Must-See Romantic Films

Romantic movies never go out of season, but there’s something about the romance genre that just hits the spot. Whether you’re looking for a steamy piece, a LGBTQIA+ love story, a classic forbidden love, or a feel good rom-com, we’ve got something for everyone on this list of must-see romantic movies.

“When Harry Met Sally” (R)

Notable Quote: “I’ll have what she’s having.”

This classic romantic comedy seems to get better with age. “When Harry Met Sally” takes a deep dive into platonic relationships between men and women, how they can be successful, and when they should turn into something deeper. This movie will have you craving the friends to lovers trope for months.

 

“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (PG-13)

Notable Quote: “You can be mad at someone and still miss them.”

Lara Jean Covey has a habit of writing letters to all her past loves. One day, all her letters are sent out and her previously non-existent love life suddenly gets very interesting. This sweet and dreamy high school rom-com will give you second-hand embarrassment, as well as second-hand swoon.

 

 

“The Way We Were” (PG)

Notable Quote: “Life is too serious to be taken seriously.”

This story proves that sometimes, opposites attract, fall in love, marry, and, eventually, that love can fall apart. Experience the journey as two legendary actors, Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford fall in and out of love.

 

 

“The Princess Bride” (PG)

Notable Quote: “As you wish.”

A fairy tale that encompasses all others. This story of true love, sword fights, and witty jokes is perfect for everyone in the family to enjoy. Plus, the highly quotable lines will keep you all coming back for years to come.

 

 

 

“The Notebook” (PG-13)

Notable Quote: “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.”

When people think of romantic movies, this is the first movie to come to mind. Based off the beloved Nicholas Sparks novel, this story of a first love that grows and lasts a lifetime is a classic to check off your romance bucket list.

 

 

 

“The Bodyguard” (R)

Notable Quote: “I’m here to keep you alive, not to help you shop.”

If Whitney Houston’s performance isn’t reason enough to watch this movie, the heated chemistry between her and Kevin Costner will have you hooked within the first five minutes. We probably don’t even have to mention one of the best-selling singles of all time, “I Will Always Love You.”

 

“The Big Sick” (R)

Notable Quote: “Can you imagine a world in which we end up together?”

Kumail Nanjani stars in this rom-com he wrote about his real-life relationship with his wife. It’s a story of inter-ethnic relationships, different cultural backgrounds, and the struggles that come when the one you love has a serious illness.

 

“Roman Holiday” (G)

Notable Quote: “Joe, we can’t go running around town with a hot princess!”

A princess overwhelmed by her suffocating schedule finally finds some freedom when she comes across an American reporter. His goal of getting an exclusive interview turns into a friendship filled with respect and a romance filled with forbidden love.

 

 

“Pride and Prejudice” (PG)

Notable Quote: “You have bewitched me, body and soul.”

Jane Austen’s work gets a lot of attention, but no other adaptation of this ageless love story compares to 2005s Pride and Prejudice. With an enchanting cast, forbidden glances, and passionate confessions of love, this period piece will bring you back to a simpler time, with complex love.

 

 

“Moonlight” (R)

Notable Quote: “In Moonlight Black boys look blue.”

This movie made news the year it came out, not only for the beautiful love story, but for the Academy Award moment when it competitor “La La Land” was mistakenly announced Best Picture. It should be at the top of your must-watch list! “Moonlight” follows the struggles of a boy, Chiron, and his journey through manhood while coming to terms with his sexuality. The style of cinematography, along with the support and love of the community rising him will have you crying happy tears by the end of the movie.

 

“Loving” (PG-13)

Notable Quote: “We may lose the small battles, but win the big war.”

Based off the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, this biographical film is about an interracial couple who fell in love and went all the way to the Supreme Court to fight for their right, and the right of all interracial couples, to marry.

 

 

“Love Story” (PG)

Notable Quote: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”

This is classic love at first sight tale of two college students with a picture-perfect relationship, that is until terminal illness causes their happy life to crash down. This story reminds you that life is better when you’re with the one you love, no matter how long that life lasts.

 

 

“Love and Basketball” (PG-13)

Notable Quote: “Double or nothing.”

This cult classic is a story of two neighborhood kids who both long for basketball stardom and each other. These star-crossed rivals’ love knows no bounds on and off the court.

 

 

 

“Four Weddings and a Funeral” (R)

Notable Quote: “He is my north, my south, my east, my west.”

A lovable, yet unlucky in love Englishman falls for an unavailable American beauty while attending a whirlwind of weddings and one emotional funeral with his rowdy, supportive group of friends. This movie is sure to make your heart swell and your eyes well.

 

 

“Crazy Rich Asians” (PG-13)

Notable Quote: “Remember, every treasure comes with a price.”

This wedding-centered rom-com, based on the wildly popular book, takes on the glitz and glam of the extremely wealthy in Singapore. Constance Wu plays a goal-driven professor who navigates her boyfriend’s absurd family while falling deeply in love with him. Awkwafina stands out as an amazing cast member who keeps the laughs coming. Also, who says a movie with an Asian-majority cast won’t be popular? It made more than $238 Million worldwide.

 

“Casablanca” (PG)

Notable Quote: “We’ll always have Paris.”

This is a cinematic masterpiece with forethought in every area imaginable. When a cynical bar owner discovers his old flame in the most unlikely of places, he does whatever he can to keep her safe. This classic is another Academy Award winner for Best Picture and is one of the greatest films in history.

 

“Carol” (R)

Notable Quote: “Dearest, there are no accidents.”

A love and Christmas story, all in one. “Carol” is the touching and heart-breaking story of a closeted married woman who falls in love with an aspiring photographer, Therese. An emotional masterpiece, this movie takes on the controversial world of same-sex love in the 1950s, while gifting your eyes with captivating shots and breathtaking on screen chemistry.

 

 

“Brokeback Mountain” (R)

Notable Quote: “I wish I knew how to quit you.”

Can you say, “game-changer?” This tender, yet tragic love story between two men takes on the burden of masculinity, the pain of silence, and the shame that comes with being raised in a society that convinces you that what you are is unnatural. The emotion and connection between these two will have you heartbroken in the best way.

 

 

“Bridget Jones’s Diary” (R)

Notable Quote: “I like you very much- just as you are.”

Though Bridget Jones has some outdated ideas about weight, it is still a story every woman can relate to, especially the harmful inner monologue about size. This comedy will have you laughing and moaning as Bridget becomes more confident in herself. It’s also like another movie on this list: it’s based off Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” In fact, Colin Firth takes on the role of Mark Darcy almost 10 years after playing Fitzwilliam Darcy in the BBC drama.

 

“Amélie” (R)

Notable Quote: “A woman without love wilts like a flower without sun.”

This brilliantly shot love story follows Amélie and her ability to seamlessly orchestrate the lives of those around her while falling in love with a perfect stranger. Plus, it has the perfect setting for love: Paris.

 

 

“About Time” (R)

Notable Quote: “Live life as if there were no second chances.”

This profoundly wise, yet simple love story will have you thinking differently about time-travel movies. This story follows a man who inherits time traveling abilities from his father and uses that ability to relive and re-woo the love of his love. Not only is this a great movie about loving your partner, but also loving your parents, siblings, and children.

 

 

“A Walk to Remember” (PG)

Notable Quote: “Love is like the wind, you can’t see it, but you can feel it.”

This coming-of-age love story follows two very different high school students, whose unlikely friendship turns into a dedicated relationship. The two develop a powerful and inspirational connection and, together, they discover deep truths that most people don’t get a chance to learn in life.

 

 

“Atonement” (R)

Notable Quote: “I love you. I’ll wait for you. Come back. Come back to me.”

Based off the best-selling book, prepare yourself for a good cry. Young love becomes forbidden love then heartbreaking tragedy when a couple is torn apart by a lie. Their paths cross again in World War II and the rest is history. This film is critically acclaimed for a reason.

 

 

Whatever romantic movie you decide to watch this love season, we hope you are watching with the ones you love, be it a significant other, galentine, fur-baby, or by yourself.