Member Exclusive

BFI Member Poll – Best Billy Wilder films

Who won the Members’ Billy Wilder poll?

We asked BFI Members to name their favourite Billy Wilder film and then put all the suggested titles to the vote. In a three-round knock-out poll five winners were chosen.

Our top five winners are listed below and will be screened at our Members’ exclusive cinema, BFI Stephen Street, from 25 August and throughout September every Wednesday (excepting Wednesday 17 September).

Tickets for these Members’ exclusive screenings will go on sale in the week commencing 21 July.

Ninotchka (no 5)

Written by Billy Wilder, directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Greta Garbo, Ninotchka is one of the great golden age romantic comedies.

Double Indemnity (no 4)

An insurance salesman (Fred MacMurray) is seduced into murder and fraud in Billy Wilder's classic dark thriller, adapted from the novel by James M. Cain.

Sunset Boulevard (no 3)

Timeless noir drama set in Hollywood, following the fate of a penniless hack (William Holden) after his chance encounter with a former star of the silent silver screen (Gloria Swanson).

The Apartment (no 2)

Billy Wilder’s then-risqué romcom, with Jack Lemmon and Shirley Maclaine finding love amid corporate New York's sea of sexual deception.

Some Like It Hot (no 1)

Wilder’s witty crime comedy is one of the greatest American comedies of all time and features star turns by Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.

Check out these wonderful comments from our Members on their favourite titles:

Ace in the Hole (1951)

“A jet black analysis of the corruption at the heart of the mass media. Small wonder this black mirror didn’t perform well at the box-office during the complacent 50s. The last shot is incredible.”
– Sasha S

“It is so wonderfully cynical with a superbly slimy performance from Kirk Douglas.”
– Mark A

Double Indemnity (1944)

“The pair of lovers are doomed from the moment they meet. And as for the moment we first catch sight of Barbara Stanwyck coming down the stairs – a perfect entrance! Every actor contributes to make it a brilliant film noir.”
– Alison P

“Influential, iconic, essential film noir with one of the great narrative devices in cinema - the flashback confession into the dictaphone (“If I’d thought of it I’d have done it,” said James M. Cain about this definitive adaptation of his novel) – a venal, manipulative femme fatale (Babs Stanwyck at her brilliant best), and as many memorable set pieces as any Hitchcock film. A masterpiece undiminished by time and inferior homages.”
– Chris J

Ninotchka (1939, Billy Wilder as writer)

“Garbo laughs. A sublime comedy. Ernst Lubitsch and Billy Wilder. One of the best films from one of the best years of American cinema.”
– Mark T

“I like its subtle irony about communism vs capitalism. Great chemistry between the two main characters and superb interpretation of Greta Garbo (she finally laughs!).”
– Ada A

One, Two, Three (1961)

“It is rarely revived, but James Cagney is fantastic in it, and it now a really interesting take on Berlin and the Cold War.”
– John A

Some Like it Hot (1959)

“An absolute masterpiece – possibly the greatest comedy ever made. The script is phenomenal: utterly hilarious while maintaining its sharp social commentary. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are a joy to watch, and Marilyn Monroe is pure charisma. Well, nobody’s perfect - but that closing line is.”
– Jorge V

“I’ve lost count of the times I’ve watched and re-watched Some Like it Hot and it’s simply one of the funniest films ever made. Lemmon and Curtis are unforgettable in their roles, and Wilder sneaks in some acute observations on gender politics. The songs and the way Monroe sings them are pretty unforgettable too…”
– Valeria C

Stalag 17 (1953)

“I think Stalag 17 is one of Billy Wilder’s more unknown films and showcases his ability to mix tension, action and comedy with control, getting the best performance out of William Holden, while creating one of the best examples of what has since become a wartime film staple – the mystery of the informer in a concentration camp. Excellent stuff.”
Glyn K

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

“The best film noir of all time - narration, shadow shots, dialogue, callous characters, great foil between Gloria Swanson/William Holden and Nancy Olson, doomed love triangle, femme fatale, etc....”
– Ernest H

“Sunset Boulevard is the ultimate Hollywood-on-Hollywood film. Not only that, it’s also beautifully crafted, with that incredibly technical opening shot and the glorious closing sequence. It’s weird, tense, paranoid and somehow sexy. What's not to love?”
– James S

The Apartment (1960)

“The Apartment has so much heart. It is one of the bleaker starts to a romantic comedy but that’s what makes it special. It’s got a dynamite script, two leading actors who are both so good at the lightness and the melancholy, and Wilder’s second best closing line (nothing’s beating “nobody’s perfect”).”
– Alice C

“What at first appears to be a comedy is quickly revealed as a searing indictment of office power and gender politics, fleshed out with a cast of wonderful characters. It’s full of humanity and heart.”
– Robin J

The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)

“Because it’s the most emotionally honest portrayal of Sherlock Holmes I’ve seen. It doesn’t just show the detective – it shows the man behind the legend, and the loneliness behind the brilliance. And that makes it unforgettable to me.”
– Olga B

Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

“Twists and turns and a titanic performance from Charles Laughton. All story courtesy of Agatha Christie and outstanding characters brought to life by Billy Wilder’s masterful direction. A fitting send off and great performance for what would be Tyrone Power’s last picture.”
– Jaryd S

Also nominated: