Can You Feel the Love Tonight?
Whether you’re a romance movie aficionado or simply want to learn a thing or two about film culture, it’s apparent that romance sells. This massive genre has hooked moviegoing audiences for decades, and it’s clear to see why. With that in mind, here are 20 of the best romance movies out there.
1. The Notebook
Released in 2004, this movie stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as they personify a young couple, Noah and Allie. They fall in love one summer in 1940, and the movie explores themes of unconditional love and the power of memory as the perspective shifts from their past to present time.
Elen Nivrae from Paris, France on Wikimedia
2. Titanic
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, this movie was released in 1997 and left audiences swooning. It romanticizes the devastating fate of the Titanic, and places two star-crossed lovers on a ship where their destiny is already predetermined.
Francis Godolphin Osbourne Stuart on Wikimedia
3. Casablanca
This classic film, released in 1942, starred Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. It follows the characters during World War 1 and brings up issues of sacrifice and the intersection between love versus duty as the lead must decide between love and his livelihood.
4. An Affair to Remember
Sleepless in Seattle pays homage to this 1957 movie starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. After initially falling in love during a cruise, the two decide to rendezvous six months later at the Empire State Building, but when one doesn’t make it, the other must face themes of fate and second chances.
5. Gone with the Wind
Another classic, this movie, released in 1939, starred Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. The American Civil War serves as the backdrop of this film as young Scarlett searches for love in the face of war, showcasing the complex nature of romantic entanglement.
micheile henderson on Unsplash
6. Brokeback Mountain
Released in 2005, this movie sheds light on internal conflict and forbidden love as two men engage in a love affair. The only issue being the fact that they’re cowboys in a conservative community. Starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, this movie presents love in the face of societal pressures.
Mads Schmidt Rasmussen on Unsplash
7. Ghost
Known iconically for that one scene with the pottery, this film, released in 1990, starred Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg. It showcases the eternal nature of love as a man continues to linger after passing in order to protect his girlfriend.
8. Roman Holiday
Starring the iconic Audrey Hepburn and her co-star Gregory Peck, this movie, released in 1953, follows Princess Ann as she evades royalty and decides to take a Roman holiday of sorts. She ends up spending her time with an American journalist, and the movie demonstrates how a brief romantic interlude can be impactful on one's whole life.
9. When Harry Met Sally
Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, this movie, released in 1989, follows the titular characters, Harry and Sally, as they turn friendship into romance. It asks the simple question if men can be friends with women, and uses themes of timing and evolution as a basis.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
10. A Walk to Remember
This film, released in 2002, stars Mandy Moore and Shane West. Focused on redemption and the transformative power of love, it follows a rebellious high school student as he falls in love with a minister’s daughter. The daughter’s illness means her time is fleeting, and so the boy is determined to give her the best of life before she’s gone.
Daniel Benavides from Austin, TX on Wikimedia
11. Dirty Dancing
Diving into themes of self-discovery, rebellion, and the good ol’ fashioned power of dance, this movie wowed crowds in 1987. Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, it follows a girl vacationing with her family where she discovers a new world and passion after meeting a dance instructor.
12. The Sound of Music
This beloved musical, released in 1965, starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Focusing on the healing power of love and the importance of family, it follows a governess caring for seven children as their widower father slowly falls in love with her.
13. Romeo + Juliet
Based on the classic Shakespearean play by the same name, this movie, released in 1996, stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. It offers a modernized look at the story, exploring themes of forbidden love and youth. What was with DiCaprio having to break our hearts in every film he’s in?
Konstantin Makovsky on Wikimedia
14. Love Story
Starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal, this story follows two young lovers with different social backgrounds falling in love. It focuses on the brevity of life, as the girl comes to terms with a terminal illness.
National General Pictures on Wikimedia
15. Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman offers a unique look at social class, redemption, and how love can change lives entirely. It was released in 1990 and stars Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, the latter of which plays a lady of the night that a wealthy businessman hires to accompany him to events.
16. Say Anything
Say Anything released in 1989 and stars John Cusack and Ione Skye. It follows high school graduates falling in love, but the constraints of family expectations and an uncertain future make love so difficult to attain.
17. The Age of Innocence
As the name indicates, this movie, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder, explores societal expectations and repression. A wealthy lawyer is set to marry a certain girl, but has passionate feelings for another.
18. The Bridges of Madison County
This movie stars beloved actors Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood and was released in 1995. It follows a housewife as she has an affair with a traveling photographer. Despite the brevity of their exchange, she finds it leaves a lasting impact on her life.
19. The Princess Bride
For many children growing up, this movie defined their expectations of love and solidified the power of storytelling. It follows a woman who is forced into an engagement but is luckily rescued by her true love. Starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright, it uses humor and adventure to tell a wholesome love story.
20. The Photograph
Starring Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield, this movie, released in 2020, follows a girl who sets off on an adventure after finding a photograph of her late mother. Following themes of love through time and emotional healing, she ends up forming a connection with a journalist and learns new things about love.
