Can You Name These 1950s Movies?

By: Jacqueline Samaroo
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Name These 1950s Movies?
Image: YinYang / E+ / getty images

About This Quiz

Are you "The Man Who Knew Too Much" about '50s movies?

In the years after World War II, innovation brought forth a new and improved form of black and white television broadcasting. As a result of this, during these years and the years that followed, television sets started to become commonplace not only in institutions but also in businesses and homes. The film industry of the 1950s felt directly threatened by this innovation and as a result, its focus shifted heavily on trying to find ways to bring audiences back into the theaters. This gave rise to several changes to presentation that eventually debuted as developments like VistaVision, Cinemascope, Cinerama, and the golden era of 3D film.

Alfred Hitchcock was at the top of his game during this decade; with films like "Rear Window," "Vertigo," and "Strangers on a Train." At the same time on the other side of the world, Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa was directing masterpieces (like "The Hidden Fortress" and "Seven Samurai") that would influence future films from all over the world. Ready to prove that you're a veteran film buff? Then let's jump into this quiz and get started!

The Seventh Seal
Svensk Filmindustri (SF)
This is a picture of which '50s movie?
The Seventh Seal (1957)
Ace in the Hole (1951)
Strangers on a Train (1951)
Giant (1956)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Seventh Seal" is a historical fantasy film that was directed by Ingmar Bergman. It stars Max von Sydow, Gunnar Björnstrand, and Bengt Ekerot, and tells the story about the journey of a medieval knight and a game of chess he plays with the personification of Death.

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Edge of the City (1957)
David Susskind Productions
Which '50s movie is showcased in this picture?
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
The Hidden Fortress (1958)
Edge of the City (1957)
Pickup on South Street (1953)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Edge of the City" is a film-noir drama film directed by Martin Ritt. It stars John Cassavetes and Sidney Poitier and was Ritt's debut film as a director.

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Seven Samurai (1954)
Toho Company
This is an image of which '50s movie?
The Furies (1950)
Ugetsu (1953)
Tokyo Story (1953)
Seven Samurai (1954)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Seven Samurai" is a samurai drama film that was directed by Akira Kurosawa. It stars Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, and Keiko Tsushima and tells the story of a village that recruits seven masterless samurai to help them defend themselves against bandits.

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The Defiant Ones (1958)
Curtleigh Productions
Which '50s movie is showcased in this photo?
The Wrong Man (1956)
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
The Defiant Ones (1958)
Les Enfants Terribles (1950)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Defiant Ones" is a crime film directed by Stanley Kramer. It stars Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier and won Academy Awards for Cinematography (Black-and-White) and Original Screenplay.

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Sunset Boulevard
Paramount Pictures
Do you know the name of the '50s movie in this photo?
Touch of Evil (1958)
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Diary of a Country Priest (1951)
A Farewell to Arms (1957)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Sunset Boulevard" is a film noir directed by Billy Wilder. It stars William Holden and Gloria Swanson and was named after the boulevard with the same name that runs through Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

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Creature From The Black Lagoon 1954
Universal International Pictures (UI)
What is the name of the '50s movie in this photo?
Giant (1956)
Elevator to the Gallows (1958)
The 400 Blows (1959)
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Creature from the Black Lagoon" is a monster horror film directed by Jack Arnold. It stars Richard Carlson and Julia Adams, and is one of the classic Universal Monster films.

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Rashomon
Daiei Motion Picture Company
Which '50s movie is this?
Pickup on South Street (1953)
Rashomon (1950)
The Wages of Fear (1953)
Touch of Evil (1958)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rashomon is a Japanese period film that was directed by Akira Kurosawa. It stars Toshiro Mifune, Machiko Kyō, Masayuki Mori, and Takashi Shimura. The film is based on Akutagawa's short story, "In a Grove."

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Clash by Night
RKO Radio Pictures
Can you identify the '50s movie in this image?
Clash by Night (1952)
Tokyo Story (1953)
Touch of Evil (1958)
The Wrong Man (1956)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Clash by Night" is a drama film directed by Fritz Lang. It stars Barbara Stanwyck, Paul Douglas, Robert Ryan, and Marilyn Monroe.

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The Ten Commandments (1956)
Motion Picture Associates (II)
Which '50s movie is in this picture?
Les Enfants Terribles (1950)
The Ten Commandments (1956)
Shane (1953)
The Furies (1950)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Ten Commandments" is an epic religious drama film directed by Cecil B. DeMille. It is an adaptation of the biblical story of the life of Moses.

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Orpheus (1950)
Andre Paulve Film
Do you know the name of the '50s movie in this picture?
The 400 Blows (1959)
A Farewell to Arms (1957)
The Hidden Fortress (1958)
Orpheus (1950)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Orpheus" is a French film directed by Jean Cocteau. It is a part of Cocteau's Orphic Trilogy, with includes "The Blood of a Poet" (1930) and "Testament of Orpheus" (1960).

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Wild Strawberries
Svensk Filmindustri (SF)
Can you identify this '50s movie?
The Seventh Seal (1957)
Wild Strawberries (1957)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Ace in the Hole (1951)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Wild Strawberries" is a Swedish drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman. It stars Victor Sjöström, Bibi Andersson, and Ingrid Thulin.

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Salt of the Earth (1954)
Independent Productions
Which '50s movie is in this photo?
Salt of the Earth (1954)
Edge of the City (1957)
12 Angry Men (1957)
Shane (1953)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Salt of the Earth" is a drama film directed by Herbert J. Biberman, written by Michael Wilson, and produced by Paul Jarrico. All three of them had been notably blacklisted in Hollywood due to their alleged involvement in communist politics.

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Throne Of Blood
Toho Company
Can you identify the '50s movie in this picture?
The Browning Version (1951)
The Ten Commandments (1956)
Throne of Blood (1957)
The Wages of Fear (1953)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Throne of Blood" is a Japanese samurai film directed by Akira Kurosawa. It is notable for being a plot-wise adaptation of William Shakespeare's play, "Macbeth," using feudal Japan instead of medieval Scotland.

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Sleeping Beauty 1959
Walt Disney Productions
Which '50s movie is in this image?
The Defiant Ones (1958)
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Rear Window (1954)
High Noon (1952)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Sleeping Beauty" is an animated musical fantasy film and more specifically, the 16th Disney animated feature film. It was the last Disney adaptation of a fairy tale until "The Little Mermaid," which was released three decades later.

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The Night of the Hunter (1955)
Paul Gregory Productions
Can you identify the '50s movie in this photo?
The Defiant Ones (1958)
Ugetsu (1953)
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
Elevator to the Gallows (1958)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Night of the Hunter" is a thriller film directed by Charles Laughton. It stars Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, and Lillian Gish and is somewhat loosely based on the true story of Harry Powers.

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Rio Bravo (1959)
Warner Bros.
What is the name of the '50s movie in this image?
The Wages of Fear (1953)
The Browning Version (1951)
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Rio Bravo (1959)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Rio Bravo" is a western film directed by Howard Hawks. It stars John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and Angie Dickinson.

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Rear Window (1954)
Alfred J. Hitchcock Productions
Do you know the name of the '50s movie in this image?
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
Rashomon (1950)
Rear Window (1954)
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Rear Window" is a mystery thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It stars James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter, and Raymond Burr, and is based on Cornell Woolrich's short story, "It Had to Be Murder."

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The Browning Version (1951)
Javelin Films
What is the name of the '50s movie in this picture?
The Browning Version (1951)
Clash by Night (1952)
Throne of Blood (1957)
Rio Bravo (1959)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Browning Version" is a drama film directed by Anthony Asquith and stars Michael Redgrave. It is based on the 1948 play of the same name by Terence Rattigan.

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12 Angry Men
Orion-Nova Productions
Do you know the name of this '50s movie?
Seven Samurai (1954)
Salt of the Earth (1954)
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
12 Angry Men (1957)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"12 Angry Men" is a courtroom drama film directed by Sidney Lumet. The film stars Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, and Ed Begley, and it is notable for its almost exclusive use of one set.

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The Man Who Knew Too Much
Paramount Pictures
Which '50s movie is showcased here?
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Orpheus (1950)
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
Strangers on a Train (1951)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Man Who Knew Too Much" is a suspense thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It is notable for being Alfred Hitchcock’s second film that used this exact title, the first was in 1934.

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Strangers On A Train (1951)
Warner Bros.
Can you correctly name this '50s movie?
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Giant (1956)
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Strangers on a Train (1951)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Strangers on a Train" is a psychological thriller film noir directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It stars Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, and Robert Walker.

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The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Twentieth Century Fox
Which '50s movie is showcased in this image?
Rashomon (1950)
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Pickup on South Street (1953)
12 Angry Men (1957)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Day the Earth Stood Still" is a science fiction film directed by Robert Wise. It stars Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Billy Gray, Hugh Marlowe, and Sam Jaffea

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Ugetsu
Daiei Studios
This is a photo of which '50s movie?
The Ten Commandments (1956)
Tokyo Story (1953)
Clash by Night (1952)
Ugetsu (1953)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Ugetsu" is a romantic fantasy drama film directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. It is notable for being based on stories in Ueda Akinari's book of the same name.

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Anatomy Of A Murder 1959
Otto Preminger Films
What is the name of this '50s movie?
Seven Samurai (1954)
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
Les Enfants Terribles (1950)
Rear Window (1954)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Anatomy of a Murder" is a courtroom drama crime film directed by Otto Preminger. It stars James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Eve Arden, and George C. Scott, and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

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Diary of a Country Priest (1951)
Union Générale Cinématographique (UGC)
This is a picture of which '50s movie?
Diary of a Country Priest (1951)
Orpheus (1950)
A Farewell to Arms (1957)
Rio Bravo (1959)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Diary of a Country Priest" is a French drama film directed by Robert Bresson. Claude Laydu’s performance is often hailed as one of the greatest in the history of film.

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Elevator to the Gallows
Nouvelles Éditions de Films (NEF)
Do you recognize this '50s movie?
The Seventh Seal (1957)
The 400 Blows (1959)
Elevator to the Gallows (1958)
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Elevator to the Gallows" is a French crime film directed by Louis Malle. It stars Jeanne Moreau and Maurice Ronet as criminal lovers.

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High Noon
Stanley Kramer Productions
Which '50s movie is showcased in this picture?
Edge of the City (1957)
The Hidden Fortress (1958)
High Noon (1952)
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"High Noon" is a western film directed by Fred Zinnemann. It stars Gary Cooper and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1989.

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The Wages of Fear (1953)
Compagnie Industrielle et Commerciale Cinématographique (CICC)
This is an image of which '50s movie?
Diary of a Country Priest (1951)
The Wages of Fear (1953)
The Furies (1950)
Throne of Blood (1957)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Wages of Fear" is a French-Italian thriller film directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot. It is based on the 1950 French novel, Le salaire de la peur ("The Salary of Fear").

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Shane 1953
Paramount Pictures
Which '50s movie is showcased in this photo?
Shane (1953)
The Defiant Ones (1958)
Touch of Evil (1958)
Salt of the Earth (1954)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Shane" is a western film directed by George Stevens. It won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography at the 26th Academy Awards.

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Ace in the Hole (1951)
Paramount Pictures
Do you know the name of the '50s movie in this photo?
The Wrong Man (1956)
Wild Strawberries (1957)
Ace in the Hole (1951)
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Ace in the Hole" is a film noir directed by Billy Wilder. It was also sometimes known as “The Big Carnival.”

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The Hidden Fortress (1958)
Toho Company
What is the name of the '50s movie in this photo?
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
The Hidden Fortress (1958)
High Noon (1952)
Orpheus (1950)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Hidden Fortress" is an adventure film directed by Akira Kurosawa. It is notable for having a large influence on "Star Wars," a fact that George Lucas himself has acknowledged.

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The Furies (1950)
Wallis-Hazen
Which '50s movie is this?
12 Angry Men (1957)
Shane (1953)
Seven Samurai (1954)
The Furies (1950)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Furies" is a western film directed by Anthony Mann. It stars Barbara Stanwyck, Wendell Corey, and Walter Huston (his last film performance).

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The Wrong Man
Warner Bros.
Can you identify the '50s movie in this image?
The Ten Commandments (1956)
Ace in the Hole (1951)
The Wrong Man (1956)
Clash by Night (1952)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Wrong Man" is a docudrama film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It stars Henry Fonda and Vera Miles, and has been cited as an influence on Martin Scorsese's psychological thriller film, "Taxi Driver."

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Touch of Evil
Universal International Pictures (UI)
Which '50s movie is in this picture?
Rashomon (1950)
The Wages of Fear (1953)
Rear Window (1954)
Touch of Evil (1958)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Touch of Evil" is a film noir directed by Orson Welles. It also stars Welles, Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, Joseph Calleia, Akim Tamiroff. and Marlene Dietrich.

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The 400 Blows (1959)
Les Films du Carrosse
Do you know the name of the '50s movie in this picture?
Rio Bravo (1959)
The 400 Blows (1959)
Elevator to the Gallows (1958)
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The 400 Blows" is a French New Wave drama film directed by François Truffaut. It stars Jean-Pierre Léaud, Albert Rémy, and Claire Maurier.

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A Farewell to Arms (1957)
Selznick International Pictures
Which '50s movie is in this photo?
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
The Browning Version (1951)
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
A Farewell to Arms (1957)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"A Farewell to Arms" is a drama film directed by Charles Vidor. It is notable for being the second feature film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's semi-autobiographical novel of the same name.

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Les Enfants Terribles (1950)
Melville Productions
Can you identify the '50s movie in this picture?
Les Enfants Terribles (1950)
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
The Defiant Ones (1958)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Les Enfants Terribles" is a French drama film directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. It is based on Jean Cocteau's novel of the same name.

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Tokyo Story (1953)
Shôchiku Eiga
Which '50s movie is in this image?
Throne of Blood (1957)
Elevator to the Gallows (1958)
Tokyo Story (1953)
Diary of a Country Priest (1951)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Tokyo Story" is a Japanese drama film that was Yasujirō Ozu. It tells the story of an ageing couple who travel to Tokyo to visit their grown children.

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Pickup on South Street (1953)
Twentieth Century Fox
Can you identify this '50s movie?
Pickup on South Street (1953)
Salt of the Earth (1954)
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Edge of the City (1957)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Pickup on South Street" is a spy film noir directed by Samuel Fuller. It is set in the Cold War and stars Richard Widmark, Jean Peters, and Thelma Ritter.

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Giant (1956)
George Stevens Productions
What is the name of the '50s movie in this image?
Strangers on a Train (1951)
Wild Strawberries (1957)
Giant (1956)
The Seventh Seal (1957)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Giant" is a western drama film directed by George Stevens. It stars Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean.

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YinYang / E+ / getty images