List of Columbia Pictures movies facts for kids

Welcome to a fun list of movies! This page is all about some of the amazing films that have entertained audiences for decades. Many of these movies were made by a famous studio called Columbia Pictures. They have created all sorts of films, from exciting adventures to funny comedies and heartwarming dramas. Let's take a trip through time and discover some movie magic!

Movies Through the Years

1930s: The Golden Age of Hollywood Begins

The 1930s were a special time for movies. It was when "talkies" – movies with sound – became really popular. People loved going to the cinema to escape and enjoy stories on the big screen. Columbia Pictures made many classic films during this decade.

• It Happened One Night (1934): This romantic comedy won many awards. It's about a rich girl and a newspaper reporter who go on an unexpected adventure together.
• Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936): A kind-hearted man inherits a lot of money and tries to help people, but he faces many challenges.
• Lost Horizon (1937): This movie takes you to a hidden paradise called Shangri-La, a place where people live in peace and harmony.
• You Can't Take It with You (1938): A funny story about a quirky family and how they change the lives of others.
• Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939): A young, honest man becomes a senator and fights against corruption in Washington D.C. It's a powerful story about standing up for what's right.

1940s: War, Heroes, and Musicals

The 1940s were a time of big changes in the world, and movies often reflected that. There were exciting war films, but also many musicals and comedies to lift spirits. Superheroes like Batman and Superman also made their first appearances on screen!

• His Girl Friday (1940): A fast-paced comedy about a newspaper editor and his ex-wife, who is also a reporter. Their witty conversations are legendary!
• Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941): A boxer dies too soon and gets a second chance at life in another body. It's a magical and thoughtful film.
• Batman (1943): The Caped Crusader first appeared in this movie serial, fighting crime and thrilling audiences.
• Cover Girl (1944): A beautiful musical starring Rita Hayworth, full of singing and dancing.
• The Jolson Story (1946): A musical biography about the famous singer Al Jolson.
• Superman (1948): The Man of Steel flew onto the screen in his own exciting movie serial.
• All the King's Men (1949): A serious drama about a politician's rise to power and what happens along the way.

1950s: Big Screens and Rock and Roll

The 1950s brought new technologies to movies, like wider screens and better sound. This made going to the cinema an even bigger event. Many classic dramas and exciting adventures were made.

• Born Yesterday (1950): A funny and smart movie about a tough businessman who tries to educate his girlfriend.
• From Here to Eternity (1953): A powerful drama set during World War II, known for its strong story and characters.
• The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T (1953): A unique and imaginative musical fantasy film.
• The Caine Mutiny (1954): A gripping naval drama with a famous court-martial scene.
• On the Waterfront (1954): A very famous and important drama about a former boxer standing up to corruption on the docks.
• Picnic (1955): A romantic drama set during a small town's Labor Day picnic.
• The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957): An epic war film about British prisoners of war building a bridge in Southeast Asia.
• Gidget (1959): A fun, lighthearted movie about a teenage girl who discovers surfing.

1960s: Epic Adventures and New Ideas

The 1960s saw movies become even more diverse. There were huge epic films, spy thrillers, and comedies that pushed boundaries.

• The Guns of Navarone (1961): An exciting adventure about a team sent to destroy giant German guns during World War II.
• Lawrence of Arabia (1962): A truly epic film about T.E. Lawrence's adventures in the Arabian Desert during World War I. It's known for its stunning visuals.
• Bye Bye Birdie (1963): A lively musical comedy about a rock and roll star who is drafted into the army.
• Jason and the Argonauts (1963): A fantastic adventure movie famous for its amazing stop-motion animation creatures, like the skeleton army!
• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964): A very clever and funny comedy about a serious topic.
• Born Free (1966): The heartwarming story of a couple who raise an orphaned lion cub.
• To Sir, with Love (1967): A touching film about a new teacher in a tough London school.
• Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967): A groundbreaking film about a young woman introducing her fiancé to her parents.
• Oliver! (1968): A wonderful musical based on the classic story of Oliver Twist.
• Funny Girl (1968): A musical biography of comedian Fanny Brice, starring Barbra Streisand.
• Easy Rider (1969): A famous road trip movie that captured the spirit of the late 1960s.

1970s: Gritty Realism and Blockbusters

The 1970s brought a mix of more realistic and sometimes darker films, alongside the rise of big "blockbuster" movies that drew huge crowds.

• The Last Picture Show (1971): A story about growing up in a small Texas town in the 1950s.
• The Way We Were (1973): A romantic drama starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford.
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): A hilarious and silly comedy about King Arthur and his knights.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977): A fantastic science fiction film about first contact with aliens. It's known for its amazing special effects and music.
• The Deep (1977): An underwater adventure film about treasure hunting.
• The Buddy Holly Story (1978): A musical biography of the early rock and roll star Buddy Holly.
• Kramer vs. Kramer (1979): A powerful drama about a family dealing with divorce.

1980s: Action, Comedy, and Teen Movies

The 1980s were a time of big action movies, fun comedies, and many films focused on teenagers and their lives.

• The Blue Lagoon (1980): A romantic adventure about two children stranded on a tropical island.
• Stripes (1981): A funny comedy about two friends who join the army.
• Annie (1982): A beloved musical about a cheerful orphan girl who finds a home.
• Tootsie (1982): A very funny comedy about an actor who pretends to be a woman to get a role.
• Gandhi (1982): A powerful and inspiring film about the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who led India to independence.
• Ghostbusters (1984): A hugely popular comedy about a team of scientists who start a ghost-catching business. It's full of laughs and special effects!
• The Karate Kid (1984): A classic story about a boy who learns karate from a wise sensei to stand up to bullies.
• Starman (1984): A heartwarming science fiction film about an alien who visits Earth.
• Stand By Me (1986): A touching coming-of-age story about a group of friends on a summer adventure.
• The Last Emperor (1987): An epic historical drama about the last emperor of China.

1990s: Blockbusters and Animation

The 1990s continued the trend of big blockbusters, and computer animation started to become a major part of filmmaking.

• Awakenings (1990): A moving drama based on a true story about a doctor who helps patients wake up from a long sleep.
• Boyz n the Hood (1991): A powerful drama about growing up in South Central Los Angeles.
• City Slickers (1991): A hilarious comedy about three friends who go on a cattle drive.
• Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992): A visually stunning horror film directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
• A League of Their Own (1992): A fun and inspiring movie about a women's professional baseball league during World War II.
• A Few Good Men (1992): A gripping courtroom drama with famous lines and intense performances.
• Groundhog Day (1993): A very funny and clever comedy about a weatherman who relives the same day over and over.
• Last Action Hero (1993): An action-comedy where a boy gets pulled into a movie.
• The Shawshank Redemption (1994): A highly acclaimed drama about hope and friendship in prison.
• Bad Boys (1995): An action-packed buddy cop movie.
• The Fifth Element (1997): A visually spectacular science fiction action film.
• Anaconda (1997): A thrilling adventure movie about a giant snake.
• Air Force One (1997): An intense action film about the President's plane being hijacked.
• Men in Black (1997): A super fun science fiction comedy about secret agents who monitor aliens on Earth.
• Stuart Little (1999): A charming family film about a talking mouse adopted by a human family.

2000s: Special Effects and Franchises

The 2000s saw even more advanced special effects and the rise of big movie series, or "franchises," with many sequels.

• Erin Brockovich (2000): A drama based on a true story about a woman who helps fight against a big company polluting water.
• Charlie's Angels (2000): An action-comedy based on the classic TV show.
• The Patriot (2000): An epic historical war film set during the American Revolutionary War.
• Black Hawk Down (2001): An intense war film based on a true story.
• Spider-Man (2002): The first big-screen movie for the famous web-slinging superhero, full of action and heart.
• Men in Black II (2002): The sequel to the popular alien-fighting comedy.
• Bad Boys 2 (2003): The action-packed sequel to the 1995 film.
• Spider-Man 2 (2004): Many consider this sequel to be even better than the first, with amazing action and story.
• The Grudge (2004): A popular horror film.
• Are We There Yet? (2005): A family comedy about a man trying to transport two kids.
• Hitch (2005): A romantic comedy about a "date doctor" who helps men find love.
• The Legend of Zorro (2005): An exciting swashbuckling adventure.
• Zathura (2005): A fun science fiction adventure where a board game brings a house into space.
• The Da Vinci Code (2006): A mystery thriller based on the popular book.
• Monster House (2006): A cool animated movie about a house that's alive!
• RV (2006): A family comedy about a road trip in a recreational vehicle.
• Open Season (2006): A funny animated movie about a domesticated bear who gets lost in the wild.
• Casino Royale (2006): A thrilling James Bond spy movie.
• Rocky Balboa (2006): The return of the beloved boxing hero.
• Ghost Rider (2007): A superhero film based on the Marvel comic character.