We absolutely love a good romantic movie, but finding the best romantic movies to watch can sometime be difficult. I mean, with so many classic romances and thrilling love stories, there’s just way too much choice. So we thought hard and managed to pick the best 40 that we love and we’re sure that you’ll love too. Check out the best romantic movies now!
Dirty Dancing (1987)
“Nobody puts baby in a corner.“
Another couple who did not get on at all whilst filming a movie Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey certainly sizzle on screen. Frances ‘Baby’ Housman falls in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle when they are thrown together at a holiday resort. Throw an over-protective father, a jealous spurned woman and many other incidents into the mix and the path of love isn’t a smooth one. With a fantastic score, amazing dance scenes and the undeniable onscreen chemistry of Swayze and Grey this is a must see romantic movie!
Where to watch: Amazon
The Notebook (1990)
“I think our love can do anything we want it to.“
With it being widely reported that Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams didn’t get on at all whilst filming The Notebook then you would never guess from their on screen chemistry (the couple did end up briefly dating after the movie had premiered). The movie is based on the book of the same name by Nicolas Sparks, which itself is based on the real life story of his (now ex) wife’s grandparents. The film tells the story of Noah and Allie, a couple who meet and fall in love in the 1940s. It is told from the perspective of an elderly man who is reading the story from a notebook to another resident in another nursing home resident who is suffering from dementia. Just be warned: keep the tissues handy for the ending of this one!
Where to watch: Amazon
Pretty Woman (1990)
“She Rescues Him Right Back.“
What rich entrepreneur Edward sees as a simple business venture sure does turn out complicated when love gets in the way! After suddenly breaking up with his girlfriend Edward hires sex worker Vivian to play as his girlfriend for the week to a series of business events, Vivienne agrees for a sum of money and a new wardrobe! Things don’t turn out quite so straightforward as the couple, played by Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, start to fall for each other despite the huge difference in their lifestyles. With the highest number of ticket sales for a romantic comedy and a slew of awards and nominations this definitely deserves it’s place in the romantic movie hall of fame.
Where to watch: Amazon
The Bodyguard (1992)
“I Will Always Love You.”
Famous singer and actor Rachel Marron takes on ex-special agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer when she is sent death threats from a crazed stalker. With the two getting close and despite Frank trying to maintain a professional distance attraction sparks and the couple begin to bond whilst still trying to deal with the obsessed stalker. With Whitney Houston’s stunning rendition of I Will Always Love You and the dazzling chemistry between Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston this is a must see movie!
Where to watch: Amazon
Ghost (1990)
“It’s amazing, Molly. The love inside, you take it with you.“
The film that gave us that iconic sexy pottery scene! Sam and Molly are madly in love but tragedy strikes when Sam is murdered by thugs. With Molly’s life still in danger he comes back from the grave through psychic Oda Mae Brown to protect her. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore give outstanding performances as the ill fated lovers and Whoopi Goldberg’s performance as psychic Oda Mae won her an oscar.
Where to watch: Amazon
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
“I’ll have what she’s having.“
With the fake orgasm scene almost becoming bigger than the film, that scene alone makes this film worth a watch! When Harry Burns and Sally Albright meet as college graduates they share a car ride from Chicago to New York, a particular argument proves contentious about whether men and women can truly remain platonic friends without sex becoming involved. Ten years in the future, Harry and Sally meet again at a bookstore and their friendship is rekindled leading to them attempting to remain friends without sex getting in the way. Billy Crystal and Meg Tyan are the titular couple in this now iconic romantic comedy.
Where to watch: Amazon
Titanic (1997)
“It Was The Ship Of Dreams.”
The epic disaster movie which also heavily features the romance between Rose and Jack, two young lovers on the ill-fated maiden journey of the Titanic. Despite being from different social classes the two leads fall in love and fight to survive on the disaster ship. Who can forget the iconic My Heart Will Go On moment and the stunning performances from Lenardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslett!
Where to watch: Amazon
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
“These people aren’t just rich, they’re crazy rich.“
The film based on the book of the same name from author Kevin Kwan. Rachel Chu is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. She’s also surprised to learn that Nick’s family is extremely wealthy and he’s considered one of the country’s most eligible bachelors. Thrust into the spotlight, Rachel must now contend with jealous socialites, quirky relatives and something far, far worse — Nick’s disapproving mother. Starring Constance Wu and Henry Golding this a romantic comedy must watch!
Where to watch: Amazon
A Star Is Born (2018)
“I hope it’s okay if I love you forever, Jack.“
A critical and commercial success this movie garnered a plethora of Oscar nominations for the cast and crew, including the two leads Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Cooper plays the famous country singer, Jackson ‘Jack’ Maine who is struggling with addiction issues. In a drag bar in Jack discovers — and falls in love with — struggling artist Ally. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer until Jackson coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jackson fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons. With the movie being praised for many aspects but especially for the chemistry between the two stars this is a must watch movie!
Where to watch: Amazon
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
“Did my heart love ’til now? Forswear its sight. For I never saw true beauty ’til this night.“
A more modern take on the classic Shakespeare tale starring Leonardo Dicaprio and Claire Danes as Juliet and her Romeo. The Capulets and The Montagues are fierce rival families in Verona and their children Romeo and Juliet fall deeply in love. The film keeps the original Shakespearean dialogue but the film is given a more modern vibe with a hip soundtrack and guns are used instead of swords. Many of the play’s iconic scenes are still there so be sure to check out this version of Verona’s star crossed lovers.
Where to watch: Amazon
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
“Constantly talking isn’t necessarily communicating.“
This film has gained something of a cult following since it’s release. The title is based on the poem from 1717 Eloisa to Abelard by Alexander Pope. Jim Carey and Kate Winslet play the titular couple Joel and Clementine who begin a relationship after a train journey together. The couple are unaware that they were already a couple once but have had the memories of each other clinically erased after a painful breakup. As without any knowledge of each other they begin to bond again, could this mean that they were truly meant to be?
Where to watch: Amazon
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
“I don’t care if you’re movin’ slow or fast, as long as it’s my direction.“
The beautiful epic western starring Jake Gyllenhall and Heath Ledger as rodeo cowboy Jack Twist and ranch hand Ennis Del Mar respectively. The two are hired by rancher Joe Aguirre as sheep herders in Wyoming. Whilst they are drinking one night on Brokeback Mountain, Jack makes a drunken pass at Ennis. Eventually Ennis reciprocates. In an attempt to try to deny his true feelings Ennis goes on to marry his longtime sweetheart, Alma (Michelle Williams), whilst Jack marries a fellow rodeo rider (Anne Hathaway). Despite both now being married the two men keep up their tortured and sporadic affair over the course of 20 years. Critically acclaimed and only just missing out on an Oscar for best picture this heartbreaking movie is a must see.
Where to watch: Amazon
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
“Call me by your name and I’ll call you by mine.“
A sudden and powerful romance that blossoms between an adolescent boy and a summer guest at his parents’ cliffside mansion on the Italian Riviera. Each is unprepared for the consequences of their attraction. Recklessly, the two verge toward the one thing both fear they may never truly find again: total intimacy.
This movie gained a standing ovation when it was shown at the Sundance Film Festival and has received universal critical acclaim as well as gathering a huge international fan base and is a must see!
Where to watch: Amazon
Sliding Doors (1998)
“Everything happens for the best. You’ll never know if you don’t try.“
This film perfectly encapsulates that moment that could change everything. Gwyneth Paltrow plays Helen, she is fired from her job as a London ad executive and rushes out to catch a train. The plot then splits and two scenarios play out. In one, she gets on the train and comes home to find her boyfriend, Gerry (John Lynch), in bed with another woman. In the second, she misses the train and arrives after the woman has left. The movie then explores the two different paths that her life could take, changed by that one single moment. Is Helen destined for happiness or a life of misery?
Where to watch: Amazon
Splash (1984)
“I don’t understand. All my life I’ve been waiting for someone and when I find her, she’s… she’s a fish.“
Eight year old Allen Bauer is on a boat trip when he falls into the water, he almost drowns when he is saved by a beutiful young mermaid. 20 years later the mermaid, Madison returns to land and seeks out Allen. On land Madison has legs and she only reverts to her fishy tail when she becomes wet. A scheming scientist becomes interested in the mermaid and before Allen can choose between life on dry land or a deep sea paradise with his dream woman. If you haven’t yet seen this 80s classic starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah then the best time to watch is now!
Where to watch: Amazon
The Shape Of Water (2017)
“He’s A Wild Creature. We Can’t Ask Him To Be Anything Else.“
The Oscar winner starring Sally Hawkins and Micheal Shannon! Elisa is a mute, isolated woman who works as a cleaning lady in a hidden, high-security government laboratory in 1962 Baltimore. Her life changes forever when she discovers the lab’s classified secret — a mysterious, scaled creature from South America that lives in a water tank. As Elisa develops a unique bond with her new friend, she soon learns that its fate and very survival lies in the hands of a hostile government agent and a marine biologist.
Where to watch: Amazon
The Fault In Our Stars (2014)
“We are a hot mess!“
Get your tissues ready! This movie explores the funny, tragic and thrilling sides of being alive and in love. Hazel has terminal cancer, with not long left to live, but she meets Augustus Walters and her story is about to be rewritten.
Where to watch: Amazon
La La Land (2016)
“A little chance encounter could be the one you’ve waited for.“
The multi-award winning film that stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Sebastian, a jazz pianist, and Mia, an aspiring actress, are drawn together by their common desire to do what they love. But as success mounts they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart. Gosling and Stone have a great chemistry that really brings the relationship of Sebastian and Mia to life.
Where to watch: Amazon
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
“When I’m around you, I kind of feel like I’m on drugs. Not that I do drugs. Unless you do drugs, in which case I do them all the time. All of them.“
Scott Pilgrim has never had any trouble getting a girlfriend as a bass guitarist for a garage-rock band. Usually the problem is getting rid of them. But when he meets Ramona Flowers and falls in love with her, he finds she has the most troublesome baggage of all: an army of ex-boyfriends who will stop at nothing to eliminate him from her list of suitors. Starring Micheal Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead this is a quirky romantic comedy that is hard not to love!
Where to watch: Amazon
Sleepless In Seattle (1993)
“I don’t deserve you.“
After the death of his wife, Sam Baldwin moves to Seattle with his son, Jonah. When Jonah calls in to a talk-radio program to find a new wife for his father, Sam reluctantly gets on the line to discuss his feelings. A reporter in Baltimore, Annie Reed, hears him speak and falls in love with him. Despite being engaged. She writes a letter to Sam asking him to meet her at the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan give wonderful performances, which allows their characters to have truly great chemistry.
Where to watch: Amazon
Truly Madly Deeply (1990)
“I am like someone who carries their loved one on their shoulder.“
Nina, an interpreter, is struggling to cope with the death of her lover Jamie. Only to find that his ghost magically appears and moves back into her flat. But she’s reminded of all the reasons why he irritated her. And then she meets Mark, a psychologist, and falls in love with him. She faces a choice between holding onto the past and facing the future. The combination of serious scenes with more comedic ones and the masterful performances by Juliet Stevenson and Alan Rickman really brings this movie to life.
Where to watch: Amazon
Gone With The Wind (1939)
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.“
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the American Civil War, Margaret Mitchell’s magnificent historical epic is an unforgettable tale of love and loss, of a nation mortally divided and a people forever changed. Above all, it is the story of beautiful, ruthless Scarlett O’Hara and the dashing soldier of fortune, Rhett Butler. The iconic move adaption stars Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, who was singled out for her performance as the perfect casting for Scarlett O’Hara. It’s a bit of an epic movie with a run time of almost four hours but every minute is worth it!
Where to watch: Amazon
Casablanca (1942)
“Here’s Looking At You, Kid.“
Rick Blaine owns a nightclub in Casablanca. He discovers his old flame Ilsa is in town with her husband, Victor Laszlo. Laszlo is a famed rebel and with Germans on his tail, Ilsa knows that Rick can help them get out of the country. Despite the film being released decades ago, it’s still super popular. The stars Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid put on a truly timeless performance. This classic is one you certainly do not want to miss.
Where to watch: Amazon
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
“Only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony, which is why I will end up an old maid.“
Mrs Bennet insists that her daughters find rich husbands and settle down. When a wealthy bachelor starts living near them, Mrs Bennet’s happiness knows no bounds. Charles Bingley is introduced with his sister, Caroline, and his friend, Mr Darcy. Bingley and Jane Bennet are taken with each other, whilst Elizabeth Bennet instantly dislikes Darcy. But fate has other plans for Elizabeth and Darcy. This romantic movie is a wonderful adaption of the Jane Austen novel, starring Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen.
Where to watch: Amazon
Weathering With You (2018)
“Who cares if we can’t see any sunshine? I want you more than any blue sky.“
Running away from home, Hodaka Morishima escape to Tokyo. But from the start nothing is going his way. His ferry gets caught in a rainstorm, the rain never stops pouring, he has no money and can’t seem to find a job anywhere.
Finally, he gets a job at an occult publishing company and learns about the existence of sunshine girls, who have the ability to control the weather. He meets and befriends Hina Amano, who is a real-life sunshine girl. And for once, things seem to be going well for Hodaka.
Where to watch: Amazon
Your Name (2016)
“I wanted to tell you that… Wherever you may end up in this world, I will be searching for you.”
Mitsuha Miyamizu lives in a rural countryside town, but she longs to live in the city. Inexplicably she begins to switch bodies intermittently with Taki Tachibana, who is living in the city.
At first, they both think that its just vivid dreams, but they soon realise that they can communicate with each other. They leave messages on paper, phones and sometimes even on their skin. But why is the body switching happening? And what will happen if it stops?
Where to watch: Amazon
Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (2020)
“The first time i wanted to kiss you.”
This movie is set in France, 1770 where Marianne, a painter, is commissioned to do the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. Héloïse is a reluctant bride to be and Marianne must paint her without her knowing. She observes her by day, to paint her secretly. Despite Héloïse’s criticism of the finished portrait the couple begin to grow closer. According to Metacritic this is the second best reviewed movie of 2019 and is a Must See Movie!
Where to watch: Amazon
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
“You can be mad at someone and still miss them.”
What happens when secret love letters you wrote for every boy you’ve ever been in love with gets mailed to them? Lara Jean is about to find out and her love life spins from imaginary to out of control. She even kisses one of the boys, Peter, in order to avoid confrontation with another, Josh. And then she pretends to date Peter to make his ex-girlfriend jealous.
Where to watch: Netflix
Image Credit: Netflix
Beauty And The Beast (1991)
“A tale as old as time…“
This Disney re-imagining of the 1756 French fairy tale of the same name by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont is a wonderful lively version, perfect for children and adults too!
Beauty and the Beast focuses on the relationship between the Beast a prince who is magically transformed into a monster and his servants into household objects as punishment for his arrogance, and Belle a young woman whom he imprisons in his castle. To break the curse, Beast must learn to love Belle and earn her love in return before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose or else the Beast will remain a monster forever. With beautiful songs and animation then you need to watch this magical romance now whatever your age!
Where to watch: Amazon
Carol (2015)
“I don’t know what I want. How could I know what I want if I say yes to everything?”
Based on The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, this movie stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Therese Belivet works at a department store in Manhattan where she encounters the beautiful Carol Aird, who is searching for a doll for her daughter. Carol accidentally leaves her gloves on the counter when buying a model train set instead. Therese mails the gloves back to her and Carol takes Therese out to lunch to thank her for it. But things take an unexpected turn when Therese develops strong feelings for Carol. That this movie received a ten minute standing ovation at it’s Cannes film festival premiere speaks volumes, and the two leads have been lauded for their seamless performances. Definitely catch this one!
Where to watch: Amazon
The Princess Bride (1987)
“Love, true love, will follow you forever.”
A fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. Based on the William Goldman novel “The Princess Bride” which earned its own loyal audience. Buttercup is living in the fictional land of Florin on a farm. She realizes that the farmhand Westley is in love with her and she loves him. But after he goes oversees to earn a fortune so he can marry her, his ship is attacked by the Dread Pirate Roberts. Buttercup and Westley will do anything so they can be reunited again. An 80s Classic that is still worth a watch today!
Where to watch: Amazon
Love Actually (2003)
“I’ll be hanging around the mistletoe, hoping to be kissed.”
Eight couples search for love and holiday cheer in London, among them: the Prime Minister who’s smitten with his caterer; a widower whose young son nurses the ultimate schoolboy crush; a writer who falls for his Portuguese housekeeper; a devoted wife and mother coping with her potentially unfaithful husband; and a lovelorn American who’s desperately attracted to a colleague. This star-studded movie is one you don’t want to miss.
Where to watch: Amazon
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
“When somebody asks me a question, I tell them the answer.”
This movies is worth it for the big Bollywood style rendition of Jai Ho alone! 18-year-old Jamal Malik is one question away from the grand prize on Kaun Banega Crorepati (Who Wants To Be A Millionaire). However he is detained and tortured by the police on suspicion of cheating. Through a series of flashbacks, Jamal recounts the incidents that gave him the answers to every question. Many years later Jamal is working in a call centre and romance begins to blossom between Jamal and childhood friend Latika. When Jamal loses touch with Latika he decides to retry his appearance on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire to try to find her again. Will Jamal win the prize and the girl? Watch and find out!
Where to watch: Amazon
The Photograph (2020)
“I wish I was as good at love as I was at working.”
When famed photographer Christina Eames dies unexpectedly, she leaves her daughter, Mae, hurt and full of questions. But then Mae finds a photograph tucked away in a safe-deposit box and she finds herself delving into the early life of her mother. A journey that leads to an unexpected romance with a rising journalist. Starring Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield, this movie is a definite must-watch.
Where to watch: Amazon
Me Before You (2016)
“You are pretty much the only thing that makes me want to get up in the morning.”
Young and quirky Louisa moves from one job to the next in order to help her family make ends meet. Her cheerful attitude is put to the test when she becomes the caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from an accident two years earlier. Louisa tries to show him that life is worth living and his cynical outlook begins to fade. Their lives changes in ways they could never have imagined as they grow closer. Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin have an alluring chemistry that makes this movie worth the watch.
Where to watch: Amazon
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
“Don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.”
This title is loosely based on the Shakespeare classic, Taming Of The Shrew. Kat Stratford is beautiful, smart and quite abrasive to most of her fellow teens, meaning that she doesn’t attract many boys. Unfortunately for her younger sister, Bianca, house rules say she can’t date until Kat has a boyfriend. So Bianca tries to set Kat up for romance. Things are starting to look up for Bianca when Kat crosses paths with the handsome new arrival Patrick Verona. What really makes the movie a masterpiece is the way Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger portray the bittersweet relationship.
Where to watch: Amazon
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
“I don’t want to sound foolish, but remember love is what brought you here. And if you’ve trusted love this far, don’t panic now. Trust it all the way.”
In early 1970s Harlem, pregnant and engaged Tish vividly recalls the passion, respect and trust that have connected her and her artist fiancé Alonzo Hunt, who goes by the nickname Fonny. Friends since childhood, the devoted couple dream of a future together, but their plans are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he did not commit. Now Tish needs to prove his innocence. Regina Kings’s performance received critical acclaim so trust love and give this movie a watch!
Where to watch: Amazon
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
“I’m so glad you bought me that ice cream.”
Cal Weaver is living the American dream. He has a good job, a beautiful house, great children and a gorgeous wife. However, Cal’s perfect life unravels when he learns that Emily has been unfaithful and wants a divorce. Over 40 and suddenly single, Cal is adrift in the world of dating. Luckily for him, Jacob Palmer, a self-styled player, takes Cal under his wing and teaches him how to be a hit with the ladies. With stars like Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore and Emma Stone, this movie is one you need to watch now!
Where to watch: Amazon
Love & Basketball (2000)
“I’ve been in love with you since I was eleven, and the shit won’t go away.”
Aspiring professional basketball players Monica and Quincy are two childhood friends. Quincy, whose father, Zeke, plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, is a natural talent and a born leader. Monica is ferociously competitive but sometimes becomes overly emotional on the court. Over the years, the two begin to fall for each other, but their separate paths to basketball stardom threaten to pull them apart. Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps have been described as a couple played with romantic dreaminess and the movie has been praised for it’s positive portrayal of women’s sports.
Where to watch: Amazon
About Time (2013)
“She was then, and she stll is to me, the most beautiful thing in the world.”
When Tim Lake turns 21, his father tells him a secret: The men in their family can travel through time. Although he can’t change history, Tim resolves to improve his life by getting a girlfriend. He meets Mary, falls in love and finally wins her heart via time-travel and a little cunning. However, as his unusual life progresses, Tim finds that his special ability can’t shield him and those he loves from the problems of ordinary life. Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams chemistry is regarded as a highlight in this sentimental journey through time.
Where to watch: Amazon
Which of these are the best romantic movies for you? Let us know!
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