History's Best Selling Movies of 1965

Make way for the hits of 1965! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the swinging sixties phenomenon and the march of first-rate movies. Crowd-pleasers such as Shenandoah shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers The Sound of Music and Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Andrew V. McLaglen and Robert Wise, these trailblazing products spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Shenandoah

   Released in 1965 by Andrew V. McLaglen, Universal Pictures

   On February 24, 1965, audiences were introduced to 'Shenandoah,' a poignant anti-war Western-drama that quickly carved out a significant place in cinema history. This date marked the film's initial theatrical premiere, launching it into the public consciousness as a powerful statement against the futility of conflict, set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. Starring the iconic James Stewart, the movie's launch was met with considerable interest, drawing viewers in with its unique blend of family loyalty, pacifism, and the harsh realities of war. The film went on to become one of Universal Pictures' most profitable releases of the year, demonstrating the box office appeal of its compelling narrative and beloved lead actor.

2. The Sound of Music

   Released in 1965 by Robert Wise, 20th Century Fox

   The Sound of Music premiered on March 2, 1965, embarking on an extraordinary journey that would cement its place as one of the most beloved and financially successful films in cinematic history. This initial debut, a limited release in New York City, quickly set the stage for a phenomenon that would captivate audiences worldwide for decades. Its launch was not just another movie release; it was the genesis of a cultural touchstone, a heartwarming saga of family, music, and resilience against the backdrop of wartime Austria, directed by the acclaimed Robert Wise. From this pivotal date, the film began its ascent to become the highest-grossing film of its time, demonstrating the immense power of its enchanting melodies and compelling narrative.

3. Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines

   Released in 1965 by Ken Annakin, 20th Century Fox

   The cinematic world took flight on June 3, 1965, with the grand premiere of 'Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines' in London. This date marked the launch of a sprawling, light-hearted spectacle that promised audiences an unforgettable journey back to the nascent days of aviation. From its very first screening, the film soared, captivating critics and audiences alike with its unique blend of historical recreation, slapstick comedy, and thrilling aerial sequences. It wasn't just a movie; it was an event, a magnificent cinematic achievement that captured the daring spirit of early flight, setting the stage for a box office success that would cement its place as a beloved classic and a testament to ambitious filmmaking.

4. What's New Pussycat?

   Released in 1965 by Clive Donner, United Artists

   What's New Pussycat?, a cinematic whirlwind of slapstick, satire, and burgeoning star power, burst onto the screen on June 22, 1965. This date marked the global premiere of a film that defied conventional comedy, launching itself into popular culture with an unprecedented blend of European flair and American wit. More than just a movie, it was a cultural phenomenon, boasting an all-star cast and a memorable title track that would define an era. Its release wasn't merely a theatrical event; it was a bold statement in the landscape of 1960s cinema, quickly becoming a significant box office success and solidifying the comedic genius of its ensemble, laying the groundwork for future comedic endeavors.

5. Von Ryan's Express

   Released in 1965 by Mark Robson, 20th Century Fox

   June 23, 1965, marked the electrifying premiere of 'Von Ryan's Express' in the United States, launching what would become a quintessential World War II adventure film onto the big screen. Starring Frank Sinatra in a memorable role, this release was more than just another war movie; it was a high-stakes, suspense-driven escape narrative that immediately captivated audiences. Its impressive box office performance solidified its place as one of the year's top earners and cemented Sinatra’s versatility as a leading man. This date is special because it introduced a thrilling, action-packed spectacle that redefined expectations for the genre, combining gritty realism with Hollywood star power, setting the stage for its lasting legacy.

6. Cat Ballou

   Released in 1965 by Elliot Silverstein, Columbia Pictures

   On June 24, 1965, audiences were introduced to 'Cat Ballou,' a groundbreaking film that deftly blended the dusty tropes of the Western genre with rollicking comedy and musical whimsy. This particular date marked the official theatrical premiere in the United States, launching what would become one of the year's most surprising and delightful box office hits. Far from a conventional Western, its unique charm and a standout dual performance from Lee Marvin quickly captured the public's imagination, propelling it to significant commercial success and earning it a special place in cinematic history, proving that a fresh take on a familiar genre could truly resonate, breaking expectations and records.

7. The Great Race

   Released in 1965 by Blake Edwards, Warner Bros.

   The Great Race roared onto screens with its New York City premiere on July 1, 1965, igniting a summer of laughter and adventure across the nation. This monumental comedic epic, conceived by the visionary Blake Edwards, wasn't just another film; it was an event, promising audiences a spectacle of slapstick humor, daring stunts, and an unforgettable transatlantic journey. Its ambitious scope and star-studded cast immediately set it apart, making its debut a highly anticipated moment in cinematic history. The film's grand scale and unparalleled blend of chase sequences and witty dialogue captivated viewers, establishing its release date as the launch of a beloved classic that continues to charm new generations with its timeless appeal and record-breaking pie fight.

8. That Darn Cat!

   Released in 1965 by Robert Stevenson, Buena Vista Distribution

   December 2, 1965, marked the grand premiere of Disney's delightful caper, "That Darn Cat!," captivating audiences with its charming blend of mystery and comedy. Launching first in Anaheim, California, this date introduced the world to a clever Siamese cat named D.C. (Darn Cat) and a captivating plot involving jewel thieves and an intrepid young woman. The film quickly became a significant box office success for Walt Disney Productions, cementing its place as a beloved family classic and showcasing Disney's continued mastery in producing engaging live-action entertainment that appealed across generations. Its initial screening set the stage for a nationwide release and a memorable run.

9. Thunderball

   Released in 1965 by Terence Young, United Artists

   On December 9, 1965, the world witnessed the premiere of "Thunderball" in Tokyo, Japan, marking the fourth electrifying installment in the James Bond series. This original theatrical launch was a monumental event, solidifying Sean Connery's legendary portrayal of 007 and breaking box office records globally. "Thunderball" wasn't just another Bond film; it was an unprecedented cinematic spectacle, pushing boundaries with its ambitious underwater sequences and reaffirming the franchise's status as a global phenomenon. Its release set new standards for espionage thrillers, capturing the imagination of millions and becoming a defining moment in 1960s pop culture, paving the way for decades of Bond's enduring legacy.

10. Doctor Zhivago

    Released in 1965 by David Lean, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    The premiere of David Lean's "Doctor Zhivago" on December 22, 1965, marked the grand unveiling of a cinematic epic that would become one of the highest-grossing films of all time. This date launched a romantic saga set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Russian Revolution, captivating audiences with its sweeping visuals, passionate performances, and Maurice Jarre's iconic score. More than just a movie, it was a cultural phenomenon, a visually stunning spectacle that cemented its place in film history and proved the enduring power of grand-scale storytelling, breaking box office records and establishing a new benchmark for historical romance.