17 Movies Every Menswear Fan Should Watch: 1970s-2010s

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This list is the second installment of Movies Every Menswear Fan Should Watch, wherein we’ll cover movies from the 1970s to the modern era. If you haven’t yet, check out part one, where we covered vintage movies from the ’30s through the ’60s. 

Must-See Movies From the 1970s Through the 2010s

1-2. The Godfather, Parts I & II (1972 & 1974)

The movie series depicts the life of the Corleone mafia family — in particular, the patriarch Vito and his son Michael. Part I spans from 1945 to ’55, while Part II focuses on the early life of Vito in the early 1900s and on Michael in 1958. Both films feature a wide array of clothing, including military attire, Black Tie, suits, and various other outfits.

Don Vito Corleone, head of the Corleone family, wearing a black-tie outfit.
Don Vito Corleone, head of the Corleone family, wearing a black-tie outfit.

Of course, while some of the Mafiosi outfits can be more on the ostentatious side, people are well-dressed in general. And yes, we also recommend these movies for the plot–even though Part III (from the ’90s) may be a bit more questionable.

3. The Sting (1973)

This movie features Paul Newman and Robert Redford. It is set in 1936 and as such, the period clothing is of interest to clotheshorses. The movie won seven Oscars out of ten nominations, and you can see the actors wearing black-tie outfits including detachable collars (which were period-accurate) and patterned suits.

Paul Newman (L) and Robert Redford in 1973's The Sting. Note the 1930's costumes, including fedoras and suits with checks and patterns.
Paul Newman (L) and Robert Redford in 1973’s The Sting. Note the 1930’s costumes, including fedoras and suits with checks and patterns.

4. The Great Gatsby (1974)

This version is the third of four movies about the title character. Originally penned by St. Paul native, F. Scott Fitzgerald, the novel is usually acclaimed for its language–but because of the setting, the clothes are of particular importance to anyone interested in men’s clothing.

Robert Redford as Gatsby in the character's signature pink suit.
Robert Redford as Gatsby in the character’s signature pink suit.

Set in the 1920s, Ralph Lauren designed the suits and costumes in this movie. While they have a distinct ’70s flair, particularly the suits, they’re still very interesting to see–especially the pink suit that Robert Redford wears. By the way: we’ve also analyzed the style of the 2013 version of The Great Gatsby!

5. Chinatown (1974)

Chinatown is hailed by many cinephiles as one of the best movies ever produced. It won numerous awards and was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress. The reason we put it on this list is that Jack Nicholson wears very period-accurate clothing, particularly his suits. Set in 1937, you can see him wearing tastefully neutral-colored suits paired with bolder ties and hats that flatter his face shape. If you watch it in a higher-res version, you can also see the subtle patterns, which are quite nice.

Jack Nicholson wearing a Fedora hat at the spillway where Mulwray's body is recovered.
Jack Nicholson wearing a fedora hat at the spillway where Mulwray’s body is recovered.

6. American Gigolo (1980)

American Gigolo established Richard Gere as a leading man in Hollywood, and it’s commonly known as being the first mainstream movie to feature a male leading star with full-frontal nudity. We think it’s worth watching for the clothes, however!

Richard Gere in American Gigolo (1980) wearing a camelhair polo coat
Richard Gere in American Gigolo (1980) wearing a camelhair polo coat

When Gere is actually clothed, he wears a number of different outfits that are also more prep influenced. He wears summery combinations with lightweight shirts and slacks, combinations of polos with sport coats, and a polo overcoat designed by Giorgio Armani.

7. The Untouchables (1987)

This is another period crime drama. Set in the 1930s, Prohibition agent Eliot Ness puts together the “Untouchables” task force to bring down gangster Al Capone. Wardrobe-wise it’s interesting because there’s a clear distinction established between Eliot Ness and his Untouchables (who mostly wear dark, muted suits) and the much more loud, elaborate, and ostentatious outfits of Al Capone and the gangsters. For a clotheshorse, the black-tie and white-tie outfits of Capone are more interesting than the regular dark suits that The Untouchables wear.

Robert De Niro as Al Capone (center) in a black-tie ensemble
Robert De Niro as Al Capone (center) in a black-tie ensemble

8. Wall Street (1987)

One movie that definitely can’t be missing from this list is Wall Street. Starring Michael Douglas as corporate raider Gordon Gekko and Charlie Sheen as a Wall-Street newcomer, this movie is really famous for its 1980s power suits. In general, it has come to be seen as representative of the focus on success and materialism in that decade. We’ve discussed Gordon Gekko’s outfits in our post on Halloween costumes! The film’s wardrobe was designed by Alan Flusser, who is a menswear style icon and author of many menswear books including Dressing the Man (which, if you haven’t read it, you should definitely check it out).

Gordon Gekko in Wall Street wearing a printed power tie with large motifs
Gordon Gekko in Wall Street wearing a printed power tie with large motifs

What stands out in the styling this movie are of course the double-breasted, peaked lapel power suits; the shirts, which are quite bold–including Winchester shirts with a contrasting white collar or even horizontal stripes; the suspenders, and the ties. You can also see lots of cufflinks, pleated pants, and cuffs. And while Gordon Gekko takes the top spot with his power suits, other suits are also interesting even though they’re a bit more muted.

9. Casino (1995)

Casino follows Ace Rothstein, a Jewish-American gambling expert overseeing a casino in Vegas. It is set in the ’70s, and if you’ve watched our video on The History of the Suit, you know that we’re not big fans of that decade in menswear; stylistically, it was just a sad time that was loud and filled with polyester and nylon. However, in this movie, the bold and excessive outfits fit in with the culture of Las Vegas. While we don’t recommend you wear the tone-on-tone suit and tie combinations and under lighter sport coats and suits which De Niro pulled off, it’s still fun to look at.

Robert De Niro (L) in a tone-on-tone ensemble in blue, and Don Rickles in a more conventional gray suit with a large-patterned tie
Robert De Niro (L) in a tone-on-tone ensemble in blue, and Don Rickles in a more conventional gray suit with a large-patterned tie

10. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

A psychological thriller set in 1950s Italy, this film is about the life of Dickie Greenleaf and how someone else tries to impersonate him. It’s a very stylish movie, with lots of casual clothes and a well-appointed interior design. Clothes-wise, it’s a mix of Ivy, Trad, and Prep, paired with Italian flair. You’ll see lots of Oxford cloth button-down shirts, linen polo shirts, blazers, and tweed coats. That aside, it’s definitely a great movie to watch.

Ripley and Greenleaf, two young friends from different social classes in the movie The Talented Mr. Ripley
Ripley and Greenleaf, two young friends from different social classes in the movie The Talented Mr. Ripley

11. American Psycho (2000)

While you might not expect a satirical, psychological horror film on this list, we added it here because it’s so iconic for its style and in particular, its “business card” scene. The movie is definitely violent, depicting the investment banker and socialite yuppie, Patrick Bateman. And while he doesn’t behave in a gentlemanly way at all, the power suits of the 1980s are definitely worth taking a look at, if you can stomach the harsher themes of the film. Again you’ll find peak lapels, pinstripes, and bold shirts and ties. Even though some scenes in the office have a more beige palette, it creates a more ironically humorous effect.

Patrick Bateman wearing a two-button single-breasted chalk-striped wool-flannel suit, combined with a polka-dot silk tie.
Patrick Bateman wearing a two-button single-breasted chalk-striped wool-flannel suit, combined with a polka-dot silk tie.

12. A Single Man (2009)

This movie is directed by Tom Ford, who also financed it. They brought in the costume designers from Mad Men, and so you have a very mid-century modern style in this movie. Of course with Tom Ford being a stylish clotheshorse himself, he paid particular attention to detail about the clothing, and because of that, it’s worth watching.

Colin Firth wearing a Copenhagen brown suit, the look of the studied academic at the same time has an almost old-world charm.
Colin Firth wearing a Copenhagen brown suit, the look of the studied academic at the same time has an almost old-world charm.

While the main character, played by Colin Firth, is often seen in what you already know from Don Draper’s Mad Men (namely, a dark suit with slim lapels and slim ties), the younger Hoult often wears more youthful, casual looks, featuring elements like sweaters, chinos, and suede chukka boots.

13. Drive (2011)

This features Ryan Gosling in a heist movie. The film received standing ovations at the Cannes Film Festival, but we put it on this list for the clothing, even though it’s a bit more rugged, featuring boots, denim, henley shirts, and in particular, driving gloves. If you don’t know it already, we’re big fans of driving gloves at Fort Belvedere, too!

As big fans of driving gloves, we appreciate the gloves Ryan Gosling wears in 2011's Drive
As big fans of driving gloves, we appreciate the gloves Ryan Gosling wears in 2011’s Drive

14. W.E. (2012)

The title stands for Wallis and Edward, and it’s basically the love story of Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII who later became the Duke of Windsor (through the lens of Madonna, who directed the film). As a young Prince of Wales and later Edward VIII who then abdicated and became the Duke of Windsor, he was always known for his style. At the time, in the ’30s, he was one of the most photographed men in the world.

The infamous Duke of Windsor (with Wallis Simpson) wearing a polka dot necktie
The infamous Duke of Windsor (with Wallis Simpson) wearing a polka dot necktie

He revolutionized classic menswear by choosing soft, turn down colors versus stiff, detachable collars and many other things; and he was also known for his bold patterns and interesting looks. The stuff that you can see in this movie ranges from white tie to black tie and interesting casual wear. Of course, it’s an American movie, and we think it would have even been better and more period-accurate if it were British, but nevertheless, it’s worth watching for the vibe of the ’30s as well as the costumes.

15. The Best Offer (2013)

This movie is probably a little less popular, but still on our list. Here, Geoffrey Rush plays an eccentric art expert and managing director of an auction house who collects art. The film features not only some inspired upper-class interior design, but also an extensive wardrobe for Rush’s character; he’s often seen wearing three-piece suits and interesting subtle combinations.

Geoffrey Rush's glove clsoet
glove closet

He also wears gloves at all times, because he’s afraid of infection. In our opinion, the best thing in the whole movie is the extensive glove closet, which hides the entrance to his private art gallery. It’s such a cool closet because it features mirrors, and with its sheer size, it is much bigger than most people’s regular closets.

16. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

A spy/action movie directed by Guy Ritchie, this film is set in the Cold-War era of 1963. It’s interesting from a wardrobe perspective because the two main characters (played by Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer) are really differentiated through their onscreen wardrobes.

Henry Cavill as CIA agent Napoleon Solo, in a gray-blue suit with a large overcheck
Henry Cavill as CIA agent Napoleon Solo, in a gray-blue suit with a large overcheck

On the one hand, you have the debonair Napoleon Solo who wears three-piece suits in lighter shades of grey and blue; on the other hand, you have Illya Kuryakin who wears muted suits or ensembles of a suede blouson jacket with a flat cap and slacks.

17. Hail, Caesar! (2016)

Bringing us full-circle with Part 1 of this series, this movie is set in Hollywood’s golden age of the 1950s. While the film wasn’t well-received by audiences, we included it here because the fashion designer of the movie did months of research to achieve period accuracy for the late 1940s suits.

Lord's hat in brown with khaki light brown double breasted suit, white classic collar shirt and tie
Lord’s hat in brown with khaki light brown double breasted suit, white classic collar shirt and tie

For example, star Josh Brolin’s double-breasted suits and Homburg hats were chosen so they worked well with his complexion. Also, his mustache was styled after Walt Disney, and his hair was permed. You also see characters wearing black tie, patterned sport coats, ascots, and other ensembles.

Bonus: 2 More Stylish Movies

There are two great films featuring menswear we didn’t discuss here: one is The Artist, which won an Oscar for Best Picture–but we’ve already discussed that in-depth in this piece, and the other is Kingsman: The Secret Service, which has had such a profound impact on menswear in pop culture and even evident in the second installment of the film franchise, Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

Jean Dujardin in White Tie being kissed by a woman - The Artist
Jean Dujardin in White Tie – The Artist

Are there any other movies that you think should be included on this list? Share with us in the comments!

Outfit Rundown

I’m wearing a vintage TV or movie jacket made of corduroy with a shawl collar and plank satin accents on the pockets as well as a belt which is something that people would actually wear they watched TV or movies back in the day comparing it with the white cotton dress shirt and barrel cuffs as well as a forest green silk knit tie from Fort Belvedere which works well with the paisley wool silk pocket square which you can also find in our shop here.

Raphael in an outfit suitable for watching shows at home
Raphael in an outfit suitable for watching shows at home
Knit Tie in Solid Olive Green Silk - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Knit Tie in Solid Olive Green Silk

Olive Green Silk Wool Pocket Square with Paisley in Beige, Blue, Red and Orange and beige shoestring edge

Fort Belvedere

Olive Green Silk Wool Pocket Square with Paisley in Beige, Blue, Red and Orange and beige shoestring edge

Dark Grey Socks with Burgundy and White Clocks in Cotton - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Dark Grey Socks with Burgundy and White Clocks in Cotton

My slacks are vintage Polo Ralph Lauren with pleats probably from the late 80s or 90s and a center cut a lot wider than modern slacks. The pants are a classic Glen check or Prince of Wales pattern which works quite well with bold needlepoint Albert slippers in green with red and charcoal stripes.

Because those are already bold patterns, I chose to pair with a solid pair of over the calf socks and slide clocks in red and white from Fort Belvedere. The green red and charcoal from my shoes also pair well with my pinkie ring which has a bloodstone in dark green and red and the colors picks up on my tie as well as the pocket square.

Reader Comments

  1. Not a bad list but you really should have included – The Great Beauty 2013. Truly stunning evocation of fabulous italian menswear in the eternal city. Should be top of the list.

    1. Ah i see now that it was only up to 2010 so i shall withdraw my suggestion and wait for your next installment.

  2. Gentlemen ,m
    A marvellous selection of films ; I was in my early twenties when The Godfather first appeared . I sat through it numerous times to look at combining style with function , very important . When Chinatown came I took the same approach and well remember having discovered a tailor open to my thinking I had one of Jack’s suits replicated .
    At the same same as Hollywood was turning out Landmarks so to were the Italians and the French , Fellini , Visconti and Da Sica made films of stunning style and aching beauty . I remember one film called Borsalino that really knocked me out . One thing to remember in these classic film is how beautiful women in these films could make these men look and feel good . Which is of course still the case .

  3. Good pics but you guys should expand your viewing selection. There isn’t a single movie with a cast with people of color, let alone a leading or major supporting actor. It was a nice statement of support this group put out recently, but its little things like this where actions need to match the words.

    1. S in OH, as a caucasian, I have to admit that I am slow to notice things like this, and I’m glad you brought this up, as it’s a good reminder. What films with people of color do you think would be good additions to the list?

      1. It doesn’t have to be a non-white cast in sharply dressed pictures such as Crazy Rich Asians, American Gangster or Eddie Murphy’s Boomerang. I thought Patrick Stewart’s Professor X was impeccably dressed in a wonderfully mixed cast. It’s not all or none. But thank you for your thoughts.

    2. There is a reason for that, and it is not what you are accusing the author for.

    3. Sidney Poitier inTo Sir With Love? Yaphet Koto in Live and Let Die or Thomas Crown Affair? Dooley Wilson in Casablanca? Do they qualify? I don’t know.

  4. one movie overlooked was The Tailor of Panama staring Jeffrey Rush and Pierce Brosnan

  5. Gentleman’s Gazette Team,
    Terrific follow on to part 1……….Keep ’em comin. How about a follow on re: Talk Show Hosts and cable and national news casters and “pundits?”
    I keep hoping that Jimmy Fallon will discover the Gazette and Tweed Addict. His wardrobe reminds of a group of “hired” pall bearers at a budget “Social Distancing” funeral.

    Regards,
    JL

  6. Hello Mr Schneider,

    Great article, as always.

    My list of sartorially significant films from the period would not be complete without these titles:

    1. The Day of the Jackal (1973).
    2. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988).
    3. The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984) (a marvel of a film for any menswear enthusiast).

  7. PEAKY BLINDERS AND THE CROWN is the craze in England loaded with fashion. All on Netflix Hannibal is the American murder mystery with incredible mens fashions. I look forward to more. Great job !!!!!

  8. Very good choice of movies. The one I am going to mention is not a movie but a TV series. I was watching the repeat so I noticed good choice if clothing. I am talking about Kojak. I like the way he dresses up. I wonder what you think about that. Many thanks.

  9. How about the ensemble of the Bond movies? While the action and plot are a mix bag (greatness reached with Sean Connery early movies and Daniel Craig’s Skyfall, while Roger Moore’s contribution. are rather dreadful), the overall collection is in general a great source for men’s-wear style inspiration.

  10. For your consideration, I would nominate 1975’s ‘The Day of The Locust’

  11. Perhaps the Thired Man, probably one of the best films of all time, black and white camera work helps but Orson Welles is so fiendishly elegant as the crooked Harry Lime and his girlfriend is so beautifully dressed all set in post war austere Vienna.

  12. I like. The intern. Dinero’s character wears a suit to the office every day. That’s nice, but he also improved the style of the other guys in the office he interacts with over the course of the movie.

  13. You have some inaccuracies in your description of the designers for the following movies:
    Theoni Aldredge was the Costume Designer for The Great Gatsby
    Ellen Mirojnick was the Costume Designer for Wall Street
    Arianne Phillips was the Costume Designer for A Single Man
    Now it may be true that they used some suits from the fashion lines of Ralph Lauren,
    Alan Flusser, and Tom Ford, but those men were NOT the Costume Designers for the films.

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