Whether you’re looking for a fun flick for date night or to fill a void, there are several great romance movies perfect to celebrate romance. Here are ten uplifting romance movies to get you in the mood for love!
- “Pride and Prejudice (dir. Joe Wright, 2005): If you want a slow-burn period romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this is an excellent pick. Based on the 1813 Jane Austen novel, the film tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet played by Keira Knightley, who, after pressure to find a husband, meets Mr. Darcy, played by Matthew Macfadyen. As the story progresses, we see a tense, unfriendly relationship develops into love. The film features wonderful dialogue and performances sure to make you swoon.
- “Before Sunrise” (dir. Richard Linklater, 1995): Two travelers (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) meet on a train in Europe. When he steps off at his stop, he asks the woman he just met to spend the day with him in Vienna Austria. Full of humor, depth and phenomenal acting, “Before Sunrise” is a wonderful examination of a spontaneous relationship.
- “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (dir. Donald Petrie, 2003): A man meets a woman at a bar and tries to make her fall in love with him. At the same time, she is practicing how to get rid of a guy in ten days for an article. Starring the famous duo Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, the movie is a perfect example of a nostalgic romcom filled with charisma, humor and charm.
- “Love, Simon” (dir. Greg Berlanti, 2018): There are not many uplifting LGBTQ+ romcoms centered around teenage characters, but luckily, we have “Love Simon,” a beautiful story of a closeted teen (Nick Robinson) who falls in love with an anonymous man online. The story is one that tugs on your heartstrings and is full of jokes, self-discovery and acceptance.
- “Crazy, Stupid Love.” (dir. Glenn Ficarra, 2011): After a middle-aged man, played by Steve Carell is divorced by his wife, Julianne Moore, he enlists the help of a young hotshot played by Ryan Gosling to teach him how to attract women. Featuring Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon and Marisa Tomei, this is a story not only about romance, but self-acceptance and independence that will have you laughing throughout its showtime.
- “Punch Drunk Love” (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson, 2002): This film takes on a different tone than the rest of these romance films. With a much darker sense of humor, the film focuses on a lonely business owner played by Adam Sandler who falls in love with his sister’s coworker. After he is blackmailed, however, not only his romance but his life begins to fall apart. The movie is much more action packed than the rest but still doesn’t fall short on its impactful dialogue and character development.
- “The Princess Bride” (dir. Rob Reiner, 1987): A timeless masterpiece, this film is a quintessential storybook tale akin to the ones we group up with. While poking fun at fairytales, “The Princess Bride’ displays a powerful, passionate and whimsical romance between farm boy Westley, played by Cary Elwes and Princess Buttercup, played by Robin Wright. Clever, funny and quotable, this is a must-see comfort movie.
- “The Princess and the Frog” (dir. John Musker & Ron Clements, 2009): Animated movies showcase some of the most powerful and heartfelt romances in film. Disney movies, such as this one, taught us to believe in love in the first place. Tiana, played by Anika Noni Rose, is a waitress working to open her own restaurant when she turns into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen, played by Bruno Campos. Together, they try to find a way to turn themselves back to humans and fall in love throughout the process.
- “Coming to America” (dir. John Landis, 1988): Wanting to live a life separate from the ways of royalty, an African prince, played by Eddie Murphy, comes to America. He finds love with a fast-food worker, played by Shari Hadley, but struggles to reveal his royal identity to her. This movie is filled with clever quips and laugh-out-loud circumstances that make this movie sure to lift your spirit.
- “When Harry Met Sally” (dir. Rob Reiner, 1989): Two college students, played by Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, share a car ride to New York and argue over whether men and women can stay platonic friends. When they meet again a decade later, they feel the challenge of the arguments beforehand, not letting the attraction to each other get in the way of their already rocky friendship. Billy Crystal’s witty humor shines with Meg Ryan’s charm, creating a memorable romcom that is still a staple today.
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