25 Best Romantic Movies

© Stephanie Hicks, December 2010

Each year, studios release a half dozen films about love and romance. But really, most of them are trite and predictable. If you want to see one of the best romantic movies, you need a reliable list of those that have stood the test of time, or are simply unique love stories you'll enjoy again and again.

Outstanding romantic movies include just the right blend of drama, angst, longing and even humor.

This list of 25 best romantic movies includes classic films from the mid-20th century, as well as gems from over the past 20 years. Of course, the list is based on personal opinion! Feel free to vote in the poll below as to your favorite romantic movie, and if I didn't include one on this list, leave me a comment.

Now, pass the popcorn... and the tissues!

We'll start with what I think is the best romantic movie in my lifetime. Not only are Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslet perfectly cast as star-crossed lovers in Titanic, but the amazing sound track is a classic!

The 1997 film is based on the true life story of the sinking of the "unsinkable" Titanic in 1912. A beautiful young woman, Rose, falls in love with a lower class man, Jack, who clearly has more time to think about, sketch and woo her than her self-absorbed fiancé. After rescuing Rose from a near suicide attempt, the two fall quickly and madly in love. When Jack is framed for burglary, he is locked in the basement of the ship.

As we knew it would, the Titanic runs into an iceberg and all of a sudden, the ship is going down into icy waters. Rose rescues Jack from the basement, but alas, there are not enough lifeboats for everyone on board. They cling to each other and for dear life....

Romantic? Beyond so!

Rated: 5 boxes of tissue

This classic romantic movie, released in 1957, is the inspiration behind many more recent love story films. An Affair to Remember stars Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr as a couple that falls in love and promises to meet at the Empire State Building in 6 months, provided that each of them manages to ditch their current significant others.

You'll see this theme in several other romantic movies produced years after An Affair to Remember. Perhaps somewhat ironically, the movie itself is a remake of Love Affair , a 1939 film. An Affair to Remember often shows up on lists (like this one) of the most romantic movies of all time, according to the American Film Institute.

Will Nickie and Terry meet again in 6 months? What will happen? You've got to watch to find out.

Rated: 4 boxes of tissues

I love comedy and romance combined. And, in my opinion, no film manages just the right balance of both better than When Harry Met Sally. This romantic movie stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as "just friends" that could... should? ... be more! Spanning 20 years of friendship, will Harry and Sally ever end up as a couple?

Some of the funniest lines and scenes ever in a romantic movie are included. Who can forget the scene when Sally convinces Harry that he's probably not THAT good in bed? I saw this movie when it came out in 1989. With my mother. Oh yeah!

This is such a classic, fun film - if you haven't seen it lately, time to rent it again!

Rated: 2 boxes of tissues (unless you need extra to dab your eyes from all that laughing!)

Another amazing romantic movie from the 1980s-90s! Ghost is the story about a couple (Sam and Molly, played by Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore) that reunites through a medium after Sam is killed during a mugging. With the help of Whoopie Goldberg's character, Molly can communicate with Sam's ghost.

Sam tries to warn Molly that she is in serious danger and that the attack on him was planned. Oda Mae (Goldberg's character) is a con man that discovers she truly can communicate with Sam. You've got to see the scenes in which she channels him! Only after his work is done on Earth can Sam pass onto the afterlife.

Just the right balance of humor is included in this mostly sad and very romantic film. Wonderful soundtrack. Swayze is oh so hot. Even as a dead guy!

Rated: 5 boxes of tissues

This is another Meg Ryan romantic movie, this time with her playing the lead opposite Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle . Taking cues from An Affair to Remember, the 1993 film tells the story of a couple (Sam and Annie) who meet through the efforts of Sam's son who convinces Sam to call into a talk radio station to talk about how he is "sleepless in Seattle" after the death of his wife.

Both Sam and Annie are dating other people, but decide to meet on top of the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day (sound familiar?)

Its a great story of chance, meddling and just pure fun. The chemistry between Hanks and Ryan is convincing, and you'll smile through your tears!

Trivia - I got to party in the houseboat that "starred" as the home of Tom Hanks's character when I was a young lawyer in Seattle in 1994!

Rated: 3 boxes of tissues

Nicholas Sparks is the king of heart-wrenching novels, including The Notebook. Made into a film in 2004, the romantic movie stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as the young version of a modern-day couple that is now aged. Noah is a grandfather with a grown family that visit Allie at the nursing home in which she lives because she has advanced Alzheimer's Disease.

The film begins with Allie and Noah as two lovers in the summer of 1940 in South Carolina. They meet and fall in love, even though they run in different social circles. Allie's mother intervenes to interrupt the love affair and it seems that everything possible gets in the way of the lovers uniting.

Try to watch even the trailer below without weeping. This romantic movie illustrates the essence of true love.

Rated: 5 boxes of tissues

More romantic comedy than any other movie on this list so far, The Proposal stars Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds and Betty White. The hilarious film is a must see for fun and a change of pace. Reynolds as Andrew Paxton stars as the male secretary to Bullock as Margaret Tate.

The two work in a publishing house, with Andrew harboring hopes of one day becoming a published author. When Margaret is threatened with deportation to Canada, she forces Andrew to pretend that they are engaged to be married. But now she has to travel to Alaska to meet Andrew's entire family for his grandmother's birthday.

One thing leads to another, and the "couple" is soon engaged to be married! Betty White stars as the hilarious grandmother, and Oscar Nuñez (from The Office) is the bawdry dancer who shows up everywhere in Alaska to help the engaged couple celebrate their weekend!

Rated: 2 boxes of tissues

I love, love, love this French movie, based in Paris, with English subtitles. Amelie breaks out of the mold of romantic movies and takes her bold personality to entertain us in her search for love.

The 2001 romantic comedy is the story of a Parisian waitress, played by Audrey Tautou, who wants to make her loved ones' lives better, even though she is struggling with her own isolation.

Romantics will love the story. People who love to travel will drool over the scenes of Paris, including Montmarte.

I can't say more other than to urge you to see this movie!

Rated: 3 boxes of tissues

We're talking about the movie, not the more recent television series. 10 Things I Hate About You is a teen film, set in Seattle, Washington and starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. Loosely based on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, romantics will love the tension between Stiles as Kat and Ledger as Patrick, and the frustration of personalities and overbearing parents (who just don't understand). The plot twists and turns as jilted love interests and "arrangements" to double date complicate matters.

Ledger shines as the male lead, which is particularly sad given his early death a few years ago. You'll love his serenade, a clip of which is shown below!

Rated: 3 boxes of tissues

Even though there was an original version of Sabrina (with the classic beauty Audrey Hepburn), I love the 1995 version of this film, starring Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond, and Greg Kinnear.

Ormond's character, Sabrina, is a beautiful young woman who has grown from an ugly duckling into a stunning catch. She has been in love with Kinnear's character, David Larrabee, for years. Finally, he is showing some interest. But Ford plays the older brother, Linus, who is out to protect Sabrina, and just possibly falling in love with her himself?

Yes, its a romantic movie, but with plenty of laughs, as well as eye candy in Kinnear and Ford. Great soundtrack, as well, including a song by Sting.

Rated: 3 boxes of tissues

Its a romantic movie! Its a musical! Its teen love and angst on the shores of a summer time lake! Wait a minute... you had me at Patrick Swayze!

Dirty Dancing is a classic, fun film for dancing enthusiasts (Dancing with the Stars has nothing on these guys). Starring Swayze as Johnny and Jennifer Gray as "Baby," the story unfolds with Baby asking Johnny to teach her how to dance sexy like other staff members at the resort.

Beyond the amazing music and dancing, a dramatic story is unfolding. Johnny's dance partner is pregnant by Robbie - a man that is dating Baby's older sister. Baby intervenes to help, by asking her father for money (without letting him know that the funds will be used for an abortion). In the meantime, she is learning to dance and falling in love with Johnny.

Sure, you've probably seen the movie, but for those that haven't, I won't ruin the ending. But I will repeat its classic, often quoted line: "Nobody puts Baby in the corner."

Oh yeah. You'll have the time of your life watching this film.

Rated: 4 boxes of tissues

Beautiful Audrey Hepburn pairs with Gregory Peck in this classic 1953 romantic movie. Roman Holiday consistently finds itself in top romantic film lists, and Hepburn won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1953.

Hepburn stars as Ann, a crown princess touring Rome and other capital cities in Europe. She decides to escape from it all after taking a sedative prescribed by her doctor. She wakes up when an American reporter - Joe Bradley, played by Peck - finds her on a park bench. Drugged and dozy, "Anya" is escorted by Joe back to his apartment for some rest. Ann/Anya takes over the bed, while he sleeps on the couch.

Things turn romantic comedy funny when Joe goes to work and is assigned the project of getting an exclusive with the princess (whom he didn't recognize when he allowed her to sleep at his place). He returns to meet Ann at his place and continues to pretend he doesn't know her true identity. They tour Rome together, through a number of fun and romantic scenes.

Of course, Joe and the princess fall in love, but its not meant to be. Or is it?

Watch Roman Holiday for fun, romance, and suspenseful drama.

Rated: 3 boxes of tissues

City of Angels is a romantic movie - released in 1998 - that could be described as kind of the opposite of "Ghost." Seth is an angel (played by Nicholas Cage) who falls in love with a living human being - a heart surgeon named Maggie (played by Meg Ryan).

Seth "meets" Maggie when one of her patients fails to survive surgery and is guided to the other side by Seth. Seth is enthralled by her valiant efforts trying to save the man's life and decides to become visible to her, even though he is unable to reveal the fact he is an immortal angel.

Eventually Seth learns that there is a way that he can be with Maggie, through the process of "failling." He decides to become mortal to truly experience Maggie and her love, and they finally end up together. But for how long?

This film is unforgettable. One of Meg Ryan's best performances in a romantic movie, and I really love Nic Cage's vulnerability and emotion. If you haven't seen this one - its time!

Rated: 5 boxes of tissues

The 1942 film, Casablanca, is so well-known and popular that it is not only one of the 25 best romantic movies, but its considered to be one of the best films ever. Winning the Academy Award for Best Picture was only the beginning.

Casablanca stars Bogart and Bergman, as well as other notables of mid-20th century Hollywood. The film places the lead character, Rick Blaine (Bogart) in the quandary of choosing between his love interest and his moral and political beliefs.

Rick owns a nightclub in Casablanca that is involved with more than just entertainment. While issues regarding "letters of transit" are arising, Rick's ex-lover Ilsa Lund, played by Bergman walks into the club. She asks Sam (the pianist) to play "As Time Goes By," which perks Rick's attention. He then finds out that Lund needs the letters to exit the country for America with her husband.

One thing leads to another and the ex-lovers discover they still carry flames for each other. Will Rick and Lund be able to reconcile? What will happen with her husband?

You'll have to watch Casablanca to see how this romantic movie ends. Even if you already know, you'll enjoy hearing the classic lines: "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Rated: 4 boxes of tissues

I love, love, love this romantic movie. But let me just say that Moulin Rouge! is not for everyone. The 2001 film is a dark musical, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan MacGregor, set in the famous Paris Montmartre District. The music and the dancing is divine. No wonder it was the first musical nominated for a Best Picture Oscar in 22 years!

Moulin Rouge! is based on the opera, La Traviata. A young poet, Christian, falls in love with a terminally ill star, Satine, who is a cabaret actress and courtesan.

The movie begins with Christian presenting a new play to Satine, who has mistaken him for a new "client," the Duke of Monroth, promising investment in the cabaret. Satine begins seducing Christian, but things get a little interesting when the Duke shows up. Yet now, she is falling in love with Christian, as her health is failing.

Christian and Satine convince the Duke that they are rehearsing a new play, which he agrees to finance, provided that only he gets to see Satine.

What is going on with Satine's health? Will she and Christian stay together, or will she be forced to spend her life with the Duke?

And what about that new play? You've got to watch this amazing musical performance.

Rated: 5 boxes of tissues

You've got to love Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. In this first romantic movie pairing of the two actors (getting together again later in Runaway Bride), you'll fall in love with the naive prostitute (Roberts character, Vivian) and her hapless client, Edward Lewis (Gere). Released in 1990, Pretty Woman is now one of the highest grossing romantic movies ever!

I love the classic lines, the beautiful costumes and the transformation of Vivian from street walker to the gorgeous woman she is. If there's once scene you'll enjoy, its the one of her telling the retail storekeeper that its too bad she was so rude to her earlier since she works on commission!

The relationship between Vivian and Edward is touching and sweet. He has asked her to be solely a social escort, but time spent together results in an emotional bond.

In short, its a Cinderalla story with a gushy, romantic, happy ending. Any man that climbs a fire escape ladder for me is certainly a knight!

Rated: 4 boxes of tissues

Drew Barrymore stars in a break-out role as Cinderella in this 1998 romantic movie. What sets "Ever After" apart from other films based on the classic fairy tale is that its rendered as a true-life story that took place in 16th century France. The elements and characters are largely similar to those in the Cinderalla story - a wife dies, leaving her husband and daughter. The husband remarries a horrible woman with 2 daughter of her own, who is jealous of the daughter and, following his untimely death, she forces her husband's daughter to be a servant in the household.

The story begins when Drew Barrymore's character "Danielle" is 18. The King and Queen of France are desperate to have their son, Prince Harry, get married. Sure, you may know the general story line here, but there are some additional plot elements, including appearances in the story by Leonardo da Vinci and a botched arranged marriage to the daughter of the King of Spain.

Danielle is publicly humiliated by the baroness (her stepmother) and her stepsisters, as well as by Prince Henry, who believes her to be an imposter, at the Masquerade ball. She is then sold to an evil landowner.

Will Danielle and Prince Henry end up together? What is the fate of the evil baroness and her daughters. The fairy tale appears to be real.

Rated: 4 boxes of tissues

Another great movie that you'll want to see again (don't tell me you've never seen The Princess Bride)! The 1987 film was produced by Rob Reiner and its story is rendered as a bedtime tale told by a grandfather (Peter Falk) to his grandson (Fred Savage). Its hilariously funny and poignant.

According to Wikipedia:

This film is number 50 on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies" and number 88 on The American Film Institute's (AFI) "AFI's 100 Years... 100 Passions" listing the 100 greatest film love stories of all time.

The Princess Bride is the tale of Buttercup (Robin Wright), who falls in love with the farmhand, Westley (Cary Elwes). Westley heads off to find fortune so he can marry his beloved, but the ship is attacked by pirates and Buttercup believes him to have died. Years pass, and Buttercup eventually decides to marry Prince Humperdinck.

Before the wedding, Buttercup is kidnapped by three outlaws. They are pursued by Humperdinck who manages to kill them all, and then he reveals that he is actually Westley. Of course, the real Humperdinck arrives on the scene and Westley ends up in prison. When its the date for the wedding, will Buttercup end up with Humperdinck or her true love?

You'll have to watch the movie with its fun cast of characters including Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, Mandy Patinkin and others. Shot in England and Ireland, the scenery is stunning, too.

Rated: 2 boxes of tissues

The third movie in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was released in 2010. Fans of the book trilogy love the movies just as much, which star the beautiful young adult actors Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner (Bella, Edward and Jacob).

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse brings the story of a woman, her vampire lover and werewolf friend full circle, following New Moon and Breaking Dawn.  In the film (and the book), romantic tensions between human teen, vampire and werewolf love are on the rise!

Who will Bella end up choosing?

Rated: 3 boxes of tissues

I saw Leap Year last spring, and if you missed it, you're probably not alone. The romantic comedy movie stars Amy Adams ("Enchanted") and scruffy, handsome Matthew Goode. Set in beautiful Ireland, even the scenery is romantic.

Adams' character, Anna, decides to follow her boyfriend, Jeremy to Dublin (where he is speaking at a conference) so that she can propose to him on Leap Day (February 29), under an Irish Tradition which dictates that a man who receives a proposal on that day must accept it. Her travel plans get significantly off course and she ends up on the Dingle Peninsula, desperate to get to Dublin by the 29th of February.

The innkeeper she meets, Declan, is also a taxi driver.  They fight and argue most of the way across Ireland, while falling in love with each other.  Will Anna figure out that her boyfriend is self-absorbed and will never be the husband she deserves?  Will Declan accept Anna again after her rejection?

Leap Year is a fun, lighthearted romantic movie.

Rated: 2 boxes of tissues

I'm really not sure that Richard Gere could get any hotter than in An Officer and a Gentleman. Really, watch the preview of this 1982 movie below and let me know if you disagree!

The story is based in my home state of Washington, in the Pacific Northwest. The chemistry between Gere and Debra Winger is more than convincing. Add an amazing soundtrack, and you have yet another romantic movie from the 1980s that tops the chart.

Rated: 5 boxes of tissues

I'm sure some people will disagree with my choice of The Wedding Singer as one of the 25 best romantic movies. After all, Adam Sandler isn't exactly an Academy Award winning actor! But don't let that deter you from enjoying this entertaining, fun romantic comedy that also includes Drew Barrymore as the female lead.

Although The Wedding Singer was released in 1998, it is set in the mid 1980s. Hard rock and punk music from the era is as much a character in the film as any of the actors.  If you grew up in the 80s (like me), you'll get a kick from hearing tunes from "back then."

Sandler is a wedding singer, Robbie, who entertains crowds at the festivities. He meets and falls in love with Barrymore's character, Julia, who is a sweet, innocent waitress. Of course, both Robbie and Julia are engaged to other people at the time, but we all know that they are meant for each other!  Will they figure it out before its too late?

Rated: 2 boxes of tissues

Love Story is the first romantic movie I recall seeing, and perhaps the one with the longest lasting impression on me. Starring Ryan O'Neal and Ally McGraw, its the tragic love story of a college couple in the 1960s from different backgrounds and social statuses.

Wealthy Harvard law student, Oliver Barrett IV and "lowly" Jennifer Cavilleri, a music student, have fallen in love. Despite the fact that Oliver's father has forbidden him from seeing Jennifer, the two get married. Tensions rise when Oliver is threatened to be disowned. Jennifer attempts to get the two men to reconcile, but is unsuccessful.

Love Story is as much about the love between a couple as it is about familial relationships. Its conditional versus unconditional love. "Love means never having to say you're sorry."

Rated: 5 boxes of tissues

I don't know if I've ever cried harder during a romantic movie than when I saw The Bridges of Madison County. The 1995 film was directed by and stars Clint Eastwood, with Meryl Streep playing the female lead.

Its the story of how two lives change unexpectedly and dramatically when a photographer (Robert Kincaid) stays at the home of a housewife (Francesca Johnson) for four days.  Based on a true story, Kincaid is a photographer visiting from Washington State, on assignment to take pictures of covered bridges in the area.  Francesca is an ignored spouse in Iowa who takes Kincaid in, while her husband and children are away at the state fair.  Over 4 short days, the two fall madly in love.

Will Francesca leave her spouse?  Will the secret romance be discovered?

Rated: 5 boxes of tissues

Everything about Breakfast at Tiffany's, the 1961 romantic movie, is beautiful. I love Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of the effusive Holly Golightly. I love the beautiful music. I love the film's setting in New York City. I even love Tiffany's jewelry!

The classic movie is based on a novella by Truman Capote.  Adorable Holly Golightly may be a phony and a bit naive, but it just adds to her charm.  Plot twists and turns are enjoyable - just to watch Hepburn in her iconic role is worth the price of admission... or ... the DVD rental fee!

Rated: 3 boxes of tissues

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