30 Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies: Her Top Classic Films
This post may contain affiliate links
The best Barbara Stanwyck movies including Barbara Stanwyck movies 1940s, Barbara Stanwyck western movies, and Barbara Stanwyck Christmas movies.
This post is all about the 30 top Barbara Stanwyck movies ranked best to worst
The talented Barbara Stanwyck starred in 93 films and a host of TV shows across her legendary career.
Her first film was in 1927 and she would continue acting until 1986!
Her films continue enthrall audiences decades later and top the must-watch list across genres, from romantic comedies to dramas to thrillers.
We’ve ranked the top 30 Barbara Stanwyck films, from best to worse, so that you can enjoy the incredible powerhouse of talent behind the seductive husky voice with the Brooklyn accent and shapely legs.
Why is Barbara Stanwyck such a legend?
Barbara Stanwyck’s mix of talent & versatility, combined with her magnetic presence on screen and Old Hollywood glamour made her a popular actress for decades and still recognized today.
Talent & Versatility
Barbara Stanwyck built her whole life around acting.
As a child on the playground she mimiced her favorite silent actress, and at 17 started her career as a teenage chorus girl in speakeasy nightclubs whose sordid clientele included mafia gangsters.
Her drive coupled with her incredible talent enabled her to splendidly perform a versatile range of roles and genres, from westerns, to comedies, dramas, and film noirs.
In one film she would be a cold and calculating femme fatale, and in the next she would be a vulnerable heroine that everyone is unconsciously rooting for.
This remarkable range for an actress is truly exemplary and continues to captivate audiences.
Magnetic Presence On Screen
Barbara Stanwyck’s love of acting comes across in her compelling and unforgettable performances.
Before one’s eyes she brought highly complex and unforgettable characters to life, which mirroring the complexity of the human soul, showing how the same character can be vulnerable, strong, alluring, and devious, all at the same time.
Old Hollywood Glamour
Barbara Stanwyck was one of the foremost actresses during the classic days of Old Hollywood and her costumes and outfits show us inspiring examples of 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s classic vintage fashion.
The glamour and sensual allure of this era sizzles as Barbara Stanwyck wears her on and offscreen outfits with effortless ease.
The magic and nostalgia of classic cinema, highlighting the best of an era gone by is inspiring.
We’re certain you’ll love these top Barbara Stanwyck movies and build unforgettable memories with family and friends as you incorporate them into your yearly “must watch lists”, like your soon to be new favorite Christmas movie, the romantic comedy Christmas in Connecticut.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #1 – Double Indemnity (1944)
An edge of your seat film noir directed by Billy Wilder and co-starring Fred MacMurray and Edward G Robinson.
Story
In this suspenseful film noir, a naive insurance agent (Fred MacMurray) falls for a seductive and calculating married woman, who has decided to kill her husband for the accident insurance policy.
She needs help to pull it off.
The question is–will they be able to get away with it?
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style):
The legendary costume designer, Edith Head, designed Barbara Stanwyck’s stunning wardrobe in Double Indemnity.
She didn’t want a gaudy cheap sleazy look, so she balanced the platinum blonde hair, dramatic make-up and rich heavy jewelry with classic feminine outfits, to hide the wiles of the femme fatale.
These wardrobe contrasts mirror her devious character.
You never can quite trust what she says.
For example, her iconic seductive anklet that the insurance agent can’t get out of his head draws attention to her shapely legs (and although accompanied by her oversized cocktail ring and dramatic cuff bracelet), it is paired with a very proper and feminine ruffle-front shirtdress.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #2: The File on Thelma Jordon (1949)
A suspense film noir directed by Robert Siodmak and co-starring Wendell Corey and Paul Kelly
Story
In this suspense thriller, an assistant District Attorney starts to fall for the mysterious Thelma Jordan, who enlists his help in solving robberies at her aunt’s estate.
However Thelma Jordan soon becomes the center of a murder investigation, and the DA uses his influence to cover for her.
Is she the victim, or could she possibly be the perpetrator?
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck plays the part of the alluring femme fatale in style, with an impressive wardrobe of stunning 1940s style outfits ranging from tailored dresses, to two piece dress suits, and tailored coats.
Notice the influence of Christian Dior’s 1947 ‘New Look’ on her clothing, from the softy rounded shoulders, to the narrow waists, and mid-calf hemlines with a wide flared hem of her dresses.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #3 – Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
A Romantic Comedy directed by Peter Godfrey and co-starring Dennis Morgan and Sydney Greenstreet
Story
A successful food writer columnist who has pretended to be a farm housewife, mother, and excellent cook, scrambles to cover her lies when her big boss announces that she will host him and returning war hero at her non-existent country home for Christmas.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck wears a variety of fabulous 1940s outfits, ranging from practical day dresses (and adorable vintage aprons!), to practical blouse and skirt work outfits, to cocktail evening gowns and over the top fur coats.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #4 – The Two Mrs. Carrolls (1947)
A suspenseful film noir directed by Peter Godfrey and co-starring Humphrey Bogart and Alexis Smith
Story
While on holiday in the country, a wealthy woman falls in love with a talented artist, played by Humphrey Bogart.
Little does she know that he routinely poisons one wife and moves onto the next, when the former has ceased to inspire his paint brush.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck wears a fabulous collection of 1940s style day dresses, from two piece suit outfits, to simple patterned day dresses, and tailored coats.
Humphrey Bogart looks fantastic in his tailored mensware, ranging from his iconic trench coat looks to his fastidious two piece suits.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #5 – The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)
A film noir directed by Lewis Milestone and co-starring Kirk Douglas, Lizabeth Scott and Van Heflin
Story
Tension and passion enter the seemingly perfect life of the rich and powerful Martha Ivers (Barbara Stanwyck) when her old boyfriend arrives in town.
The dark demons of the past swirl and blackmail threatens the terrible secret of her rich aunt’s murder years earlier.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck and Lizabeth Scott sizzle in their vintage style glam 1940s outfits, ranging from matching coat and headscarf ensembles, to shorts and cropped tie shirts, day dresses, two piece suits, and evening gowns.
The vintage men’s fashion also holds its own with a tasteful collection of tailored mens suits that Kirk Douglas and Van Heflin wear with effortless ease.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #6 – Sorry, Wrong Number (1948)
A film noir thriller directed by Anatole Litvak and co-starring Burt Lancaster.Story
Story
A wealthy invalid woman overhears a murder plot on the telephone, and becomes increasingly desperate to solve the crime.
Helpless, her fear mounts, as she pieces together that she is the intended victim.
Vintage Fashion (1940s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck’s 1940s style negligee and floral wrap showcase some of the best vintage nighttime attire out there.
We love how classy and chic this outfit is!
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #7 – No Man of Her Own
A romantic film noir directed by Mitchell Leisen and co-starring John Lund and Jane Cowl.
Story
After a fateful train crash, a pregnant young woman assumes the identity of another wealthy pregnant woman.
When her cutthroat ex boyfriend shows up to blackmail her, murder seems the only way out to protect her baby and new family.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1950s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck wears a fantastic collection of early 1950s outfits, ranging from simple day dresses, as befit her status as a poor woman, to more tailored and glam outfits in her new role in her socially well off family.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #8 – Clash by Night (1952)
A Romantic Film Noir directed by Fritz Lang and co-starring Paul Douglas, Robert Ryan, and Marilyn Monroe.
Story
In this romantic film noir, the resentful and cynical Mae Doyle leaves New York to return home to a small fishing village, after her boyfriend dies.
She soon marries, but then starts an affair with her husband’s brutish friend, and the tension from the love triangle sizzle to a murderous climax.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1950s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck and Marilyn Monroe wear a fabulous collection of early 1950s outfits, ranging from casual Levi jeans and button-up tops styles, to simple house dresses, and more classy day dresses.
The 1950s mens fashion ranges from dressy cocktail style to a variety of practical worker’s outfits.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #9 – The Lady Eve (1941)
A screwball romantic comedy directed by Preston Sturges and co-starring Henry Fonda and Charles Coburn
Story
The seductive female con artist Jean (Barbara Stanwyck) sets her sights on a naive handsome millionaire (Henry Fonda).
However as soon as he suspects she’s only after his money, she’s dumped.
The plot thickens because Jean has fallen in love with her mark.
Her revenge? Get re-introduced to his circle as the sultry aristocrat, Lady Eve.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1950s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck’s 1940s wardrobe contains an iconic selection of early 1940s style dresses, ranging from casual dresses, to fur coats and sequined evening gowns, designed by the legendary costume designer Edith Head.
The Spanish motif styling that Edith Head employed in her cocktail dress designs would then go on to become a popular 1940s style trend, thanks to this film.
Edith Head also transformed Stanwyck’s willowly thin figure from a ‘plain Jane’ into a sex symbol.
This launched Edith Head into public acclaim and cemented Stanwyck’s new sultry sex status in the eyes of the public.
After Lady Eve, Barbara Stanwyck insisted that Edith Head design the wardrobes for her films.
“From then on I had Edith Head’s name written into every contract, no matter what studio I was working for’. But it wasn’t just industry acclaim: the public approved of the Spanish motifs Head used, and a wave of Latin American fashions swept across Europe.” — Barbara Stanwyck
Other posts you might like:
Costume Designer Edith Head | Her Stunning Fashion and Award-winning Costumes
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #10 – Titanic (1953)
A historical romantic drama directed by Jean Negulesco and co-starring Clifton Webb and Robert Wagner
Story
Julia Sturges and her children board the RMS Titanic, sailing for America.
Coming from a small town in Michigan, she is uncomfortable in her husband’s elite circles with the wealthy British upper crust.
Her husband, not wanting his children to leave England, finds out at the last minute and follows them onboard.
Soon their family squabbles pale in comparison with the fate of the ship.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1950s Style)
In her role as the American wife of an aristocrat, Barbara Stanwyck has a fabulous wardrobe of 1950s outfits, ranging from classy day dresses, tailored coats, to fur lined evening gowns and fur coats.
There is also a great collection of 1950s mens fashion and sailor outfits, which combined with the ground-breaking special effects used in 1953, bring this story alive.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #11 – Executive Suite
A bold Romantic Drama directed by Robert Wise and co-starring William Holden and June Allyson
Story
The legendary president of a large manufacturing firm suddenly dies.
Which of his VPs will assume his coveted position of power and influence?
A game of double-cross and insider back-stabbing is set in motion, as there was no official line of succession.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1950s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck and the other lead ladies look absolutely fabulous in their delightful collection of 1950s style work outfits that are chic, feminine, and professional.
The powerful and hungry businessmen also have an impressive line-up of 1950s style suits in a variety of colors and fabrics, with a few variations of one of the all time vintage classics–the iconic vintage pinstripe pattern.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #12 – The Miracle Woman (1931)
A romantic drama directed by Frank Capra and co-starring David Manners and Sam Hardy
Story
After watching her hardworking father, a minister, die unappreciated in his church, the disillusioned and bitter Florence Fallon gets her revenge by perpetrating the perfect con–perform fake miracles for money!
Can the unwavering faith and devotion of a blind man possibly change everything and bring happiness?
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
This early 1930s film has a fabulous collection of women’s dresses, from simple day dresses to more elaborate evening gowns and performance outfits.
You’ll also enjoy the 1930s menswear that centers on an impressive suit and hat collection.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #13 – Gambling Lady (1934)
A mystery drama film directed by Archie Mayo and co-starring Joel McCrea and Pat O’Brien
Story
To earn her living, the beautiful and independent Lady Lee (Barbara Stanwyck) dares to take up high stakes gambling.
When a marriage proposal from a high society man lands in her lap, she is torn on what to do next.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck has an incredible wardrobe of mid-1930s style outfits, ranging from practical and chic day dresses to glittering cocktail and evening gowns that she wears as a professional gambler.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #14 – Remember the Night
A romantic comedy-drama directed by Mitchell Leisen and co-starring Fred MacMurray, and Beulah Bondi
Story
A compassionate attorney posts bail for a derelict and lonely shoplifter.
Unexpectedly love blossoms as she joins his him and his mother for a cozy Christmas celebration.
The question is–what will happen at her trial, since this was her third offense?
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck looks chic in her feminine and tailored 1940s style gowns, ranging from a cozy evening robe, to two piece day dresses and classy accessories.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #15 – East Side, West Side (1949)
A drama directed by Mervyn LeRoy and co-starring James Mason, Ava Gardner, and Van Heflin.
Story
In this romantic drama set in the glittering world of wealthy socialites, a seductive former girlfriend enters the picture, putting a self-centered businessman’s marriage at risk.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck and Ava Gardner dazzle on screen in their fabulous collection of late 1940s vintage glam outfits, wearing an unforgettable collection of stunning two piece tailored skirt suits, evening gowns, and furs.
James Mason and Van Heflin also hold their own with some great late 1940s menswear, from their casual two piece suits to striking black tie ensembles.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #16 – Forty Guns (1957)
A Western film directed by Samuel Fuller and co-starring Barry Sullivan, and Dean Jagger
Story
A wealthy and powerful landowner in Arizona controls a territory with her hired guns (nicknamed the “Forty Guns”).
However when a handsome new U.S. Marshal arrives on the scene to restore order, the showdown gets complicated as he starts falling for the cold and ruthless Jessica Drummond (Barbara Stanwyck).
Vintage Fashion
This film showcases an impressive collection of men and women’s western outfits, ranging from practical daytime pieces to more elaborate and seductive evening styles.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #17 – Ball of Fire (1941)
A screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks and co-starring Gary Cooper and Oscar Homolka
Story
A sexy and witty burlesque dancer hides out in a Manhatten mansion with a group of professors who are writing a new encyclopedia.
She is on the run from the police (who want her testimony in a homicide case against her mobster boyfriend).
And the professors? They simply want to learn how slang is used in modern language.
What could possibly go wrong?
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck’s remarkable 1940s wardrobe ranges from slinky and risqué (by 40s standards) nightclub performance outfits, to classy day dresses.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #18 – Ladies of Leisure (1930)
A romantic drama film directed by Frank Capra and co-starring Ralph Graves and Lowell Sherman
Story
A upper-crust aspiring artist hires a beautiful model so that he capture her beauty on canvas.
Despite her shady past, they soon fall for each other, but their happiness is threatened by the man’s wealthy snobby family and the model’s ex lover.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
The film has a unique collection of early 1930s style outfits, ranging from practical day dresses, silk night gowns, and robes, to more frilly and dramatic styles edged with tassels and fur.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #19 – Meet John Doe (1941)
—
A drama film directed by Frank Capra and co-starring Gary Cooper and Edward Arnold
Story
An ambitious and cynical newspaper reporter (Barbara Stanwyck) hires a handsome penniless drifter (Gary Cooper) to impersonate a non-existent “John Doe” to protest social ills. Unexpectedly a social movement is ignited.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck wears a fabulous collection of 1940s work outfits for her role as a female journalist, from feminine two piece suits, to tailored coats and evening gowns. Her simple feminine accessories (from her tasteful hats to a pocket flower corsage) delightfully complement her masculine suiting.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #20 – Annie Oakley (1935)
A Western drama directed by George Stevens and co-starring Preston Foster and Melvyn Douglas
Story
Barbara Stanwyck sizzles on screen in this romanticized biography of the fiery trailblazing sharpshooter, Annie Oakley.
When Annie falls for her rival marksman, it’s officially GAME ON!
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #21 – Union Pacific (1939)
A dramatic western directed by Cecil B. DeMille and co-starring Joel McCrea and Akim Tamiroff
Story
Romance, action, and western adventure abound in this 1860s tale about powerful rival railroads battling for dominance in the construction of the First Continental Railroad of the United States.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #22 – Golden Boy (1939)
A Romantic Drama directed by Rouben Mamoulian and co-starring Adolphe Menjou and William Holden
Story
This sports romance centers on a highly talented violist who throws aside his musical career to pursue his dream of boxing.
However his relationship with the boxing manager’s girlfriend (Barbara Stanwyck), a tragic incident in the boxing ring, and the entrance of a powerful gangster complicates the plot.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck wears a variety of classic 1930s style day dresses and two piece suits, as well as some pantsuit outfits and fabulous fur coats.
William Holden and Adolphe Menjou also had a great collection of 1930s style outfits, including casual day suits and 1930s style athletic wear.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #23 – Forbidden (1932)
A romantic drama film directed by Frank Capra and co-starring Adolphe Menjou and Ralph Bellamy
Story
During a cruise, a beautiful librarian falls for an unobtainable district attorney.
After she becomes pregnant, complications arise, as the aspiring politician is running for a prominent statewide office and has an invalid wife.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck wears a delightful collection of early 1930s dresses, ranging from a simple housewife dress and apron styles, to practical two piece work outfits and fitted coats, to glitzy sequined and fur cocktail dresses.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #24 – Baby Face (1933)
A Romantic Drama directed by Alfred E Green and co-starring George Brent and Donald Cook
Story
A femme fatale, who was used by men when she was younger, turns the tables and decides to use men to seduce her way from basement bartender to the top floor of a big city bank.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
As Barbara Stanwyck’s social status moves up (floor by floor), her 1930s hair and clothes styles change, mirroring her journey from basement bar tender to the bank’s president’s girlfriend.
You’ll love the variety of 1930s hair styles from short to longer and tightly coiffured to fluffy, as well her outfits that initially are the simple practical outfits of a poor working girl, and then are ultimately glamorous ensembles, respondent in sequins and fur.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #25 – Stella Dallas (1937)
A Romantic Drama directed by King Vidor and co-starring John Boles and Anne Shirley
Story
A beautiful working class woman divorces her wealthy husband and centers her life on giving her daughter the best socially promising future possible.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
This film has a great collection of women and girls 1930s styled dresses, ranging from the simple practical dresses to the more elaborate outfits worn, replete with frills, furs, and opulent accessories.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #26 – Ladies They Talk About (1933)
A Drama directed by Howard Bretherton and William Keighley and co-starring Preston Foster and Lyle Talbot
Story
The pretty and successful bank robber, Nan, is sent to prison after her boyfriend turns her.
He still loves her and wants her to do her time. Is she willing to change or will she get caught up in a prison escape plan?
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
You’ll love the fascinating variety of 1930s mens and women’ styles, ranging from everyday practical working outfits, to the more glam looks for the bank robberies, to her the 30s prisoner and guard uniforms.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #27 – All I Desire (1953)
A Romantic Drama directed by Douglas Sirk and co-starring Richard Carlson and Lyle Bettger
Story
In this 1910 melodrama, a stunning small town woman revisits the family she’d deserted to pursue her dream of fame in the vaudeville theatre.
For more black and white romance movies:
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #26 – Lady of Burlesque (1943)
A musical comedy-mystery film directed by William A. Wellman and co-starring Michael O’Shea and J. Edward Bromberg
Story
After two performers are mysteriously murdered at the burlesque theatre, the suspicion turns on the new dancer, Sassy Dixie Daisy, who must race against time to clear her own name and identify the killer before he strikes again.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1940s Style)
Prepare to be amused and impressed with the impressive array of early 1940s burlesque style slinky outfits which pair perfectly with the vintage musical dance numbers.
We also love the handful of lovely 1940s style day dresses and evening gowns which make the film period truly authentic.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #29 – So Big! (1932)
A romantic drama directed by William A. Wellman and co-starring George Brent and Dickie Moore
Story
Upon the death of her father, Selina’s cozy and simple life changes, as she is sent to boarding school.
When she takes a position as a teacher in a small farming town, the next chapter in her life is about to unfold, which includes love and a child.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck wears an impressive collection of early 1930s style dresses, which range from practical day dresses, to simple school teacher’s outfits to dramatic layered traveling coats.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies #30 – Bitter Tea of General Yen (1933)
A romantic war drama film directed by Frank Capra and co-starring Nils Asther and Toshia Mori Story
During the Chinese Civil War in Shanghai, when a beautiful engaged Christian missionary is saved during a conflict by the powerful and gentle Chinese warlord, General Yen, she falls under his spell.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1930s Style)
Barbara Stanwyck sizzles in a collection of early 1930s styled dresses, ranging from column styled day dresses to delightful and truly unique Asian inspired two piece outfits, robes, and glittering mandarin styled dresses.
This post was all about the 30 top Barbara Stanwyck movies ranked best to worst, and her iconic Old Hollywood Glamour style
What is your favorite Barbara Stanwyck movie?
Which of her Old Hollywood Glamour styles is your favorite?
Do you prefer her 1930s style, 1940s fashion, or 1950s vintage style outfits?
Other posts you might like:
30 Top Movies of Cary Grant Ranked Best to Worst
31 Beautiful Old Hollywood Actresses – Old Hollywood Glamour at it’s Best
20 of the Best 1950s Film Noir Movies You’ll Love
27 Best Comedy Movies 1940s – Find Your New Favorite Classic!
15 Greatest Rita Hayworth Movies & Films, Ranked
