Pop the cork and grab the tissue! 25 Must-watch Romance movies for your next movie night
Not all romance movies are one-size-fits-all. There are countless subcategories within the genre to cater to every type of love story. Whether you prefer humor, drama, action, passion, or tragedy, there's something for everyone. Personally, I’m drawn to romantic comedies because they reflect real love as both lighthearted and passionate, which resonates with me deeply. I love to see authentic relationships portrayed on screen, as it makes the characters relatable. Plus, a happy ending is essential for me; I find it hard to accept a romance where the destined couple doesn’t end up together. I might not be the one who gets to decide how the story ends, but I do get to choose whether or not I want to go through that emotional rollercoaster again. On the other hand, some tragic love stories are unavoidable and have a way of tugging at your heartstrings.
Despite my preferences, I appreciate a bit of everything and, of course, have my own list of favorites. The best part about romance is that a love story can fit any occasion, and whether or not they are featured on our TV screens, love has a way of finding us regardless. So, buckle up for the journey. In no particular order, here are 25 romance movies that are a must-watch in my opinion!
1. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
This movie is hands down my favorite of all time! It has everything: romance, humor, and all the feels about the realities of life and adulthood while still keeping that inner child alive. The nostalgic music gets me every time, and I swear, whenever I hear 'Why Can’t I' by Liz Phair, it’s a sign to rewatch this movie for the millionth time. It lives in my mind rent-free, with the romance being just the cherry on top. This movie is magical in every way and is a must-watch if you haven’t seen it yet!
2. Never Been Kissed (1999)
Josie, a newspaper reporter, goes undercover as a high school student to research teenage culture. Her cover is jeopardized when she unexpectedly falls for her charming English teacher.
Does this movie have its controversies and deliver a high dose of cringe? Absolutely. Despite the criticism, I enjoy this movie in spite of its flaws. Lines are certainly crossed, but still, you can’t deny that there is a heartfelt story behind it all. Dorky and nostalgic amidst it all regardless. An early 2000s classic if you will that holds up surprising well, and honestly, Drew Barrymore as the leading actress alone is more than enough reason to give it a fair chance!
3. Maid of honor (2008)
Serial dater Tom is forced to confront his true feelings for his longtime best friend Hannah when she announces her engagement and asks him to be her maid of honor.
I LOVE this movie. I don’t care if the friends-to-lovers plot is cliché—this film perfectly captures heartfelt romance with enjoyable humor and characters that grow on you. The kiss scene alone is one of the most romantic kiss scenes I’ve ever seen in a rom-com. If you know the scene I’m talking about, then you understand! Overall, this is easily in the top 10 for me, and surely, it never fails to deliver in the romance department.
4. leap year (2010)
Determined to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day, Anna travels to Ireland, where a series of mishaps leads her on an unexpected journey through the countryside with Declan, a grumpy local innkeeper.
I’ve loved this movie ever since the first time I watched it. The plot is refreshingly original, the characters share genuine chemistry, and the incredibly stunning Irish landscapes make for a gorgeous background setting. This is the kind of movie that leaves you with a warm, tingly feeling in your stomach, and you can’t help but find yourself smiling at the screen mid-movie!
5. Hope Floats (1998)
After a humiliating separation, divorcee Birdee and her daughter Bernice return to the small town where she grew up. While confronting her past, she reconnects with her old friend Justin, who offers her a second chance at love.
This is definitely a slower-paced romance, but it still bestows a type of love that creeps in and finds you when you least expect it. The story depicts the reality of someone who has been betrayed by the very thing she gave her all to, and how true love has a way of reappearing in our lives when we least expect it. A perfect feel-good movie that restores faith in a second chance at real love!
6. return to me (2000)
A grieving widower unknowingly crosses paths with and begins to fall for the woman who received his late wife’s heart in a transplant.
Prepare yourself for the waterworks with this one. This movie is a literal gem. With a blend of humor, romance, and deep history interwoven into the storyline, you experience a wave of emotions. As an adult, I finally understand why my grandma always cried watching it. The film not only portrays a blossoming romance but also explores the depths of love and loss, capturing the raw reality of a broken heart.
7. something borrowed (2011)
Friendships are tested when successful lawyer Rachel wakes up in bed next to her long-time crush Dex—who is engaged to her lifelong best friend Darcy.
This movie has a lot to unpack and is subject to diverse interpretations, but the beauty of fiction is that not everything has to adhere to moral norms. Sometimes a good love story doesn’t always rely on a promising romance, but discovering the importance of loving yourself and stepping out of the shadows of our own self doubt.
8. The Wedding date (2005)
To convince her family and ex at her sister’s upcoming wedding that she’s thriving, Kat hires a charming male escort to pose as her boyfriend.
Underrated and often overlooked, this movie captures the motivations behind actions influenced by societal pressure. It also depicts the retaliation associated with heartbreak and the blindness we sometimes have when confronting reality. Another great love story born from unexpected circumstances, in the best possible way.
9. The Notebook (2004)
Driven apart by their different social classes, young lovers Noah and Allie are reunited years later. As feelings resurface, a second chance at love emerges, but new obstacles stand in their way.
Let’s face it, you knew this one was coming. This was once my all-time favorite movie, the blueprint for all great love stories. The lake scene, with that romantic kiss in the rain, sealed the deal for me—no wonder it’s on the cover! This movie exuded passion and romance, stirring emotions in me before I even understood the true effects of real love.
10. Ever After (1998)
An adaptation of the classic Cinderella tale, “Ever After” follows the story of Danielle, a young woman forced into servitude by her stepmother after her father's death. However, her life takes a turn for the better when she crosses paths with the charming Prince Henry.
This is my absolute favorite adaptation of Cinderella. The romance is timeless, and the chivalry and mannerisms are utterly charming. The passion is beautifully portrayed, and the movie never fails to stir my emotions every time I watch it. You know a character is portrayed brilliantly when you nearly hate the actor for simply doing their job. This movie is a masterpiece!
11. He’s Just not that into you (2009)
Interconnecting stories explore the love lives of various couples, all navigating the ups and downs of human connection and romance.
Movies that follow multiple storylines are always fun to watch. Different stories, varied challenges in love, and intertwined fates make for a rollercoaster of events. While this movie had several cringe-worthy scenes, the overall execution was beautifully done!
12. Titanic (1997)
A poignant love story unfolds between two teenagers from different social classes aboard the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic, which tragically sank in the North Atlantic in 1912.
Another undeniable classic. Not only do you get romance, but a look into the actual events associated with the tragic fate of the Titanic. The love story was a nice touch and depicted a romance that was youthful, innocent, and timeless. This movie is a LONG one, but still a great watch nonetheless. The casting in this film was well done, maybe a little too good!
13. A walk to remember (2002)
Despite their differences, aimless high school student Landon befriends the devout daughter of the town's Baptist minister, sparking the beginning of a powerful relationship that leads to redemption and a deeper understanding of the human heart.
Being one of the first movies to make me bawl my eyes out, I can certainly vouch for this touching love story. The evolution of the relationship is heartfelt and impactful, and the overall storyline is beautifully executed. Nicholas Sparks is an amazing writer, and if you love reading as well, this movie is adapted from his 1999 novel. Just be sure to have some tissue on hand if you watch it!
14. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Amidst societal pressures to marry, the eldest daughter, Elizabeth Bennet, encounters the proud Mr. Darcy where burgeoning feelings are tested by social hierarchy and their own reluctance to follow their hearts.
When I first watched this, I had mixed feelings. The personalities can be frustrating and wavering, but they eventually grow on you, and the romance truly lingers amidst it all. It’s another slow burn and lengthy film, but it’s certainly remarkable, and I find myself rewatching it every so often. I haven’t yet tried any other adaptations of the film or the book, but I can certainly say this remake is worth watching!
15. 50 first dates (2004)
Playboy Henry tries to win over Lucy, who suffers from short-term memory loss. Determined to make her fall in love with him every day, Henry faces skepticism from family and friends about the viability of their relationship, given her condition and his track record.
Gosh, I love this movie—maybe a little too much, considering I once dressed up as Ula’s version of Lucy for Halloween. If you know, you know. With Adam Sandler involved, you can already expect plenty of laughs! But beyond the humor, the plot showcases the lengths someone in love is willing to go, making for a great movie that keeps you hooked while raising your own expectations for love. If Henry can do it for Lucy, someone can do it for you!
16. Letters to juliette (2010)
Upon discovering an unanswered love letter in Juliet's courtyard in Verona, Sophie responds to the letter's recipient, leading them on a journey to find her long-lost love, accompanied by the woman's disapproving grandson.
The connection to Romeo and Juliet adds a layer of beauty to this story. Cheesy and romantic, with two love stories in one—a major bonus! It’s a cute movie that speaks to the heart of a hopeless romantic, reminding us that it’s never too late and "the one that got away" is not always the end of the story. Fate is a beautiful and essential element in a good, heartwarming love story!
17. 27 dresses (2008)
Jane, a 27-time bridesmaid, struggles with her emotions when her sister becomes engaged to the man Jane has secretly loved for years. Meanwhile, a charming reporter covers Jane's story, adding another layer of complexity to her life.
This movie is always a fun watch for me. It offers good humor and a light-hearted approach while still delivering emotional depth and just enough drama. A classic in my opinion—I never get tired of it! Perfect for a night in when you want a fun, swoon-worthy movie to pass the time.
18. How to lose a guy in 10 days (2003)
Advice columnist Andie uses her relationship with Ben as material for an article on how to lose a guy in 10 days, unaware that Ben is actually trying to win a bet by making a woman fall in love with him within the same time frame.
This movie never fails to make me laugh, and the plot is both fun with a unique twist! The characters did a fantastic job portraying their roles. It’s quirky, entertaining, and cheesy in all the right ways. Stubborn romance is always an enjoyable plot that grows on you, and it’s always a bonus when there’s good humor along the way!
19. Ghosts of girlfriends past (2009)
A notorious womanizer is haunted by the ghosts of his past girlfriends while attending his brother's wedding, forcing him to reflect on his past in hopes of finding a chance at true love.
A romantic take on the classic A Christmas Carol, but with a twist! This movie is always enjoyable, and I love seeing a romance that leads to revelation and redemption—because why not? Sure, the playboy-to-loverboy plot may be overused, but who cares? A romance is a romance, and at the end of the day, it’s the feel-good aspects that make it worth watching.
20. She’s All That (1999)
In an effort to get back at his ex-girlfriend, Zach bets that he can transform the school's nerdy outcast, Laney, into the next prom queen.
Not to be confused with the He’s All That movie, which was absolutely terrible, this film is the OG. It portrays a cute, romantic high school love story between a jock and an outcast—who would have guessed? Regardless, this movie hits all the right notes, creating a well-played climax. The addition of the song “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer was the perfect finishing touch. The chef’s kiss, might I add!
21. Me before you (2016)
Lou, a young woman, forms an unexpected bond with a young banker who was left paralyzed from an accident two years earlier after taking on a caregiving position.
Another tear-jerker you can’t quite prepare yourself for. This movie is absolutely touching, heartbreaking, romantic, and beautiful in its entirety. It will make you smile, laugh, and cry—it doesn’t disappoint. It’s a romance that gives you a bit of everything, capturing your heart and the essence of a beautiful love story between two characters destined to find each other. I both hate and love it so much.
22. Sweet home alabama (2002)
A successful New York City fashion designer returns to her Alabama hometown to obtain a divorce from her stubborn, high school sweetheart who refuses to divorce her.
Charming and sweet, this rom-com is an easy watch and downright lovable. Early 2000s romance movies hold a special place in my heart. I remember watching this early in the morning as a kid next to my mom on the couch while she enjoyed her coffee. It was a heartfelt movie then, and it still is now. “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl.
23. A cinderella story (2004)
Constantly mistreated by her wicked stepmother, Sam Montgomery eagerly anticipates meeting her online crush at the school's upcoming Halloween dance.
Another of my all-time favorites and a quintessential high school romance. This movie is always fun, featuring both lovable and despised characters—though the story wouldn’t be the same without them. The soundtrack alone is top tier, and Hilary Duff's performance is unmatched. The kiss, the story, the climax—all came together perfectly, easily earning itself a spot at the top for a good romance in my opinion.
24. Maid in Manhattan (2002)
Marisa, a hotel maid, is mistaken for a socialite when she meets senatorial candidate Christopher, leading to a romantic relationship that bridges their different worlds.
A heartfelt rags-to-riches story with a subtle nod to Cinderella. This movie is passionate and romantic, fulfilling the fantasy aspect of love. J-Lo always does an outstanding job in her roles, especially as the leading actress in a romance. You’ve got to give it to her—she kills it in her role every time, and this romance is no exception.
25. The ugly truth (2009)
An uptight television producer takes on the challenge of overseeing a morning segment on relationships run by a misogynistic man.
I have a soft spot for this movie. The misogynistic undertones are key to the story, influencing both the conflict and the characters’ growth. I love the chemistry and evolution of the relationship, as well as the heartfelt humor that the movie portrays. It’s a battle of the sexes, if you will, but ultimately a love story about realizing that not everything is surface-level and sometimes requires a deeper level of understanding.
There’s an endless amount of great romance movies, but creating a comprehensive list of every beloved film is nearly impossible. We all have our favorites and varying tastes when it comes to capturing the essence of romance. A good movie doesn’t always need to be fairytale-like or gut-wrenching; sometimes, it can be playful, innocent, infuriating, or chaotic. Don’t be afraid to try something new from time to time. Love is an exhilarating feeling, and movies that take you along for the ride are the closest thing to the real experience. Plus, a good romance is the perfect excuse to pop open a bottle, slip into something comfy, and snuggle up with a blanket and a bowl of popcorn. Now that’s a perfect night in!
Have any romance recommendations of your own? List them in the comments and I’ll give them a try!
