The Best Jean Simmons Movies

Ranker Film
Updated September 1, 2023 2.1K votes 296 voters
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List of the best Jean Simmons movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. Jean Simmons's highest grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. The order of these top Jean Simmons movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Jean Simmons movies will be at the top of the list. Jean Simmons has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Jean Simmons movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Jean Simmons films to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best Jean Simmons role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest Jean Simmons performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies, but in most cases they go hand in hand.

Spartacus and Angel Face are included in this list.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Jean Simmons movies?" and "What are the greatest Jean Simmons roles of all time?"

Notable directors that worked with Jean Simmons include names like Stanley Kubrick, Otto Preminger and Richard Brooks. If you're a fan of Jean Simmons, then check out our lists of the best Deborah Kerr and Vera Miles movies as well.

Most divisive: The Way to the Stars
Ranked by
  • Spartacus
    1

    Spartacus

    Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons
    79 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.

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  • Home Before Dark
    2

    Home Before Dark

    Jean Simmons, Dan O'Herlihy, Rhonda Fleming
    34 votes
    • Released: 1958
    • Directed by: Mervyn LeRoy
    When Charlotte Bronn (Jean Simmons) returns home from a mental institution, having been committed after having a nervous breakdown, she must adapt to life on the outside with the help of her husband, Arnold (Dan O'Herlihy). The problem is that Charlotte's stepmother (Mabel Albertson) and stepsister (Rhonda Fleming) attempt to undermine Arnold. Because of her difficult home life, Charlotte ends up having an affair with college professor Jake Diamond (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.).

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  • Black Narcissus
    3

    Black Narcissus

    Deborah Kerr, Sabu, David Farrar
    45 votes
    • Released: 1947
    • Directed by: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
    A group of Anglican nuns, led by Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr), are sent to a mountain in the Himalayas. The climate in the region is hostile and the nuns are housed in an odd old palace. They work to establish a school and a hospital, but slowly their focus shifts. Sister Ruth (Kathleen Byron) falls for a government worker, Mr. Dean (David Farrar), and begins to question her vow of celibacy. As Sister Ruth obsesses over Mr. Dean, Sister Clodagh becomes immersed in her own memories of love.

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  • Angel Face
    4

    Angel Face

    Robert Mitchum, Jean Simmons, Mona Freeman
    45 votes
    • Released: 1952
    • Directed by: Otto Preminger
    Beautiful Diane Tremayne (Jean Simmons) is a sophisticated, wealthy young woman capable of manipulating anyone who crosses her path. She also has a dark side she manages to conceal behind her appearance and her good manners. Soon after the untimely death of her stepmother (Barbara O'Neil), Diane pursues handsome Frank Jessup (Robert Mitchum). Before long, she starts to win him over -- but Frank quickly suspects that the manic Diane had more to do with her stepmother's death than she lets on.
  • Young Bess
    5

    Young Bess

    Jean Simmons, Stewart Granger, Charles Laughton
    38 votes
    • Released: 1953
    • Directed by: George Sidney
    When Anne Boleyn (Elaine Stewart) is executed for infidelity, her daughter Elizabeth (Jean Simmons) is sent into exile by King Henry VIII (Charles Laughton). Elizabeth grows into a spirited young woman. Eventually, she is summoned back to London to meet Henry's latest bride, Catherine Parr (Deborah Kerr). She also meets Admiral Thomas Seymour (Stewart Granger) and becomes instantly enamored. Unfortunately for her, the machinations of politics prove far more potent than love.
  • Footsteps in the Fog
    6

    Footsteps in the Fog

    Stewart Granger, Jean Simmons, Bill Travers
    25 votes
    • Released: 1955
    • Directed by: Arthur Lubin
    In London, scullery maid Lily Watkins (Jean Simmons) startles her employer, Stephen Lowery (Stewart Granger), by revealing that she knows he's responsible for his wife's recent death. Lily boldly insists that Stephen's wife left her jewels to her, and then appropriates her clothes and other items. Though Stephen is angered, he allows Lily's behavior and even starts an affair with her. Soon frustrated by her increasing hold over him, Stephen lashes out, but the ensuing turn of events stuns him.

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