Rod Taylor was an Australian actor who had a prolific career in film and television. He starred in a range of genres, from action-adventure to drama, and was known for his charismatic screen presence and versatile acting abilities.

Best Rod Taylor Movies

Throughout his career, he appeared in a number of notable films, some of which have become classics of their respective genres. In this article, we will explore some of the best Rod Taylor movies, highlighting his standout performances and contributions to the world of cinema.

1.The Catered Affair (1956)

While Rod Taylor’s role in The Catered Affair is relatively small, it is still considered one of his best performances. In this drama, Taylor plays the fiancé of the main character’s daughter, played by Debbie Reynolds.

THE CATERED AFFAIR (1956) Theatrical Trailer - Bette Davis, Ernest Borgnine, Debbie Reynolds

The film explores the themes of family, tradition, and the pressures of society, and Taylor’s portrayal of the conflicted and ultimately sympathetic groom is both nuanced and affecting.

Despite being a relatively early role in his career, Taylor’s performance in The Catered Affair remains a standout in his filmography.

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The Catered Affair (Remastered)
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Bette Davis, Ernest Borgnine, Debbie Reynolds (Actors)
  • Richard Brooks (Director)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

2.The Time Machine (1960)

The Time Machine is a classic science-fiction film based on the novel of the same name by H.G. Wells. Rod Taylor plays the lead role of George, a time traveler who journeys far into the future and discovers a world divided into two distinct classes.

The Time Machine Official Trailer #1 - Rod Taylor Movie (1960) HD

Taylor’s performance is strong and engaging, capturing the character’s sense of wonder and his growing horror at the future he uncovers.

The film is considered a landmark in the genre, and Taylor’s performance is one of its key strengths. His portrayal of the curious and determined George is still widely admired by fans of the film.

The Time Machine (1960)
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Yvette Mimieux (Actors)
  • George Pal (Director) - David Duncan (Writer) - George Pal (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

3.The Birds (1963)

The Birds is a classic horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and Rod Taylor plays the male lead role of Mitch Brenner.

The film tells the story of a small California town that is suddenly besieged by aggressive birds, and Taylor’s performance as the charming and heroic Mitch is a key element in the film’s success.

The Birds (1963) [Trailer]

   

His chemistry with co-star Tippi Hedren is palpable, and his portrayal of the protective and resourceful Mitch adds depth and nuance to the film’s suspenseful plot.

The Birds is considered one of Hitchcock’s greatest films, and Taylor’s performance is an integral part of its enduring legacy.

The Birds [DVD]
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy (Actors)
  • Alfred Hitchcock (Director) - Alfred Hitchcock (Producer)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)

4.The V.I.P.s (1963)

The V.I.P.s is a drama film set in London’s Heathrow Airport, and Rod Taylor plays the role of Les Mangrum, a businessman who is trying to secure a seat on a flight despite the chaos caused by fog.

The film features an ensemble cast that includes Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Maggie Smith, among others. Taylor’s performance is notable for its energy and charm, and he provides a welcome dose of levity to the film’s tense and emotional plot.

The V.I.P.s (1963) Official Trailer #1 - Elizabeth Taylor Movie HD

If you like Rod Taylor’s performances, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

While The V.I.P.s is not as well-known as some of Taylor’s other films, his performance in it is still highly regarded by fans of the actor.

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The VIPs
  • English, French, Spanish (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)

5.Sunday in New York (1963)

Sunday in New York is a romantic comedy film in which Rod Taylor plays the lead role of Mike, a handsome and confident pilot who becomes involved with a young woman named Eileen, played by Jane Fonda.

   

The film explores themes of love, sex, and social mores in 1960s New York City, and Taylor’s performance as the suave and charming Mike is a highlight of the film.

Sunday In New York (1963) trailer

He brings a sense of warmth and humor to the role, and his chemistry with Fonda is delightful. Sunday in New York is a charming and lighthearted film, and Taylor’s performance is a key factor in its enduring appeal.

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6.36 Hours (1964)

36 Hours is a World War II thriller in which Rod Taylor plays the lead role of Major Jefferson Pike, an American intelligence officer who is captured by the Germans and subjected to a sophisticated brainwashing program designed to extract vital information.

36 Hours (1965) Official Trailer - James Garner, Eva Marie Saint War Thriller Movie HD

Taylor’s performance in the film is intense and gripping, as he struggles to maintain his sanity and loyalty to his country in the face of relentless psychological manipulation.

The film is notable for its suspenseful plot and clever twists, and Taylor’s performance is a key factor in its success. 36 Hours is considered one of the best films of its genre, and Taylor’s portrayal of the determined and resourceful Major Pike is one of its standout elements.

36 Hours
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • James Garner, Eva Marie Saint, Rod Taylor (Actors)
  • George Seaton (Director) - George Seaton (Writer) - William Perlberg (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

7.Young Cassidy (1965)

Young Cassidy is a biographical drama film about the early years of Irish playwright Sean O’Casey, and Rod Taylor plays the lead role of John Cassidy, a character based on O’Casey himself.

The film follows Cassidy’s journey from a young man working in Dublin’s slums to a successful playwright and political activist.

Taylor’s performance in the film is nuanced and powerful, capturing both Cassidy’s wit and his passion for social justice.

Original Theatrical Trailer | The Young Cassidy | Warner Archive

   

The film features a strong supporting cast, including Julie Christie and Maggie Smith, but it is Taylor’s portrayal of the complex and charismatic Cassidy that makes it a standout in his filmography.

Young Cassidy is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant film, and Taylor’s performance is a key factor in its success.

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Young Cassidy
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Rod Taylor, Julie Christie, Edith Evans (Actors)
  • Jack Cardiff (Director)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

8.The Glass Bottom Boat (1966)

The Glass Bottom Boat is a romantic comedy film in which Rod Taylor plays the lead role of Bruce Templeton, a wealthy bachelor who becomes romantically involved with a young woman named Jennifer, played by Doris Day.

The film features a lighthearted and playful tone, and Taylor’s performance as the charming and dashing Bruce is a highlight of the movie.

Trailer HD | The Glass Bottom Boat | Warner Archive

He brings a sense of wit and sophistication to the role, and his chemistry with Day is palpable. The Glass Bottom Boat is a fun and entertaining film, and Taylor’s performance as the suave and stylish Bruce is a key factor in its enduring popularity.

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The Glass Bottom Boat
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Doris Day, Rod Taylor, Arthur Godfrey (Actors)
  • Frank Tashlin (Director) - Everett Freeman (Writer) - Martin Melcher (Producer)
  • English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

9.Dark of the Sun (1968)

Dark of the Sun is a war film in which Rod Taylor plays the lead role of Captain Bruce Curry, a mercenary hired to lead a mission to rescue civilians during the Congo Crisis.

The film is notable for its intense and gritty portrayal of war and its effects on those involved, and Taylor’s performance as the tough and determined Captain Curry is a standout element.

Dark of the Sun (1968) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]

He brings a sense of authenticity to the role, capturing the character’s stoicism and the emotional toll of the mission on his psyche. The film is considered one of Taylor’s best performances, and his portrayal of Captain Curry is a key factor in its enduring reputation as a classic war film.

Sale
The Glass Bottom Boat
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Doris Day, Rod Taylor, Arthur Godfrey (Actors)
  • Frank Tashlin (Director) - Everett Freeman (Writer) - Martin Melcher (Producer)
  • English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

10.Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Inglourious Basterds is a World War II film directed by Quentin Tarantino, and Rod Taylor has a small but memorable role as Winston Churchill.

The film follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers who are tasked with assassinating high-ranking Nazi officials, and Churchill provides the motivation and inspiration for their mission.

Inglourious Basterds Official Trailer #1 - Brad Pitt Movie (2009) HD

While Taylor’s screen time in the film is limited, his performance as Churchill is powerful and memorable, capturing the gravitas and presence of the iconic British leader.

Inglourious Basterds is considered one of Tarantino’s best films, and Taylor’s performance as Churchill adds a layer of historical authenticity to the film’s playful and subversive take on the war genre.

Inglourious Basterds
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz (Actors)
  • Quentin Tarantino (Director) - Quentin Tarantino (Writer) - Lawrence Bender (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

3 Reasons To Watch Rod Taylor Movies

Sure, here are three reasons to watch Rod Taylor movies:

Great Performances: Rod Taylor was a versatile and talented actor who could excel in a wide range of roles, from charming leading men to intense and dramatic characters.

His performances are often praised for their depth, nuance, and authenticity, and watching his films is a great way to appreciate his skill as an actor.

Classic Films: Many of Rod Taylor’s films are considered classics of their respective genres, and watching them is a great way to explore the history and evolution of cinema.

From his work in iconic films like The Birds and The Time Machine to lesser-known gems like Dark of the Sun, Taylor’s films are a treasure trove of cinematic history.

Timeless Appeal: Despite being made decades ago, many of Rod Taylor’s films continue to resonate with audiences today.

   

Whether it’s his charming and romantic performances in films like Sunday in New York and The Glass Bottom Boat or his intense and gripping turns in films like 36 Hours and Dark of the Sun, Taylor’s films have a timeless appeal that continues to captivate viewers of all ages.

Best Rod Taylor Movies – Wrap Up

To summarize, Rod Taylor was a versatile and talented actor who appeared in many memorable films throughout his career.

Some of his best movies include The Catered Affair, The Time Machine, The Birds, The V.I.P.s, Sunday in New York, 36 Hours, Young Cassidy, The Glass Bottom Boat, Dark of the Sun, and Inglourious Basterds.

These films showcase Taylor’s range as an actor, from romantic comedies to intense war dramas, and are a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of cinema. Watching these films is a great way to appreciate Taylor’s skill as an actor and to explore the history and evolution of cinema.