History's Best Selling Movies of 1958

Make way for the hits of 1958! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the rock-and-roll & jukebox era and the march of first-rate movies. Crowd-pleasers such as South Pacific shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers The Young Lions and Gigi. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Joshua Logan and Edward Dmytryk, these trailblazing products became sensational mainstays in post-war American homes and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. South Pacific

   Released in 1958 by Joshua Logan, 20th Century Fox

   The cinematic adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'South Pacific' premiered globally on March 19, 1958, marking a monumental occasion for musical theatre on screen. This highly anticipated event brought the beloved Broadway sensation to an even wider audience, captivating moviegoers with its lush visuals and unforgettable songs. Upon its release, the film quickly became a box office phenomenon, cementing its place as one of the highest-grossing films of its era and a timeless classic in the musical genre. Its debut was not just a film opening; it was a cultural event, reflecting and influencing societal conversations on race, love, and war in the mid-20th century, making its premiere date truly special.

2. The Young Lions

   Released in 1958 by Edward Dmytryk, 20th Century Fox

   April 2, 1958, marked the North American theatrical release of "The Young Lions," a powerful World War II drama that captivated audiences and critics alike. Adapted from Irwin Shaw's acclaimed novel, the film offered a complex, multi-faceted look at the human cost of war through the intertwined fates of three men. Its release was a significant cinematic event, driven by a stellar cast including Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, and Dean Martin, whose performances brought a profound emotional depth to a narrative that explored patriotism, prejudice, and the moral compromises demanded by conflict. This date ushered in a film widely recognized for its artistic ambition and compelling storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history.

3. Gigi

   Released in 1958 by Vincente Minnelli, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   May 15, 1958, marked the spectacular world premiere of 'Gigi' in New York City, an event that heralded the arrival of a cinematic masterpiece. This lavish musical, a vibrant celebration of fin-de-siècle Paris, captivated audiences immediately with its charm and elegance. Its release was not just a film premiere but a cultural moment, setting the stage for what would become an unprecedented sweep at the Academy Awards, securing all nine nominations it received, including Best Picture. The film's debut positioned it as an instant classic, destined for both critical acclaim and significant commercial success, cementing its place in Hollywood history.

4. Indiscreet

   Released in 1958 by Stanley Donen, Warner Bros.

   May 15, 1958, marked the highly anticipated world theatrical premiere of 'Indiscreet,' a sophisticated romantic comedy that swiftly captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. This date ushered in a delightful cinematic experience, reuniting two of Hollywood's most iconic stars, Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, in a charming tale of love, deception, and witty banter. The film was an immediate commercial success, proving to be a significant box office hit for Warner Bros. and solidifying the enduring appeal of its leading duo. Its release was a special event, showcasing the sparkling chemistry and elegance that defined the golden age of Hollywood.

5. No Time for Sergeants

   Released in 1958 by Mervyn LeRoy, Warner Bros.

   May 30, 1958, marked the wide theatrical release of "No Time for Sergeants," a comedic tour-de-force that launched Andy Griffith into national stardom. This pivotal date introduced audiences to the innocent, yet hilariously disruptive, Private Will Stockdale, whose unwavering sincerity and country wisdom clashed perfectly with the rigid confines of military life. The film quickly became a major box office success for Warner Bros., cementing its place as one of the year's top comedies and demonstrating the powerful appeal of clean, character-driven humor in a post-war America. This release was more than just a premiere; it was the moment a beloved character and a budding star truly captured the public's imagination, setting the stage for a comedic legacy.

6. The Vikings

   Released in 1958 by Richard Fleischer, United Artists

   On June 18, 1958, audiences in New York City were first introduced to "The Vikings," a cinematic spectacle that would redefine adventure epics. This premiere date marked the beginning of a highly successful theatrical run for a film that captivated viewers with its grand scale, brutal action, and star-studded cast. Directed by Richard Fleischer, the movie quickly became a box office phenomenon, demonstrating the enduring appeal of historical sagas. Its launch set the stage for a global rollout, establishing "The Vikings" as one of the standout films of the late 1950s and a benchmark for Viking-themed cinema. The anticipation surrounding this film, coupled with its impressive production values, made its debut a significant moment in Hollywood history.

7. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

   Released in 1958 by Richard Brooks, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The cinematic adaptation of Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning play, 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,' premiered on September 18, 1958, captivating audiences with its raw emotional intensity and star-studded cast. This date marked the launch of a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film that would become a classic of American cinema. Despite facing significant censorship challenges regarding its controversial themes, the movie soared at the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its year. Its premiere solidified the legendary status of its lead actors, Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman, and ensured the film's enduring place in film history.

8. Auntie Mame

   Released in 1958 by Morton DaCosta, Warner Bros.

   On December 4, 1958, the silver screen was set ablaze with the premiere of 'Auntie Mame,' a vibrant cinematic adaptation that captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. This release date marked the debut of a cultural phenomenon, quickly becoming a box office sensation and solidifying its place as one of the year's highest-grossing films. Rosalind Russell’s iconic portrayal of the eccentric Mame Dennis defined the role, bringing boundless energy and unforgettable wit to the screen, making this premiere a truly special event in Hollywood history that celebrated individuality and a zest for life.

9. Some Came Running

   Released in 1958 by Vincente Minnelli, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On December 18, 1958, the powerful melodrama "Some Came Running" premiered, marking a significant moment in Hollywood history. Directed by Vincente Minnelli and boasting a star-studded cast including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Shirley MacLaine, this film quickly captivated audiences with its raw portrayal of post-war disillusionment and small-town hypocrisy. Its initial release, primarily in Indianapolis and Detroit, set the stage for a commercially successful run, ultimately grossing a substantial figure at the box office. This date celebrates the launch of a film that dared to explore complex human relationships and societal critiques, securing its place as a classic American drama.