Iconic Movies of Henry Fonda, Catherine Deneuve, Grace Kelly, Helen Mirren, and James Cagney: A Genre Showcase

Looking for a curated list of the best films starring legendary actors and actresses? From classic dramas to glamorous thrillers, this guide highlights the finest movies of Henry Fonda, Catherine Deneuve, Grace Kelly, Helen Mirren, and James Cagney. Discover their standout performances across various genres!

Drama

Henry Fonda

1. 12 Angry Men (1957) – NR – IMDb: 9.0

• Fonda leads as a juror challenging prejudices and influencing a verdict in this gripping courtroom drama.

1. The Grapes of Wrath (1940) – NR – IMDb: 8.1

• As Tom Joad, Fonda portrays a farmer fighting for justice during the Great Depression in this powerful adaptation of Steinbeck’s novel.

1. On Golden Pond (1981) – PG – IMDb: 7.6

• Fonda’s role as a retired professor dealing with his estranged daughter provides a heartfelt and moving performance.

1. The Ox-Bow Incident (1943) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• In this Western, Fonda plays a man caught in a mob’s quest for justice, delivering a tense and compelling performance.

1. Young Mr. Lincoln (1939) – NR – IMDb: 7.7

• Fonda portrays a young Abraham Lincoln in this biographical film, showcasing his ability to embody historical figures with depth.

Helen Mirren

1. The Queen (2006) – PG-13 – IMDb: 7.3

• Mirren’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II during the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death is both nuanced and captivating.

1. The Last Station (2009) – R – IMDb: 6.8

• Mirren stars as the wife of Leo Tolstoy in this historical drama, delivering a powerful performance in a story of love and legacy.

1. Gosford Park (2001) – R – IMDb: 7.2

• As a wealthy woman in a 1930s murder mystery, Mirren shines in this stylish and engaging film directed by Robert Altman.

1. The Hunger (1983) – R – IMDb: 7.0

• Mirren plays a mysterious woman in this stylish vampire thriller, blending elegance with horror.

1. Calendar Girls (2003) – PG-13 – IMDb: 6.9

• Mirren delivers a charming performance as one of a group of women who create a calendar to raise funds for charity.

Romance/Thriller

Catherine Deneuve

1. Belle de Jour (1967) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• Deneuve stars as a housewife who leads a double life as a high-class escort in this provocative and stylish film.

1. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) – G – IMDb: 8.0

• In this musical romance, Deneuve plays a young woman whose life changes drastically over the course of a year.

1. Repulsion (1965) – NR – IMDb: 8.1

• Deneuve delivers a haunting performance as a woman descending into madness in this psychological thriller by Roman Polanski.

1. The Last Metro (1980) – PG – IMDb: 8.0

• Deneuve plays a theater actress hiding from the Nazis during World War II in this gripping drama.

1. Donkey Skin (1970) – NR – IMDb: 7.6

• As a princess in this fairy tale, Deneuve combines charm and grace in a visually stunning film.

Classic

Grace Kelly

1. Rear Window (1954) – PG – IMDb: 8.5

• Kelly stars as a glamorous woman who helps her photographer boyfriend solve a murder in this Hitchcock classic.

1. To Catch a Thief (1955) – NR – IMDb: 7.5

• In this stylish thriller, Kelly is a captivating jewel thief in this classic film directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

1. High Noon (1952) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• Kelly plays the supportive wife of a sheriff facing a showdown with criminals in this iconic Western.

1. The Country Girl (1954) – NR – IMDb: 7.7

• Kelly portrays a struggling actress in this drama, showcasing her ability to handle complex emotional roles.

1. Dial M for Murder (1954) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• In this suspenseful Hitchcock thriller, Kelly plays a woman entangled in a murder plot.

James Cagney

1. White Heat (1949) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• Cagney’s performance as a psychopathic gangster in this intense crime drama is both electrifying and memorable.

1. Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) – NR – IMDb: 7.8

• Cagney shines as a gangster with a complex moral compass in this gritty crime drama.

1. The Public Enemy (1931) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• As a rising crime boss, Cagney’s role is a landmark in gangster cinema, delivering a powerful and influential performance.

1. Love Me or Leave Me (1955) – NR – IMDb: 7.6

• Cagney plays a talented musician in this biographical drama about the life of singer Ruth Etting.

1. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) – NR – IMDb: 7.8

• Cagney won an Oscar for his portrayal of George M. Cohan in this energetic musical biography.

Conclusion

From Henry Fonda’s classic dramas to Catherine Deneuve’s stylish romances, and Grace Kelly’s elegant thrillers, this guide offers a rich selection of must-see movies featuring these iconic stars. Enjoy exploring their remarkable performances across these varied genres!