70 Must-Watch Romantic Movies

Introduction

Few things in life are as heartwarming and emotionally captivating as a well-made romantic movie. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or simply in search of a feel-good film to brighten your day, this list of the 70 best and most romantic movies is sure to have something for everyone. From classic love stories to modern gems, let’s embark on a journey through the world of cinematic romance.

Classics (Pre-2000s):

1. “Gone with the Wind” (1939) – A sweeping epic of love set against the backdrop of the American Civil War.
2. “Casablanca” (1942) – A timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and duty set in war-torn Morocco.
3. “Roman Holiday” (1953) – Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s charming escapade through the streets of Rome.
4. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961) – Audrey Hepburn’s iconic portrayal of the eccentric Holly Golightly.
5. “The Notebook” (2004) – A heartfelt love story spanning decades, based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel.

Modern Classics (2000s – Present):

6. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004) – A unique and poignant exploration of love and memory.
7. “Pride & Prejudice” (2005) – A stunning adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel.
8. “500 Days of Summer” (2009) – An unconventional tale of love and heartbreak.
9. “La La Land” (2016) – A visually stunning musical about dreams, love, and ambition.
10. “Call Me by Your Name” (2017) – A sensuous summer romance set in Italy.

Romantic Comedies:

11. “When Harry Met Sally…” (1989) – The iconic friendship-turned-romance story starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal.
12. “Notting Hill” (1999) – A charming tale of love between a British bookseller and a Hollywood star.
13. “Love Actually” (2003) – A heartwarming ensemble film exploring various aspects of love during the holiday season.
14. “Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011) – A hilarious and heartwarming comedy about love and self-discovery.
15. “The Big Sick” (2017) – A true story of love, culture clash, and family.

Period Dramas:

16. “Sense and Sensibility” (1995) – A Jane Austen adaptation featuring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet.
17. “Becoming Jane” (2007) – A fictionalized account of Jane Austen’s own romantic experiences.
18. “Anna Karenina” (2012) – A visually stunning adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel.
19. “The Favourite” (2018) – A darkly comedic exploration of love and power in the 18th century.
20. “Emma” (2020) – A delightful adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel.

Musical Romances:

21. “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) – A vibrant and visually stunning love story set in a Parisian cabaret.
22. “The Greatest Showman” (2017) – A musical extravaganza that celebrates love, dreams, and individuality.
23. “A Star Is Born” (2018) – The tragic love story of a seasoned musician and a rising star.

Foreign Romance:

24. “Amélie” (2001) – A whimsical and heartwarming French film about a young woman’s quest for love.
25. “In the Mood for Love” (2000) – A visually exquisite Hong Kong romance set in the 1960s.
26. “Before Sunrise” (1995) – An intimate exploration of love and connection in Vienna.

Science Fiction/Fantasy Romance:

27. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” (2009) – A love story with a time-travel twist.
28. “Her” (2013) – A futuristic tale of love between a man and an artificial intelligence.
29. “The Shape of Water” (2017) – A unique love story between a mute woman and a mysterious aquatic creature.

Teen Romances:

30. “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) – A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.”
31. “A Walk to Remember” (2002) – A tearjerker based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel.
32. “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014) – A poignant tale of young love amidst illness.

LGBTQ+ Romances:

33. “Brokeback Mountain” (2005) – A groundbreaking love story between two cowboys.
34. “Moonlight” (2016) – An Oscar-winning exploration of love and identity in a young man’s life.
35. “Carol” (2015) – A beautifully crafted story of love between two women in the 1950s.

Episodic Romances:

36. “Outlander” (2014 – Present) – A historical time-travel romance series based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels.
37. “The Crown” (2016 – Present) – A biographical drama series that explores the love story of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
38. “Fleabag” (2016 – 2019) – A brilliant and witty exploration of love and relationships in modern London.

Animated Romances:

39. “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) – A timeless Disney classic with an enchanting love story.
40. “Up” (2009) – A heartwarming tale of love and adventure that begins with a house floating away with balloons.
41. “Your Name” (2016) – A visually stunning Japanese anime that explores a mystical connection between two strangers.

Unconventional Romances:

42. “Lost in Translation” (2003) – A subtle and introspective exploration of a unique connection between two lost souls.
43. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004) – A mind-bending romance that delves into memory and relationships.
44. “500 Days of Summer” (2009) – A nonlinear narrative that dissects the highs and lows of a modern relationship.

Long-Distance Love:

45. “Before Sunrise” (1995) – The first installment of a trilogy following two people’s evolving connection over two decades.
46. “Like Crazy” (2011) – A realistic portrayal of the challenges of long-distance relationships.

Romantic Thrillers:

47. “Rebecca” (1940) – A haunting tale of love and suspense directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
48. “Before I Go to Sleep” (2014) – A psychological thriller with a romantic twist.

Forbidden Love:

49. “Romeo + Juliet” (1996) – Baz Luhrmann’s modern take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.
50. “The Reader” (2008) – A complex exploration of love, secrets, and post-war Germany.

Realistic Love Stories:

51. “Blue Valentine” (2010) – A raw and honest portrayal of the highs and lows of a relationship.
52. “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012) – A quirky and heartwarming story of two damaged souls finding love.

Interracial Love:

53. “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967) – A groundbreaking film about interracial love and acceptance.
54. “The Princess and the Frog” (2009) – Disney’s charming portrayal of love transcending societal boundaries.

Love in Unusual Places:

55. “The Shape of Water” (2017) – A unique love story between a mute woman and a mysterious aquatic creature.
56. “Lars and the Real Girl” (2007) – A quirky tale of a man and his unconventional “girlfriend.”

Romantic Biopics:

57. “A Beautiful Mind” (2001) – A biographical drama that explores the love story behind mathematician John Nash.
58. “The Theory of Everything” (2014) – A touching portrayal of the love between Stephen Hawking and Jane Wilde.

Romantic Ensemble Films:

59. “Love Actually” (2003) – An ensemble cast explores various aspects of love during the holiday season.
60. “Valentine’s Day” (2010) – An interconnected ensemble cast celebrates love on Valentine’s Day.

Timeless Romantic Comedies:

61. “Groundhog Day” (1993) – A comedic take on love and personal growth, starring Bill Murray.
62. “The Wedding Singer” (1998) – A hilarious and heartwarming comedy set in the 1980s.

Heartfelt Dramas:

63. “Atonement” (2007) – A story of love and redemption with a powerful twist.
64. “Blue Is the Warmest Color” (2013) – A passionate and intense love story between two young women.

Wedding-Themed Romances:

65. “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997) – A rom-com with a twist as Julia Roberts realizes her love for her best friend.
66. “27 Dresses” (2008) – A fun exploration of love and weddings, starring Katherine Heigl.

Romantic Adventures:

67. “The Princess Bride” (1987) – A classic fairy tale adventure filled with romance, humor, and swashbuckling action.
68. “The Proposal” (2009) – A humorous take on a fake engagement that turns into something more.

Cross-Cultural Romance:

69. “The Namesake” (2006) – A heartwarming tale of love and identity in an Indian-American family.
70. “The Lunchbox” (2013) – A sweet and unconventional love story through exchanged notes and food.

Conclusion

This list of the 70 best and most romantic movies offers a diverse range of love stories to suit every taste and preference. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic tale of star-crossed lovers, a heartwarming romantic comedy, or an unconventional and thought-provoking love story, there’s a film here for everyone. So grab some popcorn, snuggle up with your loved one or enjoy some me-time, and let these cinematic masterpieces sweep you off your feet into the enchanting world of romance.