Top 10 Unforgettable Movie Couples of the 1960s

When it was first released, this film was the most expensive ever made. While the plot focuses on Cleopatra and her reign as the Queen of Egypt, one could argue that the real drama took place behind the camera. The two stars of the film, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, were not only lovers onscreen, but also off. Unfortunately, they both happened to be married, causing a media frenzy when word of the affair eventually got out. It’s hard to discuss the most unforgettable movie couples of the ‘60s without mentioning Cleopatra and Mark Antony. However, when it’s all said and done, their real life counterparts will always get first billing.

#9: Regina "Reggie" Lampert & Peter Joshua “Charade” (1963)

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Starring Audrey Hepburn, an actress who’s bound to pop up a number of times on our list, this romantic mystery flick revolves around $250,000 of missing gold and the various parties hell-bent on recovering it. At the core of the film is a steamy relationship between Hepburn’s Reggie and Peter Joshua, played by debonair film star Cary Grant. As the plot unfolds and the deceptions begin to mount, Reggie can’t help falling more in love with Peter. As the old saying goes: the couple that races against the clock in order to find a small fortune in stolen gold together, stays together.

This epic historical romance takes place during a tumultuous period in world history. Set in Russia during WWI, the Russian Revolution and the ensuing Russian Civil War, the plot focuses on the young Yuri Zhivago, a doctor with a passion for poetry and his on again off again affair with the beautiful and mysterious Lara Antipova. As the two characters cross paths over the years, they struggle to maintain appearances within society. However, their love for one another burns so deep it could melt a Russian winter. While the relationship is ultimately a tragic one, it remains one of the decade’s most recognizable.

Featuring a plot that has since been repeated countless times on film, “My Fair Lady” is the story of one man and his wager to turn a lower class flower girl into a lady befitting of high society. Starring ‘60s mainstay Audrey Hepburn as the aforementioned female lead and Rex Harrison as the professor hell-bent on turning her into a lady, the film is a lesson in what happens when two people underestimate each other. Ultimately, it becomes clear that this film couple is destined to end up together as they share an obvious emotional connection.

Ah, Austria in the summer. After watching this movie, it’ll be hard not to picture yourself running across the grassy slopes of the Alps while singing one of the film’s signature tunes. The film follows Maria, a rebellious young woman who is hired by a widowed military officer to care for his seven children. A musical that features a handful of fantastic numbers, you’ll quickly find yourself falling in love with the iconic film couple of Captain von Trapp and Maria. What makes this couple so unforgettable is their willingness to fight for what they believe in, ultimately putting their love for their children and each other above all else.

When this film was first released, it shocked audiences around the world. Featuring a number of taboos, such as graphic violence, nudity and a couple of morally corrupt protagonists, it has since become one of the decade’s defining flicks. At the center is Bonnie and Clyde, two bank-robbing murders who love breaking the law almost as much as they love each other. While the relationship is hardly perfect, it sure is sexy. Played to perfection by a couple of Hollywood icons in Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, this unconventional couple remains one of cinema’s most recognizable for their impeccable style, magnetic charisma, and devil-may-care attitude.

When it comes to 1960s sexual promiscuity, this is the film to beat. Ben Braddock is a college graduate who returns home only to be seduced by the wife of his father’s business partner, Mrs. Robinson. An unconventional love triangle soon emerges between Mrs. Robinson, her daughter Elaine, and Ben. While much of the focus has been placed on the affair that Ben engages in, it’s his relationship with Elaine that serves as the film’s driving force. Nearly all of Ben’s actions are an attempt to win Elaine over, even if he has a habit of shooting himself in the foot. Ultimately, the two ride off together, albeit, under a cloud of uncertainty.

This Best Picture winner ushered in the ‘60s with a bang, following the lives of a number of high-ranking New York City executives who share an apartment for their extramarital affairs. Caught up in the frenzy is the apartment’s owner, Bud Baxter. He soon falls for one of the executives’ former squeezes, leading to a tumultuous romance. Standout performances from Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine are what make this film a classic. Their fast-paced banter and genuine emotional bond connected with audiences in a profound way, making this 60s film couple truly unforgettable!

The film adaptation of the hit 1950s Broadway musical of the same name brought with it the same level of dramatic intensity and whimsical delight. Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” the plot revolves around Maria and Tony, two Manhattan kids caught up in the middle of a vicious gang war. Throughout the film, audiences are treated to a number of fantastic musical numbers, highlighted by a couple of stellar performances from the two protagonists. It’s their passion for one another that drives the plot forward. While their relationship ends in tragedy, the brief love they share is as intense as any seen on film before or since. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Dolly Levi & Horace Vandergelder “Hello, Dolly!” (1969) Nicole & Simon “How to Steal a Million” (1966) Corie & Paul “Barefoot in the Park” (1967)

One of the decade’s defining films, this classic ‘60s romantic comedy has remained one of the genre’s most culturally significant works in the years since its release. The film revolves around the exploits of New York City socialite Holly Golightly and her relationship with handsome next-door neighbor Paul. While Holly continues to pursue other men for their money, she’s constantly drawn back to Paul, unable to ignore her feelings for him. Noted for their oddball behavior, highly developed personalities, and impressive style, Holly and Paul set the standard for all 1960s film couples. Do you agree with our list? What 60s film couple is your favorite? For more entertaining Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.