The Ultimate Ranking of the Top 10 Movies from 1959

When it comes to choosing the best year for cinema in the 1950s, it's hard to argue against 1954. With standout Japanese films like Seven Samurai, Godzilla, and Sansho the Bailiff, along with classics from around the world like Rear Window, La Strada, and On the Waterfront, it truly stands out. However, every year has its great movies, and 1959 could certainly be a strong contender, to loosely quote Marlon Brando's famous line.

1959 marked the end of the 1950s with a bang, pushing certain genres and filmmaking styles forward in ways that would continue to influence future years. Here, we have listed the very best titles released in 1959, representing the year at its finest. The rankings start with the great films and culminate with the greatest.

10. 'Imitation of Life'

Image via Universal Pictures

Douglas Sirk was a master at producing melodramas that exceeded expectations. While the term "melodramatic" is often used negatively to describe films that might seem unrealistic or silly, Sirk's skilled approach resulted in captivating and superior movies. One such example is "Imitation of Life," regarded as one of Sirk's finest works. This film expertly combines romance and grand drama, all while exploring complicated themes of motherhood, race, and prejudice in a refreshingly open manner for its time. In comparison, the initial film adaptation of the novel, released in 1934, falls significantly short.

9. 'Ben-Hur'

Image via MGM

The 1959 film Ben-Hur can be considered as an improved version of the 1925 film Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, which itself was based on a 1907 short film called Ben Hur. All of these films focus on the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a man who seeks revenge against the Roman Empire after his family is enslaved and his life is thrown into turmoil during the time of Jesus Christ.

When it comes to grand-scale epics filled with adventure and action, Ben-Hur stands out as one of the largest and best. It even won the prestigious Best Picture award at the Oscars. It is worth watching solely for the impressive chariot race in the climax, which happens to be the film's most popular scene. Additionally, it showcases the immense scale that Hollywood productions could achieve during this time, as they had to compete with the growing popularity of television.

8. 'Hiroshima Mon Amour'

Image via Cocinor and Daiei

Despite its setting in the aftermath of World War II, Hiroshima Mon Amour stands out as one of the most powerful and captivating war movies ever made. Directed by the boundary-pushing Alain Resnais, this film can be quite challenging to watch at times. However, compared to other French New Wave films, Hiroshima Mon Amour can be considered relatively accessible.

The story takes place in Hiroshima shortly after the devastating nuclear bombings by the U.S. forces. The film begins with a solemn and somber portrayal of the destruction caused by the attacks before delving into the relationship that develops between a Japanese man and a French woman. Hiroshima Mon Amour has a slow-paced narrative, but it captivates and leaves a haunting impression, with its poignant images and unforgettable moments lingering in the viewer's mind long after the movie concludes.

Watch on Criterion Channel

7. 'Rio Bravo'

In addition to his collaboration with director John Ford, John Wayne also had numerous partnerships with Howard Hawks throughout his illustrious acting career. One of their most remarkable joint ventures is the 1959 Western film, Rio Bravo. Although it should not be confused with other John Wayne movies like 1950's Rio Grande or 1970's Rio Lobo (which was also helmed by Hawks), Rio Bravo can be considered their finest accomplishment.

Rio Bravo is set in a small Western town and follows an unlikely group of characters who come together to defend against the henchmen of the movie's antagonist until a marshal arrives to provide assistance. This film features lovable characters, a perfect blend of action, humor, and drama, and is overall captivating and effortlessly enjoyable to watch, despite its lengthy runtime which is just nine minutes shy of two-and-a-half hours.

6. 'Apur Sansar'

Image via Sony Pictures Classics

To fully appreciate the impact of Apur Sansar, it is essential to watch it after the first two films in Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy: Pather Panchali (1955) and Aparajito (1956). This trilogy collectively narrates a compelling story about a struggling family in rural Bengal, with the central character initially serving as an observer of the dynamics within his family before ultimately becoming the protagonist in the second and third films.

The focus on Apu's transition into early adulthood and the accompanying responsibilities makes Apur Sansar an emotionally intense and impactful film, possibly the most so out of the three. However, all three films are highly recommended for a complete viewing experience. It's worth noting that the first film in the trilogy, Pather Panchali, is regarded as one of Akira Kurosawa's favorites. Stream it on the Criterion Channel.

5. Anatomy of a Murder'

Image via Columbia Pictures

Anatomy of Murder is a standout courtroom drama from its decade, surpassing many films of its era in quality. Despite its lengthy 161-minute runtime, the film is well-paced and consistently captivating. The gripping narrative revolves around a high-profile and exceptionally dramatic murder case, which entices a seasoned lawyer - portrayed by the talented James Stewart - to come out of (semi) retirement.

Stewart, known for his iconic performances, delivers a truly outstanding portrayal in Anatomy of Murder, infusing the role with mesmerizing intensity and elevating the overall electric atmosphere of the film. Additionally, the direction by Otto Preminger, a highly acclaimed filmmaker of that period, deserves recognition that may have been overlooked.

Watch on Criterion Channel

4. 'The 400 Blows'

Image via Cocinor

The 400 Blows is an exceptional coming-of-age film and one of the most poignant and compelling French dramas in cinema history. It holds a remarkable position as one of the greatest and most renowned works, perfectly exemplifying the director's (François Truffaut) prolific and consistently fascinating filmmaking career.

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Although it centers around a young boy's challenges during a specific era, there is a universal and relatable aspect to its themes and storyline. Its remarkable sincerity in addressing adolescent disillusionment and uncertainty is noteworthy. While it can be harsh and somewhat somber (with subsequent sequels having a slightly lighter tone), it undoubtedly leaves a lasting impact and ranks among the standout films of not only 1959 but the entire 1950s era.

Catch it on Max.

3. 'Some Like It Hot'

Image via United Artists

Edgar Wright is undeniably a talented and humorous filmmaker who has created a series of highly entertaining movies. Therefore, when he identifies Some Like It Hot as one of his all-time favorite comedies, it holds significant merit. Some Like It Hot is a revered crime comedy that follows the story of two men who become targets of the mob after witnessing a murder. In their desperate attempts to escape, they disguise themselves as women and join an all-girl band embarking on a tour.

Once the plot is established, Some Like It Hot offers a constant stream of exceptional jokes and showcases the outstanding performances of its three lead actors: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. Filmmaker Billy Wilder was on an unstoppable creative streak during this period. He began the 1950s with the iconic Sunset Boulevard and concluded the decade with Some Like It Hot. Adding to his impressive filmography, just one year after Some Like It Hot, Wilder directed The Apartment (1960), which went on to win the Best Picture award and solidify itself as another undeniable classic.

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2. 'North by Northwest'

Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

In his extensive career, Alfred Hitchcock has exhibited remarkable versatility in various genres and styles, but he will forever be renowned for his remarkable contributions to the thriller genre. His unparalleled expertise in creating suspense earned him the well-deserved title of the master of suspense. Among his numerous exceptional thrillers, 1959's North by Northwest stands out as not only immensely enjoyable, but also action-packed and thoroughly entertaining.

1. 'The Human Condition I: No Greater Love'

The concept of falsely accusing a man, resulting in him evading capture while proving his innocence, was a recurring theme that captivated Hitchcock. However, with North by Northwest, it seemed as though he took this premise to its absolute limit, exploring all its possibilities and creating a mesmerizing and engaging masterpiece. Additionally, the film boasted one of the finest casts in Hitchcock's repertoire, with the exceptional performances of Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint leading the way, complemented by the unforgettable portrayals of the antagonists by James Mason and Martin Landau.

Image via Shochiku

Similar to the aforementioned Apu Trilogy, The Human Condition trilogy requires the viewer to watch all three films in order to fully appreciate the grand narrative being told. Released in 1959, both Parts 1 and 2 - No Greater Love and Road to Eternity - depict the profound physical and emotional journey of a conscientious objector during World War II. Part 3, A Soldier's Prayer, was released in 1961. Together, the three films encompass a remarkable 9+ hour saga, with No Greater Love being considered the standout among them (if one had to choose).

The story of The Human Condition, a collaboration between filmmaker Masaki Kobayashi and actor Tatsuya Nakadai, is incredibly ambitious and emotionally devastating. It is considered one of the best works by this duo, who previously worked together on the acclaimed 1962 samurai film, Harakiri. This film is just one part of what could be a contender for one of the greatest war films ever made. Even though its true conclusion wasn't screened until 1961, The Human Condition deserves to be recognized as the greatest film of 1959. Watch it on the Criterion Channel.