60 Most Romantic Movies in the World That Are a Must-Watch in 2021

As a movie-buff and lifelong romantic, I have chosen the world’s most romantic movies for you to watch, or avoid if that’s more your thing. 

I like to consider myself a movie expert. And I have been writing dating advice for a while now, so I like to think I know a little something about romance and relationships too. With those accomplishments in my portfolio, I am kind of the perfect person to identify the world’s most romantic movies that are a must-watch. 

Now, I haven’t seen every movie ever made, but from what I’ve seen in my 28 years, these are sure to evoke some feelings and maybe even some tears. 

I’ve included everything from the classics to romantic comedies, the lesser-known indie movies, tragic love stories, and just some of my personal favorites. 

[Read: 15 sad romantic movies that will get those tears flowing]

If you’re looking for a good cry or just in the mood for love, these are the most romantic movies that are sure to inspire those feelings.

The Most Romantic Classic Movies

You’re probably familiar with most of these classics, but it would be wrong not to include them. These are the most romantic movies for the ages. 

They will go down in history and for good reason. And, I’ll bet you haven’t seen them all, so now is the time.

#1 Gone With The Wind. This epic Civil War drama follows Scarlet O’Hara’s life on a plantation. It details her struggles, love affairs, and her character growth from tragedy and romance.

#2 The Notebook. The Notebook may be a more recent addition to the classics, but it truly is a classic. The love story between Allie and Noah spans years. Through a family’s disapproval, World War II, and more, this couple is the definition of true love.

#3 The Great Gatsby. I know not everyone would say this is a love story, but it is an outsider’s view into a life of glitz and glam that is only the backdrop to a number of tragic love affairs. [Read: Vital lessons on love and life from the Great Gatsby]

#4 Sense and Sensibility. It wouldn’t be a list of romantic movies without some Jane Austen. Inspired by her novel, this movie starring Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, and Emma Thompson tells the story of a family’s financial struggles along with Marianne and Elinor’s desires to marry for love, but it isn’t that simple.

#5 Titanic. This tragic love story may be loosely based on a real tragedy but the love story is that of epic romantic fiction. A wealthy young woman living a dull and controlled life falls for an exciting yet poor man while on a journey to America. Fun adventures, lust, and disaster strike throughout this beautiful story.

#6 The Princess Bride. Although The Princess Bride is a fairytale of giants, poison, and adventure, at its core it is purely a story of true love and the means by which one will go to for another.

#7 Romeo & Juliet. How could Romeo & Juliet not be on the list of best classic romantic movies? I have to give it to the Baz Luhrmann adaption from 1996. Taking this epic story of two star-crossed lovers doing everything they can to be together and dropping it in a modern telling of rival gangs and starring Leonardo DiCaprio can’t be beat. [Read: Oneitis and the obsessive effects of falling madly in love]

#8 Casablanca. This black and white feature shows how time apart doesn’t waiver what true love can do. A married Ilsa returns to her old flame, Rick, after years apart, but will their love lead to romance or safety?

#9 Moulin Rouge. This love story takes place in a seedy nightclub that’s filled with secrets, broken promises, and an affair that seems impossible to sustain. 

#10 Pride & Prejudice. This is another Jane Austen classic that just had to be added to the list of most romantic movies of all time. This story follows the eldest sister of the Bennet family who although required to marry is stubborn and outspoken. When she meets Mr. Darcy, there is undeniable chemistry but shyness and a lack of communication complicate things. The 2005 version starring Keira Knightley is a beautiful retelling of this classic novel. But if you want something a bit more fun and modern, Bridget Jones’ Diary is based on this story as well. [Read: 15 books every woman should read in her lifetime]

#11 An Affair To Remember. After a brief but passionate romance on a cruise, a couple promises to reunite at the top of the Empire State Building, but sudden tragedy strikes leading to heartbreak and questions about their true feelings.

#12 Rebecca. This is one of the darkest romances on the list, but it is truly fascinating. A widower marries a young woman who quickly realizes his first wife’s presence is lingering around their home. Their housekeeper makes life miserable for the young wife who must come to terms with her husband’s past. 

#13 Wuthering Heights. A sweet childhood romance is cut short by a wealthy man’s interest leading to Heathcliff’s emotional departure. Years later with a substantial fortune, he returns in hopes that he can win back his true love, but is it too late? [Read: 40 romantic movie quotes and love and relationships]

#14 The Graduate. This may be a story of unexpected and inappropriate seduction, but it becomes a love story riddled with struggle, restraint, and surprise.

#15 Roman Holiday. Audrey Hepburn stars as Princess Ann who finds herself in need of saving while on vacation. It just so happens the American man who saves her has an ulterior motive, but can love prove stronger?

The Most Romantic Comedy Movies of All Time

Some people may not consider romantic comedies to truly be romance movies. But in my book, they are some of the best. They may sometimes be cheesy or over the top, but the wild romantic gestures, weird best friends, and silly misunderstandings make them what they are.

#1 Crazy Stupid Love. This romantic comedy stars Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, and Steve Carell. It features multiple intertwined love stories for characters of all ages and gives a glimpse into the imperfect world of expectations and reality. [Read: 14 unrealistic expectations that can ruin your love life]

#2 Just Wright. Queen Latifah stars as Leslie Wright who gets her dream job as a physical therapist for a basketball star that she quickly develops feelings for, but it isn’t so easy. Someone close to Leslie catches his eye and attention for all the wrong reasons. 

#3 You’ve Got Mail. This romantic comedy set in New York stars Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks as two strangers who grow from a secret connection to hatred and anger, then friendship, and possibly more.

#4 Always Be My Maybe. This is one of the newest romantic comedy movies that struck me. Not only does it feature an Asian American cast, but it is also hilarious and heartfelt. Childhood best friends reconnect after years apart only to realize the shocking differences between them.

#5 America’s Sweethearts. Julia Roberts stars as Kiki, the awkward assistant to her movie-star sister, Gwen. When Gwen needs to reconnect with her co-star and ex-husband for a movie premiere, Kiki’s life becomes complicated as she develops feelings for him that he is clueless to. [Read: 15 gut-wrenching signs your boyfriend is interested in your friend]

#6 Up. Up is a sweet cartoon about a man dealing with the loss of his wife through grief and stubbornness. He is sent on a journey with a young boy that reminds him of what his late wife would have wanted for him.

#7 Runaway Bride. This is another Julia Roberts romantic comedy that pulls at the heartstrings. A woman who can never seem to make it down the aisle becomes the star in a news story written by Ike, played by Richard Gere, but as his job is in jeopardy, he has to meet her. Although she is set to marry her fourth fiancé, Ike cannot help but fall for her.

#8 Fools Rush In. Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek share a one-night stand in Nevada that leads to an unplanned pregnancy. This turns both their lives upside down as her family is extremely religious while his is simply clueless. Can they make it work between their differences and the pressure from his job in New York? 

#9 Along Came Polly. Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston star as former classmates who begin to date as Stiller’s character is coming off a failed marriage. She is lovable, messy, and relaxed opposite to his high-strung anxious-self but can those differences bring them together?

#10 The Holiday. This two-in-one romantic movie takes place in the English countryside and Los Angeles. As two women switch homes for the holidays they both discover a lot about themselves and love.

#11 No Strings Attached. Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher play awkward childhood friends who decide to become friends with benefits after years of almost moments, but it’s inevitable that true feelings get in the way of their situation. [Read: What do guys think of their female friends? 15 secrets revealed]

#12 Splash. Tom Hanks falls in love with a mermaid. Can he protect her from paparazzi, scientists, and the government, or is their romance doomed?

#13 When Harry Me Sally. This romantic movie deals with the question of whether men and women can just be friends without sex and attraction becoming an issue. What do you think? [Read: Can men and women be friends? The answers you MUST know]

#14 While You Were Sleeping. Sandra Bullock stars as a young woman pining for a stranger. One day, she saves his life and accidentally becomes a part of his family while he is in a coma. But while getting to know his brother, she realizes her love may have been misdirected.

#15 What Men Want. This romantic film is a loose remake of What Women Want, starring Mel Gibson as a womanizer who can hear women’s thoughts. This version stars Taraji P. Henson as a woman trying to make it in a male-dominated career. 

She uses her newfound skills of hearing men’s thoughts to get ahead, but her desire to succeed leads her to regrettable behavior that may just ruin her chances at true love and happiness. [Read: 15 qualities men secretly crave in their woman]

The Most Romantic Tragic Movies

These love stories may not all have happy endings but the romance that carries them is heartfelt and timeless.

#1 A Star Is Born. There are multiple versions of this movie but my favorite is the newest remake with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. This is a story of addiction, fame, fortune, and a relationship that struggles to survive.

#2 The Vow. Based on a true story, Rachel McAdams stars as Paige who is married to Leo (Channing Tatum). After a shocking car accident, Paige tragically loses all her memories of their marriage and only remembers her former lover and life before him, but Leo will not give up on her and their love for anything. [Read: 20 things happy couples never do in a perfect relationship]

#3 A Walk To Remember. This Nicholas Sparks classic is the story of a gentle yet fierce young woman who through tutoring the most popular guy in school helps him become a truly decent man while he gets her out of her comfort zone. But, as their romance evolves, they are forced to grow up faster than most.

#4 Bicentennial Man. Taking place in the future, this romantic movie is about a robot named Andrew, played by Robin Williams becomes a butler for the Martin family. But from day one, the family realizes he is different than most. His desire for family leads him on a journey for companionship, humanity, and ultimately true love.

#5 The Time Traveler’s Wife. A man who uncontrollably moves through time falls in love with a woman his older-self met when she was a young girl. His genetic anomaly causes them a great deal of pain and strife, but their love creates their version of a beautiful life. [Read: 10 realistic movies that can teach you a lot about love]

#6 City of Angels. An angel played by Nicholas Cage spends time around humans only to become attached to a doctor (Meg Ryan) who can somehow feel his presence. His feelings are so strong he decides to give up his wings to live a human life with her.

#8 Brokeback Mountain. Two men in the ‘60s, a rodeo cowboy, and a ranch hand, begin a torrid love affair that they keep secret from their eventual wives and families for over 20 years. 

#7 P.S. I Love You. A widower faces the loss of her husband while their romantic backstory is told over the course of the movie. After his death, he leaves her letters to guide her through her grief and help her move on.

#8 RENT. I am not one for musicals, but this romantic movie musical tells the tragic story of struggling New Yorkers dealing with addiction, love, and the AIDS epidemic during the 90s. Even if musicals aren’t your thing, this story is so heartfelt and touching that the songs and performances make it even better. 

#9 Last Christmas. The story of a young woman struggling with all aspects of her life after recovering from an illness takes a turn when she meets a romantic stranger that takes her life on a new path. 

#10 The Painted Veil. A woman unhappily married to a scientist is caught having an affair, but when her husband must travel to China to save lives, she joins him. As he tries to make this experience torturous for her, their joint emotional journey challenges them and their marriage into new realizations.

[Read: The best inspirational movies for when your motivation lags]

The Most Romantic Indie Movies

These lesser-known romances may not be epic romantic movies, but they show more relatable and realistic versions of love, life, and romance.

#1 Before We Go. This is a story of two strangers coming together one night on the streets of New York for an unforgettable journey that changes their lives.

#2 The Half Of It. A high school outcast helps a jock woo the girl he likes while she is also struggling with unrequited love for the same beautiful girl.

#3 What If. Daniel Radcliffe proves he can do more than play Harry Potter in this sincere love story. After giving up on romance, he meets a girl he never expected to meet, but she is taken. They build a friendship but can they deny their true feelings? [Read: How to be friends with someone you like and not lose your mind]

#4 Obvious Child. You may find it odd, but this is a romantic movie about abortion. An unemployed comedian, Donna, hooks up with a graduate student, Max, and gets pregnant. She decides to have an abortion but after a number of awkward interactions with Max, she struggles with whether or not to tell him. 

#5 Sidewalks of New York. This love story follows six people with intertwining relationships through their lives, romances, and features a lot of humor.

#6 All The Real Girls. A happy womanizer goes from his loose life to falling for his childhood friend’s younger sister. But his past catches up with him and if he wants to be with her, he’ll have to prove his intentions.

#7 Away We Go. With the perfect coupling of John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph, this love story follows a pregnant couple across the country to find the perfect place to settle down and raise their family. 

#8 Two Night Stand. An online hook-up turns into a two-night relationship that they are forced to endure due to a snowstorm. [Read: The worst people you can ever have a one night stand with]

#9 Enough Said. This rare romance featuring two middle-aged characters follows Eva and Albert who both have teenaged children. As their relationship grows, Eva becomes friends with Albert’s ex-wife who constantly complains about him and she lets these stories sour their relationship.

#10 Blue Valentine. This seemingly simple couple has a crumbling marriage. As the beginning of their love story unfolds, we see how miserable their lives have become.

My Favorite Most Romantic Movies of All Time

Not all romantic movies fit into a category, but these are some of my personal favorites. 

#1 Love & Basketball. A couple that has known each other for years and bond over their passion for basketball are pulled in opposite directions due to their dedication to the sport.

#2 When A Man Loves a Woman. When a young mother realizes she has a severe alcohol addiction and decides to be treated, her marriage struggles to adjust to this change. Their relationship was built on her outgoing personality that came with her drinking and her sobriety changes things between them. 

#3 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. This movie is filled with bizarre scenes filled with heavy emotion. After a brutal breakup, Clementine erases her memories of her ex and as he finds out what she did, he decides to do the same. but they both discover that forgetting love may not be the best way to deal with the pain of loss. [Read: 15 very effective rules to forget someone you once cared for]

#4 Sylvie’s Love. A budding romance between a musician and a driven young woman is cut short by a jolt in his career. Years later, after she is married, they run into each other, and sparks fly. Her new career, her marriage, and her long-lost love make her rethink her choices.

#5 Age of Adaline. A beautiful woman who miraculously stopped aging at 29 decides to stop getting close to anyone after a history of heartbreak and nonstop running. On one New Year’s Eve, she meets a charming man who she can’t seem to shake, but their growing bond threatens to expose her secret. 

#6 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. With this title, you probably don’t know what to expect, but this is a story of a young writer who after WWII discovers a small group in a remote town who found solace in her book and reading in general. She leaves her fiancé to meet these people and learns about them and herself in the process. [Read: How to get to know yourself and reveal your life’s real passions]

#7 Call Me By Your Name. This summer romance between two young men shows a deep yet brief look into secret desire and true love that is sure to lead to heartbreak due to society. 

#8 Brooklyn. A young Irish woman leaves her mother and her home to come to New York for the promises America has to offer, but is quickly met with homesickness. A romance changes her spirits but when her family calls her back to Ireland, she has to decide whether her marriage or her home means more. 

#9 The Wedding Date. A single woman doesn’t want to show up alone to her sister’s wedding where her ex is the best man, so she hires an escort as her date. Their secret pushes them together in ways neither of them expected.

#10 Kissing Jessica Stein. Jessica, a young woman sick of the emotional rollercoaster and lackluster intimacy that is modern dating decides to answer a personal ad in the woman seeking woman section.  She meets Helen who she hits it off with but her hesitancy to enter a lesbian relationship causes strain. Their relationship takes turns and teaches both of them a lot about themselves.

You can never get enough of romantic movies, so start with this perfectly beautiful list of the world’s most romantic movies that are a must-watch.