20 Films From The 1950s That Everybody Should Watch

11. Rebel Without A Cause

The 1950s, apart from being a period of immense cinema innovation, is also remembered for one of the most notable inventions in 20th century history: the teenager. Loosely based on psychiatrist Robert Linder's book of the same name, Rebel Without A Cause is a dramatic examination of the moral decay that seemed to be affecting America's youth at the time. It challenged and criticised the likes of poor parenting techniques, and posed the question of why there seemed to be such fierce generational clashes, while still offering an enduringly entertaining story. Though it doesn't quite reach top spot on this list, it does remain one of the most significant films of the 1950s. Tragically, Dean would be killed in a car accident less than a month before its release. Marking the first time the actor had received top billing in a movie, the role is regarded as the most celebrated in his short career.