All 31 Carol Reed Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online
If you’re a fan of classic cinema or a film enthusiast looking to deepen your knowledge, you’ve come to the right place. In this roundup article, we’ll explore the remarkable work of Carol Reed, a British film director known for his versatile and profound contributions to the world of cinema. Join us as we dive into the rich tapestry of Reed’s filmography, highlighting the unique style, themes, and impact of his movies.
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1. The Squeaker (1930)
In this gripping crime drama set in 1930, “The Squeaker” follows a seasoned detective who takes on the risky yet enticing role of an ex-convict in an effort to unmask the seemingly benevolent leader of a local society. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that the respected figurehead is in fact a fence, masterminding the underworld operations.
2. Autumn Crocus (1934)
“Autumn Crocus, “ a captivating 1934 romantic drama, follows the enchanting story of a reserved Manchester schoolmistress as she embarks on a holiday in the mesmerizing Austrian Tyrol. Little did she know that her journey would take a surprising and passionate turn when love blossoms in the picturesque landscape. With a talented cast including Ivor Novello, Fay Compton, and Muriel Aked, this film explores the depths of human connection and the magic of love that can transform lives.
3. Midshipman Easy (1935)
Released in 1935, Midshipman Easy is a heart-pounding adventure film directed by acclaimed director Carol Reed and penned by the talented duo of Anthony Kimmins and Frederick Marryat. Boasting a stellar cast including Hughie Green, Margaret Lockwood, and Harry Tate, the film’s plot revolves around a daring young man who flees land to embark on a daring seafaring expedition. However, his quest for thrills and chills takes an unexpected turn as he finds himself embroiled in countless challenges and intrigues he never could have foreseen.
4. Talk of the Devil (1936)
Plunging into the darkness of corporate treachery, “Talk of the Devil” showcases a gripping narrative of deceit and betrayal. Conjured in 1936, the film chronicles the relentless pursuit of a ruthless business tycoon who is driven to pilfer his brother’s booming shipping empire. To achieve this audacious goal, he turns to an infamous impersonator who sets their sights on one of his brother’s daughters. As the imposter seamlessly infiltrates the family, she hones her skills into a lethal art, culminating in a heart-wrenching catastrophe that implicates all involved in a deadly game.
5. Who’s Your Lady Friend? (1937)
“Who’s Your Lady Friend? “, released in 1937, is a light-hearted comedy that unfolds around a plastic surgeon’s unexpected encounter with the wrong lady. The movie begins with the surgeon, who is preoccupied with his work, sending his trusty assistant to fetch a patient for a routine surgical procedure. However, confusion ensues when the assistant mistakenly brings in a young woman not scheduled for such a procedure. This unexpected meeting, accompanied by its comedic twists and turns, throws the surgeon’s personal and professional life into turmoil.
6. Climbing High (1938)
A charming comedy set in 1930s London, Climbing High follows the tale of wealthy young man Nicky (Sir Michael Redgrave), who pretends to be poor to be closer to the captivating model Diana (Jesse Matthews) despite his impending engagement to aristocrat Lady Constance (Margaret Vyner). As their love blossoms, Nicky discovers the enchanting world of Switzerland’s majestic mountains.
7. Penny Paradise (1938)
“Penny Paradise” is a delightful 1938 British comedy-musical film directed by Carol Reed. Set in Liverpool, the movie revolves around the life of a tugboat captain who stumbles upon a fortune from penny pools, a popular lottery game of the time. With his newfound wealth, he quits his job and hosts an extravagant party, believing that all his dreams have come true. However, as the movie unfolds, it seems he may not have actually won the jackpot, and he faces a series of challenges in trying to claim his prize.
8. Bank Holiday (1938)
“Bank Holiday” transports viewers to a vibrant 1930s Britain, where a group of charming characters set out to experience the thrills and spills of the perfect summer holiday. The film’s delightful mix of comedy and drama unfolds against the bustling backdrop of Brighton, a seaside town that’s teeming with excitement and adventure.
9. A Girl Must Live (1939)
In the quintessential 1939 British comedy-drama, “A Girl Must Live, “ audiences are invited into the world of a young runaway schoolgirl from a background of poverty who finds herself in the midst of a group of ambitious chorus girls, all of whom are planning to marry their way into nobility. With a deft blend of humor and drama, the film navigates themes of ambition, deceit, and the relentless quest for a better life.
10. The Stars Look Down (1940)
In the small, gritty village of Ashley, life is hard for the miners, and their working conditions are anything but safe. The film, “The Stars Look Down” (1940) follows Bob Fenwick, a tenacious miner, as he takes a stand against the injustices and spearheads a strike for better safety measures at the local colliery. As the strike unfolds, Bob’s son, David, leaves for university with dreams of becoming a doctor and returning to help his people.
11. The Girl in the News (1940)
“The Girl in the News, “ released in 1941, is a chilling crime thriller that sees nurse Anne acquitted of murder following a deadly patient incident. Fearing her past, Anne assumes a new identity and starts working for Edward Bentley, only to find herself back in the dock when he too dies under mysterious circumstances.
12. Night Train to Munich (1940)
“Night Train to Munich” is a 1940 thrilling tale of espionage set against the backdrop of the German invasion of Czechoslovakia. With the British and German intelligence services engaged in a race to capture the prized Dr.
13. The Remarkable Mr. Kipps (1941)
In “The Remarkable Mr. Kipps, “ a young draper’s apprentice named Kipps, played by Michael Redgrave, unexpectedly inherits a fortune, believing all his dreams have come true. However, he soon discovers that wealth cannot make him a gentleman or win the heart of the girl he truly desires.
14. The Young Mr. Pitt (1942)
“The Young Mr. Pitt, “ a gripping biopic released in 1942, delves into the life of William Pitt, also known as Pitt the Younger, who became the youngest Prime Minister of Great Britain at the tender age of twenty-four.
15. The Way Ahead (1944)
In the heart of World War II, “The Way Ahead” (1944) is an unforgettable British drama that explores the life-changing experiences of a group of draftees. Told with raw emotion and realistic detail, this film takes viewers on a journey through the soldiers’ intense basic training and ultimate deployment to North Africa.
16. The True Glory (1945)
“The True Glory” captures the raw, unfiltered essence of the allied invasion of Europe during World War II. Compiled from the footage of nearly 1,400 cameramen, it provides an unparalleled perspective on the pivotal military operation in 1945.
17. Odd Man Out (1947)
“Odd Man Out” is an intense and gripping 1947 noir film set in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The movie centers around Johnny McQueen, a wounded Irish nationalist leader attempting to evade the police after a failed robbery.
18. The Fallen Idol (1948)
“The Fallen Idol”, originally titled as “The Little Warlord”, is a gripping British Noir and Euro Noir film directed by Carol Reed. The movie, released in 1949, features a stellar cast including Ralph Richardson, Michèle Morgan, and Sonia Dresdel. Set in London, the film explores the life of a faithful butler working in a foreign embassy whose life spirals out of control when his wife tragically falls to her death. The only witness to the event is a young, impressionable boy.
19. The Third Man (1949)
In the haunting, post-war city of Vienna, British pulp novelist Holly Martins arrives only to be thrust into the mystery of his late friend Harry Lime’s suspicious death. As Holly unravels secretive webs and confounding evidence, he plunges deeper into a terrifying conspiracy.
20. Outcast of the Islands (1951)
“The Island Exile” is a riveting 1951 adventure drama film directed by Carol Reed and penned by Joseph Conrad and William Fairchild. The story takes place in a bustling East Asian port, where the protagonist, a trustworthy man, is unjustly fired from his job due to a stolen item.
21. The Man Between (1953)
“The Man Between” is a gripping drama set in post-WW2 Berlin, where tension between East and West is palpable. The story revolves around the kidnapping of a British officer’s sister by Communist agents, who transport her into the Soviet sector. With travel between the sectors restricted, her rescue becomes an intense manhunt, orchestrated by a skilled German smuggler.
22. A Kid for Two Farthings (1955)
Embark on an enchanting journey with the delightful comedy-drama, “A Kid for Two Farthings, “ released in 1955. This heartwarming family film, set in England and starring a talented ensemble cast including Celia Johnson, Diana Dors, and David Kossoff, unfolds the extraordinary tale of a young boy named Joe.
23. Trapeze (1956)
“Trapeze, “ set against the backdrop of a thrilling circus, weaves a compelling tale of love, ambition, and betrayal. Centered around an injured acrobat who is emotionally torn between two talented trapeze artists, the film beautifully captures the allure and intensity of a circus setting.
24. The Key (1958)
“The Key” is a captivating drama and war movie set during World War II. The film revolves around a home-port apartment shared by a lonely Swiss-Italian young war-widow and the various British captains sent on perilous salvage missions.
25. Our Man in Havana (1959)
In the captivating 1959 film “Our Man in Havana, “ vacuum cleaner salesman Jim Wormold finds himself in a web of espionage by joining the British Secret Service. Initially, he concocts elaborate lies to aid his fictional spy adventures. However, Wormold soon discovers that deception has the power to turn a simple vacuum cleaner salesman’s life into a high-stakes Cold War drama.
26. Mutiny on the Bounty (1962)
Embark on a thrilling adventure with “Mutiny on the Bounty” (1962), as British merchant ship HMS Bounty sets sail from England to Tahiti in search of breadfruit plants. However, Captain Bligh’s savage on-board conditions ignite a mutiny led by officer Fletcher Christian, played brilliantly by Marlon Brando. Witness the tension and danger unfold as the crew fights for their freedom and faces the consequences of their rebellion.
27. The Running Man (1963)
The Running Man, helmed by director Carol Reed, is an intense crime drama from 1963 that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The central plot revolves around an Englishman harboring a grudge against an insurance company for an unauthorized claim. To take matters into his own hands, this individual fakes his own death but swiftly finds himself pursued by a tenacious insurance investigator.
28. The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)
Experience the unforgettable tale of passion and creation in “The Agony and the Ecstasy” (1965), directed by Carol Reed. This gripping biographical drama offers a rare glimpse into the world of Renaissance artist Michelangelo, as he faces countless challenges while painting the Sistine Chapel at the behest of Pope Julius II.
29. Oliver! (1968)
In the enchanting 1968 drama “Oliver! “, audiences are treated to a tale of adventure, romance, and hope as seen through the eyes of a young boy. The film is based on Charles Dickens’ celebrated novel and features a stellar cast, including Mark Lester as the titular character, Ron Moody as the menacing villain Fagin, and Shani Wallis as the love interest Nancy.
30. Flap (1970)
In the quirky 1970 film “Flap, “ director Carol Reed and writer Clair Huffaker create a comedic tale centered around the lives of modern aboriginal Americans living on Navajo reservations in Arizona.
31. The Public Eye (1972)
“The Public Eye, “ originally titled “Follow Me, “ is a 1972 British comedy-drama film directed by Carol Reed and written by Peter Shaffer. The film stars Mia Farrow, Topol, and Michael Jayston.
