Top 20 Most Romantic Movie Couples Ever
Top 20 Romantic Movie Couples
Top 10 Best Romantic Movie Couples
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Most Romantic Movie Couples. For this list, we’ll be looking at onscreen couples with the most meaningful relationships and romantic chemistry. We’re giving away the endings of a few of these love stories, so a SPOILER ALERT may be in order. Which couple do you think best defines romance? Let us know in the comments.
#20: Hazel Grace Lancaster & Augustus Waters “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014)
Both of these teens have combated cancer, although their worldviews couldn’t be more different. Gus is an eternal optimist who lives every day as if it’s his last. Hazel resists forming meaningful relationships, knowing that her days are likely numbered. Gus’ charm and good cheer inevitably rub off on Hazel, however, bringing her out of her shell. Gus helps Hazel to see that her time on Earth doesn’t need to be defined by her illness. Likewise, cancer isn’t what defines her relationship with Gus. The two find that they share a great deal in common, particularly in the literature department. It’s only fitting that their relationship ends with a letter, leaving the star-crossed lovers on a devastating yet inspiring note.
#19: Monica Wright-McCall & Quincy McCall “Love & Basketball” (2000)
Like a basketball game, this romance is appropriately broken up into four quarters. As a youngster, Quincy didn’t expect to meet a girl who shared his passion for the game. What’s more, he didn’t expect a girl to give him a run for his money on the court. Quincy meets his match in Monica - and not just on an athletic level. The two remain friends throughout their teenage years, but they finally address their feelings for each other in college. The game that brought them together, though, also causes friction in their relationship. Everything is on the line in the final quarter, as the two play for each other’s hearts. Challenging gender roles and traditional conventions of romance, their love story is a slam dunk.
#18: Ennis Del Mar & Jack Twist “Brokeback Mountain” (2005)
“Brokeback Mountain” wasn’t the first drama to center on an LGBTQ+ relationship, but its importance can’t be overstated. The film not only opened the door for more same-sex love stories in cinema, but also opened up more audiences to acceptance. This largely has to do with the authentic chemistry between actors Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. As sheepherders Ennis and Jack, the two catch each other off guard when they have sex and fall in love. Being the 1960s, the two aren’t sure how to address their feelings. Although they occasionally reunite in the place where their love first blossomed, Jack and Ennis will never have a life together. As beautiful as their love story is, it’s also a tragic portrait of what could’ve been.
#17: Han Solo & Princess Leia “Star Wars” franchise (1977-)
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In all of the galaxy, there isn’t a more gripping love story than that of Han and Leia’s. When they first meet, everyone’s favorite nerf-herder is only concerned about his payday. Leia, meanwhile, is ready to risk her own wellbeing for her people and fellow Rebels. As Han comes to understand the importance of Leia’s cause, he finds something far more valuable than money. It’s in the second film where their romance is at its most passionate, leading to one of cinema’s most memorable “I love yous,” one of the most immortal improvised lines, and one of the most tearful goodbyes. Few scenes in the “Star Wars Saga” conjure more emotions, but their next meeting was definitely worth the three-year wait.
#16: Aragorn & Arwen “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (2001-03)
The heir of Isildur and daughter of Elrond spend a majority of the epic trilogy separated from each other. Not a moment goes by where one isn’t on the other’s mind, however. Before Aragorn departs from Rivendell, the two declare their love in one of the most sweepingly romantic moments across the fantasy genre. During their time apart, both are able to do some much-needed soul searching. Aragorn comes to accept his place as king while Arwen decides that her place is ruling by her love’s side. Although this means giving up her immortality, Arwen can see that the life they’ll build together is worth all the ages of Middle-earth.
#15: Maria & Tony “West Side Story” (1961)
A list like this wouldn’t be complete without “Romeo & Juliet” and no film has put a more unique spin on Shakespeare’s play than “West Side Story.” Based on the Broadway sensation, this urban-based musical brings a classic story of love and woe into the 20th century. At its core is an ill-fated romance between Tony and Maria. The chemistry between these two is instantaneous, but rival gangs, clashing cultures, and unexpected deaths stand in their way. Nevertheless, they remain naively optimistic that their love will conquer all. To a certain extent, their love does bring everybody together in the end. By this point, though, hate has already taken its toll. While their romance is short-lived, the music they made is forever.
#14: Westley & Buttercup “The Princess Bride” (1987)
Even the most cynical viewers won’t be able to resist this rousing romance. Just ask the grandson from the movie’s framing device. Only a few minutes in, the grandson is ready to write off this “kissing book.” It isn’t long, though, until he’s hanging on his grandfather’s every word, even becoming invested in the kissing stuff. The central romance between Westley and Buttercup is sentimental in all the right ways, fully embracing their storybook setting. Even at its corniest, it’s impossible not to smile whenever Westley says, “As you wish.” The sincerity of the romance only elevates the jeopardy that our lovers face. This being a fairy tale, however, there is a happy ending that you won’t want to skip over.
#13: Loretta Castorini & Ronny Cammareri “Moonstruck” (1987)
You could say that these two came together under unconventional circumstances, but that’s often how great love stories begin. After her first marriage ended on a dire note, Loretta decides to play it safe by marrying Johnny, despite not loving him. Loretta’s traditional worldview is thrown for a loop when she meets Johnny’s brother, Ronny. A tragic yet passionate baker who lost his hand, Ronny is like a figure out of an opera. It isn’t long until he’s escorting Loretta to the Met, as well as his bed. As different as they may seem, the two come to bond over heartbreak, family, and music. Although Loretta attempts to fight off her attraction to Ronny, she can’t merely slap herself out of love.
#12: Carol Aird & Therese Belivet “Carol” (2015)
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The beauty of this love story lies in its understated nature. Taking place in the 1950s, Carol and Theresa aren’t able to express their love in public, especially since the titular character is fighting to keep custody of her daughter. The film thus requires its audience to read in between the lines. A simple gesture can say a thousand words. For example, when Carol leaves her gloves at the store counter, it could be seen as an accident, but it could also be read as an invitation for Therese. Actresses Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara get so much emotion across with subtle body language. Then when Carol and Therese do finally come together for a passionate moment of bliss, it couldn’t be more satisfying.
#11: Landon Carter & Jamie Sullivan “A Walk to Remember” (2002)
Love can be like a comet. It may soar by only once, never to be seen again. Although you wish that the moment could’ve lasted longer, it’ll stick with you forever nonetheless. That’s the best way to sum up Landon’s relationship with Jamie. A classic bad boy meets good girl love story, Landon is initially only concerned about his image while Jamie could care less about the popular clique. When Landon turns to Jamie for help, an unexpected friendship develops into an even more unexpected romance. The most unexpected revelation of all is that Jamie is dying from leukemia, shattering the future Jamie thought they might have together. Jamie dies happy, however, while Landon lives to become a better person because of their love.
#10: Jesse & Céline “Before” trilogy (1995-2013)
Jesse and Céline share one of the most unique romances in film. They first meet briefly in “Before Sunrise,” reunite almost a decade later in “Before Sunset,” and deal with married life in “Before Midnight.” The fact that their relationship is spread over three movies isn’t what makes them so special, however. It’s because Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy’s chemistry is so natural, honestly depicting the highs and lows of an ongoing relationship. Hawke and Delpy fittingly contributed to the screenplays for both sequels, making their rapport even more believable.
#9: Sam Wheat & Molly Jensen “Ghost” (1990)
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Audiences immediately fell in love with Sam and Molly thanks to their immortal pottery session. This makes it especially tragic when Sam dies in Molly’s arms shortly thereafter. Even after death, Sam dedicates himself to protecting the love of his life. The two spend a majority of “Ghost” so close to each other and yet so far. As fantastic as the premise is, however, the film is surprisingly effective in its depiction of losing a loved one. While their life together was cut short, Sam and Molly’s romance will always have a place in cinematic history.
#8: Morticia & Gomez Addams “The Addams Family” franchise (1991-)
The Addams family patriarchs might not be the first couple that comes to mind when they think of romance. While they don’t always express their love in the most conventional ways, there’s no denying that these two adore one another. We’re reminded of their affection every time that they’re on screen together. Their passion blazes with such intensity that it can literally leave a fire in its trail. It’s honestly hard to think of another couple that’s more compatible. There’s a fair deal that we can all learn from these ghoulish lovers, namely to remind your significant other how much you cherish them, be it with a rose or a bewitching glance.
#7: Noah Calhoun & Allie Hamilton “The Notebook” (2004)
Our love for “The Notebook” wasn’t over. It STILL isn’t over. We might blame it, and by extension Nicholas Sparks, for unrealistic expectations of love, though. Throughout the film, one can’t help but root for Rachel McAdams’ Allie and Ryan Gosling’s Noah to overcome the obstacles of social class, war, and life in general, building up to an iconic kiss in the rain. James Garner and Gena Rowlands’ scenes in the future are equally emotional, as a devastating disease unravels Noah and Allie’s love story. Get the tissues ready.
#6: Rhett Butler & Scarlett O’Hara “Gone with the Wind” (1939)
When we think of perfect casting in film, Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara and Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in “Gone with the Wind” instantly come to mind. It’s a match made in heaven, even if Scarlett and Rhett’s love story isn’t always heavenly. That’s not to say they don’t have plenty of timeless romantic moments together. However, between the death of their daughter and Scarlett always holding a torch for Ashley, it isn’t shocking that these two couldn’t work things out. Nevertheless, this is still a romance for the ages.
#5: Johnny Castle & Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman “Dirty Dancing” (1987)
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Here are two lovers we wouldn’t dare put in the corner. “Dirty Dancing” tells the story of Baby and Johnny, two people from different classes that are unified by their love of dance. Being a movie that’s largely about dance, it’s fitting that their chemistry primarily shines through music and choreography. As a matter of fact, Baby and Johnny’s relationship can pretty much be summed up in the exhilarating final number with the Oscar-winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” Amazing how music, dance, and love all seem to be part of the same puzzle.
#4: Harry Burns & Sally Albright “When Harry Met Sally…” (1989)
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“When Harry Met Sally…”is among the most identifiable love stories ever told. Part of that is because the attraction between the leads isn’t instantaneous. Upon first meeting, they don’t think much of one another. Over the years, however, they keep bumping into each other and eventually form a friendship. That friendship evolves into a sexual relationship, which evolves into something even more. In the end, Harry declares his true feelings for Sally with a speech that demonstrates it’s the little things that make people fall in love for good.
#3: Elizabeth Bennet & Mr. Darcy “Pride & Prejudice” (2005)
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“Pride & Prejudice” is arguably Jane Austen’s most timeless love story and the 2005 adaptation has etched out its place as the definitive version for many. This can primarily be attributed to the chemistry between Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, who capture the essence of these literary figures so flawlessly. Knightley plays Elizabeth with a lively spirit that can’t be anchored down. Macfadyen plays Darcy with a restrained decorum that can come off as cold, but there’s an affectionate person underneath. The two can be equally stubborn, which is part of the reason why they don’t come together soon. When Elizabeth and Darcy do declare their mutual love for each other, however, it’s one of the most heartfelt proposals ever put to the screen.
#2: Rick Blaine & Ilsa Lund “Casablanca” (1942)
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When it comes to cinematic love stories, “Casablanca” is as classic as it gets. Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund are star-crossed lovers who experience the happiest period of their lives together in Paris. Due to bad timing and unfortunate circumstances, however, they separate on a heartbreaking note. After coming back together years later, the two must decide what’s more important: their love for each other or the greater good. The final scene may see the end of Rick and Ilsa’s relationship, but at least it marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
#1: Jack Dawson & Rose DeWitt Bukater “Titanic” (1997)
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“Titanic” harkens back to the glory days when Hollywood epics were big, thrilling, and complete with a captivating love story. The film takes its time building up the romance between the penniless Jack and upper class Rose, which pays off in a pretty spectacular way. There are too many great scenes to count, from their first kiss at the ship’s bow to their nude drawing session. This is what makes us care so much when their lives are put in peril in the film’s second half. Although the unsinkable ship goes down, we’ll never let go of Jack and Rose.
