If You Love Classic Movies, You'll Love Ranking Bette Davis Films
Bette Davis first claimed fame in the acting world back in 1931, with a career that would go on to span a remarkable 60 years. For classic movie lovers, Bette Davis has become a household name. Her talent behind the camera and on stage is unmatched, as she's played many of our most beloved classic film characters.
Bette Davis has been noted for performing in a wide range of film genres, showcasing her versatile nature. However, classic movie fans will argue that her greatest roles were those in romantic dramas. Her characters were unsympathetic and sardonic, making her a powerful force in the world of film during her time.
Which Bette Davis films are your all time favorite? Go ahead and sort through our ranking by voting for your favorites (and least favorites) now. You might just be surprised to see how many other fans agree with you!
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
Jane Hudson (Bette Davis) is an aging child star left to care for her wheelchair-bound sister Blanche (Joan Crawford), also a former child actress. Stuck living together in a mansion in old Hollywood, Blanche plots to get even with Jane for the car crash that left her crippled years earlier.
All About Eve (1950)
Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) shows up in the dressing room of Broadway mega-star Margo Channing (Bette David), telling a melancholy life story to Margo and her friends. Margo takes Eve under her wing, and it appears that Eve is a conniver that uses Margo.
Jezebel (1938)
Bette Davis portrays Julie Marsden, a spoiled Southern belle who risks losing her suitor with her impetuous behavior. Engaged to successful banker Preston Dillard (Henry Fonda), Julie pushes him away with her arrogant and contrary ways, leading to a scandalous scene at a major social event and his subsequent departure.
Now, Voyager (1942)
Boston heiress Charlotte Vale (Bette Davis) is a neurotic mess, largely because of her domineering mother (Gladys Cooper). But after a stint in a sanatorium, Charlotte comes out of her shell and elects to go on a cruise, where she falls dangerously in love.
The Little Foxes (1941)
Regina Hubbard Giddens (Bette Davis) and her scheming brothers, Oscar (Carl Benton Reid) and Ben (Charles Dingle), plan to get rich from a cotton mill, but first they must tap into the wealth of Regina's sickly husband, Horace Giddens (Herbert Marshall). However, nothing goes as planned and the family falls apart.
Dark Victory (1939)
Socialite Judith Traherne (Bette Davis) lives a lavish but emotionally empty life. Told she has a brain tumor by her doctor, Frederick Steele (George Brent), Judith becomes distraught. After she decides to have surgery to remove the tumor, Judith realizes she is in love with Dr. Steele, but more troubling medical news may sabotage her new relationship, and her second chance at life.
Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)
Forty years ago, on the night they were meant to elope, Charlotte Hollis (Bette Davis) found her lover decapitated during a party, the blood on her dress leading everyone to suspect she was the murderer. Now, in 1964, Charlotte must fight to keep her home and her sanity.
The Letter (1940)
In Singapore, Leslie Crosbie (Bette Davis) shoots and kills a man, claiming that he tried to take advantage of her. She is arrested and her husband, Robert (Herbert Marshall), hires attorney Howard Joyce (James Stephenson) to defend her. During the trial Howard uncovers an incriminating letter that casts doubt on Leslie's story, involving them both in a blackmail scheme.