23 Best Romance Movies of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb (2024)

A romantic film is one that tugs at viewers' heartstrings and makes them feel and experience the things that they wish were in their own lives. Sometimes they remind audiences of the amazing relationships they have had and help us to hold a little tighter to the ones that fans still have in their lives right now.

Thanks to users on IMDb, it's easy to determine the films that top the list of the all-time, most romantic movies to have ever been made. The top 10 romantic movies, in particular, each have an amazing story to tell and do so with masterful grace that shows how truly wonderful love can be. They remind viewers of the importance of cherishing the ones they love, no matter who or what they may be.

23 'Annie Hall' (1977)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

The defining romance movie that made Woody Allen a household name and is the clear peak of his career, Annie Hall is the Best Picture-winning romance film that proved to be the quintessential romance film of the 70s. The film stars Allen as Alvy Singer, a New York comedian who has fallen head over heels in love with the titular Annie Hall (Diane Keaton), but sadly it wasn't meant to be, as they broke up a year ago. Singer is still rattling and attempting to figure out the reasons as to why their seemingly perfect relationship ended, as he embarks on a journey of self-reflection for answers.

While the rest of Allen's filmography hasn't particularly aged the best over the years, it's difficult to deny the striking story and brilliant blending of drama, comedy, and romance that made Annie Hall such a cultural phenomenon. The film can easily be seen as popularizing the style of neurotic, nerdy leads in romance films, with this and many other established tropes still having a place in the modern romance film.

Annie Hall

PG

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

*Availability in US

Release Date

April 19, 1977

Director

Woody Allen

Cast

Woody Allen , Diane Keaton , Tony Roberts , Carol Kane , Paul Simon , Shelley Duvall

Runtime

93 minutes

22 'The Graduate' (1967)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

One of the most impactful and influential romantic comedies of all time, The Graduate follows Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate who is still attempting to set a course for his future. As if he didn't already have enough on his plate, he finds himself in an unexpected love triangle with the illustrious older woman, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), and her daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross). The film was deeply impactful and emblematic of its era in filmmaking and is easily the defining chapter of romance movies of the 60s.

The modern romantic comedy as it is commonly known can easily find its origins in The Graduate, a film that completely redefined the human element while providing a mixture of biding commentary and comedy. Over 50 years after its release, there are still many films that can find direct inspiration from this classic of the genre, with its legendary ending still being in contention as one of the most iconic and sticking endings in film history.

The Graduate

PG

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

December 21, 1967

Director

Mike Nichols

Cast

Anne Bancroft , Dustin Hoffman , Katharine Ross , William Daniels , Murray Hamilton , Elizabeth Wilson

Runtime

107 minutes

21 'Beauty and the Beast' (1991)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

A beloved rewatchable Disney animated masterpiece, 1991's Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle (voiced by Paige O'Hara), an intelligent and spirited young woman who finds herself in an enchanted castle as a prisoner in exchange for her father's freedom. Her captor is the Beast (Robby Benson), a prince cursed to remain in his monstrous form until he learns to love and be loved in return. During her stay in the magical castle, Belle learns that not all is as it seems, with the Beast having a tragic story behind his tough exterior.

This classic tale of Beauty and the Beast with its captivating love story is a visual delight that tells a fantastical story of unexpected romance. Its stunning animation, coupled with Alan Menken's timeless musical score and iconic characters like the lovable Lumière (Jerry Orbach) and the stern but caring Cogsworth (David Ogden Stiers) all create a gorgeous and endlessly rewatchable Disney classic that's still adored by fans today.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

G

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

*Availability in US

Release Date

November 22, 1991

Director

Gary Trousdale , Kirk Wise

Cast

Paige O'Hara , Robby Benson , Richard White , Jerry Orbach

Runtime

84 min

20 'Her' (2013)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Director Spike Jonze's Her is an award-winning film that takes place in a not-so-distant future where technology has progressed far enough that artificial intelligence sounds human-like – sound familiar? In that future, Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), a lonely and introverted writer, finds solace and love in an unlikely place: an operating system named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson).

The unconventional romance that unfolds between the two leads is surprisingly a poignant depiction of love in the modern age, or rather the desperation for connection individuals feel in a world dominated by isolation. Phoenix delivers a mesmerizing performance as the vulnerable Theodore, which is perfectly complemented by Johansson's voice acting, which imbues Samantha with a warmth and charm that make it easy to see why someone could fall for AI.

Her

R

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

See Also

Best Romance Movies 2021The Best Romantic Films of the Year (So Far)

*Availability in US

Release Date

December 18, 2013

Director

Spike Jonze

Cast

Joaquin Phoenix , Lynn A. Freedman , Lisa Renee Pitts , Gabe Gomez , ​Chris Pratt2 , Artt Butler

Runtime

120 minutes

19 'The Princess Bride' (1987)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

A timeless classic set in a whimsical fairytale world, Rob Reiner's The Princess Bride takes viewers on a humorous adventure alongside the heroic Westley (Cary Elwes), who is on a quest to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright), from an arranged marriage to the nefarious Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon).

The quotable film cleverly subverts traditional fairytale tropes through Westley's hilarious journey, where he also meets comical yet unforgettable characters like Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and Vizzini (Wallace Shawn). The Princess Bride is the perfect movie, earning that rare reputation for its seamless combination of an exciting quest, humor, and romance. Of course, the chemistry between Elwes and Wright lends a genuine and enduring charm to their characters' love story, which has stood the test of time.

The Princess Bride

PG

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

*Availability in US

Release Date

October 9, 1987

Director

Rob Reiner

Cast

Cary Elwes , Robin Wright , Mandy Patinkin , Chris Sarandon , Christopher Guest , Wallace Shawn

Runtime

98 minutes

18 'La La Land' (2016)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

La La Land is a musical masterpiece that pays homage to Hollywood's golden age but adds a modern twist. It's centered on the different stages of the romance between aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), who go through the highs and lows of pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles as best they can. As they inch closer to their goals, however, they realize that they are on entirely different paths and must soon make a tough decision.

With elaborate set pieces and a vibrant color palette, director Damien Chazelle's La La Land tells its heartbreaking love story against a gorgeous backdrop. Not to mention, the film's songs like "City of Stars" likely have a permanent place in fans' playlists, reminding them of the breakup film's emotional message about what people would do for love (and what they wouldn't).

La La Land

PG-13

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

November 29, 2016

Director

Damien Chazelle

Cast

Ryan Gosling , Emma Stone , Amiée Conn , Terry Walters , Thom Shelton , Cinda Adams

Runtime

126 minutes

17 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans' (1927)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

One of the earliest and most powerful portrayals of love and passion during the height of the golden age of cinema, Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans follows a married farmer growing tired of his simple life on the farm with his wife. He finds himself being enchanted by the whims of a woman from the city, who attempts to convince the man to give up on his simple farm life and join her in life in the city, including a plot to murder his current wife.

While the movie is more commonly remembered nowadays for being the Best Picture winner that the academy took away, the film still has a beautiful and poignant portrayal of love, nearly ahead of every other film of its era in terms of emotion and filmmaking capabilities. It makes the fullest out of the limitations of silent filmmaking to create a touching and deeply resonating story of betrayal and humanity at both its best and its worst.

Watch on Tubi

16 'Three Colors: Red' (1994)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Directed by Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Kieślowski as the final installment of the groundbreaking Three Colours trilogy, Three Colors: Red is a mesmerizing finale centered on fraternity. It follows the story of Valentine (Irène Jacob), a young model who collides with a dog while driving, an incident that leads to an unexpected friendship with the dog's owner and retired judge, Joseph Kern (Jean-Louis Trintignant).

The profound film depicts their heartfelt conversations and the unconventional bond they begin to form despite not having much in common. An exploration of the human experience, Red is the perfect capstone to the trilogy that reflects French Revolutionary ideals. It's certainly for romantics, as it places emphasis on the value of coincidence and fate, but without being heavy-handed. It's subtle in its depiction of the unusual bond, with each rewatch revealing something new in the film's symbolism.

Watch on Criterion

15 'It Happened One Night' (1934)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Based on the 1933 short story, "Night Bus," by Samuel Hopkins Adams, It Happened One Night is a rom-com and screwball comedy centered on the enduring tale of romance between a socialite rebelling against her father, Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert) and a street-smart reporter, Peter Warne (Clark Gable). When they both agree to help each other, a series of comical misadventures leads to true love.

With wit, charm, and sparkling chemistry between Colbert and Gable, it’s easy to see why director Frank Capra’s movie has had an enduring legacy as a genre-defining masterpiece. It's credited with many tropes still commonly used in romantic comedies and inspired countless screwball comedies after it premiered. It Happened One Night was also the first film to win all five major Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Writing, Adaptation. Its amusing tale may not have aged well in some aspects, but it’s worth watching for those interested in the history of romance films.

It Happened One Night

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

February 22, 1934

Director

Frank Capra

Cast

Clark Gable , Claudette Colbert , Walter Connolly , Roscoe Karns

Runtime

105 minutes

14 'Before Sunset' (2004)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

The second installment in director Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, Before Sunset continues the story of the 1995 film, but this time shows the two main characters meeting in Paris nine years later. Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) pick up where they left off in Vienna, and realize new things about themselves and what they truly want out of their futures.

With their limited hour together before Jesse’s flight, the film unfolds in what feels like real-time as the duo seamlessly catch up and reconnect. The spark is somehow even brighter than the first movie and highlights the way that fleeting connections bring out people’s most honest parts – so much so that Jessie and Céline’s saga feels like it’s only just begun. There's a reason why the trilogy gained international acclaim, as Hawke and Delpy's off-the-charts chemistry is hard to match.

Before Sunset

R

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Nine years after their brief yet profound meeting in Vienna, Jesse and Celine cross paths again in Paris. Jesse is promoting his new book, which is inspired by their night together, and Celine attends his reading. They spend the afternoon strolling through Paris, discussing their personal lives and reflecting on their missed connection.

Release Date

July 30, 2004

Director

Richard Linklater

Cast

Ethan Hawke , Julie Delpy , Vernon Dobtcheff , Louise Lemoine Torres , Rodolphe Pauly , Mariane Plasteig

Runtime

80 minutes

13 'In the Mood for Love' (2000)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

In the Mood for Love is a visually stunning and evocative masterpiece by Wong Kar-Wai. Set in 1960s Hong Kong, the film revolves around the lives of Mr. Chow (Tony Leung) and Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung), two neighbors who find solace in their newly formed and somewhat strange bond after discovering that their spouses are having an affair.

The film follows as the two begin to fall for each other, all subtly captured through small gestures and stolen glances. Despite the clear connection, they're bound by societal norms and their own inhibitions. They want what they cannot have, and that tense atmosphere and desperation are perfectly complemented by the stylistic visuals that seem to reflect the characters’ predicaments. It’s a spell-binding film that should be considered essential viewing for fans of Asian cinema and romance in general.

Watch on Max

12 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' (2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

An instant classic LGBTQ+ romance movie directed by Céline Sciamma, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a deeply emotional masterpiece set in 18th-century France. It tells the story of a forbidden love affair between Marianne (Noémie Merlant), a painter, and Héloïse (Adèle Haenel), her initially reluctant subject. Although Héloïse is about to be married off to a man she has never met, the connection between the two women deepens as they spend more time together on a remote island.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire's slow-burning romance is portrayed with authenticity and full of tension viewers can feel through the screen. Sciamma's direction is masterful, capturing the unspoken desires and emotions that simmer beneath the surface. Merlant and Haenel have an electric chemistry that proves they were impeccable cast for the movie. A meditation on love, art, and the nature of desire, it's a hauntingly beautiful film that any fan of the genre should see at least once.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

R

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

*Availability in US

Release Date

May 29, 2019

Director

Céline Sciamma

Cast

Noemie Merlant

Runtime

120

11 'Before Sunrise' (1995)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Director Richard Linklater's first entry into the iconic Before trilogy, Before Sunrise is a legendary and beloved romance movie that's centered on the love that blossoms after a chance encounter on a train between Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy). The two strangers decide to take the leap and learn more about each other during one night in Vienna, doing as much as they can before Jesse's flight out of the country the next morning.

Relying heavily on Hawke and Delpy's performance, Before Sunrise is both character and dialogue-driven, with the duo's conversations capturing the magic of meeting someone special for the first time. The film essentially encapsulates what it's like to fall in love at first sight, and then some. Audiences won't be able to help but root for their fleeting romance as time slowly but surely runs out during their magical evening (which thankfully turns into two more beloved film sequels).

Before Sunrise

R

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

January 27, 1995

Director

Richard Linklater

Cast

Ethan Hawke , Julie Delpy , Andrea Eckert , Hanno Pöschl , Karl Bruckschwaiger , Tex Rubinowitz

Runtime

105 minutes

10 'The Handmaiden' (2016)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

A psychological drama, erotic thriller, and romance all at once, The Handmaiden is a genre-busting South Korean film by director Park Chan-wook. Set in the 1930s, the film depicts the bizarre experiences of the young Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), whose new role as a worker for the wealthy Japanese heiress Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee) takes a dark turn.

Weaving together a tale of deception and unexpected romance and alliance, the film depicts the twisty romance that forms between Sook-hee and the heiress (who she was supposed to swindle out of part of her fortune). It effortlessly combines dark humor and sexuality, with its tantalizing story set against a visually exquisite backdrop. The movie’s multi-layered narrative can keep audiences guessing until its impactful yet understandably divisive ending.

Watch on Amazon Prime

9 'Gone with the Wind' (1939)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Based on the renowned eponymous novel by Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind is an epic historical romance film that revolves around the life and relationships of Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh). The strong-willed character's story unfolds as she pursues Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard), but ends up marrying Rhett Butler (Clark Gable).

With its grand setting and epic story, the film has stood the test of time and is widely recognized as one of the greatest romance movies ever made. It's also one of Gable's most important roles, despite the notoriously messy production it took to create the historically significant film. It's worth noting that many of its aspects, most importantly the glorification of slavery, have not aged well. This complicated background doesn't change its mark on cinematic history, though, as it is still undeniably a sweeping epic that tells a romantic tale.

Gone With the Wind

G

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

December 15, 1939

Director

Victor Fleming , George Cukor , Sam Wood

Cast

Thomas Mitchell , Barbara O'Neil , Vivien Leigh , Evelyn Keyes , Ann Rutherford , George Reeves , Hattie McDaniel

Runtime

238 minutes

8 'The Apartment' (1960)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Director Billy Wilder's The Apartment is a critically-acclaimed rom-com that follows the unusual romance that forms between C.C. "Bud" Baxter (Jack Lemmon) and Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine). Bud is an insurance clerk with an interesting method for career advancement – he lends his apartment to his bosses for their extramarital affairs. When he falls for the elevator operator, Fran, things become complicated when he learns she's involved with his married boss.

Witty, funny, and undeniably bold for its time, The Apartment depicted the messiness and complications around romantic relationships that aren't always seen on the big screen. As Bud and Fran negotiate their roles and places in each other's lives, the palpable tension starts to build, making it easy to root for them. The fantastic chemistry between these two leads also makes it easy to feel invested in their atypical romance, which is now remembered for being among the best from that decade.

Watch on Fubo

7 'Singin' in the Rain' (1952)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Set in Hollywood during the 1920s, Singin' in the Rain tells the story of Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly), who finds himself (alongside his co-stars) having a challenging time transitioning to "talkies" after the end of the silent film era. Along the way, he falls in love with the aspiring actor Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), whose road to stardom comes at the perfect time.

Known for its elaborate musical numbers, light-hearted story, and top-notch performances, Singin' in the Rain is fondly remembered as one of the films that defined the musical genre. Don and Kathy's will-they-won't-they dynamic also elevates the film to its legendary status that it still enjoys today. Despite premiering over 70 years ago, the 1952 movie is still wonderful to see for the first time today, especially for younger audiences who aren't too familiar with the history of silent films.

Singin' in the Rain

G

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

April 10, 1952

Director

Stanley Donen , Gene Kelly

Cast

Gene Kelly , Donald O'Connor , Debbie Reynolds , Jean Hagen

Runtime

103 minutes

6 'Amélie' (2001)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

In such a beautiful display of lights and colors, Amélie broke into fans' hearts in 2001 and made such a lasting impression, quickly becoming one of the best romantic movies around the globe. The film follows the titular character, who has love and zeal for life as she strives to bring joy and happiness to all those around her. Despite her positive interactions with others, the protagonist has trouble meeting her own needs and wants due to a complicated past.

Ultimately, Amélie is a heartwarming romantic comedy, as after the protagonist works to get others together and bring them love, she finds her own. The film’s journey with Amélie is such a beautiful one, and a clear reason why this film would be recognized as one of the greatest romances – it is a showcase of beautiful, selfless love.

Amélie

Not Rated

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

August 16, 2001

Director

Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Cast

Audrey Tautou , Mathieu Kassovitz

Runtime

123 Minutes

5 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' (2004)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a beloved classic that demonstrates the lengths people will go to find the love of their life. The leads in this film are played expertly by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, who both get memories of their relationship erased after a painful breakup. They soon question this decision in the non-linear story.

It is an emotional rollercoaster as fans watch the ups and downs of their love as it blossoms, fades, and is reignited in the most fascinating ways. It is heartbreakingly beautiful to watch this journey they take as they endeavor to find peace and strength and joy despite insurmountable circ*mstances. One of the greatest things about this film is that it shows that love is not always picture-perfect, and that is okay. Here's to hoping the upcoming Eternal Sunshine TV series does this incredible film justice.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

R

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

March 19, 2004

Director

Michel Gondry

Cast

Jim Carrey , Kate Winslet , Gerry Robert Byrne , Elijah Wood , Thomas Jay Ryan , Mark Ruffalo

Runtime

108

4 'Your Name' (2016)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

In Your Name, viewers see the two main characters, a high school boy and girl, as they repeatedly swap bodies throughout the gorgeous romantic animated film and learn to live each other's lives. While this understandably starts out as a confusing and scary experience, it soon turns into one that's mutually beneficial as they improve each other's lives in small but meaningful ways. This beautiful confusion ultimately leads to their perfect union in the end.

What is likely one of the most creative and original storylines in recent history, Your Name is one of the best anime movies that really takes the idea of love and romance to an entirely new level as it allows each to walk in the other’s shoes, which then helps them to know and understand each other that much more. Truly beautiful.

Your Name (2016)

TV-PG

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

August 26, 2016

Director

Makoto Shinkai

Cast

Ryûnosuke Kamiki , Mone Kamishiraishi

Runtime

107