If you’re staying in this Valentine’s Day, these marvelously made romantic mid century (or mid century-set) movies are just perfect for an evening’s entertainment. So curl up on the couch with someone special and enjoy these fantastic and romantic films!
Atomic Ranch curates the best of Mid Century Modern design to share with our readers. Some of the products you’ll see featured in this story are affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase, AR will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Charade (1963)
Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant shine in this romantic comedy/murder mystery romp.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime, Hulu Premium, Vudu
Available for rent on: YouTube, Google Play
Sylvie’s Love (2020)
Tessa Thompson andNnamdi Asomugha star in a love story about missed connections that spans three decades.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime
An Affair to Remember (1957)
This classic love story staring Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant, explores the intersection of chance and fate.
Available for rent on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
Loving (2016)
Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton earned critical acclaim for their performances in this biographical drama, based on the lives of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple whose civil rights case was brought before the Supreme Court.
Streaming on: Netflix
Available for rent on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
West Side Story (1961)
The classic musical retelling of Romeo and Juliet, set between rival New York gangs, stars Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn and Rita Moreno.
Streaming on: Hulu Premium
Available for rent on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
Carmen Jones (1954)
In a World War II retelling of the classic opera, this musical stars Dorthy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte. Dandridge became the first African American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress based on her performance in Carmen Jones.
Available for rent on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Audrey Hepburn’s iconic role as an eccentric and independent New Yorker is essential viewing for any mid century enthusiast.
Available for rent on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
Paris Blues (1961)
Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier play two American Jazz musicians contentedly living the artist’s life in Paris. But when they meet two beautiful American tourists, they have to make the decision between following their career aspirations or their hearts.
Streaming on: Pluto TV
Available for rent on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
Barefoot in the Park (1967)
Based on the Neil Simon play of the same name, Jane Fonda and Robert Redford play a pair of opposites-attract newlyweds trying to survive their first few days of marriage in their small Greenwich Village apartment.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime, Pluto TV
Available for rent on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
To Catch a Thief (1955)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this thrilling romantic heist movie stars Grace Kelly and Cary Grant.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime, Pluto TV, CBS
Available for rent on: YouTube, Google Play, Vudu
Born Yesterday (1950)
Judy Holliday stars as a gangster’s uncultured girlfriend who’s lack of manners earns her a tutor, played by William Holden. As she gains an education, she starts to feel differently about her boyfriend’s shady ways.
Available for rent on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu
An American In Paris (1951)
Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron dance their way into each other’s hearts in this classic musical.
Available for rent on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu
Guys and Dolls (1955)
Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando play two smooth-talking gamblers who have been able to avoid settling down. Their luck is about to run out.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime, YouTube
Available for rent on: Google Play, Vudu
Roman Holiday (1953)
Audrey Hepburn has certainly been duly represented on this list but—we have to include Roman Holiday. Hepburn stars opposite Gregory Peck in a one-day story about a European Princess and an American reporter who can’t help falling in love as they explore Rome.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime, Pluto TV
Available for rent on: YouTube, Google Play, Vudu
Want some Mid Century inspired listening? Check out these contemporary musical artists with throwback sounds. For more Mid Century watching, here’s our top ten MCM movies and television shows.
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