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best recent romantic movies to make you fall in love

Looking for a recent film to capture your heart? These fantastic romantic movies released in recent years are sure to ignite feelings and maybe even inspire your own love story.

Call Me by Your Name
A Star Is Born
Crazy Rich Asians

The world of romance on screen is constantly evolving, reflecting changing ideas about love, connection, and relationships. While timeless classics like The Notebook or the introspective journey of the Before Trilogy continue to hold a special place, recent years have offered a wealth of compelling stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

It's fascinating to see how the genre pushes boundaries, sometimes blending with fantasy like in The Shape of Water, or exploring the bittersweet complexities of memory and identity as in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. We've also seen musical romance make a dazzling comeback with films like La La Land, capturing the highs and lows of pursuing both passion and connection.

Beyond the grand gestures, contemporary romance also excels at portraying the awkward, messy, and utterly real aspects of falling in love. Films like (500) Days of Summer challenged traditional rom-com structures, while adaptations like To All the Boys I've Loved Before tapped into the specific anxieties and excitements of young love in the digital age. Even stories dealing with profound loss, such as Me Before You or The Fault in Our Stars, remind us of the powerful, life-altering impact love can have.

These recent films, spanning diverse narratives and styles, prove that the quest for connection remains a universal theme. They offer comfort, catharsis, and a beautiful reminder of what it feels like to open your heart to another person, often leaving you with a lingering feeling of warmth and possibility. Get ready to swoon, sigh, and maybe even shed a happy tear as you explore some of the most memorable romantic journeys from the past decade or so.

14. Before Sunset (2004)

The second film in the 'Before' trilogy, 'Before sunset', catches up with Jesse and Céline nine years after their magical night in Vienna. They unexpectedly reunite in Paris when Jesse is on a book tour.

Like its predecessor, the film unfolds almost in real-time, following their intense, non-stop conversation as they walk through the streets of Paris. It delves into how their lives have unfolded since they last met and the lingering feelings and regrets.

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, the film is a masterful study of connection, missed opportunities, and the complexities of adult relationships. It's a poignant and deeply romantic continuation of their story, proving that some connections are meant to last, even if life gets in the way.

Before Sunset

13. Before Sunrise (1995)

Richard Linklater's 'Before sunrise' is the enchanting first film in the iconic 'Before' trilogy. It follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke), a young American, and Céline (Julie Delpy), a young French woman, who meet on a train in Europe and decide to spontaneously spend a night together in Vienna.

The film is almost entirely dialogue-driven, relying on the captivating conversations between Jesse and Céline as they wander through the city, discussing life, love, and everything in between. Their chemistry is utterly believable and natural.

It's a simple premise executed perfectly, capturing the magic and intense connection of meeting someone special and experiencing a fleeting, perfect moment in time. It feels incredibly authentic and has inspired countless real-life romantic adventures.

Before Sunrise

12. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

'(500) days of summer' offers a refreshingly honest and often melancholy look at a relationship, told from the perspective of the hopeless romantic, Tom.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Tom, who falls head over heels for Summer (Zooey Deschanel), who doesn't believe in true love. The film uses a non-linear structure, jumping between different days of their 500-day relationship, often highlighting the difference between expectation and reality.

It's an indie darling that became a cultural touchstone for its realistic portrayal of modern dating and heartbreak. It challenges traditional romantic comedy tropes and resonates with anyone who's experienced the messy, unpredictable nature of love.

(500) Days of Summer

11. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

David O. Russell's 'Silver linings playbook' is a quirky and heartwarming film that blends romance, comedy, and drama, centered around two characters navigating mental health challenges.

Bradley Cooper stars as Pat, a man with bipolar disorder trying to win back his estranged wife, who meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a young widow with her own struggles. Their unconventional bond forms as they train for a dance competition.

Jennifer Lawrence won the Best Actress Oscar for her captivating performance. The film is praised for its sharp dialogue, strong performances, and its honest, yet hopeful, portrayal of people dealing with mental illness and finding connection. It's a feel-good movie with substance.

Silver Linings Playbook

10. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

From the imaginative mind of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and director Michel Gondry comes 'Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind', a truly unique and mind-bending romance.

Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet star as a couple who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories after their relationship sours. The film is a surreal and deeply insightful exploration of memory, love, and heartbreak, told through a non-linear narrative and stunning visual effects.

It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for its brilliant and complex story. It's not a conventional romance, but its raw honesty about the pain and beauty of relationships has cemented its place as a modern classic.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

9. The Notebook (2004)

'The notebook' is arguably one of the most iconic and enduring romantic films of the 21st century. Based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, it tells the story of Noah and Allie, two young lovers from different social classes who fight against all odds to be together.

Starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, their incredible on-screen chemistry is legendary (they even won an MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss!). Directed by Nick Cassavetes, the film unfolds through flashbacks, framed by an older man reading the story to a woman in a nursing home.

It's a grand, passionate love story filled with sweeping moments, dramatic separations, and an undeniable emotional punch. It's the kind of movie that has become a benchmark for screen romance and continues to make people believe in epic love.

The Notebook

8. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Based on John Green's beloved novel, 'The fault in our stars' is a moving and honest portrayal of young love facing difficult circumstances.

Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort star as Hazel and Gus, two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group and fall deeply in love. The film doesn't shy away from the realities of their illness but focuses on their vibrant connection, witty banter, and shared passion for life and literature.

The film resonated strongly with audiences for its authentic characters and emotional depth. It captures the intensity and beauty of first love while navigating challenging themes with grace and humor. It's a tearjerker, yes, but also a celebration of life and connection.

The Fault in Our Stars

7. Me Before You (2016)

Based on the novel by Jojo Moyes, 'Me before you' is a poignant and emotional romance drama that explores themes of love, life choices, and finding joy in unexpected places.

Emilia Clarke stars as Louisa 'Lou' Clark, a quirky and optimistic young woman who takes a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a wealthy young man paralyzed after an accident. Despite their vastly different worlds, a deep connection forms between them.

The film is known for the heartfelt performances of its leads and its ability to tug at the heartstrings. It's a story about two people changing each other's lives in profound ways and finding love in challenging circumstances. Be prepared for an emotional journey with this one.

Me Before You

6. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

'To all the boys i've loved before' became a massive hit on Netflix, charming audiences with its sweet and relatable take on teen romance.

Based on the popular young adult novel by Jenny Han, the film stars Lana Condor as Lara Jean Covey, whose secret love letters are accidentally mailed out, turning her quiet life upside down. Her fake-dating scheme with popular jock Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) leads to genuinely sweet and awkward moments.

The film is praised for its diverse casting and its focus on Lara Jean's inner world and family relationships. It's a feel-good movie that captures the butterflies and confusion of navigating first crushes and finding unexpected connections. It launched a successful film series, proving the lasting appeal of this charming story.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

5. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Based on the best-selling novel, 'Crazy rich asians' is a delightful and opulent romantic comedy that broke ground for its all-Asian cast and celebrated Singaporean culture.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film follows a New York economics professor who travels with her boyfriend to Singapore for his best friend's wedding, only to discover his family is impossibly wealthy and he's one of Asia's most eligible bachelors.

The film is a feast for the eyes, showcasing incredible fashion, stunning locations, and lavish parties. But beneath the glitz, it's a heartwarming story about family, identity, and finding your place in a world of expectations. It's funny, charming, and undeniably romantic.

Crazy Rich Asians

4. A Star Is Born (2018)

Bradley Cooper's directorial debut, 'A star is born', is a powerful and raw exploration of love, fame, and addiction.

Starring Cooper himself alongside Lady Gaga in her first leading film role, their chemistry is undeniable and forms the emotional core of the movie. Lady Gaga received widespread acclaim for her performance and, of course, for the original songs she co-wrote and performed, particularly the iconic ballad 'Shallow', which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

This is the fourth remake of the classic story, but this version feels incredibly fresh and impactful, grounded in authentic performances and a moving narrative. It's a film that will make you laugh, cry, and feel the highs and lows of a passionate, complex relationship.

A Star Is Born

3. Call Me by Your Name (2017)

'Call me by your name' is a tender and exquisitely crafted story of first love set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched Italian summer in the 1980s.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film stars Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer as two young men who discover a powerful connection. The film is renowned for its incredible atmosphere, making you feel like you're truly there, experiencing the heat, the beauty of the landscape, and the burgeoning emotions alongside the characters.

James Ivory won an Academy Award for his screenplay adapted from André Aciman's novel. The film is celebrated for its nuanced performances and its sensitive, non-judgmental portrayal of young desire and identity. It's a film that lingers with you long after the credits roll, evoking feelings of nostalgia and the bittersweet ache of memory.

Call Me by Your Name

2. The Shape of Water (2017)

Guillermo del Toro's 'The shape of water' is a truly unique and enchanting fairy tale for adults. Set during the Cold War, it tells the story of a lonely mute cleaning woman who forms an extraordinary bond with an amphibian creature held captive in a secret government lab.

This film is a visual marvel, with stunning production design and breathtaking cinematography that create a world both beautiful and mysterious. It explores themes of love, acceptance, and finding connection in the most unexpected places.

The film was a huge success, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director, a testament to its imaginative storytelling and del Toro's distinct vision. It's a romance unlike any other, proving that love knows no bounds.

The Shape of Water

1. La La Land (2016)

Prepare to be swept off your feet! 'La la land' is a dazzling, bittersweet musical romance that pays homage to classic Hollywood while feeling utterly modern.

Damien Chazelle directed this masterpiece, and the chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone is simply electric. Their performances earned them immense praise, with Stone taking home the Oscar for Best Actress.

But it's the music that truly makes this film soar. The original songs by Justin Hurwitz are incredibly catchy and emotionally resonant, from the dreamy 'City of Stars' to the energetic 'Another Day of Sun'. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, winning six Academy Awards, including Best Director. It’s a film that captures the magic and melancholy of chasing your dreams and finding love in the city of angels. It’s pure cinematic joy!

La La Land

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