The 40+ Best Don Ameche Movies
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1Gene Tierney, Don Ameche, Charles CoburnSpoiled playboy Henry van Cleve (Don Ameche) dies and arrives at the entrance to Hell, a final destination he is sure he deserves after living a life of profligacy. The devil (Laird Cregar), however, isn't so sure Henry meets Hell's standards. Convinced he is where he belongs, Henry recounts his life's deeds, both good and bad, including an act of indiscretion during his 25-year marriage to his wife, Martha (Gene Tierney), with the hope that "His Excellency" will arrive at the proper judgment.
2Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche, John BarrymoreWhen out-of-work showgirl Eve (Claudette Colbert) arrives in Paris with no work in sight, she asks taxi driver Tibor (Don Ameche) to drive her from club to club. But the more time she spends with Tibor, the more Eve realizes that he is falling for her. Unwilling to accept his feelings, Eve escapes to a charity concert, meets the charming Georges (John Barrymore) and disguises herself as a Hungarian baroness. But love-struck Tibor is not willing to let Eve go without a fight.
3Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Brian DennehyIn Cocoon, a group of elderly Floridian friends, including Ben Luckett (Wilford Brimley) and Art Selwyn (Don Ameche), stumble upon an abandoned pool infused with an alien life force. After swimming in the pool, they find themselves rejuvenated, their vitality restored. Meanwhile, the aliens, disguised as humans led by Walter (Brian Dennehy), are on a mission to retrieve their lost comrades cocooned at the bottom of the ocean. The movie's blend of science fiction and drama earned it an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Yet, amidst the extra-terrestrial spectacle, it is a tale of aging and the quest for immortality.More Cocoon
- #90 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #47 of 178 onThe 150+ Best Movies With Aliens
- #138 of 279 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- 4Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph BellamyIn the uproarious comedy Trading Places, Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd), an affluent commodities broker, and Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy), a streetwise hustler, find their worlds flipped upside down. Orchestrated by the devious Duke brothers (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy), this unlikely pair are thrust into each other's lives in a social experiment of wealth versus poverty. As they navigate their new realities, they uncover the brothers' nefarious scheme. Armed with insider knowledge, they conspire to turn the tables on their puppeteers in this delightful tale of cunning and comeuppance.More Trading Places
- #29 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #172 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #6 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
5Alice Faye, Don Ameche, Carmen MirandaIn this musical, Larry Martin (Don Ameche) entertains crowds with his skillful impersonations of airline czar Baron Manuel Duarte (also Ameche). When Duarte and his wife visit Larry during his act, they're also impressed -- so much so that they hire him to impersonate Duarte to save his airline and ward off his competition. However, Larry finds himself drawn to Duarte's wife, Baroness Cecilia (Alice Faye), much to the chagrin and confusion of his girlfriend (Carmen Miranda).
6Tyrone Power, Don Ameche, Alice FayeHigh schooler Joseph expands the market of his meth-dealing from his local gang to metro Manila.
7Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche, Raymond BurrSleep, My Love is a 1948 feature film directed by Douglas Sirk, and starring Claudette Colbert, Robert Cummings and Don Ameche.
8Don Ameche, Joe Mantegna, Robert ProskyThe Chicago Mafia makes shoeshine man Gino (Don Ameche) an offer: do the time for a murder he didn't commit, and they'll buy him a fishing boat in Sicily. Gino accepts and is placed in the custody of Jerry (Joe Mantegna), a low-level mobster, until the trial. Jerry quickly gets bored with the babysitting detail and decides to treat Gino to a weekend at Lake Tahoe. There, Jerry is recognized, and Gino is mistaken for a big-time crime boss. Both play along until they run afoul of the local mob.
9Don Ameche, Michael J. Fox, Sally FieldEmbarking on a thrilling adventure in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, three beloved pets take the lead. Shadow, a wise old golden retriever (voiced by Don Ameche), Sassy, a witty Himalayan cat (voiced by Sally Field), and Chance, a reckless American bulldog (voiced by Michael J. Fox), are left in the care of a family friend. When they mistakenly believe their owners have abandoned them, they set out across the rugged Sierra Nevada terrain to reunite with their family. Battling treacherous conditions and wild animals along the way, their determination is tested at every step. This heartwarming tale underscores the power of friendship and loyalty in this family-friendly adventure film.- #13 of 174 onThe 150+ Best Animal Movies
- #23 of 114 onThe Greatest Movie Remakes Of All Time
- #34 of 200 onThe 195+ Greatest Adventure Movies
10Tyrone Power, Alice Faye, Don AmecheIn 1910s San Francisco, concert violinist Roger Grant (Tyrone Power), also known as Alexander, abandons classical music to join a ragtime band with pianist Charlie Dwyer (Don Ameche) and singer Stella Kirby (Alice Faye). Alexander's switch dismays his high society family. As two decades pass and popular music transitions from ragtime to jazz, the ragtime band trio grows both stronger and weaker through love, breakups and war -- all along the rising and falling tide of their musical success.
11Betty Grable, Don Ameche, Carmen MirandaIn the United States, Glenda Crawford (Betty Grable) buys a horse from Argentinian Ricardo Quintana (Don Ameche), but the sale is canceled when the latter's father, Casiano (J. Carrol Naish), objects because of a long-standing grudge against the Crawfords. Nevertheless, when Glenda visits Argentina on vacation, the pair disregard their family feud and fall madly in love amidst the lush scenery and buoyant local entertainment, which includes performances from Carmen Miranda (Carmen Miranda).
12Don Ameche, Betty Grable, Bob CummingsAfter losing nearly all of an inheritance to taxes, sisters Kay (Betty Grable) and Barbara Latimer (Carole Landis), waitresses at a drive-in restaurant in Texas, scheme to find rich husbands. With the aid of their aunt Susan, the sisters take the last of their money and head to a well-known Miami resort where they soon meet two wealthy young men, Phil (Don Ameche) and Jeff (Robert Cummings), who begin a fierce rivalry for Kay, not realizing that Barbara has fallen in love with one of them.More Moon Over Miami- #27 of 33 onThe Best Romantic Comedies of the 1940s
- #5 of 33 onThe Best Movies With Moon in the Title
- #15 of 20 onThe Best Classic 1940s Dance Movies, Ranked
13Don Ameche, Loretta Young, Kent TaylorThe first version of Ramona to have sound and also the first to have color.
14Tom Selleck, Don Ameche, Anne JacksonWhen Jon (Tom Selleck), a well-heeled professional, visits his mother, Mildred (Anne Jackson), in the hospital, he's unaware of how chaotic his life will soon become. After his father, Harry (Don Ameche), burns down his mobile home, Jon invites his parents to stay with him. Soon, Jon loses his job, his wife (Wendy Crewson) leaves with his children and his sister, Arlene (Christine Ebersole), moves in with her sons. Will his parents' attempt to intervene only lead to more turbulence?
15Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Hume CronynFive years after the first "Cocoon," the friendly aliens from the planet Anterea return to Earth to rescue some incubation pods, which have been found by a team of scientists. The elderly people (Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley) who left Earth with them come along to visit with friends and family in Florida. Resuming their old lives proves alluring against the prospect of eternal life on Anterea. Meanwhile, the aliens try to rescue their children, with the help of scientist Sara (Courteney Cox).
16Alice Faye, Don Ameche, Henry FondaAfter the Civil War, small-town girl Helen Leonard (Alice Faye) and her family move from Iowa to New York City. Leonard aspires to be an opera singer, but her dreams alter when an ambitious music hall producer thinks she'd do better with him. She changes her name to Lillian Russell and breaks out as a huge star of music theater. Despite success, Russell craves love, and becomes the object of desire of several men, including a reporter (Henry Fonda) and a sensitive musician (Don Ameche).
17Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche, Richard ForanMary and Christopher Price, preparing to leave on a second honeymoon, are contacted by their friend Joe Parker. He's a roving newspaper correspondent who has, for years, convinced his publisher Arthur Worth he's married. However, Worth has demanded to finally meet Mrs Parker. Joe implores Mary to play the part and she agrees, but matters get complicated and before long, she and Joe are forced to be inseparable.
18Don Ameche, Dana Andrews, William EytheFlight Cmdr. Bingo Harper (Don Ameche) is trying to get pilots like ex-film star Ens. Hallam "Oscar" Scott (William Eythe) up to snuff, as he and fellow Naval officers work to defeat the Japanese during World War II. As the aircraft carrier transporting Harper and his men journeys through the Pacific, U.S. pilots fend off Japanese attacks, biding their time until they're ready to launch a strike of their own. The Americans ultimately control the air, but not without paying a dear price.
19So Goes My Love
Myrna Loy, Don Ameche, Bobby DriscollSo Goes My Love is an American 1946 comedy film, produced by Universal Pictures. It is based on a true story, A Genius in the Family, the memoir of Hiram Percy Maxim, and focusing on the relationship between Maxim and his father, Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim. The film was Myrna Loy's first starring role as a freelance artist following her departure from M-G-M.
20Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, John AmosIn the comedy film Coming to America, pampered African Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) rejects an arranged marriage. Disguised as a foreign student, he journeys to Queens, New York City, seeking love. His loyal servant Semmi (Arsenio Hall) accompanies him, providing comedic relief throughout their culture-shocked adventure. Directed by John Landis, this popular 1988 movie features Murphy and Hall in multiple roles, showcasing their versatility. It was nominated for two Oscars and remains a fan favorite for its humor and heart. Akeem's quest for love takes many unexpected turns, leading to a satisfying conclusion that highlights the importance of being true to oneself.More Coming to America- Dig Deeper...Stories From Behind The Scenes Of 'Coming To America'
- #32 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #101 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
21John Lithgow, Melinda Dillon, Margaret LangrickWhile returning from a trip in the woods, George Henderson (John Lithgow) and his family run into something with their car that turns out to be a Sasquatch. Thinking the creature is dead, they take him home, but "Harry" (Kevin Peter Hall) soon awakens. Despite their initial fears, Harry is a kind and sensitive being, and the Hendersons become very fond of him. However, it is difficult to keep him a secret, and soon they begin to fear for Harry's safety.- #153 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #168 of 279 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- #83 of 233 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
22Sylvester Stallone, Ornella Muti, Don AmecheBags of loot and his daughter's love life confuse a gangster (Sylvester Stallone) on the day he plans to go legitimate.More Oscar
23Fred AllenAfter an eccentric millionaire leaves $12 million to his grandnephew, flea circus manager Fred Floogle (Fred Allen), minutes before being murdered, Fred moves his family into an expensive hotel. During the reading of the will, they learn the estate has been squandered, leaving them with only five chairs. The disappointed family sells off the furniture, unaware the late man stored $350,000 in cash in one of the chairs. Learning of the hidden fortune, Fred sets out to track down the money.
24Don Ameche, Frances Dee, Harry CareyWhen his son dies in battle during World War II, Lew Marsh (Don Ameche) is convinced that his boy died too soon and was never able to really appreciate life. Bitter and depressed, Lew nearly gives up on ever being happy again, until he gets a visit from the ghost of his grandfather (Harry Carey). Together with the ghost, Lew travels back through his son's life and sees that he did live a full and happy life, after all, and that his death in combat was not really a waste.
25Don Ameche, The Ritz Brothers, Binnie BarnesIn this musical comedy version of Alexandre Dumas' timeless novel, D'Artagnan (Don Ameche), a French peasant with dreams of joining the Musketeers, sets out for Paris. On the road, he comes across the three warriors. Athos (Douglas Dumbrille) challenges d'Artagnan to a duel, but eventually all four become fast friends. The Musketeers make an ally of the Queen of France (Gloria Stuart) and find themselves constantly dueling with the wicked Milady De Winter (Binnie Barnes).
26Stefanie Powers, Don Ameche, Norman FellThe Boatniks is a 1970 American comedy film starring Robert Morse, Stefanie Powers, Don Ameche and Phil Silvers. It was made by Walt Disney Productions, released by Buena Vista Distribution and directed by Norman Tokar. Young and awkward, Coast Guard Ensign Thomas Garland suffers from the comparison with his late father, a war hero, which does not prevent him from falling for pretty Kate Fairchild, a young woman who runs a sailing school. Of course the way he expresses his deep feelings for the lady leaves much to be desired, and the situation does not improve when a trio of bumbling jewel thieves interferes.
27Don Ameche, Al Jolson, Andrea LeedsSwanee River is a 1939 American biopic about Stephen Foster, a songwriter from Pittsburgh who falls in love with the South, marries a Southern girl, then is accused of sympathizing when the Civil War breaks out. Typical of 20th Century Fox biographical films of the time, the movie was more fictional than it was factual.
28Cyd Charisse, Don Ameche, Jack OakieSomething to Shout About is a 1943 Columbia Pictures musical film directed by Gregory Ratoff. The film stars Don Ameche and Janet Blair and was nominated for two Oscars.
29Four Sons
Don AmecheFour Sons is a 1940 film directed by Archie Mayo.
30Alice Faye, Don Ameche, J. Edward BrombergIn 1913, aspiring film director Michael Connors (Don Ameche) discovers Broadway newcomer Molly Adair (Alice Faye) and convinces her to let him manage her career. The course of their resulting partnership -- and meteoric rise to fame -- parallels Hollywood's own development, from its vaudevillian beginnings to "The Jazz Singer" and the arrival of sound in 1927. But Connors secretly loves Adair, and when she marries leading man Nicky Hayden (Alan Curtis), it may tear their friendship apart.
