The Best Movies Of 1960

Ranker Film
Updated June 23, 2023 6.1K votes 353 voters
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 1960
Voting Rules
Only movies released in theaters in 1960.

List of the best movies of 1960, with movie trailers when available. 1960 was the last year that Marilyn Monroe and Clark Cable stepped onto a film set, as The Misfits finished production that year. These top movies of 1960 are listed by popularity, so the movies with the most votes are at the top. This list consists of all different movie genres, from La Dolce Vita to Spartacus, but each film was released in 1960. You can filter this list of films that came out in 1960 for various bits of information, such as who directed the movie and what genre it is. Think the best 1960 movie isn't as high as it should be? Vote up your favorite so it will rise to the top.

The list you're viewing contains movies like Psycho and The Magnificent Seven.

This list answers the questions, "What are the best movies from 1960?" and "What are the most popular movies of 1960?"

1960 was a great year for movies, since a lot of classic films were released in 1960. This is a crowd sourced list that has been voted on by many people, so these top films of 1960 aren't just one persons opinion.

Most divisive: Cimarron
Ranked by
  • Psycho
    1

    Psycho

    Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles
    240 votes
    • Released: 1960
    • Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
    In the chilling classic Psycho, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) absconds with stolen cash, seeking solace at the remote Bates Motel. The proprietor, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), is a peculiar young man dominated by his puritanical mother. Marion's disappearance triggers an investigation led by her sister, Lila (Vera Miles), and boyfriend, Sam Loomis (John Gavin). Directed masterfully by Alfred Hitchcock, this iconic horror-thriller won several awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Leigh's performance. Psycho's suspense-filled plot twists and haunting score have left an indelible mark on cinematic history.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • The Magnificent Seven
    2

    The Magnificent Seven

    Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, Steve McQueen
    165 votes
    • Released: 1960
    • Directed by: John Sturges
    In The Magnificent Seven, a band of seven disparate outlaws unite for an audacious cause. Led by the steely-eyed Chris Adams (Yul Brynner), they include the sharpshooter Vin Tanner (Steve McQueen) and knife-wielding Brit, Harry Luck (Brad Dexter). Hired by desperate villagers to protect their homes from marauding bandits, these unlikely heroes find themselves in an epic battle for survival. This 1960 Western, directed by John Sturges, is a thrilling tale of camaraderie, courage, and sacrifice, which garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

  • The Time Machine
    3

    The Time Machine

    Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Yvette Mimieux
    156 votes
    • Released: 1960
    • Directed by: George Pal
    Scientist H. George Wells (Rod Taylor) builds a time machine, and despite the warning from his friend David (Alan Young) against "tempting the laws of providence," decides to visit the future. Jumping ahead 14 years, he observes changes in women's fashion. Jumping ahead 40, he meets David's son (also Young) amid a terrible war. Finally, he travels thousands of years ahead to discover a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by humanoid Eloi and the monstrous Morlocks that feed on them.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Spartacus
    4

    Spartacus

    Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons
    182 votes
    • Released: 1960
    • Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
    Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), a Thracian slave, leads a violent revolt against the decadent Roman Republic. His rebellion, fuelled by the brutalities he and his fellow slaves suffer, sets in motion one of history's most legendary uprisings. The film, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is an epic historical drama that showcases the struggle for freedom against tyranny. Spartacus's love interest, Varinia (Jean Simmons), adds a touching human element to the tale. The movie won four Academy Awards and is renowned for its stunning cinematography and powerful performances.

    Available On:

  • Swiss Family Robinson
    5

    Swiss Family Robinson

    John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur
    130 votes
    • Released: 1960
    • Directed by: Ken Annakin
    In this family film, the Robinson clan -- mother (Dorothy McGuire), father (John Mills) and their three sons, Fritz, Ernst and Francis -- flee the reign of Napoleon to start afresh in New Guinea. When their ship gets damaged en route, the family takes refuge on a deserted island. The Robinsons learn to live in the wild, have various adventures and build an impressive house in a tree. However, while island life is full excitement, the question of whether to return to civilization looms.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Pollyanna
    6

    Pollyanna

    Hayley Mills, Jane Wyman, Richard Egan
    113 votes
    • Released: 1960
    • Directed by: David Swift
    Young orphan Pollyanna (Hayley Mills) believes life's most difficult problems can always be surmounted by a positive attitude and pragmatism. But when she moves in with her dour aunt (Jane Wyman), she is introduced to a range of disheartened folks who challenge her upbeat outlook. Not to be discouraged, she sets to work spreading hope and good cheer. However, when an inspired doctor (Richard Egan) leads the community in a campaign in opposition to her aunt, Pollyanna's goodwill is strained.

    Available On:

    subscription