Romance Movies
Romance movies are one of the most popular genres among film aficionados. Whether you’re looking for a romantic comedy, a fairy-tale adventure, a period drama, or a tear-jerking melodrama, there’s a romance movie for every mood.
According to film studies expert Dr. Samantha Jones, romance movies are some of the most consistent performers in box office revenue. “When people are feeling nostalgic or just need a break from reality,” she says, “they often look for the escapism that a good romance movie provides.”
Romance movies come in many forms. Some are lighthearted comedies that are focused on the ups and downs of love and romance. Others are dramatic stories with a lot of heart and emotion. But regardless of the specific storyline, they all have a few common elements, such as chemistry between the lead actors and a story that follows the traditional conventions of the genre.
It’s not always easy to pick the right romance movie for a particular occasion or mood. Fortunately, there are a few timeless classics that are sure to please any romantic movie fan. Here are five great romance movies that you should definitely watch:
- The Princess Bride (1987)
- The Notebook (2004)
- Titanic (1997)
- Dirty Dancing (1987)
- When Harry Met Sally (1989)
The Princess Bride
This classic fairy-tale adventure is one of the most beloved romance movies of all time. It follows a young farmhand as he embarks on an epic quest to rescue his true love. Along the way, he encounters a variety of quirky characters and goes through more than a few exciting adventures. The heartwarming story, unforgettable performances, and witty dialogue make this movie a must-see.
The Notebook
This deeply moving drama follows two star-crossed lovers as they struggle to keep their love alive against all odds. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, this powerful film is sure to tug at your heartstrings. While the story takes place in the 1940s, modern audiences can readily relate to its timeless themes of love, loss, and courage.
Titanic
In this tragic love story, two star-crossed lovers meet aboard the ill-fated Titanic and share a brief romance before their fate is sealed. The incredible visuals, the memorable soundtrack, and the bittersweet ending all help to make this movie an unforgettable experience. Even if you’ve seen it before, watching it again is sure to give you chills.
Dirty Dancing
This classic story of a naïve young girl who falls in love with a forbidden dance partner also serves as a coming-of-age tale. There’s plenty of dancing, heartfelt emotions, and, of course, the unforgettable lift sequence. With its infectious soundtrack and strong characters, Dirty Dancing is sure to please just about any fan of romance movies.
When Harry Met Sally
This classic romantic comedy may be more than 30 years old, but it’s still fresh and entertaining as ever. It features a sparky script, plenty of witty dialog, and two unforgettable performances from Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. If you’re looking for a lighthearted comedy that takes an insightful look at the complexities of human relationships, this is the movie for you.
Rom-Com
Romantic comedies, or rom-coms, are a popular sub-genre of romance movies that have been around since the 1930s. Rom-coms combine the heroic adventures of the typical romance film with clever banter, enjoyable characters, and more lighthearted plot elements. The best examples of this genre have an added bonus: they often combine the heart-pounding adventures of romantic films with the witty comedy of a classic comedy.
Period Romance
Period romances, as the name suggests, take place in a certain period of history. They involve the same basic romantic conventions as a traditional romance, but often with a more classical or historical bent. Many of the best period films feature sumptuous sets, gorgeous costumes, and a lush orchestral soundtrack. Some of the most popular examples of this genre are Pride and Prejudice (2005) and Jane Eyre (2011).
Fantasy Romance
Fantasy romances take the traditional conventions of the genre and mix them with elements of fantasy fiction. Often, these films revolve around a magical world and involve mythical creatures, ancient prophecies, and fantastic special effects. The films of Peter Jackson and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien exemplify this genre.
Romantic Dramas
Romantic dramas are films that mix intense emotions with heartfelt stories. In these films, slow-burning romance is often balanced with strong themes of conflict, tragedy, and even redemption. Recent examples of romantic dramas include The Fault in Our Stars (2014) and Me Before You (2016).
