20 Best Humphrey Bogart Movies: Top Timeless Classics

Humphrey Bogart was an American film and stage actor who was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time.

He became famous for his roles in film noir, crime dramas, and other classic Hollywood movies of the 1940s and 1950s. His tough, no-nonsense persona and gravelly voice made him a natural fit for the leading man in hard-boiled detective stories and crime thrillers.

Bogart’s film career spanned over three decades, and he appeared in more than 80 films. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “The African Queen” (1951) and was nominated for three other Oscars.

He also starred in several iconic films such as “Casablanca” (1942), “The Maltese Falcon” (1941), and “The Big Sleep” (1946).

Best Humphrey Bogart Movies

Bogart’s legacy continues to influence film and popular culture today, and his films are still widely watched and appreciated.

We will explore some of Bogart’s best films and discuss what makes them such enduring classics of the golden age of Hollywood.

1. Casablanca (1942)

“Casablanca” is a classic romantic drama film released in 1942 and directed by Michael Curtiz. The film stars Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine, the owner of a popular nightclub in Casablanca, Morocco during World War II.

Ingrid Bergman co-stars as Ilsa Lund, Rick’s former lover who unexpectedly shows up in Casablanca with her husband, a resistance leader hunted by the Nazis.

The film is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece and is often considered one of the greatest films of all time.

It won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Curtiz, and Best Screenplay for the Epstein brothers and Howard Koch.

It has become famous for its memorable lines, such as “Here’s looking at you, kid” and “We’ll always have Paris,” as well as its iconic musical score, which includes the song “As Time Goes By.”

“Casablanca” is also notable for its portrayal of World War II and its refugee crisis, as well as its exploration of themes such as sacrifice, honor, and love.

The film’s enduring popularity has inspired countless adaptations, homages, and parodies, cementing its place as a cultural touchstone.

2. The Maltese Falcon (1941)

The Maltese Falcon is a 1941 film noir directed by John Huston and based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett.

The film stars Humphrey Bogart as private detective Sam Spade, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous hunt for a valuable statuette known as the Maltese Falcon.

The story begins when a beautiful woman named Brigid O’Shaughnessy (Mary Astor) asks Spade to help her find her missing sister. Soon after, Spade’s partner is murdered and Spade becomes the prime suspect.

As he tries to clear his name and solve the case, Spade finds himself caught up in a web of deceit and danger involving a variety of shady characters, including a sinister criminal mastermind named Gutman (Sydney Greenstreet) and his ruthless henchman, Wilmer (Elisha Cook Jr.).

The Maltese Falcon is widely regarded as a classic of the film noir genre and is considered one of the greatest movies ever made.

The film is noted for its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and moody atmosphere, as well as the iconic performances of its cast, particularly Bogart’s portrayal of Spade. The film’s themes of betrayal and moral ambiguity have also been praised for their enduring relevance.

3. The African Queen (1951)

“The African Queen” is a 1951 adventure film directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. The film is based on the 1935 novel of the same name by C.S. Forester.

The plot follows Rose Sayer (Katharine Hepburn), a prim and proper British missionary in East Africa, who is forced to team up with Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart), a rough and rugged Canadian boat captain, in order to escape German soldiers who have invaded the region.

Together, they set out on the African Queen, Allnut’s dilapidated steam-powered boat, to navigate a dangerous river and destroy a German warship blocking their path.

“The African Queen” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and has since become a classic of American cinema.

The film won Humphrey Bogart his only Academy Award for Best Actor, and Katharine Hepburn was also nominated for Best Actress. The film’s iconic scenes and the chemistry between Bogart and Hepburn have made it a beloved classic of adventure cinema.

4. The Caine Mutiny (1954)

The Caine Mutiny is a 1954 American film directed by Edward Dmytryk and starring Humphrey Bogart, Van Johnson, and Fred MacMurray. The movie is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Herman Wouk.

The story follows the crew of the USS Caine, a World War II-era minesweeper, as they are commanded by Captain Queeg (Bogart), a paranoid and erratic leader who begins to exhibit increasingly unstable behavior.

When Queeg’s behavior jeopardizes the safety of the crew, his subordinates stage a mutiny and take control of the ship. The ensuing court-martial explores issues of loyalty, responsibility, and the limits of authority.

The Caine Mutiny was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning Best Supporting Actor for Fredric March’s portrayal of defense attorney Lieutenant Commander Philip Francis Queeg.

The film is notable for its strong performances, tense courtroom drama, and its examination of the psychological toll of war on soldiers.

5. In a Lonely Place (1950)

In a Lonely Place is a film noir directed by Nicholas Ray and released in 1950. The movie stars Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame, and is based on the novel of the same name by Dorothy B. Hughes.

The film tells the story of Dixon Steele (Bogart), a Hollywood screenwriter with a volatile temper who is suspected of murdering a young woman.

Steele becomes romantically involved with his neighbor, Laurel Gray (Grahame), who provides an alibi for him when the police come to question him about the murder. However, as their relationship develops, Gray begins to fear that Steele may be the killer after all.

In a Lonely Place is known for its complex portrayal of its main character, Dixon Steele, who is both charismatic and deeply troubled.

The film also explores themes of violence, paranoia, and the corrosive effects of Hollywood culture. It has been praised for its nuanced performances and innovative use of lighting and camera work.

Overall, In a Lonely Place is considered a classic of the film noir genre, and is often cited as one of Bogart’s best performances.

6. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

“The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” is a 1948 American adventure drama film directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston (John Huston’s father), and Tim Holt.

The film tells the story of three American prospectors who set out to find gold in the mountains of Mexico.

Bogart plays Fred C. Dobbs, a down-on-his-luck American who teams up with two other men, Bob Curtin (Holt) and Howard (Walter Huston), to search for gold.

As they begin to find success, Dobbs becomes increasingly paranoid and greedy, fearing that his partners will turn on him and take the gold for themselves. The group also faces challenges and dangers from bandits and the harsh conditions of the wilderness.

“The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” is notable for its exploration of themes such as greed, trust, and human nature. It also features strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Bogart, who delivers a memorable portrayal of a man consumed by his own avarice.

The film was both a critical and commercial success, winning three Academy Awards including Best Director for John Huston, Best Supporting Actor for Walter Huston, and Best Screenplay.

Today, it is considered one of the greatest American films ever made and a masterpiece of the film noir genre.

7. The Big Sleep (1946)

“The Big Sleep” is a classic film noir released in 1946 and directed by Howard Hawks. The film stars Humphrey Bogart as private detective Philip Marlowe, who is hired by a wealthy family to investigate a blackmail case involving their daughter, played by Lauren Bacall.

As Marlowe delves deeper into the case, he becomes entangled in a complex web of deceit, murder, and corruption.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Raymond Chandler and is known for its intricate plot, which can be difficult to follow at times.

The chemistry between Bogart and Bacall, who had previously starred together in “To Have and Have Not,” is also a highlight of the film.

“The Big Sleep” is considered a classic of the film noir genre and has influenced countless other films in the years since its release.

It is notable for its shadowy cinematography, hard-boiled dialogue, and morally ambiguous characters. Despite its initial mixed critical reception, the film has since been recognized as a classic of American cinema and a must-see for fans of film noir.

8. To Have and Have Not (1944)

To Have and Have Not is a 1944 film directed by Howard Hawks and starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in their first onscreen pairing. The film is loosely based on the novel of the same name by Ernest Hemingway and is set in Martinique during World War II.

Bogart plays Harry “Steve” Morgan, a cynical American expatriate and fishing boat captain who agrees to help the French Resistance smuggle people and supplies past the Vichy-controlled authorities.

Along the way, he meets and falls in love with a sultry American singer named Marie “Slim” Browning (Bacall) and becomes embroiled in a dangerous scheme involving smuggled diamonds.

To Have and Have Not is noted for the chemistry between Bogart and Bacall, who would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic couples both on and off screen.

The film is also notable for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and atmospheric setting, which captures the intrigue and danger of wartime Martinique.

While the film diverges significantly from Hemingway’s novel, it is widely regarded as a classic of the film noir and romance genres.

9. Key Largo (1948)

“Key Largo” is a 1948 film noir directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Edward G. Robinson. The film is based on the 1939 play of the same name by Maxwell Anderson.

The plot follows Frank McCloud (Humphrey Bogart), a disillusioned World War II veteran who travels to Key Largo, Florida to visit the family of a fallen comrade.

While there, he becomes embroiled in a tense standoff between the family, who run a hotel, and a gangster named Johnny Rocco (Edward G. Robinson), who has taken over the hotel as a hideout.

As a hurricane approaches, the tension between the two groups escalates, with Frank becoming a reluctant hero in the conflict.

“Key Largo” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is considered a classic of film noir. The film’s taut script, strong performances, and atmospheric setting have made it a favorite of audiences and critics alike.

10. Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)

Angels with Dirty Faces is a 1938 American film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring James Cagney, Pat O’Brien, and Humphrey Bogart. The movie is a classic example of the gangster film genre that was popular in the 1930s.

The story follows childhood friends Rocky Sullivan (Cagney) and Jerry Connolly (O’Brien) as they grow up in the tough streets of New York City. While Rocky becomes a notorious gangster, Jerry becomes a priest who works to reform troubled youths.

When Rocky is caught by the police and faces the electric chair, he asks Jerry to help him escape, but Jerry refuses. The film explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the influence of environment on one’s life choices.

Angels with Dirty Faces was a critical and commercial success upon its release and is regarded as a classic of the gangster film genre. Cagney’s performance as Rocky Sullivan is particularly notable, and the film’s final scene has become an iconic moment in cinema history.

The movie also features a young Humphrey Bogart in a supporting role, before he became a major star in his own right.

11. Sabrina (1954)

Sabrina is a romantic comedy film directed by Billy Wilder and released in 1954. The movie stars Audrey Hepburn, William Holden, and Humphrey Bogart.

The film tells the story of Sabrina Fairchild (Hepburn), the daughter of the Larrabee family’s chauffeur. Sabrina is secretly in love with David Larrabee (Holden), the younger son of the wealthy Larrabee family.

However, David is engaged to Elizabeth Tyson, a wealthy heiress, and Sabrina decides to leave for Paris to attend cooking school.

After two years in Paris, Sabrina returns as a sophisticated and elegant young woman, catching the attention of both David and his older brother, Linus Larrabee (Bogart), who is a workaholic businessman.

Linus initially tries to discourage Sabrina’s affections towards David, but eventually falls in love with her himself.

Sabrina is known for its witty dialogue, charming performances, and iconic fashion, particularly Audrey Hepburn’s iconic Givenchy dresses.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and received numerous Academy Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Actress for Hepburn.

Overall, Sabrina is considered a classic romantic comedy and is often cited as one of Audrey Hepburn’s best performances.

12. High Sierra (1941)

“High Sierra” is a 1941 American crime drama film directed by Raoul Walsh and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ida Lupino.

The film tells the story of Roy Earle (Bogart), a notorious criminal who is released from prison and given one last job: to plan and execute a high-stakes robbery in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

As Earle prepares for the heist, he meets and falls in love with a young woman named Velma (Lupino) and forms a bond with her and her disabled young friend. However, the robbery goes awry, and Earle must go on the run from the police and his former associates.

“High Sierra” is notable for its sympathetic portrayal of a criminal and its exploration of themes such as redemption, sacrifice, and the consequences of one’s actions.

It also features strong performances from Bogart and Lupino, who both bring depth and nuance to their characters. The film was both a critical and commercial success and helped establish Bogart as a leading man in Hollywood.

Today, it is considered a classic of the crime drama genre and an important precursor to the film noir movement.

13. Sahara (I) (1943)

“Sahara” is a World War II film released in 1943 and directed by Zoltan Korda. The film stars Humphrey Bogart as Sergeant Joe Gunn, the leader of a small group of Allied soldiers stranded in the Libyan desert after their tank is destroyed during a retreat from the Germans.

The group, which includes soldiers from Britain, France, South Africa, and Sudan, must survive the harsh desert conditions while also fending off attacks from the Germans.

The film is notable for its portrayal of the bravery and camaraderie of Allied soldiers during World War II, as well as its exploration of the harsh realities of desert warfare.

The film was released during the height of the war and was seen as a morale booster for Allied troops and a tribute to their sacrifices.

“Sahara” was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and helped to establish Bogart as a major star in Hollywood. The film’s iconic poster, featuring Bogart smoking a cigarette and holding a machine gun, has become a classic image of American cinema.

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14. The Roaring Twenties (1939)

The Roaring Twenties is a 1939 crime drama film directed by Raoul Walsh and starring James Cagney, Priscilla Lane, and Humphrey Bogart.

The film is set in the United States during the Prohibition era of the 1920s and follows the lives of three men who become involved in organized crime.

Cagney plays Eddie Bartlett, a World War I veteran who becomes a bootlegger after returning to the United States. He partners with the ruthless gangster, Nick Brown (Bogart), and the two men rise to power during the decade of decadence that followed.

Along the way, Eddie becomes reacquainted with Jean Sherman (Lane), a former love interest who is now involved with Nick.

The Roaring Twenties is noted for its fast-paced storytelling, gritty realism, and evocative depiction of the era.

The film portrays the rise and fall of Eddie and Nick’s criminal empire against the backdrop of social and political change in the United States.

The film’s themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal have made it a classic of the crime drama genre. The film is also notable for its dynamic performances, particularly Cagney’s portrayal of Eddie, which is considered one of his best.

15. The Harder They Fall (1956)

“The Harder They Fall” is a 1956 film noir directed by Mark Robson and starring Humphrey Bogart in his final film role. The film is based on the 1947 novel of the same name by Budd Schulberg.

The plot follows Eddie Willis (Humphrey Bogart), a down-on-his-luck sports reporter who is hired by a boxing promoter to help promote a new fighter named Toro Moreno (Mike Lane), a giant of a man who has never boxed professionally.

As Toro rises through the ranks of the boxing world, Eddie begins to uncover the seedy underbelly of the sport, and the corrupt dealings of the people who control it.

“The Harder They Fall” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is considered a classic of film noir.

The film’s themes of corruption and exploitation in the boxing world are still relevant today, and Bogart’s performance as the jaded and cynical Eddie Willis is widely regarded as one of his best.

The film also features a supporting cast of talented character actors, including Rod Steiger and Nehemiah Persoff.

16. The Petrified Forest (1936)

The Petrified Forest is a 1936 American film directed by Archie Mayo and starring Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, and Humphrey Bogart. The movie is based on the 1935 play of the same name by Robert E. Sherwood.

The story takes place in a remote diner in the Arizona desert, where disillusioned writer Alan Squier (Howard) and waitress Gabrielle Maple (Davis) develop a connection.

Their lives are changed when gangster Duke Mantee (Bogart) and his men take them hostage, along with the other patrons of the diner. The film explores themes of fate, desperation, and the human condition.

The Petrified Forest was well-received by critics and is considered a classic of the crime and film noir genres.

It is notable for its sharp dialogue, strong performances from its cast, and its depiction of the Great Depression-era United States.

The film is also remembered for Bogart’s breakout role as Duke Mantee, which launched him to stardom and helped solidify his image as a tough-guy character actor.

17. Dark Passage (1947)

Dark Passage is a film noir directed by Delmer Daves and released in 1947. The movie stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, and is based on the novel of the same name by David Goodis.

The film tells the story of Vincent Parry (Bogart), a man who has been wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife.

He escapes from prison and seeks the help of Irene Jansen (Bacall), a sympathetic artist who believes in his innocence. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey to clear Parry’s name and find the real killer.

What sets Dark Passage apart from other film noirs of the time is its unique first-person perspective for the first third of the movie.

The camera serves as Vincent’s point of view, creating a sense of immersion for the audience as they experience his escape and journey through San Francisco.

The film also features strong performances from Bogart and Bacall, who had previously starred together in several other films.

Overall, Dark Passage is considered a classic of the film noir genre, and is known for its innovative use of first-person perspective, atmospheric cinematography, and tense storyline.

18. The Desperate Hours (1955)

“The Desperate Hours” is a 1955 American crime drama film directed by William Wyler and starring Humphrey Bogart, Fredric March, and Arthur Kennedy.

The film tells the story of a family held hostage in their own home by a group of escaped convicts led by Glenn Griffin (Bogart).

The Griffin gang takes the Hilliard family hostage in their home and demands a large ransom in exchange for their release.

As the situation becomes increasingly tense and dangerous, the Hilliards must find a way to outwit the criminals and save themselves.

“The Desperate Hours” is notable for its intense and suspenseful storyline, as well as the performances of its lead actors.

Bogart delivers a chilling portrayal of a ruthless criminal mastermind, and March gives a nuanced performance as the family patriarch who must protect his loved ones.

The film was both a critical and commercial success, and it is considered a classic of the crime drama genre.

19. Dead End (1937)

“Dead End” is a crime drama film released in 1937 and directed by William Wyler. The film is based on the play of the same name by Sidney Kingsley and stars Joel McCrea, Sylvia Sidney, and Humphrey Bogart.

The story takes place in the slums of New York City, where a wealthy family and a group of poor residents live in close proximity to one another. The film explores the stark contrast between their lives and the struggles they face in a society marked by inequality and social injustice.

The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of urban poverty and crime, and for its ensemble cast, which includes both established Hollywood stars and non-professional actors from the New York stage.

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Humphrey Bogart’s performance as “Baby Face” Martin, a small-time criminal who returns to his old neighborhood, is also a standout.

“Dead End” was well-received by critics and audiences upon its release, and is now considered a classic of the crime drama genre.

The film’s exploration of social issues and its depiction of the lives of ordinary people in urban America continue to resonate with audiences today.

20. They Drive by Night (1940)

They Drive by Night is a 1940 film directed by Raoul Walsh and starring George Raft, Ann Sheridan, Ida Lupino, and Humphrey Bogart.

The film is based on the novel “Long Haul” by A.I. Bezzerides and follows two brothers who run a trucking business and get caught up in a dangerous world of crime and corruption.

Raft and Bogart play Joe and Paul Fabrini, two truckers struggling to make ends meet while competing against a rival trucking company.

When Paul is injured in a crash, Joe is forced to take desperate measures to keep the business afloat, including working for a shady trucking magnate named Charles Davis (Alan Hale Sr.).

Meanwhile, Paul’s wife Lana (Sheridan) becomes involved with a sleazy businessman named Ed Carlsen (John Litel) and his jealous wife Cassie (Lupino), leading to a series of deadly consequences.

They Drive by Night is notable for its portrayal of the grueling and dangerous world of long-haul trucking, as well as its gritty depiction of working-class life during the Great Depression.

The film’s themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and survival have also been praised for their emotional resonance.

The performances of the cast, particularly Raft and Lupino, have been singled out for praise, as has the film’s realistic and atmospheric direction by Walsh.

3 Reasons To Watch Humphrey Bogart Movies

Iconic performances: Humphrey Bogart was one of the most talented and beloved actors of Hollywood’s golden age.

He was known for his iconic performances in classic films such as “Casablanca,” “The Maltese Falcon,” and “The African Queen.” Watching his films is a great way to experience the talent and charisma that made him such an enduring icon of cinema.

Classic films: Many of Humphrey Bogart’s films are now considered classics of American cinema.

These films are not only entertaining, but they also offer a window into a bygone era of Hollywood history. Watching his films is a great way to experience some of the most beloved and enduring movies of all time.

Timeless themes: The themes explored in Humphrey Bogart’s films are still relevant today.

Many of his movies explore universal themes such as love, loss, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil. Watching his films is a great way to explore these timeless themes through the lens of classic Hollywood cinema.

Best Humphrey Bogart Movies – Wrap Up

Humphrey Bogart is one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood history, and his movies continue to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike. Here are a few of his best films:

Casablanca (1942) – Bogart’s most famous role as Rick Blaine in this classic romantic drama set during World War II.

The Maltese Falcon (1941) – A film noir classic in which Bogart plays private detective Sam Spade, caught up in a dangerous search for a priceless statue.

The African Queen (1951) – A romantic adventure film in which Bogart plays a grizzled boat captain who falls in love with a missionary played by Katharine Hepburn.

Key Largo (1948) – A suspenseful crime drama in which Bogart plays a war veteran who finds himself trapped in a hotel with a gangster during a hurricane.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) – A Western adventure in which Bogart plays one of three prospectors searching for gold in the Mexican mountains.

These films represent just a small sample of Bogart’s impressive career, which spanned several decades and included a variety of genres.

Bogart’s unique blend of tough-guy charisma and vulnerability made him a beloved and enduring screen legend.