The top 5 Audrey Hepburn films
Many actresses have dazzled Hollywood’s screens, but none have been as iconic as Audrey Hepburn. The Dutch actress, dancer, model and humanitarian rose to fame in the early ‘50s with her graceful poise, elegant beauty and unique style. She continues to inspire films, fashion and fans nearly 30 years after her death and 40 years since her last film.
There’s never a bad time for a classic Hepburn film. So, next Friday night when you’re looking for something new to stream, consider finding out for yourself the reason behind her fame with one of her five greatest films:
1. Roman Holiday (1953)
“Joe, we can’t go running around town with a hot princess!”
“Roman Holiday” single-handedly skyrocketed Hepburn to stardom following its release, winning her the Oscar for best lead actress in her first-ever leading role.
In this classic romance, she plays Ann, a young princess overwhelmed by her grueling schedule and restrictive life while on a goodwill tour of Europe. She slips away one night in Rome and finally free for the first time she can remember, takes to the streets to find all the beauty the city has to offer. Her guide around the city is the dreamy Gregory Peck, who may or may not have selfish intentions.
A delightfully charming film, it’s easy to slip into another world, falling in love with Rome and Peck right alongside Hepburn who is, simply, enchanting.
2. Sabrina (1954)
“Paris is for lovers. Maybe that’s why I only stayed 35 minutes.”
Daughter to a chauffeur of a wealthy long island family, Sabrina (Hepburn) is lovesick over the dashing, playboy heir who hardly acknowledges her existence. She flees to Paris to mend her broken heart only to return and become immediately entangled in a love triangle between her old flame and his older brother.
Comedic timing at its finest and a lovably relatable protagonist, “Sabrina” is an enjoyable laugh with a romantic spin.
In her second major role, the film scored Hepburn her second Oscar nomination.
Though it didn’t win her an Oscar, it did begin a life long friendship and career partnership with designer Hubert de Givenchy. Hepburn quickly became Givenchy’s most beloved muse while on this film and he went on to design her outfits for seven of her films as well as her wedding dress for her second marriage to psychiatrist Andrea Dotti.
3. Funny Face (1957)
“Let’s give ‘em that old pizzaz!”
Hepburn leads this upbeat musical as Jo, a reserved New York City bookstore worker who spends her days dreaming of discussing philosophy with the great modern thinkers in Paris. Her dream is fulfilled in the most unsuspecting of ways when her store is used as the backdrop of an impromptu fashion magazine photoshoot. Photographer Dick Avery (played by the acclaimed dancer Fred Astaire) is spellbound by her intelligent air and convinces the magazine head to hire Jo as their next big model for a shoot in Paris. While on their Parisian expedition, Jo learns life and love are better experienced than discussed.
For 1957, the cinematography is top-notch. Exquisite costuming, bold sets, vibrant lighting, intricate dances, calming love ballads and boppy jazz songs make this classic stand out as ahead of its time.
An all-around fun experience showcasing Hepburn and Paris in all their beauty.
4. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
“Oh, golly gee damn!”
In her most iconic role, Hepburn charms as Holly Golightly, a young New York City socialite. To the public scene, she oozes elegance and drips with wealth, privilege and affluence. But her new neighbor, Paul, comes to know her intimately as a vulnerable pauper trying her best to court the country’s richest men so she can have enough money to reunite with her beloved brother. An unlikely friendship starts between the two loners and soon love begins to spark, though both their pasts and desperate deeds threaten to separate them.
This outlandish romance swiftly snatches you away to a strange, yet intriguing world both outrageous and incredibly real. This timeless classic will forever keep Hepburn’s name alive.
Hepburn received her fourth Oscar nomination for best lead actress for this role, and it truly is a shame she didn’t win. Her performance is nothing short of sensational.
Disclaimer: Caucasian actor Mickey Rooney plays a minor role as Holly’s Asian neighbor. The portrayal uses insensitive stereotypes which may be offensive to some viewers.
5. Charade (1963)
“Mr. Bartholomew, if you’re trying to frighten me …you’re doing a first-rate job.”
Regina Lambert (Hepburn) is the unhappy wife of the mysterious Charles Lambert. On the very day she decides to divorce him, he is brutally murdered, exposing he was in possession of a quarter of a million dollars stolen from the American government. With him dead, the three goons after him set their sights on Regina, leaving her to run all around Paris with the help of a French detective and dashing acquaintance to keep her skin and find the money before anyone else does.
Punctually advertised as a comedy, romance, mystery, suspense and thriller, the movie manages to combine multiple genres seamlessly for an instant classic which keeps the audience continually guessing who — if anyone — they can trust.
All these films can be found on Amazon Prime Video. “Roman Holiday,” “Funny Face” and “Charade” are free to stream. “Sabrina” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” can be rented or bought.
Enjoy!
*Graphic by Sarie Jenkins.
Dara Lusk was born and raised in northern Virginia outside of Washington, DC. She is majoring in English with an emphasis in Technical/Professional Writing and a minor in Anthropology. When not writing she loves reading and annotating classic literature.
@dara_marie_