History's Best Selling Movies of 1946

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1946 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 Night and Day and Notorious, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Michael Curtiz and Alfred Hitchcock proved their mettle with The Jolson Story, 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. Night and Day

   Released in 1946 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   On July 2, 1946, the musical biopic 'Night and Day' premiered, bringing the life and music of the legendary composer Cole Porter to the silver screen. This highly anticipated Warner Bros. production, starring Cary Grant as Porter, marked a significant event in Hollywood's Golden Age, blending lavish production values with a vibrant score. Its release signaled a major commercial success for the studio, leveraging Porter's enduring popularity and Grant's star power to achieve impressive box office results. This premiere date is special as it introduced audiences to a romanticized yet engaging portrayal of one of America's greatest songwriters, setting the stage for its considerable financial and cultural impact.

2. Notorious

   Released in 1946 by Alfred Hitchcock, RKO Radio Pictures

   On August 15, 1946, Alfred Hitchcock's espionage thriller "Notorious" premiered, captivating audiences and critics alike. This cinematic masterpiece, starring Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant, immediately cemented its place as a classic of the suspense genre. The film's debut in New York City marked the arrival of a tense, psychologically rich narrative that not only delivered thrilling entertainment but also explored complex themes of love, duty, and betrayal against a post-war backdrop. Its commercial success, far exceeding its budget, underscored Hitchcock's mastery and the magnetic appeal of its leading stars, making this release date a significant moment in film history.

3. The Jolson Story

   Released in 1946 by Alfred E. Green, Columbia Pictures

   The Jolson Story premiered on October 10, 1946, marking the dazzling debut of one of the most successful biographical films in Hollywood history. This particular date signifies its initial release, launching a cinematic phenomenon that captivated audiences with its vibrant portrayal of legendary entertainer Al Jolson. The film was an immediate sensation, quickly becoming a massive box office hit and revitalizing Jolson's career. Its release set a new benchmark for musical biopics, drawing millions to theaters eager to witness the rags-to-riches tale of "The World's Greatest Entertainer," cementing its place as a monumental event in 1940s cinema and a testament to the enduring power of a good story.

4. Blue Skies

   Released in 1946 by Stuart Heisler, Paramount Pictures

   The premiere of "Blue Skies" on October 16, 1946, marked a significant moment in Hollywood's Golden Age, bringing together two of its biggest stars, Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, in a vibrant Technicolor musical. This date ushered in a film renowned for its spectacular musical numbers and an impressive array of Irving Berlin songs, many of them new, alongside beloved classics. The movie quickly ascended to become one of the year's highest-grossing pictures, dazzling audiences with its energetic performances and romantic narrative. This initial showing in New York set the stage for a nationwide holiday release, cementing "Blue Skies" as a quintessential example of post-war escapism and a showcase for legendary talent.

5. The Razor's Edge

   Released in 1946 by Edmund Goulding, 20th Century-Fox

   On October 20, 1946, audiences first encountered the profound spiritual journey of 'The Razor's Edge' when it premiered in New York City. This date marked the launch of a significant cinematic adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's acclaimed novel, immediately captivating critics and moviegoers alike. The film proved to be a major commercial success for 20th Century-Fox, securing its place as one of the year's most talked-about dramas. Its compelling narrative, stellar performances, and thoughtful exploration of existential themes made its debut a special moment in Hollywood history, signaling a triumph for sophisticated storytelling on the big screen.

6. The Best Years of Our Lives

   Released in 1946 by William Wyler, RKO Radio Pictures

   November 21, 1946, marked the world theatrical premiere of 'The Best Years of Our Lives,' a cinematic landmark that resonated deeply with a nation grappling with the aftermath of World War II. This date was not just a release; it was a cultural event, ushering in a film that would sweep the Academy Awards and become the highest-grossing movie since 'Gone with the Wind.' Its launch represented a poignant moment for audiences, offering an unflinching look at the challenges faced by returning veterans. The film's immediate and overwhelming success cemented this premiere date as a pivotal moment in Hollywood history, signaling the arrival of a timeless classic.

7. The Yearling

   Released in 1946 by Clarence Brown, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On December 13, 1946, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unveiled 'The Yearling' to audiences, marking the premiere of what would become a beloved Technicolor classic. This date launched a film that would go on to achieve significant box office success for its era, earning critical acclaim and several Academy Award nominations. 'The Yearling' was more than just a movie; it was a sensitive and visually stunning adaptation of a cherished novel, captivating moviegoers with its heartfelt narrative about a boy, his pet fawn, and the harsh realities of rural life. Its debut was a major event, positioning it as one of the cinematic highlights of the post-war period and setting the stage for its enduring legacy as a timeless family drama.

8. Saratoga Trunk

   Released in 1946 by Sam Wood, Warner Bros.

   Saratoga Trunk, a lavish romantic drama starring Ingrid Bergman and Gary Cooper, marked its first commercial debut with a New York City premiere on December 24, 1945. Though initially unveiled just days before the year's end, it was the subsequent nationwide release throughout 1946 that truly cemented its place in cinematic history, driving its impressive box office performance. This particular release strategy, a common occurrence for prestige pictures of the era, positioned it as a major release for the post-war audience, eagerly anticipating the star power and grand storytelling it promised. The film's journey to the screen was as dramatic as its plot, having faced significant delays before finally gracing theaters and ultimately achieving considerable financial success.

9. Duel in the Sun

   Released in 1946 by King Vidor, RKO Radio Pictures

   On December 31, 1946, the highly anticipated and famously controversial film 'Duel in the Sun' made its grand premiere, marking a significant moment in Hollywood history. Touted as producer David O. Selznick's follow-up to 'Gone with the Wind,' this Technicolor epic was an ambitious, no-expense-spared production that ignited both public fascination and moral outrage. The film's launch on this New Year's Eve set the stage for its dramatic reception, foreshadowing its massive box office success despite, or perhaps because of, the intense controversies it stirred. Its premiere was not just a film release; it was a cultural event, immediately dubbed 'Lust in the Dust' by critics and audiences alike, signifying its bold and often explicit themes that pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling for its era.