There’s something undeniably charming about classic black and white films, especially when it comes to setting the mood for a romantic evening. These timeless films carry a certain elegance and emotional depth that today’s glossy blockbusters often lack. Whether it’s the soft glow of moonlit close-ups, the irresistible allure of iconic stars, or the tender, sometimes bittersweet love stories, black and white movies have a way of making romance feel magical. If you’re planning a cozy, intimate date night, here are 15 fully black and white classic films that will sweep you and your partner off your feet.
1. Casablanca (1942)
Casablanca is the quintessential romantic film, and for good reason. Directed by Michael Curtiz, this timeless classic stars Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine, a world-weary nightclub owner in Casablanca, and Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa Lund, his former lover. Set during World War II, the film follows the emotional reunion of Rick and Ilsa as she and her husband, a resistance leader, seek passage to freedom. The film is drenched in longing and sacrifice, with one of the most memorable love triangles in cinema history. Its iconic lines—”Here’s looking at you, kid” and “We’ll always have Paris”—still evoke the beauty and tragedy of love that can’t be.
The film’s romantic tension, mixed with political intrigue, makes it perfect for a night when you want something deep and emotionally satisfying. The bittersweetness of the final moments, where Rick chooses to let Ilsa go for the greater good, makes Casablanca a powerful story of unselfish love that will leave you and your partner thinking about the nature of sacrifice and romance.
2. It Happened One Night (1934)
This Frank Capra-directed film is one of the earliest and most beloved screwball romantic comedies. It Happened One Night stars Claudette Colbert as a spoiled heiress, Ellie Andrews, who runs away from her family and is reluctantly helped by Peter Warne, a brash reporter played by Clark Gable. As they journey across the country together, pretending to be a married couple to avoid suspicion, their banter and chemistry turn from antagonism to affection.
The film’s wit, charm, and undeniable chemistry between Colbert and Gable make it a lighthearted, fun pick for a date night when you’re in the mood for something playful and funny. The famous “walls of Jericho” scene, in which Peter constructs a makeshift divider between them as they share a room, creates both comedic and romantic tension that builds to a delightful and satisfying conclusion.
3. Roman Holiday (1953)
In Roman Holiday, Audrey Hepburn made her Hollywood debut, and the film quickly became a romantic classic. Directed by William Wyler, the movie stars Hepburn as Princess Ann, a young royal who escapes her duties for a day of freedom in Rome. Along the way, she meets Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), an American journalist who realizes her true identity but decides to keep it a secret. Together, they explore the city, leading to one of the most charming and bittersweet romances in film history.
Roman Holiday is a lighthearted yet tender film that captures the magic of love found in unexpected places. Hepburn’s performance earned her an Academy Award, and the chemistry between her and Peck is palpable. The film’s final scene, where Ann returns to her royal duties after a day of freedom, leaving Joe behind with only memories of their brief but meaningful connection, is one of the most bittersweet moments in cinematic romance.
4. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
This sophisticated romantic comedy, directed by George Cukor, is a delightful mix of romance, humor, and social commentary. Starring Katharine Hepburn as the strong-willed Tracy Lord, Cary Grant as her ex-husband Dexter Haven, and James Stewart as a tabloid reporter covering her upcoming wedding, The Philadelphia Story is a story about love lost and regained.
The film’s witty dialogue and complex characters make it a charming and intellectually stimulating romantic comedy. As the characters navigate love, class, and forgiveness, the film explores the idea of second chances in relationships. The chemistry between Hepburn, Grant, and Stewart is electric, and the film’s themes of self-reflection and growth add depth to the romance. It’s the perfect film for a date night that mixes laughter with thoughtful conversations about relationships.
5. Sabrina (1954)
Directed by Billy Wilder, Sabrina is a Cinderella story with a twist. Audrey Hepburn stars as Sabrina Fairchild, the daughter of a chauffeur, who returns home from Paris transformed from an awkward young girl into a sophisticated woman. She captures the attention of two wealthy brothers, the charming playboy David (William Holden) and the more serious and business-minded Linus (Humphrey Bogart).
Sabrina is a whimsical and romantic film, with Hepburn’s elegance and charm lighting up the screen. The love triangle between Sabrina and the Larrabee brothers adds tension to the film, while the heartwarming conclusion, where Linus realizes his true feelings for Sabrina, is a touching moment of unexpected love. Wilder’s sharp direction, combined with the chemistry between Hepburn and Bogart, makes this a perfect pick for a romantic evening.
6. Brief Encounter (1945)
Directed by David Lean, Brief Encounter is a tender, melancholic exploration of forbidden love. The film tells the story of Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson) and Dr. Alec Harvey (Trevor Howard), two married individuals who meet by chance in a train station and develop a deep emotional connection over a series of brief encounters. Though their love is real, they are bound by their commitments to their spouses and families, making their relationship bittersweet and ultimately impossible.
This deeply emotional film, with its focus on the fleeting nature of love and the sacrifices people make for the sake of propriety, is beautifully understated. The black and white cinematography, with its focus on shadows and rain-soaked settings, adds to the mood of longing and restraint. It’s the perfect film for a quiet, introspective evening when you and your partner want to be moved by the delicate intricacies of love and loss.
7. Notorious (1946)
For a romantic date night that leans toward suspense and intrigue, Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious is the perfect choice. This film stars Cary Grant as government agent T.R. Devlin and Ingrid Bergman as Alicia Huberman, the daughter of a convicted Nazi spy, whom Devlin recruits to infiltrate a group of Nazis in South America. As Alicia takes on this dangerous mission, she and Devlin fall in love, but their relationship becomes strained by the moral and emotional complexities of the situation.
Notorious blends romance with suspense, offering thrilling moments alongside intense emotional drama. The famous kissing scene, in which Hitchcock cleverly bypassed the Production Code’s restrictions on the length of screen kisses, adds a layer of passion to the film. The tension between love and duty is central to the plot, and the chemistry between Grant and Bergman makes it one of Hitchcock’s most emotionally compelling films.
8. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Directed by Ernst Lubitsch, The Shop Around the Corner is a charming romantic comedy set in a small Budapest shop during the holiday season. The film stars James Stewart as Alfred Kralik, a salesman who unknowingly corresponds with his colleague, Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan), through anonymous love letters. Though they bicker constantly at work, they slowly realize their true feelings through their written exchanges.
The film’s warm, festive atmosphere, combined with the heartwarming love story, makes it a delightful and uplifting choice for a romantic evening. The playful chemistry between Stewart and Sullavan and the gentle wit of Lubitsch’s direction ensure that The Shop Around the Corner remains one of the most beloved romantic comedies of the black and white era.
9. Some Like It Hot (1959)
If you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy with a twist, Some Like It Hot, directed by Billy Wilder, is the perfect pick. Starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe, the film follows two musicians who, after witnessing a mob hit, disguise themselves as women and join an all-female band to evade the mob. Curtis’s character falls for Monroe’s Sugar Kane, while Lemmon’s character finds himself entangled in hilarious romantic complications.
The film’s sharp humor, gender-bending situations, and Monroe’s captivating performance make it an irresistibly fun and romantic choice for a lighthearted date night. The playful tone and hilarious misunderstandings, combined with the chemistry between the leads, ensure that Some Like It Hot remains one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time.
10. The Apartment (1960)
Billy Wilder’s The Apartment is a bittersweet romantic comedy-drama that perfectly balances humor and heartache. The film stars Jack Lemmon as C.C. Baxter, a lonely office worker who lends his apartment to his bosses for their extramarital affairs. Shirley MacLaine plays Fran Kubelik, an elevator operator who becomes involved with one of Baxter’s bosses. As Baxter’s feelings for Fran deepen, the film explores themes of loneliness, love, and self-worth.
The Apartment is both romantic and melancholic, with moments of humor that make the emotional depth of the story even more poignant. Lemmon and MacLaine’s performances bring warmth and vulnerability to their characters, and the film’s exploration of unrequited love and self-sacrifice make it a perfect choice for a date night that will make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings.
11. Top Hat (1935)
For a date night filled with music, dance, and romance, Top Hat is an enchanting choice. Starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the film tells the story of a dancer (Astaire) who falls in love with a woman (Rogers) who mistakenly believes he is already married. The film features dazzling dance numbers, including the famous “Cheek to Cheek” sequence, and is filled with lighthearted comedy and romance.
The chemistry between Astaire and Rogers is electric, and their graceful dancing adds a magical element to the film. The infectious energy of the musical numbers, combined with the charming love story, makes Top Hat a joyful and uplifting pick for a romantic date night.
12. The Lady Eve (1941)
Directed by the legendary Preston Sturges, The Lady Eve is a sparkling romantic comedy that perfectly balances wit, charm, and romance. Barbara Stanwyck shines as Jean Harrington, a cunning and sophisticated con artist who, along with her father, targets the wealthy yet socially awkward Charles Pike (Henry Fonda), a naïve heir to a brewing fortune and an avid snake enthusiast. While her initial intention is to swindle Pike, Jean unexpectedly finds herself falling for him, creating a complex mix of genuine affection and deceit. The film’s lively pace, clever dialogue, and sharp character interactions make it a standout, with the sexual tension between Stanwyck and Fonda crackling in every scene.
The chemistry between the leads elevates the film, as Stanwyck masterfully portrays a woman torn between love and the con, while Fonda’s portrayal of the bumbling, unsuspecting Pike adds layers of humor and innocence to the romance. Sturges’ direction ensures that The Lady Eve is more than just a love story; it’s also a playful exploration of class, gender dynamics, and mistaken identities, all set against the backdrop of sophisticated comedy. With its sharp writing and the emotional complexity that gradually emerges, The Lady Eve is an irresistible choice for a romantic date night, full of laughter, clever twists, and genuine heart.
13. Wuthering Heights (1939)
For a more dramatic and intense romantic film, Wuthering Heights is a powerful adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel. Directed by William Wyler, the film stars Laurence Olivier as Heathcliff and Merle Oberon as Cathy, whose tempestuous love for each other transcends time and death. Set against the desolate moors of Yorkshire, the film is a haunting exploration of love, passion, and revenge.
The film’s gothic atmosphere, combined with Olivier and Oberon’s intense performances, make Wuthering Heights a deeply emotional and passionate film. If you’re in the mood for a tragic and all-consuming love story, this film is perfect for a dramatic and emotionally charged date night.
14. A Place in the Sun (1951)
Directed by George Stevens, A Place in the Sun is a romantic drama that explores the themes of love, ambition, and class conflict. The film stars Montgomery Clift as George Eastman, a working-class man who falls in love with a wealthy socialite, Angela Vickers (Elizabeth Taylor), while being romantically involved with a factory girl, Alice Tripp (Shelley Winters).
The chemistry between Clift and Taylor is palpable, and their love story is both tender and tragic. The film’s exploration of societal pressures and the consequences of ambition adds depth to the romance, making it an emotionally complex and engaging choice for a date night.
15. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is a romantic fantasy film that tells the story of a young widow, Lucy Muir (Gene Tierney), who moves into a seaside cottage haunted by the ghost of a sea captain (Rex Harrison). Initially combative, the two develop a deep emotional connection that transcends the boundaries of life and death.
The film’s ethereal romance and enchanting atmosphere make it a unique and touching choice for a date night. The chemistry between Tierney and Harrison, along with the film’s exploration of love that defies time and reality, creates a hauntingly beautiful love story that will linger with you long after the credits roll.
Conclusion
These 15 black and white films span a variety of genres, from lighthearted romantic comedies to intense dramas filled with passion and suspense. Each film offers a unique exploration of love and relationships, providing the perfect atmosphere for a romantic date night. Whether you’re looking to laugh, cry, or be swept away by timeless romance, these classic black and white movies offer something magical for every couple. So grab your favorite snacks, dim the lights, and let these iconic love stories create a memorable and enchanting evening with your partner.
