When people discuss romantic movies, it's easy to think of them as a single genre. However, the world of romance in film is far more diverse and multifaceted. While great romantic comedies often steal the spotlight, making audiences laugh as much as they tug at their heartstrings, there's a wide array of romantic subgenres to explore.
Take romantic teen movies, for example. These films capture the intensity and fervor of first love, often becoming franchises in their own right. Think of Netflix series like “The Kissing Booth,” “To All the Boys I've Loved Before,” and “Tall Girl”. But the romance doesn't stop there. We also have romantic action movies, romantic Christmas movies, romantic noirs—the list goes on. Essentially, you can find romance embedded in any genre you can think of.
And when you're in the mood for a pure, unadulterated love story, there are certain romantic movies that stand out above the rest. These films may incorporate elements of comedy, action, or drama, and some might even center around teens. However, the hallmark of these movies is that the relationship is always the main focus. These are the films that pull at your heartstrings with all their might, making you yearn and swoon. While such movies might seem rare these days, there are still plenty around if you know where to look. So grab your sweetheart and get ready to dive into the best romantic movies of all time.
20. Cinema Paradiso (1988)
"Cinema Paradiso" is celebrated as a great romance film for several compelling reasons. It beautifully captures the nostalgic essence of youth and first love through the protagonist Salvatore's reminiscences of his childhood in a small Italian village. The relationship between Salvatore and Elena unfolds with tender moments and poignant scenes, portraying the innocence and intensity of young love.
The film's setting, a quaint cinema where Salvatore finds solace and mentorship under Alfredo, adds depth to the romance. The cinema becomes a metaphor for their blossoming relationship, as Salvatore learns about life, love, and the magic of cinema from Alfredo, shaping his understanding of romance and his aspirations as a filmmaker.
19. Mississippi Masala (1991)
"Mississippi Masala" is celebrated as a compelling romance for several reasons. Firstly, the film explores a forbidden love story between an African-American man and an Indian-American woman, challenging societal norms and prejudices of race and culture. This intersectionality adds depth to the romance, portraying a relationship that defies conventional expectations.
Secondly, the characters are portrayed with nuance and complexity, making their emotional journey resonate deeply with the audience. The struggles they face—both internal and external—highlight the complexities of identity and belonging in a multicultural society.
18. Phantom Thread (2017)
For those seeking a departure from the usual lighthearted romantic fare, "Phantom Thread" on Netflix offers a much darker and complex narrative. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as a meticulous 1950s fashion designer who finds his muse and partner in a young waitress, portrayed by Vicky Krieps. Their relationship, fraught with tension, even involves poisonous mushrooms as a central plot device. Reflecting on her experience working with Day-Lewis, Krieps shared with Entertainment Weekly, "What's true with Daniel is that you're always in front of someone very awake, so you have to be awake.
You couldn't go and do something not really knowing what you're doing or being half thinking about your lunch. It wouldn't work because you'd just crash against the wall." This movie is a fascinating dive into the intricacies of love and obsession.
17. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" stands out as a compelling romance film due to its unconventional yet deeply emotional narrative and its exploration of love and memory. Unlike traditional romantic movies that often follow predictable plots, "Eternal Sunshine" ventures into uncharted territory by delving into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of memory on love.
The film's unique premise, where characters undergo a procedure to erase memories of each other, allows it to explore themes of longing, regret, and the enduring nature of love. Through the protagonists Joel and Clementine, played brilliantly by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, the audience witnesses the highs and lows of their relationship in reverse, from its bitter end back to its hopeful beginnings.
16. Marriage Story (2019)
This is not a love story you watch when you want to feel good. This film will tear you into pieces and may or may not fix it back (can’t give any spoilers). It is one of the finest Netflix originals available with an absolutely stellar cast, Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern, Ray Liotta, and there’s still more. Plus what makes this auteur driven cinematic experience multiply hundred fold, is the ingenuity of director Noah Baumbach. It’s how he made a film about two lovers drifting apart in a such a tearjerking way, I have to tell you it’s one of the rawest feelings I’ve felt while watching a movie.
You can’t miss this. I’m being serious you can’t.
15. Thirst (2009)
Romantic Horror may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it has captivated audiences since the 1800s. This blend of Gothic Horror and Romance often results in period pieces or monster movies, and the Korean vampire film "Thirst" is a prime example. Directed by Park Chan-wook, this dark tale features a priest, an extramarital affair, and plenty of blood. It's more Dracula than Twilight, so if you're looking for something light, you might want to skip it. "Thirst," which stars Song Kang-ho and Kim Ok-bin, won the Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and is available for rent on Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu, and Amazon Prime.
14. Your Name (2016)
Switching gears, "Your Name" is a Japanese animated film that tells the story of two high school students who intermittently swap bodies after witnessing a comet. As they live each other's lives, they fall in love and must figure out how to reunite. The film, which boasts a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is praised for both its animation and storyline. There are two versions available: the original Japanese and a dubbed English version. A live-action adaptation is also in the works by Japan’s Toho Studios. You can stream "Your Name" on Crunchyroll.
13. The Worst Person in the World (2021)
"The Worst Person in the World" is lauded as a standout romance film for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it defies traditional romantic tropes by presenting a refreshingly realistic portrayal of modern relationships. The characters, particularly the protagonist Julie, are complex and multidimensional, navigating the complexities of love, career aspirations, and personal growth. This depth allows the audience to empathize with their struggles and triumphs.
Secondly, the film's direction and cinematography contribute to its appeal as a romance. Director Joachim Trier infuses the narrative with a sense of intimacy and authenticity, capturing subtle emotions and moments of vulnerability with finesse. The visual style and pacing enhance the emotional impact of Julie's journey, making her romantic dilemmas feel both poignant and relatable.
12. The Princess Bride (1987)
"The Princess Bride" is a timeless family-friendly film that combines comedy, fantasy, and romance. It tells the story of a farmhand turned pirate who must rescue his true love from an evil prince. Directed by Rob Reiner and based on the 1973 novel, the film stars Cary Elwes and Robin Wright. With a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it has gained a cult following and is available to stream on Disney+.
11. Moonlight (2016)
Barry Jenkins's "Moonlight" transcends the boundaries of a traditional romance. It delves into themes of sexuality, identity, manhood, parenthood, and the Black experience, offering a poignant examination of Black queer romantic love through the characters of Chiron and Kevin. While other films like "Maurice" (1987) and "Brokeback Mountain" (2005) have explored societal pressures on men in love, "Moonlight" stands out as a genre-defining piece. It was nominated for eight Oscars and won three, including Best Picture, making history as the first LGBTQ film to achieve this honor. "Moonlight" is currently available for streaming on Max.
10. Past Lives (2023)
The most recent addition to this list is "Past Lives," which traces the reconnection of two childhood friends over a span of 24 years. This directorial debut from Celine Song draws inspiration from her own life, featuring performances by Greta Lee and Teo Yoo. The film has garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture at the 2024 Oscars. "Past Lives" can be rented on Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Apple TV.
9. Before Sunrise (1995)
BEFORE SUNRISE, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, 1995
"Before Sunrise" is a 90s classic starring Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke as two strangers who spend a day together in Vienna. Directed by Richard Linklater and inspired by a real-life experience, the film boasts a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and inspired two sequels, "Before Sunset" and "Before Midnight." The trilogy captures love at different life stages and is worth watching in its entirety. "Before Sunrise" is available for rent on Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube, and Apple TV.
8. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
"10 Things I Hate About You" is celebrated as a standout romance film for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its modern retelling of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" injects freshness into the classic narrative, blending wit and charm with a contemporary high school setting. The film's strong character development is another highlight, as it explores the complexities of teenage relationships with depth and authenticity.
Moreover, the chemistry between the leads, portrayed by Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, is palpable and adds emotional resonance to the story. The movie balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it both entertaining and emotionally engaging. The soundtrack, featuring iconic songs of the 90s, complements the narrative beautifully, enhancing the film's nostalgic appeal.
7. Titanic (1997)
It may seem almost redundant to explain "Titanic," a film that once held the title of the highest-grossing movie of all time until 2010, when director James Cameron outdid himself with "Avatar" (2009). This iconic movie tells the poignant story of two lovers, portrayed by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic during its disastrous maiden voyage in 1912.
Although "Titanic" incorporates historical figures like the indomitable Margaret "Molly" Brown, its central characters are fictional. The film was a monumental success, receiving 14 Oscar nominations and winning 11, including the coveted Best Picture award. For those wanting to relive this cinematic masterpiece, it is currently available for streaming on Paramount+.
6. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
"Portrait of a Lady on Fire," written and directed by Céline Sciamma, explores a tender yet heart-wrenching affair between two women in the 18th century on a secluded French island. The story revolves around Marianne, an artist who is commissioned to clandestinely paint Héloïse’s portrait for her intended husband. As Marianne captures Héloïse's likeness, she finds herself falling deeply in love with her subject.
This film is a profound meditation on art, the female perspective, and the silent language of unexpressed love. It garnered critical acclaim, winning the Queer Palm at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, and boasts an impressive 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers can stream this beautifully crafted narrative on Hulu.
5. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
"Call Me By Your Name" vividly encapsulates the tumultuous emotions of first love, with all its intensity and passion. Based on André Aciman's novel, the film centers on Elio, the young son of academics, who finds himself irresistibly drawn to one of his father's graduate students during a languid summer in Italy.
This cinematic gem delves into the complexities and fervor of youthful romance, portraying the bittersweet experience of falling in love for the first time. The film's evocative storytelling and lush Italian backdrop make it a timeless exploration of desire and self-discovery.
4. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice," starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, is a dreamy rendition of Jane Austen’s classic novel. This romantic period piece, known for its score and cinematography, is available for rent on Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, and Vudu.
3. In the Mood For Love (2000)
"In the Mood For Love," directed by Wong Kar-wai, is a stunning portrayal of a growing bond between two neighbors in 1960s Hong Kong, set against the backdrop of their respective marriages. Renowned for its lush visuals and emotional depth, this film has inspired many filmmakers, including Sofia Coppola for "Lost in Translation" and the Daniels for "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Wong Kar-wai, known for other notable romance films like "Chungking Express" and "Happy Together," captures an undeniable elegance in "In the Mood For Love." This classic is available for streaming on Max.
These films showcase the vast spectrum of romantic storytelling, from dark and intense narratives to poignant explorations of love and identity. Each offers a unique lens through which to view the complexities of human relationships, making them must-watch experiences for any cinephile.
2. Casablanca (1942)
"Casablanca," directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, is an iconic film that transcends ordinary categories. Roger Ebert praised its timeless appeal, and it remains a beloved classic. "Casablanca" is available to stream on Max.
1. Roman Holiday (1953)
"Roman Holiday," starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, follows a young princess who takes a day off to explore Rome and meets an American reporter. The film, which earned Hepburn both a Golden Globe and an Oscar, is available for rent on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, and Vudu.
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