I asked followers of This Day in Film History to vote for the top 5 Olivier films. Here is what they said.
5. “The Boys From Brazil” (1978)
“The Boys from Brazil” stars both Gregory Peck and Laurence Olivier acting together so you know you’re in for a great film. Laurence Olivier would be nominated for Best Actor for his work but he would loose to Jon Voight in “Coming Home”. Watch this scene from the film…
4. “Spartacus” (1960)
“Spartacus” is one of the greatest period films in film history. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and lead by the star Kirk Douglas “Spartacus” is not a movie you will soon forget. In this film Laurence Olivier plays a villainous role of a Roman general who is responsible for bringing Spartacus down.
3. “Wuthering Heights” (1939)
In this classic film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s novel Olivier acts under the direction of mast director William Wyler. The film would go on to be nominated for Best Picture and Laurence Olivier himself would be nominated for Best Actor although he would loose out to Robert Donat (“Goodbye Mr. Chips”).
2. “Marathon Man” (1976)
Man! This was so close with “Wuthering Heights” but “Marathon Man” won by a single vote.
In this film Laurence Olivier, Dustin Hoffman, and Roy Scheider join forces. Olivier was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar but lost to Jason Robards (“All The Presidents Men”) Here is a classic scene from the film.
1. “Rebecca” (1940)
In the film “Rebecca” Alfred Hitchcock achieved his first Oscar nomination for his direction. He was not alone in his accomplishments for Olivier and his co-star Joan Fontaine both were nominated for Best Actor and Actress. Neither of the two won awards but still the film stands tall in film history. Here is the famous opening scene below.
What is your favorite Laurence Olivier film?
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Jon Shai Van Sickle
Jon Shai Van Sickle is the owner and operator of This Day in Film History. He is a filmmaker as well as a film historian. He currently lives in Utah.
You should do more of these. Rebecca reminds me of all the great Hitchcock movies. Top 5 Hitchcock… etc.
Lee Wolf
July 10, 2021
I agree with your list of Olivier films, though perhaps not in that order. I love the earlier films, when he has the matinee idols face and figure.
Rebecca Rothenberger
August 29, 2021
Richard III…
Hamlet…
Henry IV
Thomas Gerke
September 15, 2021
My favorite of all of those mentioned is “Rebecca” and definitely not that
horrible attempt at movie making called “Marathon Man”. That was a terrible
movie, and believe me, it shows!
Harold Hal L. Westcott
September 15, 2021
Sleuth
Olivier stated that he had never been in a film where the entire cast had won Oscars. Both he and Caine won Oscars for this film.
Abby Ulfelder
September 21, 2021
As to Abby Ulfelder’s comment— no, both he and Caine did not win Oscars for the film. Neither of them won Oscars for the film. But both of them were NOMINATED for Oscars for it.
Scott K. Ratner
August 20, 2022