Thin Man Movies Ranked

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The Thin Man Series, Ranked

William Powell and Myrna Loy starred in six Thin Man movies throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Throughout these six films, Loy and Powell managed to create something rather special as they played Nick and Nora Charles. There’s something extra special about the Thin Man series. Even decades after the movies were made, this series continues to be so watchable — and so fun!

The Thin Man Series, Ranked

Below, we’ve ranked every single Thin Man movie from worst to best. There truly is no “bad” Thin Man movie, in our opinion… though a few of them do have some flaws. But if you’re a fan of Nick and Nora Charles, every film here is truly a winner!

6. Song of the Thin Man (1947)

Genre: Crime / Comedy
Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Keenan Wynn, Dean Stockwell
Directed by: Edward Buzzell

6th (and Last!) Thin Man Movie Ever Made

First up, we’ve got 1947’s Song of the Thin Man — the very last Thin Man movie. While not bad by any means, the film does have its flaws. It’s not perfect — nor is it anywhere near as fun and amazing to watch as the first few Thin Man films. But it’s still a great watch, particularly if you love this series or Loy and Powell together!

In their last outing together, Nick and Nora Charles find themselves immersed in a jazzy world of murder — as the main murder happens in a jazz club! The duo navigates murder, mayhem, and mystery as they try to deal with their latest perplexing case in their final cinematic adventure!

5. Shadow of the Thin Man (1941)

Genre: Crime / Comedy / Drama
Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Barry Nelson, Donna Reed
Directed by: W.S. Van Dyke

4th Thin Man Movie Ever Made

Next up, we’ve got Shadow of the Thin Man, the fourth film of the series. Again, this isn’t a bad movie! But it isn’t as good as the others — and that much is clear upon first watching the film.

In Shadow of the Thin Man, Nick and Nora Charles return in this delightful comedy mystery, mixing cocktails and crime-solving as they investigate a murder at the racetrack! Of course, their witty banter and their adorable dog Asta steal the show!

4. The Thin Man Goes Home (1944)

Genre: Film Noir / Crime / Comedy
Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Lucile Watson, Gloria DeHaven
Directed by: Richard Thorpe

5th Thin Man Movie Ever Made

The Thin Man Goes Home is so much fun — mainly because we get to see more of Nick and Nora’s family life in this fifth film of the series! Because of that, we can’t help but think highly of this 1944 movie.

In The Thin Man Goes Home, Nick and Nora Charles return to Nick’s hometown for a visit… only to then get entangled in a murder mystery that tests their sleuthing skills! Will their quirky charm and sharp intellect solve the case?

Related — Myrna Loy: Essential 1940s Movies

3. Another Thin Man (1939)

Genre: Crime / Comedy
Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Virginia Grey, Otto Kruger
Directed by: W.S. Van Dyke

3rd Thin Man Movie Ever Made

Okay, now we’re getting to the really great Thin Man movies! The first three movies in this series are absolutely amazing. So, it should be no surprise to see that Another Thin Man is one of the best of the series!

Another Thin Man follows our favorite married detectives as they try to solve a murder on a Long Island estate… all while trying to balance the fact that they’re new parents!

2. After the Thin Man (1936)

Genre: Mystery / Crime / Comedy
Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, James Stewart, Elissa Landi
Directed by: W.S. Van Dyke

2nd Thin Man Movie Ever Made

After the Thin Man truly is one of the best movies from the series, without a doubt. In our opinion, it’s one of the best sequels of any series ever made! After all, sequels are quite hard to do and pull off — but this movie has done just that!

In After the Thin Man, Nick and Nora Charles return home from vacation, only to find themselves embroiled in another thrilling murder mystery that involves Nora’s family!

1. The Thin Man (1934)

Genre: Mystery / Crime / Comedy
Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O’Sullivan, Nat Pendleton
Directed by: W.S. Van Dyke

1st Thin Man Movie Ever Made

The Thin Man is, of course, the very best Thin Man movie from the series. The first film, released in 1934, introduced us all to the delight that is Nick and Nora Charles. This film remains an absolute treat, as nobody quite does it like Loy and Powell! And their chemistry? Goodness!

The Thin Man follows a witty retired detective (Powell) and his sophisticated wife (Loy) as they become embroiled in a murder mystery with quirky suspects, sparkling dialogue, and plenty of martinis. The film is a delightful blend of humor and suspense!