 by Sam Wood, Paramount Pictures

   On July 14, 1943, cinema screens across New York City lit up with the premiere of "For Whom the Bell Tolls," marking a significant cultural event amidst the global conflict of World War II. This date heralded the debut of what would become the highest-grossing film of its year, raking in an impressive $6.3 million at the domestic box office. More than just a commercial success, its premiere introduced audiences to a sweeping romantic drama adapted from Ernest Hemingway's acclaimed novel, immediately establishing itself as a powerful cinematic statement on love, sacrifice, and the brutal realities of war. The film's launch was a major moment for Paramount Pictures and solidified its stars, Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman, as titans of the silver screen.

5. This is the Army

   Released in 1943 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   On July 29, 1943, the musical extravaganza 'This is the Army' premiered, not just as a piece of entertainment, but as a powerful patriotic statement during the height of World War II. Its launch was a monumental event, drawing immense public attention and becoming a crucial morale booster for both the troops overseas and the civilian population back home. This date marked the debut of a unique film that transcended mere cinematic release, functioning as a direct contribution to the war effort, with every dollar earned dedicated to supporting American soldiers. Its record-breaking box office success cemented its place not only as a top-grossing film of its era but also as a symbol of national unity and sacrifice, making its premiere a truly special moment in American history.

6. Star Spangled Rhythm

   Released in 1943 by George Marshall, Paramount Pictures

   The launch of 'Star Spangled Rhythm' on August 6, 1943, was more than just another movie premiere; it was a dazzling spectacle designed to lift spirits during the height of World War II. This musical revue, featuring an unprecedented galaxy of Paramount Pictures' biggest stars, premiered to eager audiences, quickly becoming a significant box office success, reportedly grossing an estimated $3,850,000. This date marked the debut of a film that was not only a commercial triumph but also a vibrant testament to Hollywood's commitment to entertainment and morale-boosting during a critical period in history, cementing its place as a quintessential wartime musical. Its blend of patriotism, comedy, and star power made it an instant favorite.

7. Stage Door Canteen

   Released in 1943 by Frank Borzage, United Artists

   The cinematic heartwarming musical 'Stage Door Canteen' premiered on August 13, 1943, captivating audiences across North America. This release date marked the debut of a unique film that transcended mere entertainment, serving as a powerful morale booster during World War II. Its immediate success wasn't just measured in box office receipts, but in its ability to rally support for servicemen and embody the spirit of unity. The film's entire proceeds were dedicated to the American Theatre Wing and its Stage Door Canteens, making this premiere a significant event not just for Hollywood, but for the national war effort.

8. Thousands Cheer

   Released in 1943 by George Sidney, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On September 13, 1943, a star-spangled spectacle arrived in New York City: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "Thousands Cheer." This date marked the world theatrical premiere of a film designed not only to entertain but to uplift the spirits of a nation deep in the throes of World War II. It swiftly became one of the highest-grossing films of its year, raking in an impressive $3,751,000 in box office rentals for the studio. More than just a commercial success, "Thousands Cheer" served as a vibrant cinematic pep talk, bringing together an unprecedented array of MGM's biggest stars in a single production, making its debut a genuinely special event in wartime Hollywood history.

9. The Song of Bernadette

   Released in 1943 by Henry King, 20th Century Fox

   The release of "The Song of Bernadette" on December 22, 1943, marked a significant moment for Hollywood and audiences alike. Premiering in New York City, this reverent adaptation of Franz Werfel's bestselling novel immediately captivated moviegoers with its powerful story of faith and miracles. Coming at the height of World War II, the film offered a much-needed message of hope and spiritual solace, quickly becoming one of the most commercially successful films of its year. Its launch was not just a cinematic event but a cultural phenomenon, setting the stage for its eventual critical acclaim and a remarkable performance at the box office, making this initial release date a pivotal moment in its enduring legacy.

10. Destination Tokyo

    Released in 1943 by Delmer Daves, Warner Bros.

    On December 31, 1943, the gripping wartime submarine drama 'Destination Tokyo' premiered in New York City, launching a cinematic journey that resonated deeply with audiences during World War II. This date marked the debut of a film that captured the intense realities of naval warfare, offering a suspenseful and patriotic narrative. Its immediate success at the box office, generating an estimated $3,237,000 in rentals, underscored its timely appeal and cemented its place as a significant contributor to the era's morale-boosting entertainment. The premiere wasn't just a film screening; it was an event that brought the front lines closer to home, shaping public perception and support for the war effort.