History's Best Selling Movies of 1939

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1939 saw a swell surge of swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship in the world of movies! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Jesse James and Dodge City, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Henry King and Michael Curtiz proved their mettle with The Wizard of Oz, delivering craftsmanship that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Jesse James

   Released in 1939 by Henry King, 20th Century Fox

   On January 13, 1939, the silver screens lit up with the premiere of 'Jesse James,' a cinematic spectacle that would become one of the year's most significant box office successes. This gripping Western captivated audiences by reimagining the legendary outlaw as a wronged hero, an approach that resonated deeply during the Great Depression. The film not only launched a new wave of romanticized outlaw narratives but also firmly established 20th Century Fox's prowess in crafting grand, Technicolor historical dramas. Its initial release date marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon, cementing the myth of Jesse James in the hearts and minds of a generation and influencing the Western genre for decades to come.

2. Dodge City

   Released in 1939 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   On April 8, 1939, Warner Bros. unleashed 'Dodge City' upon audiences, marking a significant moment in the Golden Age of Hollywood Westerns. This action-packed spectacle, starring screen legends Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland, quickly galloped to box office success, cementing its place as one of the year's top earners. Its premiere wasn't just another movie release; it was a grand cinematic event that showcased the genre's enduring appeal, featuring thrilling sequences and a classic tale of law versus chaos. The film's robust performance underscored the public's appetite for epic Westerns, solidifying its status as a foundational entry in its category and an enduring classic.

3. The Wizard of Oz

   Released in 1939 by Victor Fleming, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On August 25, 1939, following a handful of exclusive premieres, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's lavish musical fantasy "The Wizard of Oz" was released to the general American public. At the time, it was one of the most expensive and technologically ambitious films ever produced. While its initial box office run was respectable, it wasn't the smash hit the studio hoped for. This date, however, marks the beginning of the film's journey into the public consciousness, a journey that would see it transcend its medium to become one of the most beloved and culturally significant motion pictures in the history of cinema, defining childhood for generations to come.

4. The Women

   Released in 1939 by George Cukor, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On September 1, 1939, the cinematic masterpiece 'The Women' premiered, captivating audiences with its sharp wit and dazzling all-female cast. This date marks the initial theatrical release for the film in the United States, launching what would become a cultural touchstone and a significant box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the late 1930s. Earning an estimated $1,610,000 in box office, this film broke new ground by portraying an intricate world exclusively populated by women, cementing its place as an indelible part of Hollywood history and a testament to the era's glamorous yet incisive storytelling.

5. The Rains Came

   Released in 1939 by Clarence Brown, 20th Century Fox

   The Rains Came premiered on September 8, 1939, just as the world braced for conflict. This disaster epic arrived with impressive visual effects and a star-studded cast, captivating audiences with its blend of romance and tragedy against an exotic backdrop. Its release marked a significant moment for 20th Century Fox, becoming one of its highest-grossing films of the year. The film’s critical and commercial success was immediate, offering a thrilling escape to moviegoers at a time of escalating global tension, establishing its place as a quintessential example of Hollywood’s Golden Age spectacle. The initial box office performance underscored its broad appeal, solidifying its status as a major cinematic event of 1939.

6. Babes in Arms

   Released in 1939 by Busby Berkeley, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On September 15th, 1939, a cinematic gem burst onto the silver screen, captivating audiences and solidifying the burgeoning stardom of its young leads: 'Babes in Arms'. This date marked the original theatrical premiere of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's vibrant musical, a film that not only became a significant commercial success but also etched itself into the annals of Hollywood history. Directed by the legendary Busby Berkeley, the movie quickly established itself as a beacon of youthful energy and escapist entertainment during a tumultuous era, delighting viewers with its catchy tunes and spirited performances. Its launch was more than just another movie release; it was a cultural event that amplified the star power of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, making this premiere date a pivotal moment in their careers and for the musical genre.

7. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

   Released in 1939 by Frank Capra, Columbia Pictures

   The cinematic masterpiece 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' burst onto the silver screen on October 17, 1939, premiering at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This wasn't just another movie launch; it was the debut of a film that would swiftly become a cornerstone of American cinema, sparking both immense critical acclaim and significant political controversy. Frank Capra's timeless tale of idealism versus corruption struck a profound chord with audiences amidst the tumultuous global landscape of 1939, establishing itself as an immediate cultural touchstone and solidifying its place in film history as a powerful narrative celebrating democratic principles. The special significance of this date lies in marking the first public viewing of a film that would forever influence political dramas and cinematic storytelling.

8. Drums Along the Mohawk

   Released in 1939 by John Ford, 20th Century Fox

   On November 3, 1939, audiences in Utica, New York, witnessed the historic premiere of 'Drums Along the Mohawk,' a cinematic milestone that marked director John Ford's first foray into Technicolor. This initial screening paved the way for its wider release, quickly establishing it as a commercial success in a year already brimming with classic films. The movie's strong box office performance, generating an estimated $1.558 million in domestic rentals, underscored its immediate appeal and cemented its place as a significant contribution to 1939's golden age of Hollywood. The date represents not just a film release, but a bold step in visual storytelling and a compelling adaptation of a beloved historical novel.

9. Gone with the Wind

   Released in 1939 by Victor Fleming, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On December 15, 1939, a cinematic marvel descended upon the Loews Grand Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, forever etching its place in film history: 'Gone with the Wind.' This date marked the highly anticipated world theatrical premiere of David O. Selznick's epic production, transforming what could have been just another movie into a monumental cultural event. The buzz leading up to its release was unprecedented, fueled by the novel's immense popularity and the exhaustive search for its leading lady, Scarlett O'Hara. From the moment its grand overture filled the air, the film was destined for record-breaking success, capturing the hearts of millions and setting new benchmarks for box office performance and cinematic spectacle. The premiere itself was a three-day celebration, attended by the film's stars and dignitaries, cementing 'Gone with the Wind' as a historical milestone.

10. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

    Released in 1939 by William Dieterle, RKO Radio Pictures

    Premiering on December 31, 1939, 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' was a magnificent final flourish to what is often hailed as the greatest year in Hollywood's history. In a twelve-month span that had already delivered 'Gone with the Wind' and 'The Wizard of Oz,' this RKO production arrived to stake its own claim as a cinematic masterpiece. The New Year's Eve release positioned the film as a major holiday event, a prestige picture designed to captivate audiences with its epic scale and profound emotional depth. It was more than just a movie premiere; it was the closing statement of an unparalleled era of filmmaking, showcasing the artistic ambition and technical wizardry of Hollywood's Golden Age.