Overview
A royal escape leads to an unexpected romance in the heart of Rome.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- romantic
- playful
- date night
- classic movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard Roman Holiday as a charming, visually beautiful romantic comedy elevated by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck's chemistry.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Princess Ann and reporter Joe Bradley fall for each other while her royal status and his ordinary profession make a lasting relationship difficult.
Ann flees her palace schedule, adopts the name Anya Smith, and explores Rome without revealing that she is a princess.
The lovers' day unfolds through Rome's streets, landmarks, boats, dances, and photographic excursions.
Ann's first unsupervised day brings her into Joe's small apartment and everyday Roman activities far removed from palace protocol.
Films like Roman Holiday, and why
Sabrina
shared forbidden romance, fish out of water premise, witty comedy, and bittersweet emotional restraint
The Philadelphia Story
shared european romance, class differences, screwball humor, and glamorous old hollywood atmosphere
It Happened One Night
shared romantic comedy structure, opposites-attract chemistry, and elegant urban escapism
The Princess Diaries
shared secret identity, royal romance, playful sightseeing, and warm comedic tone
Movie Details
- Director
- William Wyler
- Release Date
- 1953-08-26
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Rating
- 7.9 / 10 (2338)
Cast
- Gregory Peck
- Audrey Hepburn
- Eddie Albert
- Hartley Power
- Harcourt Williams
- Margaret Rawlings
- Tullio Carminati
- Paolo Carlini
- Claudio Ermelli
- Paola Borboni
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Roman Holiday about?
- A restless princess and a financially desperate reporter turn one secret day of freedom in Rome into an enchanting collision of romance, comedy, and duty.
- What is Roman Holiday like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Roman Holiday as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Roman Holiday violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Roman Holiday.
- What did critics think of Roman Holiday?
- Critics broadly regard Roman Holiday as a charming, visually beautiful romantic comedy elevated by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck's chemistry.
- Which films are like Roman Holiday?
- Films with a similar feel include Sabrina, The Philadelphia Story, It Happened One Night, and The Princess Diaries.
- How long is Roman Holiday?
- Roman Holiday runs 119 minutes.
- Where can I watch Roman Holiday?
- In United States, Roman Holiday is available to rent or buy from JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
