Romantic Comedy
Romantic comedy films have been a staple of the silver screen for decades, providing entertainment and an escape for millions of viewers. Providing a mix of comedic and heartfelt moments, romantic comedies allow us to step into the shoes of its lead characters as they navigate the often tricky world of love and romance. With so many to choose from, picking the best of the bunch can be a daunting task. But fear not – here’s a roundup of the greatest love stories ever told.
Love Actually is often cited as the ultimate romantic comedy, with its unique form of storytelling, compelling characters and heartwarming moments. The film centers around Mark, a young man in England, who is hopelessly in love with his best friend’s new bride. He must confront his feelings before finally confessing his love, creating one of the most iconic romantic twists in movie history.
The Notebook is another classic love story, with its riveting story of two people from different backgrounds who fall in love and remain devoted to each other despite the insurmountable odds stacked against them. Director Nick Cassavetes perfectly captures the tension and chemistry between the leads, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, as they battle personal demons and the pressures of society to stay together.
Serendipity is a beloved romantic comedy about two people, Jonathan and Sara, who meet by chance and immediately click. The film follows their story as they come to grips with the idea that fate may or may not have had a hand in their meeting. With a talented cast and an endearing story, it’s no wonder this is a fan favorite amongst romantics.
The Princess Bride is a beloved fantasy-romance film which focuses on the intertwined stories of two young lovers, Buttercup and Westley, who are forced to battle the forces of evil in order to stay together. Featuring adventure, sword fighting, and the famous line “As you wish,” this timeless classic is a must-see for any romantic at heart.
The holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, follows the story of George Bailey, a bank clerk who, on the brink of despair, is visited by an angel and is shown what his life would be like if he had never existed. Through this journey of self-realization, George rediscovers the meaning of life and the value of family, making for an emotional and unforgettable experience.
The 2001 romantic epic, Moulin Rouge! tells the story of Christian and Satine, two star-crossed lovers from very different worlds. With its epic soundtrack, larger-than-life characters, and stunning visuals, the film captures the joy and pain of love in a colorful and memorable way.
Last but not least, we have Roman Holiday, the beloved romance-comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The movie follows the adventures of a runaway princess and a journalist who take a wild tour of Rome together. With its goofy but charming characters, stunning setting and an unforgettable ending, Roman Holiday is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Drama
Often regarded as some of the most powerful and moving love stories ever put to film, romantic dramas offer a unique insight into the complexities of romance and what it means to love selflessly. Here are some of the greatest ever made.
The classic movie, Casablanca, centers around two star-crossed lovers, Rick and Ilsa, who are thrown together by fate in a turbulent and tumultuous world. The film’s themes of redemption, friendship and sacrifice are as relevant today as they were when they were first released and remain as powerful as ever.
Titanic is another iconic love story which has captivated audiences for decades. Set against the backdrop of the infamous sinking of the Titanic, Jack and Rose embark on the epic, forbidden romance, filled with heartache, regret, and of course, courage. Filled with iconic performances, it’s no wonder this is one of the most beloved love stories of all time.
Brief Encounter is usually heralded as one of the greatest love stories of all time. This film follows Laura, a happily married woman who unexpectedly falls in love with a kind stranger. A quiet and understated story, this is a film which packs an emotional punch and is filled with raw, real world emotions.
Brokeback Mountain is an unforgettable romance story centered around the forbidden love of two men in Wyoming in the 1960s. Featuring strong performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, the film follows their relationship as they struggle to make their love acceptable to society, while dealing with the pressures of their family and friends.
Moonlight is another emotionally complex romantic drama, telling the story of three characters, Chiron, Kevin and Juan, whose relationships are shaped and molded by their external environments. From childhood trauma to love and acceptance, this powerful film gives us a glimpse at the real world consequences of the prejudice and ignorance that still permeate our society.
Call Me By Your Name is another beautiful film about love, set in Italy during the 1980s. Following the deeply intimate romance between Elio and Oliver, the film is filled with a nostalgic warmth and longing, capturing the beauty and vulnerability of first love.
Romantic Thrillers
The romance genre isn’t just romantic comedy and drama – there are also a wealth of romantic thrillers to choose from. From Hitchcock classics to steamy encounters in the South of France, these suspenseful stories offer a unique thrill for fans of the genre.
Vertigo tells the story of a tormented detective, Scottie, who is hired to investigate the strange behavior of an old friend’s wife. As the story unfolds, Scottie finds himself deeply and hopelessly in love with her, leading to a captivating and suspenseful journey of discovery. Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece blends romance and thriller elements to create a truly unforgettable story.
David Fincher’s film The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is a unique blend of mystery, crime, and love story. It follows a computer hacker and investigative journalist, Lisbeth, as they try to uncover the truth behind a murderous conspiracy. While the focus of this story may be on the investigation, there is also an underlying romantic tension, as Lisbeth and Mikael find themselves growing closer while they unravel the mystery.
The Talented Mr. Ripley is a classic romantic-thriller, focusing on the title character, Tom Ripley, a young man in 1950s Italy who embarks on a dangerous mission to win the heart of a wealthy woman. As his story progresses, he finds himself wrapped up in a deadly conspiracy, filled with suspense, intrigue and ultimately, romance.
The Last Seduction tells the sordid story of a femme fetale, Bridget, who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. As her trail of deception and manipulation leads her to a wealthy doctor, their relationship comes to a head in a thrilling and unexpected encounter. Filled with psychological twists and a steamy atmosphere, this dark love story is a must-see for fans of the genre.
Lastly, there is Body Heat, an enthralling neo-noir pic directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Following the story of a gorgeous seductress, Matty, who entraps a married lawyer in a complicated web of romance and murder. Featuring an unforgettable performance from Kathleen Turner, this film is an underrated gem which deserves more attention from fans of the genre.
SCI-FI Fantasy
Sci-fi and fantasy have often been looked down upon as unromantic genres, but there are actually some fantastic examples of love stories to be found in these genres. From Star Wars to ghostly hauntings, these stories prove that you don’t need the trappings of a romantic setting to tell an epic and memorable love story.
One of the most famous love stories of all time is that of Princess Leia and Han Solo, featured in the beloved Star Wars franchise. Their romance has become an iconic example of the power of love and one of the most memorable movie couples of all time.
Ghost is an unconventional romance-fantasy movie starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. After being killed, Swayze’s character is tasked with helping Moore’s character move on with her life, uncovering secrets and making sure she finds happiness. The film is a powerful and heartwarming reminder that love can transcend even death.
Big Fish is a whimsical romantic-fantasy about a father, Edward, and his son, Will. Edward is an eccentric storyteller whose tall tales have estranged him from his son, so Will goes on a journey to discover the truth behind his father’s stories and understand the power of forgiveness and love.
The cartoon classic, The Iron Giant, follows the story of a giant robot, who is thrust into a small American town. It’s up to the film’s two main characters, Hogarth and the Iron Giant, to forge a bond of friendship and acceptance in order to save their home. With its heartwarming story and memorable soundtrack, this is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Lastly, we have Donnie Darko, a mysterious, sci-fi-tinged love story focussing on the titular character, Donnie, and his mysterious visions. As Donnie’s universe unravels, he must confront his inner demons and ultimately, his love for the enigmatic Gretchen. Full of memorable characters, visuals and a clever soundtrack, this is a film that is sure to linger for a long time in the minds of viewers.
Fantasy Romance
Love doesn’t just exist in the real world. For centuries, fantasy stories have been weaving tales of love, from fairytales to epic adventures, exploring love between its characters in a variety of different ways. Whether it’s human love or a love between mythological creatures, there’s no shortage of unique and beautiful love stories to be found.
Beauty and the Beast is a classic tale of two star-crossed lovers, and the beloved animated Disney film captures all of the magic and romance of the original story. Belle and the Beast’s love blooms throughout the film, as they overcome their differences and prove that love can conquer any obstacle.
The Princess Bride is another installment in the fantasy-romance genre. The film follows Buttercup and Westley, two young lovers who must battle the forces of evil and society in order to be together. It’s a tale of true love and adventure, making it a timeless classic for fans of the genre.
The Labyrinth is another fantasy-romance classic, about a teenager, Sarah, who must battle her way through a magical labyrinth in order to rescue her baby brother from a mysterious creature. Along the way, she meets a peculiar dwarf named Hoggle, and the two of them must work together to stop the evil creature. It’s a charming and memorable story about friendship and love.
Life is Beautiful is an Italian film about a Jewish family, who are sent to a concentration camp during World War II. In order to
