15 Greatest Lauren Bacall Movies & Films Ranked
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The 15 Best Lauren Bacall movies, including Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart movies, and 2 bonus titles.
This post is all about the best Lauren Bacall movies
Looking for the best Lauren Bacall movies to watch?
It was a tough assignment to narrow down and stack rank the incredible classics from this beloved Old Hollywood actress and legend…
But we’ve done our very best, and we’re sure that you’ll love the line-up.
Get ready for a collection of unforgettable film noirs, romantic comedies, dramas, and mysteries.
Before we jump into the best Lauren Bacall films, let’s peek behind the curtain, so we can better understand Lauren Bacall and her impact on film and fashion.
Lauren Bacall’s Rise to Fame & Impact on Old Hollywood & Fashion
As a seventeen year old, Lauren Bacall started off her career in Broadway and then modeling.
This talented young beauty had “cat-like grace, tawny blonde hair, and blue-green eyes,” per the 1948 Life magazine article.
At nineteen, after she was cast opposite Humphrey Bogart in the 1944 film noir, To Have and Have Not the rest, as they say, was history.
The sizzle between Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart, not only stole the leading man’s heart, but upon the release of the film, it catapulted Lauren Bacall into instant fame.
She also became known for her iconic effortless style and helping popularize pants for women in the 1940s.
At twenty, the willowy Bacall who was 5 feet 8.5 inches, married Bogart, who was twenty-five years older, and half an inch shorter.
He would go on to ultimately be named the greatest movie star in history.
In her impressive career that spanned over seventy years, Lauren Bacall received Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy nominations for her work across film, television and music.
Plus she received two Tony Awards for her Broadway performances.
From to film noirs, to mysteries, to dramas, to romantic comedies, Lauren Bacall’s iconic performances in Old Hollywood classic films across genres continue to top the best movies lists of all time.
Best Lauren Bacall Movies #1: Dark Passage
A thrilling film noir directed by Delmer Daves, co-starring Humphrey Bogart, Agnes Moorehead, and Bruce Bennett.
Story:
A man, falsely imprisoned for his wife’s murder, escapes, and is on the run from the law. He undergoes plastic surgery to evade capture, so he can hunt for the real killer.
If you love film noirs, you might also like:
Killer 1940s Film Noirs – The Best 1940s Film Noirs by Year
20 of the Best 1950s Film Noir Movies You’ll Love
Fashion (1940s Style):
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall sizzle in their classic 1940s noir attire, which includes iconic trench coats, tailored suits and pencil skirt styles.
To learn more about Lauren Bacall’s fashion in the film:
Lauren Bacall’s 1940s Fashion in Dark Passage (1947).
Greatest Lauren Bacall Movies & Films #2: To Have and Have Not (1944)
Romantic drama directed by Howard Hawks, co-starring Humphrey Bogart and Walter Brennan.
Story:
An expatriate boat captain undertakes a dangerous mission to help a French Resistance Leader escape from the Nazis, while falling for a mysterious lounge singer.
Not only was this Lauren Bacall first debut film, but this smash hit is also where she and Humphrey Bogart first met.
Plus, in a deep husky voice, she delivers her famous ‘whistle line’ for how he can get her attention.
“You know how to whistle, don’t you Steve? You just put your lips together and blow.” — Lauren Bacall in To Have and Have Not
Fashion (1940s Style):
The undeniable spark between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall on screen is only rivaled by their sizzling no-nonsense WWII-influenced 40s fashion.
Best Lauren Bacall Movies #3: The Big Sleep (1946)
A suspenseful hard-boiled detective film noir directed by Howard Hawks, co-starring Humphrey Bogart, Martha Vickers, John Ridgely and Dorothy Malone.
Story:
L.A. private eye Phillip Marlowe is hired by a wealthy family to investigate blackmail. In this twist-filled film noir, the plot thickens with murder, spoiled rich suspects, a sizzling femme fatale, and what might be love.
Fashion (1940s Style):
The smart and sassy dialogue and on screen sizzle between Bogart and Bacall are set against the backdrop of fabulous sharp vintage suits and the iconic casual and glam 40s femme fatale styles.
For more on Lauren Bacall’s style in The Big Sleep:
Lauren Bacall Style in The Big Sleep – Her Stunning 1940s Fashion
Fun fact!
William Faulkner, a Nobel Prize-winning author collaborated on the script for this film, as well as To Have and Have Not (1944) both starring the Humphrey Bogart Lauren Bacall pair.
Note that William Faulkner’s co-authors for this screenplay were Leigh Brackett and Jules Furthman.
For more black and white romance movies:
Romantic Classics | The Best Black and White Romance Movies
Best Lauren Bacall Movies #4: How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
A screwball romantic comedy directed by Jean Negulesco, co-starring Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and William Powell.
Story:
Three gorgeous girlfriends move to New York with a mission: Land millionaire husbands! Along their fashionable and laugh out loud journey, they find true love along way.
Fashion (1950s Style):
This hilarious rom com has the ultimate 1950s glam outfits and costumes modeled by our favorite all star cast, that includes the stunning Lauren Bacall, the world famous pin-up model Betty Grable, and the gorgeous blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe.
Want the full scoop on the vintage glam 1950s fashion in the film?
Lauren Bacall How to Marry a Millionaire – Plot and all her 1950s Fashion
Marilyn Monroe How to Marry a Millionaire – Your Guide to 1950s Glam
Greatest Lauren Bacall Movies & Films #5: Woman’s World (1954)
A romantic drama directed by Jean Negulesco, co-starring Van Heflin, Clifton Webb, June Allyson, Fred MacMurray, and Arlene Dahl.
Story:
In this high stakes corporate drama, an auto industry mogul devises the ultimate interview scheme for a coveted general manager role. The big boss invites the three competing male candidates, and their wives, to New York for the weekend. Little do the wives realize how key they are to the nomination.
Fashion (1950s Style):
Each of the beautiful wives, from the demure June Allyson, to the gorgeous Arlene Dahl, to the sultry Lauren Bacall, has their own household drama and private thoughts on whether their husband should land the coveted leadership role.
The wives’ incredible 1950s outfits, which includes iconic 50s housewife styles and glam evening gowns, brings their colorful characters alive in this engaging romantic melodrama.
Love the sultry Lauren Bacall and gorgeous red-head Irene Dahl, and need more fabulous retro fashion inspo? You’ll love:
She Played with Fire – Movie Recap and Arlene Dahls 1950s Fashion
Best Lauren Bacall Movies #6: Key Largo (1948)
A dramatic film noir directed by John Huston, co-starring Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, and Claire Trevor.
Story:
A returning veteran arrives at Key Largo, only to discover that a ruthless Chicago gangster has taken charge. Tensions rise towards a showdown, as a ferocious hurricane approaches and traps the inhabitants on the Florida island.
Fashion (1940s Style):
True to the 1940s favorite casual menswear-inspired style, Lauren Bacall’s favorite outfit in the film is her white button-up blouse paired with a simple skirt and ankle-laced espadrilles.
Did you know that Lauren Bacall and Grace Kelly love of espadrilles caused this shoe style to fly off the shelves in the 40s?
Get more inspo on Lauren Bacall’s timeless casual style here:
Lauren Bacall Style – 15 Spectacular Looks to Inspire Your Wardrobe
Lauren Bacall Pants – How to Wear Pants like an Old Hollywood Glamour Star
Greatest Lauren Bacall Movies & Films #7: Confidential Agent (1945)
A drama and spy film directed by Herman Shumlin, co-starring Charles Boyer, Peter Lorre, and Katina Paxinou.
Story:
In 1937, during the Spanish Civil war, a secret agent travels to London under cover to negotiate a critical coal deal to help in the war against the fascists. Intrigue, danger, betrayal, and possibly even romance, are all part of the high stakes game.
Fashion (1940s Style):
Although this film is supposed to be set in the late 1930s, the fashion is most definitely classic 1940s. You’ll notice the shorter hemlines (due to WWII fabric rations) and the influence of menswear on women’s style, evidenced with the 40s obsession with shoulder pads and practical masculine inspired button up dresses.
A very young Lauren Bacall looks absolutely stunning as this style, which so perfectly matches her trademark effortless style.
Plus what better costumes to emphasize the stark and dangerous threat of war?
Best Lauren Bacall Movies #8: Written on the Wind (1956)
Drama directed by Douglas Sirk, co-starring Rock Hudson, Dorothy Malone, and Robert Stack.
Story:
In this film of multiple love triangles, an alcoholic Texan playboy marries a beautiful woman, not realizing that his poor and hard-working best friend is secretly in love with her. The plot thickens when Texan’s spoiled sister pursues the best friend.
Fashion (1950s Style):
The men and womens fabulous 1950s style in brilliant color brings alive the vivid personalities of the characters, as well as romantic and family drama.
The rich selfish sister, played by Dorothy Malone, flaunts her fabulous ultra feminine vintage styles (think lots of pink and frills!), which contrasts starkly with sophisticated elegance of Lauren Bacall’s character’s sculpted skirt suits and chic button-up styles.
Greatest Lauren Bacall Movies & Films #9: Young Man with a Horn (1950)
A romantic biographical drama directed by Michael Curtiz, co-starring Kirk Douglas, Doris Day, and Hoagy Carmichael.
Story:
This film follows the tragic life and loves of the rising jazz star with a volatile personality. Plus the young trumpet player is torn between two love interests, a sweet honest singer and a manipulative heiress.
Fashion (1950s Style):
In this “White-Hot Drama about a Red-Hot Jazzman!” the fabulous wardrobes and female tensions echo their personalities.
The sweet young singer wears simple chic outfits, whereas the conniving heiress’ elegant and glittering wardrobe, perfectly reflects her sophisticated, selfish and troubled persona.
Best Lauren Bacall Movies #10: Sex and the Single Girl (1964)
Romantic comedy directed by Richard Quine, co-starring Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, and Henry Fonda.
Story:
The playboy editor of a tabloid magazine goes undercover as a fake patient to get the inside scoop on the beautiful author and psychologist of the best-selling novel, Sex and the Single Girl.
Fashion (1960s Style): Yes this is in color!
You’ll love the vibrant fuschias and baby blues of the chic 1960s fashion, which were just as mod for the era as the film’s title, and some Natalie Wood’s more risqué evening gowns.
Interestingly the simple classic accessories add a certain sex appeal (pun intended) to the sizzle of the 60s costumes.
Greatest Lauren Bacall Movies & Films: #11: Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
A suspenseful mystery directed by Sidney Lumet, co-starring Albert Finney, Ingrid Bergman, and Sean Connery.
Story:
Based on Agatha Christie’s famous novel, this mysterious whodunnit is set in December 1935. After successfully wrapping up a case, Detective Hercule Poirot catches a train ride embarking from Istanbul on the Orient Express, a transcontinental luxury train. When an unpopular billionaire is murdered onboard, everyone becomes a prime suspect, as the train is stranded by an avalanche.
Fashion (1930s Style):
You’ll love the 1970s take on 1930s vintage glam style of the wealthy suspects on the Orient Express, which starkly contrasts to the simple styles of the servants and crew.
Is the glittering, sophisticated and rich American Widow (Lauren Bacall’s character) the murderer, or is it someone else?
Need more fabulous 1930s style inspiration?
1930s Glamour – The Glam Style of Hollywood’s Golden Age
Best Lauren Bacall Movies #12: Harper (1966)
Mystery drama directed by Jack Smight, co-starring Paul Newman, Janet Leigh, and Shelley Winters.
Story:
In this mystery thriller, the cool and almost broke private investigator, Lew Harper, is hired by an enigmatic wealthy woman to find her missing husband.
Teaser!
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall fans will love the humorous detective genre spoof — the unexpected link back to Humphrey Bogart’s iconic detective roles.
Another bonus is the unexpected appearance of our beloved sassy Shelley Winters in a rare older role.
Fashion (1960s Style):
The vintage 1960s men and womens styles sizzle in this film, which shows both popular styles of the era. This includes the conservative classy styles, a nod to the sophisticated 1950s looks, as well as the flashier styles of the 60s mod crowd.
The contrast between the immaculate tailoring of Paul Newman’s suits compared to his jazzier motorcycle riding outfits with oversized aviators as he sleuths his way to the truth, are just as noteworthy as the daring one and two piece swimsuits, and chic loungewear and slinky dresses, paired bold jewelry, that are flaunted by the mysterious female leads.
The question remains, no matter how gorgeous… which woman can be trusted?
Greatest Lauren Bacall Movies & Films #13: The Shootist (1976)
A sentimental western directed by Don Siegel, co-starring John Wayne, Ron Howard, and James Stewart.
Story:
When the last of the famous gunfighters is afflicted with a terminal illness, he quietly returns to Carson City to seek help from his old friend and doctor. Is there one more gunfight in his cards, so that he can live up to his legend one last time?
Fashion (Western Style):
In this poignant farewell to an iconic Western era, you’ll enjoy the inside look at the 1970s interpretation of 1870s Western style, which includes some rarely seen fashion for the always elegant Lauren Bacall. Her wardrobe includes rugged western inspired outfits befitting a poor widow, like practical button up tops and skirts and prairie dresses.
Want to see a much younger John Wayne and Lauren Bacall paired together in a romantic drama with great 50s fashion?
Lauren Bacall Style in Blood Alley – Her Fabulous 1950s Fashion
Best Lauren Bacall Movies #14: The Gift of Love (1958)
Watch on Amazon
A romantic drama directed by Jean Negulesco, co-starring Robert Stack and Evelyn Rudie.
Story:
After a young wife discovers that she has a fatal heart condition, she adopts a spunky orphan girl for her husband. Her dream is that this ultimate “gift of love” will console her husband, after she passes.
Fashion (1950s Style):
Although the plot is on the corny side, yet it is in glorious color. So it is worth the watch for vintage fashion inspiration.
Lauren Bacall’s sophisticated outfits and her daughter’s perfectly feminine wardrobe will melt your heart, along with the reminder of the ultimate beauty of selflessness.
Greatest Lauren Bacall Movies & Films #15: Designing Woman (1957)
A romantic comedy directed by Vincente Minnelli, co-starring Gregory Peck and Dolores Gray.
Story:
Marrying quickly after a whirlwind romance, a fashion designer realizes just how different she and her sportswriting husband are.
Fashion (1950s Style):
Although the plot is a bit weak, which is partially because Lauren Bacall just doesn’t have the same sizzle with Gregory Peck, as Humphrey Bogart, yet this film is worth the watch just for the fabulous 1950s fashion, which includes swimsuits, chic 50s pants styles, and dresses galore. And, yes crazy, out of this world, puff sleeves were so in (Haha).
Read about each and every outfit in:
Lauren Bacall Style – Her 1950s fashion in Designing Woman.
Best Lauren Bacall Movies: Bonus Mentions
And now for two bonus mentions that are worth a callout, but don’t make our top Lauren Bacall Top 15 movie list.
Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below!
Best Lauren Bacall Movies: Bonus Mention #1: The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996)
As a bonus mention, this film is a 90s Rom Com directed by Barbra Streisand, co-starring Pierce Brosnan and Jeff Bridges.
In this unexpected story, a shy professor finds love with a colleague, but discovers that he’s looking for a platonic relationship, even after marriage.
For Lauren Bacall supporting role as the overbearing mother, she earned the academy Awards’ Best Support Actress nomination.
Best Lauren Bacall Movies: Bonus Mention #2: The Capote Tapes (2021)
Lauren Bacall’s last film role was in documentary The Capote Tapes (2021), about Truman Capote‘s rise to literary fame.
He was best known as the iconic writer of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and for his complex relationships with society’s elite.
This film used used never-before-seen taped interviews from Capote’s inner circle that included Lauren Bacall, where she appeared as herself.
This post was all about the best Lauren Bacall movies.
What is your favorite Lauren Bacall movie?
As a fashion icon, which film do you believe best embodies Lauren Bacall’s timeless sophistication?
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