History's Best Selling Movies of 1955

Revisiting 1955 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by mid-century craze and suburban optimism and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Strategic Air Command, The Seven Year Itch, and Lady and the Tramp took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Anthony Mann and Billy Wilder led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that became sensational mainstays in post-war American homes. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Strategic Air Command

   Released in 1955 by Anthony Mann, Paramount Pictures

   April 20, 1955, marked the high-flying premiere of 'Strategic Air Command,' a cinematic spectacle that brought the awe-inspiring might of the U.S. Air Force to the silver screen. Starring the iconic Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson, this film wasn't just entertainment; it was a potent symbol of Cold War-era America's military prowess and technological advancement. Its New York City debut captivated audiences, offering a rare glimpse into the vital operations of the Strategic Air Command. The film's blend of gripping drama and unprecedented aerial photography contributed significantly to its commercial success, solidifying its place as a powerful reflection of national pride and defense strategy during a tense global period.

2. The Seven Year Itch

   Released in 1955 by Billy Wilder, 20th Century Fox

   June 3, 1955, marked the highly anticipated premiere of 'The Seven Year Itch' in New York City, a film that would indelibly etch itself into cinematic history, largely thanks to one iconic scene. This date unleashed a cultural phenomenon, forever associating Marilyn Monroe with a billowing white dress and a mischievous smile above a subway grate. While not initially breaking box office records on its opening weekend, the film quickly became a commercial success, eventually grossing an impressive $12 million against a modest $1.8 million budget. Its premiere was a significant moment, not just for its entertainment value, but for solidifying Monroe's status as a global sex symbol and sparking widespread discussion about censorship and societal norms.

3. Lady and the Tramp

   Released in 1955 by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Walt Disney Productions

   June 22, 1955, marked the enchanting world premiere of Walt Disney's animated musical romance, 'Lady and the Tramp,' first captivating audiences in Chicago. This date is special as it introduced moviegoers to a timeless tale of love across the tracks, blending heartwarming storytelling with groundbreaking animation. Despite initially facing some internal skepticism and production challenges, the film quickly proved to be a significant success for Disney. Its release heralded a new era for animated features, being the first to be filmed in the CinemaScope widescreen process, which offered a grander, more immersive visual experience to its eager audiences, setting the stage for its lasting legacy.

4. Not as a Stranger

   Released in 1955 by Stanley Kramer, United Artists

   The summer of 1955 saw the highly anticipated release of Stanley Kramer's directorial debut, 'Not as a Stranger,' which premiered on June 28. This pivotal date marked the launch of a significant cinematic endeavor, adapting Morton Thompson's best-selling novel with an unflinching look at the medical profession. The film quickly proved to be a commercial success, drawing audiences with its intense drama and star-studded cast. Its impressive box office performance of $6.2 million in the US and Canada firmly established it as one of the year's top earners, highlighting the public's appetite for gritty, realistic portrayals of life and the ethical dilemmas inherent within the medical field. The film's premiere was a pivotal moment for both Kramer and the burgeoning genre of serious, character-driven dramas.

5. Mister Roberts

   Released in 1955 by John Ford, Mervyn LeRoy, Warner Bros.

   On July 30, 1955, the cinematic adaptation of 'Mister Roberts' premiered, launching a critical and commercial success that cemented its place as a classic American film. This date marks the initial unveiling of a movie that brilliantly balanced humor, pathos, and an anti-establishment spirit, captivating audiences with its memorable characters and poignant storyline set against the backdrop of World War II. Its immediate box office success underscored its widespread appeal, contributing significantly to Warner Bros.' earnings for the year and establishing it as one of the highest-grossing films of 1955. The premiere was not just a film opening; it was the introduction of a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate decades later.

6. Oklahoma!

   Released in 1955 by Fred Zinnemann, 20th Century Fox

   The grand musical 'Oklahoma!' burst onto the silver screen with its world theatrical premiere on October 11, 1955, marking a significant moment in cinematic history. This ambitious adaptation of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein stage masterpiece was not just another movie; it was a technological marvel, premiering in the groundbreaking Todd-AO widescreen process. Its debut in New York City wasn't just a film screening, but a cultural event that promised a new immersive viewing experience. The film went on to become a substantial box office success, with estimated rentals reaching $7.1 million, solidifying its place as one of the year's top-performing films and proving the enduring appeal of the musical genre.

7. Cinerama Holiday

   Released in 1955 by Robert L. Bendick, Philippe De Lacy, Cinerama Productions Corp.

   October 12, 1955, marked the grand premiere of 'Cinerama Holiday,' a cinematic marvel that captivated audiences with its groundbreaking visual spectacle and immersive travelogue. Following the monumental success of 'This Is Cinerama,' this film continued to showcase the revolutionary Cinerama process, promising viewers an unparalleled journey across Europe without ever leaving their seats. Its debut ignited immense excitement, drawing crowds eager to experience the future of cinema. While not breaking traditional box office records in the vein of wide releases, 'Cinerama Holiday' played to sold-out, reserved-seat engagements for extended runs, cementing Cinerama's place as a premier entertainment attraction and demonstrating the public's appetite for truly immersive storytelling.

8. Rebel Without a Cause

   Released in 1955 by Nicholas Ray, Warner Bros.

   On October 27, 1955, Warner Bros. released "Rebel Without a Cause," a film that would become a cultural touchstone for generations. The premiere was imbued with a profound sense of tragedy and myth-making, as its magnetic star, James Dean, had been killed in a car crash just one month prior. This timing transformed the film from a simple teen drama into an epitaph for its fallen star and a powerful anthem for a generation of post-war youth grappling with feelings of alienation and disillusionment. Its release on this date cemented Dean's status as an eternal icon and unleashed a cinematic exploration of teenage angst that had never been seen on screen with such raw emotion and vibrant color.

9. Guys and Dolls

   Released in 1955 by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Samuel Goldwyn Productions

   November 3, 1955, marked the dazzling premiere of 'Guys and Dolls,' a cinematic spectacle that brought the beloved Broadway musical to the silver screen with a star-studded cast. This date launched one of the most anticipated films of the year, blending classic Hollywood charm with the irresistible energy of Frank Loesser's iconic score. From its initial debut, the film captured audiences' imaginations, quickly establishing itself as a commercial triumph and a vibrant addition to the musical genre. Its release was a significant event, cementing its place as a classic in the annals of cinema history.

10. I'll Cry Tomorrow

    Released in 1955 by Daniel Mann, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    On December 25, 1955, moviegoers were introduced to the gripping biographical drama 'I'll Cry Tomorrow,' a cinematic event that quickly became one of the year's most significant releases. This Christmas Day premiere marked the North American theatrical debut of a film that was both critically acclaimed and a box office success, solidifying its place in Hollywood history. Starring the phenomenal Susan Hayward, whose performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe, the film was a stark and honest portrayal of addiction, breaking new ground and drawing immense attention from audiences eager for compelling and relevant storytelling. This date launched a powerful film that resonated deeply and endured as a classic.

11. Picnic

    Released in 1955 by Joshua Logan, Columbia Pictures

    On December 25, 1955, audiences were first introduced to the simmering drama of 'Picnic' as it premiered, setting the stage for one of the year's most talked-about films. This Christmas Day release marked the initial step in the movie's journey, which would culminate in impressive box office success and significant critical discussion. Its debut on this particular date underscored the film's ability to juxtapose holiday festivity with underlying themes of desire and disillusionment, making the premiere a memorable cultural event. The film's compelling narrative, combined with star-making performances, positioned it as a landmark drama that explored the complexities of small-town American life with raw honesty.