Billy Wilder is considered by many to be one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. Though modern casual movie fans may not recognize the name, his work includes some of the most iconic films in Hollywood history.
What makes Wilder such a unique talent is his astonishing versatility as a storyteller. All of his films feel different and some of them could not differ more in of story and tone. Yet his sharp writing and clean filmmaking style carry through in so many of his brilliant films. If you are unfamiliar with the work of Billy Wilder, do yourself a favor and check out his most popular pictures.
Sabrina (1954) - 7.7
Assembling an all-star cast, Wilder took on the big-screen adaptation of the hit Broadway comedy Sabrina. William Holden plays a rich and impulsive playboy who falls for a young chauffeur's daughter named Sabrina (Aubrey Hepburn). Trouble ensues when Holden's older brother (Humphrey Bogart) falls for Sabrina as well.
The talent on the screen is matched by Wilder's funny and lively script. The love triangle provides a captivating story that still resonates as a great romantic romp for many audiences.
One, Two, Three (1961) - 7.9
Every single one of Wilder's films has a different feel to it, but it's hard to argue that he really excels at the big, fun comedies like One, Two, Three. James Cagney stars as a Coca-Cola executive operating in West Berlin during the Cold War. His frantic life is complicated further when he is asked to take care of his boss' daughter.
Cagney proves again that his talents are just as versatile as Wilder's as he delivers a great performance. The movie is a big, bold satire of the Cold War, with clever commentary on both sides of the conflict.
The Lost Weekend (1945) - 7.9
As entertaining as his comedies are, Wilder is just as adept at delivering truly hard-hitting dramatic work. One of his most serious projects is The Lost Weekend. The film follows a severe alcoholic through his four-day bender.
The movie has been praised for its unrelenting look at addiction, which wasn't a common subject matter at the time. Shocking films on the subject may have come out more recently, but The Lost Weekend remains a powerful drama.
Stalag 17 (1953) - 8.0
In another example of his amazing versatility, Wilder told this thrilling World War II story. Stalag 17 stars William Holden as a suave prisoner of war who serves as a black marketeer. When an escape attempt is thwarted in the camp, he becomes suspected of serving as an informant for the enemy.
Stalag 17 provides a unique setting for Wilder to further display his directing talents. The film also boasts one of Wilder's more darkly funny scripts that still holds up to this day.
Ace In The Hole (1951) - 8.1
Many see Ace in the Hole as Wilder's great morality tale. Kirk Douglas stars as a cunning reporter looking for a big story to get his career back on track. While in a small town, he comes across the rescue attempt of a man stuck in a mine shaft and turns it into a media sensation.
The satire of the press is biting, with moments of comedy mixed with heartbreaking developments. Douglas is sensational as the selfish protagonist and the gripping story plays out without getting preachy or sentimental.
Some Like It Hot (1959) - 8.2
Wilder really does know how to put on a good show and Some Like it Hot is one of his most enjoyable movies — and one of the most beloved comedies of all time. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon play two musicians who witness a mob hit and flee the city disguised as of an all-female band.
The high concept works wonderfully thanks to the committed performances and the sharp script. Marilyn Monroe also gives an iconic performance as the female lead whom one of the men quickly falls for.
Double Indemnity (1944) - 8.3
Wilder really broke out in Hollywood thanks to the stunning noir film, Double Indemnity. Fred MacMurray plays an insurance salesman who strikes up a flirtatious relationship with a housewife (Barbara Stanwyck). Together, they cook up a murder scheme to collect the insurance on her wealthy husband.
Wilder wrote the film with famed mystery novelist Raymond Chandler. Needless to say, the script is clever, intense, and thrilling from start to finish. It ranks among the very best noir films of all time.
The Apartment (1960) - 8.3
Along with all the big story ideas, Wilder makes his films so accessible thanks to the characters he creates. In The Apartment, Jack Lemmon stars as a man who tries to rise in his job by letting his superiors use his apartment for their romantic trysts. Trouble arises when he finds himself in a romance of his own.
The funny premise doesn't prepare viewers for the charm of this movie. There is a tenderness to Wilder's writing this time around as he manages to tell a genuinely sweet romance story with a lot of smart humor thrown in.
Witness for the Prosecution (1957) - 8.4
Once again, Wilder switches genres to tackle a stirring and exciting courtroom thriller. Witness for the Prosecution follows a British barrister defending a client in a high-profile case that keeps unraveling with new surprises.
The film is based on an Agatha Christie novel and Wilder feels like the perfect yet unexpected filmmaker to take on the material. Witness for the Prosecution makes for a thoroughly entertaining and tense thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Sunset Blvd. (1950) - 8.4
In his most acclaimed film, Wilder tackled the seedy side of Hollywood within the noir genre. The film follows a young, struggling screenwriter who begins a bizarre relationship with a former silent film star who has faded from obscurity and become eccentric.
Sunset Blvd. is a haunting, complex, and brilliant film. It is often called one of the greatest movies of all time and it's hard to argue against that idea. It shows Wilder's many talents on display in what could easily be considered his masterpiece.
