Montgomery Clift was an American actor who appeared in numerous classic Hollywood films throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
Known for his naturalistic acting style and brooding intensity, Clift was one of the most influential actors of his time.
Best Montgomery Clift Movies
In this list, we will highlight some of his best movies, which showcase his exceptional talent and artistry.
1. From Here to Eternity (1953)
“From Here to Eternity” is a drama film released in 1953 and directed by Fred Zinnemann. The movie stars Montgomery Clift in the lead role of Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt, a soldier stationed in Hawaii before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Clift’s performance in the film is exceptional, showcasing his ability to convey a wide range of emotions with subtlety and nuance. He brings a sense of vulnerability and sensitivity to the role of Prewitt, making his performance a standout in the film.
The movie was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a classic example of Hollywood cinema. Clift’s performance in the film is considered one of his best, and it solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his time.
Overall, “From Here to Eternity” is a must-watch for fans of Montgomery Clift and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his exceptional talent and offers a gripping and engaging story that continues to resonate with audiences today.
2. A Place in the Sun (1951)
“A Place in the Sun” is a drama film released in 1951 and directed by George Stevens. The movie stars Montgomery Clift in the lead role of George Eastman, a poor young man who dreams of making it big in the business world.
Clift’s performance in the film is exceptional, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and nuance. He brings a sense of sensitivity and vulnerability to the role of George, making his performance a standout in the film.
The movie was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a classic example of Hollywood cinema. Clift’s performance in the film is considered one of his best, and it solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his time.
Overall, “A Place in the Sun” is a must-watch for fans of Montgomery Clift and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his exceptional talent and offers a gripping and engaging story that continues to resonate with audiences today.
3. Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
“Judgment at Nuremberg” is a drama film released in 1961 and directed by Stanley Kramer. The movie stars Montgomery Clift in a supporting role as Rudolph Petersen, a man who has been sterilized by the Nazis for being mentally ill.
Clift’s performance in the film is powerful, despite his limited screen time. He conveys a sense of vulnerability and pain in his role, making it a standout in the film.
The movie was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a classic example of Hollywood cinema. Clift’s performance in the film is considered one of his best, and it serves as a testament to his exceptional talent and range as an actor.
Overall, “Judgment at Nuremberg” is a must-watch for fans of Montgomery Clift and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his exceptional talent and offers a powerful and thought-provoking story that continues to resonate with audiences today.
4. The Heiress (1949)
“The Heiress” is a drama film released in 1949 and directed by William Wyler. The movie stars Montgomery Clift in the lead role of Morris Townsend, a handsome and charming man who is the titular heiress, played by Olivia de Havilland.
Clift’s performance in the film is exceptional, showcasing his ability to convey a sense of charm and charisma while also hinting at the darker motivations beneath his character’s surface.
He brings a sense of complexity and nuance to the role of Morris, making his performance a standout in the film.
The movie was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a classic example of Hollywood cinema. Clift’s performance in the film is considered one of his best, and it solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his time.
Overall, “The Heiress” is a must-watch for fans of Montgomery Clift and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his exceptional talent and offers a gripping and engaging story that continues to resonate with audiences today.
5. The Young Lions (1958)
“The Young Lions” is a war drama film released in 1958 and directed by Edward Dmytryk. The movie stars Montgomery Clift in the lead role of Noah Ackerman, a young Jewish man who enlists in the army during World War II.
Clift’s performance in the film is exceptional, showcasing his ability to convey a sense of vulnerability and intensity. He brings a sense of complexity and nuance to the role of Noah, making his performance a standout in the film.
The movie was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a classic example of Hollywood cinema. Clift’s performance in the film is considered one of his best, and it solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his time.
Overall, “The Young Lions” is a must-watch for fans of Montgomery Clift and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his exceptional talent and offers a gripping and engaging story that continues to resonate with audiences today.
6. The Search (1948)
“The Search” is a drama film released in 1948 and directed by Fred Zinnemann. The movie stars Montgomery Clift in the lead role of Ralph Stevenson, an American soldier stationed in Germany after World War II who becomes involved in the search for a lost child.
Clift’s performance in the film is exceptional, showcasing his ability to convey a sense of compassion and empathy. He brings a sense of complexity and nuance to the role of Ralph, making his performance a standout in the film.
The movie was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a classic example of Hollywood cinema. Clift’s performance in the film is considered one of his best, and it solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his time.
Overall, “The Search” is a must-watch for fans of Montgomery Clift and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his exceptional talent and offers a gripping and emotional story that continues to resonate with audiences today.
7. Red River (1948)
“Red River” is a western film released in 1948 and directed by Howard Hawks. The movie stars Montgomery Clift in the lead role of Matt Garth, a young cowboy who becomes embroiled in a power struggle with his adoptive father over the future of their cattle ranch.
Clift’s performance in the film is exceptional, showcasing his ability to convey a sense of intensity and determination. He brings a sense of complexity and nuance to the role of Matt, making his performance a standout in the film.
The movie was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a classic example of Hollywood westerns. Clift’s performance in the film is considered one of his best, and it solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his time.
Overall, “Red River” is a must-watch for fans of Montgomery Clift and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his exceptional talent and offers a thrilling and engaging story that continues to resonate with audiences today.
8. Raintree County (1957)
“Raintree County” is a romantic drama film released in 1957 and directed by Edward Dmytryk. The movie stars Montgomery Clift in the lead role of John Wickliff Shawnessy, a young man from Indiana who falls in love with a beautiful southern belle named Susanna Drake, played by Elizabeth Taylor.
Clift’s performance in the film is exceptional, showcasing his ability to convey a sense of passion and vulnerability. He brings a sense of complexity and nuance to the role of John, making his performance a standout in the film.
The movie was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a classic example of Hollywood romance. Clift’s performance in the film is considered one of his best, and it solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his time.
Overall, “Raintree County” is a must-watch for fans of Montgomery Clift and classic Hollywood romance, as it highlights his exceptional talent and offers a captivating and emotional story that continues to resonate with audiences today.
9. Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)
“Suddenly, Last Summer” is a psychological drama film released in 1959 and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.
The movie stars Montgomery Clift in the lead role of Dr. Cukrowicz, a young surgeon who becomes involved in a dark and twisted plot to silence a wealthy family’s secret about the death of a family member.
Clift’s performance in the film is exceptional, showcasing his ability to convey a sense of empathy and intellect. He brings a sense of complexity and nuance to the role of Dr. Cukrowicz, making his performance a standout in the film.
The movie was a critical success upon its release, and it remains a classic example of Hollywood psychological dramas. Clift’s performance in the film is considered one of his best, and it solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his time.
Overall, “Suddenly, Last Summer” is a must-watch for fans of Montgomery Clift and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his exceptional talent and offers a haunting and thought-provoking story that continues to resonate with audiences today.
10. The Misfits (1961)
“The Misfits” is a drama film released in 1961 and directed by John Huston. The movie stars Montgomery Clift in the lead role of Perce Howland, a troubled rodeo cowboy who becomes involved in a tumultuous romance with a recently divorced woman named Roslyn, played by Marilyn Monroe.
Clift’s performance in the film is exceptional, showcasing his ability to convey a sense of sensitivity and emotional depth. He brings a sense of complexity and nuance to the role of Perce, making his performance a standout in the film.
The movie was a critical success upon its release, and it remains a classic example of Hollywood drama. Clift’s performance in the film is considered one of his best, and it solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his time.
Overall, “The Misfits” is a must-watch for fans of Montgomery Clift and classic Hollywood cinema, as it highlights his exceptional talent and offers a poignant and moving story that continues to resonate with audiences today.
3 Reasons To Watch Montgomery Clift Movies
Exceptional Acting: Montgomery Clift was known for his exceptional acting skills, bringing a deep sense of emotional depth and sensitivity to his roles.
Watching his performances in classic films like “From Here to Eternity” and “A Place in the Sun” is a
Classic Hollywood Cinema: Montgomery Clift was a leading actor during the golden age of Hollywood cinema, and his films offer a glimpse into the style and storytelling of that era.
Watching his movies is a chance to experience the artistry and elegance of classic Hollywood films.
Timeless Stories: The movies that Montgomery Clift starred in are not only classics of their time, but they also offer timeless stories that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Whether it’s a story of love, loss, or personal struggle, his films offer a chance to connect with the deeper human experiences that make cinema so powerful.
Best Montgomery Clift Movies – Wrap Up
Montgomery Clift was a talented actor who left a lasting impact on Hollywood cinema. His performances in classic films like “From Here to Eternity,” “A Place in the Sun,” and “Judgment at Nuremberg” showcased his exceptional acting skills and emotional depth.
Clift was known for bringing nuance and complexity to his roles, and his films remain timeless classics that continue to resonate with audiences today.
From Hollywood dramas to psychological thrillers, Clift’s movies offer a range of storytelling and style that showcase the artistry and elegance of classic Hollywood cinema.
Overall, watching Montgomery Clift’s movies is a chance to appreciate his exceptional talent and the enduring impact of classic Hollywood films. His performances remain a testament to his legacy as one of the most respected actors of his time.
