12 Films from the 1950s That Remain Enjoyable to View

      We've all seen timeless films that are undeniably considered masterpieces, yet may not be as entertaining as they once were.

      However, these movies from the 1950s are both excellent and enjoyable.

      **All About Eve (1950)**

      Produced by 20th Century Fox – Credit: 20th Century Studios

      Bette Davis stars as a famous Broadway actress reluctant to cede her fame to Anne Baxter’s Eve Harrington, a cunning schemer aiming to take her place. This rivalry has been depicted countless times since, from "The Devil Wears Prada" to "Showgirls," but no one has executed it better than in "All About Eve."

      Additionally, it features an early role from Marilyn Monroe. Moreover, it’s fascinating to consider that the iconic line, “Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy night!” emerged just a few years after commercial air travel began.

      The film won the Oscar for Best Picture, yet it manages to avoid the exhaustion typical of many serious winners — it's charming from the opening scenes and remains one of the most cherished films of the 1950s and throughout cinema history.

      **Singin' in the Rain (1952)**

      MGM

      This film serves as a perfect showcase for Gene Kelly’s considerable talents, along with those of Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds (above, from left to right, are O’Connor, Reynolds, and Kelly saying “Good Mornin'”).

      If you remember it for its catchy songs and perfect dance routines, that’s perfectly fine. However, "Singin' in the Rain" also cleverly parodies Hollywood's tendency to chase trends and its superficiality. Lina Lamont’s oblivious statement, “I gave an exclusive to every newspaper in town!” might be even funnier in 2023, when every story seems to be branded as "breaking" and "exclusive."

      Staying up late to watch this delightful movie is a joy. Perhaps it's our favorite among the films of the 1950s, which is saying quite a bit.

      **High Noon (1952)**

      United Artists

      In just 85 tightly packed minutes, this iconic film — considered one of the greatest Westerns — presents a well-structured and captivating tale of bravery.

      Gary Cooper portrays lawman Will Kane (above left), who has just married the gentle Quaker Amy Fowler (above right).

      When he discovers that a deadly outlaw he previously imprisoned is about to return to seek revenge, he could easily escape with his beautiful bride.

      However, he chooses a different path.

      **The Quiet Man (1952)**

      Republic Pictures – Credit: C/O

      "The Quiet Man" is a rather traditional classic — it revolves around themes of dowry — but simply enjoy the breathtaking Technicolor landscapes of the untouched Irish countryside as John Wayne’s Sean Thornton and Maureen O’Hara’s Mary Kate Danaher fall hopelessly in love.

      The film was shot in the picturesque village of Cong, which still features a statue of Wayne. It's refreshing to see him as a romantic lead rather than a rugged cowboy, though his character still possesses considerable toughness.

      **Roman Holiday (1953)**

      Paramount Pictures – Credit: C/O

      In this delightful travelogue from the 1950s, Audrey Hepburn stars as a princess longing to explore the world, while Gregory Peck plays a journalist eager to show it to her. The film is driven by happy accidents, cheerful trickery, and immense charm.

      Dalton Trumbo, who was known for darker themes, contributed to the screenplay, although the Blacklist cost him his rightful recognition at the time.

      Regardless, this classic remains a lasting tribute to his talent.

      **Rear Window (1954)**

      Paramount Pictures

      A masterpiece from Hitchcock, this film marks the second entry in our list to feature future princess Grace Kelly. "Rear Window" boasts one of the most replicated storylines in film history.

      This intriguing, fast-paced movie explores our natural curiosity — whether online or, historically, peeking into our neighbors’ windows. Jimmy Stewart stars as a news photographer who is confined to his apartment with a broken leg and fails to appreciate the seemingly perfect relationship he has with Lisa (Kelly, above).

      He contemplates single life, symbolized by the ballet dancer Miss Torso (Georgine Darcy) and the often grim realities of cohabitation. At one point, the plot takes an unexpected turn, leading to thrilling developments.

      It's now available on the Criterion Channel.

      **Vertigo (1958)**

      Paramount Pictures

      This collaboration between Alfred Hitchcock and Jimmy Stewart ranks among the finest films ever made. In 2012, it even topped the Sight and Sound poll of the greatest films, prior to being dethroned in 2022 by "Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles."

      "Vertigo" is definitely worth viewing for its portrayal of 1950s San