The best romance movies offer something for everyone, from historical epics to queer relationships – they capture all aspects of human love beautifully.
From timeless classics like Casablanca to romantic comedies starring powerful ensemble casts, these films offer something for everyone! So buckle up and get ready for some serious highs and lows!
Casablanca
Casablanca remains one of the most beloved films ever made, beloved and revered across generations. While Citizen Kane and Vertigo may have received greater critical acclaim and Gone with the Wind and Pinocchio earned more box office revenue respectively, none can match Casablanca as an unforgettable wartime drama about love and fate.
The plot centers around two refugees — Ilsa and Victor Laszlo (Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid), respectively – who decide to visit Rick’s Cafe for a drink in this North African city that serves both as refuge and purgatory. Here they meet corrupt police captain Louis Renault (Claude Rains) who controls his group of henchmen who rule over this town.
As the plot develops, it becomes evident that these characters are each struggling to realize their self-perceived destiny. Rick may wish for neutrality while Mia and Sebastian hope for their respective dreams: Mia hopes of becoming an actress while Sebastian’s goal of revitalizing jazz music for newcomers are among many struggles portrayed within this narrative; these conflicts create depth and urgency which explains why its conclusion so greatly resonates with audiences.
Titanic
Titanic quickly became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered in 1997, thanks to the dynamic between Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as well as its use of familiar archetypes and lavish visual spectacle. All these factors combined to make Titanic one of the most unforgettable romance movies ever made.
Titanic stands out among romantic films as an epic love story with memorable dialogue, conveying an important message about family and forgiveness. Any romance fan should watch it.
Titanic fans will undoubtedly love The Last of the Mohicans, an award-winning epic love story set during the 18th century and featuring star-crossed romance, epic battle scenes and outstanding performances from its cast.
The Vow
The Vow stands out in an otherwise dull romance genre by being refreshingly sincere about true love. Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum star as Paige and Leo, two young married people involved in a fatal head-on car crash on one snowy night; upon awakening she experiences severe head trauma but can no longer remember who her spouse was.
The movie may not be perfect and may feature moments of overblown drama, but ultimately it succeeds in portraying how fragile yet powerful true love can be. Additionally, it shows us how fate may play a larger part than we realize and reminds us to reflect upon current relationships as well.
The Vow is an absolute must-see romance movie, but don’t overlook other timeless romance movies such as Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s unforgettable romance set during World War II. Titanic also stands out as an exceptional romance film with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as Jack and Rose; two lovers who find comfort in one another in spite of tragedy.
Moonstruck
Moonstruck is a charming movie about love, family and life’s unexpected twists and turns. With its beautiful title sequence and unforgettable quotes that resonate with viewers, it explores topics such as forgiveness and accepting life’s unexpected moments.
Norman Jewison directed this romantic comedy starring Cher and Nicolas Cage that is based on John Patrick Shanley’s Broadway musical of the same name. This classic film is known for its stunning cinematography and realistic portrayal of family dynamics; making it an essential watch for romance fans everywhere.
The film follows an Italian-American widowed woman as she falls for her former flame’s estranged younger brother in New York City, providing plenty of romance, comedy and drama for audiences to enjoy. Olympia Dukakis and Vincent Gardenia lead an excellent cast who give this tale its due justice.
Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman, a modern Cinderella story starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, became the highest-grossing romantic comedy of its time and set a precedent for other romantic comedies that followed it like When Harry Met Sally by Nora Ephron or Bridget Jones’ Diary by Bridget Jones herself, both which remain staples in today’s rom-com scene.
Initial screenwriter J.F. Lawton had written a script with more grit and caution than what director Garry Marshall ultimately chose for the final film; a lighter adaptation with Vivian as Rapunzel and Edward as Prince Charming proved hugely popular, helping launch Roberts’ career as an actress.
Pretty Woman may seem like an anachronism of romantic comedy, yet its incandescent chemistry and timeless appeal have made it one of the most beloved rom-coms ever made. Though originally created to critique 1980s materialism, its heartwarming message celebrates that anyone can find love. While other recent films like Secret Diary of a Call Girl or FX’s Pose explore its darker aspects, Pretty Woman rather celebrates rather than dissects this genre.