Romance is what art was made for. Larger than life, indescribable emotions demand something more than simple words to convey and so the quest to properly portray love in all of its complexities drove the creation of music, poetry, and theater for thousands of years. When film came around one of the earliest images put to video was that of a kiss, andby the time of Hollywood, some of the earliest classics were love stories. From the onset of this new art form dreamers immediately saw it as another chance to capture the tightening in your chest, the stolen glances, or the crazed passions that make up love and yet are ever so difficult to explain to others.
Romance has been a staple of nearly all movies but certain types of movies dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to capturing the intricate details of love, and it is through that process that audiences get not onlysome of the best romance films of all timebut also some trulyregrettable entries which miss the mark entirely. Still,even for fans of action sci-fi, or any other genrelove has been and will remain a major part of film. It is for this reason that every viewer owes it to themselves to at least try romantic movies. Like love itself, these films come in all shapes and sizes, from epic blockbusters to cult classics, to celebrated indies, all bound together by the fact that they dare to tackle arts' most elusive subject, and the fact that they must be seen to be believed.
10’When Harry Met Sally' (1989)
Directed by Rob Reiner
In many ways,Nora Ephronis to the rom-com whatAlfred Hitchcockis to the thriller. A master of pacing and dialouge, and a wizard at pulling great performances out of actors,Ephron has proven time and time againthrough films likeSleepless in SeattleandYou’ve Got Mailthat she is intimately familiar with the subtle and important factors that make romance compelling and relatable to audiences. When Harry Met Sally is often recognized as the masterpiece of the writer’s catalog and, since its release in 1989, ithas stood as one of the most charming and romantic love stories the silver screen has ever seen. The film focuses on the titular characters played byBilly CrystalandMeg Ryan, as it chronicles their decades-long history from strangers, to friends, and finally soulmates.
As funny as it is heartwarming,When Harry Met Sallyis filled with comedic moments that have become genre staples, and its playful banter and bouncy tone served as the backbone and influence for countless rom-coms that have followed. The chemistry between Crystal and Ryan makes the journey between their two characters not only believable but moving, as they effortlessly showcase their characters' longing, heartbreak, and ultimately deep commitment. Featuring a perfect storm of writer, stars, andone of the most iconic speeches in film history,When Harry Met Sallyis rightfully viewed as one of the best in its genre.
When Harry Met Sally
9’Singin' in the Rain' (1952)
Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly
Musicals are at their best when they convey emotions too big, too complex, or too grand for normal words. Sometimes the drama or gravity of a situation requires expressions beyond the average or normal, and it is in this regard thatmusicals may capture the explosive melodrama of romance better than almost any other genrein film. Released over 70 years ago in 1952Singin' in the Rainremainsone of the most rewatchable and invigorating musicals to date, coming packaged with an infectious energy, iconic set-pieces, and an emotional core that refuses to fade.
Telling the story of a silent film actor trying to pivot to “talkies”, as they used to be called,Singin' in the Rain, stars the all-star cast ofGene Kelly,Debbie Reynolds,andDonald O’Connorin a film that serves as the ultimate showcase for their musical and dramatic talents. While the film’s launching point is that of behind-the-scenes filmmaking,Singin' in the Rainis grounded by an unexpectedly soft and beautiful romance. The film showcases how in times of massive turmoil and incredible change love can arrive at the most unexpected times and become a grounding and reassuring force.Singin' in the Rainis rightfully one of the most celebrated and recognized films of all time and serves asone of if not the best examples of a classical romance movie.
Singin in the Rain
8’Pride and Prejudice' (2005)
Directed by Joe Wright
Likely the best adaptation of the Jane Austen novel of the same name2005’sPride and Prejudicetells the timeless story of the Bennet sisters as they enter the world and tackle themes of romance, marriage, class, and the manors in which these factors collide amidst the early 19th century. The film is led by the incredible chemistry between romantic leadsKeira KnightleyandMathew Macfadyen, a dynamic so instantly enticing and charismatic that it received near universal acclaim and earned Knightleya nomination for Best Actress at that year’s Academy Awards.
Though the film makes some plot and stylistic changesfrom the initial Jane Austen novel, it is perhaps the closest to the novel in spirit. The film highlights the importance of the bond between the Bennet sisters just as heavily as it does on their romances. This makesPride and Prejudicea fantastic film to highlight how romance compares, contrasts, and even highlights other relationships in people’s lives, and Knightley and Macfadyen are more than up to the task of portraying this complexity in all its light.Turning 20 this yearPride and Prejudiceremains near perfectand one of the best romantic films of the 2000s.
Pride and Prejudice
7’Beauty and The Beast' (1991)
Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
A tale as old as time and a moral as important and as relevant as ever. The 1991 adaptation ofBeauty and the Beastisone of Disney’s most iconic and celebrated films, not only for its astoundingly creative and eye-catching animation, but for its simple and relatable setup and premise. As a love story,Beauty and The Beastfocuses on often unexpected and unforeseen emotional connections that come with romance, exemplifying the importance and depth of true connections, and the ability of love to overcome obstacles.From its sweeping visuals to its perfectly paced, expertly planned romance,Beauty and the Beastis a masterpiece and remains a near-perfect film years after its release.
The film’s expert quality and relevance were not missed upon release either.Beauty and the Beastwas nominated for five Oscarsand became the first animated film to ever be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, laying the groundwork for future animated films lieUPandToy Story 3to receive similar recognition and eventually, to the creation of the Best Animated Feature category in 2002. Despite its influence on other films, however,Beauty and the Beastremains nearly unmatched in its simplicity and elegance. While the moral of not judging a book by its cover and putting the time in to discover the truth about another person may seem naive or even obvious to many audiences,it is this very clarity that makes the film an important reminderand a worthwhile watch for all ages.
Beauty and the Beast
6’Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind' (2004)
Directed by Michel Gondry
Utilizing an unconventional story structure and pacingEternal Sunshine of The SpotlessMindisone of the most unique and original films of the last 25 years, and a love story that feels like no other. After a tumultuous and failed relationship, Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet) undergo a procedure to erase their memories of each other and attempt to move on with their lives. The film’s non-linear memory-based storylineallows a love story to be told in a way that encapsulates how many viewers often think about their own. The good and the bad of romance flow in and out of each other, tender sweet moments bouncing into explosive blowups, as passion blurs the line between love and hate.
Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind’s unique structure and timeless emotional relevance made itone of the defining films of the 2000s.Jim Carrey and Kate Winslettexhibit an enchanting chemistry worthy of the film’s dreamlike structure andfill the film with memorable lines and musings. The ending in which Joel and Clementine reconnect only to discover their painful shared past makes a powerful and hopeful statement on true connections, soul mates and second chances that fills the film with a prevailing sense of hope and optimism.Eternal Sunshineis an unconventional film about an unconventional romance, and filled with unconventional characters, and yet it remains a relatable and universal story for all viewers.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
5’Casablanca' (1942)
Directed By Michael Curtiz
Set against the backdrop of a nazi occupied Morocco,Casablancatells the love story of Rick (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) as their romance is reconnected, rekindled, and ultimately lost again. Asone of the most popular and famous films in the history of cinema, the ups and downs of this relationship are often taken for granted by audiences, many of whom have not even seen the film but simply absorbed it through countless years of homage, parody, and influence.Casablancais a breathtaking journey worth experiencing, however,as the film’s nuanced takes on the gravitational power of love, its temptation, and the sweeping tragedy of its timing make it stand out not among its peers of the 1940s…but today among everything it has influenced and inspired.
Casablanca,like so many real-world romances, is a tragedy at its core, the story of a love that cant make it even if it should. Despite this, however, the film is not dour or pessimistic about any of the subjects it covers, whether they be romance, compassion, or morality. The Nazi-occupied Morocco is oppressive, limiting, and offers little hope for the future.But between the cracks of these negatives,Casablancaargues there is still a chance for hope, joy, and even love, and the film presents these things as no less valid or worthwhile, despite how limited their time may be.Casablancais and will remain one of the most iconic films in historyand is a worthwhile watch for any audience in the mood for romance.
Casablanca
4’The Princess Bride' (1987)
Seamlessly crossing and blending the genres of comedy, action, adventure, fairytale, drama, and a host of others,The Princess Bridehas often been recognized as a perfect movie for any and every audience.Based upon the book by William Goldman,The Princess Brideweaves many humorous fantasy paths but is mainly focused on the sweet and saccharine love story between Westley (Cary Elwes) and Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright). The film sees these characters fall in love at a young age, become separated by circumstances, and then come back together, showcasing a love of unwavering devotion and pure commitment. The film is a fantasy through and through andpresents a love story that stacks up alongside even the grandest epics of its kind.
Along the way,The Princess Bridepresents audiences with some of the most perfectly placed comedy and action that have ever been put to film. The way in which these differing tones are balanced and combined earned the film acclaim upon release (however unfortunately, not box office success) and has made it one of the most well-aged films of all time,seemingly only becoming more praised and more celebrated with each passing year.The Princess Brideis most often brought up for its countless iconic quotes and famous scenes, but it was also rightfully recognized by AFI as one of the top romance films of its century and has long since been inducted into the Library of Congress asone of the most significant and important films of all time.
The Princess Bride
3’Titanic' (1997)
Directed by James Cameron
More so than nearly any other film,Titanicis able to capture the size and scope of romance. The 1997 classic and former highest-grossing film of all time enraptured the world by making love feel like the biggest and most important thing in the world. DirectorJames Camerontells the now immortal story of Jack and Rose (Leonardo DiCaprioand Kate Winslet in career-defining roles) and their romance which was brief, powerful, and yet ultimately doomed from the start. DiCaprio and Winslet have electric chemistry and sell the idea ofa connection that transcends class, background, and time itself, as the pair of actors are able to make their dynamic feel like the most important and powerful thing in the world even as the Titanic sinks around them.
Titanicis filled with countless quotes, visuals and ideasthat instantly catapulted into pop culture canon and have remained relentlessly relevant and impactful to this very day. The film transcends genres, as James Cameron uses his infamous mastery of practical effects pacing, and even action to make the capsizing of the titular ship a breathtakingly powerful climax that matches and works in concert with the film’s rising emotional tension.Titanicbalances comedy, action, and drama with deft ease, creating a truly compelling filmthat is more than worthy of the title of epic. And like most epics, it is centered on a simple and easily understandable emotional core that makes nearly every viewer feel like they themselves could be king of the world too.
2’Love Actually' (2003)
Directed by Richard Curtis
Love Actuallypresents a cutesy, idealized version of love. Romance in the film is bubbly, charming, and filled with the types of grand gestures and dramatic proclamations that would likely never work in real life but have become a staple in movies. While it may not be realistic, this undeniably optimistic and electric view of romance has rightfully madeLove Actuallyan enduring classic andone of the world’s most popular and beloved rom-coms. Not every film needs to portray the realism of love and its intricate dynamics, sometimesaudiences want a film to replicate their feelings of how romance should feel rather than how it does.
Set against the fittingly heartwarming and schmaltzy backdrop of Christmas,Love Actuallyfeatures an all-star cast of:Colin Firth,Emma Thompson,Hugh Grant,Keira Knightley,Alan Rickman,Laura Linney,Liam Neeson, alongside many many more, and tells the story of several intertwined romances at various stages of life. The film is chock-full of iconic scenes and dialogue, each representing the types of powerful statements and dramatic gestures that feel right at home against the heightened emotions and cozy warmth of the holiday season.Not just a simple and heartwarming romance film but one of the most perfect Christmas films of all time, Love Actually is, a joyful and enriching classic that makes even the harshest cynic feel a soft spot for love.
Love Actually
1’Before Sunrise' (1995)
Directed by Richard Linklater
Upon meeting on a train, Jesse and Celine make the spontaneous decision to spend the evening together wandering across picturesque Vienna. It is in this unfamiliar setting that the two begin an open discussion of their views on love, the challenges of life, and the complexities that make up everything in between. The first part ofRichard Linklater’s seminal Before TrilogyBefore Sunriseis the first chapter of what is likely the greatest love story ever put to film. Written by Linklater andKim Krizan(co-leadsEthan HawkeandJulie Delpywould contribute to writing the sequel scripts),Before Sunrisehas uncannily beautiful dialogue which dares to vocalize a viewer’s truest wishes, concerns, and hopes for what true love may look like. The film walks an expert tightrope simultaneouslypresenting honest sometimes painful truths about real world romance while also showcasing a burgeoning connectionthat feels magical, uncanny, andjust right.
What makes Before Sunrise particularly special among romance movies is how it lays the groundwork for its two sequels. Each set 9 years later than the previous filmBefore SunsetandBefore Midnightadd new depths to Jesse and Celine andshowcase how love and romance change and shift over time. WhereSunriseis filled with the dreamlike wonder of young love,Sunset focuses on second chances andMidnighttakes a more dramatic approach, revealing the work and effort required to make a dream a reality. Ethan Hawke summed up the trilogy the best: “Sunrise is how it should be, Sunset is how it could be, Midnight is how it is.” While the trilogy will go on to explore. ups, downs, and everything in between,Before Sunriseshines. as the greatest encapsulation of falling in lovethat has ever been put to film.
