Not many decades produced movies as memorable as the 1960’s. A groundbreaking era for film, the 1960’s changed Cinema. Whether it’s psychotic serial killers, evil gunslingers or courageous lawyers, it produced several strong characters. Given the sheer number of films made in the decade, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of a decade that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Psycho
Serial killers are frightening figures that always terrified me. At an early age, I developed fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper faced psychotic murder. Left emotionally devastated, my family never recovered from murders of housemaids that weren’t investigated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the psychotic nature of serial killers causing sorrow as powerfully as “Psycho”. Ever since its release in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest thriller movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Hitchcock used innovative cinematic techniques to capture frightening serial killers evoking fear. Hitchcock is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for using editing to build suspense in movies, and his strengths are evident in “Psycho”. For instance, the iconic scene in which Marion is mercilessly stabbed to death in the shower remains one of the greatest moments of the thriller genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Perkins, who created one of the most iconic serial killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Psycho” the greatest film of the 1960’s is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies made in the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, the film’s message remains relevant today. Nearly 60 years following the release of an iconic film about psychotic serial killers committing grim murders that are catastrophic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a decade that produced iconic movies with enduring appeal which never lost abilities to captivate the public.
2. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Westerns are a great genre of movies that shaped my grandfather’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that was a huge fan of the westerns. I remember bonding with a grandfather that grew up to treasure westerns about ugly bounty hunters embarking on adventures. My grandfather loved all kinds of westerns, but his favourite film was always “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”. Ever since its release in 1966, Sergio Leone’s movie has become the greatest western ever made. Leone is one of those filmmakers that has always had a rare aptitude for conveying emotions through intense close-ups, and his strengths as a director are clearly evident in “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”. For instance, the final scene in which Blondie has tense Mexican standoffs in the desert remains one of the greatest moments of 1960’s Cinema. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Clint Eastwood, who created one of the most iconic characters in Hollywood. Ultimately, what makes “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” a western classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the dangers of greed which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the release of a spaghetti western about good bounty hunters embarking on bad adventures to find treasures that are ugly, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a legendary decade that manufactured commemorated movies transforming the film industry.
3. The Graduate
The life of a graduate student is often aimless. I remember that my life lacked a clear purpose after I had graduated from university. Unable to find stable employment, I questioned what I was doing with my life. Uncertain about my future, I spent time engaging in hobbies that I had grown to treasure. Few films I’ve seen have captured my emotions of being an aimless graduate as powerfully as “The Graduate”. Released in 1967, Mike Nichols’ movie has stood the test of time as a coming-of-age classic. Unlike most movies made during the era, what makes “The Graduate” stand out is its bravery. It was one of the first ever movies in Hollywood addressing the sensitive topic of infidelity. For instance, the scene in which Benjamin faces an awkward situation when he is seduced for the first time by Mrs. Robinson remains one of the greatest moments of the 1960’s era. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who created a graduate student with conviction. Ultimately, what makes “The Graduate” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of finding one’s purpose in life which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of graduate students without purpose whose lives deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a decade that made movies which audiences appreciate.
4. Mary Poppins
Magical nannies have impacted my identity. At an early age, I bonded with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. Dedicated to performing every chore, she was a person that my family had grown to adore. I looked forward to spending every day with a housekeeper that was practically perfect in every way. As someone treasuring fond memories of a magical nanny, I adored “Mary Poppins”. Ever since its release in 1964, Robert Stevenson’s movie has become a classic musical audiences adore. Unlike most movies made during the era, what makes “Mary Poppins” stand out is its imagination. For instance, the “Spoonful of Sugar” sequence in which Mary Poppins teaches children about manners remains one of the greatest moments of 1960’s Cinema. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Julie Andrews, who created one of the most iconic characters of the 1960’s. Ultimately, what makes “Mary Poppins” a great musical is its message. The film delivers a profound message about housekeepers that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Mary Poppins’ desire to be practically perfect in every way, it’s a marvellous reminder of an era that produced unforgettable movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird is a legendary book that my teacher loved dearly. I remember forming a bond with an English teacher that adored the legendary literature. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love to discuss a book that he considered to be precious. In 1962, my teacher’s favourite book was beautifully adapted to the big-screen in the film “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Mulligan is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for making sensitive dramas during the 1960’s, “To Kill a Mockingbird” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Atticus Finch delivers his final closing argument is one of the greatest moments of the 1960’s era. Anchoring the film together is an extraordinary performance from Gregory Peck, who created one of the most iconic lawyers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about racism which remains relevant today. As strong as Atticus’ bond with Scout, it’s a riveting reminder of a decade that made timeless movies which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.
6. 2001: A Space Odyssey
The 1960’s was a decade that produced unforgettable science-fiction movies. It was a groundbreaking era that introduced the sci-fi genre. In a decade that forever changed the sci-fi genre drastically, it’s worth praising “2001: A Space Odyssey”. Released in 1968, Stanley Kubrick’s movie had a huge impact on the sci-fi genre. Unlike most movies made during the era, what makes “2001: A Space Odyssey” stand out is its stunning special effects. Kubrick uses breathtaking special effects to capture the beauty of space. Assisted by a terrific performance by Keir Dullea, Kubrick created a landmark film that forever changed the sci-fi genre. A spectacular portrait of dangers astronauts face in space, it’s a sensational reminder of a commemorated decade that produced thought-provoking movies which audiences have grown to embrace.
7. West Side Story
When it comes to the greatest musicals of the 1960’s, it’s worth discussing West Side Story. Since its release in 1961, Jerome Robbins’ movie has become a musical classic. Robbins’ movie forever changed the musical genre through its authentic depiction of Latin-American communities. It’s challenging to adapt a beloved Broadway play on the big-screen, but Robbins succeeded tremendously. Robbins staged marvellous musical numbers that honoured the legacy of the famous Broadway play. Anchored by an extraordinary performance from Natalie Wood, Robbins created one of the most celebrated musicals in Hollywood. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking musical about lovers engaging in a doomed affair, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a decade that made timeless movies about which audiences care.
8. The Lawrence of Arabia
The Middle East is rarely portrayed accurately in movies. Hollywood has struggled to portray a region that is misunderstood. It’s rare to see movies telling authentic stories of Arabian communities. In an industry that has often ignored Arabia, it’s worth praising “The Lawrence of Arabia”. Released in 1962, David Lean’s movie did an extraordinary job of portraying Arabian countries. Unlike most movies made during the era, what makes “The Lawrence of Arabia” stand out is its grand ambition. Lean successfully used real-life locations across Arabia to capture the region. Assisted by Peter O’Toole who is extraordinary in the lead role, Lean commemorated a misunderstood country. As powerful as Lawrence’s love for Arabia, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an era that produced unforgettable movies which forever changed the art of Cinema.
9. Goldfinger
James Bond is a legendary spy that my father has always loved dearly. I remember forming a strong bond with a father that adored the iconic character. He would always love talking about a goldeneye spy falling from the sky with no time to die. The 1960’s were an era that introduced the iconic spy. As someone treasuring memories of a father that loved the iconic spy, I adored “Goldfinger”. Released in 1964, Guy Hamilton’s movie celebrated the world-famous spy. Hamilton showcased his strength for honouring a legendary spy though staging stunning action. Assisted by Sean Connery who is excellent in the lead role, Hamilton honoured a spy with a lasting legacy. A spectacular introduction of a famous spy, it’s a sensational reminder of a commemorated decade that produced memorable movies with abilities to satisfy.
10. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Few romantic comedies made during the 1960’s are as beloved as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. Since its release in 1961, Blake Edwards’ movie has become a romantic classic. I may be in the minority but I’ve never been a huge fan of the movie. On a technical level, the film is extremely well made. Edwards created stunning costumes that define the era. In the most iconic role of her career, Audrey Hepburn gave one of the greatest performances in cinematic history. However, the film’s racist depiction of Asian-Americans has aged poorly. While it’s far from a perfect movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is still an iconic film that defined the 1960’s. As precious as dresses that Holly loves wearing, it’s a riveting reminder of a decade that built a lasting legacy producing engaging movies which I will forever treasure for shaping my lifelong love of filmmaking.
The Film Buff 