History's Best Selling Movies of 1962

Revisiting 1962 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by Space Age wonder and counter-culture flair and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Bon Voyage!, That Touch of Mink, and Hatari! took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like James Neilson and Delbert Mann led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Bon Voyage!

   Released in 1962 by James Neilson, Buena Vista Distribution

   The delightful Walt Disney production 'Bon Voyage!' embarked on its cinematic journey on May 17, 1962, when it premiered in New York City. This date marked the highly anticipated debut of a charming family comedy that offered audiences a vicarious trip to Europe, packed with humor, mishaps, and heartwarming moments. As a significant entry in Disney's burgeoning live-action catalog of the early 1960s, its release was a notable event, inviting viewers to escape into a colorful tale of transatlantic adventure. The film quickly established itself as a beloved piece of family entertainment, contributing to Disney's strong box office presence during that era with its engaging story and star-studded cast, capturing the imagination of many who dreamed of international travel.

2. That Touch of Mink

   Released in 1962 by Delbert Mann, Universal Pictures

   June 14, 1962, marked the glamorous premiere of 'That Touch of Mink,' a quintessential romantic comedy that brought together two of Hollywood's biggest stars, Cary Grant and Doris Day. This date launched a film that would become one of the year's highest-grossing attractions, solidifying its place as a classic of the genre. The movie perfectly captured the shifting societal attitudes towards relationships and independence, presenting a delightful battle of wits and wills that charmed audiences worldwide and made its initial release a noteworthy event in cinematic history. Its commercial success underscored the enduring appeal of its leading duo and the timeless formula of the 'battle of the sexes' romantic farce.

3. Hatari!

   Released in 1962 by Howard Hawks, Paramount Pictures

   June 19, 1962, marked the exciting theatrical premiere of 'Hatari!', a Howard Hawks adventure film that captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. This date launched a cinematic journey filled with thrilling wildlife captures, breathtaking African landscapes, and an unforgettable ensemble cast led by the legendary John Wayne. Far from a mere genre flick, 'Hatari!' quickly established itself as a significant box office success, grossing over $12 million globally during its initial run against a reported budget of $5 million. Its unique blend of action, romance, and comedy, set against the backdrop of the Tanzanian plains, offered a refreshing escape, solidifying its place as a memorable release of the early 1960s and a testament to director Howard Hawks's enduring appeal.

4. The Music Man

   Released in 1962 by Morton DaCosta, Warner Bros.

   On June 19, 1962, the vibrant world of River City, Iowa, burst onto the silver screen with the New York City premiere of 'The Music Man.' This highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway sensation was an immediate cinematic event, bringing its irresistible charm and catchy melodies to a national audience. While a wider release followed later in the year, this initial premiere marked the grand unveiling of a film destined to become a beloved classic. Its transition from stage to screen was met with enthusiasm, setting the stage for a successful box office run and establishing its place as a quintessential American musical that continues to delight generations.

5. The Interns

   Released in 1962 by David Swift, Columbia Pictures

   The Interns, released on August 8, 1962, captured the public's imagination by offering a compelling glimpse into the demanding world of medical trainees. As one of Columbia Pictures' notable releases of the early 1960s, its premiere marked a significant moment for the medical drama genre, blending personal struggles with professional aspirations. The film quickly found an audience, becoming a commercial success and a testament to the enduring appeal of stories centered around the lives, loves, and intense pressures faced by young doctors in training. This release date heralded a feature that would not only perform well at the box office but also lay groundwork for future explorations of hospital life on screen, cementing its place in cinematic history.

6. The Longest Day

   Released in 1962 by Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Bernhard Wicki, 20th Century Fox

   The premiere of "The Longest Day" on October 4, 1962, marked a monumental event in cinematic history, bringing the epic scale of the D-Day invasion to the silver screen with unprecedented ambition and historical scope. This date heralded the arrival of a war film that transcended mere entertainment, aiming to be a definitive docudrama of the pivotal World War II operation. Its release captivated audiences worldwide, leading to a massive box office success that solidified its status as a critical and commercial triumph. This grand premiere wasn't just another movie opening; it was the unveiling of a cinematic experience that would forever shape how major historical events were depicted in film, meticulously recreating the chaos and courage of June 6, 1944.

7. Dr. No

   Released in 1962 by Terence Young, Harry Saltzman, Albert R. Broccoli, Eon Productions

   On October 7, 1962, cinema history was made with the premiere of "Dr. No," the first film in the iconic James Bond series. This date marks the moment the world was formally introduced to "Bond, James Bond," as portrayed by the then-relatively unknown Sean Connery. Based on the 1958 Ian Fleming novel, the film's release established the foundation for what would become one of the longest-running and most commercially successful franchises of all time. It wasn't just a movie premiere; it was the birth of a cultural phenomenon, introducing a new kind of cinematic hero who was sophisticated, dangerous, and impossibly cool, setting a new standard for the spy thriller genre.

8. Gypsy

   Released in 1962 by Mervyn LeRoy, Warner Bros.

   On November 1, 1962, the iconic musical drama 'Gypsy' made its grand cinematic debut with a premiere in New York City, marking the translation of a beloved Broadway hit to the silver screen. This date signified the official launch of a film that would become a classic in the musical genre, capturing the hearts of audiences with its vibrant performances and timeless score. The movie quickly garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying its place in Hollywood history and establishing its stars, Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood, as formidable talents. Its initial theatrical run contributed significantly to its enduring legacy, becoming a highlight of the 1960s film landscape and a testament to the power of a compelling stage adaptation.

9. Lawrence of Arabia

   Released in 1962 by David Lean, Columbia Pictures

   The 10th of December, 1962, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history with the world premiere of David Lean's epic masterpiece, "Lawrence of Arabia," in London. This monumental film wasn't just a critical darling; it was a commercial powerhouse, embarking on a theatrical run that would solidify its place as one of the highest-grossing films of its era and a timeless classic. This premiere date is special because it introduced audiences to a sweeping desert saga, a visually stunning narrative, and a captivating performance that broke new ground for adventure cinema, setting an unprecedented standard for scale and ambition. Its initial launch immediately signaled the arrival of a cinematic event.

10. In Search of the Castaways

    Released in 1962 by Robert Stevenson, Buena Vista Distribution

    December 21, 1962, marked the exciting North American theatrical release of Walt Disney's 'In Search of the Castaways,' a grand adventure film that captured the imaginations of audiences during the holiday season. This date ushered in a visually stunning adaptation of Jules Verne's classic novel, showcasing Disney's growing ambition in live-action cinema. While its exact budget remains a bit of a studio secret, the film garnered a respectable box office performance for its era, affirming Disney's prowess in delivering engaging, family-friendly escapism. Its premiere was a significant event, solidifying its place as a cherished entry in Disney's Golden Age of live-action films.

11. To Kill a Mockingbird

    Released in 1962 by Robert Mulligan, Universal Pictures

    On December 25, 1962, the cinematic adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' graced the screens for its initial premiere in Los Angeles. This Christmas Day debut heralded the arrival of a film destined to become a timeless classic, praised for its powerful storytelling and profound social commentary. While its nationwide release would follow in early 1963, this initial showing marked the beginning of its journey into the cultural consciousness, setting the stage for critical adoration and eventual commercial success. The movie quickly garnered immense praise, especially for Gregory Peck's iconic portrayal of Atticus Finch, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of American cinema and a powerful voice against prejudice.