Nothing can compare to the power of a great love tale. Artists and writers have been pouring their hearts out onto canvases and sheets of paper for millennia in the hopes of capturing the spirit of a once-in-a-lifetime love. Just ask Ree Drummond, who made her love story with her husband Ladd into a New York Times bestseller! While a beautiful romance novel is difficult to surpass, there’s something to be said about the best romantic films that attempt to make sense of this strange little thing called love.
There are many alternatives of loved-filled films to pick from, whether you want to see a tragic drama or a romantic comedy. If you’re drowning your sorrows after a traumatic breakup, having a wine-filled ladies’ night with your best friends, or having a casual couch and dinner date with your special someone, you can’t go wrong with watching one of these iconic romantic movies which romanticize the idea of love.
Classics like Casablanca will give you a peek at dating in the 1940s, while more recent films like The Vow relate stories about modern-day marital challenges. Of course, there are films like The Notebook and The Titanic that stand the test of time and deserve to be seen again and again.
On this list of the top romantic movies of all time that romanticize the idea of love, you’ll find whatever you’re looking for.
1. The Way We Were
When Katie Morosky (Barbra Streisand), a politically active Jew, meets Hubbell Gardiner (Robert Redford), a feckless WASP, they form an unlikely friendship. Years later, in the aftermath of WWII, they reunite and marry despite their evident differences. Despite Katie’s misgivings, Hubbell wants to be a screenwriter, so the two relocate to California. They thrive there, but Katie’s advocacy puts her husband’s reputation in jeopardy as the Hollywood blacklist approaches. It’s painful to watch two people who love each other yet are unable to spend their lives together. The film has a moving conclusion as well as fascinating music.
2. Jab We Met
Aditya, a distraught tycoon on the edge of suicide, boards a train aimlessly. He meets Geet, a free-spirited girl who is planning an elopement with her lover, and is drawn into her chaotic world. This film encourages us to enjoy life to the fullest and to take risks. You eventually fall in love with the film and the concept behind it. It comes with a fantastic soundtrack and can be watched at any time of day or night.
3. The Notebook
The Notebook, based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, is one of the most beloved romantic films of all time. The love story of Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling) is tested by war, class, and time before they eventually find happiness. A modern and normal love story that inspires us to believe in the possibility of genuine love. It’s a good movie if you want to take a break from reality for a bit.
4. Before Sunrise
Jesse (Ethan Hawke) encounters Celine (Julie Delpy), a student returning to Paris, on his route to Vienna. Jesse persuades Celine to get off the train with him in Vienna after extended conversations reveal a striking bond between them. They tour the city together, taking in the sights and sounds of Vienna and each other, for his trip to the United States departs the next morning and he has no money for lodging. As the night goes on, their bond grows stronger, making separating in the morning a difficult decision. Both actors have unrivalled chemistry, and their performances highlight themes of postmodern romance and the formation of a partnership. Its simplicity and beauty leave you speechless.
5. Love, Simon
Everyone deserves a fantastic love story, but it’s a little more tricky for 17-year-old Simon Spier. He hasn’t told his family or acquaintances that he is gay, and he has no idea who the anonymous classmate with whom he has fallen in love online is. Solving both problems is amusing, terrifying, and life-changing. This lovely film instils in us the desire to live a happy life. It comes to a surprising conclusion and leaves you in tears. It’s a fascinating and emotional watch.
6. Laila Majnu
Qais and Laila, two Kashmiri lovers, are unable to combine due to opposition from their families. However, fate intervenes, and Laila marries someone else as Qais travels to London. A clean and perfect love story with a thrilling and moving conclusion teaches us about love and longing. We fall in love with crazy, dedication, Aashiqui, and other things in this film. With a wonderful album and numerous rewatches, it begs to be watched again.
7. Meri Pyaari Bindu
Abhimanyu and Bindu, childhood friends, have a falling out as she realises she doesn’t love him after a brief relationship. Abhimanyu intends to write a narrative based on his life after becoming famous. Though the film’s ending seems abrupt, it is at this point that it becomes relatable to many of us. The rule of life is to love someone and then let them go, as this film reminds us. A fantastic journey through emotions and amazing music albums, with old songs thrown in for good measure.
8. Pride and Prejudice
Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) lives in the English countryside with her mother, father, and sisters in this adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. She is the eldest child, and her parents are pressuring her to marry. Sparks flare when the outspoken Elizabeth meets the dashing and upper-class Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen).
Darcy’s highly reserved nature threatens the blossoming romance, despite the apparent chemistry between the two. The amorous looks, beguiling talks, and heart-pricking eye contacts of Mr. Darcy Elizebeth make it an even more intimate and lovely viewing. It has everything you need, including enchantment, love, loyalty, and betrayal.
9. Lootera
Pakhi, the daughter of an aristocrat, falls in love with an archaeologist in 1953. Unbeknownst to her, he leads a double life that puts their relationship in jeopardy. This film depicts different hues of love, sadness, and life. It is a must-see because of Amit Trivedi’s fascinating soundtrack.
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