· movies · 20 min read
All 44 Frank Capra Movies (in Order)
Step into the world of Frank Capra, the legendary American filmmaker known for his heartwarming and thought-provoking movies. In this roundup article, we’ll dive into some of Capra’s most iconic works, discussing their impact on cinema and exploring what made them so special.
As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Say It with Sables (1928)
Step into a world filled with deception, comedy, and unforgettable personalities in the 1928 film, “Say It with Sables. ” This lost film, now unseen since its release, brings forth Frank Capra’s signature wit and charm. At its core lies the tale of ambitious millionaire John Caswell’s wife Irene, who seeks to manipulate and control for her own gain. This leaves Doug Caswell, John’s son, finding himself smitten by her seductive charm - a challenge for the ambitious young man.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
2. Submarine (1928)
Submarine, ” a 1928 pre-Code film, follows the competition and rivalry between two sailors over a single woman. When their friendship breaks down acrimoniously, one gets trapped in a submarine beneath the ocean, while the other dives to save his comrade.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
3. Flight (1929)
In the thrilling silent film “Flight, ” released in 1929, we follow an ambitious Marine flyer and his fellow pilot as they find themselves in a love triangle with a stunning nurse. This pre-code adventure captures their daring escapades in the air and their pursuit of love. As they prepare for the highly anticipated Yale-Harvard football game, they uncover a web of secrets that threaten to tear their bond apart.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
4. The Younger Generation (1929)
The Younger Generation” is a gripping 1929 drama directed by Frank Capra that explores the tension between social climbing and the traditions of the past. The story follows the life of a young Jewish man who struggles with the disapproval of his old-world parents as he pursues ambition and wealth. As he faces the turmoil of remorse and grief, this classic film delves deep into the emotional struggles of the characters involved.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
5. The Donovan Affair (1929)
The Donovan Affair” is a classic 1929 film that presents a whirlwind of mystery, adventure, and humor. Directed by Frank Capra, the film follows Inspector Killian and his assistant Carney as they investigate a murder at a high-society dinner party. The lights go out, and a guest is killed in the darkness, prompting the police to have the crime re-enacted to get a clearer understanding of what happened. When they turn the lights out again, another guest is murdered, setting the stage for a thrilling investigation.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
6. Rain or Shine (1930)
Rain or Shine is a 1930 classic comedy-drama film directed by Frank Capra, starring Joe Cook, Louise Fazenda, and Joan Peers. The movie follows the story of a woman who inherits a bustling circus on the brink of financial ruin. As she navigates the challenges of running the circus and keeping its performers happy, she finds herself in the middle of a romantic male/female relationship.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
7. Ladies of Leisure (1930)
Ladies of Leisure (1930) is a heartfelt drama and romantic tale that revolves around the relationship between an upper-class artist and a ‘party girl’ hired as his model. With its poignant storyline, the movie expertly handles themes of bigotry and snobbery while showcasing the transformation of its characters. The film, directed by Frank Capra, delves into the emotions and experiences of its central stars, played by Barbara Stanwyck and Ralph Graves, as they navigate the complexities of love across social barriers.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
8. Platinum Blonde (1931)
Experience the timeless charm of a classic romantic comedy with 1931’s “Platinum Blonde. ” Directed by Frank Capra and starring Jean Harlow, Loretta Young, and Robert Williams, this film tells the story of a young woman from a wealthy family who impulsively marries a reporter, each assuming that the other must change their lifestyle. Set amidst the glamorous world of the Jazz Age, “Platinum Blonde” offers a delightful take on the screwball comedy genre, addressing themes of family, wealth, and love. With a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes, this engaging film is bound to have you laughing and rooting for the couple as they navigate their new life together.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
9. Dirigible (1931)
Dirigible, released in 1931, is an exciting adventure film that takes viewers on a thrilling journey to the South Pole. Directed by Frank Capra, this captivating tale follows Jack Bradon as he embarks on a high-stakes expedition with a dirigible. The 1931 release showcases the dangers and challenges that come with the unpredictable Arctic environment, as well as the courage and determination we find in our main character.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
10. The Miracle Woman (1931)
The Miracle Woman” is a captivating drama-romance film that explores the depths of faith and the power of love. Set in 1931, the story unfolds when an unappreciated minister dies, leaving his daughter with a heavy heart and a loss of faith. In a desperate attempt to find meaning, she opens a phony temple with the help of a cunning con man.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
11. Forbidden (1932)
Forbidden, ” released in 1932, is a timeless drama-romance film directed by Frank Capra and written by Capra and Jo Swerling. The 1 hour and 25-minute movie unfolds as a librarian, played by Barbara Stanwyck, embarks on a cruise and becomes entangled in a forbidden love affair with an unattainable man, Adolphe Menjou, a district attorney married to an invalid. The film also stars Ralph Bellamy as the third wheel in the love triangle.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
12. The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1932)
The Bitter Tea of General Yen” is a timeless 1932 drama that explores the unconventional and passionate love between a Chinese warlord and an engaged Christian missionary. Set in Shanghai during the Chinese Civil War, the story follows American missionary Megan Davis, played by Barbara Stanwyck, who arrives in the city to marry her fiancé, Dr. Robert Strife. However, upon witnessing the harsh treatment of Chinese people, Megan becomes deeply affected and finds herself drawn to powerful Chinese warlord General Yen, played by Nils Asther.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
13. American Madness (1932)
American Madness” is a drama and mystery from 1932 that explores the societal pressures and personal turmoil encountered by Thomas Dickson, a dedicated banker. As Dickson’s protégé is falsely accused of bank robbery, gossip causes a bank run, and evidence points towards his wife’s infidelity, Dickson must navigate these crises in a single day. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this film delves into themes of debt, neglected relationships, and societal expectations.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
14. It Happened One Night (1934)
It Happened One Night, ” a 1934 comedy-romance directed by Frank Capra, follows the dynamic journey of a renegade reporter, Peter Warne, played by Clark Gable, who encounters a young, rebellious runaway heiress, Ellie Andrews, portrayed by Claudette Colbert. As Peter trails Ellie in search of a captivating story, their paths cross on a bus heading from Florida to New York, only to discover that fate has brought them together in the most unexpected way.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
15. Broadway Bill (1934)
Get ready to gallop into excitement with the 1934 film “Broadway Bill. ” Starring Warner Baxter, Myrna Loy, and Walter Connolly, this thrilling comedy-drama unfolds an unforgettable tale. In the midst of a leak-prone roof, a runaway heiress and her sister’s husband formulate a daring plan: to race against one another aboard the latter’s fast equine companion, the illustrious Broadway Bill. Frank Capra, Sidney Buchman, and Robert Riskin lead the talented cast through an exhilarating dance of rivals and romance, all unfolding on a Broadway stage.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
16. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, ” a charming 1936 comedy-drama directed by Frank Capra and based on Robert Riskin and Clarence Budington Kelland’s heartfelt script, follows an unwitting poet named Longfellow Deeds from a quaint Vermont town to bustling New York City. Inheriting a mammoth fortune, Deeds finds himself unexpectedly cornered by manipulative schemers who try to take advantage of his inexperience and naivety.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
17. Lost Horizon (1937)
Lost Horizon, ” a classic 1937 adventure film, offers viewers an enticing and timeless tale of survival, self-discovery, and political intrigue. Set during a time when the world was on the brink of war, the story revolves around a group of survivors, including a revered diplomat, whose plane is diverted and crashes into the peaks of Tibet. The survivors’ journey leads them to an isolated monastery in the mystical land of Shangri-La, where they face the dilemma of accepting an invitation to stay.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
18. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
In the captivating film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, ” an innocent young man named Jefferson Smith is appointed to fill a Senate seat after the death of another senator. As he endeavors to create an honest camp for Boy Rangers, Jefferson’s plans soon collide with the corrupt forces of the Taylor Machine.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
19. Meet John Doe (1941)
Meet John Doe, ” a captivating film from 1941 directed by the renowned Frank Capra, stars Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck. The plot centers around a destitute drifter who is enlisted by a determined female journalist to impersonate a fictional individual who claimed he would commit suicide as a political statement.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
20. Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
Get ready for a classic comedy-thriller, “Arsenic and Old Lace” (1944), directed by the renowned Frank Capra. Follow the gripping journey of a Brooklyn writer who finds himself in a mess when he decides to get married. But what’s even more alarming? .
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
21. Tunisian Victory (1944)
Tunisian Victory” is an enthralling war documentary from 1944, produced by the U. S. Army Signal Corps. This compelling film, which runs for an hour and fifteen minutes without a break, provides an intimate look at the Operation Acrobat, a significant military operation in North Africa during World War II. Directed by the talented duo of John Boulting and Roy Boulting, and written by the talented Anthony Veiller, “Tunisian Victory” gives viewers a unique insight into the crucial role played by the British Eighth Army in this pivotal event.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
22. War Comes to America (1945)
War Comes to America, ” also known as “Why We Fight” series, is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the complex web of events that led America into the Second World War. Produced in 1945, it is the seventh installment in the series, giving viewers an in-depth examination of the reasons behind the United States’ decision to take part in the global conflict.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
23. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It’s a Wonderful Life” is a heartwarming and timeless tale of a man named George Bailey, who, after struggling in his small town business, finds himself despairing about the world. One fateful Christmas Eve, an angel named Clarence is sent from Heaven to intervene, showing George an alternate existence where he never existed and the profound impact he’s had on his friends, family, and the town. As George witnesses the ripple effect of his existence, he learns to appreciate his humble life and the love around him.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
24. State of the Union (1948)
State of the Union” is a timeless drama-comedy film from 1948, masterfully directed by Frank Capra. The story revolves around a hardworking and dedicated industrialist (played by Spencer Tracy) who is reluctantly urged to run for the presidency. As he faces the demands of both politics and his dysfunctional marriage, he discovers that the road to the White House involves uncomfortable compromises at every turn.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
25. Riding High (1950)
Riding High” is a classic comedy film from the renowned director, Frank Capra, released in 1950. Starring Bing Crosby, Coleen Gray, and Charles Bickford, this feel-good movie tells the story of a down-on-his-luck horse trainer, played by Crosby. The trainer, who once had a successful career, now faces financial difficulties and is forced to bet on the race of a lifetime with his beloved horse, Broadway Bill.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
26. Here Comes the Groom (1951)
Here Comes the Groom is a timeless romantic comedy starring Bing Crosby and Jane Wyman, released in 1951 by Paramount Pictures. Directed by Frank Capra, who also penned the screenplay alongside Robert Riskin, Liam O’Brien, and Virginia Van Upp, this heartwarming film will leave viewers both laughing and tearing up.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
27. Westward the Women (1951)
Westward the Women, a 1951 adventure drama Western, takes us on a captivating journey filled with thrills, romance, and danger. Set in the year 1851, the movie follows a trail guide as he escorts a group of women from the bustling city of Chicago to the picturesque yet untamed landscape of California. Their ultimate goal? To marry the men who have recently settled there, and create a new life in the wild frontier.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
28. The 25th Annual Academy Awards (1953)
Get ready for a memorable night as we take a dive into the past with “The 25th Annual Academy Awards” (1953). This cinematic celebration marked a significant milestone in television history, as it was the very first television broadcast of the annual motion picture awards ceremony.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
29. A Hole in the Head (1959)
A Hole in the Head” is a 1959 comedy-drama film directed by Frank Capra and written by Arnold Schulman. The movie features Frank Sinatra, Edward G. Robinson, and Eleanor Parker as the main stars. The story revolves around Tony, a widower who runs a bankrupt hotel in Miami and raises his 12-year-old son. As he struggles to keep the hotel afloat, he seeks help from his brother Mario, who demands a dramatic change in Tony’s bohemian lifestyle and marriage to a sensible woman in exchange for financial assistance.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
30. Pocketful of Miracles (1961)
In the charming 1961 film “Pocketful of Miracles, ” directed by legendary filmmaker Frank Capra, a New York gangster’s world is turned upside down when he and his girlfriend encounter a downtrodden apple seller named Apple Annie. Discovering that Apple Annie’s daughter is to be married into royalty, they embark on a hilarious and heartwarming quest to transform the street beggar into a high-society lady.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
31. Bing Crosby: His Life and Legend (1978)
Bing Crosby: His Life and Legend” is a captivating 1978 documentary delving into the life of the legendary actor, singer, and dancer, Bing Crosby. This in-depth exploration of his career, personal life, and contributions to the entertainment industry showcases his impressive talent and lasting impact.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
32. Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage (1983)
Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage is a hilarious and captivating film from 1983, featuring a compilation of bloopers and unusual moments from multiple movies. Directed by Ron Blackman, Bruce Goldstein, and Stanley Sheff, and written by Bruce Goldstein, this unique documentary-comedy offers viewers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the world of filmmaking. The film stars Gig Young, Bud Abbott, and Walter Abel, who bring their comedic talents to the screen to create a memorable and entertaining experience.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
33. George Stevens: A Filmmaker’s Journey (1984)
George Stevens: A Filmmaker’s Journey” is a captivating documentary that delves into the life and career of the Academy Award-winning director. Directed by George Stevens Jr. , this 1984 film offers a riveting glimpse into the world of one of Hollywood’s most legendary filmmakers. Featuring dramatic color footage of World War II, the documentary provides a unique insight into Stevens’ artistic journey and the impact he had on the film industry.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
34. James Stewart: A Wonderful Life - Hosted by Johnny Carson (1987)
Join Johnny Carson in hosting an extraordinary celebration of the life and Hollywood career of the legendary Jim Stewart. This 1987 biography sheds light on Stewart’s remarkable journey as an actor, director, and producer.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
35. Clarence (1990)
Clarence” is a delightful 1990 comedy-fantasy film that transports viewers to a world of magic and heartwarming laughter. The movie follows the adventures of Clarence, a guardian angel who is sent back to Earth to protect and assist another human. Along the way, Clarence encounters various characters, including a taxi cab driver, a video game company owner, and a software company executive, all while navigating the challenges of day-to-day life on Earth.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
36. Frank Capra’s American Dream (1997)
Frank Capra’s American Dream” is a captivating documentary film that explores the life and remarkable career of legendary filmmaker, Frank Capra. The film is hosted by none other than renowned director Ron Howard, who leads the audience through a journey filled with interviews, reminiscences, and insights from Capra’s close friends, colleagues, and admirers.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
37. The Lady with the Torch (1999)
The Lady with the Torch” (1999) is a compelling documentary that delves into the life and legacy of Jean Arthur, a Hollywood icon known for her captivating performances and timeless films. Directed by David Heeley and written by Joan Kramer and Heeley, this intriguing documentary takes viewers on a journey through Arthur’s career, highlighting her iconic roles, captivating interviews, and personal life.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
38. Why We Fight (2005)
Experience the thought-provoking documentary “Why We Fight, ” which delves into the realm of politics and war. Directed by Eugene Jarecki, the film examines the concept of American foreign policy, questioning the idea of military supremacy and its prevalence in American culture.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
39. Irving Thalberg: Prince of Hollywood (2005)
Irving Thalberg: Prince of Hollywood” is a captivating documentary film that pays tribute to the legendary producer, Irving Thalberg. Born in 1892, Thalberg established himself as a pioneer in the motion picture industry and played a vital role in the establishment of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Studios. His contributions to the world of cinema earned him several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Producer.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
40. Hollywood sul Tevere (2009)
Hollywood sul Tevere is an enchanting documentary showcasing the biggest names in Hollywood, captivating the audience through their journey in Italy from 1950 to 1970, as documented in Cinecittà Luce’s archives. Narrated by the talented director Marco Spagnoli, the film weaves an intriguing tale of legendary stars and unmissable moments, highlighting unparalleled charm and aura that emanated from the era. Featuring stars such as Louis Armstrong, Lauren Bacall, and Brigitte Bardot, the movie truly encapsulates the essence of Hollywood during its heyday in Italy.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
41. And the Oscar Goes to… (2014)
And the Oscar Goes to. . ” - a riveting documentary that delves into the rich history of the Academy Awards. Directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, the film brings to life the glitz and glamour, the triumphs and tribulations associated with this prestigious event.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
42. Triple Feature (2016)
Triple Feature” - a whimsical homage to the bygone era of classic cinema and theater-going experiences - transports its audience to another time with its delightful presentation of three distinct short films, spanning diverse genres. The first, “Lies During Wartime, ” delves into the complexities of relationships during war, as a returning soldier faces the challenge of coping with her absence. In the second installment, “The Dark Detective, ” a former police officer navigates the darker corners of society, pursuing a relentless path of justice.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
43. Night Job (2017)
Featuring a comedic ensemble of quirky characters, “Night Job” takes viewers on a roller-coaster ride through the first night of James’, a temp doorman, new employment. With a mix of misadventures, from run-ins with residents to encounters with bootleggers and con-men, the film showcases James’ struggle to balance his duties and navigate the unpredictable world of night shifts.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
44. The Great Buster (2018)
Get ready to dive into the life and work of one of the greatest comedy geniuses of all time with “The Great Buster”. This spell-binding documentary, directed by Peter Bogdanovich, takes us on a journey through the incredible world of Buster Keaton. From his rise to fame as a leading actor in the silent film era to his fall from public favor, this film paints a vivid portrait of the man behind the iconic character.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
That’s All Folks!
As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.