Every movie buff has a list of flicks that they feel everyone needs to watch, and throughout Hollywood's extensive history, there are staples that any critic would agree that every person needs to see if they want to consider themselves a movie lover.

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The 1950s marked the pinnacle of new filming techniques, breakout actors, and timeless cultural works. For any cinephile that wants to tackle the best of this decade and binge the most critical flicks it has to offer, this list is for you.

The Wages of Fear (195

A Man Escaped (1956)

The Red Balloon (195

Tokyo Story (195

The Killing (1956)

The Seventh Seal (195

Voyage to Italy (1954)

Ordet (1955)

Johnny Guitar (1954)

Les Diaboloiques (1955)

Forbidden Planet (195

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Sunset Boulevard 1950

Sunset Boulevard is a pioneer when it comes to movies ABOUT movies, and the flick truly dove deep into Hollywood and uncovered the reality of the movie industry. The movie follows a screenwriter that writes a script for a forgotten silent film star.

It merges eras of cinema, while simultaneously diving right to the bottom of Hollywood's core, and for all film lovers, this flick is a must-see - both for its content and its influence on the industry.

All About Eve (1950)

 

This drama was a pivotal moment in cinema for women. All About Eve follows a young woman fitting into a world and social circle of actresses. It's a raw, pure, and totally refreshing take on femininity and the industry.

Anne Baxter and Bette Davis certainly deserved their fame after this film, and in 1950, it was one that was never really seen before. Plus, it won a whopping six Oscars, so it clearly deserves a watch.

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

 

It's hard to appreciate cinema (especially this decade) without getting to know Marlon Brando. A Streetcar Named Desire paved the way for his incredible work, but also for a new style of acting that led to the wonders of Al Pacino and more.

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This drama follows a troubled woman who moves in with her sister but finds even more trouble with her sister's husband. This movie cuts deep and hits hard, making it utterly timeless.

Singin' In The Rain (1952)

 

Gene Kelly, a musical, and a pivotal cultural transition from silent films to sound - are all iconic features of this classic. While this musical might not be everyone's cup of tea, it's cemented in time and it's impossible not to have seen Singin' In The Rain as a movie buff.

It's both comedic and magical, while still offering a real-life insight into such a momentous time in cinema's history. The 50s was a huge period of growth and transition, and this movie captures it perfectly.

Godzilla (1954)

Godzilla 1954

The rest was history after this sci-fi character first hit the big screen. This Japanese film wasn't only huge in Japan, it also created a whole new division of the genre and a timeless character around the world.

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Everyone knows the story and powers of this monster, and that proves how classic Godzilla became after its 1954 release. Cinema isn't just North America, and this movie is a must-see in order to appreciate the 1950s.

Seven Samurai (1954)

Seven Samurai 1954

Seven Samurai opened Hollywood to further cultural insight from abroad and it follows seven samurai warriors who try to protect a village from bandits. Japan struck Hollywood once again and it even received two Oscar nominations.

This movie and Godzilla will give any movie buff an introduction to Japanese cinema but they also influenced Hollywood and North American filmmaking, in general. It's an entertaining and raw flick that all will enjoy.

Rebel Without A Cause (1955)

 

Rebel Without a Cause made the world fall in love with James Dean, but it was also a culturally significant film that discussed youth, sex, drugs, and rebellion. It was colorful, deep, and entertaining, and it paved the way for a much more open dialogue about certain topics in Hollywood.

This movie follows a teenager who makes both friends and enemies while navigating youth with all the experimentation and rebellion that comes with it. It's easily one of the best 1950s movies about young people.

The Searchers (1956)

 

Westerns are a huge part of Hollywood's history (and even its present), so it's only right to include the decade's most influential, directed by the iconic John Ford. The Searchers tackled sexism and racism in a way that not many films had before it. Today, every Western has certainly taken a page out of Ford's book.

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The movie follows a veteran of the Civil War who tries to track down his niece who has become a part of a Native American tribe. The morality and relevance were hard-hitting in 1956 and it still lands today.

12 Angry Men (1957)

The jury in 12 Angry Men

Sidney Lumet created one of the best dialogues in cinema's history with 12 Angry MenThis movie also tackles race, gender, life and death, and morality. With Henry Fonda and Lee J. Cobb, this movie has one scene - and it's riveting.

A jury must determine whether a young man killed his father, and the decision will either result in his death or his life. It's powerful as a story, but its influence on the industry is forever lasting.

Vertigo (1958)

 

While Psycho hit theaters in 1960s, Vertigo still remains one of Alfred Hitchcock's largest successes and a staple of 1950's cinema. The thrilling filming techniques in this movie revolutionized Hollywood, and it has had a major influence on many directors today.

Starring James Stewart and Kim Novak, this crime mystery thriller has everything any movie lover will fall head over heels for. With romance, crime, and mystery, Vertigo is timelessly entertaining.

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