Some love stories never go out of style. Romantic classics have a way of transporting us to a world where love conquers all, even time. Whether it’s a black-and-white masterpiece or a timeless color film, these movies have a special charm that’s perfect for a cozy evening at home. If you’re looking to indulge in nostalgia or simply want to explore iconic love stories, Amazon Prime Video has a stunning collection of romantic classics waiting for you. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, grab some snacks, and let’s dive into these timeless gems!
Romantic Classics List (Table)
Here’s a carefully curated table of romantic classics available on Amazon Prime Video to make your selection easier.
| Movie Title | Genre | IMDb Rating | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casablanca | Romantic Drama | 8.5 | A tale of love, sacrifice, and heroism during World War II. |
| Breakfast at Tiffany’s | Romantic Comedy | 7.6 | Audrey Hepburn stars in this quirky, charming story of self-discovery. |
| Roman Holiday | Romantic Comedy | 8.0 | A runaway princess finds love with a journalist in Rome. |
| Gone with the Wind | Historical Romance | 8.2 | A sweeping Civil War-era epic about love and survival. |
| The Philadelphia Story | Romantic Comedy | 7.9 | A witty tale of love and misunderstandings in high society. |
| An Affair to Remember | Romantic Drama | 7.5 | Two people fall in love aboard a ship and vow to reunite at the Empire State Building. |
| Sabrina | Romantic Comedy | 7.6 | A chauffeur’s daughter finds herself in a love triangle with two brothers. |
| West Side Story | Musical Romance | 7.6 | A modern retelling of “Romeo and Juliet” set against gang rivalry. |
| Singin’ in the Rain | Musical Romance | 8.3 | A classic musical about love and the golden age of Hollywood. |
| My Fair Lady | Romantic Comedy | 7.8 | A phonetics professor transforms a flower girl into a lady, but love intervenes. |
| Dr. Zhivago | Historical Romance | 8.0 | A story of forbidden love set during the Russian Revolution. |
| The Way We Were | Romantic Drama | 7.1 | A poignant tale of two opposites who fall in love but struggle to stay together. |
| It Happened One Night | Romantic Comedy | 8.1 | A runaway heiress and a reporter find love in this delightful screwball comedy. |
| Wuthering Heights | Gothic Romance | 7.5 | A haunting love story set on the Yorkshire moors. |
| Sense and Sensibility | Period Drama | 7.6 | A Jane Austen classic about two sisters navigating love and heartbreak. |
| The Sound of Music | Musical Romance | 8.1 | A governess brings music and love to a family during turbulent times. |
| A Room with a View | Period Romance | 7.3 | A young woman discovers love and freedom during a trip to Italy. |
| Rebecca | Gothic Romance | 8.1 | A young bride confronts the shadow of her husband’s first wife. |
| Love Story | Romantic Drama | 6.9 | A heart-wrenching tale of young love and loss. |
| Notorious | Romantic Thriller | 7.9 | Alfred Hitchcock’s story of espionage and forbidden love. |
| The African Queen | Romantic Adventure | 7.8 | A missionary and a boat captain find love in the African jungle. |
| The Shop Around the Corner | Romantic Comedy | 8.0 | Two feuding co-workers unknowingly fall in love through anonymous letters. |
| To Have and Have Not | Romantic Thriller | 7.8 | A war-time love story set in the Caribbean. |
| The Bridges of Madison County | Romantic Drama | 7.6 | A bittersweet story of an affair between a photographer and a housewife. |
| A Star is Born (1954) | Musical Romance | 7.6 | A timeless tale of love and the sacrifices of fame. |
| Gigi | Musical Romance | 6.7 | A young woman groomed to be a courtesan discovers true love. |
| Funny Girl | Musical Drama | 7.3 | The story of a comedienne’s rise to fame and her tumultuous love life. |
| City Lights | Romantic Comedy | 8.5 | Charlie Chaplin’s iconic tale of love and kindness. |
| The Graduate | Romantic Comedy | 8.0 | A young man’s awkward love life spirals out of control after an affair. |
1. Casablanca (1942)
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Director: Michael Curtiz
Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid
Set during World War II, Casablanca follows Rick Blaine, a cynical ex-patriate who runs a nightclub in the titular city. When his former lover, Ilsa Lund, walks into his bar with her husband, Victor Laszlo, a resistance leader, Rick is torn between helping them escape Nazi pursuit or rekindling their romance. With iconic lines like “Here’s looking at you, kid,” this film is a masterclass in romance, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas.
2. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: Blake Edwards
Stars: Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard
Audrey Hepburn stars as Holly Golightly, a glamorous yet eccentric socialite who dreams of marrying rich. When Paul Varjak, a struggling writer, moves into her building, the two form an unlikely bond that blossoms into romance. Set against the backdrop of New York City, this film’s whimsical charm and Hepburn’s iconic fashion make it an enduring classic.
3. Roman Holiday (1953)
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Director: William Wyler
Stars: Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn plays a sheltered princess who escapes her royal duties to explore Rome anonymously. She encounters an American journalist, played by Gregory Peck, who secretly plans to write an exclusive story about her. As the two fall for each other, they must navigate the complexities of their vastly different lives. This film won Hepburn an Oscar for Best Actress.
4. Gone with the Wind (1939)
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Director: Victor Fleming
Stars: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh
This epic romance set during the American Civil War chronicles the tumultuous love affair between Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler. Known for its lavish production and unforgettable performances, Gone with the Wind remains a landmark in cinematic history. Themes of love, loss, and resilience are timelessly portrayed.
5. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Director: George Cukor
Stars: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, James Stewart
A sophisticated romantic comedy about Tracy Lord, a wealthy socialite caught in a love triangle with her ex-husband and a charming journalist. Witty dialogue and stellar performances make this film a timeless exploration of relationships and self-discovery.
6. An Affair to Remember (1957)
IMDb Rating: 7.5
Director: Leo McCarey
Stars: Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr
Nickie and Terry, both engaged to others, meet on a transatlantic cruise and fall deeply in love. They promise to reunite at the Empire State Building six months later but face unforeseen obstacles. This tearjerker remains one of cinema’s most romantic films.
7. Sabrina (1954)
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: Billy Wilder
Stars: Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, William Holden
Sabrina tells the story of a chauffeur’s daughter who captures the attention of two wealthy brothers after a transformative trip to Paris. With charm, humor, and a dash of glamour, this romantic comedy remains a delightful classic.
8. West Side Story (1961)
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise
Stars: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer
This musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet follows Tony and Maria, two star-crossed lovers caught between rival gangs in New York City. Featuring unforgettable songs and choreography, it’s a poignant tale of love and tragedy.
9. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
IMDb Rating: 8.3
Director: Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen
Stars: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds
A cheerful love story set during Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies. Don Lockwood, a silent film star, falls for Kathy Selden, a spirited actress. With dazzling musical numbers and a heartfelt romance, this film is a cinematic gem.
10. My Fair Lady (1964)
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Director: George Cukor
Stars: Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison
A phonetics professor, Henry Higgins, transforms Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, into a refined lady. As Eliza grows into her new identity, an unexpected romance blossoms between the two. This musical classic is a delight for lovers of witty dialogue and unforgettable songs.
11. Dr. Zhivago (1965)
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Director: David Lean
Stars: Omar Sharif, Julie Christie
A sweeping romantic epic set during the Russian Revolution, Dr. Zhivago follows the forbidden love between Yuri Zhivago, a poet and doctor, and Lara, a beautiful woman caught in turbulent times. Stunning visuals and emotional depth make this a must-watch.
12. The Way We Were (1973)
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Director: Sydney Pollack
Stars: Barbra Streisand, Robert Redford
A poignant love story between Katie, a politically passionate woman, and Hubbell, a laid-back writer. Despite their undeniable connection, their differences threaten their relationship. This bittersweet tale explores love, compromise, and heartbreak.
13. It Happened One Night (1934)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Director: Frank Capra
Stars: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert
This delightful screwball comedy follows Ellie Andrews, a runaway heiress, who teams up with a cynical reporter, Peter Warne, on a cross-country journey. Their adventures are filled with witty banter, comedic mishaps, and a slow-burn romance. A pioneer of the romantic comedy genre, this film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
14. Wuthering Heights (1939)
IMDb Rating: 7.5
Director: William Wyler
Stars: Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier
Based on Emily Brontë’s haunting novel, this gothic romance tells the tale of Heathcliff and Cathy, whose passionate yet destructive love transcends class and death. Set against the bleak Yorkshire moors, the film is an intense exploration of love, obsession, and revenge.
15. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: Ang Lee
Stars: Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant
This adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel revolves around the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who navigate love and financial struggles after their father’s death. A beautifully crafted period drama with stellar performances, it delicately balances romance and heartbreak.
16. The Sound of Music (1965)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Director: Robert Wise
Stars: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer
A governess, Maria, brings music and love into the lives of the von Trapp family as they face the threat of World War II. With unforgettable songs and breathtaking landscapes, this musical romance is a timeless favorite for audiences of all ages.
17. A Room with a View (1985)
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Director: James Ivory
Stars: Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands
Set in Edwardian England and Florence, this lush romantic drama follows Lucy Honeychurch as she struggles between societal expectations and her attraction to a free-spirited man, George Emerson. The film is celebrated for its stunning visuals and thoughtful exploration of love and class.
18. Rebecca (1940)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Stars: Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine
This gothic romance and psychological thriller tells the story of a young bride haunted by the shadow of her husband’s late wife, Rebecca. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the film is an atmospheric masterpiece of suspense, love, and jealousy.
19. Love Story (1970)
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Director: Arthur Hiller
Stars: Ali MacGraw, Ryan O’Neal
A heartbreaking tale of young love, Love Story follows Oliver, a wealthy Harvard student, and Jenny, a spirited working-class woman, as they fall deeply in love despite their differences. The film’s iconic line, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry,” has cemented its place in pop culture.
20. Notorious (1946)
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Stars: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman
This romantic thriller combines espionage and love as Alicia, a government agent, is sent to infiltrate a Nazi organization. Her complicated relationship with Devlin, her handler, adds layers of passion and betrayal to the suspenseful plot.
21. The African Queen (1951)
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Director: John Huston
Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn
In this romantic adventure, a gruff boat captain and a prim missionary join forces to navigate the dangerous waters of East Africa during World War I. Their unlikely bond blossoms into a touching romance amidst perilous circumstances.
22. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Stars: James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan
This charming romantic comedy revolves around two feuding co-workers who are unknowingly pen pals falling in love through anonymous letters. A delightful story of misunderstandings and serendipity, it inspired later classics like You’ve Got Mail.
23. To Have and Have Not (1944)
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Director: Howard Hawks
Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall
Set in the Caribbean during World War II, this romantic thriller features the sizzling chemistry between Bogart and Bacall as a cynical boat captain and a sultry lounge singer. Their iconic dialogue and smoldering romance make this film unforgettable.
24. The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Meryl Streep, Clint Eastwood
A photographer and a lonely housewife embark on a brief yet deeply emotional love affair in this poignant drama. Set against the scenic Iowa countryside, the film explores themes of love, regret, and the choices that define our lives.
25. A Star is Born (1954)
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: George Cukor
Stars: Judy Garland, James Mason
This musical drama tells the bittersweet story of an aspiring singer whose career ascends while her mentor and lover, a fading star, battles his personal demons. Judy Garland’s powerful performance and heartfelt songs make this a classic.
26. Gigi (1958)
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Stars: Leslie Caron, Louis Jourdan
Set in turn-of-the-century Paris, this musical romance follows Gigi, a young girl trained to become a courtesan, who instead discovers true love. With lavish production and charming performances, Gigi is a whimsical exploration of love and identity.
27. Funny Girl (1968)
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Director: William Wyler
Stars: Barbra Streisand, Omar Sharif
Barbra Streisand shines as Fanny Brice, a comedienne navigating fame and her tumultuous romance with a gambler. This musical drama is celebrated for Streisand’s stunning vocals and captivating performance.
28. City Lights (1931)
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Director: Charlie Chaplin
Stars: Charlie Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill
A heartwarming silent film about a tramp who falls in love with a blind flower girl and goes to great lengths to help her regain her sight. With humor and pathos, City Lights is a masterpiece of romantic storytelling.
29. The Graduate (1967)
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Director: Mike Nichols
Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft
This coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama follows Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate who finds himself in an affair with Mrs. Robinson, a family friend, while falling for her daughter. With its iconic soundtrack and biting humor, this film remains a classic.
Conclusion
Romantic classics have an eternal appeal, captivating audiences with stories that celebrate love in all its glory. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, tears, or a nostalgic journey through cinema history, these films offer the perfect escape. With Amazon Prime Video’s rich selection, you’ll never run out of enchanting tales to enjoy. So, dim the lights, settle in, and let these timeless romances sweep you off your feet!