For anyone just starting to explore the world of classic cinema, the name Humphrey Bogart is almost certain to appear quickly. With his distinct voice, world-weary gaze, and undeniable screen presence, he’s an actor loved by audiences for generations. But, with such a vast filmography, knowing where to begin can feel a bit overwhelming. So if you are new to his work, then fear not, I’ve put together a list of ten of his best movies that should serve as the perfect introduction to his career, highlighting his versatility and why he’s such an enduring figure in film history. From the shadowy world of film noir to gripping wartime romances and gritty adventures, these selections provide a comprehensive look at what made Bogart a true legend.
Beginning this exploration we’ll step into the smoky world of 1941’s The Maltese Falcon. Directed by John Huston, this Warner Bros. picture presents us with Bogart as the cynical private eye Sam Spade, caught in a web of deceit involving a priceless statuette. With a stellar supporting cast including Mary Astor as the duplicitous Brigid O’Shaughnessy, Peter Lorre as the sinister Joel Cairo, and Sydney Greenstreet as the imposing Kasper Gutman, this film is a masterclass in suspense and shadowy atmosphere, and it really cemented Bogart’s star power. It’s a crucial viewing to grasp his particular brand of cool.
Next up is 1942’s Casablanca, also a Warner Bros. release. Directed by Michael Curtiz, this movie is probably the one that most people associate with Bogart and rightly so. He stars as Rick Blaine, an American expatriate in wartime Morocco, wrestling with love and duty as he encounters his former flame, Ilsa Lund, played by Ingrid Bergman, and her husband Victor Laszlo, portrayed by Paul Henreid. The film’s romanticism is only one part of its brilliance, it’s also a story of sacrifice and integrity that has resonated with audiences for decades. Claude Rains shines as the corrupt but charming Captain Renault, further enhancing the movie’s appeal.
Moving forward, 1944 brings us To Have and Have Not, another effort directed by Howard Hawks at Warner Bros. This one pairs Bogart with his future wife, Lauren Bacall, who makes a memorable debut as the sultry, witty Marie ‘Slim’ Browning. Bogart plays Harry Morgan, a cynical boat captain in Martinique who gets drawn into the French resistance. The chemistry between Bogart and Bacall is electric, making this a very watchable picture and it also showcases Bogart’s ability to blend hard-boiled cynicism with an underlying vulnerability. Walter Brennan also gives a terrific turn as the alcoholic Eddy.
In 1946, we have The Big Sleep, again directed by Howard Hawks and produced by Warner Bros. Bogart once more portrays private investigator Philip Marlowe, this time in a story with a famously convoluted plot and some very snappy dialogue. He investigates the blackmail of a wealthy family, and finds himself entangled with Vivian Rutledge, played by Lauren Bacall, and her unstable sister Carmen played by Martha Vickers. This film is all about style and atmosphere, another fine example of Bogart’s ability to handle the complex, morally ambiguous characters that he became synonymous with. John Ridgely also stars as Eddie Mars the gangster.
Switching gears a bit we move into the world of 1948’s The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, directed by John Huston for Warner Bros. This story sees Bogart as Fred C. Dobbs, a down-on-his-luck American in Mexico who becomes consumed by greed as he searches for gold with two other prospectors, played by Walter Huston, and Tim Holt. A fascinating and chilling study of the corrosive effects of avarice and how it can destroy people, it allows Bogart to explore the darker side of human nature.
1951’s The African Queen directed by John Huston, distributed by United Artists, is a great example of a change of pace for Bogart. He plays Charlie Allnut, a boozy riverboat captain in German East Africa forced to team up with the prim missionary Rose Sayer, brought to life by Katharine Hepburn, as they make a perilous trip during World War I. Bogart’s portrayal of the uncouth and often amusing Allnut won him the Academy Award for Best Actor, and it’s easy to see why. The film is a charming blend of adventure, humor, and heartfelt character development. Robert Morley appears as Rose’s brother, the Reverend Samuel Sayer.
We can’t possibly miss out on 1954’s The Caine Mutiny, directed by Edward Dmytryk for Columbia Pictures. Here Bogart portrays Lieutenant Commander Philip Francis Queeg, a naval officer seemingly losing his mind. Based on the novel by Herman Wouk, this is a compelling look at leadership, sanity, and the pressures of war. José Ferrer as Lt. Barney Greenwald and Van Johnson as Lt. Steve Maryk give very effective performances. This picture showcases Bogart’s ability to deliver a tour de force turn as a man on the edge.
Stepping back to 1940, we can’t forget They Drive By Night a Warner Bros. production. Directed by Raoul Walsh. This is a gritty look at the life of truckers and Bogart plays Paul Fabrini, a driver trying to make an honest living, this pre-noir movie shows us Bogart as a regular guy which adds another side to the man, Ann Sheridan plays Cassie Hartley, who helps Paul, while George Raft plays his brother Joe. Ida Lupino also stars as Lana Carlsen, giving an amazing performance as a troubled woman.
Next, for something with a slightly different feel from the usual we can check out 1955’s We’re No Angels, directed by Michael Curtiz for Paramount Pictures. It’s a comedy with a dark edge, where Bogart plays Joseph, one of three convicts who escape from prison and are taken in by a family, it’s a film with some real laughs and the chance to see Bogart in something much lighter than his more usual serious roles. The other two convicts are played by Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray and the family are played by Joan Bennett and her daughter Gloria Talbott.
Finally, for the tenth selection we have 1951’s noir In a Lonely Place, directed by Nicholas Ray and released by Columbia Pictures. Bogart plays Dixon Steele, a troubled screenwriter with a violent temper, who becomes a suspect in a murder. Gloria Grahame plays Laurel Gray, the woman who comes to his aid. It’s a complex psychological study of a man who is both charismatic and dangerous and shows another side to Bogart’s acting ability. It’s a very powerful performance with support from Frank Lovejoy as Detective Brub Nicolai.
These ten films aren’t the sum total of Bogart’s amazing catalog but they provide a great overview of his work and his considerable impact on cinema. From hard-boiled detectives to conflicted heroes, and even the occasional comedic role, Bogart’s performances remain compelling and relevant for people seeing his work for the first time. They should certainly provide you with a strong starting point to explore everything that this Hollywood legend had to offer.
