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Before Blockbuster Hits Took Over, These ‘60s Films Changed Cinema

Before Blockbuster Hits Took Over, These ‘60s Films Changed Cinema

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Before Blockbuster Hits Took Over, These ‘60s Films Changed Cinema

Courtesy of Continental Distributing

"Two Women" (1960)

Courtesy of Titanus, Cocinor

"Mirage" (1965)

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

"The Best Man" (1964)

Courtesy of United Artists

"Lawrence of Arabia" (1962)

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

"Bonnie and Clyde" (1967)

Courtesy of Warner Bros./Seven Arts

"Night of the Living Dead" (1968)

Courtesy of Continental Distributing

"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962)

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

"The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (1964)

Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

"8 1/2" (1963)

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

"Midnight Cowboy" (1969)

Courtesy of United Artists

"The Magnificent Seven" (1960)

Courtesy of United Artists

"The Time Machine" (1960)

Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

"Spartacus" (1960)

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

"Pollyanna" (1960)

Courtesy of Buena Vista Distribution Company

"North to Alaska" (1960)

Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

Before Blockbuster Hits Took Over, These ‘60s Films Changed Cinema
"Two Women" (1960)
"Mirage" (1965)
"The Best Man" (1964)
"Lawrence of Arabia" (1962)
"Bonnie and Clyde" (1967)
"Night of the Living Dead" (1968)
"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962)
"The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (1964)
"8 1/2" (1963)
"Midnight Cowboy" (1969)
"The Magnificent Seven" (1960)
"The Time Machine" (1960)
"Spartacus" (1960)
"Pollyanna" (1960)
"North to Alaska" (1960)

Before Blockbuster Hits Took Over, These ‘60s Films Changed Cinema

The 1960s were a defining era in cinematic history, but not many people think of it this way. As the world wrestled with war, protest, and progress, filmmakers responded with bold storytelling and genre experimentation. Some of our most prevalent genres today started dominating screens in the early '60s, while Spaghetti Westerns, international art films, and socially subversive narratives emerged later in the decade.

For every household classic, there were dozens of remarkable films that flew under the radar or were overshadowed by budding Hollywood blockbusters. Many of these movies deserve the spotlight, but they've been forgotten by casual film fans. In many ways, they represent the 1960s to a T, and should be recognized as cinematic milestones.

To curate this list of essential but overlooked '60s movies, 24/7 Tempo consulted sources such as IMDb, the Criterion Collection, Turner Classic Movies, and various film retrospectives. If you think you've seen all of the best films that the '60s had to offer, think again.

This post was updated on July 26th, 2025, to reflect additional information.

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