History's Best Selling Movies of 1945

Hats off to 1945! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as The Valley of Decision. Alongside sensationally popular hits like National Velvet and State Fair, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Tay Garnett and Clarence Brown 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. The Valley of Decision

   Released in 1945 by Tay Garnett, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On May 25, 1945, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unveiled "The Valley of Decision" to American audiences, marking a significant moment for the highly anticipated romantic drama. This release date cemented the film's presence as a major cinematic event during the final months of World War II, offering a captivating escape into a world of historical romance and social commentary. Garnering considerable attention for its star power, particularly Greer Garson and Gregory Peck, the film quickly established itself as a commercial success. Its wide theatrical debut allowed countless moviegoers to immerse themselves in a gripping tale of class, love, and ambition set against the backdrop of a burgeoning industrial era, making this date a pivotal point in its journey to becoming a beloved classic.

2. National Velvet

   Released in 1945 by Clarence Brown, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The cinematic masterpiece 'National Velvet' galloped into wide release in North America on July 1, 1945, marking a significant moment in Hollywood history and cementing its status as a beloved classic. While it had a limited premiere in late 1944, the summer of 1945 saw its widespread theatrical debut, captivating audiences across the continent and becoming a major box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This release date is particularly special as it truly launched the film into the cultural consciousness, turning its young star into a household name and bringing a heartwarming tale of ambition and equine passion to a post-war world yearning for inspiration.

3. State Fair

   Released in 1945 by Walter Lang, 20th Century Fox

   The cinematic charm of 'State Fair' (1945) first graced the silver screen on August 30, 1945, a pivotal moment in history as World War II drew to a close. This vibrant Technicolor musical, a remake of the beloved 1933 film and based on Phil Stong's heartwarming novel, offered a much-needed wave of escapism and Americana to audiences navigating a rapidly changing world. Its release date perfectly captured the public's yearning for wholesome entertainment and optimistic narratives. The film quickly proved to be a significant commercial triumph for 20th Century Fox, generating an impressive $4,050,000 in rentals within the U.S. and Canada, a substantial figure for its time, solidifying its place as a cherished musical classic.

4. Spellbound

   Released in 1945 by Alfred Hitchcock, United Artists

   October 26, 1945, marked the cinematic debut of Alfred Hitchcock's groundbreaking psychological thriller, 'Spellbound.' This date unveiled a film that would not only captivate audiences with its intricate plot and star-studded cast but also achieve remarkable commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its year. 'Spellbound' was a bold venture into the then-nascent field of psychoanalysis on screen, blending classic suspense with surreal dreamscapes, orchestrated by the visionary Salvador Dalí. Its premiere was a significant cultural event, establishing a new benchmark for intellectual thrillers and showcasing Hitchcock's unparalleled ability to weave complex narratives with gripping tension, ensuring its place in film history from day one.

5. The Lost Weekend

   Released in 1945 by Billy Wilder, Paramount Pictures

   On November 16, 1945, a cinematic landmark premiered, daring to tackle a subject previously considered taboo in Hollywood: the devastating grip of alcoholism. 'The Lost Weekend,' directed by the incomparable Billy Wilder, made its world theatrical debut in New York City, marking a pivotal moment not just for the film industry, but for public discourse on addiction. This date is special because it introduced audiences to a raw, unflinching portrayal of a man's struggle, earning immediate critical acclaim and significant box office success despite its grim subject matter. Its release heralded a new era of realism in American cinema, proving that audiences were ready for challenging, thought-provoking stories.

6. Leave Her to Heaven

   Released in 1945 by John M. Stahl, 20th Century Fox

   December 19, 1945, marked the New York City premiere of 'Leave Her to Heaven,' a visually stunning and psychologically intense film that would become a landmark in the film noir genre. This Technicolor masterpiece, daringly shot in vibrant hues, immediately captivated audiences with its dark themes and unforgettable performances. Far from a typical black-and-white noir, its lush cinematography only heightened the unsettling beauty of its villainess, setting a new standard for stylistic thrillers. The film wasn't just a critical darling; it was a box office phenomenon, quickly becoming one of 20th Century Fox's highest-grossing films of the 1940s, cementing its place as an instant classic and a commercial triumph.

7. The Bells of St. Mary's

   Released in 1945 by Leo McCarey, RKO Radio Pictures

   On December 26, 1945, just days after Christmas, 'The Bells of St. Mary's' premiered, captivating audiences and quickly becoming a cinematic sensation. As a highly anticipated follow-up to the Oscar-winning 'Going My Way,' this date marked the launch of another heartwarming tale that would resonate deeply with post-war audiences yearning for comfort and upliftment. Its debut immediately signaled a major box office hit, reinforcing Bing Crosby's star power and cementing its place as a beloved holiday classic. The film's blend of lighthearted humor, gentle drama, and poignant messages about faith and community made its premiere a significant cultural event, proving that the magic of St. Mary's was just what the world needed.