Welcome to our list of the top 10 best Fred MacMurray movies of all time! Fred MacMurray was a Hollywood icon, known for his charming personality and versatility as an actor. From his early days in silent films (which were all uncredited roles) to his later career in television, MacMurray left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of his most memorable and beloved roles, highlighting the films that truly showcase his talent and range. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his work for the first time, we hope this list will introduce you to some of the best Fred MacMurray movies out there. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!
The Top 10 Best Fred MacMurray Movies, Ranked
10. Hands Across the Table (1935)
- Genre: Romance / Comedy
- Starring: Carole Lombard, Fred MacMurray, Ralph Bellamy, Astrid Allwyn
- Directed by: Mitchell Leisen
Up first, we’ve got a 1930s romantic comedy that is definitely one of the best Fred MacMurray movies! Hands Across the Table is a romantic comedy film released in 1935.
The film stars Carole Lombard and MacMurray as a pair of broke and single individuals who hatch a plan to marry for money. However, as they spend more time together, they start to develop feelings for each other.
Hands Across the Table received positive reviews upon its release and was a box office success. It is considered a classic of the romantic comedy genre and is remembered for its charming performances and witty dialogue.
Related — Carole Lombard: 11 Essential 1930s Movies
9. Alice Adams (1935)
- Genre: Romance / Comedy / Drama
- Starring: Katharine Hepburn, Fred MacMurray, Fred Stone, Evelyn Venable
- Directed by: George Stevens
Alice Adams, which is also one of the best Fred MacMurray movies of all time, is a 1935 romantic drama film directed by George Stevens. The film stars Katharine Hepburn as Alice Adams, a young woman struggling to climb the social ladder in her small town.
The film also features MacMurray as Arthur Russell, a wealthy bachelor whom Alice becomes infatuated with. Alice Adams received critical acclaim upon its release and was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Hepburn.
The film is based on a 1922 novel of the same name by Booth Tarkington. It is a poignant tale of love, social class, and the struggles of a young woman trying to find her place in the world!
Related — Katharine Hepburn: 7 Essential 1940s Movies
8. The Egg and I (1947)
- Genre: Romance / Comedy
- Starring: Claudette Colbert, Fred MacMurray, Marjorie Main, Louise Allbritton
- Directed by: Chester Erksine
The Egg and I is a 1947 romantic comedy film directed by Chester Erskine and based on the bestselling autobiographical novel of the same name by Betty MacDonald. The movie stars Claudette Colbert and MacMurray as a newly married couple who move to a rural chicken farm.
The film follows the couple as they navigate the challenges of running a farm and raising chickens, while also dealing with the eccentric characters who live in their small community. Along the way, they learn to appreciate the simple pleasures of life and the value of hard work.
Filled with humor and heart, The Egg and I is a charming tale of love and perseverance that remains a beloved classic to this day. With its memorable performances and timeless themes, the film is sure to delight audiences of all ages. As a result, it’s definitely one of the best Fred MacMurray movies!
7. Follow Me, Boys! (1966)
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Fred MacMurray, Vera Miles, Lillian Gish, Charles Ruggles
- Directed by: Norman Tokar
Follow Me, Boys! is a heartwarming and nostalgically wholesome 1966 film directed by Norman Tokar and starring MacMurray, Vera Miles, and Lillian Gish. Set in the early 20th century, the film follows the coming-of-age journey of Lem Siddons, a man who becomes a Scoutmaster and helps shape the lives of a group of boys in a small town.
Through adventures and challenges, Lem teaches the boys important life lessons about honesty, loyalty, and hard work, while also learning valuable lessons about responsibility and the true meaning of friendship. Along the way, he also falls in love with a lady in town, adding a touch of romance to the film!
Follow Me, Boys! is a timeless classic that captures the spirit of the Boy Scouts and the enduring values they strive to instill in their members. It is a film that will appeal to audiences of all ages and is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who watch it! It’s also a wonderful, lighthearted film that is one of the best Fred MacMurray movies of all time!
6. Pushover (1954)
- Genre: Film Noir / Crime / Drama
- Starring: Fred MacMurray, Kim Novak, Philip Carey, Dorothy Malone
- Directed by: Richard Quine
Pushover, another one of the best Fred MacMurray movies of all time, is a 1954 crime drama film starring MacMurray as Paul Sheridan, a cop who becomes romantically involved with a bank robber’s girlfriend, played by Kim Novak.
In the film, Paul is assigned to investigate a bank heist and becomes infatuated with Lona McLane, the girlfriend of the main suspect. As he gets closer to Lona, his morals darken, and his quest to bring justice changes.
MacMurray delivers a strong performance as the conflicted cop, bringing depth and complexity to his character. His chemistry with co-star Kim Novak is also noteworthy, adding an additional layer of tension to the film!
Overall, Pushover is a well-crafted crime drama that showcases MacMurray’s acting talents and offers a compelling storyline with plenty of twists and turns. It is definitely worth a watch for fans of classic film noir and fans of MacMurray’s work!
Related — The Top 10 Best Kim Novak Movies of All Time
5. There’s Always Tomorrow (1956)
- Genre: Romance / Drama
- Starring: Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, Joan Bennett, William Reynolds
- Directed by: Douglas Sirk
There’s Always Tomorrow is a classic film released in 1956 directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Barbara Stanwyck and MacMurray. The film tells the story of a successful toy manufacturer, Clifford Groves, who is unhappy with his mundane suburban life and finds himself tempted to leave his family for his former employee and past flame, Norma. As Clifford struggles with his feelings and the consequences of his actions, he must ultimately decide what is most important to him.
Filled with complex characters and themes of midlife crisis, suburban ennui, and the cost of choices, There’s Always Tomorrow is a thought-provoking and poignant film that has stood the test of time. Its stunning cinematography and performances by Stanwyck and MacMurray only add to its appeal, making it a must-see for fans of classic cinema.
As a result, it’s definitely one of the best Fred MacMurray movies to watch. And if you’re a fan of Stanwyck and MacMurray together, you do not want to miss out on their underrated collaboration!
4. Remember the Night (1940)
- Genre: Romance / Comedy / Drama
- Starring: Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, Beulah Bondi, Elizabeth Patterson
- Directed by: Mitchell Leisen
Remember the Night, yet another one of the best Fred MacMurray movies, is a 1940 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Mitchell Leisen and starring Barbara Stanwyck and MacMurray. The film follows the story of a young woman named Lee Leander (Stanwyck) who is caught shoplifting just before Christmas. However, Assistant District Attorney John Sargent (MacMurray) feels bad and lets her out for Christmas as long as she promises to return for her trial.
One thing leads to another and the two find themselves traveling back home to Indiana together. Along the way, the two develop a strong bond and eventually fall in love.
The film was praised for its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of the developing relationship between Lee and John. Stanwyck’s performance as the wisecracking, yet vulnerable Lee was particularly well-received.
Overall, Remember the Night is a charming and enjoyable film that showcases the excellent chemistry between its two lead actors. It’s a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema and romantic comedies. And it’s a great Christmas movie, too!
Related — The 30 Best Old Hollywood Christmas Movies of All Time
3. The Caine Mutiny (1954)
- Genre: War / Drama
- Starring: Humphrey Bogart, José Ferrer, Van Johnson, Fred MacMurray
- Directed by: Edward Dmytryk
This movie isn’t just one of the best Fred MacMurray movies. It’s also one of the best movies of all time!
The Caine Mutiny is a classic 1954 film directed by Edward Dmytryk and starring Humphrey Bogart, Jose Ferrer, and MacMurray. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Herman Wouk, the film tells the story of a group of officers serving aboard the USS Caine, a fictional World War II minesweeper, and the tensions that arise between the captain (Bogart) and his crew.
One of the standout performances in the film is that of MacMurray, who plays the role of communications officer Tom Keefer. Ultimately, Keefer becomes one of the key figures in the mutiny against Queeg.
MacMurray’s portrayal of Keefer is nuanced and complex. As a result, he does an excellent job of conveying the character’s internal struggles.
Overall, The Caine Mutiny is a gripping and thought-provoking tale of leadership and responsibility, with top-notch performances from its talented cast. It remains a timeless classic.
Related — The Top 10 Best Humphrey Bogart Movies of All Time
2. The Apartment (1960)
- Genre: Romance / Comedy / Drama
- Starring: Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston
- Directed by: Billy Wilder
The Apartment is a classic romantic comedy film released in 1960 and directed by Billy Wilder. It happens to be one of the best Fred MacMurray movies, as well as one of the best movies of all time!
Starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, the film tells the story of C.C. “Bud” Baxter, an executive at an insurance company who allows his superiors to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs in the hopes of climbing the corporate ladder.
However, things become complicated when Bud falls for the elevator girl, Fran Kubelik, who is the mistress of his boss, Jeff D. Sheldrake (MacMurray).
In The Apartment, MacMurray delivers a standout performance as the charming but selfish Sheldrake, whose actions have a major impact on the lives of the film’s main characters. MacMurray’s portrayal of the character helped contribute to the film’s enduring popularity and cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors.
Filled with witty dialogue and memorable characters, The Apartment is a timeless tale of love, loyalty, and the complexities of modern romance.
1. Double Indemnity (1944)
- Genre: Film Noir / Crime / Drama
- Starring: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, Byron Barr
- Directed by: Billy Wilder
Double Indemnity is the best Fred MacMurray movie of all time, without a doubt. The film tells the story of Phyllis Dietrichson (Stanwyck), a seductive woman who enlists the help of an insurance salesman, Walter Neff (MacMurray), to murder her husband for his insurance money. However, the plan goes awry as the two become embroiled in a web of deceit and betrayal.
Double Indemnity is known for its compelling plot, sharp dialogue, and iconic performances by Stanwyck and MacMurray. Its themes of greed and temptation have made it a classic of the film noir genre. As a result, it remains a must-see for any fan of classic cinema.
The film was a commercial and critical success upon its release, earning seven Academy Award nominations. Its legacy has only grown over the years, with many critics and scholars considering it one of the greatest films ever made.
This iconic film noir is also a part of the Criterion Collection (spine #1126)! If you’re a fan of classic cinema or are simply looking for a thrilling and well-crafted film, Double Indemnity is not to be missed.
Conclusion
Comment below your own personal favorite Fred MacMurray movie! Do you agree with this list? Feel as if we’ve left out any great MacMurray films? Hit the comments below with all your thoughts and opinions! I’d love to hear what you think!
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