History's Best Selling Movies of 1966

Revisiting 1966 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by Space Age wonder and counter-culture flair and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Alfie took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Norman Jewison and Mike Nichols led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming

   Released in 1966 by Norman Jewison, United Artists

   On May 25, 1966, the world was introduced to a new kind of Cold War narrative with the premiere of 'The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming'. This satirical comedy, directed by Norman Jewison, burst onto screens, offering a much-needed dose of levity and humanism during a period of heightened international tension. Its initial release in New York City marked the beginning of a highly successful theatrical run, captivating audiences with its witty screenplay and stellar ensemble cast. The film quickly became a critical and commercial darling, demonstrating the power of humor to bridge divides and highlight the absurdities of conflict. This premiere date is special as it launched a cinematic milestone that skillfully blended sharp social commentary with riotous slapstick.

2. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

   Released in 1966 by Mike Nichols, Warner Bros.

   June 21, 1966, marked the highly anticipated United States theatrical premiere of 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?', a groundbreaking cinematic event that shook the foundations of American filmmaking. This date not only introduced audiences to Mike Nichols' raw and electrifying directorial debut but also unleashed an unforgettable pairing of Hollywood titans Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, whose on-screen chemistry ignited the screen. The film's audacious dialogue and unflinching look at marital discord made it an immediate sensation, pushing the boundaries of the then-stricter Production Code and setting the stage for significant changes in film ratings. Its premiere was a cultural milestone, quickly translating into box office success and cementing its place as a modern classic.

3. Alfie

   Released in 1966 by Lewis Gilbert, Paramount Pictures

   The cinematic world was captivated on August 25, 1966, with the premiere of 'Alfie' in the United Kingdom. This date marked the debut of a film that would swiftly become a cultural touchstone of the Swinging Sixties, introducing audiences to one of cinema's most memorable anti-heroes. Starring the then-rising star Michael Caine, 'Alfie' wasn't just a movie; it was a mirror reflecting the evolving social mores of its time. Its release ignited conversations about relationships, morality, and personal freedom, earning significant box office success and cementing its place as a quintessential British film that dared to explore the complexities of a charming, yet morally ambiguous, character.

4. The Bible: In the Beginning...

   Released in 1966 by John Huston, 20th Century Fox

   The premiere of "The Bible: In the Beginning..." on September 28, 1966, marked a monumental cinematic event, launching one of the grandest biblical epics ever conceived. This ambitious film, directed by the legendary John Huston, sought to bring the early chapters of Genesis to the big screen with unprecedented scope and a star-studded international cast. Its debut in New York City introduced audiences to a visually stunning and dramatically sweeping interpretation of sacred texts, promising an immersive journey through humanity's earliest stories. The film was positioned as a major roadshow attraction, aiming to captivate viewers with its scale and spiritual resonance, a significant undertaking for 20th Century Fox that garnered considerable attention from its very first screening.

5. Hawaii

   Released in 1966 by George Roy Hill, United Artists

   October 10, 1966, marked the grand premiere of 'Hawaii,' an epic cinematic adaptation of James A. Michener's sprawling novel. This release date was a significant moment, bringing to the screen a historical drama of immense scale and ambition, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Hawaiian Islands. Heralded as a major event, the film aimed to captivate audiences with its tale of cultural clash and conversion. Its debut established it as a significant release of the year, embarking on a theatrical run that would solidify its position as one of the highest-grossing films of 1966, capturing the imagination of a nation eager for exotic stories and grand spectacle.

6. Georgy Girl

   Released in 1966 by Silvio Narizzano, Columbia Pictures

   October 16, 1966, marked the world theatrical premiere of 'Georgy Girl' in London, a film that instantly captured the spirit of the 'swinging sixties' while delivering a poignant message about identity and belonging. This date saw the launch of a charming and unconventional British comedy-drama that would go on to earn critical acclaim and significant commercial success. Its memorable title song, performed by The Seekers, became a global hit, further cementing the film's place in popular culture. The movie's debut was a notable event, introducing audiences to a refreshingly honest portrayal of a young woman navigating complex relationships and societal expectations, making this premiere date a significant moment in cinematic history.

7. The Professionals

   Released in 1966 by Richard Brooks, Columbia Pictures

   November 2, 1966, marked the world theatrical premiere of 'The Professionals' in New York City, launching what would become one of the most celebrated and impactful Westerns of its era. This action-packed adventure quickly captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike, thanks to its stellar cast, gritty realism, and compelling narrative. The film was a significant box office success for Columbia Pictures, solidifying its place as a genre classic and demonstrating the enduring appeal of the 'men on a mission' trope set against the rugged backdrop of the American Southwest. Its initial release set the stage for its legendary status.

8. A Man for All Seasons

   Released in 1966 by Fred Zinnemann, Columbia Pictures

   The cinematic world was captivated on December 12, 1966, when "A Man for All Seasons" premiered in London. This historical drama, lauded for its intellectual depth and powerful performances, quickly established itself as a critical and commercial triumph. Marking its global debut on this significant date, the film's launch paved the way for an extraordinary journey, culminating in multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It remains a testament to the enduring power of conscience and conviction, a story that resonated deeply with audiences from its very first showing.

9. The Sand Pebbles

   Released in 1966 by Robert Wise, 20th Century Fox

   On December 20, 1966, the grand cinematic epic 'The Sand Pebbles' premiered, setting sail into the hearts of critics and audiences alike. This historical drama, starring the legendary Steve McQueen, marked a significant moment in Hollywood, offering a sprawling narrative set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1920s China. Its launch wasn't just another film release; it was the unveiling of a monumental achievement in filmmaking, garnering multiple Academy Award nominations and solidifying its place as a classic. The date became synonymous with a film that blended intense personal drama with sweeping geopolitical conflict, creating an unforgettable viewing experience that resonated deeply with the era's sensibilities.

10. Grand Prix

    Released in 1966 by John Frankenheimer, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    On December 21, 1966, 'Grand Prix' roared onto North American screens, launching an immersive cinematic experience that redefined the racing genre. This groundbreaking film, shot in Super Panavision 70 and presented in Cinerama, quickly became a box office sensation, captivating audiences with its visceral portrayal of Formula One racing. Its premiere was a milestone, not just for its technical ambition but for its unprecedented access to the world of professional motorsport, which contributed to its status as the highest-grossing film of the year and a three-time Academy Award winner. This date marks the beginning of its journey into cinematic history, a bold venture that promised speed, spectacle, and human drama.