History's Best Selling Movies of 1963

Hats off to 1963! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Son of Flubber. Alongside sensationally popular hits like How the West Was Won and The Birds, consumers eagerly embraced the Space Age wonder and counter-culture flair. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Robert Stevenson and John Ford set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Son of Flubber

   Released in 1963 by Robert Stevenson, Buena Vista Distribution

   The year 1963 kicked off with a delightful dose of scientific slapstick as Walt Disney Productions unveiled 'Son of Flubber' on January 21. This highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster 'The Absent-Minded Professor' promised more gravity-defying antics and heartwarming humor, and it delivered, becoming one of the top-grossing films of the year. Its release date marked a continuation of Disney's successful live-action comedy streak, further cementing the studio's reputation for family-friendly entertainment with a touch of magic. The film's commercial success underscored the enduring appeal of its whimsical premise and beloved characters, ensuring a strong start to the cinematic year, captivating audiences with its ingenious charm.

2. How the West Was Won

   Released in 1963 by John Ford, Henry Hathaway, George Marshall, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The sweeping Cinerama epic 'How the West Was Won' captivated audiences when it launched its general theatrical run across North America on February 20, 1963. While special engagements had begun in late 1962, this date marked its wide release, allowing millions to witness its unprecedented scale and star-studded cast. A monument to cinematic ambition, the film quickly became one of the highest-grossing movies of its era, leveraging its technological innovation and grand storytelling to create an unforgettable experience that helped define the American historical Western genre.

3. The Birds

   Released in 1963 by Alfred Hitchcock, Universal Pictures

   Premiering on March 28, 1963, Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" was a major cinematic event. Following the success of his game-changing thriller "Psycho," audiences flocked to theaters to experience the next nightmare from the 'Master of Suspense.' Based on a short story by Daphne du Maurier, the film presented a terrifying and surreal premise: a world where birds, for no discernible reason, turn on humanity. The film tapped into a primal fear of nature rebelling against civilization, creating a sense of apocalyptic dread and existential horror that was both groundbreaking for its time and profoundly unsettling for audiences.

4. Bye Bye Birdie

   Released in 1963 by George Sidney, Columbia Pictures

   April 4, 1963, marked the eagerly anticipated New York City premiere of 'Bye Bye Birdie,' a vibrant cinematic adaptation of the Broadway sensation. This date heralded the silver screen debut of a musical that would not only capture the electric energy of the burgeoning rock and roll era but also establish itself as a beloved classic. Its initial release generated significant buzz, attracting audiences eager to see how the stage's youthful exuberance would translate to film. The movie quickly became a commercial success, cementing its place in the annals of movie musical history and offering a nostalgic glimpse into the cultural shifts of the early 1960s.

5. Come Blow Your Horn

   Released in 1963 by Bud Yorkin, Paramount Pictures

   On June 5, 1963, the silver screen welcomed 'Come Blow Your Horn,' a vibrant romantic comedy that brought Neil Simon's inaugural Broadway success to cinematic life. This date marked the film's initial theatrical release, launching audiences into a world of sophisticated bachelorhood, witty banter, and musical charm, headlined by none other than Frank Sinatra. As a lighthearted escapade perfectly capturing the spirit of the early 1960s, the movie offered a refreshing take on family dynamics and romantic entanglements. Its premiere was a significant cultural moment, setting the stage for decades of adaptations of Simon's iconic plays and cementing its place as a quintessential example of the era's comedic filmmaking.

6. Cleopatra

   Released in 1963 by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 20th Century Fox

   June 12, 1963, marked the monumental premiere of 'Cleopatra,' a film that wasn't just a movie but a global event, a cultural phenomenon, and an economic gamble that nearly brought a major Hollywood studio to its knees. This date launched one of the most talked-about and ambitious productions in cinematic history, a dazzling spectacle starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Its release wasn't merely the debut of an epic film; it was the culmination of years of unprecedented production woes, scandalous headlines, and a budget that shattered all records, making its eventual box office performance and cultural impact intensely scrutinized and discussed from its very first screening.

7. It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

   Released in 1963 by Stanley Kramer, United Artists

   The highly anticipated premiere of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" on November 7, 1963, was an event commensurate with its colossal scope and all-star cast, marking a significant moment in cinematic history. Unveiled at the prestigious Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles, this epic comedy was Stanley Kramer's audacious departure from his renowned dramatic works, promising an unparalleled spectacle of slapstick and greed. Its launch immediately captivated audiences, eager to witness an unprecedented gathering of comedic legends on one screen. The film's ambitious scale, coupled with its massive ensemble, positioned it as one of the year's biggest cinematic attractions, designed specifically to leverage the immersive Cinerama format. This release date wasn't just a film premiere; it was the debut of a cultural phenomenon, a riotous cinematic experience that aimed to redefine the boundaries of movie comedy and box office success.

8. Charade

   Released in 1963 by Stanley Donen, Universal Pictures

   The world premiere of the stylish romantic thriller 'Charade' on December 5, 1963, in Paris, marked the debut of a cinematic gem that effortlessly blended suspense, romance, and sophisticated comedy. This original European release set the stage for its subsequent wide theatrical run and critical acclaim. Starring the iconic duo Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, the film quickly captivated audiences with its intricate plot and undeniable charm, becoming a significant box office success for Universal Pictures. This specific premiere date is special as it launched a beloved classic that continues to enchant viewers decades later, embodying the golden age of Hollywood filmmaking.

9. Move Over, Darling

   Released in 1963 by Michael Gordon, 20th Century Fox

   The release of "Move Over, Darling" on December 11, 1963, marked a significant moment for 20th Century Fox and its stars, Doris Day and James Garner. Premiering in New York City, this delightful romantic comedy arrived just in time for the holiday season, offering audiences a much-needed dose of laughter and escapism. The film, a spirited remake of the classic "My Favorite Wife," quickly proved its commercial viability, bringing in healthy box office rentals and showcasing the enduring appeal of the screwball comedy genre. Its debut was not just another movie launch; it was a triumphant return for a concept previously mired in tragedy, transforming past setbacks into a sparkling success that charmed critics and solidified its place as a quintessential film of the early 1960s.