There aren’t many genres capable of capturing the full scope of human emotion quite like romance can. Quite a few romance films are able to evoke intense feelings within their viewers, all throughout their story, while keeping them thoroughly entertained with laughter, heartbreak, and the ultimate swoon-inducing chemistry. Whether it’s the quiet, tender connections or the heated, passionate affairs, great romantic films tend to remind audiences of a shared longing to love and be loved.
Unforgettable watches like the brilliant coming-of-age romance Call Me By Your Name, and the dazzling feel-good romantic musicalMoulin Rouge!, are just two movies featured in the romance genre that embody the emotional ride that makes for a great romance. Compiled on this list are love stories that consume their viewers from start to finish, thrusting them on a journey that may not be their own but feels every bit as heartfelt and extraordinarily real.
10
‘Stardust’ (2007)
Stardustis a romantic fantasy that definitely deserves far more attention than it has received. The film is an underrated gem that is set in the Victorian-era village of Wall and follows the young Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox), who, determined to win the heart of his love, is tasked to fetch a star—only to discover a fallen one in human form and a destiny irrevocably intertwined with his own.
The romantic fantasy adventure is frequently lauded as the successor to The Princess Bride, praised for its humor, whimsy, and raw portrayal of love overcoming all odds. The movie may not have been a box-office hit, but it has since become a cult favorite, one that is cherished for its butterfly-inducing romance, hilarity, and charming fantasy featured all throughout its run. From the protagonists’ sassy banter filled with romantic tension, to its lovable fantasy quirks, Stardust delivers an oddly warm and intoxicatingly romantic fairytale that wields the ability to enchant viewers of all ages from start to finish.
9
‘Entergalactic’ (2022)
This visually inventive adult animated film is an unexpected gem of human celebration and Black love. Entergalactic is a modern rom-com that centers around a charming street artist in New York City, Jabari (Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi), who has just landed his dream job at a comic art studio and is now moving into his new home and celebrating his single life with the boys. In an unexpected twist, he meets Meadow (Jessica Williams, voice), a cool and ambitious photographer, with whom he sparks an almost immediate connection.
In a vibrant mesh of music and art, Entergalactic delivers a Black rom-com that wields not only a Spider-Verse-style animation but also pushes the boundaries with its edgy story. It’s a 90-minute movie that is a pure feast for the eyes and ears. Entergalactic demands attention as a relatable and sweet animated film, as well as a straightforward romantic good time featuring unforgettable moments of humor and heartbreak. The insane chemistry portrayed between the two love interests makes viewers thoroughly invested in their story as they’re forced to swoon at the extremely sweet romance. Brimming with positivity, Entergalactic is a must-watch movie that radiates with fun, soul and genuine heartaching romance from beginning to end.
8
‘Call Me By Your Name’ (2017)
Call Me By Your Nameis a charming romance movie that makes viewers absolutely swoon and cringe, in equal measure. Set in the summer of 1983 in an idyllic Italian countryside, the movie follows precocious 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) as he encounters the 24-year-old American graduate student, Oliver (Armie Hammer), who is invited to stay with him and his family for the entire summer.
The series is a coming-of-age romance that steals viewers’ hearts. It’s a powerful and profoundly emotional watch of first love and all its highs and lows. The movie is a lush, languid, and incredibly deep portrait of youthful arrogance that stands as a watch able to keep audiences completely enraptured from its opening scene, right on up to its rolling credits. It’s an extremely immersive film, following lovers of the same sex, portrayed in a beautiful, vulnerable, and even a little forbidden way. From the raw and incredibly captivating chemistry throughout the entire film between its extremely lovable characters, to the movie’s quiet moments set against stunning settings, Call Me By Your Name is a masterful portrayal of love that defiantly endures.
7
‘Ghost’ (1990)
This romantic classic is one that hosts a genuinely creative blend of thriller, supernatural elements, and romance—something extremely unusual for the 1990s. Ghostis a fantastic film that centers around banker, Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze), and his beloved girlfriend, Molly Jensen (Demi Moore) in New York City. In a quick and unexpected flash of tragedy, Sam is murdered during a mugging and becomes a spirit who refuses to move on due to the danger that Molly is in.
Ghost is well known for its iconic moments, one being the sexy pottery-wheel scene that’ll leave any viewer sighing in envy. From the film’s first few minutes, Demi and Patrick’s palpable on-screen chemistry is truly undeniable—setting the tone for the all-consuming love the two share. The film is a skillful portrayal of a heartwarming romantic fantasy that’s capable of moving audiences with its tearjerker moments. Even decades later, Ghost stands as an incredible watch that still resonates with audiences — a testament to the movie’s unique and hauntingly romantic brilliance wielded from start to finish.
6
‘Love, Rosie’ (2014)
Love, Rosieis an underrated romance film that epically captures the evolution of love and how it can definitely mature. This adorably romantic film centers around childhood best friends Rosie Dunne (Lily Collins) and Alex Stewart (Sam Claflin), who everyone believes are perfect for each other—except for the two themselves, as they have chosen to keep their relationship platonic and their simmering feelings unspoken.
Love, Rosie is one of the greatest friend-to-lovers movies to ever exist—no matter the immense frustration the protagonists’ relationship may have caused viewers. The heartwarming and thoroughly entertaining film is not only incredibly relatable but also a skillful balance of actual humorous scenarios and genuine emotion. The entire movie follows Rosie and Alex’s journey of true love, which never gets boring, especially with a formidable antagonist like timing to make things messy. With its relatable and incredibly charming exploration of love, friendship, and the complexities of timing, Love, Rosie stands as a film filled with laughter, tears, and a sense of love that always finds a way—hopelessly romantic and sweet at every turn.
5
‘Your Name’ (2016)
This genre-blending romance anime takes on another approach to what most mainstream audiences may know about intimacy.Your Name follows two teens who have never met, a bored girl in a rural mountain town, Mitsuha Miyamizu (Mone Kamishiraishi), and a high school boy residing in the bustling city of Tokyo, as they one day begin to mysteriously swap bodies.
Your Name is a massive international hit that captivates audiences with a poignant story and truly beautiful artistry. The film effortlessly taps into universal feelings of connection and longing while delivering a body-swapping comedy with entertaining sci-fi elements. Visually mesmerizing with an emotional core that genuinely resonates, Your Name evoked a deep sense of yearning within its viewers as they desperately hope for the teen love interests to finally meet. Throughout the entire movie, audiences experience a perfectly crafted romance story that exquisitely captures loss and longing.
4
‘Just Wright’ (2010)
This incredible heartwarming romance is a chant for all the female underdogs to stand up and follow their hearts.Just Wright centers on kindhearted physical therapist and die-hard basketball fan, Leslie Wright (Queen Latifah), as she lands her dream job of helping NBA All-Star Scott McKnight (Common) recover from a serious knee injury. In the midst of that, friendship blooms, and love awakens in the best way.
Just Wright is an incredibly addictive sports romance that is refreshingly grounded. The film is a true feel-good gift to fans of the romance genre as it delivers a story that thrives on sincerity. The movie’s protagonists wield insane amounts of chemistry, and their tender affection for one another is a captivating hook for most who have seen the film. Just Wright is one of those underappreciated romance gems that is entertaining the entire way through, as it portrays a mature love that is built on friendship, mutual respect, and loyalty.
3
‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2001)
Moulin Rouge! is an iconic musical that tells a story of love that stuns and devastates at the same time. The film is set in the Bohemian world of 1899 Paris, and centers around penniless English poet, Christian (Ewan McGregor), as he arrives in Montmartre and ends up at a famous cabaret bursting with music and dance known as the Moulin Rouge. There he poses as a writer and meets the dazzling Satine (Nicole Kidman), and, unexpectedly and quite suddenly, begins the heartaching journey of love.
Moulin Rouge! hosts not one dull moment within its flashy romance story. It’s a movie that reinvents movie musicals, with an infectious heart and energy. The film is indeed quite the dazzling spectacle, but beneath lies a tender and timeless love story that’s capable of leaving any viewer swooning. Moulin Rouge! boldly embraces its old-fashioned notions of empathy and love, and yet delivers a visually electrifying and refreshing approach to romance that feels ageless. With sparkle and heart, Moulin Rouge! offers an exhilarating musical that’s capable of captivating audiences for the entirety of its runtime.
2
‘The Notebook’ (2004)
This captivating romantic jewel has been seen by many and hailed by many more as the best romance to ever grace screens. The movie, The Notebook, follows Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling), a poor country boy who unexpectedly meets wealthy heiress Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) at a carnival. Instantly smitten, Noah persistently pursues a date with Allie, and for one summer, the two fall into a hopelessly, all-consuming journey of first love.
Few romances are able to enrapture audiences quite like The Notebook can. It’s an incredible romance that features iconic performances and emotional depth, which has become a treasured staple in the realm of classics. The entire film is a joy that hosts forbidden love, passionate reunions, and desperate longing. By the end of it all, after a whirlwind, swoon-inducing romance, The Notebook delivers a gut punch unlike any other. From the protagonists’ first meeting to the rolling credits at the end, The Notebook captivates audiences from start to finish, offering a story that makes viewers believe that true love can conquer anything.
1
‘Everything, Everything’ (2017)
This teen drama film is just as swoon-worthy and adorable as most hit romantic movies. Everything, Everything is based on Nicola Yoon’s best-selling novel and centers around the bright and imaginative teen, Maddy Whittier (Amandla Stenberg), who, due to a rare immune disorder, has never left her hermetically sealed home. Enter her dashing new neighbor, Olly Bright (Nick Robinson), and a sweet romance cultivated by a deep emotional connection begins to bloom.
Everything, Everything is one of those standouts that, though aimed at teens, is able to resonate quite nicely with those who understand the brilliance of first love. It’s a movie perfect for anyone who wants to indulge in a sweet and incredibly tender romance. Featuring curiosity, emotional awakening, and even risk, the film gifts audiences a worthy first love story that is absolutely intoxicating. The movie never falters in its captivating wonder of new experiences and all the important firsts — freedom, choice, and especially love—that define what it means to be young and truly living. From beginning to end, Everything, Everything delivers a heartachingly sweet romance that is a quick reminder to audiences that love sometimes means daring to take the risk.
