Top 100 Greatest Romance Movies of All Time
#100: “Set It Up” (2018)
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We’ve arguably been in a bit of a rom-com drought of late, so we have to appreciate the good when it comes. And 2018’s “Set It Up” was definitely a high point in a sea of lows. Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch are assistants who team up to try and make their bosses less high-strung by getting them together. Of course, while playing matchmaker, the two end up falling in love themselves. What really pushes “Set It Up” over the edge is the undeniable chemistry between Powell and Deutch. The energy between them leaps off the screen in a way that reminds us of the rom-com pairings of yore, and we’re here for it.
#99: “The Princess Switch” (2018)
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Vanessa Hudgens has been such a comforting constant in our lives for so long. First, with the “High School Musical” franchise, and later by becoming the queen of Netflix holiday fare. The most important film from that second category is without a doubt 2018’s “The Princess Switch.” Hudgens embodies both Stacy and Lady Margaret, two identical looking people leading opposite lives. They trade places, and love blooms. The romantic comedy was so successful, it spawned not one, but two sequels! In those, Hudgens got to flex her chops further by adding a third character – Lady Fiona – to the mix. There’s no denying the trilogy is great fun. We have to say though, nothing quite beats the charm of the original.
#98: “The Lovebirds” (2020)
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Sometimes, love needs a little action and chaos. “The Lovebirds” features Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as a couple who witness a murder, freak out, and go on the run while looking for answers. The movie has a real chaotic flair to it, and Rae and Nanjiani play that aspect up perfectly. But in addition, the pair have a very natural chemistry. Their relationship is in a rough spot at the beginning of the story, and they actually break up before we ever get to the murder plot. As time goes on, the wild things they go through bring them closer together. It’s a fun watch containing just the right amount of absurdity while remaining grounded where it counts.
#97: “Her” (2013)
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There’s just something about the color in “Her.” The pastels and soft hues add an extra level of romanticism to the already achingly lovely film. Spike Jonze’s sci-fi romance features Joaquin Phoenix as a professional letter writer who falls in love with an AI named Samantha. Phoenix delivers a quieter performance than he’s usually known for, and it’s lovely. But the real stand out of the film is Scarlett Johansson as the voice of Samantha. We never see the actress, but her inflections and choices make it feel as though she’s more than just a disembodied voice. Her chemistry with Phoenix comes through loud and clear. This, in turn, makes the story as a whole feel extra credible, elevating the finished product.
#96: “Edward Scissorhands” (1990)
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Snow never seemed so romantic. Tim Burton’s “Edward Scissorhands” is an unexpectedly tender film. Edward, a Frankenstein’s Monster-like creature with scissors for hands, is informally adopted by a family and develops feelings for Kim, the daughter. The film has all the style and panache of a Burton movie, but the core story is one of great love and loneliness. Edward and Kim find a connection that’s not based on superficiality, but something a bit deeper and more special. Of course, this movie comes with a side of tragedy, but that doesn't take away from its romantic soul.
#95: “Punch-Drunk Love” (2002)
Who would have thought Adam Sandler could embody a true blue romantic lead? The answer is Paul Thomas Anderson, apparently – and it’s a good thing! In “Punch-Drunk Love,” Sandler portrays the socially anxious Barry, who falls for Lena. played by Emily Watson. Throughout the movie, we get to go beneath the surface of Sandler’s funny guy shtick in order to effectively unpack themes of isolation. Meanwhile, the romance that unfolds between the characters is an odd one, but that works to the story’s advantage. Indeed, their strange, delightful interactions have an intoxicating feel that’s hard to let go of. When they come together at the end, we can’t help but root for them.
#94: “Bright Star” (2009)
All hail Jane Campion, queen of eroticism and romance. “Bright Star,” despite its PG rating, is no exception in her stellar catalog. The 2009 film spotlights poet John Keats’ romance with Fanny Brawne in the years prior to his death. Campion delights in the longing romance of Keats’s poetry, and the cinematography evokes a sensuality that’s intoxicating. The camera notably focuses on the small touches between Keats and Fanny, with each one seeming more prolonged and romantic than the last. And that’s saying nothing of the main pair, portrayed by Ben Whishaw and Abbie Cornish, who have a rapport for the ages. All that, mixed with the poignant script, makes for an emotional watch.
#93: “It's a Wonderful Life” (1946)
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Now, we know what you’re thinking. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is mostly remembered as a Christmas movie, not necessarily a great romance. But we’d like to bring up a counterpoint: the love between George and Mary is out of this world. Every moment between them is electric, but our favorite is probably the scene where they finally get together. In the days before speakerphone, a conversation with a mutual friend calls for some close quarters. Watching their eyes drawn to each other like magnets, the power passing between them is palpable. It’s a perfect encapsulation of what makes this 1946 classic so great, even without the heartwarming holiday fare.
#92: “Annie Hall” (1977)
If you trace a line backwards from the romantic comedies of today, you can arguably follow it straight to “Annie Hall.” There are several other important stops along the way, to be sure. But there’s also no denying this 1977 work is a seminal text for so many filmmakers, and its nuanced love story still holds up. The story centers on Alvy, who attempts to decipher and examine his prior breakup with a woman named Annie Hall, portrayed spectacularly by Diane Keaton. The script is funny, fresh, and was contemporary for the time, offering a new take on relationships between men and women.
#91: “Trainwreck” (2015)
When we first heard that Amy Schumer was going to pen and be in a film loosely based on her life, we expected it to be a hilarious romp. “Trainwreck” definitely brings the humor, but it also contains a tender romance. Schumer plays a woman also named Amy who falls in love with Bill Hader’s Dr. Aaron Conners. She likes Aaron, but has a hard time not screwing things up at every turn. The whole thing is funny and moving, and the highlight of it all might just be Bill Hader as the romantic lead. His performance ties all the aptly laid out threads together, and it pays off. Not everyone saw that coming, but clearly he – and the entire movie – is full of surprises!
#90: “The Proposal” (2009)
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Sandra Bullock is, without question, a rom-com queen. But by the time 2009 rolled around, she hadn’t been in a big one in a while. Thankfully, that all changed with the release of “The Proposal.” In it, she’s an editor-in-chief who pretends to be engaged to her assistant, brought to life by Ryan Reynolds, to avoid being deported. It’s a comedy of errors, and perhaps feels nonsensical at times. But there’s a surprisingly soft romance that makes the whole thing believable. Bullock and Reynolds are the perfect pair to pull off the slapstick humor, while bringing the strong chemistry game at the very same time. In other words, “The Proposal” has a little bit of everything you want in an entertaining rom-com!
#89: “There's Something About Mary” (1998)
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#88: “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (2008)
#87: “The F Word” [aka “What If?”] (2013)
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#86: “The Age of Adaline” (2015)
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#85: “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012)
This acclaimed film taught us to dance. In it, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence skillfully portray love interests who have been having a hard time, to say the least. After Cooper’s Pat comes home following a stay at a mental health hospital, his goal is to mend his broken marriage. Lawrence’s widowed Tiffany is willing to help make that happen, but she needs assistance winning a dance contest in exchange. Romance ensues, and the tension is evident. The movie deftly weaves weighty themes of mental health and trauma within this romance in a raw and real way, holding the audience’s attention. Hey, it didn’t earn eight Oscar nominations – and a Best Actress win for Lawrence – by accident.
#84: “Alex Strangelove” (2018)
#83: “The Wedding Planner” (2001)
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#82: “Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist” (2008)
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#81: “Breakfast at Tiffany's” (1961)
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#80: “Queen & Slim” (2019)
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You’ve heard of Bonnie and Clyde. But what about “Queen & Slim?” Melina Matsoukas’s 2019 directorial film debut follows two people who commit a crime in self-defense and flee. The duo, named Queen and Slim, hardly know each other, having just met on a date before the incident. As the film goes on and their circumstances become more dire, they fall in love. The movie is bleak and quite distressing, tackling issues of race and injustice. But the romance between its central characters gives it a dreamlike quality that’s impossible to ignore. Actors Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith ride the road of the characters’ ever-changing relationship together straight to love, and it’s an important watch.
#79: “Friends with Benefits” (2011)
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#78: “Date Night” (2010)
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#77: “Maid in Manhattan” (2002)
#76: “Singin' in the Rain” (1952)
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#75: “Amélie” (2001)
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Paris has been called the City of Love. So it’s no wonder this French film became so associated with it. “Amélie” follows its titular character around Paris as she makes it her life’s work to bring joy to everyone around her. In the process, she sometimes forgets about her own loneliness, but that all changes when she acts on her attraction to a man named Nino. The relationship between the pair is quite sweet, but the film exudes pure romantic energy even outside of that central couple. Indeed, Amélie takes pleasure in the little things, like crème brûlée and stones skipping on water. In Paris – and in this story – romance is everywhere.
#74: “Lost in Translation” (2003)
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#73: “Sabrina” (1954)
#72: “The Wedding Singer” (1998)
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#71: “The Sound of Music” (1965)
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#70: “Harold and Maude” (1971)
Their relationship is… unconventional, to say the least! But that doesn’t make it any less lovely. This 1971 cult classic tells the story of Harold, whose greatest passion in life is death despite his young age. He meets the much older Maude at a funeral for someone who was unknown to him (a regular occurrence), and the two have an instant connection. Harold, taken with Maude’s love for life, eventually falls for her. It’s a strange story, and one that wasn’t well-received by many at the time. But as the years have gone by, audiences have started to recognize the romance inherent in “Harold and Maude.” The two find love despite all odds, and learn important lessons along the way.
#69: “You’ve Got Mail” (1998)
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#68: “If Beale Street Could Talk” (2018)
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#67: “Brooklyn” (2015)
#66: “The Half of It” (2020)
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#65: “Moonstruck” (1987)
1980s Cher and a young, attractive Nicolas Cage – what more could audiences ask for? In 1987, director Norman Jewison gave the people what they wanted with “Moonstruck.” Cher is Loretta, a young widow who has found love again in the form of Johnny, played by Danny Aiello. When he takes off to see his mom before she passes, Loretta is tasked with convincing his estranged brother, Cage’s Ronny, to come to their wedding. But when these two meet, sparks fly off the screen immediately. Cher and Cage’s characters have such a wacky connection. You wouldn’t think they would work together, but something about their shared intensity and originality is magic. That, and the film’s well-executed premise, make it a winner.
#64: “Grease” (1978)
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#63: “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994)
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#62: “Atonement” (2007)
#61: “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (2003)
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#60: “About Time” (2013)
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If you could travel back in time to bolster your love life, would you? You’d probably give it a try. But if there’s anything to take from “About Time,” it’s that living life in the moment is the best option. The film follows Tim, who can go back to the past, and does so to improve his luck with women, among other things. He meets, and falls in love with Mary, with wacky, time travel-related hijinks occuring along the way. As their life together progresses, Tim starts to experience the consequences of time travel, as a moving father-son storyline is explored. It’s a tough lesson to learn, but he eventually decides to live in the present, happy with his family. What could be more romantic?
#59: “From Here to Eternity” (1953)
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#58: “To All the Boys I've Loved Before” (2018)
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#57: “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014)
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#56: “Serendipity” (2001)
#55: “Love Actually” (2003)
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To us, you are perfect. “Love Actually” wasn’t necessarily a slam dunk with all the critics when it was released, but for audiences? It was basically an instant attraction. The movie follows a slew of different, semi-interlocking storylines, most having to do with love around the holidays. With rom-com staples like Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, and established greats like Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson starring, it’s no wonder everyone fell hard. There’s heartbreak, laughter, and of course, plenty of love. The movie has been dubbed a holiday “classic” over the years, and even if it’s not your favorite of all time, you probably can’t help but smile whenever it’s on.
#54: “The Bodyguard” (1992)
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#53: “The Bridges of Madison County” (1995)
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#52: “The Apartment” (1960)
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#51: “The Shape of Water” (2017)
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#50: “Brief Encounter” (1945)
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Sometimes the most romantic movies involve the tragedy of heartbreak. “Brief Encounter” spotlights Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard as two people who have a random run-in at a train station. They spend some time together, and quickly feel an attraction to one another. The only problem? They’re both married to other people. The film has a dark, almost stormy feel to it, with cinematography that notably uses the smoke of the train station to its advantage. It gives the story an overall doomed quality, and you just know there’s no way these two will end up together. It’s unbelievably sad, but a beautiful portrait of love nonetheless.
#49: “Jerry Maguire” (1996)
#48: “While You Were Sleeping” (1995)
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#47: “The English Patient” (1996)
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#46: “Love & Basketball” (2000)
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#45: “Palm Springs” (2020)
Andy Samberg showed us all he had romantic lead talents in “Celeste and Jesse Forever.” But he took things up a notch in this part science fiction, part romantic comedy film, proving he’s still the guy for the job. “Palm Springs” climbs out of “Groundhog Day”’s shadow, following a romance between two people trapped in a time loop on the day of a wedding. Samberg stars alongside Cristin Milioti and both actors get their time to shine. But the best parts come when our heroes are trying to get out of the time loop together. They’re both adept at playing the full spectrum of silly to serious, and littering that with romance along the way.
#44: “Carol” (2015)
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#43: “His Girl Friday” (1940)
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#42: “A Star Is Born” (2018)
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#41: “Always Be My Maybe” (2019)
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#40: “13 Going on 30” (2004)
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We’d like to formally request Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo in more romantic comedies please! “13 Going on 30” is all about Jenna Rink, a 13 year old who longs to be “thirty, flirty, and thriving.” When her wish suddenly comes true, she, now portrayed by Garner, has to handle all that comes along with adulthood. That includes repairing her relationship with childhood friend Matty, played by Ruffalo. In the years Jenna missed, the two had a falling out, but she’s determined to fix things. You can see where this is going. Of course, love blooms! Garner’s masterful performance is full of comedy and tenderness, and it’s something to behold. Plus, she and Ruffalo have a wonderfully sweet rapport that brings the script to heartwarming life.
#39: “The Holiday” (2006)
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#38: “Definitely, Maybe” (2008)
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#37: “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)
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#36: “The Philadelphia Story” (1940)
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#35: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002)
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We couldn’t leave out the highest grossing romantic comedy ever in the United States, now could we? In 2002, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” delighted audiences everywhere, and for good reason! Nia Vardalos is Toula, a young woman of Greek descent who embarks on a romance with Ian, who’s white and Protestant. Cultures clash as she tries to introduce him to her family’s world, making for a lot of fun, a little conflict, and a whole lot of romance. Vardalos’ portrayal is wildly relatable and endearing, and we’d be remiss not to praise John Corbett’s performance as Ian. Plus, the story itself is just plain entertaining. Put it all together, and you get a rom-com that’s been winning people over for decades.
#34: “Pretty Woman” (1990)
#33: “Love, Simon” (2018)
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#32: “Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011)
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#31: “Say Anything...” (1989)
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#30: “(500) Days of Summer” (2009)
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Just because the main couple doesn’t end up together doesn’t mean the story isn’t romantic. In fact, in this case, that might be the very reason it endures. In “(500) Days of Summer,” we run the entire course of Tom and Summer’s relationship and post-break up lives in nonlinear fashion. We see things mainly through his perspective, as he attempts to process what went wrong. But watching the events of the film play out, it’s clear to the audience that Tom’s recollection is heavily biased. Despite the happy moments they shared, the pair was never going to work – and isn’t that what often happens in real life?
#29: “Bridget Jones's Diary” (2001)
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#28: “Call Me by Your Name” (2017)
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#27: “The Way We Were” (1973)
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#26: “Notting Hill” (1999)
#25: “Ever After” (1998)
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There have been a number of “Cinderella” adaptations, some better than others. When it comes to 1998’s “Ever After,” there’s a strong argument to make that it’s one of, if not the best. What makes it so great is how it turns the usual interpretation of “Cinderella” on its head. There’s no magic in this tale, just love and a whole lot of heart. It stars Drew Barrymore as a woman named Danielle. Just like the Cinderella we know, Danielle plays servant to her stepmother and stepsisters, and falls in love with a prince. But the story has a much-needed feminist bent, with the relationship between Danielle and her prince unfolding in a real and respectful manner. We love to see it.
#24: “Moulin Rouge!” (2001)
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#23: “The Big Sick” (2017)
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#22: “It Happened One Night” (1934)
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#21: “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993)
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#20: “In the Mood for Love” (2000)
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It’s interesting that one of the greatest romantic stories of all time involves almost no physical contact between its leads. But the intimacy between Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung’s characters in “In the Mood for Love” is one of the most sensual things committed to screen. The pair stars as two people whose respective partners begin to cheat on them with one another. What starts off as an innocent bond over the betrayal soon develops into deep feelings. Will the two start an affair of their own? Will they find their way to each other and end up together in the end? The answer to both of those questions is no, but that doesn’t stop the tragic love story from holding immense appeal.
#19: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)
If you could erase a relationship from your mind, would you do it? That’s the question at the heart of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” There’s a number of ways to read the premise of this film. It could be about two people who are destined to be together, but need a little push. Or it could be about two people who are fundamentally wrong for each other ignoring all the signs they should move on. However you interpret it though, there’s no denying that “Eternal Sunshine” gorgeously plays with memory and the idea of love lost in a melancholic, yet endearing way.
#18: “Moonlight” (2016)
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Sometimes, a movie comes out that defines a filmmaking generation. “Moonlight” felt like one of those movies. It follows a young Black man, Chiron, through his life, from childhood to adulthood. Over the course of the story, he deals with abuse in his family, as well as confusion surrounding his own sexuality and ideas about gender roles. He also has significant interactions with someone named Kevin. Granted, the Oscar-winning film is mostly about the protagonist discovering his own identity. But the way writer/director Barry Jenkins captures the intimacy between Chiron and Kevin makes for some of the most romantic shots of the last decade. This enriches the already magnetic material, giving us a masterful tale about love and acceptance in all its forms.
#17: “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019)
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is one of those films that’s passionate in every sense of the word. It’s about Marianne, a painter who is hired to create a portrait of a woman, Héloïse, prior to the latter’s wedding. Throughout the course of events, the two women form a deep romantic bond. Writer-director Céline Sciamma’s project is filled with lingering looks and hidden glances that are nothing short of captivating. But make no mistake – this isn’t merely a story of repression. Instead, it’s about how freeing it can be to let go of the restraints placed on us, even if only for a time. The truth that comes with the heart-wrenching ending only drives that point home more.
#16: “La La Land” (2016)
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Some of the most romantic movies of the Golden Age of Hollywood are musicals. “La La Land” takes the color and joy of those iconic moving pictures and paints them over a modern sensibility. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling bring Mia and Seb, struggling artists in Los Angeles, to vivid life. The two strike up a messy, real, entrancing relationship, but career paths and circumstances drive them apart. The story ends on a bittersweet note, with Mia and Seb seeing each other years later, both wildly successful. What follows is one of the greatest montages in recent memory, as we essentially get a dream ballet of what their lives could’ve looked like together. It’s equal parts romantic and devastating, just like the film itself.
#15: “A Walk to Remember” (2002)
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This one goes out to 2000s teenagers everywhere. One of the earlier Nicholas Sparks adaptations, “A Walk to Remember” was a massive box office hit. While some might call its sincerity trite, we think the earnestness on display is what makes it work so well. The movie sees Mandy Moore as Jamie, a Reverend’s daughter who gets involved with rebel Landon, played by Shane West, when he’s forced to join the school play. Feelings soon develop, but things take a turn for the worst when he learns she has terminal cancer. He basically spends the rest of her time trying to make her dreams come true, and it’s as poignant as you’d imagine. Pass the tissues, please.
#14: “Roman Holiday” (1953)
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck gallivanting around Italy. Who could ask for anything more? “Roman Holiday” is one of the quintessential romantic comedies of 1950s Hollywood. But this movie’s secret weapon is its bittersweet ending. Peck stars as Joe, a journalist who sets out to get a story on Hepburn’s Princess Ann. What starts off as a job, however, quickly turns into more. The two (joined by his photographer friend Irving) traverse around the city of Rome, gradually falling more and more in love. But sadly, all good things must end. Still, Joe nixes the story, his feelings for Ann winning out. And although they can’t be together, they’ll always have Rome — thankfully, so will we.
#13: “Ghost” (1990)
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It’s difficult to make an erotic hit when one of the lead characters can’t physically touch the other for much of the runtime. But don’t underestimate the power of Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. Also pottery — never underestimate the power of pottery (we know, he’s alive in that scene, but still!) After Sam is killed, he returns as a ghost to help his girlfriend Molly to figure out what happened. There’s a lot of mystical elements at play, including Whoopi Goldberg as a psychic, and they add an exciting, fresh layer to the story. Of course, there’s also plenty to be said about Swayze and Moore’s on-screen bond. Their characters’ final goodbye alone has us weeping. Who ever said romance and fantasy don’t mix wonderfully?!
#12: “Brokeback Mountain” (2005)
“Brokeback Mountain” follows the romantic relationship between Jack and Ennis, two cowboys who meet in 1960s Wyoming. Their physical and emotional bond is strong, but self-loathing and society threaten to keep them apart. As the movie goes on, it becomes apparent that a happy ending is not in the cards for these men. Stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger give achingly poignant performances, while the script reflects the deeply personal consequences of oppression. By the time the credits roll, we’re left with a gut-wrenching feeling in our hearts that we can’t shake. But no matter how many times its ending breaks our hearts into pieces, we’ll always come back.
#11: “The Princess Bride” (1987)
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Everyone loves a good adventure story. And some of the best adventure stories have a romantic heart at their center. For as silly and swashbuckling as “The Princess Bride” can get, it never loses sight of that fact. The romance between Westley and Buttercup might initially strike you as slightly trite. Like the Grandson in his bed, you may feel like skipping the kissing and getting to the action. But as the movie goes on, the electricity between Cary Elwes and Robin Wright’s characters slowly pulls you to the couple’s side. By the end, just like the Grandson, you too won’t really “mind” sitting through those swooning romance scenes! If you’re like us, you’ll enjoy them so much the movie will become a comforting go-to!
#10: “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
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“10 Things I Hate About You” is more than just your average teen comedy. It’s the movie that gave us Heath Ledger as a certified heartthrob, for one thing. Ledger’s portrayal of Patrick is just part of the equation. There’s also his dynamic with Julia Stiles’ Kat, which is caustic, sexy, and utterly delightful. And the story of these two outcasts coming together will always be timeless. Now, “10 Things” is full of comedy, to be sure. But watching as Patrick sings Frankie Valli, Kat recites her poem, and the couple’s heartwarming reunion at the end, we can’t help but be swept away. That’s because at the end of the day, what drives the story and takes it to the next level is love.
#9: “Dirty Dancing” (1987)
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It’s been well-documented by this point that Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze didn’t always get along on the set of this 1987 classic. However, what’s also well documented is the fact that this translated to pure, magnetic passion on screen. “Dirty Dancing” is a coming-of-age story that defined a generation, and one of the sexiest movies of all time. Grey plays Baby, a teenage dreamer who develops feelings for Johnny, the dance teacher at the establishment she and her family visit over the summer. The film has everything: forbidden love, a beautiful location, great songs, and two stars at the top of their game. We certainly had the time of our lives.
#8: “Romeo + Juliet” (1996)
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It’s a classic, but with a twist. Before he was the king of the world in “Titanic,” Leonardo DiCaprio was playing one of the most identifiable romantic characters of all time. In Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet,” he stars opposite Claire Danes in a modern-yet-traditional take on the Bard’s well-known play. He and Danes have an amazing connection, right up to the film’s inevitable tragic end. Just try to watch that meet-cute through the fish tank without a huge grin on your face. Go on, try! We dare you. They also make their characters feel real, allowing audiences to really believe in the love story. Of course, the whole thing is bolstered by Luhrmann’s flawless vision. In other words, the 1996 flick is a must-watch.
#7: “West Side Story” (1961)
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In 1961, Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise changed the movie musical game forever with “West Side Story.” Based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” the film follows rival gangs, one white, one Puerto Rican, in New York City. Tony, who’s on the side of the Jets, and Maria, the sister of the Sharks’ leader, end up meeting and falling in love. Obviously, tragedy ensues. There have been several iterations of this story on stage and on screen, but we’re always drawn back to this one. Everything from its sets, to its beautifully melodramatic performances, to its stunning choreography, evokes romance at its biggest and boldest.
#6: “The Notebook” (2004)
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If you’re a bird, I’m a bird. Strange that 2004’s “The Notebook” could make that one of the most romantic lines ever, but that’s what happened. It follows Noah and Allie, two lovers from opposite worlds, through their lives together, apart, and back together again. This film could have been a just okay adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel, but then came Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. The spark between their characters is undeniable from the moment they meet. Whether they’re fighting (which happens quite often) or kissing (which also happens quite often), every movement between them is charged with passion. The couple’s happy ending mixed in with the bittersweet sadness of the film’s final act only solidifies its place as one of the best.
#5: “Pride & Prejudice” (2005)
Comparing ALL the Pride & Prejudice Movies
Of course we needed to include an adaptation from Jane Austen, one of the absolute masters of romantic fiction. And “Pride and Prejudice” might be her best work. This film version, directed by Joe Wright, gives us Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet, and Matthew Macfadyen as the grumpy yet endearing Mr. Darcy. When the story starts, these two have no interest in each other. But, as their titular pride and prejudice start to fade away, the pair falls deep in love. We all know that Austen has written some of the most romantic lines in literary history. And this movie crucially puts the most pivotal ones to good use, with Knightley and Macfadyen knocking their readings out of the park. Its power is virtually unmatched.
#4: “Titanic” (1997)
Top 10 Facts about Titanic the Movie
We’ll never let go of this movie as one of the most romantic ever! Before “Titanic” was released in 1997, plenty of people thought it was going to be a major flop. The production was so tumultuous, there was no way it could be anything else, right? Wrong – the film is an absolute masterpiece, and what Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio accomplish will go down in cinematic history. The relationship between Rose, an unhappy girl from a privileged background, and Jack, a dreamer from the wrong side of the tracks, is one of the most indelible romances ever committed to screen. Not to mention the pure production value on display. “Titanic” is, in the simplest terms, epic in every regard.
#3: “Before Sunset” (2004)
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When it comes to portraying enduring romance, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke have it down. The “Before” trilogy, which includes bookends “Before Sunrise” and “Before Midnight” is one of the most romantic of all time. But our favorite movie in the bunch comes in the middle. Set nine years after Jesse and Céline’s one romantic night in Vienna, “Before Sunset” sees the couple finally reuniting. It’s pure wish fulfillment. Everyone wants to know what happened to the one that got away, wants to know what could have been. In “Before Sunset,” our characters get to live out that fairytale, and it’s done absolutely impeccably.
#2: “When Harry Met Sally...” (1989)
Top 10 Funniest Rom-Coms of All Time
Since 1989, there have been a plethora of wonderful modern romantic comedies. But the best in the bunch came out that year, and remains practically impossible to beat. “When Harry Met Sally…” features Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal as its titular characters, chronicling their intertwining lives throughout the years. You might not expect it, but their chemistry is some of the best that’s ever been seen in a rom-com. His humor plays off her sassiness well, and you can’t help but find yourself invested in their story. If you’re not crying by the time Harry gives his speech at the New Year’s party, you’re stronger than us. Nora Ephron’s writing, Rob Reiner’s direction, the acting – it all hooks us and doesn’t let go.
#1: “Casablanca” (1942)
Several decades later, “Casablanca” is still the best romantic film we’ve ever seen. Humphrey Bogart is Rick, a sullen nightclub owner in the titular city during World War II, and Ingrid Bergman is Ilsa, his long lost love. “Casablanca” is about many things, like enduring in the face of fascism, and doing the right thing even when it might be difficult. It’s also about love, pure and unadulterated, and the things we’ll do for someone when we truly care about them. Bogart and Bergman are both brilliant, giving unrivaled performances in a game-changing movie. We’ll never forget this one.