1. Notting Hill
“The fame thing isn’t really real. I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” In a classic love tale, a famous actress, Anna (Julia Roberts), falls in love with Willam (Hugh Grant), a small bookshop owner in Notting Hill, and the relationship blossoms. However, their radically different lifestyles and the intrusive nature of fame come in the way, complicating the bond. The film is far from cliche and meticulously captures the feelings of two lovers and their contrasting personalities, coming together beautifully as the film progresses.
2. Five Feet Apart
Based on a novel with a similar title, “Five Feet Apart” is a heart-wrenching tale about two teenagers battling cystic fibrosis who cross paths in a hospital. One is an optimist, confident that they can beat the disease, while the other is a realist, content with whatever life has in store. The movie will teach you how love changes your outlook on life, even at the most critical and final moments. It is a must-watch film with your partner if you haven’t already.
3. The Proposal
The perfect rom-com to accompany your movie night, “The Proposal” is a fun movie if you are looking for a light watch. Coupled with some brilliant acting performances by Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, the storyline is unique and keeps its audience engaged. When Margaret (Sandra) is about to get deported to Canada, she offers her long-time assistant Paxton (Ryan), a marriage proposal in exchange for a promotion. Both develop a hilarious connection and go through various mishaps to stick to their wedding plan. You won’t find a dull moment in this movie.
4. La La Land
There is little chance you haven’t heard about this Oscar-winning classic unless you’ve been living under a rock. Set in the dreamy land of Hollywood, two aspiring artists, Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), fall in love as they try to make a living out of their passion. However, with mounting success, hard decisions must be made as the two balance their relationship, sacrifices, and the dreams they’ve worked so hard for. Watch this movie if you enjoy good cinematography and beautiful music scores.
5. Bridget Jones’s Diary
Adapted from Helen Fielding's hugely popular novel, “Bridget Jones’s Diary” is often regarded as the best film of the trilogy. While cataloging her New Year’s resolutions in her diary, Bridget catches the attention of two potential suitors and is forced to choose between the handsome men. She is determined to take control of her love life but gets more than she bargained for. The movie beautifully captures Bridget’s journey of self-improvement and ticks all the boxes of a classic British rom-com.
6. Love, Rosie
“Love, Rosie” is a seriously underrated film that portrays a classic love story full of the ups and downs of two childhood friends, Alex (Sam Claflin) and Rosie (Lily Collins). Both actors have sensitively portrayed their roles, from childhood besties to high school graduates to young adults who have been separated. It is a story where love triumphs the test of time and distance, with so much on the line—will Rosie and Alex reunite is the question. Watch this movie for top-notch acting, where every scene feels relatable and filled with emotions and laughter.
7. When Harry Met Sally
Any list of classic romance movies would be incomplete without “When Harry Met Sally.” The movie dives deep into whether a man and a woman can truly be platonic friends as we watch both characters, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), grow individually. When fate brings them back together after years, it’s interesting to see how they deal with their feelings for each other. Stay for the iconic “I’ll have what she’s having” line, and you’ll root for the adorable couple.
8. Casablanca
Let's rewind to World War II. In Casablanca, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and her rebel husband Victor (Paul Henreid) are on the run when they come across Rick (Humphrey Bogart), Ilsa’s old lover who owns a nightclub in Casablanca and can help them escape the ruthless Germans. However, the situation gets complicated as Ilsa’s love for Rick resurfaces. Watch how the love triangle unfolds and how Rick’s choices fuel the flame of lost love with iconic soundtracks like “As Time Goes By” to keep you company.
9. The Fault in Our Stars
Another story of grit and passion, “The Fault in Our Stars,” is about two teenagers who refuse to give up on love and hope while diagnosed with cancer. The heartfelt story is a reminder that love can be found in even the direst of moments and how important it is not to lose hope. We follow the couple from cancer support groups and hospital beds to a trip to Amsterdam to meet their favorite author—fulfilling each other’s life wishes. The acting and storytelling will need you to grab tissues, watching the two 16-year-olds do everything for love.
10. Moonstruck
Moonstruck deals with the complex family dynamics as we follow Loretta (Cher), a widow who gets married to her boyfriend Johnny (Danny Aiello) in an Italian household. However, she soon falls for his younger brother Ronny (Nicholas Cage) instead, who aggressively pursues the love of his brother’s wife. Loretta soon discovers she’s not the only one in the family with a secret romance, further complicating the plot. The lighthearted film nicely captures the essence of an Italian family but keeps you on your toes throughout—a fun watch with your loved one.
If you are planning a movie date, it is better to be prepared. Watching a movie paired with a bottle of wine or a cup of cocoa is a perfect activity for two. With so many fish in the sea, we have handpicked the ten best romantic films that are guaranteed to capture the heart of your significant other. Now, all that's left to do is relax, unwind, and let these romance movies work their magic.
