Claim: Natalie Wood acted.

Rebel Without a Cause is a 1955 American drama film about emotionally confused suburban , middle-class teenagers filmed in CinemaScope . Directed by Nicholas Ray , it offered both social commentary and an alternative to previous films depicting delinquents in urban slum environments . The film stars James Dean , Sal Mineo and Natalie Wood .   The film was a groundbreaking attempt to portray the moral decay of American youth , critique parental style , and explore the differences and conflicts between generations . The title was adopted from psychiatrist Robert M. Lindner 's 1944 book , Rebel Without a Cause : The Hypnoanalysis of a Criminal Psychopath . The film itself , however , does not reference Lindner 's book in any way . Warner Bros. released the film on October 27 , 1955 .   Over the years , the film has achieved landmark status for the acting of cultural icon James Dean , fresh from his Oscar nominated role in East of Eden and who died before the film 's release , in his most celebrated role . This was the only film during Dean 's lifetime in which he received top billing . In 1990 , Rebel Without a Cause was added to the Library of Congress 's National Film Registry as being deemed `` culturally , historically , and aesthetically significant '' .