Dramas are a great category in general which we have featured many times on this site. We’ve featured many different TV shows and Movies from the Drama. With so many different sub-categories of dramas available, we’ve gathered the top 5 classic melodramas to watch right now. These movies also feature updated IMDB ratings based on thousands of combined reviews.
A lot of these are older movies from the 1940s-1960s so they might be harder to watch because of quality concerns. However, we have still provided updated access links for you, so please do not hesitate to use them. And without any further delay, let’s get into the best Classic Melodramas to watch for free now.
5. Gone with the Wind (3h 44m)
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This epic Classic Melodrama set during the American Civil War is a classic example of a melodrama, with its passionate romance and sweeping emotions.
Offered in its original 1939 release form, this presentation contains themes and character portrayals that might be considered offensive and troubling to modern viewers. This epic Civil War saga revolves around the life of a headstrong Southern belle named Scarlett O’Hara.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4474055489327117 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Beginning with her charmed existence on a vast plantation, the movie chronicles her journey through the tumultuous events of the Civil War and Reconstruction era, all while navigating complex romantic entanglements with Ashley Wilkes and Rhett Butler.
Access link: Watch Gone with the Wind for free
4. Imitation of Life (2h 5m)
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In the heart of the story, Lora Meredith (played by Lana Turner) is a single mother with dreams of making it big on Broadway. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Annie Johnson (portrayed by Juanita Moore), a widow of African-American descent. Annie takes on the role of caregiver for Lora’s daughter, Suzie (brought to life by Sandra Dee), while Lora relentlessly pursues her ambition in the world of theatre.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4474055489327117 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});As they navigate the intricate terrain of motherhood, both women confront their own unique challenges. Lora’s unyielding pursuit of fame threatens to strain her relationship with her daughter Suzie.
Meanwhile, Annie’s daughter, Sarah Jane (played by Susan Kohner), who has a lighter complexion, grapples with the complexities of her identity as she strives to fit into a world that often misunderstands her African-American heritage.
Access link: Watch Imitation of Life for free
3. All That Heaven Allows (1h 29m)
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Directed by Douglas Sirk, this film is a classic example of a 1950s melodrama, dealing with themes of class and societal expectations.
Built upon an unconventional May-December love story, this narrative distinguishes itself through its reversal of roles: the captivating widow Cary Scott (played by Jane Wyman) is notably older than her suitor, the dashing gardener-landscaper Ron Kirby (portrayed by Rock Hudson).
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4474055489327117 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Defying societal norms and braving the disapproval of her social circle, Cary embarks on a romance with Ron, who faces unjust accusations of being motivated by financial gain, particularly from Cary’s uptight brother Ned (performed by William Reynolds).
Access link: Watch All That Heaven Allows for free
2. Stella Dallas (1h 46m)
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Another Classic Melodrama follows a working-class woman’s struggle to fit into high society, this film is a classic melodrama with a strong central performance by Barbara Stanwyck.
In the story, Stella Martin (Barbara Stanwyck), hailing from a working-class background, crosses paths with and eventually weds the affluent Stephen Dallas (John Boles). Their union promptly blesses them with a daughter named Laurel (Anne Shirley).
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4474055489327117 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});However, as their disparate social statuses begin to strain their happiness, Stella and Stephen grapple with the challenge of maintaining their relationship.
Their eventual separation puts Laurel in the challenging position of being caught in the midst of their divorce proceedings. Over time, Laurel assumes a central role in Stella’s life, leading her to make efforts to be a devoted mother. Yet, Stella comes to the poignant realization that her daughter can thrive independently, even without her constant presence.
Access link: Watch Stella Dallas for free
1. Mildred Pierce (1945)
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This film noir classic melodrama explores the life of a self-sacrificing mother who strives to provide for her daughter, often at great personal cost.
After Mildred Pierce’s (played by Joan Crawford) affluent husband departs for another woman, she makes the choice to single-handedly raise her two daughters. While Mildred achieves financial prosperity in the restaurant industry, her eldest daughter, Veda (portrayed by Ann Blyth), harbours deep-seated resentment towards her mother for what she perceives as a decline in their social standing.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4474055489327117 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});In the midst of a police inquiry following the demise of her second husband (Zachary Scott), Mildred finds herself compelled to assess not only her own autonomy but also the intricate dynamics within her relationship with her daughter.
Access link: Watch Mildred Pierce for free
Content similar to Classic Melodramas
If you’re craving more dramatic content, don’t miss our curated selection of related posts within the Drama. You’ll find these lists to be equally captivating.
We’re always adding new content categories such as drama and romance, and you can easily find these if you go to entertainment genres. Go there for a full list of categories we cover under entertainment.
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