Kirk Douglas: 17 Influential Movies Worthy of Tribute

1. The Strange Love of Martha Ivers 1946，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 11227, ID: 0038988
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‘The Strange Love of Martha Ivers,’ a film debut by Kirk Douglas, the themes of greed and manipulation are explored. The story follows the complicated relationship between wealthy Martha Ivers, her husband Walter O’Neill, and their childhood friend Sam. A fatal childhood accident becomes a secret burden in Martha and Walter’s marriage. Old secrets begin to surface, sparking new conflicts.
2. Champion 1949，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 4788, ID: 0041239
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Kirk Douglas delivers a powerful performance in Champion. The story of Mickey Kelly, a young boxer who rises from poverty to pursue success by any means necessary. Douglas brings out the vulnerability and ferocity of his character, making this movie a highlight of his illustrious career.
3. Young Man with a Horn 1950，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 3926, ID: 0043153
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In ‘Young Man with a Horn,’ Kirk Douglas shines in the role of Rick Martin in Horn Blowing Youth. A gifted jazz musician who struggles with internal struggles and life’s setbacks. The movie follows Rick’s journey from impoverished teenager to musical genius. Douglas’ nuanced performance highlights the character’s passions and inner demons.
4. Ace in the Hole 1951，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 39533, ID: 0043338
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Kirk Douglas is mesmerizing in ‘Ace in the Hole,’ A biting satire of media hype, it’s a movie about Chuck Tatum, a ruthless and ambitious reporter who, in pursuit of a successful career in journalism, is willing to exploit a tragedy in which a miner is trapped to create a sensation. It’s a great testament to his acting skills and makes this movie the best of his acting career.
5. The Bad and the Beautiful 1952，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 16607, ID: 0044391
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In ‘The Bad and the Beautiful,’ Kirk Douglas plays Jonathan Shields, who pursues career success by manipulating and exploiting others. The movie reveals the dark side of human nature behind the glitz and glamor of Hollywood through the memories of three characters who have been betrayed by him. Douglas’ portrayal of Hilde is a masterful performance, showcasing his versatility and depth of skill.
6. The Big Sky 1952，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 4824, ID: 0044419
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Kirk Douglas stars in The Big Sky, a group of adventurers who embark on an adventure in the 19th-century American West. Along with his best friend Boontel, Diggins joins a fur-trading expedition whose mission is to travel along the Missouri River through the unexplored wilderness and trade with Indian tribes.
7. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea 1954，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 37598, ID: 0046672
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Adapted from Jules Verne’s novel of the same name, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea tells the story of explorer Pierre Aronnax, his sidekick and adventurous sailor Ned Land (Kirk Douglas) as they track down the mysterious submarine Nautilus. The film’s groundbreaking special effects and thrilling underwater scenes make it a timeless classic. This is an outstanding film in Douglas’ career, showcasing his versatility and star power.
8. Gunfight at the O.K. Corral 1957，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 17653, ID: 0050468
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Gunfight at the O.K. Corral centers on legendary gunslinger Doc Holliday (Kirk Douglas) and sheriff Vel Atchison (Burt Lancaster) as they face the threat of a cowboy gang. In an impending showdown in the town of Yacra, Holliday and Acheson team up against their enemies, showcasing the violence and heroism of the West. Douglas’ performance adds depth to the character, making it one of his most memorable roles.
9. Lust for Life 1956，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 12589, ID: 0049456
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Lust for Life is a biopic about the artist Vincent Van Gogh and his tumultuous life and artistic pursuits. Kirk Douglas gives a remarkable portrayal of Van Gogh in the film, showing his struggle between creativity and mental illness. A vivid portrayal of the artist’s tumultuous life makes this a powerful biopic.
10. Paths of Glory 1957，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 214818, ID: 0050825
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In ‘Paths of Glory,’ it tells the story of Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas), who fights the military hierarchy during World War I in defense of soldiers accused of cowardice for losing battles. The movie reveals the absurdity of war and the corruption of military bureaucracy. Douglas’ portrayal of Dax’s moral integrity and determination is both inspiring and makes this movie an outstanding work of his career.
11. Spartacus 1960，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 144231, ID: 0054331
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‘Spartacus’ is a historical epic movie that tells the story of Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), a gladiator who rebels against slavery and oppression during the ancient Roman era. The movie combines grandiose battle scenes with subtle characterizations to show Spartacus’ transformation from slave to rebel. Douglas’ interpretation of the character is both strong and subtle, making it a classic role.
12. Seven Days in May 1964，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 17540, ID: 0058576
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Seven Days in May is a political thriller about a military officer (Kirk Douglas) who discovers a coup plot. The film revolves around the tense relationship between the President of the United States and the military, as Colonel Dax realizes that a plot is brewing within the military to try and overthrow the President. The film’s gripping narrative and tense atmosphere is enhanced by Douglas’ brilliant performance.
13. The Heroes of Telemark 1965，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 8172, ID: 0059263
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‘The Heroes of Telemark’ is a war movie that tells the story of the Norwegian resistance against the Nazis during World War II. Kirk Douglas plays the role of a brave resistance fighter who is involved in an important mission aimed at destroying the Nazi’s heavy water facilities in order to stop them from developing nuclear weapons. The movie is educational and a fascinating recreation of a historical event.
14. The Villain 1979，IMDB Rating: 5.3, IMDB Votes: 7870, ID: 0080097
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Kirk Douglas has a comedic role in The Villain, a slapstick western comedy about bumbling villain Cacketts Jack (Kirk Douglas) who tries to rob a small town’s vault through a series of silly schemes that always end in failure. The film flirts with elements of classic westerns through exaggerated humor and cartoonish action scenes.
15. The Fury 1978，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 17517, ID: 0077588
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In ‘The Fury,’ a sci-fi thriller in which Kirk Douglas shows great acting chops as a father searching for his missing son. The film centers around the theme of superpowers and follows the urgent search of a father whose son is caught up in a conspiracy involving psychic powers. Douglas’ performance adds emotional depth to the role, allowing the audience to empathize with the character.
16. The Final Countdown 1980，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 27380, ID: 0080736
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Kirk Douglas stars in ‘The Final Countdown,’ is centered on a modern aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, which accidentally travels back in time during maneuvers to the eve of Pearl Harbor in 1941. The captain (Kirk Douglas) and crew must decide whether or not to utilize modern weaponry to alter the events of impending history. Douglas’ performance infuses the movie with authority and depth, making this movie a classic worth watching.
17. It Runs in the Family 2003，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 5263, ID: 0311110
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In ‘It Runs in the Family,’ is about the generational conflicts and relationships between an aging family elder (Kirk Douglas) and his family members. The movie explores the tension between family responsibilities and personal dreams, demonstrating the love and understanding between parents and their adult children.