#Here Are 7 of the Most Romantic Movies From the ’60s

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“#Here Are 7 of the Most Romantic Movies From the ’60s”

With the rise of television during the ’50s and ’60s, movies faced startling new competition. Cinema adapted by pushing into new territory and highlighting social themes and circumstances that had never been addressed in movies before, and the era is adored for its timeless classics containing modern social problems. Legendary stars like Elvis Presley and Audrey Hepburn also took center stage, giving romance movies more star power and sex appeal. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, everyone is keeping their eyes peeled for new ways to celebrate. Here are seven ’60s classics that could help any one set a classy romantic mood during their Valentine’s date night.

8 The Graduate (1967)

A couple sits next to each other bewildered in the final scene of the graduate — Embassy Pictures

College is a time of exploration and experimentation, but where do you go when you are done? Ben Braddock faces this dilemma, graduating from college with little-to-no plan for his future. As he sets out on some intense soul-searching, he starts an affair with an older, married family friend with a daughter he actually loves. The drama continues to escalate into a tangled mess of secrecy, rebellion, and steamy romance. The Graduate is most remembered for its iconic and thought-provoking ending, but we won’t give that away here. Fans of the film also love the perennial questions about the purpose of life, the intense drama, the Simon & Garfunkel songs, and the melancholic performance of Dustin Hoffman as Ben Braddock.

7 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner tells a groundbreaking tale of interracial romance with a star cast and complex themes, each character bringing a different perspective to the conversation about civil rights. At its core, though, Guess Who’s coming to Dinner shows off a heartwarming love story. Joey (Katharine Hougton) and John’s (Sidney Poiter) love provides a beacon of hope and idealism to the otherwise conflicted and prejudiced characters.
When Joey brings home her fiancé John, a Black doctor, she couldn’t be more excited for her parents to meet the man she loves. However, Joey’s folks are not as enthusiastic as she expected them to be. Christina (Katharine Hepburn) and Matt Drayton (Spencer Tracy) grapple with their own biases in the film in thoughtful, realistic ways. Filled with provocative dialogue, and a love story for the ages, this film is a great watch for any couple’s night in.
Related:
Here’s 5 Great Films that Fight for Civil Rights

6 The Music Man (1962)

Robert Preston dressed as a marching band leader leads a marching band down center street with Shirley Jones — Warner Brothers

Marian the Librarian is an iconic figure to any lover of classic musicals. When a slightly overly charismatic salesman (Robert Preston) tries to sell band instruments and uniforms to the whole town, only the clever librarian (Shirley Jones) sees through his scheme. Romantics of all ages love this classic story about enemies turned to lovers, and the battle of wits between the two leads makes for great situational comedy and hilarious dialogue. Aside from the romance itself, The Music Man offers large dance numbers, creative sound production, and catchy tunes. Be warned, watching this movie comes with side effects of singing and dancing for days after.

5 Romeo and Juliet (1968)

Romeo and Juliet embrace in the 1968 film — Paramount Pictures

Audiences may remember this movie from their high school English class, when the A/V department rolled in the television and VCR player. Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love affair has been a tearjerker for centuries, though. When the couple meet, it is love at first sight, but their families’ feud destines their love for tragedy. Franco Zeffirelli’s iteration of Romeo and Juliet is beloved for its gorgeous colors and cinematography, and heartbreaking depiction of the couple’s enduring optimism and dedication to one another. Their sweet example of first love is both moving and inspiring.
Related: The Best Modern-Day Shakespeare Adaptations

4 Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Audrey Hepburn looking fancy as the chic Holly Go Lightly — Paramount Pictures

Audrey Hepburn brings grace and charm to all of her movies, and this one is no exception. Holly (Audrey Hepburn) is an expensive escort looking for a rich man to settle down with, but fate interrupts her plans when a handsome stranger moves in next door. The classic dilemma between love and wealth brings a timeless element to Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Additionally, all women admire Hepburn’s iconic fashion and the outfits unique to this movie. The setting, costumes, and music all enhance this gorgeous, witty romance.

3 West Side Story (1961)

This modern twist on Romeo and Juliet was so popular that Steven Spielberg recently remade the film. The age-old tale of star crossed lovers kept apart by their families pulls at the heartstrings of every romantic. In this modernized rendition, the Montague and Capulet households are traded for two gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and Maria and Tony’s love story offers the same classic plot within an urban setting. With classic songs like “America” and “Somewhere” added to the mix, it’s no surprise that the original West Side Story has withstood the test of time.

2 Sound of Music (1965)

The Sound of Music (1965) — 20th Century Fox

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical genius comes to the screen in The Sound of Music. Their emotionally resonant but often cheerful music explores family relationships and love in unusual circumstances, and the lyrics help create a hopeful and inspirational story everyone can enjoy. The Sound of Music takes place just before Germany invades Austria in WWII. During the rising political tension, Baron von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) brings in the nun Maria (Julie Andrews) to be his children’s nanny, but things become complicated when the two start falling in love with each other. Von Trapp and Maria’s love story ranks high on any romantic’s list because of their ability to overcome personal and external trials and locate a sense of real joy amidst surrounding suffering.

1 My Fair Lady (1964)

Audrey Hepburn makes a grand entrance at the horse races in My Fair Lady — Warner Brothers

Henry Higgins is a linguist who believes that he can change a person’s social status by changing the way they speak; Eliza Doolittle is a poor flower girl living on the streets of London, who volunteers to put Higgins’ theory to the test. Their opposite personalities and lifestyles lead to comical misunderstandings and undeniable attraction in this adaptation of the iconic Pygmalion tale. My Fair Lady is a true delight to watch for its lighthearted comedy and Audrey Hepburn’s incredible performance, but also for its meaningful commentary about social hierarchy and women’s rights. Its full score of moving and rousing musical numbers only seals the deal. Henry and Eliza’s relatable challenges and fantastic chemistry make this movie a must-watch classic, and one of the prettiest, most enjoyable romance films of the 1960s.

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