History's Best Selling Movies of 1947

Make way for the hits of 1947! 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 The Egg and I shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Welcome Stranger and The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Chester Erskine and Elliott Nugent, 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. The Egg and I

   Released in 1947 by Chester Erskine, Universal-International

   March 21, 1947, marked the eagerly anticipated premiere of 'The Egg and I,' a charming rural comedy that instantly captivated audiences and became a significant box office success for Universal-International. This date represented the initial launch of a film that perfectly blended humor with the relatable struggles of city dwellers attempting to adapt to farm life, striking a chord with post-war America. More than just a hit movie, it was the genesis of one of cinema's most beloved comedic duos, Ma and Pa Kettle, whose breakout performances would spawn an incredibly popular series of their own. The film’s debut heralded a refreshing take on the 'back to the land' narrative, cementing its place as an iconic family film of its era.

2. Welcome Stranger

   Released in 1947 by Elliott Nugent, Paramount Pictures

   On May 28, 1947, Paramount Pictures launched "Welcome Stranger," a heartwarming musical dramedy that quickly captured the affection of audiences nationwide. Premiering in New York City, this date marked the official introduction of a film that would go on to become one of the year's top grossers, cementing its place as a cherished post-war cinematic experience. Starring the immensely popular Bing Crosby and the beloved Barry Fitzgerald, the movie offered a much-needed dose of charm and humor, making its debut a significant moment for both the studio and moviegoers looking for uplifting entertainment during a period of transition. The film's immediate commercial success underscored the enduring appeal of its leading men and its comforting narrative, positioning it as a must-see event.

3. The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer

   Released in 1947 by Irving Reis, RKO Radio Pictures

   The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer premiered on July 24, 1947, marking the debut of a delightful screwball comedy that would quickly become one of RKO Radio Pictures' biggest hits of the year. This film deftly blended romance, generational humor, and a classic mistaken identity plot, captivating audiences with its star-studded cast and witty script. Its release was a significant event, ushering in a highly successful run at the box office and cementing its place as a beloved post-war comedy. The movie's unique premise, pairing the suave Cary Grant with the young Shirley Temple and the sophisticated Myrna Loy, made it an instant crowd-pleaser and a staple of its era.

4. Life with Father

   Released in 1947 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   The cinematic adaptation of 'Life with Father' premiered on August 14, 1947, marking the highly anticipated launch of one of Warner Bros.' most ambitious and beloved productions of the year. This date signified the arrival of a vibrant Technicolor family comedy that would captivate audiences with its nostalgic charm and witty portrayal of turn-of-the-century domestic life. Coming off the heels of the record-breaking Broadway play, the film was destined for commercial success, quickly becoming one of the highest-grossing movies of its era. Its premiere set the stage for a critical and popular triumph that firmly cemented its place in cinematic history as a feel-good classic.

5. Mother Wore Tights

   Released in 1947 by Walter Lang, 20th Century Fox

   On August 20, 1947, 20th Century Fox unveiled 'Mother Wore Tights,' a Technicolor musical that immediately captivated post-war audiences and solidified Betty Grable's reign as Hollywood's top box office draw. This date marked the highly anticipated world theatrical premiere of a film that was destined to become one of the year's biggest hits, bringing vibrant entertainment and nostalgic charm to the silver screen. Its successful launch was a testament to the enduring appeal of family-friendly musicals and the undeniable star power of its lead, setting the stage for significant commercial and critical acclaim throughout its theatrical run.

6. Green Dolphin Street

   Released in 1947 by Victor Saville, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The grand cinematic spectacle 'Green Dolphin Street' made its highly anticipated world theatrical premiere on October 5, 1947, captivating audiences with its sweeping historical romance and dramatic scope. This momentous release date marked the debut of a film that quickly became one of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's most significant box office successes of the year, ultimately earning millions and cementing its place as a compelling drama of its era. Based on Elizabeth Goudge's bestselling novel, which also won an MGM Literary Award, the film's launch was a major event, drawing widespread attention and signaling a return to epic storytelling in post-war Hollywood. The premiere was not just a screening; it was the unveiling of a lavish production that promised both grand adventure and profound emotional depth, making October 5th a key date in its successful journey.

7. Forever Amber

   Released in 1947 by Otto Preminger, 20th Century Fox

   Forever Amber," a cinematic spectacle born from Kathleen Winsor's scandalous novel, burst onto screens on October 10, 1947, captivating audiences with its lavish production and audacious themes. This premiere date marked the debut of one of 20th Century Fox's most ambitious and controversial projects, a film that instantly became a box office sensation despite facing significant censorship challenges. Its release was a cultural event, promising escapism into the flamboyant world of Restoration England, and ultimately solidifying its place as a quintessential example of Hollywood's grand historical dramas, leaving an indelible mark on both critics and moviegoers alike from its very first showing.

8. Unconquered

   Released in 1947 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

   On October 10, 1947, the grand historical epic 'Unconquered' premiered, marking a significant moment in post-World War II cinema. Directed by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille, known for his monumental productions, this film was Paramount Pictures' most expensive venture to date, boasting an unprecedented budget of $5 million. Its debut was not just a film screening; it was a cultural event, promising audiences a breathtaking escape into America's colonial past filled with adventure, romance, and spectacle. The premiere date signifies the launch of a movie that aimed to capture the nation's imagination with its scale and star power, positioning itself as a major contender for box office success and critical attention in the competitive landscape of late 1940s Hollywood.

9. Cass Timberlane

   Released in 1947 by George Sidney, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The year 1947 saw the highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of Sinclair Lewis's novel, 'Cass Timberlane,' make its grand debut on November 7th. This significant release brought to life a complex narrative of love, age differences, and societal expectations, captivating audiences during a pivotal era for American cinema. Earning a respectable $3,983,000 at the box office, the film's premiere marked an important moment for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, showcasing their commitment to literary adaptations. Its release wasn't just a simple movie launch; it was a cultural event, bringing a beloved American story to the silver screen with a stellar cast, solidifying its place in the post-war film landscape and drawing considerable public interest to its themes of marital complexity.