While life in the United States in the 1950s was marked with prosperity, just a decade earlier the country was on the cusp of tragedy. World War II was already underway across the Atlantic, but the U.S. didn’t enter until the Pearl Harbor bombing in December of 1941.
While the war waged on, women transitioned to working in manufacturing due to many men being drafted to war. Raw materials were sparse, leaving little for Americans to purchase despite earning higher wartime wages. One thing that could be enjoyed during this time, however, was a movie.
In the early 1940s, many movies focused on the war and the movie industry was able to align itself with the interests of the nation. After the war ended in 1945, Hollywood experienced a major boom in box office sales due to the economic boom that was happening at large across the country. This made room for big-screen classics that are still enjoyable to watch today. (For more reading on successful movies in history, check out 20 box office hits that turn 50 this year.)
To compile this list of the best ’40s movies, 24/7 Tempo used entertainment and movie resources such as IMDb and Filmsite. Here are 10 of the best ’40s movies that will never get old.
Casablanca
- Year released: 1942
- Directed by: Michael Curtiz
- Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid
- IMDb Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Our first entry on this list of best movies from the ’40s is “Casablanca.” Set in the famed Moroccan city of the same name, “Casablanca” focuses on a love triangle during World War II. Rick Blaine (played by Humphrey Bogart) owns a nightclub in the city and is determined to stay neutral during the war. When his former lover (played by Ingrid Berman) appears, however, he must decide if he’ll help her and her husband to safety so they can continue their fight against the Germans.
Black Narcissus
- Year released: 1947
- Directed by: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
- Starring: Deborah Kerr, David Farrar, Flora Robson
- IMDb Rating: 7.7 out of 10
When several nuns venture to the top of the Himalayan mountains to begin a school and hospital, they realize how difficult it is to find their way into the current culture and survive the harsh climate. Throughout the movie, the group of women fight to make their mission work, but end up leaving at the beginning of the monsoon season, just as predicted. “Black Narcissus” earned two Acadamy awards in 1948, including Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction.
Citizen Kane
- Year released: 1941
- Directed by: Orson Welles
- Starring: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore
- IMDb Rating: 8.3 out of 10
“Citizen Kane” is considered by many to be one of the best films ever made, according to MovieWeb. The plot begins with Kane (played by Orson Welles) on his deathbed, uttering the word “Rosebud” as he passes. Because of his fame and fortune, many set out to discover the meaning of his last word. The film earned an impressive 9 Oscar nominations the following year, though it only won one award for Best Writing, Original Screenplay.
Rope
- Year released: 1948
- Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
- Starring: James Stewart, John Dall, Farley Granger
- IMDb Rating: 7.9 out of 10
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, who was known for the production of psycho-thriller movies, “Rope” tells the tale of two men who believe they’ve just committed the “perfect crime.” Brandon (played by John Dall) and Phillip (played by Farley Granger) strangle and murder their classmate to prove their superiority over them. They even go as far as to host a dinner party with his body in the room. When their actions become noticed by their former teacher, Rupert Cadwell (played by James Stewart), the police arrive.
The Grapes of Wrath
- Year released: 1940
- Directed by: John Ford
- Starring: Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine
- IMDb Rating: 8.1 out of 10
Based on a novel of the same name, “The Grapes of Wrath” follows the story of an Oklahoma family who lost their farm during the Dust Bowl and now make their way west in search of opportunity. The film features Henry Fonda in his earlier years of acting, even earning him an Oscar nomination.
The Third Man
- Year released: 1949
- Directed by: Carol Reed
- Starring: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli
- IMDb Rating: 8.1 out of 10
A classic film noir, “The Third Man” includes mystery and intrigue at every corner. When the main character, Holly Martins (played by Joseph Cotten) ventures to Vienna, he discovers that an old friend, Harry Lime (played by Orson Welles) has died in an odd traffic accident. After investigating evidence about Lime’s criminal acts and discovering that he’s still alive, Martins must decide if he’ll continue to chase Lime and serve him justice, or return home.
The Red Shoes
- Year released: 1948
- Directed by: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
- Starring: Moira Shearer, Anton Walbrook, Marius Goring
- IMDb Rating: 8.1 out of 10
A young ballerina must choose between dance and the love of her life in this 1948 musical classic. Victoria Page (played by Moira Shearer) is a talented dancer and is soon recognized by Boris Lermontov (played by Anton Walbrook) who invites her to be a part of his new production. When Victoria falls in love with the musical’s composer, Julian (played by Marius Goring), she must decide how to move forward. In an unexpected ending, the red shoes Victoria wore during the production of the play become the star of the show.
It’s a Wonderful Life
- Year released: 1946
- Directed by: Frank Capra
- Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
- IMDb Rating: 8.6 out of 10
This 1946 classic is often aired on TV around Christmastime and is considered one of the best Christmas movies of all time. “It’s a Wonderful Life” follows George Bailey (played by James Stewart) who is frustrated by the curveballs life has thrown his way and is complicating suicide. Instead, an angel named Clarence (played by Henry Travers), arrives to show Bailey just how different everything would be had he has never been born. Bailey realizes his life wasn’t meaningless after all and rushes home to be with his family.
Children of Paradise
- Year released: 1945
- Directed by: Marcel Carné
- Starring: Arletty, Jean-Louis Barrault, Pierre Brasseau
- IMDb Rating: 8.3 out of 10
Filmed and released during World War II, “Children of Paradise” was originally a French film titled “Les Enfants du Paradis.” Filmed in both occupied France and Vichy, France between 1943, 1944, and 1945, this romantic drama follows the life of a Parisian courtesan who is loved by four men in different ways. The film is set in 1830s Paris and is a two-part film. In the first part, we learn of the main character, Garance (played by Arletty), and the many different men in her life. In the second part, set 7 years later, we learn who Garance’s true love has always been, though she doesn’t stay with him. “Children of Paradise” went on to earn an Oscar nomination in 1947.
Double Indemnity
- Year released: 1944
- Directed by: Billy Wilder
- Starring: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward Robinson
- IMDb Rating: 8.3 out of 10
Our final entry on this list of best ’40s movies is “Double Indemnity.” When a housewife convinces an insurance salesman to help her murder her husband to collect the insurance claim, the plot of this mid-1940s classic thickens. Walter Neff (played by Fred MacMurray) is an insurance agent who falls for Phyllis Dietrichson (played by Barbara Stanwyck).
The two conspire to murder Phyllis’s husband in an apparent suicide, but Neff’s boss is hot on the trail and is certain it was murder, therefore refusing to pay out the insurance claim. Neff eventually realizes Phyllis is conjuring up other horrible deeds and murders her before confessing to his crimes. The film was nominated for 7 Oscars in 1945, though it didn’t manage to win a single one. (For more reading on top movies from specific decades, check out the best ’50s movies that will never get old.)