History's Best Selling Movies of 1956

Hats off to 1956! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as The Searchers. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Trapeze and The Eddy Duchin Story, consumers eagerly embraced the mid-century craze and suburban optimism. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like John Ford and Carol Reed set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that became sensational mainstays in post-war American homes. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. The Searchers

   Released in 1956 by John Ford, Warner Bros.

   On March 13, 1956, director John Ford's epic Western, "The Searchers," premiered, offering a profoundly complex and visually stunning cinematic experience that would redefine the genre. Released during the golden age of the Hollywood Western, the film stood apart for its psychological depth and morally ambiguous protagonist. Starring John Wayne in what is often considered his greatest role, the film's debut marked a turning point for the Western, shifting it from simple tales of heroes and villains to more nuanced explorations of obsession, racism, and the dark underbelly of the American frontier myth. Its influence on future generations of filmmakers began on this day.

2. Trapeze

   Released in 1956 by Carol Reed, United Artists

   The grand spectacle of "Trapeze" first captivated audiences on May 17, 1956, making its world premiere in Paris. This release marked the unveiling of a dramatic and visually stunning film that brought together an electrifying trio of Hollywood's brightest stars: Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, and Gina Lollobrigida. From its very debut, the movie was poised for success, leveraging its exotic European setting and thrilling circus stunts to become one of the year's significant box office hits. The premiere date in the heart of France was a fitting start for a film so deeply embedded in the romance and drama of the European circus tradition, setting the stage for its global acclaim.

3. The Eddy Duchin Story

   Released in 1956 by George Sidney, Columbia Pictures

   June 21, 1956, marked the world theatrical premiere of 'The Eddy Duchin Story,' a lush, romantic musical biopic that captivated audiences and became one of the year's significant box office successes. This date introduced moviegoers to the tragic yet inspiring life of the celebrated 1930s pianist and bandleader, Eddy Duchin. With its poignant storytelling, sweeping musical numbers, and the undeniable star power of Tyrone Power and Kim Novak, the film quickly established itself as a major draw for Columbia Pictures, cementing its place as a classic Hollywood melodrama and a memorable cinematic event of the mid-century.

4. The King and I

   Released in 1956 by Walter Lang, 20th Century Fox

   June 28, 1956, marked the grand premiere of 'The King and I,' a cinematic masterpiece that brought the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein stage musical to the silver screen with spectacular success. This date wasn't just a film release; it was a cultural event, launching a movie that would become one of the year's highest-grossing films and an enduring classic. Its immediate critical acclaim and box office prowess cemented its place in film history, captivating audiences with its lavish production, unforgettable songs, and the powerhouse performances that made it an instant favorite and a benchmark for musical adaptations.

5. High Society

   Released in 1956 by Charles Walters, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The glamorous musical comedy 'High Society' premiered on July 17, 1956, marking a significant moment in Hollywood history, not just for its star-studded cast but also as the final film for its leading lady, Grace Kelly, before she became Princess of Monaco. This release date launched a cinematic event that captivated audiences with its enchanting Cole Porter score and lavish production. It brought together an unparalleled trio of talents in Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Kelly, alongside the legendary Louis Armstrong, ensuring its place as an instant classic and a commercial success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film’s debut was met with widespread anticipation, promising a delightful escape into a world of wealth, romance, and swing.

6. Around the World in 80 Days

   Released in 1956 by Michael Anderson, United Artists

   The grand spectacle of "Around the World in 80 Days" made its dazzling debut on September 27, 1956, with its premiere in New York City. This cinematic event was more than just a film release; it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined what an epic adventure movie could be. Produced by the audacious Michael Todd, the film captivated audiences worldwide, quickly becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its era. This particular date marks the world's first glimpse into a lavish journey that would sweep up five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, forever cementing its place in Hollywood history as a benchmark for ambitious storytelling and groundbreaking production, setting new standards for scale and entertainment.

7. The Ten Commandments

   Released in 1956 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

   On October 5, 1956, the cinematic world was forever changed with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's epic masterpiece, 'The Ten Commandments.' This monumental film debuted in New York City, launching what would become one of the most commercially successful and enduring motion pictures in history. Far more than just a movie, it was an event—a colossal spectacle that broke box office records and solidified its place as a cultural touchstone. Its release date marks the beginning of a legendary run for a film celebrated for its grand scale, dramatic narrative, and unforgettable visual effects, captivating audiences worldwide and cementing its status as a timeless classic.

8. Giant

   Released in 1956 by George Stevens, Warner Bros. Pictures

   October 10, 1956, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history with the New York City premiere of 'Giant'. This sprawling epic, directed by George Stevens, captured the American imagination, not just for its ambitious storytelling and grand scale, but also as the final screen appearance of the legendary James Dean. The film's debut was met with immense anticipation, setting the stage for what would become a monumental box office success and a cultural touchstone. Its release cemented its place as one of the most significant films of the decade, earning critical acclaim and a devoted audience right from its first showing.

9. Seven Wonders of the World

   Released in 1956 by Tay Garnett, Paul Mantz, Andrew Marton, Ted Tetzlaff, John Sturges, Stanley Warner Cinerama Corporation

   Christmas Day, 1956, marked a spectacular cinematic event with the release of 'Seven Wonders of the World.' This Cinerama travelogue promised audiences an unprecedented journey around the globe from the comfort of their seats, launching during a time when international travel was still a luxury for most. The film quickly became a major box office success, capitalizing on the immersive Cinerama technology that had revolutionized movie-going just a few years prior. Its holiday release amplified its appeal as a grand, escapist family spectacle, cementing its place as a significant milestone in large-format filmmaking and a nostalgic tribute to human achievement and natural beauty.

10. War and Peace

    Released in 1956 by King Vidor, Paramount Pictures

    On December 28, 1956, the epic adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's literary masterpiece, 'War and Peace,' premiered in Italy, marking a significant moment in cinematic history. This ambitious international co-production, directed by King Vidor, sought to bring the sprawling narrative of 19th-century Russia to the big screen with unprecedented grandeur. The film's launch was met with considerable anticipation, not just for its star-studded cast including Audrey Hepburn and Henry Fonda, but also for the monumental task of condensing such a beloved and complex novel into a single cinematic experience. While its box office performance in the US and Canada reached an estimated $6.25 million, its initial premiere in Italy was the true genesis of its journey to global audiences.