In
the 1950s, television started to rise and became a threat to films. The number
of people going to the cinema began to decline. Film studios started looking
for various ways to bring audiences back, including easing restrictions on
adult themes that were previously banned from being shown in movies. 3D films
and Cinerama also began to be used to showcase exciting innovations.
Here
are 10 films that made it into the box office list during the 1950s:
1.
Lady and the Tramp (Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske,
US, 1955)
This
film was adapted from a story in Cosmopolitan magazine by Ward Greene in 1945
titled "Happy Dan, the Cynical Dog." It was the first animated
film to be recorded in widescreen format (CinemaScope), which became a
challenge for animators due to the wider display. So, the placement of
characters, background design, and other elements had to be carefully
considered.
The
film tells the story of Lady, a pampered Cocker Spaniel who lives with her
human family, Jim Dear and Darling. But when a baby arrives, Lady starts to
feel a bit neglected. Things get worse when her owners leave and their aunt
comes over with her mischievous Siamese cats that cause all sorts of trouble.
Lady
decides to run away, only to end up lost and scared. She meets Tramp, a
street-smart stray dog who shows her how to live freely without humans. They go
on all sorts of adventures together. However, Tramp’s love for Lady is
challenged by their different backgrounds and views on life, which leads to
tension between them. Lady gets caught by the dog catcher, and Tramp’s rough
past is revealed.
Lady
and her owners see Tramp trying to save the baby from a rat, risking his life.
That moment leads Lady’s family to adopt Tramp. In the end, Tramp and Lady are
reunited as a loving couple.
2.
Peter Pan (Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske, US,
1953)
This
film is based on J.M. Barrie’s 1904 play Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Wouldn't
Grow Up. Peter Pan was the last Disney animated film released with the Nine
Old Men—Disney’s original nine animators who played a big role in shaping the
golden age of animation.
The
film tells the story of Wendy, John, and Michael, who meet Peter Pan. After
helping Peter sew his shadow back on, they go with him to Never Land—a magical
island full of wonders, pirates, mermaids, and more.
They
encounter the evil Captain Hook, Peter Pan’s longtime enemy. The Lost Boys see
Wendy as a mother figure, which makes Tinker Bell jealous. Hook kidnaps Wendy
and the kids and plans to make them walk the plank.
In
the end, Peter Pan, with Tinker Bell’s help, rescues them and defeats Hook.
Wendy and her brothers decide not to stay in Never Land. They wake up in their
room, unsure if their time with Peter Pan was real or just a dream.
3.
Cinderella (Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske, US,
1950)
Cinderella
is based on the 1697 fairy tale by Charles Perrault. After World War II, Disney
was struggling financially. Cinderella became the film that saved Walt Disney
Studios, and fortunately, its earnings were enough to fund Disney’s future
projects.
The
story follows Cinderella, who is forced to live as a servant after her father
dies, mistreated by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Despite the harsh
treatment, Cinderella remains kind. One day, the kingdom announces a royal ball
to find a wife for the prince. Cinderella wants to attend, but her family tries
to stop her.
Her
dress is ruined by her stepsisters, but her fairy godmother appears and helps
her with a beautiful gown and carriage. Cinderella attends the ball but must
return before midnight. As she runs away, she accidentally leaves her glass
slipper behind.
The
prince uses the slipper to find her. Her stepmother realizes Cinderella is the
mystery girl. With help from her mouse friends, Cinderella escapes and reunites
with the prince. They marry, changing her life forever.
4.
The Ten Commandments (Cecil B. DeMille, US, 1956)
This
film is based on the Bible’s Book of Exodus and other sources. It was the most
expensive film ever made at the time and became one of the highest-grossing
films after adjusting for inflation. During production, Cecil suffered a
near-fatal heart attack, but filming continued. One of the most iconic scenes
in film history was the parting of the Red Sea.
The
film tells the story of Moses, who was placed in a river by his mother to
escape Pharaoh’s order to kill all Hebrew baby boys. Moses is found and adopted
by Pharaoh’s daughter. As an adult, Moses is loved by the people and seen as a
future ruler. But he later discovers his true identity and becomes conflicted.
After
killing an Egyptian overseer beating a slave, Moses flees into the desert. He
marries Sephora, the daughter of Jethro, and meets God. God commands him to
return to Egypt and free the slaves. With divine help, Moses convinces Pharaoh
Ramses to let them go.
During
their escape, the Red Sea parts, allowing Moses and his people to flee. On
Mount Sinai, Moses receives the Ten Commandments. But when he returns, his
people are worshipping a golden calf. Moses breaks the tablets, only to return
with new commandments later.
5.
Ben-Hur (William Wyler, US, 1959)
This
film is a remake of the 1925 silent movie and is adapted from the 1880 novel Ben-Hur:
A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace. It won 11 Academy Awards—a record at
the time. The chariot race scene was filmed with real horses and no CGI,
becoming one of cinema’s most iconic action sequences.
Judah
Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jewish prince, lives in Jerusalem with his family. His
childhood friend Messala now serves the Roman Empire. Judah refuses to betray
his people to support Roman rule. After an accident during a Roman parade,
Messala falsely accuses Judah of attempted murder. Judah becomes a slave, and
his mother and sister are imprisoned. He vows revenge.
Years
later, Judah saves a Roman commander in a naval battle and is adopted by him.
He returns to Judea and discovers his mother and sister now suffer from
leprosy. Judah challenges Messala to a brutal chariot race and wins.
Even
after revenge, Judah finds no peace. Witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus—who
had once shown him kindness—changes Judah. He embraces forgiveness and
spiritual rebirth, realizing that love and compassion are stronger than hate.
6.
Sleeping Beauty (Clyde Geronimi, US, 1959)
This
film is based on Charles Perrault’s 1697 fairy tale. It was the first animated
film to use a wide, detailed visual style through Super Technirama 70. Although
it initially flopped at the box office, it later became one of Disney’s most
beloved classics.
Princess
Aurora’s birth is celebrated with a grand event where three kind fairies—Flora,
Fauna, and Merryweather—give her gifts of beauty and song. The evil Maleficent,
angry for not being invited, curses Aurora to prick her finger on a spinning
wheel and die before sunset on her 16th birthday. Merryweather softens the
curse: she won’t die, just fall into a deep sleep that only true love’s kiss
can break.
Aurora
is raised in the forest by the fairies under the name Briar Rose. On her
birthday, she meets Prince Phillip, and they fall in love. Maleficent finds her
and makes the curse come true. Aurora and the whole kingdom fall asleep.
The
fairies free Prince Phillip, who was captured by Maleficent. A fierce battle
takes place between Phillip and Maleficent in dragon form. Phillip defeats her
and awakens Aurora with a kiss, lifting the curse and restoring peace.
7.
Around the World in Eighty Days (Michael Anderson, US, 1956)
This
film is adapted from the classic 1873 novel by Jules Verne. It was a massive
production featuring over 68,000 extras, 140 sets in 13 countries, and more
than 40 celebrity cameos—including stars like Frank Sinatra and Marlene
Dietrich. It paid off, winning 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture, and
helped popularize the “epic travel” genre in the 1950s.
It
tells the story of Phileas Fogg, a man who bets he can travel the world in 80
days—even though it seems impossible. Along with his loyal servant
Passepartout, they set out on an ambitious journey using trains, ships,
elephants, and even a hot air balloon.
They
travel through Europe, India, East Asia, and America, facing obstacles like
rescuing Princess Aouda in India, being accused of bank robbery in England, and
many other adventures. Despite everything, they don’t lose their determination.
Fogg
thinks he lost the bet by arriving a day late—until he
realizes
they crossed the International Date Line, meaning he actually arrived on time.
Fogg not only wins the bet but also finds love with Princess Aouda, making his
victory even sweeter.
8.
This is Cinerama (Merian C. Cooper, US, 1952)
This
film was different—it had no actors or standard release, yet became one of the
most successful films of its time. Showing the film required three synchronized
projectors and a massive curved screen, which meant regular theaters couldn’t
show it. The producers rented and renovated a theater just to show it. Despite
being limited to one city, the film made huge profits and kicked off a
widescreen revolution.
The
film begins in black and white with a narrator explaining film history. Then
the screen widens and bursts into color, introducing audiences to the immersive
Cinerama format. Viewers are taken through scenes like Venice canals, Spanish
bullfights, Austrian ballrooms, and aerial views of America.
The
visuals are vibrant and captivating. The film ends with a narration reflecting
on the experience and presenting Cinerama as the future of cinema.
9.
South Pacific (Joshua Logan, US, 1958)
This
film is based on the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific
(1949), which itself was adapted from James A. Michener’s 1947 short story
collection Tales of the South Pacific. The director later regretted
using intense color filters meant to represent shifting emotions—now, the film
is available in versions both with and without filters.
The
story follows Nellie Forbush, a U.S. Navy nurse who falls in love with Emile de
Becque, a mysterious French plantation owner. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Cable, a
young American officer, is on a secret military mission and begins a romance
with Liat, a Polynesian girl.
The
beautiful setting masks growing wartime tension and internal conflict. Nellie
pulls away after learning Emile has mixed-race children from a previous
relationship. Cable faces the reality that he likely can't marry Liat back
home.
They
both struggle with their personal conflicts while war pressures increase. Emile
and Cable volunteer for a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. Cable dies, but
Emile makes it back alive. His return brings joy to Nellie and his children,
and their love grows stronger.
10.
The Robe (Henry Koster, US, 1953)
This
film is based on the 1942 novel by Lloyd C. Douglas. It also had a sequel, Demetrius
and the Gladiators (1954), continuing the story. It was a crucial film for
20th Century Fox, saving them from bankruptcy by launching the new CinemaScope
format.
The
Robe tells the story of Marcellus Gallio, an arrogant Roman tribune who
wins Jesus’ robe in a dice game at the crucifixion. Afterward, his life
spirals—haunted by visions, guilt, and emotional turmoil.
Assigned
to hunt down Christ’s followers, Marcellus finds his soul changed as he meets
people touched by Jesus. His spiritual awakening is also influenced by
Demetrius. His political power weakens due to his inner conflict.
Eventually,
Marcellus openly declares his faith in Christ and is executed. The robe comes
to symbolize his spiritual rebirth, and his death marks a triumph of conscience
over empire.
Those
are the top 10 box office films of the 1950s, which were notably dominated by
animation and religious-themed stories. Many of these animated films have
become timeless classics. Have you seen or heard of any of these stories? Feel
free to share in the comments!
(aluna)
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