50 romantic movies to fall in love with

By Alex Wiggan

Whether you’re searching for something with a little romance, or you simply enjoy watching endless love stories, there are plenty of romantic movies out there for you to dive into. But where do you start?

Why, with this post of course!

In this post I am serving up a selection of romantic movies you really must watch. These fab films are sure to warm your heart, tickle your pickle, and show you the ups and downs of falling in love.

So, run through the list, make a note of the movies you haven’t watched, consider revisiting the ones you have, and above all else, prepare to feel all fuzzy inside. These movies are guaranteed to make your heart flutter.

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Never Been Kissed (1999)

First up is a romantic comedy about a 20-something copy editor, who goes undercover at a high school to write a story about the issues facing teens. Along the way she finds romance, and experiences feelings she missed out on during her own high school years.

Ghost (1990)

Next up, Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg star in Ghost – a romantic thriller about a deceased lawyer who remains on Earth following his untimely death, in order to watch over his girlfriend. Ghost was a huge box office hit upon release in 1990, won two Academy Awards, and remains one of the best-loved romantic movies of all-time.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze star in this beloved romantic coming-of-age drama about a young girl and a dancer who find love at a holiday camp. You’ll watch Dirty Dancing for the romance, but you’ll stay for the dance moves and the soundtrack, and throughout you’ll have the time of your life.

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Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Not all love stories are smooth sailing, and that is certainly the case in Moulin Rouge! – a romantic and emotional musical about a penniless writer who falls in love with a courtesan at Paris’ hottest night spot. Moulin Rouge! is a real treat of a movie, which features an excellent array of songs, and superb performances from Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman.

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Gorgeous to look at, and faithful to the animated movie it is based on, Beauty and the Beast is a wonderful fairy tale about two people who find love. Emma Watson and Dan Stevens take the lead in this all-singing, all-dancing spectacular, which is sure to warm even the coldest heart.

Return to Me (2000)

David Duchovny and Minnie Driver lead the way in a delightful, and often overlooked, romantic comedy about two strangers who through tragic circumstances. Bonnie Hunt directs, while Robert Loggia, James Belushi, and Carroll O’Connor play supporting roles.

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Muriel’s Wedding (1994)

Muriel’s Wedding tells the story of a socially awkward young woman called Muriel Heslop, who dreams of nothing more than getting married and moving away from her home town of Porpoise Spit. Through the course of the movie, Muriel finds herself edging closer towards her dream, but is a wedding really everything it is cracked up to be?

Featuring a great soundtrack and a brilliant cast, Muriel’s Wedding is a hilarious comedy drama which offers an alternative look at romance. Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths, and Bill Hunter star, while P. J. Hogan directs.

Pretty Woman (1990)

Julia Roberts gives a career-defining performance in this popular comedy-drama about a call girl and a businessman who fall in love. Pretty Woman is one of the most iconic romantic movies of the 1990s and with good reason – it is simply delightful.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

In this reworking of the William Shakespeare play, The Taming of the Shew, Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger play high school students who find love. Filled with fun, and some great comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You is a fantastic film worth revisiting time-and-time again.

What Women Want (2000)

Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt star in this romantic fantasy comedy about an advertising executive who is suddenly granted the ability to read the minds of the opposite sex. Nancy Meyers directs, while the supporting cast includes Marisa Tomei, Lauren Holly, Alan Alda, Sarah Paulson, and Ashley Johnson.

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50 First Dates (2004)

In 50 First Dates, Adam Sandler plays Henry, a marine veterinarian who falls in love with an art teacher called Lucy, played by Drew Barrymore. Lucy suffers from anterograde amnesia, which means she is unable to make new memories, and therefore each day she forgets who Henry is. In order to win her heart, Henry uses each day to learn something new about Lucy, while trying to find a way to make her remember him.

Love, Simon (2018)

Based on Becky Albertalli’s fabulous novel, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Love, Simon tells the story of a high school student coming to terms with his sexuality, while falling in love with an anonymous classmate he talks to online. Greg Berlanti directs, Nick Robinson stars, and the film delights at every opportunity.

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Heartbreakers (2001)

Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt take the lead in this romantic crime comedy, playing a mother and daughter duo who swindle rich men out of their fortunes. Ray Liotta and Gene Hackman co-star.

The Wedding Singer (1998)

In this hilarious and heartfelt throwback to the 1980s, Adam Sandler plays a wedding singer who finds love with a waitress, played by Drew Barrymore. The film is filled to the brim with ‘80s nostalgia, and is a lot of fun from start to finish.

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The Notebook (2004)

Based on the novel of the same name by author, Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook is a romantic drama about two lovers who fall in love during the 1940s. Often regarded as one of the most romantic movies of all time, The Notebook stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

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My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

In this delightful rom-com, Nia Vardolas stars as a Greek American woman who falls in love with a non-Greek man, breaking away from her family’s relationship traditions. The film was written by Vardolas, and proved to be a huge sleeper hit upon release.

Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice star in this quirky romantic comedy about two ballroom dancers who find love on the dance floor. Baz Luhrmann directs this Australian gem from the early ‘90s.

Get Real (1998)

In this British coming-of-age drama, student Steven Carter finds love while dealing with the hassles of being a closeted teen. The movie is based on the play, What’s Wrong with Angry?, and serves up a heart-breaking and hilarious portrayal of romance, while up against closed minds.

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Enchanted (2007)

Amy Adams stars in this delightful live-action Disney movie (with animated sequences), about a cartoon character who finds herself transported into the real-world. Here she has to contend with the harsh reality of life (i.e. it’s not all singing-and-dancing), while trying to find her ‘happy ever after’.

Dear John (2010)

Based on a Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name, Dear John is a romantic war drama from director Lasse Hallström. The movie tells the story of a soldier and a young woman, who exchange letters after he is called up to fight in a war.

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)

In this time-loop rom-com, two teenagers find themselves inexplicably reliving the same day. Kathryn Newton and Kyle Allen star, with Ian Samuels on directing duties.

Coyote Ugly (2000)

Piper Perabo and Adam Garcia star in this musical comedy-drama about a young woman following her dreams of becoming a songwriter. David McNally directs this frothy film, tinged with romance.

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Mamma Mia! (2008)

Based on the musical stage show of the same name, and filled to the brim with classic ABBA songs, Mamma Mia! tells the story of a young women, who is set to be married. But before she ties the knot, she wants to reconnect with her estranged father… whoever he may be!

Out of Sight (1998)

When a US Marshal and a bank robber are forced to share a car trunk, sparks fly in this crime caper from director Steven Soderbergh. George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez star.

One Fine Day (1996)

Another George Clooney movie, but this time he’s partnered with Michelle Pfeiffer, for the rom-com, One Fine Day. The movie – from director Michael Hoffman – follows two single parents who find love while looking after each other’s children.

Friends With Benefits (2011)

Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis take the lead in this comical romance about two people who develop a relationship, after initially meeting up for ‘no strings attached’ fun. The chemistry between Timberlake and Kunis makes this an enjoyable watch, which casts a spotlight on what it really means to be ‘friends with benefits’.

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The Holiday (2006)

Jack Black, Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, and Jude Law star in this location-swapping rom com, about two women who exchange homes for the holidays, leading to romance along the way. Nancy Meyers directs.

Titanic (1997)

In this romantic epic, set around a real-life disaster, Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio star as two lovers from opposite sides of the tracks, who find love just before tragedy strikes. Directed by James Cameron, Titanic is one of the most successful movies of all time.

Summer of ’85 (2020)

Set during the summer of 1985, this romantic drama follows the story of two young men who fall in love and develop a relationship in secret. But the romance encounters upset, leading to heart-break and an unforgettable tale.

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

In this charming romantic comedy, Sandra Bullock plays a transport worker, who gets caught up in a fantastic lie when she saves the life of a commuter she has a crush on. He falls into a coma, and while he is asleep, his family mistakenly believe she is his fiancée – something which she fails to correct them on!

While You Were Sleeping is a fun, light-hearted picture, featuring an excellent performance from Bullock. Jon Turteltaub directs, while Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle and Glynis Johns co-star.

Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)

Based on the best-selling book of the same name by Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones’ Diary is a hilarious British rom-com about a 30-something single woman, trying to grapple with life, a career, and dating. The movie stars Reneé Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant, and spawned a series of sequels.

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Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Five years into a relationship, Peter Bretter is left heartbroken when his girlfriend, Sarah Marshall breaks up with him. Keen to move on, Peter goes on holiday, only to bump into his ex and her new boyfriend, in this humorous romantic comedy starring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, and Russell Brand.

Jerry Maguire (1996)

Jerry Maguire tells the story of a sports agent who decides to change his approach to work, and losses almost all of his clients along the way. However, his new path leads to friendship and love in this critically acclaimed, Academy Award-winning picture from writer/director, Cameron Crowe.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Set during the early 1980s, Call Me By Your Name tells the story of a romantic relationship which develops between two young men, during the backdrop of a beautiful Italian summer. The movie stars Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet, and shortly after its release picked up a number of awards, including the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

In (500) Days of Summer, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel take centre stage in director Marc Webb’s story about the highs and lows of being in a relationship. Funny, quirky, and at times heart-breaking, the movie is a tour de force of life and love.

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Notting Hill (1999)

Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts star in British rom-com, Notting Hill – a movie about a bookstore owner who falls in love with a movie star. Written by Richard Curtis, the film is filled with memorable gags, as well as a career-launching performance from Rhys Ifans as Hugh Grant’s unconventional flat mate.

The Vow (2012)

Inspired by a true story, The Vow tells the tale of a young couple, Paige and Leo, who are very much in love until tragedy strikes and they are involved in a car accident. Both survive the accident, but Paige suffers amnesia and forgets all about her life with Leo. Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams star in this movie romantic drama about love against the odds.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

You probably don’t think of this one as a romantic movie because you get side tracked with all the singing fish, but The Little Mermaid is 100% a love story. The film tells the tale of a mermaid who falls in love with a prince, then sets out on a journey to win his heart.

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As Good As It Gets (1997)

If you missed this one the first time around, now is the time to give it a watch, because As Good As It Gets is a superb romantic comedy not to be missed. The movie – starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt – follows the story of an obsessive novelist and a single mother who develop a relationship with hilarious consequences.

Moonstruck (1987)

Cher, Nicolas Cage, and Olympia Dukakis star in this romantic comedy about a widow who falls in love with her fiancé’s younger brother. Shortly after this film was released, Moonstruck won three Academy Awards included Best Actress for Cher.

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Four Weddings and a Funeral follows the story of a group of friends and their romantic escapades as they attend a series of social occasions (the eponymous weddings and funerals). Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, Kristin Scott Thomas and John Hannah star, while Mike Newell directs.

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The Lucky One (2012)

Based on the novel of the same name by Nicolas Sparks, The Lucky One follows the story of a US Marine who finds a photo of an unknown young warm while on a tour in Iraq. Keeping the photo as a good luck charm until his service is over, he sets out to find the woman in the picture, leading to love and romance. Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling star.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Arguably one of the best (and certainly funniest) fairy tale movies of them all, The Princess Bride focuses on the romance between two lovers and their encounters with outlaws and a wicked prince. Based on the book of the same name by William Goldman, Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride is a love story for the ages.

Romancing the Stone (1984)

Sticking with the adventure theme, and if you want a little ‘pow’ with your love story then look no further than the action-packed romantic comedy, Romancing the Stone. The movie – which stars Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner – tells the story of a romance novelist who gets caught up in an adventure and finds love along the way.

Twilight (2008)

Based on the book of the same name by Stephanie Meyer, Twilight tells the story of a high school girl who falls in love with a vampire. Starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, the movie focuses on the budding romance between the two leads, and the impact their relationship has on a coven of evil vampires.

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Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

In the romantic musical comedy, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, two best friends from Iceland head to the Eurovision Song Contest in order to represent their country. Along the way they experience highs and lows, and come to realise they share a much deeper connection than just music.

Life in a Year (2020)

Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne star in this romantic drama about two people who fall in love, but discover they have a limited time with which to make the most of their relationship. Mitja Okorn directs this moving tale of love and loss.

A Walk to Remember (2002)

Another romantic tear-jerker, this time from director Adam Shankman. A Walk to Remember stars Shane West and Mandy Moore, and follows the story of two young lovers and their short but meaningful relationship.

Grease (1978)

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John take centre-stage in this musical rom-com about two high school students who develop an attraction to each other. Set during the 1950s, the movie is loaded with memorable songs, guaranteed to get your toes tapping!

Roxanne (1987)

And finally, Steve Martin is at his hilarious best in Fred Schepisi’s romantic comedy, Roxanne. The movie – a reworking of Edmond Rostand’s play, Cyrano de Bergerac – tells the story of a fire chief with an unusually long nose, who finds love through letter writing.

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Recap

To recap, and save you from having to scroll back through this post, here is the list of must-see romantic movies.

Never Been Kissed (1999)
Ghost (1990)
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Return to Me (2000)
Muriel’s Wedding (1994)
Pretty Woman (1990)
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
What Women Want (2000)
50 First Dates (2004)
Love, Simon (2018)
Heartbreakers (2001)
The Wedding Singer (1998)
The Notebook (2004)
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Get Real (1998)
Enchanted (2007)
Dear John (2010)
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)
Coyote Ugly (2000)
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Out of Sight (1998)
One Fine Day (1996)
Friends With Benefits (2011)
The Holiday (2006)
Titanic (1997)
Summer of ’85 (2020)
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Jerry Maguire (1996)
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
500 Days of Summer (2009)
Notting Hill (1999)
The Vow (2012)
The Little Mermaid (1989)
As Good As It Gets (1997)
Moonstruck (1987)
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
The Lucky One (2012)
The Princess Bride (1987)
Romancing the Stone (1984)
Twilight (2008)
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)
Life in a Year (2020)
A Walk to Remember (2002)
Grease (1978)
Roxanne (1987)

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Thank you for taking the time to read this post about romantic movies. I hope this list of films points you in the right direction, if you’re looking for love.

For more movie-related content, be sure to check out the recommended reads below. Here you will find further information about popular movies which may also prove useful.

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