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Romanceis hard to come by in person these days. Our group chats are full of dispatches from our single friends on the front lines of war (a.k.a. awkward first dates), with matches who won't text back or weirdos who'll at least make for great stories later. The ladies yearn forchalanceor for someone tomatch their freak. And why not? Everyone deserves a little romance—but sometimes it's easier to find onscreen than in real life. That's where romance movies come in.
Hollywood loves a good love story, whether it's a tear-jerking Old Hollywood melodrama or a heartwarming '90srom-com. These are the kind of films that inspire and transport us—and sometimes even distract us when that one person leaves us on read. Whether or not you're searching for your Mr. Darcy, the titles in the list below are all great picks for your next movie night. Whether you invite a date over to watch it is your call.
With contributions from Claire Stern Milch, Madison Feller, and Juliana Ukiomogbe.
When Harry Met Sally(1989)
"Meg Ryan. Billy Crystal. Rob Reiner. Cable-knit sweaters. A fake orgasm at Katz's Deli. Nora Ephron did not play around when she wrote this perfect rom-com about whether a man and a woman can really be friends without their feelings getting in the way. Over 30 years later, we'll still have what she's having."—Erica Gonzales, deputy editor, digital content
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In the Mood for Love(2000)
"Wong Kar-wai's moody, sensual masterpiece stars Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung as two neighbors who become entangled after learning of their respective partners' affairs. Beautifully shot and acted, this exploration of intimacy and longing is both a feast for the eyes and a punch in the gut."—EG
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Titanic(1997)
"The Door Debate aside, James Cameron's film is beloved for giving us the epic romance between Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet), two lovers aboard the doomed Titanic. Following its 25th anniversary, our hearts still go on and on for this film."—Lauren Puckett-Pope, senior culture editor
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Love & Basketball(2000)
"Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps are an unforgettable duo as Monica and Quincy, two childhood friends who love basketball, and eventually, each other. Gina Prince-Bythewood's 2000s classic follows the pair through the years as they grow up and apart, but ultimately find each other again."—EG
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Casablanca(1943)
"Set during World War II, Casablanca club owner Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) finds his former lover Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband on the run from Germans. Conflicted by the run-in, he must decide whether to help them flee the country or rekindle his romance. Here's looking at you, kid."—EG
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While You Were Sleeping(1995)
"There are rom-coms, and then there'sWhile You Were Sleeping. For the uninitiated, the criminally underrated 1995 film stars Sandra Bullock as a lonely train token collector in Chicago who develops a shameless crush on one of her regular passengers, Peter (a pre-Sandy Cohen Peter Gallagher); saves his life when he slips and falls onto the tracks; then pretends to be engaged to him while he's in a coma. Still following? During the time he's unconscious (a.k.a. while he is sleeping), she falls in love with Peter's brother, Jack, played by the impossibly charming Bill Pullman, instead. Come for the sweet and endearing holiday fun, stay for Joe Jr."—Claire Stern Milch, digital director
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Moonlight(2016)
"Although its Best Picture spotlight was stolen in memorable fashion by other romance contenderLa La Land,Moonlightremains one of the best films I've seen in the past decade, and among the best of director Barry Jenkins' work. The love story between Chiron and Kevin is deeply affecting, pulled along by career-defining performances from a cast including Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris."—LPP
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How Stella Got Her Groove Back(1998)
"I'll watch any movie that Angela Bassett is in, andHow Stella Got Her Groove Back, which is based on the novel by Terry McMillan, is probably one of my favorites. Bassett plays Stella, a highly successful career woman who travels to Jamaica for vacation and falls in love with a man named Winston (charmingly played by Taye Diggs)."—JU
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The Notebook(2004)
"Adapted from Nicholas Sparks's novel of the same name, this modern classic follows the sprawling love story of Noah and Allie, which spans from their teenage years to old age. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams make an incredible pair in this tear-jerker."—EG
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Past Lives(2023)
"Have you ever been emotionally wrecked by two hands almost touching on a subway pole? Or how about (spoiler alert) two people almost kissing on a sidewalk? I have, and I'll forever be obsessed with Celine Song'sPast Lives—which tells the story of Nora (Greta Lee) reconnecting with Hae Sung, her childhood love (Teo Yoo) from her home country of Korea—because of it."—Madison Feller, former digital deputy editor
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Pride & Prejudice(2005)
"Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen are Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy in Joe Wright's magnificent adaptation of Jane Austen's famous story. Their chemistry burns through the screen, whether it's in a rain-drenched confession of love or the mere brushing of their hands."—EG
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Crazy, Stupid, Love(2011)
"Certain movies never get old no matter how many times you watch them.Crazy, Stupid, Lovefalls into that category. The story follows various couples—Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone; Steve Carell and Julianne Moore—and the ebbs and flows of their relationships. Come for the laughs and stay for the stacked cast."—JU
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Boomerang(1992)
"In addition to being a classic '90s romantic comedy about love and missed connections,Boomerangboasts one of the most stacked casts of all time. Eddie Murphy, Robin Givens, Halle Berry, Grace Jones, Eartha Kitt, Martin Lawrence, and David Alan Grier all star in this witty, stylish film that still feels fresh today." —Juliana Ukiomogbe, contributor
Watch Now on MGM+
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Portrait of a Lady on Fire(2019)
"In 1770s France, a stubborn bride-to-be and the artist commissioned to make her wedding portrait (Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel) fall into a passionate romance as her nuptials loom. By the end of Céline Sciamma's gorgeous film, page 28 will forever be ingrained in your mind. (If you know, you know.)"—EG
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If Beale Street Could Talk(2018)
"Another Barry Jenkins masterwork,If Beale Street Could Talkis adapted from James Baldwin's novel of the same name, and follows a radiant KiKi Layne and Stephan James as Tish and Fonny, long-time friends turned lovers who face the turmoil of a racist wrongful conviction."—LPP
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To All the Boys I've Loved Before(2018)
"Sixteen Candleswalked soTo All the Boys I've Loved Beforecould run. The Netflix adaptation of the YA novel by Jenny Han is the best teen movie in years, with a diverse cast to match. There's something about seeing John Corbett as a widower slicing kalbi for his half-Korean kids that will tug at your heartstrings in just the right way, whether you're Asian or not. Justice for all token minority characters, and specifically Long Duk Dong."—CSM
Watch Now on Netflix
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Before Sunrise(1995)
"When American tourist Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and French student Celine (Julie Delpy) strike up a conversation on the train, sparks fly instantly and he invites her to spend the day with him in Vienna before his flight the next morning. Director Richard Linklater knows how to play with time, and in this cult classic, he explores the whirlwind of young love with a looming expiration date. Of course, fans know that it doesn't really end there; the trilogy continues with Before Sunset and Before Midnight."—EG
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Cinema Paradiso(1988)
"One of the most famous Italian films of all time—and, frankly, one of the most famous films of all time, period—Cinema Paradisois a love story both between two people, and between a filmmaker and cinema. Written and directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, the story follows 8-year-old Salvatore as he befriends a projectionist who encourages him to love the craft of directing—and, eventually, a woman named Elena Mendola."—LPP
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Love Jones
"Has anyone ever looked cooler on film than Nia Long and Larenz Tate do inLove Jones? The pair star as artsy Chicago couple Nina and Darius, as the film follows their romance through hazy poetry readings, long-distance struggles, dating mishaps, and sultry nights out at smoky nightclubs. The jazz-infused score is everything."—EG
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Mississippi Masala(1992)
"Sarita Choudhury stars as Mina, a young woman whose Indian family seeks refuge in the States after fleeing a dictatorship in Uganda. In Mississippi, their new home, she catches the eye of handsome carpet cleaner Demetrius (Denzel Washington), and the two fall for each other despite their families' disapproval of their relationship."—EG
Watch Now on The Criterion Channel
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Dirty Dancing(1987)
"'Nobody puts baby in a corner' might be the line best remembered from 1987 classic Dirty Dancing, but there's a much better one that captures the spirit and sweeping romance between Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grae's dance duo Johnny and Baby: 'I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you.' Runner-up is 'I carried a watermelon,' but hey, I digress."—LPP
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The Umbrellas of Cherbourg(1964)
"A feast for the eyes and ears, this 1964 French classic is a musical romance following a young couple separated by the Algerian war. It's brimming with gorgeous pastels and stars the iconic Catherine Deneuve in her breakout role."—EG
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Materialists(2025)
"As one of the year's most talked-about movies,Materialistsfollows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a New York City matchmaker who begins to fall back in love with her broke ex, John (Chris Evans). But things get complicated when Lucy meets a suave millionaire named Harry (Pedro Pascal). Soon, she's forced to confront the age-old question: can love be bought?"—JU
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West Side Story(1961)
"This 1950s New York take onRomeo and Julietfollows star-crossed sweethearts Maria and Tony, whose ties to rival gangs threaten their fast-moving romance. A 10-time Oscar winner, the iconic musical was remade for the screen 60 years later by Steven Spielberg, who featured Latinx actors in his cast."—LPP
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Rye Lane(2023)
"David Jonsson (Industry) and Vivian Oparah (Teen Spirit) are delightfully funny as two young Brits who unexpectedly spend the day together as they help each other through their respective breakups. Charming gems like these prove the future of the rom-com is in good hands."—EG
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The Age of Innocence(1993)
"A Martin Scorsese period romance? Oh, yes. Set in Gilded Age New York, lawyer Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis) is engaged to be married to May Welland (Winona Ryder) and offers to help her cousin, Countess Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer), as she settles into town after fleeing her ruined marriage. What starts off as an innocent friendship turns into something much more in this Edith Wharton adaptation. Archer's glove scene walked so Mr. Darcy's hand flex could run. You'll know it when you see it."—EG
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Up(2009)
"It only takes a few notes of that iconic theme song to get misty-eyed. This Pixar classic isn't just a family adventure with talking dogs and floating houses; it's also a sweet portrayal of a lasting love. The grumpy-on-the-outside-sweet-on-the-inside Mr. Fredricksen (Ed Asner) shows us how someone can honor a partner and the life they've built together long after they've passed."—EG
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Love, Brooklyn(2025)
"André Holland,Nicole Beharie, and DeWanda Wise in a complex love triangle? Sign us up! Set against the backdrop of an ever-changing Brooklyn, the tender and romantic story follows Roger (Holland), a writer who finds himself torn between two women: his former lover Casey (Beharie) and someone he's just recently met, Nicole (Wise). Have your box of tissues on standby."—JU
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It's a Wonderful Life(1946)
"Already a Christmas classic but deserving to become a favorite in the year-round romance rotation,It's A Wonderful Lifefeatures some of the most memorable lines of the genre. ("George Bailey, I'll love you 'till the day I die" being a personal favorite.) Sentimental but never saccharine, it remains one of the most beloved films ever made, 76 years after its release."—LPP
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We Live in Time(2004)
"Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh star as Tobias and Almut in this tear-jerking, years-spanning romance from John Crowley, director of Brooklyn. The film shows the couple from their chance meeting through their major life milestones, including Almut's battle with cancer. Grab your tissues for this one."—EG
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The Idea of You(2024)
"Anne Hathaway, we have missed you in rom-coms. In this adaptation of Robinne Lee's book, the Oscar winner plays a 40-year-old mom and art curator who, while bringing her daughter to Coachella, strikes up a romance with a 24-year-old boy band heartthrob. It may or may not be a One Direction fanfiction, and the songs are catchy as hell."—EG
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Splitsville(2025)
"What happens when a newly separated couple becomes entangled in their friends' open marriage? The answer is the sharp romantic comedySplitsville, starringDakota Johnson,Adria Arjona, Michael Angelo Covino, and Kyle Marvin. Come for the incisive exploration of relationships in the modern age, and stay for Nicholas Braun's delightfully offbeat turn as a kooky magician." —JU
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The Taste of Things(2023)
"Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel star in this gorgeous French romance between a cook and her boss, whose feelings for each other have been quietly simmering for over 20 years. Directed by Tran Anh Hung, it's a touching love story with some of the most magnificent shots of food I've ever seen."—EG
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His Girl Friday(1940)
"Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell are a snappy, quick-witted pair in this iconic 1940 rom-com. Grant plays a newspaper editor who learns his ex (Russell) is engaged and tries to goad her away from boring domestic life by assigning her a juicy reporting assignment. Their playful chemistry and lightning-fast dialogue make them an irresistible duo."—EG
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Call Me By Your Name(2017)
"In Timothée Chalamet's breakout role, he stars as Elio, a 17-year-old staying at his family's home for a summer in picturesque Italy. That's where he meets Oliver, a grad student and his father's intern, who sweeps him off his feet as they embark on a romance that will change them forever. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, it's a visual masterpiece that ends with an emotional gut punch."—EG
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The Photograph(2020)
"When a renowned photographer (Chanté Adams) passes away, her daughter Mae (Issa Rae) discovers her archive that sends her on a journey into her mother's complicated past, and into an unexpected romance with a journalist, Michael (LaKeith Stanfield). Helmed by writer-director Stella Meghie,The Photographis a lush and intimate love story that deserves a top spot on your watch list."—JU
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Notting Hill(1999)
"I'm just a girl, standing in front of my TV, asking young Hugh Grant to love me. The British heartthrob stars as a bookshop owner who gets swept into a high-profile romance when an uber-famous American actress (played by Julia Roberts) enters his store and becomes more than a customer. Roberts's '90s wardrobe here is just as memorable as her quotable lines."—EG
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Brokeback Mountain(2005)
"Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger are two sheep herders in Wyoming who strike up an unlikely romance on the job. Though they move on to different relationships, they can't seem to quit each other for over two decades. This iconic Western love story was directed by Ang Lee."—EG
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Sylvie's Love(2020)
"As if you need a reason to watch Tessa Thompson on your screen. Considered one of the best 'underseen romances' by Letterboxd,Sylvie's Lovefollows a couple in 1950s Harlem whose time together is cut short when he, a saxophone player, is sent abroad to play with his band. When they cross paths again years later in New York, old flames are reignited."—EG
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About Time(2013)
"Rachel McAdams has starred in many a time-traveling love story. In this one, she appears opposite Domhnall Gleeson, who plays Tim Lake, a man who discovers the men in his family can time-travel. Though it starts off feeling like a rom-com, you'll be reaching for tissues by the end. Don't say we didn't warn you."—EG
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Sleepless in Seattle(1993)
"Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, and Nora Ephron are an unbeatable trio. (Make this one a double feature with You've Got Mail.) In this romance, which unfolds over the airwaves, Hanks is a father and recent widower who reluctantly calls into a radio show to possibly find the next love of his life. Ryan is a reporter on the other side of the country who hears the conversation, falls in love, and invites him to meet at the top of the Empire State Building. It's proof that no first date is too out-there!"—EG
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