Romantic Movies to Watch
Are you a fan of romantic movies? Do you love a good rom-com?
I usually go for a romantic comedy when I’m looking to unwind and get lost in a movie.
Below I’ve listed some of the best romantic movies to watch at any time of the year. From classic stories of love and romance to modern tales featuring unique twists, there's something for everyone on this list.
Movies like The Notebook, Call Me By Your Name, and Love Actually stir our hearts with beautiful settings and captivating characters.
I’ve also included more contemporary releases, such as Crazy Rich Asians and Always Be My Maybe, which offer stories that touch on timely topics such as personal identity politics, generational wealth disparity, and more.
So grab some tissues (I won't judge) and settle in for an evening filled with all the feels - mood-enhancing music not included!
The Notebook
Get ready for all the feels with The Notebook, a timeless romantic story that will have you laughing and crying in equal measure.
Based on Nicholas Sparks' swoon-worthy novel, this fan-favorite flick stars the dreamy Ryan Gosling and beautiful Rachel McAdams as Noah and Allie. These star-crossed lovers from different walks of life find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, but life has other plans.
When Allie's parents give their not-so-seal of approval, and she leaves town to chase her dreams, our lovebirds part ways. But fate isn't done with them yet.
Fast-forward a few years, and Noah and Allie find themselves face-to-face. With a side of heartache and a dollop of passion, The Notebook serves a delicious helping of commitment, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
So, grab some popcorn and prepare for an unforgettable love story that'll stick with you long after the credits roll.
Purple Hearts
In Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum's film, Sofia Carson and Nicholas Galitzine star as individuals from different backgrounds who discover love amidst adversity.
The classic "enemies-to-lovers" trope takes an intriguing twist as politics come into play. Luke (Galitzine), a Marine-in-training, crosses paths with Cassie (Carson) as she struggles to find a solution for her urgent medical needs.
Desperate for insulin due to her diabetes and hindered by her current insurance policy, Cassie proposes marriage to Luke's friend Frankie (Chosen Jacobs). However, Luke steps in with an unexpected proposition. With his father being a retired military policeman, Luke offers to marry Cassie, allowing her to access better healthcare while he gains a stipend to settle a debt with a dangerous drug dealer.
As opposites collide, Cassie's liberal views and Luke's conservative stance create a dynamic tension that leads to an unexpected connection.
While Luke is deployed, Cassie's music career takes flight, inspired by the love and sacrifice of military families.
This book left me wanting more of Cassie and Luke!
And guess what? Purple Hearts 2 is in the works. Yeah!
Love Actually
Love Actually is the ultimate feel-good romantic flick that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. The all-star cast includes Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Keira Knightley as they navigate the rollercoaster of love in this Christmas-themed movie.
This movie dives into the many faces of love – from unrequited love to secret crushes – and shows how love can sneak up on us in the most unexpected ways.
Set against the backdrop of London's iconic landmarks like Heathrow Airport and Trafalgar Square, this film is a must-watch for hopeless romantics.
So, whether you're in the mood for some heartwarming passion or need a good laugh, Love Actually is the perfect pick to remind you that love is, well, actually, all around.
Crazy Rich Asians
Dive into the glitzy world of Crazy Rich Asians, a fun rom-com based on Kevin Kwan's bestselling novel.
This movie stars the beautiful Constance Wu and the dashing Henry Golding as lovebirds Rachel Chu and Nick Young, who jet off to Singapore for a swanky wedding.
But surprise!
Rachel has no idea Nick is from a mega-rich family with sky-high social standards. As Rachel faces off with Nick's mom Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh), and navigates the high-stakes world of Singapore's elite, she learns that love isn't all about dollar signs and designer labels.
This movie is a heartwarming love story – and a groundbreaking film that broke barriers with its all-Asian cast, a rarity in Hollywood in 2018.
Critics and audiences raved about the movie's performances, jaw-dropping visuals, and thought-provoking themes, sparking important conversations about representation and inclusion in Tinseltown.
So, if you're craving a side of laughter with a helping of heart and a sprinkling of luxury, look no further than Crazy Rich Asians. It’s a great movie that I’ve watched a few times.
Pride and Prejudice
Get ready for some swoon-worthy romance with the 2005 adaptation - and my favorite - of Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley as our heroine, Elizabeth Bennet.
Set in 19th-century England, we follow the Bennet sisters as they try to find true love amidst the pressure to marry well.
When the dashing Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) and his brooding bestie, Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), come to town, the Bennet sisters' world is turned upside down. While Elizabeth's sister Jane (Rosamund Pike) is smitten with the charming Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy can't stop butting heads.
But don't worry, this isn't your average love story.
Have I mentioned that I’ve watched this at least four times?
As Elizabeth and Darcy navigate the ups and downs of misunderstandings and their pride and prejudice, they see each other in a new light.
I adore the elegant dances, breathtaking scenery, and Mr. Darcy’s Pemberly Hall (Chatsworth House). Chatsworth House is located in central England and is open to visitors.
I would never get my husband to sit down and watch this movie, but it's a must-watch if you are a Jane Austen fan and love a good happily ever after.
Always Be My Maybe
If you're in the mood for a feel-good rom-com, look no further than Always Be My Maybe!
This movie is about childhood BFFs Sasha and Marcus, who bump into each other after years apart. As they hang out and catch up, old sparks start flying, and they can't help but wonder if they're meant to be more than just friends.
What makes this story extra special is the amazing cast. Ali Wong and Randall Park totally nail it as the leads, and their on-screen chemistry is off the charts. You will get some hilarious moments from big names like Keanu Reeves and Daniel Dae Kim.
So, if you're craving a sweet romance with a side of laughter, add Always Be My Maybe to your watchlist.
Trust me, and you'll be smiling from ear to ear!
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Get ready for a super-cute rom-com – To All the Boys I've Loved Before!
My husband may not admit it, but this is one of his favorite movies. Note he doesn’t read my blog.
This fun movie follows high schooler Lara Jean Covey as she deals with the crazy world of love and crushes. Based on Jenny Han's popular novel, it's no wonder people are head over heels for both the book and the movie.
Imagine having secret love letters to all your crushes accidentally sent out – yikes!
That's exactly what happens to Lara Jean. To save face, she teams up with one of her former crushes, Peter Kavinsky, to fake a relationship. But what happens when those fake feelings start to get a little too real?
Starring the adorable Lana Condor and the dreamy Noah Centineo, To All the Boys I've Loved Before is packed with laughs, hearts, and unforgettable moments.
You’ve Got Mail
I’m a huge fan of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. I’ve watched Sleepless in Seattle at least ten times. But I love You’ve Got Mail.
This cute movie is about finding love in the most unexpected places – your inbox!
Meet Kathleen, played by Meg Ryan, who runs a small bookstore, and Joe, played by Tom Hanks, who owns a huge bookstore chain.
In real life, they're rivals, but online, they're anonymously falling for each other through email. Little do they know that the person they're chatting with is actually their competition!
As their online relationship blooms, so does the tension between their real-life personas. The big question is, can they put their differences aside and let love win?
You've Got Mail is a feel-good movie that'll make you smile, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear.
While You Were Sleeping
If you're looking for a sweet rom-com that'll warm your heart, then While You Were Sleeping is just the ticket! Starring Sandra Bullock, this feel-good movie is all about love, family, and the unexpected twists life can throw at you.
Sandra Bullock plays Lucy, a lonely subway worker who saves her secret crush, Peter, from a nasty accident. But things get super complicated when Peter's family mistakenly thinks Lucy is his fiancée while he's in a coma.
As Lucy gets to know Peter's family, she starts to fall for his brother, Jack. Yep, you guessed it – things are about to get messier! With a mix of laughs, romance, and some truly heartwarming moments, you'll be rooting for Lucy to find her happily ever after.
Fools Rush In
This is another favorite.
Fools Rush In stars the gorgeous Salma Hayek and Matthew Perry! This entertaining movie is about taking chances, unexpected surprises, and the crazy rollercoaster ride of love.
The story follows straight-laced New Yorker Alex and free-spirited Isabel from Las Vegas, who share a wild night of passion that results in a surprise pregnancy.
Instead of freaking out, they decide to get married – even though they barely know each other!
As Alex and Isabel navigate their new life together, they face the challenges of combining their different backgrounds, families, and traditions. Along the way, they discover that love can be messy, unpredictable, and totally worth it.
So, why not take a break, get comfy, and enjoy this hilarious and heartwarming rom-com that proves when it comes to love, sometimes it's best to dive right in!
More Rom-Coms
There are more movies that I’d include in this article if I could, but it can’t go on forever. So, I’ll list a few more rom-com that I recommend:
The Wedding Singer (Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore)
Blended (Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler)
Just Go With It (Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler)
The Wedding Planner (Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey)
Monster In Law (Jennifer Lopez, Jane Fonda, and Michael Vartan)
What are some of your favorites?
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