25 Heart-Melting Romance Movies You Need to Watch

Looking for a good cry, a swoon-worthy moment, or just a reminder that love is out there? You've come to the right place! I've compiled a list of 25 romance movies that are guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. From classic tales of forbidden love to modern-day meet-cutes, these films offer a little something for everyone. So grab some tissues (and maybe a box of chocolates), and get ready to fall in love with these unforgettable stories.

1. The Notebook (2004)

Oh, The Notebook! A classic for a reason. This sweeping tale of Noah and Allie's enduring love, spanning decades and defying social barriers, is guaranteed to bring on the waterworks. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams have incredible chemistry, and the story is just so darn romantic. It's a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of true love and second chances. Why it's the best: It portrays a love that withstands the test of time, memory loss, and social class, making it a timeless and deeply moving romance.

2. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

This adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel is pure perfection. Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen bring Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to life with such wit and passion. The slow burn of their relationship, filled with witty banter and simmering tension, is utterly captivating. If you love period dramas with strong characters and a satisfying romance, this is a must-see. Why it's the best: The witty dialogue, social commentary, and the gradual development of a love that overcomes prejudice make it a timeless and intellectually stimulating romance.

3. La La Land (2016)

This musical masterpiece is a love letter to old Hollywood and the pursuit of dreams. While the romance between Mia and Sebastian is bittersweet, it's also incredibly beautiful and poignant. The music is fantastic, the visuals are stunning, and the story explores the complexities of love and ambition. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates artistry and emotional depth. Why it's the best: It blends romance with the pursuit of individual dreams, exploring the sacrifices and compromises that sometimes come with love, all wrapped in a visually stunning musical package.

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

This is not your typical romance, but it's a brilliant exploration of love, memory, and heartbreak. The unique narrative structure and the performances by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet make this film unforgettable. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking and unconventional storytelling. Why it's the best: It delves into the complexities of relationships, exploring the desire to erase painful memories while highlighting the importance of those experiences in shaping who we are.

5. Titanic (1997)

Come on, who hasn't seen Titanic? This epic romance set against the backdrop of the ill-fated voyage is a cinematic masterpiece. The love story between Jack and Rose is both tragic and beautiful, and the film's scope and scale are simply breathtaking. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves grand, sweeping romances. Why it's the best: The epic scale, the tragic backdrop, and the passionate love story between Jack and Rose create a truly unforgettable and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

6. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

This coming-of-age romance tells the story of two teenagers with cancer who find love and support in each other. It's a tearjerker, for sure, but it's also a beautiful and life-affirming story about love, loss, and living life to the fullest. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates heartfelt and emotionally resonant stories. Why it's the best: It tackles difficult themes with sensitivity and grace, portraying a powerful love story in the face of adversity and reminding us to cherish every moment.

7. Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Baz Luhrmann's modern take on Shakespeare's classic tragedy is visually stunning and incredibly energetic. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes bring a raw intensity to the iconic roles of Romeo and Juliet. It's a must-watch for anyone who enjoys bold and stylish adaptations of classic literature. Why it's the best: It revitalizes a timeless story for a modern audience with its vibrant visuals, contemporary setting, and powerful performances, capturing the intensity and passion of young love.

8. Casablanca (1942)

This classic film is a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and duty. The romance between Rick and Ilsa is complicated by the backdrop of World War II, but their connection is undeniable. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates classic cinema and stories with depth and emotional resonance. Why it's the best: The combination of romance, intrigue, and historical context, along with iconic performances and memorable dialogue, makes it a timeless classic that explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice.

9. Before Sunrise (1995)

This film is a beautiful and intimate exploration of connection and fleeting moments. The simple premise—two strangers meet on a train and spend a night walking around Vienna—is elevated by the natural dialogue and the chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. It's a must-watch for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories and realistic portrayals of romance. Why it's the best: The film's strength lies in its naturalistic dialogue and the genuine connection between the two leads, capturing the magic of a chance encounter and the possibilities of human connection.

10. When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

This iconic rom-com explores the age-old question: Can men and women really be just friends? Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are perfectly cast, and the film is filled with witty banter and memorable scenes. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves classic romantic comedies with sharp writing and charming performances. Why it's the best: It's a quintessential romantic comedy with witty dialogue, relatable characters, and a timeless exploration of the complexities of male-female friendships that blossom into love.

11. Notting Hill (1999)

This charming British rom-com tells the story of a bookstore owner who falls in love with a famous American actress. Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts are delightful together, and the film is filled with heartwarming moments and quirky supporting characters. It's a must-watch for anyone who enjoys lighthearted and feel-good romances. Why it's the best: It's a classic "fish out of water" story with charming leads, a sweet romance, and a touch of British humor, making it a delightful and feel-good experience.

12. 500 Days of Summer (2009)

This unconventional rom-com tells the story of a relationship from a unique perspective, jumping back and forth in time. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are great together, and the film offers a realistic and often bittersweet look at love and heartbreak. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates innovative storytelling and a fresh take on the genre. Why it's the best: It offers a fresh perspective on romantic relationships, exploring the complexities of love and heartbreak through a non-linear narrative and relatable characters.

13. Me Before You (2016)

This emotional drama tells the story of a young woman who becomes a caregiver for a paralyzed man. While the story is heartbreaking, it's also filled with moments of humor and tenderness. Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin deliver strong performances, and the film explores themes of love, loss, and living life on your own terms. It's a must-watch for anyone who enjoys emotionally resonant stories. Why it's the best: It's a poignant and emotional story that explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of living life to the fullest, even in the face of adversity.

14. Gone with the Wind (1939)

This epic historical romance is a true cinematic classic. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, it tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara, a strong-willed Southern belle, and her tumultuous love life. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates grand, sweeping historical dramas. Why it's the best: The epic scope, the iconic performances, and the sweeping romance set against the backdrop of a pivotal historical period make it a timeless cinematic masterpiece.

15. The Princess Bride (1987)

This is a delightful blend of fantasy, adventure, and romance. It's a fun and lighthearted film with memorable characters, quotable lines, and a sweet love story at its core. It's a must-watch for anyone who enjoys family-friendly entertainment with a touch of whimsy. Why it's the best: It's a charming and witty blend of adventure, fantasy, and romance with memorable characters, quotable lines, and a timeless fairy-tale feel.

16. A Walk to Remember (2002)

This coming-of-age romance tells the story of a popular high school student who falls for a quiet, religious girl. While the story is somewhat predictable, it's still a sweet and heartwarming film with strong performances by Shane West and Mandy Moore. It's a good choice for anyone looking for a feel-good, albeit slightly cheesy, romance. Why it's the best: It's a sweet and heartwarming coming-of-age romance with strong performances and a message about the transformative power of love.

17. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

This vibrant and glamorous rom-com offers a fun and escapist look into the lives of Singapore's wealthy elite. While the romance between Rachel and Nick is central to the story, the film also explores themes of family, culture, and identity. It's a fun watch for anyone who enjoys lighthearted romances with a touch of extravagance. Why it's the best: It offers a fun and glamorous escape with a charming romance, exploring themes of family, culture, and identity within a visually stunning and culturally rich setting.

18. The Vow (2012)

This romantic drama tells the story of a couple whose lives are changed after a car accident leaves the wife with amnesia. While the premise is a bit melodramatic, the film explores themes of commitment, memory, and the enduring power of love. It's a decent choice for those who enjoy sentimental romances. Why it's the best: It's a sentimental romance that explores the themes of commitment and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity, offering a touching if somewhat predictable story.

19. Carol (2015)

This beautifully shot period drama tells the story of a forbidden love affair between two women in 1950s New York. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara deliver powerful performances, and the film is a nuanced and sensitive portrayal of love and desire in a time of social constraint. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven dramas with subtle and complex relationships. Why it's the best: It's a beautifully crafted and nuanced period drama that portrays a forbidden love with sensitivity and depth, showcasing powerful performances and a captivating atmosphere.

20. Love Actually (2003)

This ensemble rom-com follows the intertwined lives of several couples in London during the Christmas season. It's a feel-good film with a charming cast and multiple heartwarming storylines. It's a great choice for a holiday movie night or anyone who enjoys lighthearted and interconnected romances. Why it's the best: It's a charming and heartwarming ensemble rom-com that captures the spirit of the holiday season with multiple interconnected love stories and a feel-good atmosphere.

21. Roman Holiday (1953)

This classic romantic comedy tells the story of a princess who escapes her royal duties and falls in love with an American reporter in Rome. Audrey Hepburn is radiant in her iconic role, and the film is a charming and timeless tale of romance and adventure. It's a must-watch for fans of classic Hollywood cinema. Why it's the best: It's a charming and timeless classic with iconic performances, a delightful story of romance and adventure in the beautiful setting of Rome, and a captivating portrayal of a princess escaping her royal duties.

22. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

This groundbreaking film tells the story of a complex and forbidden love affair between two cowboys. It's a powerful and moving film that explores themes of love, identity, and societal constraints. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking and emotionally resonant dramas. Why it's the best: It's a groundbreaking and powerful film that explores a complex and forbidden love story with sensitivity and depth, challenging societal norms and offering poignant performances.

23. In the Mood for Love (2000)

This visually stunning film tells the story of two neighbors in 1960s Hong Kong who form a deep connection after suspecting their spouses of having an affair. The film is a masterclass in atmosphere and subtle storytelling, capturing the longing and unspoken emotions between the two characters. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate artful and atmospheric cinema. Why it's the best: It's a visually stunning and atmospheric masterpiece that captures the longing and unspoken emotions of a developing connection through subtle storytelling and a captivating atmosphere.

24. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

This French period drama tells the story of a painter commissioned to paint a portrait of a young woman who is to be married. As the two women spend time together, a deep connection develops between them. It's a beautifully crafted and intimate film that explores themes of art, desire, and female connection. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate artful and emotionally resonant cinema. Why it's the best: It's a beautifully crafted and intimate period drama that explores themes of art, desire, and female connection with stunning visuals and powerful performances.

25. Moulin Rouge! (2001)

This vibrant and energetic musical tells the story of a poet who falls in love with a courtesan in 19th-century Paris. The film is a visual feast with dazzling musical numbers and a passionate love story. It's a must-watch for those who enjoy musicals with a bold and theatrical style. Why it's the best: It's a vibrant and energetic musical with dazzling visuals, passionate performances, and a unique blend of musical styles that create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

See also: The 22 Best Romance Books of All Time: A Timeless Collection of Love Stories (Updated)