30 Top Movies of Cary Grant Ranked Best to Worst
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Best Cary Grant Movies including his classic fashion, Cary Grant Hitchcock movies and screwball comedies.
This post is all about the 30 top Cary Grant movies ranked best to worst, and his timeless classic vintage fashion.
The charismatic, talented, and impeccably tailored Cary Grant captivated Old Hollywood and the Silver Screen.
And he continues to mesmerize audiences decades later.
The films he acted in are among the most legendary and continue to rank the top classic lists, across all genres.
Cary Grant acted in seventy-six films across his notable career.
Difficult as the task was, we took the plunge and ranked the top 30 Cary Grant films, from best to worse, so that you can better understand and appreciate Cary Grant the man, the myth, the legend.
Why is Cary Grant such a legend?
Cary Grant’s charismatic presence, his talent, distinguished looks and impeccable style made him a legend who still has fans today.
Charismatic Presence - His natural charm, grace, and refined sophistication was magnetic.
The result?
People adored him and gravitated to him, both onscreen and offscreen.
Coming from a broken home and poor roots, no matter what level of fame he rose to, he continued to be humble and down to earth.
Alfred Hitchcock once said Grant was “the only actor I ever loved in my whole life”.
Talented & Driven - Cary Grant tackled every film project with gust and passion, pouring his heart and soul into his acting.
He loved and honed his art.
This translated into excellence as he was able to seamlessly master and jump genre to genre, from romantic comedy, to drama, thrillers, action, or mystery.
“He had such fun in performing. He was so full of joy. You could see it in his body. You could see it in his face. He just let it all out.” -- Eve Marie Saint.
Gorgeous Looks & Impeccable Style - Cary Grant studied and copied the most cultured and elegant gentlemen.
He was blessed with incredible looks and mastered the art of timeless classic style, and as a result has become “one of the best-dressed men Hollywood has ever seen.”
“I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be and I finally became that person. Or he became me. Or we met at some point.”
Throw in a little magic fairy dust, or the stars aligning as he then collaborated with the most acclaimed directors in Hollywood History, including Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hawks, and George Cukor, and it’s no wonder that Cary Grant movies always top the must-watch classics across all genres.
Oh, yes, and don’t forget to throw in a few beautiful fairies, or the the most talented and iconic actresses from Old Hollywood, such as Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Rosalind Russell, Rita Hayworth, and Irene Dunne, as co-stars, and the rest... as they say, is history!
We’re sure you’ll love these top Cary Grant movies and will have a blast building some unforgettable memories watching Cary Grant bring the silver screen alive, as only he could.
Best Cary Grant Movies #1 - To Catch a Thief
Watch To Catch a Thief on Amazon
An edge of your seat romantic thriller directed by Sir Alfred Hitchcock and co-starring Grace Kelly and Jessie Royce Landis
Story:
Cary Grant plays a world renowned cat burglar who is forced out of retirement in the French Rivera to prove his innocence, as a new thief is imitating his iconic style and lifting jewels from the rich and famous.
Hitchcock more than delivers in this sizzling thriller.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1950s Style):
Alfred Hitchcock’s impeccable eye for detail is on par when it came to the wardrobe and costumes of the gorgeous Cary Grant and blue-eyed beauty Grace Kelly.
Some of Cary Grant’s most iconic outfits from the silver screen are from this film, as well as Grace Kelly’s insanely chic 50s outfits, from elegant casual to evening gowns -- all of which are captured in color.
You’ll also love their sexy 1950s swimwear as the flirt and romp in the beach of the French Riveria.
Behind the Curtain!
Although Cary Grant had announced his retirement from acting two years before the making of this film, Alfred Hitchcock lured him out of retirement to star in this film. Upon release film became one of the biggest hits of the decade. Our talented Cary Grant would then continue acting for eleven more years (!).
Similar posts:
Cary Grant To Catch a Thief Clothes - 10 Life Changing Outfits to Inspire Your Summer Wardrobe
To Catch a Thief Grace Kelly - 10 Elegant Outfits You’ll Love
Best Cary Grant Movies #2 - North by Northwest (1959)
Watch North By Northwest on Amazon
A classic suspense thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock and co-starring Eva Marie Saint and James Mason.
Story
Cary Grant plays the role of Roger Thornhill, a New York City advertising executive, who is pulled into the thrilling underground world of espionage, after he is mistaken for a spy.
Soon he is on the run in a hair raising cross-country chase.
After he falls for a gorgeous blonde, he starts to fear she may be double-crossing him.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1950s Style)
Once again the brilliant director Sir Alfred Hitchcock knew exactly what type of wardrobe would bring this suspenseful thriller alive for his all star cast.
Cary Grant looks absolutely glorious in his impeccable 1950s style suits, as well as 50s casual outfits and tailored evening attire.
Hitchcock also knew the exact look and essence his Hitchcock Blondes should portray.
He said no to the entire wardrobe that the studio designed for Eva Marie Saint, and proceeded to march her to Bergdorf Goodman, where he personally picked out a new wardrobe for her.
And oh my, she absolutely sizzles with a sensual blend of class and femininity in some of the most iconic 50s looks from the silver screen!
This movie has been referred to as "the first James Bond film" due to its similarities with splashily colorful settings, secret agents, and an elegant, daring, wisecracking leading man opposite a sinister yet strangely charming villain.
The crop duster scene inspired the helicopter chase in From Russia with Love (1963).
And another Bond nod to this film is the convertible sleeping compartment scene, used in a slightly different way in the 1973 007 film "Live and Let Die." [IMDB]
Behind the Curtain!
The plot, which centers on a man mistaken for a non-existing secret agent, was actually inspired by a real life World War II case “Operation Mincemeat” where the British employed similar tactics to entice Italian and German forces away from a planned invasion site. (The Man Who Never Was (1956) recounts this story).
Similar posts:
Eva Marie Saint North By Northwest | Your 1959 Hitchcock Blonde Inspiration
Best Cary Grant Movies #3 - Notorious (1946)
A romantic film noir directed by Alfred Hitchcock and co-starring Ingrid Bergman and Claude Rains.
Story
The beautiful daughter of a convicted Nazi spy is enlisted to act as an undercover double agent by the Americans.
Her mission?
Infiltrate a ring of Nazi scientists in South America.
In true Hitchcock style, the romantic tension absolutely sizzles as the Nazi leader falls in love with her, and she in turns falls for her dashing American handler, who is Cary Grant.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
The 1940s mens fashion is absolutely legendary in this film, with Cary Grant and Claude Rains showing off the impeccable tailoring with cool aplomb. Ingrid Bergman also sizzles in a exquisite variety of 1940s dresses, from day dresses, to evening gowns.
Behind the Curtain!
Cary Grant treasured the famous UNICA key that unlocks the wine cellar in film, keeping it in a special place, after the filming concluded.
He later gifted it to his special friend and co-star in the film, Ingrid Bergman, telling her that he hoped it brought her the good luck that it brought him.
Many years later, Ingrid Bergman in turn paid the same key forward as a special gift to Sir Alfred Hitchcock, which touched and delighted him.
Similar posts:
Best Cary Grant Movies #4 - Charade (1963)
A thrilling “Hitchcock like” edge of your seat thriller directed by Stanley Donen and co-starring Audrey Hepburn and Walter Matthau.
Story
In this hilarious and thrilling mystery, Audrey Hepburn plays the witty and fashionable Regina Lampert, who is on the run from several men who are after the fortune that her murdered husband stole.
She immediately falls for the gorgeous Cary Grant, but the question is, who can she trust?
Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn sizzle on screen, each dishing out their witty lines, in the suspenseful search for the stolen loot.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1960s Style)
Hubert de Givenchy, the famous French aristocrat, fashion designer, and lifetime friend of Audrey Hepburn’s, designed the stunning costumes and 1960s wardrobe for Charade.
You’ll love the impeccable lines of the tailored two piece suits suit and coats, as well as the classic accessory pairings for both Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn.
Behind the Curtain!
Cary Grant had such a blast with Audrey Hepburn making this film, that he famously said when it finished, “All I want for Christmas is to make another movie with Audrey Hepburn.”
Sadly this never ended up happening, even though he requested Hepburn as his co-star in Father Goose (1964), and he was offered the role of Higgins in My Fair Lady (1964).
Best Cary Grant Movies #5 - My Favorite Wife (1940)
Watch My Favorite Wife on Amazon
A screwball romantic comedy directed by Garson Kanin and co-starring Irene Dunne and Randolph Scott.
Story
On the day of his wedding, Cary Grant’s character, Nick, discovers that his first wife, who has been missing for seven years and presumed dead, is alive!
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Randolph Scott and Cary Grant are undeniably fabulous and swoon worthy in their 1940s casual and dressy suit outfits. The ladies retro fashion also delivers with a fabulous collection of 40s outfits, from negligees and silk robes to day dresses and cocktail dresses.
Behind the Curtain!
Cary Grant and Randolph Scott, who were rivals in the film, were actually best friends (and roommates off and on) in real life.
If you love 1940s movies and comedies, you might like:
27 Best Comedy Movies 1940s - Find Your New Favorite Classic!
Best Cary Grant Movies #6 - The Awful Truth (1937)
Watch The Awful Truth on Amazon
A laugh out loud screwball comedy directed by Leo McCarey and co-starring Irene Dunne.
Story
In this screwball laugh out loud comedy a couple agrees to move forward with a quick and “friendly” divorce.
However, as other suitors enter the equation, they quickly realize how crazy they still are... for each other!
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
The dashing Cary Grant and adorable Irene Dunn look stunning in their tailored and slinky 1930s outfits, which are just as memorable and as fabulous as their one-liners.
Behind the Curtain!
Cary Grant begged to be the ‘other man’ in the film rather than the main star (‘the husband’) role, because he was convinced that the film would be a big flop. Man, was he so wrong, as this film went on to be a huge hit, and consistently tops the must watch lists!
The adorable dog who plays Mr. Smith is the famous Wire Fox Terrier “Asta” from The Thin Man (1934) series. The actors didn’t think he was quite so adorable up close, as he loved to nip them on set.
If you like black and white romance movies, you might like:
Best Cary Grant Movies #7 - Bringing up Baby (1938)
Watch Bringing Up Baby on Amazon
A laugh out loud screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks and co-starring Katharine Hepburn
Story
Cary Grant plays the role of a mild mannered and somewhat bumbling paleontologist, Dr. David Huxley, who is trying to raise a $1 million donation for his beloved museum.
His life is turned upside down when a rich and flighty heiress sets her sights on him.
The plot only gets more complicated by the entrance of her pet leopard, Baby.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
Cary Grant always looks at ease and classy in in his fine 1930s suits.
Plus, you’ll love the frilly 1930s frilly ladies’ robe he throws on in desperation (yeah, lots of lols).
Katharine Hepburn wears some classy 1930s style outfits, including some ultra glam 30s style dresses that are just as screwball and lol worthy as the one liners the main characters toss back and forth with so much finesse.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Cary Grant loved costarring with Katharine Hepburn in this film, and became good friends with her. They would arriving early to set to practice together and spending time together afterwards, having a blast double-dating with their respective loves of the time!
“She had this thing, this air you might call it, the most totally magnetic woman I’d ever seen, and probably ever seen since. You had to look at her, you had to listen to her, there was no escaping her.”
-Grant on Hepburn
And just look what cute doggie makes an appearance in the film! In this film, the Foxie goes by “George”, and he’s none other than the famous Asta once again, who starred in dozens of films in the 1930s, and is especially famous for his role in the 1934 comedy The Thin Man series.
Plus, he starred with Cary Grant in The Awful Truth (1937).
Best Cary Grant Movies #8 - The Talk of the Town (1942)
Watch The Talk of the Town on Amazon
A screwball comedy directed by George Stevens and co-starring Jean Arthur and Ronald Colman.
Story
An innocent prison escapee enlists the help of his beautiful and impetuous lady friend to hide from the police, while they try to enlist legal support from a cocky and influential lawyer.
You’ll love the laugh out loud moments as perfect mehem ensues in a criss-cross game of mistaken identities, love triangle -- all the while in hiding from a massive manhunt!
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style
Cary Grant and the stuffy lawyer (Ronald Colman) wear impeccable 1940s mens suits and casual wear with cool aplomb. Jean Arthur also have a noteworthy collection of classic 40s style dresses.
Behind the Curtain!
Ranked in the 2002 list of top 100 America’s Greatest Love Stories movies, and 2002 list of Top 100 Funniest American Movies.
Best Cary Grant Movies #9 - She Done Him Wrong (1933)
Watch She Done Him Wrong on Amazon
Story
A sensuous burlesque nightclub singer must choose between several lovers, while trying to stay on the right side of the law.
Among those vying for her attention is her very jealous and violent ex-boyfriend, who is an escaped convict, and an handsome undercover Federal Agent.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
The very young Cary Grant looks undeniably debonair in his classy undercover 1930s men’s suits and coats. Mae West absolutely oozes sex appeal in her fabulous 1930s sequined and bejeweled figure hugging evening gowns.
Behind the Curtain!
The famous line from the movie -- "Why don't you come up sometime and see me?" has been voted as the #26 movie quote by the American Film Institute (out of 100).
The hilarious Mae West loved to claim that she discovered Cary Grant, and that upon seeing the “sensational-looking man” in Hollywood, she had said “If that guy can talk, I'll take him.” However, Cary Grant often denied this, for they already knew each other from Broadway.
Best Cary Grant Movies #10 - His Girl Friday (1940)
Watch His Girl Friday on Amazon
A screwball romantic comedy directed by Howard Hawks and co-starring Rosalind Russell.
Story
A newspaper editor has endless tricks up his sleeve to stop his star reporting ex-wife from remarrying a straight-laced insurance agent.
The tactic? Dangle an exclusive on how a convicted cop killer who’s facing death row is actually innocent.
Will the inmates’ innocence be proved in time to save his life?
Will Cary Grant win his girl back from her placid insurance boyfriend?
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell give an inside peek at 1940s professional attire, with a delightful collection of impeccably tailored two piece suits.
Best Cary Grant Movies #11 - An Affair to Remember (1957)
Watch An Affair to Remember on Amazon
An inspiring romantic drama directed by Leo McCarey and co-starring Deborah Kerr and Richard Denning.
Story
In this romantic tear jerker, two cruise-ship passengers fall madly in love en route, although they are engaged to others. They plan to meet in six months atop the Empire State Building. What what will really happen, and will there be a happily ever after?
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1950s Style)
You’ll love the glorious color remake of this film that highlights some of the best of 1950s fashion with beautifully tailored suits, black tie ensembles, and highly elegant 1950s ladies fashion.
What better models for this chic 1950s style than Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr?
Behind the Curtain!
The talented Cary Grant and his co-star Deborah Kerr actually improved a number of their scenes while filming the movie, including a number of their lines, which made the final cut.
Best Cary Grant Movies #12 - Suspicion (1941)
A film noir psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock and co-starring Joan Fontaine.
Story
This Oscar-winning thriller from Alfred Hitchcock, the Master of Suspense, weaves a tale about a shy wealthy heiress who suspects that her new penniless playboy husband is attempting to murder her.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Cary Grant’s 1940s mens fashion and Joan Fontaine’s 40s wardrobe are timeless, simplistic and tasteful, with the exception of Joan Fontaine’s frilly “layered cake” party dress, which is a hilarious vintage fashion flop.
Behind the Curtain!
In contrast to his relationship with most co-stars, Cary Grant did not become friends with Joan Fontaine, as he thought she was moody and unprofessional. (Perhaps her moodiness explains why he played this temperament so well on film that she won an Academy for it.)
Best Cary Grant Movies #13 - Walk Don’t Run (1966)
Watch Walk, Don’t Run on Amazon
A screwball comedy directed by Charles Walters and co-starring Samantha Eggar and Jim Hutton.
Story
In his last screen role, Cary Grant plays a British industrialist who is visiting Tokyo, Japan, during the Summer Olympics Games.
With a huge shortage of hotel rooms he desperately sublets the living room from a beautiful girl, and then proceeds to sublet a section of his sublet to a handsome young American Olympian.
He then proceeds to play the matchmaker for the young couple.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1960s Style)
Great inside look at the mid 1960s fashion, from casual wear, to athletic garb (including sports and olympian training gear) to dressy styles.
Behind the Curtain!
At sixty-one, the handsome Cary Grant retired after the making of this film.
He thought he was too old to play the romantic lead and he didn’t believe his fans would want to see him acting in secondary roles.
Best Cary Grant Movies #14 - Gunga Din (1939)
An adventure drama directed by George Stevens and co-starring Joan Fontaine and Victor McLaglen.
Story
In 19th century India, Cary Grant risks his life to stop a murderous cult from rampaging the land. His partners in crime for this action packed adventure?
Two rowdy British soldiers and a native water boy, Gunga Din.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
The vintage style military outfits and 1930s perception of 19th century British and India clothing is a real treat!
Talk about traveling back in time.
Lots of fabulous men in uniform styles.
Behind the Curtain!
This film came is second place as the highest grossing film of 1939, after Gone with the Wind (1939).
Best Cary Grant Movies #15 - The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
Watch The Bishops Wife on Amazon
A charming fantasy comedy directed by Henry Koster and co-starring Loretta Young and David Niven.
Story
Cary Grants comes to earth as a debonior angel on a mission to help a bishop raise money to build a new cathedral and recharge the magic and romance in his rocky marriage.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Fabulous 1940s winter and Christmas wardrobes, including winter coats and classic cozy winter gear.
Behind the Curtain!
Originally Cary Grant was cast as the bishop and David Niven was the angel, however when the new film directors took charge, he realized the mistake and convinced Cary Grant that he should be the angel instead (vs the ‘title role’ of the bishop). This role would live on as one of the most acclaimed roles of his career
Best Cary Grant Movies #16 - Mr Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948)
Watch Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House on Amazon
A charming romantic comedy directed by H.C. Potter and co-starring Myrna Loy and Melvyn Douglas.
Story
A New York businessman and his wife decide to purchase a fixer upper in the country, so that they can turn it into the dream home.
This 1940s version of a “fixer upper” is filled with lots of laughs and highs and lows as the young couple embarks on their mission.
Vintage Fashion & Decor Scoop (1940s Style)
You’ll love this inside look at what defined a cozy dream house for a middle class couple in the 1940s.
For example, the lovely Mrs. Blandings yearns for the perfect white kitchen, “but not a cold, antiseptic, hospital white.” Plus, Cary Grant and Myrna Loy’s 1940s casual and business outfits are deliciously on point!
Behind the Curtain!
After this film premiered across the country in 1948, replicas of Mr Blandings home popped up across the United States.
Best Cary Grant Movies #17 - Operation Petticoat (1959)
Watch Operation Petticoat on Amazon
Romantic comedy war film directed by Blake Edwards and co-starring Tony Curtis and Joan O’Brien
Story
Cary Grant acts the part of a World War II submarine commander who gets stuck with a incapacited pink submarine and a group of five army nurses.
Throw in tight quarters and an air attack and this comedy war adventure is off with a boom!
Vintage Fashion (1950s Style)
Men in uniform... and women in uniform... and for women, these are the glorious late 1950s fitted chic uniforms -- so yes, there is definitely something in this film for everyone to love!
Best Cary Grant Movies #18 - Houseboat (1958)
A funny romantic drama directed by Melville Shavelson and co-starring Sophia Loren and Martha Hyer.
Story
A dashing widower is desperate for help for his three rowdy young children. When the children choose a gorgeous Italian lady for the new maid, little do they know that she’s actually an Italian socialite seeking to escape her domineering father. Sparks start to fly as they embark on a trip on a houseboat that is literally falling apart.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1950s Style)
In glorious color, Cary Grants looks debonair to a fault in his casual, yet classy 1950s fashion, as he attempts to wrangle three rambunctious children and a hot nanny. Sophia Loren sizzles in a wide variety of late 1950s fashion, ranging from traditional 50s housewife outfits to slinky evening gowns, all of which accentuates her legendary hourglass figure, as was the rage for 50s fashion.
Behind the Curtain!
The handsome Cary Grant was 54 when they filmed this movie, whereas Sophia Loren was 24.
The chemistry between the two characters sizzled just as much onscreen as off, as Cary Grant took this role because he was dating her, but the relationship got complicated when she proxy married Carlo Ponti, which made the heartbroken Cary Grant try to back out of filming, which the director wouldn’t allow.
Best Cary Grant Movies #19 - Holiday (1938)
A dramatic romantic comedy directed by George Cukor and co-starring Katharine Hepburn.
Story
A rich socialite girl seeks adventure and falls for the handsome boy from the wrong side of the tracks.
This entertaining comedy and love triangle is fabulously directed by Cukor and is based on the legendary Barry play.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
The witty repartee and the supremely elegant 1930s vintage style outfits make this film sparkle.
A young Cary Grant looks suave in his impeccably cut 1930s suits.
To ensure that Katharine Hepburn had jewels befitting a 1930’s socialite, the famous Hollywood jewelry designer Paul Flato partnered with the clothing designer to ensure Katharine Hepburn’s dresses were of simple classic designs, so that her stunning real jewels were front and center, which included a legendary three-strand diamond necklace, sunburst brooch of canary diamonds, and diamond cuff.
Behind the Curtain!
The suave and nimble Cary Grant performed his own tumbling stunts in the film. How? He was actually a member of an acrobatic vaudeville troupe before he became an actor!
Best Cary Grant Movies #20 - The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Watch The Philadelphia Story on Amazon
A romantic comedy directed by George Cukor and co-starring Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart.
Story
A rich socialite is forced to do soul searching when her ex-husband unexpectedly shows up on the evening of her second marriage.
To add insult to injury, a drama seeking tabloid reporter on the hunt for the inside scoop also further complicates her decision by making a play for her too!
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Cary Grant and James Stewart shine in impeccably tailored 1940s style mens suits, while Katharine Hepburn twirls on screen in some frilly and sometimes fabulous (and other times crazy!), but always glorious 1940s gowns.
Behind the Curtain!
Cary Grant had first choice of the two lead male roles. His choice? The less showy lead role, which was a big surprise to some.
Best Cary Grant Movies #21 - The Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer (1947)
Watch The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer on Amazon
A joyous comedy directed by Irving Reis and co-starring Myrna Loy and Shirley Temple.
Story
A high schooler with a big crush and her sophisticated older sister (a judge!) both fall for the same suave and handsome playboy artist.
The hilarious love triangle and screwball situations will have you laughing out laugh.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Cary Grant looks fabulous in sophisticated 1940s mens fashion, including a houndstooth patterned blazer.
We also love the inside look at the charming bobby soxer 1940s style fashion for teenager girls, especially as contrasts with the sophisticated fashion of ladies.
Behind the Curtain!
The seemingly ageless Cary Grant was 42 years old when the filming for this movie started, and the young Shirley Temple was 18 years and had been married for 10 months.
Best Cary Grant Movies #22 - Monkey Business (1952)
Watch Monkey Business on Amazon
A Sci-Fi comedy directed by Howard Hawks and co-starring Marilyn Monroe and Ginger Rogers.
Story
A bumbling chemist’s life (both love and professional!) are turned upside down, as stumbles on a fountain of youth serum.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1950s Style)
Cary Grant oozes sexy sophistication in his impeccable 1950s menswear, while Marilyn Monree sizzles sex appeal in her one of a kind 50s dresses.
Behind the Curtain!
Marilyn Monroe was estatic to be acting across from Cary Grant, in what would be a break-through role in her rapidly rising acting career.
Cary Grant was one of her Hollywood idols. As a child, she’d had pictures of him posted on her bedroom.
Best Cary Grant Movies #23 - Destination Tokyo (1943)
Watch Destination Tokyo on Amazon
A wartime thriller directed by Delmer Daves and co-starring John Garfield and Alan Hale.
Story
In World War II, a young Cary Grant is the skipper of an American submarine that is on a top secret mission.
It’s goal? Sneak into the enemy occupied Tokyo bay and covertly drop off a spy team, so that they could gather intel for the first air raid on Tokyo.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Cary Grant and the cast look fabulous in their 1940s uniforms and casual wear as they man the submarine.
You’ll also get more than you bargained for with a number of sizzling unbuttoned shirt shots of the gorgeous Cary Grant.
Behind the Curtain!
The Navy used this film for training during World War II, because it so accurately depicted how to operate a submarine.
Best Cary Grant Movies #24 - Mr Lucky (1943)
A romantic comedy directed by H.C. Potter and co-starring Laraine Day and Charles Bickford.
Story
Cary Grant plays the role of a sly gambler who assumes the identity of a dead gangster so that he can dodge the draft.
To get a gambling operation up and running, he plans to exploit money from a charity program.
When he falls head over heels for a sweet girl, his plans are turned upside down.
Will he go legit or let her go?
Vintage Fashion (1940s Style)
Cary Grant looks fabulous in his impeccable early 1940s mens suits, while Laraine Day provides quite the eye catching performance as a rich society girl in a fabulous array of 1940s womens fashion.
Behind the Curtain!
In 1943, this film was the second biggest hit for RKO, netting $1.603M, beat only by the drama type “documentary” Hitler's Children (1943).
Best Cary Grant Movies #25 - The Grass is Greener (1960)
Watch The Grass is Greener on Amazon
A funny romantic drama directed by Stanley Donen and co-starring Robert Mitchum, Deborah Kerr, and Jean Simmons.
Story
Cary Grant is a titled Earl who has a castle, but no money.
To make ends meet, he and his wife run guided tours through their mansion.
However when a millionaire oil tycoon visits, he takes a fancy to more than the the house and a classic love triangle erupts.
What better way to settle a disagreement than a good old fashioned duel?
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1960s Style)
The contrasting personalities and energies of the proper titled Englishman Cary Grant against the laid-back Texan (Robert Mitchum) echos in their fabulous on-screen 1960s fashion.
You’ll love the rare appearance of Cary Grant in a green velvet dinner jacket and olive green silk dressing gown.
The 1960s style for the ladies delivers too, which is also study in contrasts.
Jean Simmons’ character (the oil tycoon’s wife) favors vintage mod styles, loving the popular psychedelic blood orange color.
Some of her retro outfits and makeup (like her bright blue teal colored eye shadow) are cutting edge for the time period, and exude more of a 70s vibe than early 60’s style vibe.
In contrast, Deborah Kerr favors 1960s classic styles that nod back to timeless 50s looks that exude elegance and grace.
Behind the Curtain!
The impeccably dressed Cary Grant absolutely refused to wear a smoking jacket for a certain scene, saying the audience would lose sympathy for his character if they saw him dressed that way.
The frustrated director slammed back later on this saying that a ‘type of old-fashioned comedy died that day.’
Best Cary Grant Movies #26 - Father Goose (1964)
A light romantic comedy directed by Ralph Nelson and co-starring Leslie Caron and Trevor Howard.
Story
In World War II, a lazy and sloppy South Sea beach beachcomber takes an easy job spying on planes passing over the island, so that he can avoid real war action.
His world is turned upside down when a sexy French school teacher and her seven girl charges crash lands on the island.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1960s Style)
An uncharacteristic and unexpected fashion role for Cary Grant.
You’ll get an exclusive look at what he looks like unkempt and unshaven bum in a 1960s style.
Plus its fun inside glimpse at the 1960s casual fashion for women and girls.
Behind the Curtain!
This was one of Cary Grant favorite acting roles.
Why? He loved to claim that his role was the most like his real personality.
Best Cary Grant Movies #27 - Only Angels Have Wings (1939)
Watch Only Angels Have Wings on Amazon
An adventure drama romance directed by Howard Hawks and co-starring Jean Arthur and Rita Hayworth.
Story
A beautiful stranded showgirl falls for Cary Grant, who is an American flyer that flies mail planes over the Andes.
His missions include navigating dangerous 14,000 ft passes, in dangerous stormy and foggy weather conditions.
Many flyers have already died in the hazardous trek.
The plot only thickens when Cary Grant’s sensuous ex-girlfriend also enters the picture.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
You’ll love timeless late 1930s style menswear, from the leather coat pilot outfits to their elegant ‘casual wear.’
Of course the Jean Arthur and Rita Hayworth ooze understated late 1930s elegance, whether donned in vintage trouser outfits or dresses and low heeled pumps.
Behind the Curtain!
The directer, Hawks, wasn’t pleased with how Rita Hayworth was acting her drunk scene, so instead he had Cary Grant toss a bucket of water over her, dry her, and then simply say his own lines.
Best Cary Grant Movies #28 - None But the Lonely Heart (1944)
Watch None But the Lonely Heart on Amazon
A romantic drama directed by Clifford Odets and co-starring Ethel Barrymore and Barry Fitzgerald.
Story
A down and out Londoner reluctantly returns home to help his sickly mother run her shop.
He steps inside London’s underworld, as he discovers love and starts dabbling in crime to make ends meet.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
An interesting 1940s style perception of the how the poorer and working class of London dressed in the early 40s.
Behind the Curtain!
Cary Grant was 40 years old when he acted the part of the young character in the film. He believed he was way too old for the role and was miscast.
Best Cary Grant Movies #29 - Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
Watch Arsenic and Old Lace on Amazon
A dark suspenseful comedy directed by Frank Capra and co-starring Priscilla Lane, Raymond Massey and Peter Lorre.
Story
Cary Grant stars as Brooklyn author who is infamous for his scathing eloquence against marriage.
His world is turned upside down when he ties to the knot with the love of his life.
Now what will happen to his reputation?
As if his life isn’t complicated enough, he then discovers that his beloved maiden aunts are serial killers who target lonely old men, and then bury them in the cellar.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Cary Grant’s 1940s suits are absolutely on point, and we love Priscilla Lane’s tasteful two piece dress suits.
It’s also enjoyable checking out the 40s plus sized fashion for the matronly aunts.
Behind the Curtain!
Cary Grant hated his acting in this film, pegging it as rediculously over the top.
He often said this was the least favorite of all of his movies, even though it consistently ranks as one of 100 funniest American movies.
Best Cary Grant Movies #30 - Penny Serenade (1941)
Watch Penny Serenade on Amazon
A romantic drama directed by George Stevens and co-starring Irene Dunne and Beulah Bondi.
Story
After falling in love and tying the knot, life brings its ups and downs for a young couple.
When one unexpected tragedy after the next strikes, will their love be strong enough, so that they can come out stronger at the end, or will it drive them apart?
Vintage Fashion & Decor Scoop
Cary Grant and Irene Dunn shine in classic early 1940s fashion that’s meant to be representative of a middle class family in the 40s.
You’ll love the simple classic lines, and the adorable 1940s wardrobe for the baby!
Behind the Curtain!
Cary Grant and Irene loved acting together and had undeniable chemistry.
Years later Irene Dunne recalled, “I appeared with many leading men. But working with Cary Grant was different from working with other actors – he was much more fun! I think we were a successful team because we enjoyed working together tremendously, and that pleasure must have shown through onto the screen … I will always remember two compliments he made me. He said I had perfect timing in comedy and that I was the sweetest-smelling actress he ever worked with.”
This post was all about the 30 top Cary Grant movies ranked best to worst, and his timeless classic vintage fashion.
What is your favorite Cary Grant movie?
Other posts we think you’ll love:
4 Charming Cary Grant Hitchcock Movies You’ll Love
The 4 James Stewart Alfred Hitchcock Movies You Probably Haven’t Seen
Ingrid Bergman Hitchcock Movies - 3 Must-See Suspense Classics