History's Best Selling Movies of 1968

Throughout the swinging sixties, 1968 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 Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and Planet of the Apes, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like George Schlatter and Franklin J. Schaffner proved their mettle with Romeo and Juliet, delivering craftsmanship that spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

   Released in 1968 by George Schlatter

   On January 22, 1968, American television was hit by a psychedelic tidal wave of comedy as "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" premiered on NBC. This was not just another variety show; it was a revolutionary, rapid-fire barrage of sketches, one-liners, and non-sequiturs that perfectly captured the chaotic spirit of the late 1960s. Its debut marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that would dominate ratings, inject unforgettable catchphrases into the national lexicon, and forever change the pace and style of television comedy, making it a true best-seller of the broadcast era.

2. Planet of the Apes

   Released in 1968 by Franklin J. Schaffner, 20th Century Fox

   On February 8, 1968, the cinematic landscape was forever altered with the premiere of 'Planet of the Apes' in New York City. This landmark science fiction film didn't just captivate audiences with its groundbreaking premise and unforgettable ending; it launched a massively successful franchise and left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its initial release sparked immediate critical buzz and strong box office returns, quickly establishing it as a cultural phenomenon. The film's daring narrative, tackling complex themes through a visually stunning allegory, ensured that this particular date would be remembered as the genesis of a true movie classic, setting the stage for decades of discussion and influence.

3. Romeo and Juliet

   Released in 1968 by Franco Zeffirelli, Paramount Pictures

   The cinematic world was forever changed on March 5, 1968, with the premiere of Franco Zeffirelli’s "Romeo and Juliet" in the United Kingdom. This date marked the introduction of a groundbreaking adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, captivating audiences with its youthful energy and visual splendor. Breaking records for a Shakespearean film, it demonstrated that classical literature could be both artistically profound and commercially successful. This specific release date is special as it initiated the film's global journey, setting the stage for its eventual critical acclaim and robust box office performance, solidifying its place as a quintessential cinematic interpretation of the star-crossed lovers.

4. 2001: A Space Odyssey

   Released in 1968 by Stanley Kubrick, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On April 3, 1968, Stanley Kubrick's science fiction epic "2001: A Space Odyssey" held its New York premiere, forever altering the landscape of cinematic possibilities. Released in the midst of the Space Race and a year before humanity would set foot on the Moon, the film tapped directly into the public's fascination with space exploration while transcending it entirely. It was not merely a story about technology but a profound, often mystifying, philosophical inquiry into human evolution, artificial intelligence, and the nature of existence itself. The film's premiere was a major cultural event, heralding the arrival of a new kind of blockbuster—one that challenged its audience with abstract ideas and groundbreaking visual spectacle rather than conventional narrative.

5. The Odd Couple

   Released in 1968 by Gene Saks, Paramount Pictures

   On May 2, 1968, Paramount Pictures unveiled 'The Odd Couple' to the world, a cinematic adaptation that brought Neil Simon's uproarious stage play to the big screen. This premiere date marked the beginning of a remarkable theatrical run for the film, which quickly cemented its place as a comedy classic and a significant box office success for its era. The movie's sharp wit, brilliant performances by Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, and universally relatable themes of friendship and cohabitation resonated deeply with audiences, making this initial release a pivotal moment in film history. It wasn't just another comedy; it was a cultural phenomenon in the making, destined for enduring popularity and critical acclaim.

6. Rosemary's Baby

   Released in 1968 by Roman Polanski, Paramount Pictures

   Rosemary's Baby, a chilling psychological horror masterpiece, first captivated audiences with its unsettling dread upon its premiere on June 12, 1968. This date marked the initial unveiling of a film that would redefine the genre, presenting a subtle yet deeply disturbing narrative of paranoia and maternal terror. Its launch was not merely a cinematic event but a cultural phenomenon, quickly establishing itself as a critical and commercial success. The film's remarkable box office performance solidified its place as one of the year's most impactful releases, demonstrating how a meticulously crafted horror film could transcend mere scares to achieve profound artistic and social relevance, forever altering expectations for the supernatural thriller.

7. Funny Girl

   Released in 1968 by William Wyler, Columbia Pictures

   September 19, 1968, marked the grand premiere of 'Funny Girl,' a cinematic triumph that cemented Barbra Streisand's status as a global superstar. The film's launch was a highly anticipated event, bringing the beloved Broadway musical to the big screen with its original, powerhouse leading lady. From its very first showing in New York City, 'Funny Girl' captivated audiences, showcasing a blend of humor, drama, and unforgettable musical numbers. This date is special not only because it introduced the world to one of the most iconic movie musicals of all time but also because it kicked off a hugely successful box office run, propelling the film to become one of the highest-grossing movies of 1968 and earning Streisand an Academy Award for Best Actress in her film debut.

8. Oliver!

   Released in 1968 by Carol Reed, Romulus Films, Columbia Pictures

   On September 26, 1968, the musical film "Oliver!" held its world premiere in London, England. This lavish production brought Lionel Bart's hugely successful stage musical, itself an adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic 1838 novel "Oliver Twist," to the big screen. In a decade marked by social and cultural upheaval, the film offered a grand, if sanitized, escape into Victorian London, filled with memorable songs and spectacular choreography. Its premiere was a major cinematic event, setting the stage for an incredible run of commercial success and critical acclaim that would culminate in the film winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, a rare feat for a musical.

9. The Lion in Winter

   Released in 1968 by Anthony Harvey, Avco Embassy Pictures

   The world first witnessed the raw, electric power of 'The Lion in Winter' on October 15, 1968, a date that marked the premiere of a film destined for cinematic legend. This historical drama, renowned for its brilliant script and stellar performances, wasn't just a critical darling; it roared at the box office, becoming a significant commercial success for Avco Embassy Pictures. Its initial release heralded a new benchmark for historical narratives, blending sharp wit with profound emotional depth. This specific premiere date is pivotal, representing the moment audiences were introduced to the unforgettable, feuding royal family of Henry II, setting the stage for its enduring legacy as a masterpiece of dialogue and character study.

10. Bullitt

    Released in 1968 by Peter Yates, Warner Bros.-Seven Arts

    October 17, 1968, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history with the U.S. theatrical premiere of 'Bullitt'. This date unleashed a film that would not only captivate audiences but also redefine the action-thriller genre, largely thanks to its groundbreaking car chase sequence and Steve McQueen's iconic performance. Earning significant box office success and critical acclaim, 'Bullitt' immediately established itself as a cultural phenomenon. Its gritty realism and innovative filmmaking techniques cemented its place as a classic, forever associated with its star and the thrilling streets of San Francisco. This premiere date initiated a legacy that continues to influence filmmakers and entertain viewers decades later.

11. Yours, Mine and Ours

    Released in 1968 by Melville Shavelson, United Artists

    December 18, 1968, marked the theatrical debut of 'Yours, Mine and Ours,' a heartwarming and chaotic family comedy that instantly captured the hearts of audiences. This date heralded the launch of a movie that would go on to become a significant box office success for United Artists, pairing two of Hollywood's most beloved stars, Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda, in a tale of an impossibly large blended family. The film's premiere cemented its place as a holiday season favorite, drawing viewers in with its unique premise and the undeniable charm of its leading cast, proving that even the most unconventional families could find love and laughter together, while also setting a benchmark for family-centric comedies of its era.