40 Best Romantic Movies of All Time

There are plenty of the best romantic movies listed on the internet. Boy meets girl, a bit of complication, they hook up, and then they live happily ever after.

Plenty of epic stories follow that pattern or suddenly deviate from it at the end, such as Romeo and Juliet (all versions) and Titanic (1997), which made them memorable.

However, there are a few that deviate from the pattern. Here is an impartial list of good romantic movies to watch that don’t follow the usual script.

Also Try: Which Romantic Movie Couple Are You?

10 Best romantic movies of all time

Some movies will always be romantic movies of all time. While we can’t list all of them, here are 10 such classic romantic movies that will make butterflies flutter in your stomach.

1. Vanilla Sky 

Rating: 6.9/10

Director: Cameron Crowe

Cast: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz, Jason Lee

Release Year: 2001

If you are looking for a serious, solemn love story with a twist, then this is your movie. Deciding between this and Dances with Wolves (1990), Dances with Wolves follow the typical pattern too closely. 

Vanilla Sky is different from most romantic movies such as Far and Away (1992), Top Gun (1986), Jerry Maguire (1996), and Risky Business (1983), played by Tom Cruise. It indeed doesn’t follow the expected path. 

It may not be his best film or performance, but it’s the best fit for this list.

Watch the trailer here:

2. Up 

Rating: 8.2/10

Director: Pete Docter

Cast: Ed Asner, Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Jordan Nagal

Release Year: 2009

Disney-Pixar created the best romantic love story in the first five minutes of this movie that most exclusive full-length features wish they could be. 

It’s a story about lifelong devotion and about how a couple’s dreams go on even in death. It’s funny that this movie is one of the best romantic movies of all time if you look at it in that way.

Watch the trailer here:

3. Family Man

Rating: 6.8/10

Director: Brett Ratner

Cast: David Weissman, David Diamond

Release Year: 2000

A lot of love stories revolve around “what ifs.”

In the real world or silver screen, that’s one of the most complex parts about falling in love. Movies like Family Man starring Nicholas Cage, and others like Definitely, Maybe (2008), a super-steroid version of How I Met Your mother.

This movie is an excellent romantic movie about What Ifs. A single decision changed the life of Nicholas Cage’s character that eventually became a rich and powerful CEO of a New York M&A investment firm.

The what-if scenario, a perfect suburban life with the woman he loves, and a family with a white picket fence that everyone dreams about.

Watch the trailer here:

4. The Notebook

Rating: 7.8

Director: Nick Cassavetes

Cast: James Garner, Rachel McAdams, Gena Rowlands

Release Year: 2004

The movie explores the societal differences between two people falling in love. It sheds light on how love can set you free and make you a better individual. 

It also deals with the trauma of separation and the challenges that comes with it. If you have ever experienced love, even for a tiny second, this movie will make your heart grow fonder of that feeling. 

Watch the trailer here:

5. Titanic

Rating: 7.8

Director: James Cameron

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane

Release Year: 1997

Needless to say, Titanic is one of the most beautiful and timeless movies revolving around love. A 17-year-old poor boy falls in love with an affluent and engaged girl on the best ship in the world. 

However, the ill fate of the ship leads to a tragic end resulting in various deaths and casualties, including the death of the young lover boy. 

Watch the trailer here:

6. Pretty Women 

Rating: 7.1 

Director: Garry Marshall

Cast: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Jason Alexander

Release Year: 1990

A wealthy entrepreneur hires a prostitute to accompany him to some social events. He ends up falling in love with her. The struggle of bridging a gap between his and her worlds is the real essence of the movie. 

It will make you believe in impossible love. 

Watch the trailer here:

7. Crazy Stupid Love

Rating: 7.4

Director:  Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Cast: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore

Release Year: 2011

This movie almost covers all age groups when it comes to love. It also shows love in various circumstances. A middle-aged man is going through separation and finding his way back to his lost charm.

A workaholic young woman falling in love with an older man. A playboy leaving his old life behind to build a future with a girl. The movie has all kinds of love. 

Watch the trailer here:

8. The Proposal

Rating: 6.7 

Director: Anne Fletcher

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds

Release Year: 2009

It’s an exciting love story where a pushover boss forces her assistant to fake marry her to save her deportation from the US. In the process, how these two individuals fall in love is overwhelming. 

Both the boss and assistant change as individuals when they spend some time together and get to know each other better. 

Watch the trailer here:

9. Me Before You

Rating: 7.4

Director:  Thea Sharrock

Cast: Emilia Clark, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer

Release Year: 2016

Have you ever watched a movie that leaves both a smile and tears in your eyes? If not, you should watch this one as soon as possible. A recently paralyzed man forms a loving bond with the small-town girl who takes care of him. 

How the story unfolds and how that small-town girl explores a new perspective of life is simply nerve cracking. 

Watch the trailer here:

10. La La Land

Rating: 8

Director: Damien Chazelle

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Rosemarie DeWitt

Release Year: 2016

Fan of a musical? This romantic musical is all about love and understanding its value in our life. How an inspiring actor and musician fall in love and how they need to lead separate lives without any bitterness against each other. 

It’s as inspiring as heartbreaking to watch both the leads fall apart, but that’s the beauty of this movie. It leaves you smiling and thinking about love. 

Watch the trailer here:

Sad romantic movies

Here are some sad romantic movies that will tug your soul and make your heart warm.

11. Time Traveler’s Wife

Rating: 7.1

Director: Robert Schwentke

Cast: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston

Release Year: 2009

Choosing between this, Somewhere in Time (1980) and Forever Young (1992), is difficult.

Plotwise Somewhere in Time is better, but it is also too close to the typical story. The general plot is about time travel, duh! Falling in love with someone in a slightly different timeline.

All those mentioned are good romantic movies, but Time Traveler’s Wife tops all four in sad romantic movies with a bit of temporal displacement.

Watch the trailer here:

12. Memoirs of a Geisha 

Rating: 7.4

Director: Rob Marshall

Cast: Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe, Michelle Yeoh

Release Year: 2005

This movie is too perfect for an atypical love story that I wouldn’t know where to start.

War, social status, honor and loyalty, age gap, and a dozen other things blur the line between love, romance, and order. 

Ernest Hemmingways, In Love and War (1996) is close. Both are movie adaptations of best-selling novels.

Pearl Harbor (2001) is a distant third place, but Memoirs trump their overall impact.

Watch the trailer here:

13. The Fault in Our Stars

Rating: 7.7

Director:  Josh Boone

Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff

Release Year: 2014

Two teenage cancer patients meet unexpectedly and fall in love with each other. As lost as the story appears, it is refreshing to watch love through the eyes of someone who hasn’t got all the time in the world. 

This movie will break your heart and yet make you hopeful. 

Watch the trailer here:

14. Blue Valentine 

Rating: 7.3

Director:  Derek Cianfrance

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, John Doman

Release Year: 2010

Two people who have been in a dysfunctional marriage for years. The struggle to overcome the challenges of married life while trying to raise their daughter is enlightening. 

The movie explores the complexity of marriage and love. It can make you wonder whether you know a thing or two about love or are completely clueless. 

Watch the trailer here:

15. A Star Is Born 

Rating: 7.6

Director: Bradley Cooper

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliot

Release Year: 2018

An old musician who is an alcoholic helps a young emerging talent. He teaches her everything he knows, helps build her career, guides her through difficult life decisions while he struggles to overcome his personal demons. 

If this one won’t make your heart sob, then nothing will. 

Watch the trailer here:

16. The Vow

Rating: 6.8

Director: Michael Sucsy

Cast: Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum, Scott Speedman

Release Year: 2012

A woman meets with an accident and stays in a coma. After a time, when she wakes up, she refuses to recognize her life partner. Her husband, who loves her too much to let go, works his way to her heart again. 

It is the kind of movie that makes you believe in love as an undying emotion. 

Related Reading: 16 Reasons to Keep Believing in Love

Watch the trailer here:

17. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind

Rating: 8.3

Director: Michel Gondry

Cast: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Charlie Kaufman

Release Year: 2004

This is the kind of love story that plays with your mind and compels you to think beyond your imagination. Two people meet on a train and start bonding without knowing that their memories have been clinically erased. 

They do not remember the troubling past, yet they are drawn to each other.

Watch the trailer here:

18. Remember Me

Rating: 7.1

Director: Allen Coulter

Cast: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Release Year: 2010

The story revolves around a troubled young man who finds solace in a young woman who seems a constantly cheerful person. 

However, there is more to her than meets the eyes when the truth comes out. The dynamics of their romantic relationship change, and the real challenges begin.

The best thing about the movie is that it explores the complexity of dark emotions.  

Watch the trailer here:

19. Love and the other drugs

Rating: 6.7

Director: Edward Zwick

Cast: Anne Hathaway, Jake Gyllenhaal, Oliver Platt, Gabriel Macht

Release Year: 2010

A pharma sales executive who is a womanizer starts dating a young woman who has early-onset Parkinson’s disease. A man who has never been in a serious relationship starts to feel what he never felt before. 

The movie shows how two imperfect individuals can make a perfect relationship if they let go of their fears.

Watch the trailer here:

20. Shakespeare in Love

Rating: 7.1

Director: John Madden

Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow

Release Year: 1998

The world’s most famous romantic writer is out of ideas in his young days. Set in the Shakesperean era, the movie explores the young time of the writer’s life when he meets a girl who inspires him to write one of his most famous plays. 

Watch the trailer here:

Romantic sex movies

Looking for a watch that can stir romance with a bit of seduction. This romantic sex movies list includes good ones from the lot.

21. My Super Ex-Girlfriend 

Rating: 5.1

Director: Ivan Reitman

Cast: Uma Thurman, Luke Wilson, Anna Faris

Release Year: 2006

The only typical rom-com on the list. Most people think it will follow the predictable pattern, but it doesn’t. After all, the title starts with an “ex” on it. 

The story is simple, the main character, played by Luke Wilson, dates and eventually breaks up with the leading lady played by Uma Thurman.

Unfortunately for Luke Wilson’s character, Uma Thurman is also G-Girl, a local superhero with Super Saiyan powers and a Taylor Swift personality. Choosing between this and Hancock (2008) is easy. I laughed harder watching this one.

Watch the trailer here:

22. Bram Stoker’s Dracula 

Rating: 7.4

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Cast: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins

Release Year: 1992

Speaking of Love that goes on well beyond the grave, this is the best example of it. There are other attempts, such as Warm Bodies (2013), Ghost (1990), and Always (1989). But none of them would leave a more lasting impact than Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Besides, a young Keanu Reeves and Monica Bellucci adds an enormous appeal. 

If we factor in Gary Oldman’s performance as Dracula and the production value, then this movie doesn’t only deserve to be on this list, but it is one of the best movies of all time.

Watch the trailer here:

23. Edward Scissorhands 

Rating: 7.9 

Director: Tim Burton

Cast: Johnny Deep, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest

Release Year: 1990

We mentioned Tom Cruise and Keanu as supporting actors in a few of the movies mentioned above, and it wouldn’t be complete without Johnny Depp.

Ironically, a Brad Pitt movie called The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) comes close. This and Dracula put Winona Ryder, the ultimate actress, in great atypical romantic movies on the girls’ side.

The story is about a semi-supernatural being who falls in love with an ordinary girl. Like Hunchback of Notre Dame, the girl has genuine feelings for the “it.” Many people would agree 

It’s one of the best romantic movies ever made.

Watch the trailer here:

24. Dirty Dancing

Rating: 7

Director: Emile Ardolino

Cast: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Cynthia Rhodes

Release Year: 1987

One of the classic sexy romantic movies, Dirty Dancing, makes you want to be a rebel but not without the cause. A young woman spending summer holidays at a retreat resort 

Related Reading: How About Spending Time Together on Holidays Instead of Spending Money?

Watch the trailer here:

25. Fatal Attraction

Rating: 6.9

Director: Adrian Lyne

Cast: Michal Douglas, Glenn Close, Anne Archer, Ellen Hamilton Latzen

Release Year: 1987

A love story that explores how an extra-marital affair can turn into a serious mess. The girl becomes obsessed with the man and tries to ruin his marriage. 

This one is a little hard on your heart and keeps you on edge. If you like a thriller, this one will be a must-watch.

Watch the trailer here:

26. Cruel Intentions

Rating: 6.8

Director: Roger Kumble

Cast: Sarah Michelle Geller, Ryan Phillipe

Release Year: 1999

A teenage romantic drama that revolves around jealousy, love, power, and manipulation. Wealthy teenagers with their mind games become dangerous for each other’s life. 

It’s a provocative sexual thriller, sometimes defined as a dark comedy. One of the most surprising romantic movies of its time. This movie keeps you hooked throughout. 

Watch the trailer here:

27. Ghost 

Rating: 7.1

Director: Jerry Zucker

Cast: Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze

Release Year: 1990

If you believe love conquers all, the storyline of this movie proves it. An unfortunate event strikes two lovers who are happy together. A thug kills the lover and haunted by the thought of his lover’s life in jeopardy, his spirit wanders to warn her of danger. 

Watch the trailer here:

28. Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Rating: 6.5

Director: Dough Limon

Cast: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie

Release Year: 2005

A romantic movie that has all; steam, action, drama, romance, and sex. This movie is one of the all-time favorites. A husband and wife work as assassins in companies that are pitted against each other, and one day they both receive an assignment to kill their partner. 

However, the assignment details are partially hidden, and when they come out, the story changes completely.

Watch the trailer here:

29. Skyfall

Rating: 7.8

Director: Sam Mendes

Cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem

Release Year: 2012

A James Bond movie is all about steam, flirt, and action. An ex-MI agent steals a hard drive that holds top secrets. You know how that plot follows. 

Bad people after that information and Mr. Bond is trying to save it with all his life. 

Watch the trailer here:

30. Fifty Shades Trilogy

Rating: 4.1, 4.6, 4.5

Director: Sam Taylor Johnson, James Foley

Cast: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan

Release Year: 2015, 2017, 2018

This movie series is as steamy as you can imagine; you can expect what’s coming based on the book. The romantic drama film is a story of a man who has been practicing BDSM in his sexual life and a college girl who falls in love with him. 

The whole story reveals the ups and downs of a complex relationship that starts as an agreement and turns into a happy, healthy marriage.

Watch the trailer here:

Best of rom coms 

Here are some of the best romantic comedies you can watch if you are mushy and want to feel good. 

31. How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Rating: 6.4

Director: Donald Petrie

Cast: Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey

Release Year: 2003

A writer starts dating a guy because of the latest writing project, unknown of the fact that he is dating her because of a bet. 

The movie got some grit and has a cute storyline. It has all the romantic feels but makes you giggle every once in a while. 

Watch the trailer here:

32. My Best Freinds Wedding 

Rating: 6.3

Director: P. J. Hogan

Cast: Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, Cameron Diaz

Release Year: 1997

On the day of her best friend’s marriage, Julliane tells him that she loves him. She does everything to sabotage his wedding as she can’t witness the fact that the love of her life is getting married to someone else.

Watch the trailer here:

33. Never been Kissed

Rating: 6.1

Director: Raja Gosnell

Cast: Drew Barrymore, Micheal Vartan, Jessica Alba

Release Year: 1999

A journalist who has gone undercover as a high school student finds out that it is challenging for her to deal with high school drama as it brings out all the past trauma, and she couldn’t go through it again. 

She also falls in love and breaks the guy’s trust she is in love with. However, everything turns out to be okay in the end. 

Watch the trailer here:

34. Definitely Maybe

Rating: 7.1

Director: Adam Brooks

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Abigail, Breslin, Isla Fisher

Release Year: 2008

A 30-year-old man is asked about his life before marriage by his daughter. He decides to explain it to her, and as he proceeds, he explains various encounters and relationships he has had with women. 

His daughter, who has never met her mother, tries to decode which one could be her mother. It’s a sweet romantic movie that puts a smile on your face.

Watch the trailer here:

35. 13 Going on 30

Rating: 6.2 

Director: Gary Winick

Cast: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo

Release Year: 2004

A 13-year-old girl wishes to be thirty, and somehow it comes true. She realizes that she has made all the wrong decisions in her life as her life is nothing but an emotionless agreement with beneficial people. 

She wishes to get back to her normal age and redo things in the right way. 

Watch the trailer here:

36. 50 First Dates

Rating: 6.8

Director: Peter Segal

Cast: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore

Release Year: 2004

A quick tip, before you watch the movie, take a box of tissues and keep them beside you as it’s an emotional rollercoaster. Lucy suffers from a short-term memory loss because of which she forgets to meet Larry. 

Larry makes sure that he meets her every day and keeps her falling in love with him. This movie will stir all the love in your heart. 

Watch the trailer here:

37. 27 Dresses

Rating: 6.1 

Director: Anne Fletcher

Cast: Katherine Heigl, James marsden

Release Year: 2008

A woman who loves marriages and has served as a bridesmaid in 27 weddings gets her heartbroken. Her sister gets involved with the man she loves and decides to marry. 

In between everything, she meets a writer who thinks marriages are a sham. How she gets over her broken heart and starts living for herself is why you should watch this movie. If you are a do-gooder, you should take care of yourself. 

Watch the trailer here:

38. When Harry Met Sally 

Rating: 7.6

Director: Rob Reiner

Cast: Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal

Release Year: 1989

Two people who accidentally meet and form a short-term friendship meet again after a break of 5 years. After such a long time, they have changed the way they look at each other, and now they have to talk about these newfound feelings. 

You have missed out on good cinema if you have never watched it, but it’s never late. Grab the popcorn and watch it now. 

Watch the trailer here:

39. Clueless

Rating: 6.9

Director: Amy Heckerling

Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd

Release Year: 1995

A rich high school girl consumed by fashion decides to help a new student. 

She helps in wardrobe, etiquettes, body language, and gaining popularity, and while doing so, she also discovers feelings for someone who has always been very close to her. 

Watch the trailer here:

40. Bicentennial Man 

Rating: 6.9

Director: Chris Columbus

Cast: Robin Williams, Embeth Davidtz

Release Year: 1999

Speaking of genuine love between “it” and an ordinary woman.

This one barely wins it over Lars and the Real Girl (2007) and Her (2013) because of Robin Williams’ performance and Oliver Platt’s comic relief role.

The story is a bit long and dragging (It lasts around 200 years -hence the title), but it ends unexpectedly, and the story itself is unpredictable and heartwarming.

Several other movies barely missed the cut, such as Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Lost in Translation, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. 

The performances of Bill Murray and the very young Scarlett Johanssen hits you in a weird but friendly way.

Watch the trailer here:

Conclusion

All of the movies listed above, including those that didn’t make the cut, are good romantic movies. You wouldn’t regret watching them.