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Welcome to our celebration of the 100 Best Films of the 1960s, a decade renowned for its profound innovation and dramatic shifts in cinematic storytelling. The ’60s were a time of bold experimentation, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of narrative, style, and visual aesthetics, mirroring the dynamic cultural and artistic changes of the era.
In this list, we highlight the 100 highest-rated and most critically acclaimed films of the decade, showcasing the diverse styles and groundbreaking approaches that defined this influential period. From revolutionary narratives to striking visual compositions, these films encapsulate the transformative spirit of 1960s cinema.
Explore how Stanley Kubrick pushed the boundaries of genre and narrative with his visionary and often unsettling films, Sergio Leone redefined the Western genre with his epic, stylized narratives, and Ingmar Bergman delved into the human psyche with his deeply introspective and visually striking dramas.
Join us in celebrating the films that not only captured the essence of the 1960s, but also left an enduring impact on the world of cinema.
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Top10nerScore78.468 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ermanno Olmi
WRITERS: Ermanno Olmi, Ettore Lombardo
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lamberto Caimi
STARRING: Sandro Panseri, Loredana Detto
GENRE: Drama, Coming-of-Age
With his family mired in financial troubles, Domenico moves to Milan, Italy, from his small town to get a job in lieu of furthering his education. A lack of options forces him to take a position as a messenger at a big company, where he hopes to receive a promotion soon. There, Domenico meets Antonietta, a young woman in a similar situation as himself. The two form a tentative relationship, but the soulless nature of their jobs threatens to keep them apart.
Il Posto is a cinematic marvel that captivates with its unvarnished portrayal of ordinary life. Ermanno Olmi’s profound direction and meticulous attention to detail paint an evocative canvas of post-war Italy, highlighting the beauty in everyday struggles.
Top10nerScore78.518 / 100
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DIRECTOR: David Lean
WRITERS: Robert Bolt
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Freddie Young
STARRING: Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Geraldine Chaplin, Rod Steiger, Alec Guinness, Tom Courtenay, Rita Tushingham, Ralph Richardson, Siobhán McKenna
GENRE: Period Drama, Romance, Epic
The life of a Russian physician and poet who, although married to another, falls in love with a political activist’s wife and experiences hardship during World War I and then the October Revolution.
Doctor Zhivago captivates with its sweeping cinematography, transporting audiences into the tumultuous backdrop of revolution. Omar Sharif’s poignant portrayal and the lush, emotive score weave a tapestry of love and loss. A timeless epic that resonates across generations.
Top10nerScore78.723 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins
WRITERS: Ernest Lehman, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Daniel L. Fapp
STARRING: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Russ Tamblyn
GENRE: Musical, Romance, Tragedy
In the slums of the upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, a gang of Polish-American teenagers called the Jets compete with a rival gang of recently immigrated Puerto Ricans, the Sharks, to “own” the neighborhood streets. Tensions are high between the gangs but two kids, one from each rival gang, fall in love leading to tragedy.
In West Side Story, Jerome Robbins’s choreography electrifies the screen, intertwining with Leonard Bernstein’s timeless score. Wood and Beymer’s chemistry adds depth to this Shakespearean tale of love and tragedy. A classic fusion of music and storytelling.
Top10nerScore78.726 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Richard Lester
WRITERS: Alun Owen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gilbert Taylor
STARRING: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
GENRE: Comedy, Musical, British New Wave, Music
Capturing John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr in their electrifying element, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ is a wildly irreverent journey through this pastiche of a day in the life of The Beatles during 1964. The band have to use all their guile and wit to avoid the pursuing fans and press to reach their scheduled television performance, in spite of Paul’s troublemaking grandfather and Ringo’s arrest.
Even after all these years, A Hard Day’s Night remains a captivating cinematic experience, showcasing the enduring charm of the Beatles and their music. This rock-and-roll film has solidified its status as an enduring classic, a testament to the band’s timeless appeal.
Top10nerScore78.800 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ingmar Bergman
WRITERS: Ingmar Bergman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sven Nykvist
STARRING: Max von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, Gertrud Fridh, Georg Rydeberg
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Psychological Horror, Surrealism, Gothic
An artist in crisis is haunted by nightmares from the past in Ingmar Bergman’s only horror film, which takes place on a windy island. During “the hour of the wolf” – between midnight and dawn – he tells his wife about his most painful memories.
Ingmar Bergman’s venture into the horror genre, Hour of the Wolf, deftly channels the eerie manifestations of artistic demons, showcasing his profound psychological inquisition and expanding his cinematic repertoire with spine-tingling finesse.
Top10nerScore78.839 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ingmar Bergman
WRITERS: Ingmar Bergman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sven Nykvist
STARRING: Ingrid Thulin, Gunnel Lindblom, Jörgen Lindström
GENRE: Psychological Drama
Two estranged sisters, Ester and Anna, and Anna’s 10-year-old son travel to the Central European country on the verge of war. Ester becomes seriously ill and the three of them move into a hotel in a small town called Timoka.
The Silence is a remarkable cinematic exploration that masterfully delves into the complexities of human nature and relationships. With its thought-provoking narrative and stunning cinematography, it stands as a testament to Ingmar Bergman’s enduring legacy in world cinema.
Top10nerScore78.916 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Stanley Kramer
WRITERS: Abby Mann
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ernest Laszlo
STARRING: Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Marlene Dietrich, Maximilian Schell, Montgomery Clift, Judy Garland
GENRE: Legal Drama, Period Drama
In 1947, four German judges who served on the bench during the Nazi regime face a military tribunal to answer charges of crimes against humanity. Chief Justice Haywood hears evidence and testimony not only from lead defendant Ernst Janning and his defense attorney Hans Rolfe, but also from the widow of a Nazi general, an idealistic U.S. Army captain and reluctant witness Irene Wallner.
Judgment at Nuremberg is a powerful cinematic examination of historical atrocities, probing the depths of complicity and genocide with an exceptional ensemble cast operating at the zenith of their talents. This film’s poignant portrayal sheds light on a somber chapter in our past.
Top10nerScore78.962 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Franklin J. Schaffner
WRITERS: Michael Wilson, Rod Serling
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Leon Shamroy
STARRING: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter
GENRE: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Adventure, Post-Apocalyptic
A U.S. Spaceship lands on a desolate planet, stranding astronaut Taylor in a world dominated by apes, 2000 years into the future, who use a primitive race of humans for experimentation and sport. Soon Taylor finds himself among the hunted, his life in the hands of a benevolent chimpanzee scientist.
With groundbreaking makeup and an allegorical narrative, Planet of the Apes challenges societal norms and offers profound reflections on humanity. Charlton Heston’s captivating performance amplifies the film’s timeless message, ensuring its place in cinematic history.
Top10nerScore78.996 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Masaki Kobayashi
WRITERS: Shinobu Hashimoto
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kazuo Yamada
STARRING: Toshiro Mifune, Yoko Tsukasa, Tatsuya Nakadai
GENRE: Jidaigeki
The mother of a feudal lord’s only heir is kidnapped away from her husband by the lord. The husband and his samurai father must decide whether to accept the unjust decision, or risk death to get her back.
Samurai Rebellion is an eloquent exploration of honor and love in feudal Japan. Kobayashi crafts a gripping tale, skillfully blending exquisite cinematography, powerful performances, and a resonant score to deliver a profoundly moving and thought-provoking film.
Top10nerScore79.156 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Orson Welles
WRITERS: Orson Welles
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Edmond Richard
STARRING: Anthony Perkins, Jeanne Moreau, Romy Schneider
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Mystery, Surrealism, Dystopian, Black Comedy
An unassuming office worker is arrested and stands trial, but he is never made aware of his charges.
The Trial impresses with its meticulous adaptation of Kafka’s enigmatic narrative, delving into the labyrinthine complexities of bureaucracy. Edmond Richard’s cinematography and Anthony Perkins’ performance combine to create a haunting portrayal of existential dread.
Top10nerScore79.173/ 100
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DIRECTOR: Robert Bresson
WRITERS: Robert Bresson, Georges Bernanos
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ghislain Cloquet
STARRING: Nadine Nortier, Jean-Claude Guilbert
GENRE: Drama, Coming-of-Age
A young girl living in the French countryside suffers constant indignities at the hand of alcoholism and her fellow man.
Mouchette is a haunting and evocative exploration of the human condition. Bresson’s unflinching portrayal of a young girl’s struggles in rural France is a testament to his mastery of minimalism and his ability to convey profound emotional depth through every frame.
Top10nerScore79.446 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Norman Jewison
WRITERS: Stirling Silliphant
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Haskell Wexler
STARRING: Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates, Lee Grant
GENRE: Mystery, Crime, New Hollywood, Drama, Police Procedural
An African American detective is asked to investigate a murder in a racist southern town.
In the Heat of the Night remains a potent cinematic achievement, blending taut racial tensions with detective drama. Norman Jewison’s direction and Sidney Poitier’s commanding presence make it a compelling and enduring commentary on America’s troubled past.
Top10nerScore79.459 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sergey Bondarchuk
WRITERS: Sergey Bondarchuk, Vasili Solovyov
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yu-Lan Chen, Aleksandr Shelenkov, Anatoly Petritsky
STARRING: Sergei Bondarchuk, Ludmila Savelyeva, Vyacheslav Tikhonov, Anastasiya Vertinskaya, Anatoli Ktorov, Boris Zakhava, Oleg Tabakov, Kira Golovko, Viktor Stanitsyn
GENRE: Period Drama, War, Epic
A seven-hour epic adaptation of the novel by Leo Tolstoy. The love story of young Countess Natasha Rostova and Count Pierre Bezukhov is interwoven with the Great Patriotic War of 1812 against Napoleon’s invading army.
War and Peace is a monumental adaptation of Tolstoy’s epic. Renowned for its sweeping cinematography and historical accuracy, it captures the essence of the novel admirably, making it a captivating journey through the pages of Russian history.
Top10nerScore79.598 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Juraj Herz
WRITERS: Juraj Herz, Ladislav Fuks
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Stanislav Milota
STARRING: Rudolf Hrušínský, Vlasta Chramostová
GENRE: Czechoslovak New Wave, Drama, Psychological Horror, Black Comedy
Set in Central Europe during World War II, a demented cremator believes cremation relieves earthly suffering and sets out to save the world.
The Cremator is a haunting and intellectually stimulating cinematic exploration of psychological deterioration in the backdrop of World War II. Its meticulous craftsmanship and expressive storytelling offer a unique and chilling cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impact.
Top10nerScore79.695 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Satyajit Ray
WRITERS: Satyajit Ray
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Subrata Mitra
STARRING: Soumitra Chatterjee, Madhabi Mukherjee, Shailen Mukherjee, Gitali Roy
GENRE: Parallel Cinema, Romance, Drama, Period Drama
In 1870s India, Charulata is an isolated, artistically inclined woman who sees little of her busy journalist husband, Bhupati. Realizing that his wife is alienated and unhappy, he convinces his cousin, Amal, to spend time with Charulata and nourish her creative impulses. Amal is a fledgling poet himself, and he and Charulata bond over their shared love of art. But over time a sexual attraction develops, with heartbreaking results.
Charulata is a remarkable cinematic achievement, showcasing Ray’s storytelling finesse and Mitra’s visionary at their zenith. This period drama gracefully weaves a poignant narrative, capturing the essence of a woman’s self-discovery within the confines of her Victorian-era home.
Top10nerScore79.728 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sergio Leone
WRITERS: Sergio Leone, Víctor Andrés Catena, Jaime Comas Gil, Adriano Bolzoni
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Federico G. Larraya, Massimo Dallamano
STARRING: Clint Eastwood, Marianne Koch, Gian Maria Volonté, Wolfgang Lukschy
GENRE: Spaghetti Western
The Man With No Name enters the Mexican village of San Miguel in the midst of a power struggle among the three Rojo brothers and sheriff John Baxter. When a regiment of Mexican soldiers bearing gold intended to pay for new weapons is waylaid by the Rojo brothers, the stranger inserts himself into the middle of the long-simmering battle, selling false information to both sides for his own benefit.
A Fistful of Dollars revolutionized the Western, introducing Eastwood’s enigmatic ‘Man with No Name’ and reshaping the landscape of cinematic storytelling. Leone’s visionary and Morricone’s unforgettable score combined to create a gritty, influential timeless classic.
Top10nerScore79.822 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jean-Luc Godard
WRITERS: Jean-Luc Godard
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Raoul Coutard
STARRING: Anna Karina, Sami Frey, Claude Brasseur, Louisa Colpeyn
GENRE: French New Wave, Crime, Drama
Two crooks with a fondness for old Hollywood B-movies convince a languages student to help them commit a robbery.
Band of Outsiders offers a refreshingly unconventional take on crime and romance, masterfully blending Nouvelle Vague aesthetics with Godard’s distinct narrative flair. Its stylish innovation and captivating performances remain influential in cinema’s evolution.
Top10nerScore79.831 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Akira Kurosawa
WRITERS: Akira Kurosawa, Hideo Oguni, Ryūzō Kikushima
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Takao Saitō, Fukuzo Koizumi
STARRING: Toshirō Mifune, Yuzo Kayama, Tatsuya Nakadai, Takashi Shimura
GENRE: Chambara
In this companion piece and sequel to “Yojimbo,” jaded samurai Sanjuro helps an idealistic group of young warriors weed out their clan’s evil influences, and in the process turns their image of a proper samurai on its ear.
Sanjuro exemplifies Kurosawa’s mastery, blending samurai ethos with wry humor. Mifune’s charismatic portrayal of the titular ronin captivates, while Kurosawa’s prowess delivers a thrilling, morally complex narrative. A timeless classic hailed for its innovation and enduring relevance.
Top10nerScore80.277 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Joseph Losey
WRITERS: Harold Pinter
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Douglas Slocombe
STARRING: Dirk Bogarde, James Fox, Sarah Miles, Wendy Craig
GENRE: Drama, British New Wave
A decadent London aristocrat hires a man-servant to attend to his needs. However, the balance of power starts to shift…
The Servant stands as a remarkable example of British cinema’s exploration of class dynamics. With razor-sharp direction from Joseph Losey and a compelling script, it continues to captivate audiences with its searing portrayal of power struggles in an evolving society.
Top10nerScore80.363 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Frankenheimer
WRITERS: George Axelrod
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lionel Lindon
STARRING: Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Angela Lansbury, Janet Leigh, James Gregory
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Political Thriller, Political Drama
Near the end of the Korean War, a platoon of U.S. soldiers is captured by communists and brainwashed. Following the war, the platoon is returned home, and Sergeant Raymond Shaw is lauded as a hero by the rest of his platoon. However, the platoon commander, Captain Bennett Marco, finds himself plagued by strange nightmares and soon races to uncover a terrible plot.
With its gripping narrative and standout performances, The Manchurian Candidate captivates audiences even decades later. Its exploration of political intrigue remains timeless, making it a must-watch for anyone craving suspense and thought-provoking storytelling.
Top10nerScore80.504 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Alfred Hitchcock
WRITERS: Evan Hunter
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Burks
STARRING: Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette
GENRE: Thriller, Natural Horror
Chic socialite Melanie Daniels enjoys a passing flirtation with an eligible attorney in a San Francisco pet shop and, on an impulse, follows him to his hometown bearing a gift of lovebirds. But upon her arrival, the bird population runs amok. Suddenly, the townsfolk face a massive avian onslaught, with the feathered fiends inexplicably attacking people all over Bodega Bay.
The Birds is a thrilling Hitchcockian classic, seamlessly blending suspense and horror. With Hitchcock’s deft direction and Tippi Hedren’s captivating performance, it continues to thrill audiences with its enduring and timeless fear-inducing narrative.
Top10nerScore80.626 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Věra Chytilová
WRITERS: Pavel Juráček, Věra Chytilová, Ester Krumbachová
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jaroslav Kučera
STARRING: Jitka Cerhová, Ivana Karbanová
GENRE: Czechoslovak New Wave, Satire, Surrealism, Absurdist Comedy
After realizing that all world is spoiled, Marie and Marie are committed to be spoiled themselves. They rip off older men, feast in lavish meals and do all kinds of mischief. But what is all this leading to?
Daisies is a kaleidoscopic burst of rebellious energy, challenging conventions with its playful defiance. Visually arresting and thematically provocative, it’s a joyous celebration of female autonomy, leaving an unforgettable imprint on avant-garde cinema.
Top10nerScore80.689 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Pier Paolo Pasolini
WRITERS: Pier Paolo Pasolini
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tonino Delli Colli
STARRING: Enrique Irazoqui, Margherita Caruso, Susanna Pasolini
GENRE: Period Drama, Religious Film, Classical Antiquity
This biblical drama focuses on the teachings of Jesus, including the parables that reflect their revolutionary nature. As Jesus travels along the coast of the Sea of Galilee, he gradually gathers more followers, leading him into direct conflict with the authorities.
The Gospel According to St. Matthew mesmerizes with its raw portrayal of Jesus’ life, devoid of Hollywood embellishments. Pasolini’s minimalist approach lends authenticity, while the black-and-white visuals captures the essence of biblical times. A profound, soul-stirring experience.
Top10nerScore80.770 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Robert Wise
WRITERS: Ernest Lehman, Howard Lindsay, Russel Crouse
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ted D. McCord
STARRING: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn, Peggy Wood, Charmian Carr
GENRE: Musical, Family, Romance, Period Drama
A tomboyish postulant at an Austrian abbey becomes a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain with seven children, and brings a new love of life and music into the home.
The Sound of Music seamlessly blends musical charm with heartwarming storytelling, showcasing Julie Andrews’ impeccable talent and Robert Wise’s adept direction. It remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its enduring cultural impact and enchanting tunes.
Top10nerScore80.775 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Kaneto Shindō
WRITERS: Kaneto Shindō
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kiyomi Kuroda
STARRING: Nobuko Otowa, Jitsuko Yoshimura, Kei Sato, Taiji Tonoyama
GENRE: Jidaigeki, Psychological Horror, Folk Horror
While her son, Kichi, is away at war, a woman and her daughter-in-law survive by killing samurai who stray into their swamp, then selling whatever valuables they find. Both are devastated when they learn that Kichi has died, but his wife soon begins an affair with a neighbor who survived the war, Hachi. The mother disapproves and, when she can’t steal Hachi for herself, tries to scare her daughter-in-law with a mysterious mask from a dead samurai.
Onibaba stands as a significant work in Japanese cinema of its era, captivating audiences with its stark portrayal of survival during wartime. The film’s visceral storytelling and haunting visuals continue to resonate with viewers and critics alike, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
