Although Hollywood’s golden age (also known as the sound era, which took place between 1927 and the early 60s) was a particularly good time for film noir, musicals, and Western genres, it also counted on countless great romance films that swept audiences off their feet and stand the test of time today. Even in the silent era, when talkies weren’t a part of the picture, romantic dramas likeBroken Blossomswere popular among audiences, managing to capture many viewers' attention.
Now counting on diverse subgenres, the romance genre endures a very beloved one, with some of the latest memorable movies beingDamien Chazelle’s musicalLa La LandandWong Kar-wai’s masterpieceIn the Mood for Love. Butwhich remarkable love stories reigned supreme during the Old Hollywood era? FromAn Affair to RemembertoCasablanca, these are the best classic romance movies of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
20’A Matter of Life and Death' (1946)
Directed by Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell
Following a British wartime officer played byDavid Niven,A Matter of Life and Deathsees the character miraculously survive what should have been a fatal plane crash only to discover that the afterlife has made an error, and he was meant to die. In the meantime, he falls in love with June (Kim Hunter), the American radio operator who heard his final words before the crash.
For those looking for a philosophically rich story that is equally visually immersive and engaging,A Matter of Life and Deathmay be the right pick. Far from a conventional old Hollywood romance,the iconic Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powelanti-war pictureblends the fantasy and war genres with enthralling results, weaving a timeless love story that transcends life and death.
A Matter of Life and Death
19’His Girl Friday' (1940)
Directed by Howard Hawks
Balancing wit, charm, and incredible chemistry between the two leads,Howard Hawks’His Girl Fridayis an essentialromantic comedy for fans of old Hollywood films. Originally a story about two men, the 1940 film sees a hard-charging New York newspaper editor (Cary Grant) discover that his ex-wife, investigative reporter Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell) has gotten engaged to insurance agent Bruce. He tries to lure her away from domestic life with a story about the execution of a convicted murderer. However, when Hildy discovers that the suspect may be innocent, her instincts take over.
His Girl Fridayis an incredible pick in its own right because it subverts expectations, intertwining romance with a sharp critique of gender roles and journalism. Not only is it a captivating watch for its captivating, razor-sharp wit, but also for how it thrives on the incredible chemistry between Grant and Russell, who steps into the shoes of more than the former’s love interest: she is his equal, his rival, and the ultimate perfect match.
His Girl Friday
18’Leave Her to Heaven' (1945)
Directed by John M. Stahl
Gene Tierneyis the lead role in thisJohn M. Stahlclassic, a bright and visually beautiful picture following writer Richard Harland (Cornel Wilde) as he strikes up a relationship with the stunning Ellen, who abandons her fiancé to be with him. However, as the couple rushes to marriage, Richard realizes that the beautiful woman is extremely jealous and highly unstable.
Those looking fora captivating relationship study that is equally intense and melodramatic should check outLeave Her to Heaven, as it sheds light on the destructive side of desire and presents a romance that is equally intoxicating and dangerous. The acting performances are nothing short of mesmerizing, with Tiernye delivering one of the most chillingportrayals of obsession in film. However, its stunning technicolor cinematography is also a standout.
Leave Her to Heaven
17’An Affair to Remember' (1957)
Directed by Leo McCarey
InAn Affair to Remember, legendary movie starCary GrantandDeborah Kerr’s characters end up falling in love with each other after several days and promise to meet in six months at the Empire State Building. However, the two are in a relationship with other people by the time they fall head over heels for each other, and the real question is whether the day they get together will actually come.
Featuring a simple narrative,Leo McCarey’s film may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Nevertheless, it is still well worth a watch, as it makes for an entertaining and sentimental romance movie that will completely charm audiences. On top of this,An Affair to Rememberfeatures amazing acting performances from both leads. It was a remake ofMcCarey’s 1939 filmLove Affair, starring IreneDunneandCharlesBoyer.
An Affair to Remember
16’Breakfast at Tiffany’s' (1961)
Directed by Blake Edwards
One ofAudrey Hepburn’s most popular movies,Breakfast at Tiffany’s, is a romantic comedy directed byBlake Edwardsthat tells the story of a New York socialite who ends up falling for a handsome struggling writer (George Peppard) who has moved into her apartment building.
In addition to the adorable four-legged fur friend that it features — one of themost iconic cats in film, as well as one of the movie’s most memorable aspects —Breakfast at Tiffany’sprovides audiences with a thoroughly enjoyable romance storyline. It is entertaining and charming, with a great acting performance from Hepburn. Standing tall among the most influential films in its genre, this adaptation ofTrumanCapote’s 1958 novella of the same name was nominated for five Academy Awards and won two of them.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
15’Out of the Past' (1947)
Directed by Jacques Tourneur
A quintessential film noir,Jacques Tourneur’sOut of the PaststarsRobert MitchumandJane Greer. It tells the story of a man living a quiet life running a small-town gas station until a figure from his past recognizes him. Forced to confront his dark history, he is pulled back into the dangerous and corrupt world of the big city.
Featuring beautiful black-and-white cinematography, Mitchum’s charming central performance, and a memorable femme fatale,Out of the Pastis undoubtedly essential viewing for noir and thriller enthusiasts. Whileit is not a traditional romance in the sense that it doesn’t offer an idealized love story, the doomed romance at its heart is nothing short of appealing,making it one of the most compelling romances in noir history.
Out Of The Past
14’Double Indemnity' (1944)
Directed by Billy Wilder
One of themost iconic film noirs of all time,Double Indemnityis a captivating meditation on deception, moral decay, and attraction. The story sees insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) getting roped into a murderous scheme. He then crosses paths with and falls for the sensual Phylis (Barbara Stanwyckin one of her most memorable roles), who is intent on killing her husband.
Whether it isBilly Wilder’s astounding direction or its incredible screenplay,Double Indemnityis a masterclass in both the noir and romance genres, subverting classic romantic narrative with Stanwyck and MacMurray’s on-screen dynamic and chemistry elevating its compelling story to higher levels. With that said, when it comes to Golden Age romance,Double Indemnitystands out for how it manages to capture the allure of forbidden loveand its destructive consequences.
Double Indemnity
13’City Lights' (1931)
Directed by Charlie Chaplin
Many’s favoriteCharlieChaplinromance (produced, directed, and starring the iconic star),thesilent romantic comedyCity Lightsis both funny and heartwarming, with a plot that revolves around the misadventures of Chaplin’s Tramp as he falls for a charming blind girl (Virginia Cherril) and befriends an alcoholic millionaire (HarryMyers).
Featuring plenty of memorable scenes and a touching but lighthearted narrative, Chaplin’s timeless movie is undoubtedly essential viewing in the classic romance movie genre, especially in how it highlights the charms of silent films. It was extremely successful back when it was released, appealing to audiences and critics alike and quickly cementing itself not only as one of Chaplin’s best accomplishments, but also one of the best films of all time.
City Lights
12’Brief Encounter' (1945)
Directed by David Lean
The iconicBrief Encountercenters on a chance meeting on a train platform between a married doctor, played byTrevor Howard, and a suburban housewife brought to life byCelia Johnson, marking the beginning of a doomed love affair that will have viewers hooked throughout.
When it comes to great old romantic movies, it is difficult to remain indifferent to this David Lean 1945 feature. Extremely well-written and truly engaging (and, frankly, even a bit emotional at times),David Lean’s British classicis a must-watch today, and is undoubtedly a top-notch achievement that some even consider to be the greatest romance film of all time. Furthermore,Brief Encounterincludes impressive acting performances from those involved, making for a highly believable and convincing love story.
Brief Encounter
11’The Apartment' (1960)
InBilly Wilder’s essential classic filmThe Apartment, which satirizes corporate behavior and sexism, a lowly Manhattan insurance clerk (Jack Lemmon) allows his higher-ups to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder. But when he falls for one of the women (Shirley MacLaine), things get a bit complicated.
There is no doubt that the 1960 movie is worth adding to one’s watchlist if audiences haven’t seen it already. With an intriguing, atmospheric narrative and a strong message about our society, which hasn’t evolved that much in these aspects compared to the old days,The Apartmentmakes for a solid romance movie and a sharp social satire. It is regarded as one of the best films ever made, according to theSight and Sound poll.
