The Best '30s Romantic Comedies

Ranker Film
Updated October 3, 2019 759 votes 167 voters

Love stories are some of the oldest stories told. For proof, look no further than Hollywood in the 1930s. This was truly the golden age of cinema in the United States, and many beloved romantic comedies were produced in this era. Some of the funniest romantic movies from the 30s were inspired by plays, while others featured lavish musical numbers. A number of the greatest '30s romantic comedies made their stars household names.

What film should top this list of the greatest '30s romantic comedies? Maybe the honors should go to City Lights, starring Charlie Chaplin. Cinema was transitioning into talkies, but Chaplin preferred to remain silent for this classic movie. Lucille Ball may be best known for starring in I Love Lucy, but she also captivated moviegoers with a small part in the 1935 film Top Hat. Frank Capra's You Can't Take It with You has charmed audiences for decades with its screwball take on love and family. Other great movies that are featured on this top '30s romantic comedies list include My Man Godfrey and Trouble in Paradise.

Which 1930s romantic comedy is the best? Share your opinion by giving your favorite films a thumbs up and add any great movies that are missing.

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  • It Happened One Night
    1

    It Happened One Night

    Claudette Colbert, Clark Gable, Walter Connolly
    65 votes
    • Released: 1934
    • Directed by: Frank Capra
    In Frank Capra's acclaimed romantic comedy, spoiled heiress Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert) impetuously marries the scheming King Westley, leading her tycoon father (Walter Connolly) to spirit her ...more

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  • Bringing Up Baby
    2

    Bringing Up Baby

    Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Charlie Ruggles
    45 votes
    • Released: 1938
    • Directed by: Howard Hawks
    Harried paleontologist David Huxley (Cary Grant) has to make a good impression on society matron Mrs. Random (May Robson), who is considering donating one million dollars to his museum. On the day ...more

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  • Holiday
    3

    Holiday

    Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Doris Nolan
    24 votes
    • Released: 1938
    • Directed by: George Cukor
    Johnny (Cary Grant) seems like a solid match for Julia (Doris Nolan), the socialite daughter of Edward Seton (Henry Kolker). Assured that Johnny is a worthy suitor, Edward approves of the pairing. ...more

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  • Ninotchka
    4

    Ninotchka

    Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, Ina Claire
    28 votes
    • Released: 1939
    • Directed by: Ernst Lubitsch
    A no-nonsense diplomat of the Soviet Union, Nina Ivanovna "Ninotchka" Yakushova (Greta Garbo) arrives in Paris to ensure the sale of jewels seized during the Russian Revolution. Meanwhile, carefree ...more

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  • My Man Godfrey
    5

    My Man Godfrey

    William Powell, Carol Lombard, Alice Brady
    47 votes
    • Released: 1936
    • Directed by: Gregory La Cava
    Fifth Avenue socialite Irene Bullock needs a "forgotten man" to win a scavenger hunt, and no one fits that description more than Godfrey Park, who resides in a dump by the East River. Irene hires ...more

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  • Nothing Sacred
    6

    Nothing Sacred

    Carol Lombard, Fredric March, Charles Winninger
    29 votes
    • Released: 1937
    • Directed by: William A. Wellman
    Certain she was dying from radium poisoning, Hazel Flagg (Carole Lombard) is delighted to learn from her doctor that it was a false alarm. But when dapper and desperate New York City reporter Wally ...more

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