MOVIES THAT TAKE PLACE IN THE '60s

• • Catch Me If You Can

  • Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken
  • In this thrilling cat-and-mouse game, Leonardo DiCaprio plays a young con artist posing as various professionals, pursued by Tom Hanks' tenacious FBI agent. Set in the swinging '60s, this film captures the spirit of the decade with colorful sets, costumes, and a groovy soundtrack.
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: Steven Spielberg

 

• • American Graffiti

  • Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat
  • A nostalgic gem directed by George Lucas, this film follows a group of high school friends on their last night in their hometown before heading off to college. Set in the early '60s, this classic coming-of-age story is filled with sock hops, drag races, and an unforgettable soundtrack.
    • Released: 1973
    • Directed by: George Lucas

 

• • The Help

  • Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard
  • This heartwarming drama showcases the lives and struggles of African-American maids working for white families in 1960s Mississippi. With stellar performances from Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Emma Stone, the film is an emotional exploration of race, friendship, and civil rights during a crucial period in American history.
    • Released: 2011
    • Directed by: Tate Taylor

 

• • The Outsiders

  • Matt Dillon, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio
  • Based on the iconic novel by S.E. Hinton, this coming-of-age story follows a group of young "greasers" navigating the trials of adolescence in a 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma neighborhood. With an all-star cast including Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, and Tom Cruise, this film captures the essence of teenage rebellion in a bygone era.
    • Released: 1983
    • Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

 

•     Dirty Dancing

•        Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach
•        This classic romantic film takes place at a Catskills resort during the summer of 1963, where Baby (Jennifer Grey)                 falls in love with dance instructor Johnny (Patrick Swayze). With its iconic soundtrack and memorable dance scenes,           it perfectly captures the spirit of the decade.
•        Released: 1987
•        Directed by: Emile Ardolino

 

• • Girl, Interrupted

  • Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Clea Duvall
  • In this powerful drama, Winona Ryder plays a young woman who is committed to a mental institution during the 1960s. With a haunting performance by Angelina Jolie, the film explores the challenges faced by women battling mental illness in a time of societal change and upheaval.
    • Released: 1999
    • Directed by: James Mangold

 

• • The Sandlot

  • Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna
  • Set in the summer of 1962, this beloved family film follows a group of neighborhood kids who bond over their love for baseball. Filled with nostalgia and heart, it perfectly encapsulates the innocence and camaraderie of childhood friendships.
    • Released: 1993
    • Directed by: David M. Evans

 

• • National Lampoon's Animal House

  • John Belushi, Kevin Bacon, Donald Sutherland
  • In this raucous comedy, a group of misfit college students at a 1962 university form an out-of-control fraternity. The film, starring John Belushi, is a hilarious and chaotic look at college life in the early '60s.
    • Released: 1978
    • Directed by: John Landis

 

• • Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

  • Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie
  • Quentin Tarantino's love letter to 1969 Los Angeles intertwines the lives of a fading actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) with the real-life events surrounding the Manson Family. This stylish and immersive film is a vivid snapshot of a turbulent era in American history.
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

 

• • That Thing You Do!

  • Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Johnathon Schaech
  • Tom Hanks directs and stars in this feel-good film about a one-hit-wonder band from Erie, Pennsylvania, that skyrockets to fame in 1964. The movie perfectly captures the excitement and energy of the '60s music scene.
    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Tom Hanks

 

• • Hairspray

  • Ricki Lake, Divine, Jerry Stiller
  • In this upbeat musical, a young girl in 1962 Baltimore dreams of becoming a dancer on a popular local TV show. With catchy tunes and vibrant performances, the film addresses themes of racial integration and body positivity during a transformative time in American society.
    • Released: 1988
    • Directed by: John Waters

 

• • Peggy Sue Got Married

  • Kathleen Turner, Nicolas Cage, Kevin J. O'Connor
  • Kathleen Turner stars as a woman who faints at her high school reunion and wakes up in her teenage body in 1960. This whimsical film explores themes of nostalgia, regret, and the power of second chances.
    • Released: 1986
    • Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

 

• • Walk the Line

  • Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin
  • This biographical drama follows the life of iconic musician Johnny Cash (played by Joaquin Phoenix) from his early days in Arkansas to his rise to fame in the 1960s. Reese Witherspoon's Oscar-winning performance as June Carter adds depth and heart to this compelling story.
    • Released: 2005
    • Directed by: James Mangold

 

• • Good Morning, Vietnam

  • Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker, Tung Thanh Tran
  • Robin Williams stars as an irreverent radio DJ entertaining US troops in 1965 Saigon. The film expertly balances humor and heartbreak, providing a snapshot of the Vietnam War's impact on soldiers and civilians alike.
    • Released: 1987
    • Directed by: Barry Levinson

 

• • Full Metal Jacket

  • Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin, Vincent D'Onofrio
  • Stanley Kubrick's harrowing war film delves into the brutal experience of U.S. Marine recruits during the Vietnam War. From the intense training at boot camp to the horrors of war, this 1960s-set film offers a visceral look at the human cost of conflict.
    • Released: 1987
    • Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

 

• • Saving Mr. Banks

  • Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Paul Giamatti
  • This charming drama delves into the behind-the-scenes story of how Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) convinced author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) allowed him to adapt her book Mary Poppins into a film during the early 1960s. Through flashbacks, the film poignantly explores Travers's childhood and its impact on her creative work.
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: John Lee Hancock

 

• • Serpico

  • Al Pacino, John Randolph, Jack Kehoe
  • Al Pacino delivers a riveting performance as Frank Serpico, a New York City police officer who exposed widespread corruption within the force during the 1960s and '70s. This gripping drama is based on a true story and provides a fascinating look at the seedy underbelly of law enforcement during that era.
    • Released: 1973
    • Directed by: Sidney Lumet

 

• • Hidden Figures

  • Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
  • In this inspiring historical drama, three brilliant African-American women (Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe) work at NASA during the 1960s Space Race, overcoming racial and gender barriers to contribute to America's greatest achievements in space exploration.
    • Released: 2016
    • Directed by: Theodore Melfi

 

• • Driving Miss Daisy

  • Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy, Dan Aykroyd
  • Set in the Deep South during the 1960s, this heartwarming film follows the decades-long friendship between an elderly Jewish woman (Jessica Tandy) and her African-American chauffeur (Morgan Freeman). The movie is a touching exploration of race, class, and the power of human connection.
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Bruce Beresford

 

• • A Beautiful Mind

  • Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly
  • Russell Crowe gives a powerful performance as John Nash, a brilliant but tormented mathematician struggling with schizophrenia during the height of the Cold War. Jennifer Connelly co-stars, offering a poignant portrayal of Nash's wife who supports him through his darkest moments.
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Ron Howard

 

• • The Right Stuff

  • Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris
  • This epic film adaptation of Tom Wolfe's novel chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program during the 1960s, focusing on the lives of the Mercury Seven astronauts. With a stellar ensemble cast, the movie captures the spirit of ambition, bravery, and innovation that defined the era.
    • Released: 1983
    • Directed by: Philip Kaufman

 

• • Jersey Boys

  • John Lloyd Young, Erich Bergen, Michael Lomenda
  • This biographical musical, directed by Clint Eastwood, tells the story of the rise and fall of the 1960s rock 'n' roll group, The Four Seasons. The film is a nostalgic ode to the music and spirit of the era, showcasing the band's classic hits and captivating performances.
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Clint Eastwood

 

• • Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

  • Mike Myers, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael York
  • Mike Myers stars as a groovy British spy who is unfrozen and brought back to life in the 1990s after being cryogenically preserved since the 1960s. This hilarious spoof pokes fun at '60s spy movies, featuring outrageous costumes, swinging music, and nonstop laughs.
    • Released: 1997
    • Directed by: Jay Roach

 

• • We Were Soldiers

  • Mel Gibson, Madeleine Stowe, Greg Kinnear
  • Mel Gibson portrays a commanding officer leading his troops during the first major battle between American and North Vietnamese forces in 1965. This harrowing war drama explores the bravery, camaraderie, and sacrifices made by soldiers during one of the most divisive conflicts in American history.
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: Randall Wallace

 

• • Moonrise Kingdom

  • Bruce Willis, Ed Norton, Bill Murray
  • Wes Anderson's quirky tale of young love follows two misfit teens who run away together in the summer of 1965. With its distinct visual style and whimsical storytelling, the film offers a nostalgic glimpse into an idealized version of the 1960s.
    • Released: 2012
    • Directed by: Wes Anderson

 

• • Ali

  • Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight
  • Will Smith delivers a knockout performance as boxing legend Muhammad Ali in this biographical drama. The film charts his rise to fame in the 1960s, his conversion to Islam, and his triumphant return to the ring after being banned for refusing to fight in Vietnam.
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Michael Mann

 

• • JFK

  • Kevin Costner, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci
  • Oliver Stone's controversial and visually stunning film delves into the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Kevin Costner stars as New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison, who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the tragic event.
    • Released: 1991
    • Directed by: Oliver Stone

 

• • Ray

  • Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King
  • Jamie Foxx delivers an Oscar-winning performance as legendary musician Ray Charles in this powerful biopic. The film chronicles his life from humble beginnings in the segregated South to his rise to fame as one of the most influential artists of the 1960s.
    • Released: 2004
    • Directed by: Taylor Hackford

 

• • Mermaids

  • Cher, Winona Ryder, Bob Hoskins
  • Cher, Winona Ryder, and Christina Ricci star in this eccentric film about an unconventional single mother raising two daughters during the 1960s. The movie explores themes of family, coming of age, and self-discovery, all set to an iconic 1960s soundtrack.
    • Released: 1990
    • Directed by: Richard Benjamin

 

• • It

  • Tim Curry, Seth Green, John Ritter
  • In this chilling adaptation of Stephen King's novel, a group of children in a small town in the 1960s must confront their deepest fears when an evil entity begins terrorizing their community. The film masterfully blends elements of coming-of-age drama with spine-tingling horror.
    • Released: 1990
    • Directed by: Tommy Lee Wallace

 

• • The Doors

  • Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Kevin Dillon
  • Val Kilmer embodies the spirit of Jim Morrison in this biopic about the legendary rock band The Doors. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1960s, the film explores the wild life and tragic death of one of the era's most enigmatic icons.
    • Released: 1991
    • Directed by: Oliver Stone

 

• • Across the Universe

  • Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson
  • Set to the music of The Beatles, this romantic drama tells the story of a young couple (Evan Rachel Wood and Jim Sturgess) who fall in love amid the turbulent backdrop of the 1960s. With its inventive visuals and heartfelt storytelling, the film is a love letter to the music and spirit of the time.
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Julie Taymor

 

• • The Irishman

  • Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci
  • Martin Scorsese's epic crime saga follows the life of a hitman (Robert De Niro) and his relationship with notorious mobster Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino) during the 1960s and beyond. With its sprawling narrative and meticulous attention to period detail, the film is a gripping portrait of the criminal underworld of the time.
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Martin Scorsese

 

• • Riding in Cars with Boys

  • Drew Barrymore, Steve Zahn, Brittany Murphy
  • Drew Barrymore stars as a young woman who becomes a single mother in the 1960s, struggling to build a future for herself and her son. The film is a heartfelt exploration of the challenges faced by women in the era and the resilience it takes to overcome them.
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Penny Marshall

 

• • Down with Love

  • Renée Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, Sarah Paulson
  • In this charming homage to the romantic comedies of the 1960s, Ewan McGregor and Renée Zellweger play a journalist and a feminist author who engage in a battle of the sexes. The film's vibrant colors, witty dialogue, and stylish costumes evoke the glamor and sophistication of the era.
    • Released: 2003
    • Directed by: Peyton Reed

 

• • Green Book

  • Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini
  • This Oscar-winning drama tells the true story of a bouncer (Viggo Mortensen) hired to drive an African-American pianist (Mahershala Ali) through the Deep South on a concert tour in the 1960s. The film confronts the racial tensions of the era, showcasing the transformative power of friendship.
    • Released: 2018
    • Directed by: Peter Farrelly

 

• • Big Fish

  • Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup
  • Tim Burton's fantastical drama tells the story of a young man (Ewan McGregor) who travels through a magical, 1960s-inspired landscape in search of the truth about his father's past. The film's enchanting visuals and imaginative storytelling make for a whimsical and heartwarming viewing experience.
    • Released: 2003
    • Directed by: Tim Burton

 

• • Capote

  • Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins
  • Philip Seymour Hoffman delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Truman Capote in this biographical drama, which follows the writer as he researches and writes his groundbreaking true-crime book In Cold Blood during the 1960s. The film offers a fascinating look at the creative process and the moral dilemmas it can entail.
    • Released: 2005
    • Directed by: Bennett Miller

 

• • Malcolm X

  • Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall
  • Denzel Washington delivers an unforgettable performance as civil rights leader Malcolm X in this gripping biopic. The film chronicles his life and activism during the tumultuous 1960s, offering a poignant exploration of the man behind the legend.
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Spike Lee

 

• • Dreamgirls

  • Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy
  • This toe-tapping musical drama, inspired by the story of The Supremes, follows a trio of young women (Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, and Anika Noni Rose) as they navigate the ups and downs of fame in the 1960s music industry. Showcasing powerful performances and memorable songs, the film offers a dazzling portrait of the era.
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Bill Condon

 

• • American Gangster

  • Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
  • Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe square off in this gritty crime drama about a drug kingpin (Washington) and the detective (Crowe) determined to bring him down in 1960s Harlem. The film is a riveting exploration of the dark side of the American Dream and the lengths people will go to achieve it.
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Ridley Scott

 

• • An Education

  • Peter Sarsgaard, Carey Mulligan, Alfred Molina
  • Carey Mulligan shines as a bright, ambitious teenager in 1960s London who becomes involved with an older man (Peter Sarsgaard) with dubious intentions. The film is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, betrayal, and the power of education.
    • Released: 2009
    • Directed by: Lone Scherfig

 

• • The Flamingo Kid

  • Matt Dillon, Richard Crenna, Jessica Walter
  • Matt Dillon stars in this touching coming-of-age story about a young man from a working-class family who takes a summer job at an exclusive beach club in 1960s Long Island. The film offers a poignant look at class divisions, family dynamics, and the struggles of growing up.
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Garry Marshall

 

• • Chocolat

  • Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Lena Olin
  • In this delightful romantic drama, Juliette Binoche plays a mysterious woman who opens a chocolate shop in a small, conservative French village during the 1960s. With its sumptuous visuals, charming performances, and heartwarming story, the film is a feast for the senses.
    • Released: 2000
    • Directed by: Lasse Hallström

 

• • The Good Shepherd

  • Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin
  • Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie star in this moody espionage drama, which follows the early days of the CIA during the 1960s. With its intricate plot, stellar performances, and atmospheric setting, the film is a gripping exploration of the moral ambiguities of spycraft.
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Robert De Niro

 

• • Hitchcock

  • Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson
  • Anthony Hopkins stars as legendary director Alfred Hitchcock in this biographical drama, which focuses on his efforts to make the iconic thriller Psycho during the late 1950s and early 1960s. The film offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of a classic, as well as insights into the complicated genius of its creator.
    • Released: 2012
    • Directed by: Sacha Gervasi

 

• • Born on the Fourth of July

  • Tom Cruise, Willem Dafoe, Kyra Sedgwick
  • Tom Cruise gives a powerful performance as a paralyzed Vietnam veteran who becomes an outspoken anti-war activist in the 1960s. Oliver Stone's poignant film examines the personal and political consequences of war, offering a moving portrait of a man's journey toward redemption.
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Oliver Stone

 

• • Legend

  • Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, David Thewlis
  • Suave, charming and volatile, Reggie Kray (Tom Hardy) and his unstable twin brother Ronnie start to leave their mark on the London underworld in the 1960s. Using violence to get what they want, the siblings orchestrate robberies and murders while running nightclubs and protection rackets. With police Detective Leonard "Nipper" Read hot on their heels, the brothers continue their rapid rise to power and achieve tabloid notoriety.
    • Released: 2015
    • Directed by: Brian Helgeland

 

• • Selma

  • David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo
  • Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination was still rampant in certain areas, making it very difficult for Blacks to register to vote. In 1965, an Alabama city became the battleground in the fight for suffrage. Despite violent opposition, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his followers pressed forward on an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, and their efforts culminated with President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Ava DuVernay

 

• • The Secret Life of Bees

  • Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson
  • Haunted by memories of her late mother and abused by her father (Paul Bettany), 14-year-old Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) runs away with her friend and caregiver Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) to the South Carolina town that holds the key to her mother's past. There, Lily meets the Boatwright sisters (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo), who take her in and teach her about beekeeping, honey, and the Black Madonna. Lily also discovers that the truth about her mother is closer than she thinks.
    • Released: 2008
    • Directed by: Gina Prince-Bythewood

 

• • A Single Man

  • Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult
  • Colin Firth delivers an achingly beautiful performance as a gay college professor mourning the death of his partner in 1960s Los Angeles. Directed by fashion designer Tom Ford, the film is a visually stunning meditation on love, loss, and the passage of time.
    • Released: 2009
    • Directed by: Tom Ford

 

• • Lenny

  • Dustin Hoffman, Valerie Perrine, Jan Miner
  • Controversial comedian Lenny Bruce (Dustin Hoffman) begins his career telling bad jokes to bored audiences in the 1950s, but can't repress his desire to unleash edgier material. When he does, he begins a one-man campaign to break down social hypocrisy, and his groundbreaking stage act propels him to cult-hero status. When authorities ban Lenny's act for obscenity, he begins a downward spiral of drugs, sex and debt, aided by his bombshell wife, a stripper named Honey (Valerie Perrine).
    • Released: 1974

 

• • Rescue Dawn

  • Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies
  • During the Vietnam War, Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale), a U.S. fighter pilot, is shot down over Laos and taken captive by enemy soldiers. Interned in a POW camp, Dengler and his fellow prisoners (Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies) endure torture, hunger and illness while they await their chance to escape.
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Werner Herzog

 

• • Love & Mercy

  • John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks
  • In the late 1960s, the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson stopped touring, produced "Pet Sounds" and began to lose his grip on reality. By the 1980s, Wilson (John Cusack), under the sway of a controlling therapist, finds a savior in Melinda Ledbetter.
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Bill Pohlad

 

• • The Express

  • Dennis Quaid, Rob Brown, Clancy Brown
  • Born into poverty, Ernie Davis (Rob Brown) overcomes many obstacles to get into Syracuse University's football program. Under the guidance of Coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), Davis becomes one of the school's best players, even surpassing Jim Brown's achievements. In 1961 Davis became the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy, but there is one more obstacle in his life that he must overcome.
    • Released: 2008
    • Directed by: Gary Fleder

 

• • 61*

  • Anthony Michael Hall, Thomas Jane, Christopher McDonald
  • 61* is a 2001 American sports drama film written by Hank Steinberg and directed by Billy Crystal. It stars Barry Pepper as Roger Maris and Thomas Jane as Mickey Mantle on their quest to break Babe Ruth's 1927 single-season home run record of 60 during the 1961 season of the New York Yankees. The film first aired on HBO on April 28, 2001.
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Billy Crystal

 

• • Thirteen Days

  • Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Steven Culp
  • This tense political drama takes viewers inside the Kennedy White House during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. With powerful performances by Kevin Costner and Bruce Greenwood, the film vividly captures the high-stakes decision-making and global tensions that defined the era.
    • Released: 2000
    • Directed by: Roger Donaldson

 

• • Broadcast News

  • William Hurt, Albert Brooks, Holly Hunter
  • Broadcast News, a romantic comedy-drama, explores the chaotic world of television news production. Jane Craig (Holly Hunter), an ambitious producer, finds herself caught in a professional and personal tug-of-war between Aaron Altman (Albert Brooks), her brilliant yet self-deprecating reporter friend, and Tom Grunick (William Hurt), a charismatic but less competent new anchor. Set against the high-pressure backdrop of broadcast journalism, this film deftly navigates the tricky balance between integrity and ratings. Released in 1987, it received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, highlighting its notable contribution to cinema. Crafted by acclaimed director James L. Brooks, Broadcast News presents a compelling narrative that continues to resonate today.
    • Released: 1987
    • Directed by: James L. Brooks

 

• • Brokeback Mountain

  • Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Linda Cardellini
  • In 1963, rodeo cowboy Jack Twist and ranch hand Ennis Del Mar were hired by rancher Joe Aguirre as sheepherders in Wyoming. One night on Brokeback Mountain, Jack makes a drunken pass at Ennis that is eventually reciprocated. Though Ennis marries his longtime sweetheart, Alma and Jack marries fellow rodeo riders, the two men keep up their tortured and sporadic affair over the course of 20 years.
    • Released: 2005
    • Directed by: Ang Lee

 

• • Mr. Holland's Opus

  • Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly, Jay Thomas
  • Mr. Holland's Opus is an inspiring drama centered on the life of Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss), a dedicated music teacher at an American high school. The narrative, spanning three decades, traces Mr. Holland's journey from a reluctant educator to a beloved figure shaping young minds through music. In his personal life, he grapples with his relationship with his deaf son, Cole (Joseph Anderson). Directed by Stephen Herek, this film earned Dreyfuss an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. It beautifully blends elements of family drama and educational inspiration into a compelling cinematic opus.
    • Released: 1995
    • Directed by: Stephen Herek

 

• • Inside Llewyn Davis

  • Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman
  • In 1961 New York City, folk singer Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is at a crossroads. Guitar in hand, he struggles against seemingly insurmountable obstacles to make a name for himself in the music world, but so far, success remains elusive. Relying on the kindness of both friends and strangers, Llewyn embarks on an odyssey that takes him from the streets of Greenwich Village to a Chicago club, where awaits a music mogul who could give him the big break that he desperately needs.
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

 

• • Big Eyes

  • Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Danny Huston
  • In the late 1950s and early '60s, artist Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz) achieved unbelievable fame and success with portraits of saucer-eyed waifs. However, no one realizes that his wife, Margaret (Amy Adams), is the real painter behind the brush. Although Margaret is horrified to learn that Walter is passing off her work as his own, she is too meek to protest too loudly. It isn't until the Keanes' marriage comes to an end and a lawsuit follows that the truth finally comes to light.
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Tim Burton

 

• • Judy

  • Renée Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock
  • Thirty years after starring in "The Wizard of Oz," beloved actress and singer Judy Garland arrives in London to perform sold-out shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub. While there, she reminisces with friends and fans and begins a whirlwind romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband.
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Rupert Goold

 

• • Rocketman

  • Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden
  • Young Reginald Dwight changes his name to Elton John and collaborates with singer-songwriter Bernie Taupin to become one of the most iconic figures in pop history. Set to his most beloved songs, it's the epic musical story of Elton John, his breakthrough years in the 1970s and his fantastical transformation from shy piano prodigy to international superstar.
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Dexter Fletcher

 

• • Shampoo

  • Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Goldie Hawn
  • Against the backdrop of Nixon's election to office, Beverly Hills hairdresser and notorious rake George Roundy (Warren Beatty) runs into trouble when his lascivious habits begin to clash with his more responsible business ambitions. Things get even more complex when Roundy asks his wealthy mistress, Felicia Karpf (Lee Grant), for a business loan, unaware that his best friend and ex-girlfriend, Jackie (Julie Christie), is sleeping with Karpf's husband, Lester (Jack Warden).
    • Released: 1975
    • Directed by: Hal Ashby

 

• • Birdy

  • Matthew Modine, Nicolas Cage, Sandy Baron
  • Birdy (Matthew Modine) returns from the Vietnam War scarred from the horrific experiences of battle. He is so damaged by what he saw that he has shut himself off from reality completely, imagining that he is actually a bird. Birdy is confined to a mental hospital, where the doctors are at a loss as to how to treat him. In an attempt to help, Al (Nicolas Cage), his best friend from high school -- and who was also in Vietnam -- visits him every day to try and get through to him.
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Alan Parker

 

• • Ip Man 4 The Finale

  • Scott Adkins, Donnie Yen, Kwok-Kwan Chan
  • Ip Man 4: The Finale is a 2019 Hong Kong biographical martial arts film directed by Wilson Yip. Ip Man (Donnie Yen) arrives in San Francisco, United States where his student, Bruce Lee (Danny Chan), has upset the local martial arts community by opening a Wing Chun school.
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Wilson Yip

 

• • The Theory of Everything

  • Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Emily Watson
  • In the 1960s, Cambridge University student and future physicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) falls in love with fellow collegian Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). At 21, Hawking learns that he has motor neuron disease. Despite this -- and with Jane at his side -- he begins an ambitious study of time, of which he has very little left, according to his doctor. He and Jane defy terrible odds and break new ground in the fields of medicine and science, achieving more than either could hope to imagine.
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: James Marsh

 

• • The Iceman

  • Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, James Franco
  • Hitman Richard Kuklinski (Michael Shannon) earns a well-deserved reputation as a cold-blooded killer but manages to keep his violent profession a secret from his wife (Winona Ryder) and children for years.
    • Released: 2012
    • Directed by: Ariel Vromen

 

• • Simon Birch

  • Ian Michael Smith, Joseph Mazzello, Ashley Judd
  • Simon Birch (Ian Michael Smith) and Joe Wenteworth (Joseph Mazzello) are boys who have a reputation for being oddballs. Joe never knew his father, and his mother, Rebecca (Ashley Judd), is keeping her lips sealed, no matter how much he protests. Simon, meanwhile, is an 11-year-old dwarf whose outsize personality belies his small stature. Indeed, he often assails the local reverend (David Strathairn) with thorny theological questions and joins Joe on his quest to find his biological father.
    • Released: 1998
    • Directed by: Mark Steven Johnson

 

• • LBJ

  • Woody Harrelson, Bill Pullman, Jennifer Jason Leigh
  • LBJ is a 2017 American political drama film directed by Rob Reiner. The story of U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson (Woody Harrelson) from his young days in West Texas to the White House.
    • Released: 2017
    • Directed by: Rob Reiner

 

• • Doubt

  • Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams
  • In 1964 the winds of change were sweeping through Sister Aloysius' (Meryl Streep) St. Nicholas school. Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a charismatic priest, is advocating reform of the school's strict customs, and the first black student has just been accepted. When a fellow nun (Amy Adams) tells Sister Aloysius that Father Flynn may be paying too much personal attention to the student, Sister Aloysius begins a personal crusade against the priest -- despite her lack of evidence.
    • Released: 2008
    • Directed by: John Patrick Shanley

 

• • Beyond the Sea

  • Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, John Goodman
  • As a boy, Bobby Darin (Kevin Spacey) nearly died from rheumatic fever. While it left him with a weakened heart, it didn't weaken his desire to become the most popular singer in the country. Knowing that he's living on borrowed time, Bobby works nonstop to conquer the pop and jazz worlds with hits like "Splish Splash" and "Mack the Knife." But as the '60s come into full swing, Bobby sees his style of singing fall out of favor, and his marriage to actress Sandra Dee (Kate Bosworth) suffer.
    • Released: 2004
    • Directed by: Kevin Spacey

 

• • Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

  • Sam Rockwell, Drew Barrymore, George Clooney
  • Game show television producer Chuck Barris (Sam Rockwell) is at the height of his career. His creation, "The Dating Game," is one of the network's top shows and he has just been given the post of hosting his latest brainchild, "The Gong Show." But what the public and industry big-wigs are unaware of is that Chuck Barris, game show pioneer, is also a covert assassin. He works for the C.I.A. and claims to have killed 33 people.
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: George Clooney

 

• • Shine

  • Geoffrey Rush, Justin Braine, Sonia Todd
  • As a child piano prodigy, David Helfgott's (Geoffrey Rush) musical ambitions generate friction with his overbearing father, Peter (Armin Mueller-Stahl). When Helfgott travels to London on a musical scholarship, his career as a pianist blossoms. However, the pressures of his newfound fame, coupled with the echoes of his tumultuous childhood, conspire to bring Helfgott's latent schizophrenia boiling to the surface, and he spends years in and out of various mental institutions.
    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Scott Hicks

 

• • Fly Me To The Moon

  • Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Ray Romano
  • Sparks fly between a marketing executive and a NASA official as he makes preparations for the Apollo 11 moon landing.
    • Released: 2024
    • Directed by: Greg Berlanti

 

• • Disney's The Kid

  • Bruce Willis, Spencer Breslin, Emily Mortimer
  • Bruce Willis stars as Russ Duritz, a successful image consultant whose life is suddenly turned upside down when he magically meets Rusty, Russ himself as an 8-year-old kid. Rusty is a sweet, but slightly geeky, awkward little kid who painfully reminds Russ of everything he hated about himself when he was a child-a pudgy, little cry-baby who was the daily victim of the school bullies-an image Russ has worked hard to overcome and consciously forget.
    • Released: 2000
    • Directed by: Jon Turteltaub

 

• • One Night in Miami

  • Kingsley Ben-Adir, Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom
  • On the night of Feb. 25, 1964, in Miami, Cassius Clay joins Jim Brown, Sam Cooke and Malcom X, and they discuss the responsibility of being successful black men during the civil rights movement.
    • Released: 2020
    • Directed by: Regina King

 

• • Annie Hall

  • Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts
  • In the movie Annie Hall, Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) is a neurotic stand-up comedian attempting to comprehend the dissolution of his relationship with Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). The film, directed by Allen himself, dissects their love story in a non-linear fashion, teasing out its complex layers. It's a comedy-drama that won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This poignant tale, blending humor and heartache, leverages elements of meta-fiction and direct address to the audience, making it a unique entry in the romantic genre.
    • Released: 1977
    • Directed by: Woody Allen

 

• • Selena

  • Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos, Jon Seda
  • In this biographical drama, Selena Quintanilla (Jennifer Lopez) is born into a musical Mexican-American family in Texas. Her father, Abraham (Edward James Olmos), realizes that his young daughter is talented and begins performing with her at small venues. She finds success and falls for her guitarist, Chris Perez (Jon Seda), who draws the ire of her father. Seeking mainstream stardom, Selena begins recording an English-language album which, tragically, she would never complete.
    • Released: 1997
    • Directed by: Gregory Nava

 

• • Tin Men

  • Richard Dreyfuss, Danny DeVito, Barbara Hershey
  • Door-to-door aluminum-siding salesman Bill "B.B." Babowsky (Richard Dreyfuss) and Ernest Tilley (Danny DeVito) are professional rivals in an industry known for shady dealings and high-pressure sales. But their rivalry goes from professional to personal after a minor car accident that neither are willing to take the blame for. As the hatred between the two men grows to near insane levels, B.B. decides to take it even further by seducing and having an affair with Tilley's wife (Barbara Hershey).
    • Released: 1987
    • Directed by: Barry Levinson

 

• • What Happened, Miss Simone?

  • James Baldwin, Stokely Carmichael, Walter Cronkite
  • What Happened, Miss Simone? is a 2015 biographical documentary film directed by Liz Garbus. Exploring the life of Nina Simone, the documentary combines previously unreleased archival footage and interviews with Simone's daughter and friends.
    • Released: 2015
    • Directed by: Liz Garbus

 

• • Rustin

  • Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Glynn Turman
  • Bayard Rustin, adviser to Martin Luther King Jr., dedicates his life to the quest for racial equality, human rights and worldwide democracy. However, as an openly gay Black man, he is all but erased from the civil rights movement he helped build.
    • Released: 2023
    • Directed by: George C. Wolfe

 

• • Baby It's You

  • Robert Downey Jr., Rosanna Arquette, Vincent Spano
  • Baby It's You is a 1983 American film written and directed by John Sayles. It stars Rosanna Arquette and Vincent Spano. This was Sayles' first film for a major Hollywood studio. He based the screenplay on an autobiographical story by Amy Robinson.
    • Released: 1983
    • Directed by: John Sayles

 

• • Freedom Song

  • Danny Glover, Vicellous Reon Shannon, Vondie Curtis Hall
  • Owen (Vicellous Reon Shannon) is a young man living in Mississippi at the dawn of the civil rights movement. Surrounded by racism, Owen looks for inspiration in dealing with oppression, while his father, Will (Danny Glover), prefers to keep his head down after his bad luck with protests in the past. Will expects his son to follow suit, but their relationship is put to the test when Owen starts joining in peaceful protests organized by the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee.
    • Released: 2000
    • Directed by: Phil Alden Robinson

 

• • Experimenter

  • Peter Sarsgaard, Winona Ryder, Dennis Haysbert
  • In 1961, social psychologist Stanley Milgram (Peter Sarsgaard) conducted controversial experiments designed to measure conformity, conscience and free will.
    • Released: 2015
    • Directed by: Michael Almereyda

 

• • Grace of Monaco

  • Nicole Kidman, Tim Roth, Frank Langella
  • Despite her husband's (Tim Roth) misgivings, Grace Kelly (Nicole Kidman) considers returning to Hollywood to star in "Marnie," but a political dispute between Monaco and France forces her to make a difficult choice.
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Olivier Dahan

 

• • Taking Woodstock

  • Liev Schreiber, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Emile Hirsch
  • Taking Woodstock is a 2009 American comedy-drama film about the Woodstock Festival of 1969, directed by Ang Lee. The film premiered at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, and opened in New York and Los Angeles on August 26, 2009, before its wide theatrical release two days later.
    • Released: 2009
    • Directed by: Ang Lee

 

• • The Blind

  • Aron von Andrian, Amelia Eve, Aaron Dalla Villa
  • In 1960s Louisiana, future "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson falls in love and starts a family, but his demons soon threaten to tear everyone apart. As he seeks to conquer the shame of his past, he ultimately finds redemption in an unlikely place.
    • Released: 2023
    • Directed by: Andrew Hyatt

 

• • Love Field

  • Michelle Pfeiffer, Dennis Haysbert, Stephanie McFadden
  • A Dallas housewife is so obsessed with the Kennedys that she travels from her home town to Washington DC for the President's funeral. On her journey, she meets a friendly black man and his young daughter, but after a series of strange events the three of them are pursued by the police, the FBI and some brutal racists.
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Jonathan Kaplan

 

• • Glory Road

  • Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, Austin Nichols
  • Glory Road is a sports drama film that depicts the true-life story of Texas Western College's 1966 basketball team, under the direction of Coach Don Haskins (Josh Lucas). In an era marked by racial segregation, Haskins daringly recruits seven black players to his team, breaking significant barriers in college sports. The movie focuses on their turbulent season leading up to the NCAA championship against the University of Kentucky Wildcats, which was coached by Adolph Rupp (Jon Voight). Glory Road, directed by James Gartner, won the 2006 ESPY Award for Best Sports Movie.
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: James Gartner

 

• • Last Night in Soho

  • Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomasin McKenzie, Matt Smith
  • Eloise, an aspiring fashion designer, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s, where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer called Sandie. The glamor is not all it appears to be, however, and the dreams of the past start to become far darker.
    • Released: 2021
    • Directed by: Edgar Wright

 

• • The Rum Diary

  • Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Rispoli
  • As the Eisenhower era draws to a close, journalist Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) decides he's had enough of New York and takes a job in Puerto Rico. There, he becomes obsessed with Chenault (Amber Heard), the fiancee of a shady businessman named Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart), who wants to turn the pristine island into a capitalist's paradise. Recruited by Sanderson to write an article that praises an unsavory deal, Paul must decide if he will use his talents to help Sanderson, or bring him down.
    • Released: 2011
    • Directed by: Bruce Robinson

 

• • Gangster No. 1

  • Malcolm McDowell, David Thewlis, Paul Bettany
  • The time is now. The scene is a ringside table at a boxing match, held at a deluxe London hotel. At the head of the table sits Gangster (Malcolm McDowell), the undisputed king of London's gangland. Life couldn't be sweeter, until Gangster learns that Freddie Mays is being released from prison. Freddie Mays, his old boss and mentor, is coming out after serving 30 years for murder. Hearing Freddie Mays' name, even after all these years, stirs up a frightening well of emotions in Gangster...
    • Released: 2000
    • Directed by: Paul McGuigan

 

• • All the Way

  • Bryan Cranston, Anthony Mackie, Melissa Leo
  • President Lyndon B. Johnson (Bryan Cranston) endures a tumultuous first year in office while trying to launch a civil rights bill.
    • Released: 2016
    • Directed by: Jay Roach

 

• • The Banker

  • Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult
  • In the 1960s, two entrepreneurs hatch an ingenious business plan to fight for housing integration and equal access to the American Dream.
    • Released: 2020
    • Directed by: George Nolfi

 

• • Bullet in the Head

  • Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Simon Yam, Jacky Cheung Hok-yau
  • Bullet in the Head is a 1990 Hong Kong action film written, produced, edited and directed by John Woo, who played Police Inspector, and starring Tony Leung, Jacky Cheung, Waise Lee and Simon Yam.
    • Released: 1990
    • Directed by: John Woo

 

• • The Krays

  • Billie Whitelaw, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp
  • Twins Ronnie (Gary Kemp) and Reggie Kray (Martin Kemp) are raised in east London, under the influence of their hateful but doting mother, Violet (Billie Whitelaw). As they grow up, Ronnie's violent nature takes over, and Reggie follows his brother's lead. The two become notorious crime lords who rule over the East End club scene. But at the height of their power, the brothers veer into different lives, giving the older crime bosses a chance to reclaim what the Kray twins took from them.
    • Released: 1990
    • Directed by: Peter Medak

 

• • City of God

  • Alice Braga, Seu Jorge, Matheus Nachtergaele
  • City of God is a 2002 Brazilian crime drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and co-directed by Kátia Lund, released in its home country in 2002 and worldwide in 2003. The story was adapted by Bráulio Mantovani from the 1997 novel of the same name written by Paulo Lins, but the plot is loosely based on real events. It depicts the growth of organized crime in the Cidade de Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro, between the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1980s, with the closure of the film depicting the events between Li'l Zé and Knockout Ned.
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: Fernando Meirelles

 

• • M. Butterfly

  • Jeremy Irons, John Lone, Ian Richardson
  • René Gallimard (Jeremy Irons) is a diplomat from France who has been sent to Beijing. While acclimating to life in China, Gallimard meets and becomes enamored of Song Liling (John Lone), an opera singer who wears traditionally ornate dress and makeup. The two begin a relationship, but, unfortunately for Gallimard, there is much about Song that he doesn't know. Among the revelations that Gallimard must contend with is the discovery that his lover is a man.
    • Released: 1993
    • Directed by: David Cronenberg

 

• • The Paperboy

  • Matthew McConaughey, Zac Efron, David Oyelowo
  • In 1969 Florida, reporter Ward Jansen (Matthew McConaughey) returns to his hometown to write a story about death-row inmate Hillary Van Wetter (John Cusack), who was convicted of murdering a racist lawman. Ward hires his younger brother, Jack (Zac Efron), as a driver and, together with his partner, Yardley (David Oyelowo), gets to work. Though the possibility exists that Van Wetter is innocent, Ward and Yardley unwisely trust a vixen (Nicole Kidman) who will do anything to set the convict free.
    • Released: 2012
    • Directed by: Lee Daniels

 

• • Factory Girl

  • Sienna Miller, Guy Pearce, Hayden Christensen
  • In the mid-1960s, wealthy debutant Edie Sedgwick (Sienna Miller) meets artist Andy Warhol (Guy Pearce). She joins Warhol's famous Factory and becomes his muse. Although she seems to have it all, Edie cannot have the love she craves from Andy, and she has an affair with a charismatic musician (Hayden Christensen), who pushes her to seek independence from the artist and the milieu.
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: George Hickenlooper

 

• • Blonde

  • Poppy Montgomery, Ann-Margret, Patricia Richardson
  • Norma Jean Baker becomes Marilyn Monroe.
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Joyce Chopra

 

• • I Shot Andy Warhol

  • Lili Taylor, Jared Harris, Lothaire Bluteau
  • Valerie Solanas (Lili Taylor) is an aspiring writer who moves to New York City and supports herself with prostitution. Valerie meets controversial artist Andy Warhol (Jared Harris) and a host of other eccentrics in the New York art scene. While a book publisher wants Valerie to write a sexually explicit novel, Valerie sets out to convince Warhol to produce her play "Up Your Ass." Based on a true story, the film follows Valerie's journey from ambitious author to obsessed, delusional assassin.
    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Mary Harron

 

• • The Bikeriders

  • Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Tom Hardy
  • A Midwestern motorcycle club begins as a group of outsiders who are united by good times, rumbling bikes and respect for their strong, steady leader.
    • Released: 2023
    • Directed by: Jeff Nichols

 

• Hands of Stone

• Edgar Ramírez, Robert De Niro, Ana de Armas
• At age 72, legendary trainer Ray Arcel (Robert De Niro) comes out of retirement to coach world-class Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán (Edgar Ramírez). Arcel becomes a mentor to the ferocious fighter, convincing him that winning ultimately comes down to strategy. After scoring knockout after knockout, Duran prepares for a bout against Sugar Ray Leonard, the undefeated lightweight champion. Five months later, on Nov. 25, 1980, the two titans met for an infamous rematch that made boxing history.
  • Released: 2016
  • Directed by: Jonathan Jakubowicz

 

• Pet Sematary: Bloodlines

• Jackson White, Forrest Goodluck, Henry Thomas
• In 1969, a young Jud Crandall dreams of leaving his hometown of Ludlow, Maine, behind but soon discovers sinister secrets buried within and is forced to confront a dark family history that will forever keep him connected to Ludlow.
  • Released: 2023
  • Directed by: Lindsey Anderson Beer