History's Best Selling Movies of 1964

Throughout the swinging sixties, 1964 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 Pink Panther and Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Blake Edwards and Stanley Kubrick proved their mettle with From Russia With Love, 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 Pink Panther

   Released in 1964 by Blake Edwards, United Artists

   On January 20, 1964, the world was formally introduced to the uproarious and enduring legacy of 'The Pink Panther' with its North American theatrical release. While it had a premiere in Italy in late 1963, this date marked its wider debut to a global audience, launching a phenomenon that would span decades. This comedic masterpiece not only captivated audiences with its blend of slapstick humor and sophisticated charm but also established an iconic character and a musical theme that remains instantly recognizable. The film's successful launch was a testament to its unique appeal, quickly positioning it as a significant box office success and laying the groundwork for one of cinema's most beloved franchises.

2. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

   Released in 1964 by Stanley Kubrick

   On January 29, 1964, while the world remained gripped by the chilling fear of nuclear annihilation, Stanley Kubrick unleashed a film that dared to laugh at the apocalypse. *Dr. Strangelove* was not just a movie; it was a cultural atom bomb, a pitch-black satirical masterpiece that premiered simultaneously in New York, London, and Toronto on this day. Its release was an audacious act that challenged the very foundations of political and military authority, forever changing how cinema could tackle the most serious subjects imaginable. This date marks the moment the public was first officially invited to stop worrying and love the bomb.

3. From Russia With Love

   Released in 1964 by Terence Young, United Artists

   The highly anticipated second installment in the James Bond series, 'From Russia With Love', made its North American theatrical debut on April 8, 1964. While it first premiered in the UK in October 1963, its 1964 US release propelled the film to immense commercial success, captivating American audiences and solidifying the burgeoning Bond phenomenon. This release marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, building upon the foundation laid by 'Dr. No' and setting new benchmarks for spy thrillers, with its sophisticated plot, thrilling action, and charismatic lead, Sean Connery, firmly establishing himself as the iconic 007.

4. The Carpetbaggers

   Released in 1964 by Edward Dmytryk, Paramount Pictures

   April 9, 1964, marked the highly anticipated release of 'The Carpetbaggers,' a film that exploded onto the cinematic landscape with a potent cocktail of sex, power, and Hollywood scandal. Based on Harold Robbins' sensational best-selling novel, this movie was poised to be a box office titan, and it did not disappoint. Its premiere was a significant event, drawing massive audiences eager to witness the on-screen adaptation of a book notorious for its thinly veiled references to real-life moguls and stars. This date kicked off a hugely successful run, establishing 'The Carpetbaggers' as one of the year's biggest hits and a cultural touchstone.

5. What a Way to Go!

   Released in 1964 by J. Lee Thompson, 20th Century Fox

   The dazzling dark comedy "What a Way to Go!" launched into theaters on April 29, 1964, marking a significant moment for Hollywood's extravagant musicals and satirical comedies. This star-studded spectacle, a visual feast boasting an unprecedented array of costume changes for its leading lady, Shirley MacLaine, captivated audiences from its premiere. It promised not just entertainment but a vibrant, witty commentary on the pursuit of happiness and wealth. The film's ambitious scale and iconic cast ensured it was an eagerly anticipated event, contributing to its robust performance at the box office and establishing its reputation as a memorable cinematic experience of the mid-1960s. Its debut set the stage for a unique blend of glamour, humor, and a touch of the macabre.

6. The Unsinkable Molly Brown

   Released in 1964 by Charles Walters, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The Unsinkable Molly Brown burst onto the silver screen on June 11, 1964, marking a vibrant splash in the golden age of Hollywood musicals. This date signifies the film's initial theatrical premiere in the United States, introducing audiences to the spirited tale of a real-life American icon. The movie, a dazzling adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, quickly became a box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, captivating viewers with its colorful spectacle, memorable songs, and the indomitable performance of its leading lady, Debbie Reynolds. Its launch was a testament to the enduring appeal of uplifting stories and grand musical productions, solidifying its place as a beloved classic from the mid-1960s.

7. Mary Poppins

   Released in 1964 by Robert Stevenson, Walt Disney Productions

   On August 27, 1964, Walt Disney's musical fantasy "Mary Poppins" held its star-studded world premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The event was the culmination of a personal, two-decade-long quest by Disney to persuade author P. L. Travers to sell him the film rights to her beloved books. The premiere was a massive affair, shutting down Hollywood Boulevard and heralding the arrival of what would become the studio's biggest commercial success of the 1960s. This date marks the public's first introduction to a film that would enchant generations and become widely regarded as the pinnacle of Walt Disney's legendary filmmaking career.

8. Goldfinger

   Released in 1964 by Guy Hamilton, United Artists

   On September 17, 1964, the world witnessed the premiere of 'Goldfinger' at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, solidifying its place as a cinematic landmark and arguably the definitive James Bond film. This date marked the launch of a movie that would not only shatter box office records for its time but also redefine the spy genre, setting new standards for action, style, and wit. 'Goldfinger' immediately captivated audiences globally, with its irresistible blend of thrilling espionage, memorable characters, and groundbreaking gadgetry, establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon and a high watermark in the 007 franchise.

9. My Fair Lady

   Released in 1964 by George Cukor, Warner Bros.

   The grand premiere of "My Fair Lady" on October 21, 1964, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history, launching a film that would become an instant classic and a monumental box office success. Anticipation for this lavish adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical was exceptionally high, fueled by its prestigious source material and a star-studded cast. This date signifies the world's first opportunity to experience George Cukor's dazzling rendition on the big screen, a spectacle that captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike and set new benchmarks for musical films. It wasn't just a movie release; it was a cultural event that resonated deeply.

10. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

    Released in 1964 by Larry Roemer, Rankin/Bass Productions, NBC

    On the evening of December 6, 1964, millions of American families gathered around their television sets to watch the premiere of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" on the NBC network's "General Electric Fantasy Hour." This stop-motion animated special, produced by Rankin/Bass Productions, brought the beloved 1939 story and 1949 song to life with a newfound charm and depth. Its debut marked the beginning of a cherished holiday tradition. For over five decades since that first broadcast, the special has become an inseparable part of the Christmas season, introducing generations of children to the enchanting story of a misfit reindeer who discovers that his perceived weakness is his greatest strength, a timeless message that continues to resonate every year.