Romantic movies, as we all know, are a genre of film that primarily focuses on romance as their central theme. These movies often depict the development of romantic relationships between characters, the challenges they face, and the emotions they experience.
Romantic movies can take many forms and may include elements from various subgenres, such as comedy, musical, tee-romance, drama, fantasy, or even action and thriller. It can evoke several emotions, from laughter to tears, and they often explore the complexities of human relationships and the power of love. Different people may have varying preferences within the genre, depending on their tastes and what resonates with them emotionally.
Hollywood has produced numerous iconic romantic movies that have stood the test of time and continue to be beloved by global audiences. For example, Romeo and Juliet, Titanic, and the Notebook are a few movies that appeal to all fans of the genre. And we all know that Titanic has topped the list of romance because of its rich history and especially the excruciating chemistry between Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
While it’s challenging to compile a definitive list of all the best Hollywood Romantic Movies, here are ten of the most enduring ones that I have found very influential and aren’t as widespread as the Notebook, Titanic, or Romeo and Juliet. However, you wish you had known about it before.
CASABLANCA, 1942, A CLASSIC ROMANTIC MOVIE
This romantic movie, Casablanca, is known for its memorable quotes, iconic characters, and timeless themes of sacrifice and love. The romantic drama took place during the conflicting time of World War II. It follows the complex love triangle between Rick Blaine, a cynical nightclub owner; Ilsa Lund, a woman with a mysterious past; and Victor Laszlo, a heroic resistance leader. Rick’s bar, Rick’s Café Américain, becomes a haven for refugees fleeing the war. As tensions rise, Rick must choose between his feelings for Ilsa and doing what’s right by helping her and Laszlo escape Nazi-occupied Casablanca.
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY, 1940
A classic romantic comedy, the Philadelphia Story, revolves around the wealthy Tracy Lord, who is about to marry for the second time. Her plans are complicated when her ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven, and a tabloid journalist, Macaulay “Mike” Connor, arrive for her wedding. As the events unfold during the wedding weekend, Tracy’s relationships with both men rekindle, leading her to question her choices in love. The romantic movie humorously explores themes of social class, relationships, and personal growth, ultimately celebrating the idea of expecting the unexpected in matters of love.
GONE WITH THE WIND, 1939
The epic romantic drama Gone with the Wind is known for its memorable characters and sweeping narrative. The romantic movie took place during the American Civil War. It follows the life of Scarlett O’Hara, a headstrong Southern belle, as she experiences love, loss, and hardship. Scarlett is infatuated with Ashley Wilkes, who marries her cousin, Melanie, while she attracts the attention of the charming rogue Rhett Butler.
Scarlett’s resilience and determination for her lover, Rhett, define her character amid the war’s devastation. The romantic movie explores themes of love, survival, and the changing South, culminating in a tumultuous romance between Scarlett and Rhett.
“BEFORE” TRILOGY, A SERIES OF CLASSIC ROMANTIC MOVIES
The “Before” trilogy is a series of romantic movies that follow the evolving relationship between Jesse, played by Ethan Hawke, and Celine, played by Julie Delpy, for several years. The romantic trilogy, directed by Richard Linklater, is celebrated for its realistic, dialogue-driven storytelling, exploring the nuances of love and human connection over time. Each installment captures a different stage of Jesse and Celine’s romantic journey, making it a remarkable and intimate cinematic experience.
In Before Sunrise, 1995, Jesse and Celine are two strangers who meet on a train and spend a night exploring Vienna together. They engage in deep, philosophical conversations and form a profound connection. As dawn approaches, they part ways with the promise to meet again in six months.
In Before Sunset, 2004, Jesse, now a successful writer, encounters Celine at a book reading in Paris after nine years. They have a limited time to reconnect before he catches his flight, exploring the changes in their lives, reminiscing about their night in Vienna, and grappling with unspoken feelings.
The Before Midnight, 2013, takes place after another decade. Jesse and Celine are now a couple with twin daughters. The romantic movie delves into the complexities of their relationship as they vacation in Greece. They grapple with the challenges of long-term love, confront personal insecurities, and face a pivotal moment that could redefine their future.
IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, 2000
The romantic movie In the Mood for Love is renowned for its lush cinematography, evocative music, and poignant portrayal of longing and missed opportunities. A non-Hollywood romance directed by Wong Kar-wai caught universal attention in a very niche way. It is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant romantic drama set in 1960s Hong Kong. The romantic movie follows the lives of Mr. Chow, played by Tony Leung, and Mrs. Chan, played by Maggie Cheung, neighbors who suspect their respective spouses are having an affair. As they spend time together while grappling with their loneliness and suspicions, an unspoken connection and mutual attraction develop between them. However, societal conventions and personal morals prevent them from pursuing their affair, leading to a bittersweet and restrained exploration of their unfulfilled love.
HER, 2013, A MODERN ROMANTIC MOVIE
The romantic movie Her, directed by Spike Jonze, is a visually striking and emotionally resonant film that questions the nature of love in the digital age. It is a thought-provoking sci-fi romance set in the near-future. The modern romance follows Theodore Twombly, a lonely and introverted man who develops an emotional connection with an advanced artificial intelligence operating system named Samantha. Their relationship deepens as Samantha evolves and gains consciousness. Later, as Theodore and Samantha navigate the complexities of love and intimacy, the story explores themes of human connection, loneliness, and the blurred boundaries between technology and emotions.
DIRTY DANCING, 1987
The romantic movie Dirty Dancing is a beloved coming-of-age romantic drama set in the summer of 1963. As the film begins, a young, privileged woman, Frances “Baby” Houseman, vacations with her family at a Catskills resort. She becomes infatuated with Johnny Castle, a charismatic dance instructor from a working-class background. Baby secretly learns to dance and eventually becomes Johnny’s dance partner, igniting a passionate romance. The romantic movie explores the themes of class, love, and self-discovery through the backdrop of dance. “Dirty Dancing” is known for its iconic dance sequences, including the famous lift. And the memorable soundtrack, featuring hits like “I’ve Had The Time of My Life.”
Indeed, so many people know this song but do not know about the movie. Isn’t that amusing? So, those who haven’t watched this movie yet, you’re in for a treat!
ROMAN HOLIDAY, 1953
The romantic movie stars Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann, a royal visiting Rome who yearns for a break from her rigid schedule. She escapes her guardians and meets Joe Bradley, an American journalist who doesn’t initially recognize her. The two spend an enchanting day exploring the city together, forming a deep connection. Eventually, Joe learns her true identity but keeps it a secret. “Roman Holiday” is a charming tale of spontaneity, love, and the desire for a taste of ordinary life, culminating in a bittersweet farewell at the end of their memorable day.
10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, 1999
The teenage drama is a modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” set in a high school. The romantic movie centers on Kat Stratford, a strong-willed and opinionated high school student, and her younger sister, Bianca, who cannot date until Kat does. Cameron is smitten with Bianca and hatches a plan to get Kat to date the rebellious Patrick. Amidst elaborate schemes and teenage drama, love blossoms, and Kat and Patrick’s unconventional romance begins to change their lives. The romantic movie combines humor, romance, and coming-of-age elements while tackling themes of conformity and individuality in a high school setting.
ME BEFORE YOU, 2016
The romantic drama “Me Before You” is based on the novel by Jojo Moyes. It follows the relationship between Louisa Clark, a quirky and vivacious young woman, and Will Traynor, a man left paralyzed after an accident. As the romantic movie begins, Will seems bitter due to his condition. Employed as his nurse, Louisa’s cheerful presence as a caregiver gradually breaks through Will’s initial bitterness. However, as they form a deep connection, their love story unfolds with Will’s decision to pursue assisted suicide due to his physical limitations. The film explores themes of love, disability, and the right to make life-altering choices, culminating in a heart-wrenching conclusion that challenges societal norms and expectations.
However, what makes these romantic movies a must-see for movie lovers?
These classic Hollywood romances have left an indelible mark on the history of cinema and continue to captivate audiences like me with their timeless love stories, memorable characters, and enduring charm. These romantic movies feature immortal characters and expert storytelling that explore the complexities of human relationships. From sweeping epics like “Gone with the Wind” and “Roman Holiday” to iconic classics like “Casablanca,” these movies have a lasting cultural impact.
But what makes these romantic movies particularly appealing is their ability to transcend time and speak to universal themes of love, passion, and sacrifice. They transport viewers to different eras, providing a glimpse into the romantic ideals and social norms of the past and the present. While filmmaking techniques and societal attitudes of classic Hollywood movies may differ from contemporary cinema, the emotional resonance of these movies remains as potent as ever. Whether it’s the witty banter of a romantic comedy or the poignant drama of a tragic love story, generations of film lovers continue to celebrate and cherish these romances. These romantic movies remind us that love is a timeless and universal theme that has the power to move and inspire us across the ages.