Top Ten Movies Starring Frank Sinatra

Sinatra was a great singer. We all know that. He was also a very good actor, and this is my list of his greatest contributions to film.
The Top Ten
From Here to Eternity

This was the role that gave Frank Sinatra his legendary comeback as Private Maggio, tormented by Ernest Borgnine's Fatso.

It was a military movie based on the bestselling James Jones novel and takes place before and during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The all-star cast includes Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, and Donna Reed (who also won an Oscar). The film was named Best Picture of the year at the Academy Awards.

High Society

This movie always makes me smile. So many great numbers. Crosby and Sinatra singing "Did You Ever?" is fantastic. A classic.

The Manchurian Candidate

One of the sharpest political thrillers ever put to film. Under the direction of John Frankenheimer ("Ronin," "Seconds"), Frank Sinatra shines as a soldier who must stop fellow veteran Laurence Harvey, who may be a brainwashed assassin.

"Murder She Wrote" star Angela Lansbury stuns as Harvey's domineering, evil mother. The film was also remade in 2004 with Denzel Washington in the Sinatra role.

The Man with the Golden Arm

Finally saw this movie. Very well made and acted. Sinatra pulls out all the stops.

However, it is a bit puzzling at times. A couple of the main characters are never explained, and you're left wondering why they did the things they did. I suppose that's a lot like real life in that sense, but with movies, you usually know what's going on in people's heads for the most part, at least with the main characters.

Anyway, well worth seeing.

Mr. Sinatra was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his gut-wrenching portrayal of a drummer and card dealer with a drug addiction. It was a provocative subject for its day and, though a bit dated in some ways, it is still quite potent thanks to the performances and Elmer Bernstein's terrific score.

On the Town

Considered the best of the three romantic comedy musicals Sinatra made with top movie dancer Gene Kelly. The first was "Anchors Aweigh" (1945), which featured Kelly's famous dance with Jerry the Mouse and Sinatra crooning Brahms' Lullaby to a young Dean Stockwell (of "Quantum Leap" fame).

The second film had the two playing a vaudeville duo who also played baseball in "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" (1949). "On the Town" was one of the very first studio films to be shot on location in NYC. It is fast, funny, and tuneful.

Good movie. When I first saw it, I thought it was going to be boring, but it exceeded my expectations.

Ocean's 11

It's the best just because it is. Great movie!

How is this not in the top three?!

Ocean's 11 is the best Sinatra movie, hands down. Forget The Man with the Golden Arm.

Suddenly

In one of his few appearances as a villain, Sinatra plays a cold-blooded presidential assassin with conviction. The supporting cast includes Nancy Gates, James Gleason, and Sterling Hayden (who later had a role in "The Godfather").

The Joker is Wild

That same year, Frank was playing true-life friend comedian Joe E. Brown, who had some run-ins with the mob. When his throat is slashed, he switches from singer to comedian. Sinatra gave one of his most sympathetic performances in this movie.

I saw this film many years ago, and it had a lasting impression on me. However, I couldn't remember the title. Now that I have found it, I can try to find a copy of it, thanks to this website.

This is a terrific movie, very entertaining. Sinatra is superb. One of the very best Sinatra movies.

Anchors Aweigh
The Devil at 4 O'Clock

The Newcomers

? None but the Brave
? Assault on a Queen
The Contenders
A Hole In the Head
The First Deadly Sin

Admittedly not a great film, but Mr. Sinatra delivers a solid performance. He plays a retiring police detective on his last case, while his wife lies dying in the hospital.

It is not particularly exciting but is an interesting drama based on the Lawrence Sanders novel. Roman Polanski was supposed to direct, but he fled the country and Brian G. Hutton replaced him.

Guys and Dolls

Oh, how I adore this musical. But I'd have to put it just behind his very best: High Society (why not on this list, hmm?).

Nathan Detroit is addicted to gambling, much to the despair of ever-patient Adelaide, still waiting to become his wife after a fourteen-year-long engagement.

I love watching this on wet, cold Sunday afternoons with a blanket around me, and just melting into this wonderful story of love, friendship, and loyalty. Perfect!

Another musical, this time the classic about Damon Runyon gamblers and a local missionary group out to save their souls. Lively, colorful characters and some terrific songs help keep the entertainment plentiful.

Sinatra didn't like that Marlon Brando was cast in the role he wanted (the lead, Sky Masterson), while he supported as the neer-do-well Nathan Detroit, but he does a good job. It is a kick watching serious thespians Brando and Jean Simmons singing and dancing!

Von Ryan's Express
Pal Joey

Golden Globe-winning musical performance by Mr. Sinatra, who plays a womanizer trying to make it big as a nightclub singer. Excellent art direction and music elevate this as one of Sinatra's finest musicals.

Some Came Running

Sinatra is a veteran and author returning home after some time and has to deal with family issues. Shirley MacLaine is the one who really shines as the clingy, eccentric young woman who falls for him.

Dean Martin is also on hand in the first of several pairings on screen with Sinatra. The great Vincente Minnelli directed. (Not a musical.)

This is one of my all-time favorite movies. It is one of those rare movies that is better than the book.

This is his third great performance after The Manchurian Candidate and From Here to Eternity.

Young at Heart
The Pride and the Passion
Never So Few

Steve McQueen does great in this movie!

4 for Texas
Kings Go Forth
Not As a Stranger
It Happened In Brooklyn
Robin and the Seven Hoods

Great cast of stars and song routines. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jr., Barbara Rush, Peter Falk, and many other character actors that you'll immediately recognize.

A fun film portraying a whimsical gangland persona with many innovative scenes and song-and-dance routines by a unique mix of some of Hollywood's finest! This film actually works well when presented over the fall holiday season. I enjoy the unique songs created for this film, including "Mr. Booze," which is shown during a soup kitchen-style meeting of downtrodden alcoholics seeking redemption.

One of my favorites!

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