Best Drama Movies of 1961

The highest-rated drama films from 1961, ranked by MovieMagicScore based on authentic viewer ratings.

Drama 1960 Drama 1962 All Time Drama

Action Comedy Horror Science Fiction Thriller Romance Animation Documentary Fantasy Crime

Yojimbo

1961

A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon to hire him as a personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.

8.1

Judgment at Nuremberg

1961

In 1947, four German judges who served on the bench during the Nazi regime face a military tribunal to answer charges of crimes against humanity. Chief Justice Haywood hears evidence and testimony not only from lead defendant Ernst Janning and his defense attorney Hans Rolfe, but also from the widow of a Nazi general, an idealistic U.S. Army captain and reluctant witness Irene Wallner.

8.0

Breakfast at Tiffany's

1961

Holly Golightly is an eccentric New York City playgirl determined to marry a Brazilian millionaire. But when young writer Paul Varjak moves into her apartment building, her past threatens to get in their way.

7.6

La Notte

1961

A day in the life of an unfaithful married couple and their steadily deteriorating relationship in Milan.

7.9

The Hustler

1961

Fast Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary Minnesota Fats to a high-stakes match.

7.7

Through a Glass Darkly

1961

Karin hopes to recover from her recent stay at a mental hospital by spending the summer at her family's cottage on a tiny island. Her husband, Martin, cares for her but is frustrated by her physical withdrawal. Her younger brother, Minus, is confused by Karin's vulnerability and his own budding sexuality. Their father, David, cannot overcome his haughty remoteness. Beset by visions, Karin descends further into madness.

7.8

The Human Condition III: A Soldier's Prayer

1961

After the Japanese defeat to the Russians, Kaji leads the last remaining men through Manchuria. Intent on returning to his dear wife and his old life, Kaji faces great odds in a variety of different harrowing circumstances as he and his fellow men sneak behind enemy lines.

8.4

Accattone

1961

A pimp with no other means to provide for himself finds his life spiralling out of control when his prostitute is sent to prison.

7.7

The Innocents

1961

A young governess for two children becomes convinced that the house and grounds are haunted by ghosts and that the children are being possessed.

7.5

#10

The Children's Hour

1961

An unruly student at a private all-girls boarding school scandalously accuses the two women who run it of having a romantic relationship.

7.7

#11

West Side Story

1961

In the slums of the upper West Side of Manhattan, tensions are high as a gang of Polish-Americans compete against a gang of recently immigrated Puerto Ricans, but this doesn't stop two romantics from each gang falling in love.

7.2

#12

Last Year at Marienbad

1961

In a strange and isolated chateau, a man becomes acquainted with a woman and insists that they have met before.

7.4

#13

A Woman Is a Woman

1961

Longing for a baby, a stripper pursues another man in order to make her boyfriend jealous.

7.3

#14

Splendor in the Grass

1961

A fragile Kansas girl's unrequited and forbidden love for a handsome young man from the town's most powerful family drives her to heartbreak and madness.

7.4

#15

A Difficult Life

1961

Silvio refuses to fight for the fascists and joins the resistance with Elena. After the war, his vitriolic newspaper articles cause him to be sentenced to imprisonment.

8.0

#16

Il Posto

1961

With his family mired in financial troubles, Domenico moves to Milan, Italy, from his small town to get a job in lieu of furthering his education. A lack of options forces him to take a position as a messenger at a big company, where he hopes to receive a promotion soon. There, Domenico meets Antonietta, a young woman in a similar situation as himself. The two form a tentative relationship, but the soulless nature of their jobs threatens to keep them apart.

7.6

#17

A Raisin in the Sun

1961

Walter Lee Younger is a young man struggling with his station in life. Sharing a tiny apartment with his wife, son, sister and mother, he seems like an imprisoned man. Until, that is, the family gets an unexpected financial windfall.

7.7

#18

Murder She Said

1961

Miss Marple believes she's seen a murder in a passing-by train, yet when the police find no evidence she decides to investigate it on her own.

7.3

#19

Victim

1961

A web of blackmail and murder attracts the attention of a barrister with a seemingly idyllic life, threatening to derail his career on the path of success.

7.4

#20

Pocketful of Miracles

1961

A New York gangster and his girlfriend attempt to turn street beggar Apple Annie into a society lady when the peddler learns her daughter is marrying royalty.

7.3

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Best Drama Movies of 1961

This ranking features the top drama movies released in 1961, sorted by MovieMagicScore viewer ratings. Looking for more? Browse all genres from 1961 or see the best drama movies of all time.