25 Best William Holden Movies: The Understated Brilliance of a Golden Age Actor

William Holden was an American actor who appeared in more than 70 films during his career, which spanned from the 1930s to the 1980s. He is known for his roles in classic films such as “Sunset Boulevard,” “Stalag 17,” and “The Bridge on the River Kwai.”

Holden won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Stalag 17” and was also nominated for his performances in “Sunset Boulevard” and “Network.”

Best William Holden Movies

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best William Holden movies that you should watch.

1. Sunset Blvd. (1950)

Sunset Blvd. is a classic American film noir released in 1950, directed by Billy Wilder and starring William Holden, Gloria Swanson, and Erich von Stroheim.

The film tells the story of a struggling screenwriter named Joe Gillis (Holden) who, while trying to evade debt collectors, stumbles upon the decaying mansion of former silent film star Norma Desmond (Swanson).

Desmond, who has been out of the spotlight for years, offers Gillis a job to help her write a screenplay for her comeback film.

As Gillis becomes more involved with Desmond, he realizes that she is delusional and living in the past, believing that she is still a great actress and that Hollywood is waiting for her return. He also falls into a complicated relationship with her that leads to tragic consequences.

Sunset Blvd. is considered a masterpiece of American cinema, and is known for its stunning performances, dark themes, and incisive commentary on Hollywood and the nature of fame.

It received numerous Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won three Oscars for Best Art Direction, Best Original Score, and Best Screenplay.

2. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

“The Bridge on the River Kwai” is a 1957 epic war film directed by David Lean and based on the novel of the same name by Pierre Boulle.

The movie is set in a Japanese prisoner of war camp in Burma during World War II and tells the story of British prisoners who are forced to build a railway bridge over the river Kwai.

The film stars Alec Guinness as British Colonel Nicholson, who takes pride in his duty to build the bridge to perfection, and Sessue Hayakawa as Japanese Colonel Saito, who is determined to complete the bridge on time, regardless of the cost.

The film also features William Holden as an American prisoner who tries to sabotage the bridge, and Jack Hawkins as the British commander who leads the rescue mission.

“The Bridge on the River Kwai” was a critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Alec Guinness.

The film is considered a classic of the war film genre and has been praised for its portrayal of the moral ambiguity of war and the conflict between duty and personal values.

3. Network (1976)

Network is a satirical film directed by Sidney Lumet and released in 1976. The movie features an ensemble cast including Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, and Robert Duvall.

The film tells the story of a struggling television network, UBS, and its efforts to boost its ratings by any means necessary.

If you like William Holden’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.

The network’s anchor, Howard Beale (Finch), becomes an unexpected success after an on-air meltdown, leading to the creation of a new show where he rants about the state of the world.

As Beale’s rants become more extreme, the network executives, led by programming executive Diana Christensen (Dunaway), use him as a pawn to manipulate the public and increase ratings. However, their plan ultimately spirals out of control, leading to tragic consequences.

Network is known for its biting commentary on the media, capitalism, and the blurring lines between news and entertainment. It received critical acclaim upon its release and went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Peter Finch and Best Actress for Faye Dunaway.

4. Stalag 17 (1953)

“Stalag 17” is a 1953 black comedy-drama war film directed by Billy Wilder and based on the Broadway play of the same name by Donald Bevan and Edmund Trzcinski. The movie is set in a German prisoner of war camp during World War II and follows a group of American airmen who suspect that one of their own is a spy and has been passing information to the Germans.

The film stars William Holden as Sergeant J.J.

Sefton, a cynical and selfish prisoner who is initially suspected of being the spy. The other prisoners, led by Sergeant Schulz (played by Sig Ruman), attempt to uncover the identity of the traitor while dealing with the harsh conditions of the camp.

“Stalag 17” was a critical and commercial success, earning three Academy Award nominations and winning Best Actor for William Holden.

The film is known for its dark humor and portrayal of the brutal realities of life in a prisoner of war camp, as well as its twist ending. It has since become a classic of the war film genre and has been praised for its engaging story, sharp dialogue, and memorable characters.

5. Picnic (1955)

Picnic is a drama film released in 1955, directed by Joshua Logan and starring William Holden, Kim Novak, and Rosalind Russell.

The movie is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by William Inge and tells the story of a drifter named Hal Carter (Holden) who arrives in a small town in Kansas on Labor Day weekend.

Hal finds work as a laborer for a wealthy businessman and falls in love with the businessman’s beautiful daughter, Madge (Novak), who is also courted by a wealthy but boring suitor named Alan (Cliff Robertson).

As Hal and Madge begin a romance, tensions rise between Hal and the other townspeople, leading to a dramatic and tragic climax.

Picnic explores themes of love, class, and social norms in mid-20th century America. The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

It is also notable for its iconic dance sequence between Holden and Novak, set to the song “Moonglow”.

6. The Wild Bunch (1969)

“The Wild Bunch” is a 1969 American Western film directed by Sam Peckinpah. The movie is set in the early 1900s and follows a group of aging outlaws, led by Pike Bishop (played by William Holden), who plan one last robbery before retiring from their life of crime.

The film stars an ensemble cast including Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, Edmond O’Brien, Warren Oates, and Ben Johnson.

The group of outlaws is pursued by a posse led by Deke Thornton (played by Robert Ryan), a former member of their gang who has been hired by the railroad company to track them down.

“The Wild Bunch” is known for its innovative use of slow-motion and violence, which caused controversy and was deemed shocking at the time of its release.

The film is also recognized for its portrayal of the end of the Old West and the changing nature of the Western genre. It has since become a cult classic and is considered one of the greatest Western films ever made.

7. The Country Girl (1954)

The Country Girl is a drama film released in 1954, directed by George Seaton and starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and William Holden. The movie is based on a play by Clifford Odets and tells the story of Frank Elgin (Crosby), a washed-up alcoholic actor who is given a second chance at success when he is offered a leading role in a Broadway play.

However, Frank’s wife, Georgie (Kelly), is skeptical of the director’s motives and is concerned about Frank’s ability to perform. She also resents the director’s attention to her husband and begins to suspect that he is trying to steal Frank away from her.

Meanwhile, the play’s composer, Bernie Dodd (Holden), develops an interest in Georgie, leading to a complicated love triangle.

The Country Girl explores themes of love, loyalty, and redemption. The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release and won two Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Grace Kelly.

It is also notable for being one of Kelly’s last film roles before she retired from acting to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

8. The Counterfeit Traitor (1962)

“The Counterfeit Traitor” is a 1962 espionage film directed by George Seaton, based on the book of the same name by Alexander Klein.

The movie is set during World War II and tells the true story of a Swedish oil businessman named Eric Erickson (played by William Holden) who is recruited by the Allied forces to spy on the Germans.

Erickson is asked to use his business connections to supply the Germans with faulty oil shipments, which will cause their planes and tanks to break down. He agrees to the plan but is later caught by the Gestapo and interrogated.

The film also stars Lilli Palmer as Erickson’s German lover, who helps him in his mission, and Hugh Griffith as his contact in the British intelligence agency.

“The Counterfeit Traitor” was praised for its realistic portrayal of espionage and its exploration of the moral complexities of wartime espionage.

The film also received critical acclaim for the performances of its lead actors, particularly William Holden. However, the film was not a commercial success and is now considered a forgotten gem of the spy genre.

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9. The Towering Inferno (1974)

The Towering Inferno is a disaster film released in 1974, directed by John Guillermin and starring an ensemble cast including Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, and William Holden.

The movie tells the story of a high-rise building in San Francisco that catches on fire during its grand opening party, trapping hundreds of people inside.

The building’s architect (Newman) and the fire chief (McQueen) work together to try to save the trapped guests and put out the raging inferno, while the building’s owner (Holden) tries to save face and cover up his own negligence.

The film is notable for its spectacular special effects and thrilling action sequences, as well as its commentary on the dangers of modern architecture and the greed and corruption of the wealthy elite.

The Towering Inferno was a commercial and critical success upon its release, earning eight Academy Award nominations and winning three, including Best Cinematography and Best Original Song. It is often considered one of the greatest disaster films of all time.

10. Born Yesterday (1950)

“Born Yesterday” is a 1950 comedy-drama film directed by George Cukor and based on the play of the same name by Garson Kanin.

The movie tells the story of a corrupt businessman named Harry Brock (played by Broderick Crawford) who hires a journalist named Paul Verrall (played by William Holden) to educate his ditzy girlfriend, Billie Dawn (played by Judy Holliday), in order to improve her social skills.

As Billie starts to become more educated and independent, she begins to see through Harry’s corruption and becomes disillusioned with him. She and Paul fall in love, and together they work to expose Harry’s illegal dealings.

“Born Yesterday” was a critical and commercial success, winning an Academy Award for Best Actress for Judy Holliday.

The film is known for its sharp dialogue and strong performances, particularly by Holliday, who was praised for her portrayal of Billie Dawn.

The movie has since become a classic of the romantic comedy genre and has been praised for its commentary on American politics and corruption.

11. The Bridges at Toko-Ri (1954)

The Bridges at Toko-Ri is a war film released in 1954, directed by Mark Robson and starring William Holden, Grace Kelly, and Mickey Rooney.

The movie is based on a novel by James Michener and tells the story of American Navy pilot Harry Brubaker (Holden), who is called back to active duty to fly a dangerous mission during the Korean War.

Brubaker’s mission is to destroy two heavily guarded bridges in the North Korean port of Toko-Ri, a task that requires precision flying and puts the lives of Brubaker and his fellow pilots at great risk.

Meanwhile, Brubaker’s wife (Kelly) struggles to cope with the uncertainty of his mission and the dangers of military life.

The Bridges at Toko-Ri explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the impact of war on soldiers and their families. The film was praised for its realistic depictions of aerial combat and its portrayal of the emotional toll of war.

It was also notable for its use of actual footage shot by Navy photographers during the Korean War. The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release and was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Mickey Rooney.

12. Satan Never Sleeps (1962)

“Satan Never Sleeps” is a 1962 drama film directed by Leo McCarey and based on the novel “The Passionate Witch” by J. P. Miller.

The movie is set in China during the Chinese Civil War and follows a Catholic priest, Father O’Banion (played by William Holden), who is trying to maintain his faith and minister to his parishioners despite the dangers posed by the war and the Communist revolution.

Father O’Banion is aided by a young Chinese girl named Siu Lan (played by France Nuyen), who serves as his translator and assistant. The two become close, and Father O’Banion struggles with his growing feelings for her, as well as his duty to his religion.

The film deals with themes of faith, morality, and love, as well as the impact of war and revolution on individuals and communities. It was released during the Cold War and was seen as a commentary on the conflict between communism and Christianity.

“Satan Never Sleeps” received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its performances and themes, while others found it overly melodramatic and clichéd.

However, the film has since gained a cult following and is considered an interesting entry in William Holden’s filmography.

13. The Moon Is Blue (1953)

The Moon Is Blue is a romantic comedy film released in 1953, directed by Otto Preminger and starring William Holden, David Niven, and Maggie McNamara.

The movie is based on a play by F. Hugh Herbert and tells the story of a young woman named Patty O’Neill (McNamara) who meets two men, a successful architect (Holden) and a wealthy playboy (Niven), and must choose between them.

The film caused controversy upon its release due to its frank sexual content and use of “banned” words such as “virgin” and “mistress”.

The film was released without the approval of the Motion Picture Production Code, which enforced a set of moral guidelines for films at the time. Despite this, The Moon Is Blue was a commercial success and helped to break down some of the barriers of censorship in Hollywood.

The Moon Is Blue explores themes of love, relationships, and societal expectations. The film was praised for its witty dialogue and strong performances from its cast. It was also notable for being one of the first Hollywood films to be shot on location in New York City.

14. Sabrina (1954)

“Sabrina” is a 1954 romantic comedy directed by Billy Wilder and based on the play “Sabrina Fair” by Samuel A. Taylor.

The movie stars Audrey Hepburn as Sabrina Fairchild, the daughter of the Larrabee family’s chauffeur, who falls in love with the younger Larrabee brother, David (played by William Holden).

Sabrina is sent to Paris to learn how to become a sophisticated woman, and when she returns, she is transformed from a gawky girl into a beautiful and elegant woman.

David, who had previously been uninterested in Sabrina, falls for her, which causes problems for his engagement to a wealthy woman.

The film also stars Humphrey Bogart as Linus Larrabee, the older brother who initially disapproves of David’s relationship with Sabrina but eventually falls in love with her himself.

“Sabrina” was a critical and commercial success, earning six Academy Award nominations and winning one for Best Costume Design. The film is known for its witty script, charming performances, and romantic storyline.

It has since become a classic of the romantic comedy genre and has been remade twice, once in 1995 and again in 2021.

15. The Horse Soldiers (1959)

The Horse Soldiers is a Western war film released in 1959, directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne, William Holden, and Constance Towers.

The movie is based on a novel by Harold Sinclair and tells the story of a Union cavalry brigade led by Colonel John Marlowe (Wayne) and a doctor named Major Henry Kendall (Holden), who are sent on a mission to destroy a vital Confederate railroad during the American Civil War.

The mission is complicated by the presence of a Southern belle named Miss Hannah Hunter (Towers), who is taken captive by the Union soldiers.

As the soldiers make their way through enemy territory, they face danger and adversity, including attacks from Confederate soldiers and the harsh realities of war.

The Horse Soldiers explores themes of duty, honor, and sacrifice, as well as the human cost of war. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of battle scenes and its use of authentic Civil War-era weapons and equipment.

It was also notable for its strong performances from Wayne and Holden, who had previously starred together in the classic Western film, “The Searchers.”

The Horse Soldiers was a commercial success upon its release and has since become a beloved classic of the Western genre.

16. Golden Boy (1939)

“Golden Boy” is a 1939 drama film directed by Rouben Mamoulian, based on the play of the same name by Clifford Odets. The movie stars William Holden as Joe Bonaparte, a talented violinist who dreams of becoming a famous boxer.

Despite his father’s objections, Joe quits the violin to pursue his boxing career, but his success comes at a cost as he becomes embroiled in the seedy world of boxing and gambling.

Along the way, Joe falls in love with Lorna Moon (played by Barbara Stanwyck), a cynical and tough-talking woman who works at a nightclub owned by a crooked promoter (played by Adolphe Menjou).

“Golden Boy” deals with themes of ambition, sacrifice, and morality, and was seen as a commentary on the American Dream and the price of success.

The film was praised for its strong performances, particularly by Holden and Stanwyck, and its use of expressionistic cinematography.

“Golden Boy” was a commercial success and helped launch William Holden’s career as a leading man in Hollywood. The film has since been regarded as a classic of the boxing genre and a notable example of the socially conscious dramas of the late 1930s.

17. Executive Suite (1954)

Executive Suite is a drama film released in 1954, directed by Robert Wise and starring an ensemble cast including William Holden, June Allyson, Barbara Stanwyck, and Fredric March.

The movie is based on a novel by Cameron Hawley and tells the story of a power struggle at a furniture manufacturing company following the sudden death of the company’s president.

As the board of directors meets to select a new president, various executives jockey for position and try to gain the upper hand.

The contenders include the company’s vice president, treasurer, and plant manager, as well as a former employee with a grudge against the company. As the decision-making process drags on, tensions rise and personal rivalries are exposed.

Executive Suite explores themes of ambition, corporate greed, and the human cost of business.

The film was praised for its intelligent script and nuanced performances, particularly from Holden as the conflicted vice president and Stanwyck as a powerful executive fighting for her own interests.

It was also notable for its use of split-screen technology to show multiple characters in different locations at the same time. Executive Suite was a critical and commercial success upon its release and was nominated for multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

18. The World of Suzie Wong (1960)

The World of Suzie Wong is a romantic drama film released in 1960, directed by Richard Quine and starring William Holden and Nancy Kwan.

The movie is based on a novel by Richard Mason and tells the story of an American artist named Robert Lomax (Holden) who moves to Hong Kong and becomes involved with a young Chinese woman named Suzie Wong (Kwan), who works as a prostitute.

Despite the disapproval of their respective social circles and the racial prejudices of the time, Lomax and Wong begin a passionate relationship. However, their cultural differences and personal demons threaten to tear them apart.

The World of Suzie Wong explores themes of love, identity, and the clash of cultures. The film was praised for its lush cinematography and exotic setting, as well as the chemistry between Holden and Kwan.

It was also notable for its depiction of Wong as a strong and independent woman, challenging stereotypes of Asian women in Hollywood at the time. The World of Suzie Wong was a commercial success and has since become a cult classic.

19. Our Town (1940)

“Our Town” is a 1940 drama film directed by Sam Wood, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Thornton Wilder. The movie tells the story of life in the small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, from 1901 to 1913, through the lives of its inhabitants.

The film follows the lives of two families, the Gibbs and the Webbs, and their children, Emily and George. Emily and George fall in love and get married, but tragedy strikes when Emily dies in childbirth. The film explores themes of love, family, mortality, and the passage of time.

“Our Town” was a critical and commercial success, receiving six Academy Award nominations and winning two, for Best Art Direction and Best Sound.

The film is known for its simple yet poignant portrayal of small-town life and its exploration of universal themes that still resonate with audiences today.

“Our Town” has been adapted numerous times for the stage, television, and radio, and is considered a classic of American theater and literature.

20. Alvarez Kelly (1966)

“Alvarez Kelly” is a 1966 Western war film directed by Edward Dmytryk and starring William Holden and Richard Widmark.

The film is set during the American Civil War and follows Alvarez Kelly (played by William Holden), a Mexican-Irish cattleman who is forced to drive his herd of cattle to a Confederate army camp.

Along the way, Kelly is kidnapped by a group of Union soldiers led by Colonel Tom Rossiter (played by Richard Widmark), who intend to steal the cattle and use them to feed their troops.

Kelly and Rossiter engage in a tense standoff as Kelly tries to protect his livelihood and Rossiter tries to fulfill his mission for the Union.

The film deals with themes of war, honor, and loyalty, and was seen as a commentary on the futility of war and the sacrifices made by individuals caught up in larger conflicts.

The film was praised for its tense and suspenseful plot, as well as its strong performances by Holden and Widmark.

“Alvarez Kelly” was a moderate success at the box office, but received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its anti-war message and others criticizing its historical accuracy.

Despite its mixed reception, the film has since gained a cult following among fans of Westerns and war films.

21. Union Station (1950)

Union Station is a crime thriller film released in 1950, directed by Rudolph Maté and starring William Holden and Nancy Olson. The movie is based on a novel by Thomas Walsh and tells the story of a kidnapping plot that takes place in a busy train station in Chicago.

When Joyce Willecombe (Olson), the daughter of a wealthy businessman, is kidnapped from a train, police lieutenant William Calhoun (Holden) is called in to investigate.

With the help of a savvy station manager and the use of cutting-edge technology, Calhoun races against the clock to track down the kidnappers and rescue the young woman.

Union Station explores themes of law and order, technology, and the tension between the public and private spheres. The film was praised for its suspenseful plot and taut pacing, as well as the strong performances from Holden and Olson.

It was also notable for its realistic portrayal of police work and the use of actual train station locations in Chicago. Union Station was a commercial success upon its release and has since become a classic of the crime thriller genre.

22. The Key (1958)

The Key is a war drama film released in 1958, directed by Carol Reed and starring William Holden, Sophia Loren, and Trevor Howard.

The movie is based on a novel by Jan de Hartog and tells the story of a love triangle that develops between a British tugboat captain named David Ross (Holden), his boss, Captain Van der Poel (Howard), and a beautiful Italian woman named Stella (Loren) during World War II.

As Ross and his crew try to salvage sunken ships in the dangerous waters around the island of Malta, he becomes increasingly attracted to Stella, who is married to Van der Poel.

When Van der Poel is called away on a mission, Ross and Stella begin a passionate affair, but their happiness is threatened by the dangers of war and the return of Van der Poel.

The Key explores themes of love, loyalty, and the human cost of war. The film was praised for its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, particularly from Holden and Loren, who had previously starred together in the film “The Bridge on the River Kwai.”

It was also notable for its portrayal of the harsh realities of war and the effects it has on people’s lives. The Key was a critical and commercial success upon its release and has since become a beloved classic of the war drama genre.

23. The Proud and Profane (1956)

“The Proud and Profane” is a 1956 war drama film directed by George Seaton and starring William Holden and Deborah Kerr.

The movie is set during World War II and follows a group of nurses who are stationed in the Pacific theater and their relationships with the soldiers fighting there.

Holden plays Lieutenant Colonel Colin Black, a hard-nosed commander who clashes with Kerr’s character, Lee Ashley, a nurse who has a more compassionate approach to caring for wounded soldiers.

Despite their initial differences, the two begin to develop feelings for each other as they work together in the challenging and dangerous environment of the war zone.

The film deals with themes of love, loss, and the psychological toll of war on soldiers and civilians alike. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of the war and its human impact, as well as for the performances of Holden and Kerr.

“The Proud and Profane” was a commercial success and received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its honest depiction of war and others criticizing its sentimental and melodramatic moments.

Despite its mixed reception, the film is still remembered for its portrayal of the human cost of war and the emotional bonds that can be formed in the face of adversity.

24. Apartment for Peggy (1948)

“Apartment for Peggy” is a 1948 drama film directed by George Seaton and starring Jeanne Crain, William Holden, and Edmund Gwenn. The film tells the story of a young couple, Jason and Peggy, who are struggling to make ends meet as they attend college.

They are taken in by Professor Henry Barnes, an elderly widower who has recently lost his son in the war.

As Jason and Peggy settle into their new home with Professor Barnes, they discover that he is struggling with depression and a sense of loneliness.

The couple’s youthful energy and optimism begin to have a positive impact on the older man, helping him to find a renewed sense of purpose and joy in life.

The film deals with themes of aging, loneliness, and the power of human connection. It was praised for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the relationship between the young couple and the older professor, as well as for the performances of Crain, Holden, and Gwenn.

“Apartment for Peggy” was a commercial and critical success and is still regarded as a classic of the post-war era.

The film was seen as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by an entire generation during the war, as well as a hopeful message about the power of intergenerational friendships and love.

25. Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955)

Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing is a romantic drama film released in 1955, directed by Henry King and starring William Holden and Jennifer Jones.

The movie is based on a novel by Han Suyin and tells the story of an American war correspondent named Mark Elliott (Holden) who falls in love with a Eurasian doctor named Han Suyin (Jones) in Hong Kong during the 1949 Chinese revolution.

Despite the disapproval of their respective cultures and families, Elliott and Suyin pursue a passionate love affair. However, their relationship is complicated by the political turmoil around them, as well as the racial and social prejudices of the time.

Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing explores themes of love, cultural identity, and the clash of cultures. The film was praised for its stunning location shots in Hong Kong and its beautiful score, which featured the Oscar-winning song “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing.”

It was also notable for its portrayal of a biracial romance at a time when such relationships were still taboo in Hollywood. Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing was a critical and commercial success upon its release and has since become a classic of the romantic drama genre.

3 Reasons To Watch William Holden Movies

Iconic performances: William Holden was a talented and versatile actor who starred in many classic films, including “Sunset Boulevard,” “Stalag 17,” “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” and “Network.”

His performances in these films were praised for their nuance and depth, and he won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Stalag 17.”

Watching his films is a great way to appreciate the skill and artistry of one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading men.

Historical significance: Many of William Holden’s films were made during important periods in Hollywood and world history.

For example, “Stalag 17” was released during the height of the Cold War and explores themes of loyalty and betrayal, while “The Bridge on the River Kwai” examines the horrors of war and the human cost of conflict.

Watching these films can give you a deeper understanding of the cultural and political context in which they were made.

Timeless entertainment: William Holden’s films have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by audiences today.

Whether you’re a fan of classic cinema or just looking for a great movie to watch, his performances are sure to entertain and engage.

From his dramatic roles to his charming romantic leads, Holden’s films offer something for everyone and are a testament to his enduring legacy as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors.

Best William Holden Movies – Wrap Up

In conclusion, William Holden was a versatile and talented actor who appeared in many classic films throughout his career. Some of his best movies include “Sunset Boulevard,” “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” “Stalag 17,” “Network,” and “The Wild Bunch.”

Holden’s ability to portray complex and multi-dimensional characters made him a favorite among both audiences and critics, and his performances in these films continue to be celebrated today.

He was a true Hollywood icon, and his legacy as an actor and a cultural figure lives on long after his death.