History's Best Selling Movies of 1959

Revisiting 1959 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by mid-century craze and suburban optimism and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Rio Bravo, The Shaggy Dog, and Some Like It Hot took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Howard Hawks and Charles Barton 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. Rio Bravo

   Released in 1959 by Howard Hawks, Warner Bros. Pictures

   On March 17, 1959, the legendary Western 'Rio Bravo' galloped into theaters, first premiering in Austin, Texas, before its wider release. This cinematic masterpiece, directed by the iconic Howard Hawks, would quickly cement its place as a quintessential entry in the Western genre, a beloved classic, and a significant box office success for its time. Far from just another cowboy film, its initial reception laid the groundwork for decades of critical reappraisal, influencing countless filmmakers and captivating audiences with its unique blend of suspense, camaraderie, and understated heroism. This specific date marks the beginning of its enduring journey in film history.

2. The Shaggy Dog

   Released in 1959 by Charles Barton, Buena Vista Distribution

   March 19, 1959, marked the highly anticipated debut of Walt Disney's live-action comedy, 'The Shaggy Dog.' This date ushered in a new era for Disney, showcasing their increasing prowess beyond animation and family dramas. The film quickly became a massive box office hit, captivating audiences with its unique blend of fantasy, humor, and family appeal. Its success not only cemented Disney's position in live-action cinema but also paved the way for many similar fantastical comedies from the studio in the decades that followed, making this premiere date a significant moment in cinematic history.

3. Some Like It Hot

   Released in 1959 by Billy Wilder, United Artists

   On March 29, 1959, American cinema was gifted one of its most enduring and brilliant comedies with the premiere of "Some Like It Hot." Directed by the legendary Billy Wilder, the film arrived at the tail end of the restrictive Hays Code era, audaciously pushing boundaries with its themes of cross-dressing, gender fluidity, and sexual innuendo. Its release was a cultural event, proving that audiences were ready for a more sophisticated and daring brand of humor. This date marks the debut of a film that not only became a massive box office success but was also instantly recognized as a classic, setting a new standard for screwball comedies that remains influential over six decades later.

4. Imitation of Life

   Released in 1959 by Douglas Sirk, Universal-International Pictures

   Premiering on April 17, 1959, Douglas Sirk's "Imitation of Life" arrived at a time of escalating social change in America. As the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, this lavish Hollywood melodrama confronted themes of racial identity, class, and motherhood with a frankness that was rare for a major studio production. The film tells the parallel stories of two mothers—one a white aspiring actress, the other her African American housekeeper—and their troubled relationships with their daughters, one of whom struggles with her identity by passing as white. Its release sparked widespread public discussion, offering audiences a glossy, yet emotionally devastating, lens through which to view some of the most pressing social issues of the day.

5. The Nun's Story

   Released in 1959 by Fred Zinnemann, Warner Bros.

   June 18, 1959, marked the North American theatrical release of 'The Nun's Story,' a cinematic masterpiece that captivated audiences and critics alike, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its year. This date launched a powerful and poignant drama onto screens, showcasing Audrey Hepburn in one of her most memorable and challenging roles. The film was not just a commercial success but a critical triumph, earning ten Academy Award nominations and solidifying its place as a significant cultural touchstone. Its arrival underscored Hollywood's ability to tackle profound spiritual and human struggles with grace and emotional depth, immediately establishing itself as a classic.

6. Anatomy of a Murder

   Released in 1959 by Otto Preminger, Columbia Pictures

   On July 1, 1959, the cinematic landscape shifted with the premiere of Otto Preminger's groundbreaking courtroom drama, 'Anatomy of a Murder.' This date marked the initial public unveiling of a film that would not only captivate audiences with its gripping narrative but also spark significant discussions for its frank portrayal of sensitive themes and its challenge to the strictures of Hollywood censorship. Premiering in Ishpeming, Michigan, where parts of the film were shot, this release was more than just a debut; it was the launch of a critical and commercial success that would set new standards for legal dramas and contribute to the erosion of the Hays Code, making this date a pivotal moment in film history.

7. North by Northwest

   Released in 1959 by Alfred Hitchcock, MGM

   July 1, 1959, marked the world theatrical premiere of Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece, 'North by Northwest,' unveiling a sophisticated new benchmark for the spy thriller genre. This date introduced audiences in Chicago to a film that would swiftly become a critical and commercial triumph, cementing its place as a cornerstone of cinema history. Far more than just a box office success, its initial reception heralded a thrilling blend of suspense, glamour, and mistaken identity that captivated viewers from its opening scene. The premiere signified the arrival of a film destined to be revered for its innovative storytelling, iconic imagery, and unparalleled tension, immediately setting itself apart in the cinematic landscape of the late 1950s and beyond.

8. North by Northwest

   Released in 1959 by Alfred Hitchcock, MGM

   July 28, 1959, marked the world theatrical premiere of Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece, 'North by Northwest,' unveiling a sophisticated new benchmark for the spy thriller genre. This date introduced audiences in Chicago to a film that would swiftly become a critical and commercial triumph, cementing its place as a cornerstone of cinema history. Far more than just a box office success, its initial reception heralded a thrilling blend of suspense, glamour, and mistaken identity that captivated viewers from its opening scene. The premiere signified the arrival of a film destined to be revered for its innovative storytelling, iconic imagery, and unparalleled tension, immediately setting itself apart in the cinematic landscape of the late 1950s and beyond.

9. Pillow Talk

   Released in 1959 by Michael Gordon, Universal-International

   October 6, 1959, marked the highly anticipated premiere of 'Pillow Talk,' a groundbreaking romantic comedy that would redefine the genre and propel its stars, Doris Day and Rock Hudson, to unprecedented heights of popularity. This date signifies the moment audiences first experienced the sparkling chemistry and witty banter that made the film an instant classic. 'Pillow Talk' wasn't just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon that quickly became one of the highest-grossing films of its year, cementing its place in cinematic history and laying the groundwork for a new era of sophisticated romantic comedies. Its launch was a pivotal moment, showcasing Universal-International's bold vision and the timeless appeal of its leading duo.

10. Ben-Hur

    Released in 1959 by William Wyler, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    Ben-Hur (1959) wasn't just a movie; it was a cinematic event that premiered on November 18, 1959, in New York City, marking the beginning of its legendary run. This colossal epic immediately captured global attention, setting new benchmarks for scale, spectacle, and financial success. Its release was a monumental moment for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, a studio deeply in debt, as the film single-handedly rescued them from the brink of bankruptcy. The premiere date signifies the launch of a film that would go on to win a record-setting eleven Academy Awards and etch its place in film history as one of the most successful and revered productions of all time.

11. Suddenly, Last Summer

    Released in 1959 by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Columbia Pictures

    The debut of "Suddenly, Last Summer" on December 22, 1959, marked a significant moment in cinematic history, unleashing a torrent of psychological drama and gothic intrigue upon audiences. This holiday season release defied conventions, opting for a dark and controversial narrative over typical festive fare. Far from being a niche film, it proved to be a powerful box office draw, becoming one of the year's most talked-about and profitable movies, despite its challenging themes and intense subject matter. This date launched a film that would indelibly stamp itself into the annals of Hollywood's golden age, particularly for its unflinching exploration of taboo subjects and its powerhouse performances that captivated a global audience.