Sixty years ago, the film industry released several iconic movies that still hold up as classics today. Movies like “Mary Poppins” and “A Fistful of Dollars” ignite the audience’s imagination and leave movie buffs feeling satisfied. It’s hard to believe these iconic movies are turning 60 this year.
The 1960s saw the United States amid the Cold War, and Hollywood was changing. A few of these movies, like “Fail Safe” and “Dr. Strangelove” showed the fear and anxiety many had during the Cold War. Other movies helped the audience escape from reality for a couple of hours. Let’s look back into history and read about some of the most iconic movies turning 60 this year.
To compile a list of movies turning 60 this year, 24/7 Tempo consulted multiple entertainment sites, including Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb. (Do you love the 1960s? Read our list of the 13 fashion trends from the 1960s that are worth embracing today.)
“Mary Poppins”
- Release Day: August 27
- Director: Robert Stevenson
“Mary Poppins” is a charming musical film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Poppins (Andrews) is a magical London Nanny who appears when she is most needed. This film highlights redemption, family, and the wonder of life.
This movie takes you on a journey through the eyes of the Bank’s children. It has catchy musical numbers and animation, adding a light-hearted feel to the film. Mary Poppins will always be one of the most lovable and “practically perfect in every way” nannies that ever graced the big screen.
“A Fistful of Dollars”
- Release Day: January 18
- Director: Sergio Leone
Clint Eastwood is an iconic entertainer known for his incredible acting in action films. Before he was Frankie Dunn, Joe Kidd, and Walt Kowalski, Eastwood was the Man with No Man. In “Fistful of Dollars,” he has no clear moral code and ultimately plays the anti-hero.
“Fistful of Dollars” is a gritty film that introduced the spaghetti western subgenre and launched Eastwood’s career into becoming the legend he is today.
“Goldfinger”
- Release Day: December 22
- Director: Guy Hamilton
Many people consider “Goldfinger” the GOAT of spy genre films. Starring Sean Connery as James Bond, there is both action and adventure. “Goldfinger” is based on the seventh Bond novel written by Ian Fleming. The basis of the movie focuses on gold smuggling and theft.
One of the reasons people love “Goldfinger” so much is the seamless way the film flows. The pace continues to build, yet it stays logical. This film remains one of the best James Bond films.
“Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb”
- Release Day: January 29
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
“Dr. Strangelove” and “Fail Safe” were two sides of the same coin. The underlining theme is leaders who are at odds with a nuclear war looming.
“Dr. Strangelove is, in a sense, a dramatic yet satirical movie about the Cold War and the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union.
The antagonist takes a humorous and sarcastic approach to the looming threat. He is mentally deranged during “Dr. Strangelove,” which is one reason the film kept an underlining fear-inducing theme throughout. The film takes a look at a rather serious topic of an accidental nuclear war that could cause the demise of the population. Then, it adds an unstable antagonist and sprinkles in humor. The film was split on reception. Some believe it was a hilarious take on an otherwise serious topic, and others do not like the humor of this satire. Regardless, “Dr. Strangelove” is turning 60 this year and remains an iconic film for its political satire and how closely it gets to portraying reality, even amidst the satire.
“My Fair Lady”
- Release Day: December 25
- Director: George Cukor
“My Fair Lady” is based on the Broadway Musical that starred Julie Andrews. It is about Henry Higgins trying to change Eliza Doolittle into his perfect woman.
Not surprisingly, many people say this movie doesn’t hold up today. The misogyny in the movie is very apparent. However, the central theme is perhaps to show how terrible Henry Higgins was and how Eliza Doolittle is a strong woman. She continues to fight to keep her identity amidst Higgins’ small-mindedness.
After Doolittle stands up for herself and leaves, the ending throws many off as she returns to Higgins, slippers and all. Yet, one can acknowledge that 1912 was a different time, and what was a woman to do if she has nowhere else to go?
“Cheyenne Autumn”
- Release Day: October 3
- Director: John Ford
“Cheyenne Autumn” is loosely based on the true story. In 1878, after escaping, Chiefs Dull Knife and Little Wolf led over 300 Northern Cheyenne back to their home in Yellowstone. The film highlights the mistreatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government and the cruelty of white people toward them.
“Cheyenne Autumn” was one of the only Western films that attempted to shed light on the mistreatment and brutality of Native Americans at the hands of the government and white people. However, some call it a disappointment because it did poorly at the box office.
“A Shot in the Dark”
- Release Day: June 23
- Director: Blake Edwards
“A Shot in the Dark” is the second movie in the Pink Panther franchise starring Peter Sellers. Interestingly, it was written and filmed first but released after “The Pink Panther.”
In “A Shot in the Dark,” Clouseau is sent to investigate the murder of a man and falls in love with the main suspect. Inspector Clouseau is determined to clear her name throughout the movie. With hilarious quips and wittiness, this film remains a classic even 60 years later.
“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”
- Release Day: December 16
- Director: Jacques Demy
“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is unique because it doesn’t use spoken dialogue throughout the movie. Instead, the characters speak through music. This film is a classic musical that was popular for various reasons. The storyline depicts the complexity of relationships and heartache. Additionally, the film’s cinematography is bright and engaging.
Coupled with the complex storyline, musical notes, and more, “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is a movie worth watching at least once in your lifetime.
“Mothra vs. Godzilla”
- Release Day: September 17
- Director: Ishiro Honda
“Mothra vs. Godzilla” is the fifth film in the Godzilla franchise. Entrepreneurs take Mothra’s egg to exploit it for their gain. After pleading for the egg to be returned, Torahata (one of the entrepreneurs who took the egg) refuses. Afterward, Godzilla comes to Nagoya, and Japan finds itself in need of Mothra’s help.
“Mothra vs. Godzilla” depicts the themes of greed, harmony, and morality. Additionally, the movie is often seen as an allegory for postwar Japan and destruction. For these reasons, it was considered an iconic movie and still holds up today.
“Fail Safe”
- Release Day: September 15
- Director: Sidney Lumet
“Fail Safe” is a somber and tragic movie about the possibility of a nuclear explosion, its aftermath, and the consequences of a simple error.
Throughout the movie, the audience is left hoping for a favorable outcome and feeling depleted when the ending is more than melancholy.
“Fail Safe” took a genuine threat that many Americans were thinking about and tackled the frightening implications of what could happen.
“Zulu”
- Release Day: January 22
- Director: Cy Endfield
“Zulu” is a war movie based on true events from 1879, when British troops faced off against the Zulus from Zululand, South Africa, at Rorke’s Drift.
This movie is often considered one of the best war films and great for those who love history.
“The Disorderly Orderly”
- Release Day: December 16
- Director: Frank Tashlin
“The Disorderly Orderly” stars Jerry Lewis and Glenda Farrell. Jerome Littlefield (Lewis) causes chaos as an orderly at a private clinic.
The film moves quickly and is witty. It’s the nonsensical undertone and comedic ventures that make this movie great.
“Band of Outsiders”
- Release Day: March 15
- Director: Jean- Luc Godard
“Band of Outsiders” is often considered one of Jean Luc Godard’s best works.
The film tells the tale of two friends, Franz and Arthur, who are bored with their heads in the clouds. Together, they convince a language student, Odile, to commit a robbery with them. However, events unfold differently than planned, leaving the trio in disarray.
“The Band of Outsiders” is a witty film that evoked an emotional reaction in many people. Additionally, the depiction of two young people obsessed with B-list Hollywood movies acting one out in real life pulled the audience in until they felt invested.
“Seven Days in May”
- Release Day: February 12
- Director: John Frankenheimer
“Seven Days in May” explores the theme of political power and the aftermath of fear during the Cold War.
The movie is about a president who wants to end the Cold War. However, there is a plot to overthrow him in seven days.
“Seven Days in May” is suspenseful, interweaves the complexity of politics, and features an impeccable cast. Now, read our list of movies turning 50 in 2024. (Now, read our list of movies turning 50 in 2024.)