Do you love movies about love? Even if you’re not a fan, there are times when you should watch them. We especially recommend focusing on masterpieces that have made cinematic history and set the standard for others. We’ve compiled a list of the TOP 25 love movies that everyone should see, even those who might not be into romance.
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1. Gone with the Wind
- 1939
- Director: Victor Fleming
- Cast: Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable
Who hasn’t heard of this truly great film? Who hasn’t been captivated by the twists of fate the characters experience? Gone with the Wind is an epic story about the strong, independent Scarlett O’Hara and her love — for men and for life. Her personal struggle for survival against the backdrop of the American Civil War, combined with stunning visuals and superb acting, has made the film a classic of world cinema.
2. Casablanca
- 1942
- Director: Michael Curtiz
- Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman
A complicated love story of café owner Rick Blaine, set against the backdrop of World War II. His former lover, Ilsa, suddenly reappears in his life in Nazi-occupied Morocco. This seemingly simple story became a classic thanks to its unique atmosphere and stellar performances.
3. Roman Holiday
- 1953
- Director: William Wyler
- Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck
Rebellious Princess Ann and American journalist Joe Bradley spend a day together in Rome. They wander through the eternal city, go on adventures, and feel the spark of love. Roman Holiday is a warm and light-hearted romantic comedy that won Audrey Hepburn her first Oscar and instantly made her a top-tier star.
4. West Side Story
- 1961
- Directors: Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins
- Cast: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer
The timeless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet has been portrayed on countless screens and stages. This time, the story is set in 1950s New York, with a conflict between two street gangs and, of course, the love story of Tony and Maria, who belong to different groups. The perfect blend of drama, dance, and music made West Side Story one of the best love movies ever.
5. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
- 1967
- Director: Stanley Kramer
- Cast: Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Hepburn
Could a romantic relationship between a white woman and an African-American man be possible in 1960s America? How many challenges would this couple face? This film is a powerful, emotional, and significant exploration of racial segregation and love, capturing the social changes of the time.
6. The Sound of Music
- 1965
- Director: Robert Wise
- Cast: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer
This musical film is a true cinematic classic. It tells the story of Maria, a young woman who becomes the governess for the von Trapp family. She not only brings music into the children’s lives but also finds love with Captain von Trapp. The story unfolds before World War II, set against breathtaking Austrian landscapes.
7. A Man and a Woman
- 1966
- Director: Claude Lelouch
- Cast: Anouk Aimée, Jean-Louis Trintignant
This film captivates with its visual style, beautiful soundtrack, and complex, emotionally rich characters. It’s a story of two adults who have suffered loss and are unsure if they can build a relationship again.
8. Love Story
- 1970
- Director: Arthur Hiller
- Cast: Ali MacGraw, Ryan O’Neal
Love Story is a touching drama about students Oliver and Jenny. Their love faces numerous obstacles due to class differences, but nothing can separate them, not even a terminal illness.
9. Annie Hall
- 1977
- Director: Woody Allen
- Cast: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton
Annie Hall is an intellectual romantic comedy about the relationship between neurotic comedian Alvy Singer and his love interest, Annie. The film’s exploration of complicated relationships is punctuated by Woody Allen’s signature humor, resulting in a delicate and touching film that deservedly won four Oscars.
10. When Harry Met Sally
- 1989
- Director: Rob Reiner
- Cast: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan
Can a man and a woman be just friends? This romantic comedy explores this question through the story of Harry and Sally, who keep running into each other over the years, discussing this very issue. Eventually, the spark of love ignites between them. This story has become a cult classic in the genre of romantic comedies.
11. Ghost
- 1990
- Director: Jerry Zucker
- Cast: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg
Is there life—or love—after death? This is precisely the kind of story Ghost tells. The protagonist, Sam, becomes a ghost to protect his beloved Molly and uncover the truth about his death. It’s a beautiful blend of romance, thriller, and fantasy with outstanding performances.
12. Pretty Woman
- 1990
- Director: Garry Marshall
- Cast: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts
A controversial story for its time about millionaire Edward Lewis and a woman of the night, Vivian Ward. Despite the complex topic of societal stereotypes and the reasons that lead women to such work, the film is shot with a light touch and comedic notes.
13. The Bodyguard
- 1992
- Director: Mick Jackson
- Cast: Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston
For those who grew up in the 90s, this film is iconic, as is its unforgettable soundtrack. The Bodyguard tells the story of a romance between a former Secret Service agent and a famous singer he’s hired to protect.
14. Before Sunrise
- 1995
- Director: Richard Linklater
- Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
A chance encounter on a train that changes everything? That’s what Before Sunrise is all about. Jesse and Céline are traveling for different reasons, but their conversation on the train is so captivating that they decide to get off together in Vienna and spend more time together. It’s a deeply romantic story about fate, chance, and true love.
15. Titanic
- 1997
- Director: James Cameron
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet
This film created a sensation upon its release and is still considered one of the most spectacular and romantic movies of all time. The tragic love story set against the backdrop of a sinking ship leaves no one indifferent.
16. Shakespeare in Love
- 1998
- Director: John Madden
- Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow
No one knows if the real Shakespeare was ever in a situation like this, but the story of a playwright’s creative crisis, love, and the theater has won fans around the world.
17. Love Actually
- 2003
- Director: Richard Curtis
- Cast: Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth
Christmas in London is inherently romantic, and this film is made up of several intertwined love stories that unfold simultaneously during the holidays. Each story has its own style and approach to the theme of love, making for a romantic and sometimes humorous movie.
18. The Notebook
- 2004
- Director: Nick Cassavetes
- Cast: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams
An incredibly touching story about the love between Noah and Allie, who battle social barriers and separation. This is also a film about a love that lasts a lifetime and cannot be destroyed.
19. Brokeback Mountain
- 2005
- Director: Ang Lee
- Cast: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal
When it was released, this love movie sparked intense discussion and controversy due to its unconventional plot. Brokeback Mountain tells the story of the love between two cowboys, making it the first film to bring LGBTQ+ relationships to the big screen.
20. 500 Days of Summer
- 2009
- Director: Marc Webb
- Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel
Do all love movies have to have a happy ending? 500 Days of Summer is a story about love that ends in a breakup, showing that the end of a relationship can always be the beginning of something new and better.
21. Mr. & Mrs. Smith
- 2005
- Director: Doug Liman
- Cast: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie
A romantic action film that revolutionized the world of cinema. Two secret agents, hiding their true identities from each other, suddenly find themselves on opposite sides, becoming targets. In a passionate struggle for survival, their old love rekindles, but this time it’s explosive.
22. Atonement
- 2007
- Director: Joe Wright
- Cast: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy
A tragic love story set against the backdrop of World War II. This film explores the themes of separation, guilt, and the devastation caused by war. It’s a deeply emotional and visually stunning masterpiece.
23. La La Land
- 2016
- Director: Damien Chazelle
- Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
This film is an ode to the Golden Age of Hollywood. It’s a love story between a jazz musician and an aspiring actress, who meet in Los Angeles and inspire each other to follow their dreams. The film’s vibrant colors, fantastic soundtrack, and mesmerizing dance scenes make it unforgettable.
24. Call Me by Your Name
- 2017
- Director: Luca Guadagnino
- Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer
Set in the Italian countryside in the summer of 1983, this film is a tender and intimate portrayal of first love. It captures the fleeting nature of young love and the deep emotional connection between two people.
25. Malcolm & Marie
- 2021
- Director: Sam Levinson
- Cast: John David Washington, Zendaya
An unexpected film about love, toxic relationships, and raw emotions. Two characters, one night, minimalistic settings, and black-and-white cinematography create a highly atmospheric experience. Is this film a masterpiece? Opinions are divided. But it definitely deserves your attention.
Best Romantic Films – Video
There are countless different TOP lists and rankings out there, featuring various love movies. So we suggest you check out another great ranking of love movies:
Conclusion
Is our Top 25 Romantic Films list perfect and completely objective? Probably not. Every viewer is entitled to their own opinion. But this is a list of love movies that are definitely worth watching. Each of them has contributed something unique to the romantic film genre and has made it a little better.
FAQ About Love Movies
The films based on real events or with a historical context include “Casablanca,” “Gone with the Wind,” “The Sound of Music,” “Titanic,” and “Shakespeare in Love.”
Yes, many films in this TOP have received Academy Awards. For example, “Gone with the Wind,” “Casablanca,” “Annie Hall,” and “Shakespeare in Love” have won multiple Oscars, including Best Picture.
The romantic comedies in our list include “Roman Holiday,” “Annie Hall,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “500 Days of Summer.”
