Fredric March was an American actor who starred in numerous iconic films throughout his career. He won two Academy Awards for Best Actor, cementing his status as one of the greatest actors of his time.

Best Fredric March Movies

In this guide, we will explore some of his best movies that showcase his talent and range as an actor.

1. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

“The Best Years of Our Lives” is a drama film released in 1946 and directed by William Wyler. The movie stars Fredric March in the lead role of Al Stephenson, a World War II veteran who returns home to his family and struggles to readjust to civilian life.

The film follows Stephenson and his fellow veterans as they deal with the physical and emotional wounds of war, while also trying to reintegrate into society.

March’s performance in the film is powerful and poignant, showcasing his talent for playing complex and emotionally rich characters.

“The Best Years of Our Lives” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic of American cinema. The film offers a powerful and emotional story, with March’s performance adding a sense of depth and nuance to the proceedings.

Overall, “The Best Years of Our Lives” is a must-watch for fans of Fredric March and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his talent and emotional range as an actor and offers a captivating and thought-provoking story that continues to resonate with audiences today.

The Best Years of Our Lives [DVD]
  • The Best Years Of Our lives - DVD Brand New
  • Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Myrna Loy (Actors)
  • William Wyler (Director) - MacKinlay Kantor (Writer)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

2. Inherit the Wind (1960)

“Inherit the Wind” is a drama film released in 1960 and directed by Stanley Kramer. The movie stars Fredric March in the lead role of Matthew Harrison Brady, a fictionalized version of the real-life lawyer and politician William Jennings Bryan.

The film is based on the famous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925, in which a Tennessee high school teacher was prosecuted for teaching evolution in violation of state law.

March’s performance in the film is powerful and commanding, showcasing his talent for playing larger-than-life characters.

“Inherit the Wind” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic of American cinema. The film offers a compelling and thought-provoking story, with March’s performance adding a sense of gravitas and moral authority to the proceedings.

Overall, “Inherit the Wind” is a must-watch for fans of Fredric March and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his talent and commanding presence as an actor and offers a fascinating and engaging story that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Inherit the Wind [DVD]
  • Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly (Actors)
  • Stanley Kramer (Director) - Harold Jacob Smith (Writer)
  • Spanish, French (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

3. Death of a Salesman (1951)

“Death of a Salesman” is a drama film released in 1951 and directed by László Benedek. The movie stars Fredric March in the lead role of Willy Loman, a traveling salesman who struggles with his sense of identity and purpose in life.

   

The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Arthur Miller, and March’s performance in the film is widely regarded as one of his best.

He captures the angst and desperation of Loman’s character with nuance and subtlety, showcasing his talent for playing complex and emotionally rich characters.

“Death of a Salesman” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic of American cinema.

The film offers a poignant and insightful look at the American Dream and the struggles of everyday people, with March’s performance adding a sense of depth and authenticity to the proceedings.

Overall, “Death of a Salesman” is a must-watch for fans of Fredric March and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his talent and emotional range as an actor and offers a poignant and thought-provoking story that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Death Of A Salesman
  • These DVD's are produced by Nostalgia Family Video and Come in a "No Frillz" set. DVD titles come in...
  • Mildred Dunnock, Cameron Mitchell, Kevin McCarthy (Actors)
  • Laszlo Benedek (Director) - Stanley Kramer (Producer)

4. The Desperate Hours (1955)

“The Desperate Hours” is a thriller film released in 1955 and directed by William Wyler. The movie stars Fredric March in the lead role of Dan Hilliard, a family man who becomes the target of a group of escaped convicts who take over his home.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Joseph Hayes, and March’s performance in the film is intense and gripping, showcasing his talent for playing characters in high-stakes situations.

He captures the fear and desperation of Hilliard’s character with nuance and authenticity, making his performance a standout in the film.

   

“The Desperate Hours” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic of the thriller genre. The film offers a tense and suspenseful story, with March’s performance adding a sense of realism and emotional weight to the proceedings.

Overall, “The Desperate Hours” is a must-watch for fans of Fredric March and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his talent and intensity as an actor and offers a thrilling and engaging story that continues to captivate audiences today.

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The Desperate Hours [DVD]
  • The Desperate Hours - DVD Brand New
  • Humphrey Bogart, Fredric March, Arthur Kennedy (Actors)
  • William Wyler (Director) - Joseph Hayes (Writer)
  • English (Subtitle)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

5. Seven Days in May (1964)

“Seven Days in May” is a political thriller film released in 1964 and directed by John Frankenheimer. The movie stars Fredric March in the lead role of President Jordan Lyman, who becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow his administration.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Fletcher Knebel and Charles W. Bailey II, and March’s performance in the film is commanding and authoritative, showcasing his talent for playing characters in positions of power.

He brings a sense of gravitas and moral clarity to the role of President Lyman, making his performance a standout in the film.

“Seven Days in May” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic of the political thriller genre.

The film offers a tense and thought-provoking story, with March’s performance adding a sense of authenticity and emotional weight to the proceedings.

Overall, “Seven Days in May” is a must-watch for fans of Fredric March and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his talent and commanding presence as an actor and offers a gripping and engaging story that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Seven Days in May [DVD]
  • Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Fredric March (Actors)
  • John Frankenheimer (Director) - Charles W. Bailey II (Writer)
  • English, French (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

6. The Iceman Cometh (1973)

“The Iceman Cometh” is a drama film released in 1973 and directed by John Frankenheimer. The movie stars Fredric March in the lead role of Harry Hope, the proprietor of a rundown bar who is visited by a group of down-on-their-luck individuals.

The film is based on the play of the same name by Eugene O’Neill, and March’s performance in the film is nuanced and complex, showcasing his talent for playing deeply flawed characters.

He brings a sense of humanity and vulnerability to the role of Harry Hope, making his performance a standout in the film.

“The Iceman Cometh” was a critical success upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic of American cinema. The film offers a powerful and thought-provoking story, with March’s performance adding a sense of depth and emotional resonance to the proceedings.

Overall, “The Iceman Cometh” is a must-watch for fans of Fredric March and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his talent and emotional range as an actor and offers a compelling and introspective story that continues to captivate audiences today.

   
The American Theatre Collection: The Iceman Cometh [1973] [DVD]
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: G (General Audience)

3 Reasons To Watch Fredric March Movies

Range and versatility: Fredric March was known for his ability to play a wide range of characters, from the romantic lead to the tragic hero. He could effortlessly shift from dramatic to comedic roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Emotional depth: March had a unique ability to bring emotional depth and complexity to his characters. He was known for his nuanced and layered performances, which added a sense of humanity and authenticity to his roles.

Hollywood icon: March was one of the most iconic actors of Hollywood’s golden age, and his films continue to captivate audiences today. His legacy as an actor is undeniable, and watching his performances is a great way to appreciate the artistry and talent of classic Hollywood cinema.

Best Fredric March Movies – Wrap Up

Fredric March was an incredibly talented actor who made a significant impact on Hollywood cinema. His range, versatility, and emotional depth made him a standout performer, and his films continue to captivate audiences today.

Some of his most notable movies include “The Best Years of Our Lives,” “Inherit the Wind,” “Death of a Salesman,” “The Desperate Hours,” and “Seven Days in May,” all of which showcase his talent and emotional range as an actor.

From drama to comedy and everything in between, Fredric March’s films offer timeless stories and unforgettable performances, making them a must-watch for fans of classic Hollywood cinema.