Ginger Rogers was a Hollywood icon who reigned supreme during the Golden Age of cinema. Known for her elegance, wit, and incredible dancing skills, Rogers starred in numerous films that showcased her versatile acting abilities. From her unforgettable partnership with Fred Astaire to her solo career, Ginger Rogers left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

Best Ginger Rogers Movies

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Ginger Rogers movies that continue to captivate audiences today.

1. Swing Time (1936)

“Swing Time” is often considered the best of the ten films that Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire made together. In this musical comedy, Astaire plays a dancer who falls in love with a dance instructor, played by Rogers.

The two have amazing chemistry and deliver some of the most iconic dance sequences in movie history, including the famous “Pick Yourself Up” and “Never Gonna Dance” routines.

The film also features a memorable score by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields, with songs like “The Way You Look Tonight” and “A Fine Romance.” “Swing Time” earned critical acclaim upon its release and remains a timeless classic of the musical genre.

Swing Time (DVD)
  • Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers (Actors)
  • English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

2. Top Hat (1935)

“Top Hat” is another classic musical comedy starring Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. In this film, Astaire plays a dancer named Jerry Travers, who falls in love with Dale Tremont, played by Rogers.

The plot revolves around a case of mistaken identity that causes confusion and complications in their romantic relationship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPdIWk097ls&pp=ygUWVG9wIEhhdCAoMTkzNSkgdHJhaWxlcg%3D%3D

The film features some of Astaire and Rogers’ most famous dance sequences, including “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.”

“Cheek to Cheek,” and “Isn’t This a Lovely Day (To Be Caught in the Rain)?” The film was a huge box office success upon its release and remains a beloved classic of the musical genre.

Top Hat
  • Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Edward Everett Horton (Actors)
  • Mark Sandrich (Director)
  • French (Subtitle)

3. 42nd Street (1933)

While Ginger Rogers does not have a lead role in “42nd Street,” she delivers a memorable performance as Ann Lowell, a chorus girl looking to make it big on Broadway.

The film follows the behind-the-scenes drama of a new musical production, with Rogers and the rest of the cast performing stunning dance numbers choreographed by Busby Berkeley.

   

The film’s iconic finale, “42nd Street,” features a chorus line of dancers tapping in perfect synchronization. “42nd Street” was a massive success upon its release and remains a beloved classic of the musical genre, with its influence still felt in modern-day Broadway productions.

4. The Gay Divorcee (1934)

“The Gay Divorcee” is a romantic musical comedy that marked the second on-screen pairing of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. In the film, Rogers plays Mimi Glossop, a woman seeking a divorce from her husband.

She meets Astaire’s character, a professional dancer named Guy Holden, on a trip to England and the two embark on a series of romantic misadventures.

The film features several memorable dance sequences, including the show-stopping “The Continental,” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

“The Gay Divorcee” was a critical and commercial success and cemented the on-screen partnership of Rogers and Astaire as one of the most iconic in Hollywood history.

The Gay Divorcee
  • Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Alice Brady (Actors)
  • Mark Sandrich (Director) - Dorothy Yost (Writer)
  • English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)

5. Bachelor Mother (1939)

“Bachelor Mother” is a charming romantic comedy starring Ginger Rogers as Polly Parrish, a department store saleswoman who finds an abandoned baby on her doorstep.

When the baby is mistaken for hers, she is forced to take on the role of a mother and navigate the challenges of raising a child while keeping her job.

David Niven co-stars as David Merlin, the wealthy playboy who becomes interested in Polly and helps her out of her predicament.

The film is a delightful and heartwarming story that showcases Rogers’ talent for both comedy and drama. It was a box office success and remains a beloved classic of the romantic comedy genre.

Bachelor Mother - 1939
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Ginger Rogers, David Niven, Charles Coburn (Actors)
  • Garson Kanin (Director) - Garson Kanin (Writer) - Norman Krasna (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

6. Kitty Foyle (1940)

“Kitty Foyle” is a romantic drama that earned Ginger Rogers her only Academy Award for Best Actress. Rogers plays the titular character, a working-class girl who falls in love with a wealthy man named Wyn Strafford, played by Dennis Morgan.

The film explores the class differences between the two and the obstacles they face in their relationship.

Rogers delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, portraying Kitty Foyle as a strong and independent woman who must make difficult choices in her life. The film was a critical and commercial success and remains a powerful drama that showcases Rogers’ range as an actress.

Kitty Foyle
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Ginger Rogers, James Craig, Dennis Morgan (Actors)
  • Sam Wood (Director) - Dalton Trumbo (Writer) - David Hempstead (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

7. Flying Down to Rio (1933)

“Flying Down to Rio” is a musical romantic comedy that marked the first on-screen pairing of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, although they were not yet the lead stars of the film.

The film centers around a love triangle between a bandleader, his singer girlfriend, and a wealthy widow, but it is most remembered for its spectacular dance numbers, including a breathtaking sequence in which dancers perform on the wings of airplanes.

Although Rogers and Astaire are not the main focus of the film, their chemistry and talent were already evident, and “Flying Down to Rio” paved the way for their future collaborations. The film was a box office success and is considered a classic of the musical genre.

Flying Down to Rio (1933)
  • Dolores Del Rio, Gene Raymond, Raul Roulien (Actors)
  • Thornton Freeland (Director)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

   

8. Star of Midnight (1935)

“Star of Midnight” is a mystery comedy that stars Ginger Rogers as Donna Mantin, a young woman who seeks the help of her friend and amateur detective Clay Dalzell, played by William Powell, to solve the disappearance of her aunt.

The film features clever plot twists, witty banter between the two leads, and a charming romance subplot. Rogers delivers a delightful and spirited performance as Donna, showcasing her comedic timing and charisma.

The film was a moderate success at the box office and remains a charming and entertaining mystery comedy that showcases Rogers’ versatility as an actress.

Sale
Star of Midnight
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • William Powell, Ginger Rogers, Paul Kelly (Actors)
  • Stephen Roberts (Director)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

9. The Barkleys of Broadway (1949)

“The Barkleys of Broadway” is the last film that paired Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire together, and it was also the only film in which Rogers didn’t play a love interest for Astaire.

In the film, Rogers plays Dinah Barkley, a talented dancer and the wife of Astaire’s character, Josh Barkley, who decides to pursue a career in dramatic acting, leading to conflict in their marriage and partnership.

The film features several memorable dance sequences, including the lively “Bouncin’ the Blues” and the romantic “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.” Rogers and Astaire’s chemistry is as strong as ever, and the film was a success at the box office.

“The Barkleys of Broadway” is a fitting farewell to the iconic on-screen partnership of Rogers and Astaire.

The Barkleys of Broadway [DVD] [1949]
  • English, Italian, French, Arabic, Bulgarian (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)

10. The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939)

“The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle” is a biographical musical drama that stars Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire in their final film together before reuniting for “The Barkleys of Broadway.”

The film tells the true story of Vernon and Irene Castle, a famous dance team in the early 20th century.

Rogers and Astaire deliver excellent performances, showcasing their incredible dance skills in several memorable sequences, including a breathtaking waltz to “The Last Time I Saw Paris.”

The film also features a poignant love story and explores the challenges and sacrifices of pursuing a career in show business.

 Although it was not as successful as some of their other collaborations, “The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle” remains a must-see for fans of Rogers and Astaire and is a fitting tribute to the real-life dance team who inspired their on-screen partnership.

The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939)
  • Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Edna May Oliver (Actors)
  • H.C. Potter (Director)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

3 Reasons To Watch Ginger Rogers Movies

Incredible Talent: Ginger Rogers was a multi-talented performer who could sing, act, and dance with equal skill.

She was a trailblazer in the world of dance, known for her graceful, effortless style and her ability to keep up with the legendary Fred Astaire in their iconic dance duets. Her performances on screen continue to captivate audiences to this day, showcasing her unique talent and charm.

Timeless Classics: Many of Ginger Rogers’ films have become timeless classics, beloved by audiences for generations.

Her collaborations with Fred Astaire in particular, such as “Swing Time” and “Top Hat,” are considered some of the greatest musicals ever made. These films continue to be celebrated for their innovative choreography, memorable songs, and captivating romance.

Variety of Roles: While Rogers was best known for her work in musicals, she also appeared in a wide range of other genres, including dramas, comedies, and romantic comedies.

She was a versatile actress who could tackle any role with skill and depth, whether she was playing a strong, independent woman in “Kitty Foyle” or a charming saleswoman in “Bachelor Mother.”

Her diverse body of work provides something for everyone and showcases her versatility as an actress.

Best Ginger Rogers Movies – Wrap Up

Ginger Rogers was a legendary performer who left an indelible mark on Hollywood with her incredible talent, charisma, and versatility.

Her films continue to be celebrated for their timeless appeal and captivating performances.

From her iconic collaborations with Fred Astaire in “Swing Time” and “Top Hat” to her powerful dramatic turn in “Kitty Foyle,” Rogers’ body of work showcases her range as an actress and her impact on the world of entertainment.

Whether you’re a fan of classic musicals, romantic comedies, or gripping dramas, there’s something in Ginger Rogers’ filmography for everyone.