History's Best Selling Movies of 1960

Throughout the swinging sixties, 1960 saw a swell surge of Space Age wonder and counter-culture flair in the world of movies! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like The Apartment and From the Terrace, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Billy Wilder and Mark Robson proved their mettle with Ocean's 11, delivering craftsmanship that spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. The Apartment

   Released in 1960 by Billy Wilder, United Artists

   The 1960 premiere of Billy Wilder's "The Apartment" on June 21st marked the debut of a cinematic masterpiece that would sweep the Academy Awards and redefine the romantic comedy-drama genre. This pivotal date introduced audiences to a film lauded for its sharp wit, poignant social commentary, and heartfelt performances. More than just a critical darling, "The Apartment" was also a significant commercial success, captivating moviegoers with its unique blend of humor and pathos, quickly establishing itself as a standout achievement in film history and solidifying its place as a timeless classic from its very first screening.

2. From the Terrace

   Released in 1960 by Mark Robson, 20th Century Fox

   On July 15, 1960, the sophisticated melodrama 'From the Terrace' premiered in New York City, marking a significant moment for both its stars, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, and for 20th Century Fox. This launch date introduced audiences to a lavish, adult-oriented drama that delved into the complexities of wealth, ambition, and marital discord within post-war American high society. While not breaking box office records in the modern sense, its commercial performance as a prestige picture was solid, attracting substantial interest due to its star power and provocative themes, making this premiere a notable event in the year's cinematic calendar.

3. Ocean's 11

   Released in 1960 by Lewis Milestone, Warner Bros.

   Ocean's 11 (1960) rolled the dice with its glamorous premiere in Las Vegas on August 3, 1960, a date that marked the highly anticipated debut of the Rat Pack on the big screen. This initial showing captured the essence of Las Vegas itself, bringing together an unparalleled ensemble cast for a stylish heist film. The movie quickly became a cultural touchstone, grossing an impressive $5.5 million at the box office, a significant sum for its era. This premiere date wasn't just a film release; it was a celebrated event, a convergence of Hollywood's biggest stars and the dazzling allure of Sin City, setting the stage for a cinematic legacy that endures to this day.

4. Psycho

   Released in 1960 by Alfred Hitchcock, Paramount Pictures

   On September 8, 1960, Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" began its wide theatrical run across the United States, forever changing the rules of cinema. While it had premiered in New York City in June, this date marked its expansion to the national consciousness, bringing its unique brand of psychological terror to the masses. At the time, audiences were accustomed to certain cinematic comforts: big-name stars survived until the end credits, and on-screen horror was typically rooted in fantasy monsters. Hitchcock shattered these conventions with a film that was shockingly realistic, subversive, and deeply unsettling. To protect the film's stunning twists, he famously insisted on a "no late admission" policy, a revolutionary marketing tactic that heightened the film's mystique and turned seeing it into a genuine cultural event.

5. Spartacus

   Released in 1960 by Stanley Kubrick, Universal-International

   On October 6, 1960, the epic historical drama 'Spartacus' burst onto the silver screen with its New York City premiere, captivating audiences with its monumental scale and powerful narrative. This date marked the highly anticipated debut of one of Hollywood's most ambitious and controversial productions, setting the stage for its record-breaking box office success. From its star-studded cast to its ground-breaking themes, 'Spartacus' quickly cemented its place in cinematic history, not only as a commercial triumph for Universal-International but also as a cultural touchstone that courageously confronted the era's political climate.

6. The Alamo

   Released in 1960 by John Wayne, United Artists

   October 24, 1960, marked the grand premiere of 'The Alamo' in San Antonio, Texas, a monumental event for a film that was not just a movie, but a passion project for its star, John Wayne. This date signifies the world's first theatrical viewing of Wayne's ambitious directorial debut and his long-cherished dream to bring the legendary 1836 battle to the big screen. Despite its epic scale and a then-colossal budget, the film faced an uphill battle at the box office, yet its initial release was a significant cultural moment, launching one of Hollywood's most expensive and personal historical epics.

7. BUtterfield 8

   Released in 1960 by Daniel Mann, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On November 4, 1960, the silver screen welcomed 'BUtterfield 8,' a scorching melodrama that would indelibly mark cinematic history and solidify Elizabeth Taylor's legendary status. Despite a reportedly reluctant Taylor and initial mixed reviews, the film exploded at the box office, becoming a commercial success. This release date is particularly significant as it introduced audiences to a performance that would, against all odds and Taylor's personal disdain for the role, earn her first Academy Award for Best Actress, cementing its place as a pivotal moment in her illustrious career and Hollywood's Golden Age.

8. Swiss Family Robinson

   Released in 1960 by Ken Annakin, Buena Vista Distribution

   The 1960 release of Walt Disney's "Swiss Family Robinson" marked a significant moment in family cinema. Debuting on December 10, 1960, this grand adventure film quickly captivated audiences worldwide, establishing itself not only as a critical darling but also as a commercial juggernaut. This particular date isn't just a calendar entry; it signifies the launch of a cinematic phenomenon that would go on to become the highest-grossing film of its release year. From its breathtaking tropical setting to its heartwarming tale of resilience, the premiere set the stage for a beloved classic that continues to inspire generations with its spirit of exploration, ingenuity, and the enduring strength of family bonds against all odds.

9. Exodus

   Released in 1960 by Otto Preminger, United Artists

   December 16, 1960, marked the premiere of Otto Preminger's epic historical drama 'Exodus,' a cinematic event that captivated audiences with its grand scale and compelling narrative. Premiering in New York City, this date initiated the film's roadshow release, a strategy common for major blockbusters of the era, allowing it to build anticipation and secure impressive box office returns. Based on Leon Uris's best-selling novel, 'Exodus' brought the dramatic story of the founding of Israel to the big screen, becoming a cultural touchstone that ignited discussions and deepened understanding of a pivotal moment in modern history. Its launch was more than just a movie release; it was a significant cultural phenomenon.