Doris Day was a beloved actress and singer who graced the silver screen in the 1950s and 1960s. Her effervescent personality and captivating voice made her one of the most popular stars of her time, and she remains a favorite of many movie fans to this day.
Throughout her career, she starred in a number of classic films, and her performances continue to be celebrated for their charm, humor, and heart.
Some of the best Doris Day movies include romantic comedies, musicals, and dramas, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Best Doris Day Movies
From her breakthrough role in “Romance on the High Seas” to her iconic turn in “Pillow Talk,” and her dramatic work in “Love Me or Leave Me,” Day’s filmography offers something for everyone.
Her movies continue to be beloved by audiences of all ages, and her talent and charm continue to captivate new generations of fans.
1.The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
“The Man Who Knew Too Much” is a 1956 suspense thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Doris Day and James Stewart.
The film follows a family on vacation in Morocco who becomes embroiled in an international assassination plot. Day plays the role of Jo McKenna, a singer and mother who must use her talents to save her son from the dangerous conspirators.
The movie is widely considered one of Hitchcock’s best, and Day’s performance is often cited as one of her strongest.
Her portrayal of a mother willing to do whatever it takes to protect her child is both captivating and moving, and her rendition of the film’s iconic song “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” became one of her signature tunes. “The Man Who Knew Too Much” remains a classic of the thriller genre and a testament to Day’s versatility as an actress.
2.Pillow Talk (1959)
“Pillow Talk” is a 1959 romantic comedy directed by Michael Gordon and starring Doris Day, Rock Hudson, and Tony Randall.
The film follows Day’s character, Jan Morrow, a successful interior designer who shares a party line with Hudson’s character, Brad Allen, a womanizing songwriter. The two initially clash, but eventually, a romance blossoms as Brad disguises himself as a wealthy Texan to win Jan over.
The movie was a massive success and helped solidify Day’s status as a Hollywood icon. Her performance as Jan was both charming and relatable, and her chemistry with Hudson was electric.
The film’s witty script and catchy soundtrack, including Day’s performance of the hit song “Pillow Talk,” made it an instant classic. “Pillow Talk” went on to receive five Academy Award nominations and remains a beloved romantic comedy to this day.
3.That Touch of Mink (1962)
“That Touch of Mink” is a 1962 romantic comedy directed by Delbert Mann and starring Doris Day and Cary Grant.
The film follows Day’s character, Cathy Timberlake, a young woman who meets the charming and wealthy businessman Philip Shayne, played by Grant, on a New York City street.
As their relationship develops, Cathy must navigate Philip’s commitment-phobia and his disapproving business associate, played by Gig Young.
The movie was a hit with audiences, thanks in large part to the sparkling chemistry between Day and Grant. Day’s performance as Cathy was both sweet and spunky, and her fashion sense in the film became a major influence on 1960s style.
The film’s lighthearted humor and breezy romance made it a perfect vehicle for Day’s talents, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre.
4.Calamity Jane (1953)
“Calamity Jane” is a 1953 musical western directed by David Butler and starring Doris Day in the titular role. The film is loosely based on the real-life adventures of Martha Jane Canary, a frontierswoman known as “Calamity Jane.”
Day’s character is a tomboyish, sharpshooting cowgirl who falls in love with a handsome cavalry officer and must prove her worth as a woman.
The movie was a hit with audiences, thanks in large part to Day’s energetic and charismatic performance. Her rendition of the film’s classic song, “Secret Love,” won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and became one of her most famous tunes.
The film’s colorful musical numbers and Western-style action sequences, including a climactic Indian attack, made it a fun and entertaining romp. “Calamity Jane” remains a beloved classic of the musical genre and a testament to Day’s talents as both a singer and an actress.
5.Lover Come Back (1961)
“Lover Come Back” is a 1961 romantic comedy directed by Delbert Mann and starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson.
The film follows Day’s character, Carol Templeton, a successful advertising executive who is challenged by her rival, Jerry Webster, played by Hudson.
When Jerry uses deceitful tactics to win an account, Carol sets out to expose him, but their relationship takes a romantic turn along the way.
The movie was a hit with audiences, thanks to the chemistry between Day and Hudson, who had previously starred together in “Pillow Talk.”
Day’s performance as Carol was both confident and vulnerable, and her comedic timing was impeccable.
The film’s witty script and colorful sets and costumes made it a visual delight, and the memorable soundtrack, including Day’s performance of the title song, helped make it a commercial success.
“Lover Come Back” remains a beloved classic of the romantic comedy genre and a testament to the enduring appeal of Day and Hudson’s onscreen partnership.
6.Send Me No Flowers (1964)
“Send Me No Flowers” is a 1964 comedy directed by Norman Jewison and starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson.
The film follows Hudson’s character, George Kimball, a hypochondriac who mistakenly believes he is dying and decides to find a new husband for his wife, played by Day. As George searches for a suitable replacement, he realizes how much he loves his wife and sets out to win her back.
The movie was a hit with audiences, thanks to the chemistry between Day and Hudson, who had previously starred together in “Pillow Talk” and “Lover Come Back.”
Day’s performance as Judy, the devoted wife caught in the middle of George’s antics, was both endearing and funny, and her scenes with Hudson were a highlight of the film.
The movie’s witty script and colorful sets and costumes made it a visual delight, and the memorable soundtrack, including Day’s performance of the title song, helped make it a commercial success.
“Send Me No Flowers” remains a beloved classic of the romantic comedy genre and a testament to the enduring appeal of Day and Hudson’s onscreen partnership.
7.Move Over, Darling (1963)
“Move Over, Darling” is a 1963 romantic comedy directed by Michael Gordon and starring Doris Day, James Garner, and Polly Bergen.
The film is a remake of the 1940 screwball comedy “My Favorite Wife” and follows Day’s character, Ellen Wagstaff Arden, who returns home from a shipwreck on a desert island after being presumed dead for five years, only to find that her husband has remarried.
As Ellen tries to win back her husband and her old life, she discovers that things are not always as they seem.
The movie was a hit with audiences, thanks in large part to Day’s sparkling performance as Ellen, a woman determined to reclaim what is rightfully hers.
The film’s witty script and charming performances, including those by Garner and Bergen, made it a fun and entertaining romp.
The movie’s memorable soundtrack, including Day’s performance of the title song, helped make it a commercial success. “Move Over, Darling” remains a beloved classic of the romantic comedy genre and a testament to Day’s enduring appeal as a leading lady.
3 Reasons To Watch Doris Day Movies
Her Talents as an Actress: Doris Day was a versatile actress who could seamlessly move from musicals to comedies to dramas.
Her performances were always engaging, often featuring her signature charm and wit. Whether she was singing a catchy tune or delivering a dramatic monologue, Day had a captivating screen presence that audiences couldn’t get enough of.
The Timeless Quality of Her Films: Many of Doris Day’s movies have become beloved classics, thanks to their timeless appeal.
Films like “Pillow Talk,” “That Touch of Mink,” and “Calamity Jane” remain popular with audiences of all ages, and continue to be enjoyed by new generations of fans.
The enduring popularity of these movies is a testament to Day’s talents as an actress and the enduring appeal of classic Hollywood cinema.
The Chemistry with Her Co-Stars: One of the most memorable aspects of Doris Day’s movies is the chemistry she had with her co-stars, particularly Rock Hudson.
Together, they starred in three romantic comedies that have become classics of the genre. Day’s onscreen partnerships with other leading men, such as James Garner and Cary Grant, were equally memorable.
Whether she was playing opposite a comedic partner or a dramatic foil, Day had a special ability to create onscreen chemistry that audiences couldn’t resist.
Best Doris Day Movies – Wrap Up
Doris Day was a beloved actress and singer who left a lasting mark on Hollywood. Her movies continue to be beloved by audiences of all ages, thanks to her talent and charm.
From romantic comedies like “Pillow Talk” and “That Touch of Mink,” to musicals like “Calamity Jane,” and thrillers like “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” Day’s filmography offers a wide range of genres and performances.
Her chemistry with co-stars like Rock Hudson and James Garner has become legendary, and her memorable songs continue to be celebrated. The enduring popularity of Doris Day’s movies is a testament to her talent as an actress and the timeless appeal of classic Hollywood cinema.
