Romance movies can be powerful for viewers. From tear-jerking stories—filled with gleaming promises of hope and love—to inspiring tales of true connection, romantic films have the unique ability to motivate, empower and make us feel a range of emotions. However, there are some romantic movies that don’t seem to get the attention they deserve. Here are the top romantic films you should check out that are worthy of more love.
- Must Love Dogs (2005)
This charming romantic comedy-drama, Must Love Dogs, follows the story of a divorced woman and her efforts to find Mr. Right. The woman’s large, loving family gives her all the support and advice she needs, making this movie one that many viewers can relate to. Starring the dynamic duo of John Cusack and Diane Lane, Must Love Dogs is an entertaining and insightful story about finding love—a message that we can all use to help us with our own romantic pursuits.
- Garden State (2004)
This lighthearted yet emotional drama follows the story of Zach Braff’s character, Andrew, who travels home for his mother’s funeral and unexpectedly finds love. An oddball in many ways, Andrew is drawn to the enchanting Sam, played by Natalie Portman, and it’s through her that he’s ultimately able to find redemption. In spite of its alternately offbeat and heartbreaking moments, Garden State is an endearing story of making connections and rediscovering the importance of the ones you’ve lost.
- Lost in Translation (2003)
Lost in Translation is a tender look at how two lonely people in Tokyo—exhausted but able to find solace in each other—discover a kind of love they never anticipated. Bill Murray plays aging actor Bob Harris and Scarlett Johansson plays Charlotte, the bored, neglected and discontented wife of a celebrity photographer. Together they experience a bittersweet and peculiar journey of inter-cultural understanding and the power of the human connection.
- Blue Valentine (2010)
This moving drama offers a rare look at the realities of adult relationships. Showcasing the star talents of Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine makes us think about what happens when the sparks have died out of a relationship. Told through a series of flashbacks, this movie follows the bittersweet story of a couple falling out of love. It’s an intimate, reflective and honest film that viewers with any kind of love experience can humble relate to.
- The Notebook (2004)
One of the most iconic love stories of modern times, The Notebook brings to life the story of a young couple struggling through a heartbreaking and heartbreakingly beautiful love affair. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel Mcadams as teen lovers, Noah and Allie, who must persevere against all odds to keep their love alive in spite of a long-term separation. This epic love story is a lyrical tribute to passion, perseverance and the power of true love.
- Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually is a romantic comedy-drama that interweaves stories of love, loss, joy and heartache in the days leading up to Christmas. This sprawling ensemble cast of characters comes together with a common thread of hope—that no matter what life throws at us, love will remain strong and carry us through. With a stellar cast of British talent, Love Actually is an uplifting movie that reminds us that life’s woes can always be soothed with a little love and compassion.
- Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Based on Jane Austen’s beloved novel of the same name, Pride and Prejudice is the ultimate romantic period drama and a favorite of many. Centering around the aristocratic Bennet family and the epic love story between Elizabeth and Darcy, played by Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, Pride and Prejudice takes viewers on a journey of witty and warmhearted characters, class snobbishness and a timeless love story.
- (500) Days of Summer (2009)
This indie romantic comedy comedy follows the charming story of Tom and Summer who, while not a couple themselves, manage to discover unique ways to show their love for each other. In this delightful and insightful movie, Tom and Summer navigate the unpredictability of adult relationship as they explore what it means to grow and care for someone, even when the person might not be the one you end up with. (500) Days of Summer is one of those rare and honest love stories that’s sure to make you feel something, whatever your relationship status.
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
This movie takes an unconventional look at our relationship dynamics. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind follows the story of Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet’s characters, Clementine and Joel, whose relationship goes through the turbulent up’s and downs that accompanies us at different stages of a relationship. Over the course of the movie, the couple breaks up and then, with the help of a memory-erasing technology, discover that the pain of being apart is far bigger than the pain of being together.
- The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride is a classic that no romantic movie list would be complete without. This fantasy-adventure comedy, which follows the incredible story of a brave farmhand, Westley, and the beautiful Princess Buttercup, is the pinnacle of a romantic tale. The charming cast, heady combination of sword fights, comedy, romance and colorful characters come together in this timeless story of true love and friendship.
Romantic movies can transport us to a different world and bring us back to our own with a different perspective. Whether we’re looking for a good cry or an inspiring message, romantic films can show us what we’re looking for—and sometimes, depending on the movie, even teach us a lesson or two. We hope you find something you love in this list of romantic movies that deserve more love.