Whenever I’m struggling with a screenplay or simply enduring a rough day, I turn to the films of Billy Wilder. His mastery of storytelling, character, and tone makes every rewatch feel like a masterclass in cinema.
But what are the best Billy Wilder movies? Narrowing it down wasn’t easy—it meant wrestling with emotions, nostalgia, and personal bias. Still, here’s a list of the top 10 films that showcase Wilder’s brilliance and timeless impact on film.
1. Sunset Boulevard
A definitive Hollywood classic, Sunset Boulevard is Wilder’s haunting masterpiece. William Holden plays a jaded screenwriter who stumbles into the mansion of Norma Desmond, a forgotten silent film star. The movie’s dark satire on fame, relevance, and the Hollywood system features the unforgettable line: “I’m ready for my closeup.” This film remains a cornerstone of American cinema.
2. The Apartment
The Apartment is a near-perfect blend of romantic comedy and biting social commentary. Jack Lemmon stars as a lonely office worker who lends his apartment to executives for secret affairs, hoping for career advancement. Things complicate when he falls for Fran Kubelik (played by Shirley MacLaine), his boss’s mistress. The film won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, proving Wilder’s unparalleled finesse.
3. Some Like It Hot
This is arguably the greatest comedy ever made. After witnessing a mob hit, two musicians—Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon—flee in disguise as women in an all-female band. Marilyn Monroe, in one of her most iconic roles, adds charm and complexity. The film’s fast-paced dialogue, gender-bending humor, and bold subject matter make it eternally hilarious and groundbreaking.
4. Double Indemnity
A film noir milestone, Double Indemnity established genre tropes that still influence cinema today. Fred MacMurray stars as an insurance agent manipulated by the seductive Phyllis Dietrichson (played by Barbara Stanwyck) into committing murder. Co-written with Raymond Chandler, the script’s razor-sharp dialogue and dark atmosphere are unforgettable.
5. Witness for the Prosecution
Adapted from an Agatha Christie play, this courtroom thriller keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Charles Laughton delivers a powerful performance as a defense attorney unraveling a complex murder case. Its twists and turns build to a shocking climax that rewards careful viewing.
6. Ace in the Hole
This bleak examination of media exploitation is disturbingly relevant. Kirk Douglas plays a disgraced reporter who manipulates a human tragedy to revive his career. Wilder’s critique of sensationalist journalism is unrelenting, and Douglas’s performance is both electric and unsettling.
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7. Stalag 17
A unique blend of war drama and dark comedy, Stalag 17 follows American POWs in a German camp during World War II. William Holden won an Oscar for his role as a cynical prisoner accused of treachery. With a tight ensemble cast and a tone that balances levity and tension, this film deserves more attention.
8. The Lost Weekend
A raw, unflinching portrayal of alcoholism, The Lost Weekend earned Wilder the Academy Award for Best Picture. Ray Milland delivers a heartbreaking performance as a writer spiraling into addiction. Its realistic approach to a then-taboo subject broke new ground for Hollywood storytelling.
9. Sabrina
Elegant, witty, and utterly charming, Sabrina is classic Wilder. Audrey Hepburn shines as a chauffeur’s daughter transformed by a Parisian trip. Upon returning, she captures the attention of two wealthy brothers—Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. The film sparkles with romantic tension, clever dialogue, and a timeless sense of style.
10. The Seven Year Itch
A hilarious take on male fantasy and midlife crisis, this film features one of cinema’s most iconic images—Marilyn Monroe’s white dress over a subway grate. Tom Ewell plays a man tempted by his upstairs neighbor while his family is away for the summer. Wilder’s satire is sharp, playful, and daring for its time.
Billy Wilder was a master storyteller, whose ability to blend genres and challenge conventions reshaped cinema. Whether tackling noir, comedy, romance, or drama, Wilder’s films remain essential viewing for any cinephile.
