best romantic movies to fall in love with from recent years
Looking for a film that captures the magic of romance and might just make your heart flutter? Explore this curated list of some of the most fantastic romantic movies released in recent memory.



Cinema has a unique power to explore the complexities of human connection, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of romantic films. What makes a romantic movie truly 'fantastic' or capable of making audiences 'fall in love'? It's often more than just a simple boy-meets-girl story. It's about authenticity, whether in the awkward beginnings, the challenging middle, or the bittersweet end.
Recent years have given us a wealth of diverse love stories. We've seen everything from unconventional bonds that defy genre norms to sweeping, visually stunning musicals that celebrate the grand gestures of affection. There are also poignant tales of first love, stories grappling with memory and identity in relationships, and narratives that find romance in the unexpected places of everyday life.
The best romantic movies don't just show love; they make you feel it. They remind us of the butterflies, the heartache, the compromises, and the sheer joy that comes with finding and nurturing a connection with another person. They can be a mirror to our own experiences or offer a window into possibilities we've only dreamed of. Get ready to dive into some truly memorable cinematic romances that resonate long after the credits roll.
14. Before Sunrise (1995)
Richard Linklater's 'before sunrise' is the beautiful beginning of one of cinema's most beloved romantic trilogies. It's a film built on conversation, connection, and the magic of a single night.
Jesse, a young American man, meets Celine, a French woman, on a train in Europe. On impulse, he convinces her to get off with him in Vienna and spend the night walking around the city, talking about everything and nothing.
Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are utterly captivating as Jesse and Celine. Their dialogue feels incredibly natural and insightful, making you feel like you're right there with them, falling in love alongside them. The film captures the exhilarating feeling of meeting someone new and discovering a deep, immediate connection. It's a simple premise executed perfectly, proving that sometimes, all you need for a fantastic romance is compelling characters and brilliant conversation. A truly enchanting film about the possibility of connection.

13. The Great Gatsby (2013)
Baz Luhrmann brings his signature visually stunning and energetic style to F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel. This adaptation is a spectacle of excess, longing, and tragic romance.
Set in the roaring twenties, the story follows aspiring writer Nick Carraway as he is drawn into the opulent world of his mysterious millionaire neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and witnesses Gatsby's obsessive pursuit of his lost love, Daisy Buchanan.
The film is a dazzling display of costumes, sets, and music, capturing the decadence of the era. Leonardo DiCaprio is compelling as the enigmatic Gatsby, embodying his desperate hope and underlying sadness. While the romance itself is steeped in tragedy and obsession rather than pure joy, the film is a powerful exploration of love, dreams, and the American myth. A visually arresting and dramatic take on a literary masterpiece.

12. Me Before You (2016)
Based on Jojo Moyes' bestselling novel, 'me before you' is a touching and bittersweet romance about finding love in unexpected circumstances and making difficult choices for the people you care about.
Louisa Clark is a quirky and creative young woman who takes a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy young man who was paralyzed in an accident. As she tries to lift his spirits, they form a deep connection that changes both of their lives in profound ways.
Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin are wonderful together, bringing warmth and vulnerability to Lou and Will. The film explores themes of love, life choices, and finding joy in the everyday. It's a story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, prompting reflection on what it truly means to live a full life and the sacrifices we make for love. A deeply emotional film.

11. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Based on the beloved young adult novel by John Green, 'the fault in our stars' is a poignant and moving story about young love in the face of incredible challenges.
Hazel and Gus are two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group. Despite the difficult circumstances they face, they embark on an unforgettable journey together, experiencing the joys and sorrows of first love and living life to the fullest.
Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort deliver heartfelt and authentic performances as Hazel and Gus. Their chemistry is sweet and believable, making their story all the more impactful. The film handles its sensitive subject matter with grace and humor, finding moments of levity and hope amidst the sadness. It's a story that celebrates life, love, and finding connection even in the most unexpected and difficult situations. Be prepared for an emotional ride.

10. (500) Days of Summer (2009)
If you're looking for a romance that doesn't follow the typical formula, this is it. '(500) days of summer' is an unconventional look at a relationship, told out of chronological order, offering a refreshingly honest perspective on love and heartbreak.
The film follows Tom, a hopeless romantic, as he reflects on his relationship with Summer, the girl he believes is his soulmate, over the course of 500 days. It's a story about expectations versus reality and the lessons learned from a relationship that doesn't end up being 'the one'.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are perfectly cast, embodying the film's charming yet bittersweet tone. The narrative structure and visual style are clever and engaging, making it a unique viewing experience. It's a film that resonates with anyone who's experienced the highs and lows of falling in love and falling out of it, reminding us that sometimes, things just don't work out as planned, and that's okay.

9. The Notebook (2004)
A modern classic in the romance genre, 'the notebook' is a sweeping, epic love story that has captured hearts for years. Based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, it's a tearjerker that explores the power of enduring love.
Set in the 1940s, it tells the story of Noah and Allie, two young people from different social classes who fall deeply in love during one passionate summer. Their romance is tested by family, war, and time, but their connection remains unbreakable.
Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams have incredible chemistry, portraying the fiery passion and deep devotion of Noah and Allie. The film is beautifully shot, capturing the romanticism of the era and the coastal setting. It's a story about finding that once-in-a-lifetime love and fighting for it against all odds, with a framing device that adds an extra layer of emotional depth. Keep the tissues handy!

8. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
David O. Russell directs this quirky, heartfelt story about two people trying to put their lives back together after hitting rock bottom. It's a romance that's messy, funny, and deeply human.
Pat Solitano, recently released from a psychiatric hospital, is determined to win back his estranged wife. He meets Tiffany Maxwell, a mysterious widow with her own struggles, and they form an unlikely bond over their shared issues and a crazy plan involving a dance competition.
Jennifer Lawrence won an Oscar for her electric performance as Tiffany, and Bradley Cooper is equally brilliant as Pat. Their dynamic is the core of the film, full of sharp dialogue and genuine connection. It's a story about finding silver linings in dark times, the complexities of mental health, and how sometimes, the people who are just as broken as you are the ones who can help you heal. Endearing and authentic.

7. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Get ready for pure romantic comedy joy with this lavish and incredibly fun film! Based on the bestselling novel, it's a glamorous ride into the world of Singapore's elite.
The story follows Rachel Chu, an economics professor, who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick, only to discover his family is impossibly wealthy and he's one of Asia's most eligible bachelors. Suddenly, Rachel finds herself navigating a world of jealous socialites, eccentric relatives, and the formidable matriarch of Nick's family.
The film is a feast for the eyes, showcasing stunning locations and incredible fashion. It's packed with humor, heart, and genuinely sweet romantic moments. The cast is fantastic, bringing charm and wit to every scene. It's a delightful celebration of culture, family dynamics, and finding your place in the world, all wrapped up in a swoon-worthy love story.

6. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
From the brilliant minds of director Michel Gondry and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman comes a romance unlike any other. What if you could erase someone from your memory?
Joel and Clementine are a couple who decide to undergo a procedure to erase each other from their minds after their relationship sours. The film takes us on a non-linear journey through their memories, both good and bad, as Joel experiences the erasure process.
Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet give incredible, against-type performances, bringing depth and vulnerability to their characters. The film's visual style is inventive and whimsical, perfectly reflecting the chaotic nature of memory and emotion. It's a poignant, funny, and ultimately hopeful look at relationships, memory, and the things we can't bear to lose. A modern classic that rewards repeat viewings.

5. Her (2013)
Spike Jonze brings us a truly original and thought-provoking romance set in a near-future Los Angeles. Can you fall in love with an operating system?
Joaquin Phoenix stars as Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer who develops a relationship with Samantha, an advanced AI voice assistant. Their connection deepens in unexpected and profound ways, exploring the nature of love, consciousness, and human connection in the digital age.
Scarlett Johansson provides the voice of Samantha, giving a performance that is incredibly nuanced and captivating despite being purely auditory. The film's aesthetic is beautifully warm and intimate, contrasting with its futuristic premise. It's a film that asks big questions about intimacy and relationships in the modern world and offers a surprisingly tender and hopeful perspective. A truly unique love story.

4. A Star Is Born (2018)
Bradley Cooper's directorial debut is a powerful and emotionally resonant retelling of a classic Hollywood story. This version feels raw, authentic, and incredibly moving.
It follows the relationship between a seasoned, struggling musician, Jackson Maine, who discovers and falls in love with a struggling artist, Ally. As she rises to stardom, his career spirals downwards, creating a complex and challenging dynamic between them.
Lady Gaga delivers a truly revelatory performance alongside Cooper, who is also fantastic. Their chemistry is electric, fueling the heart of the film. The original songs, particularly 'Shallow,' are phenomenal and integral to the storytelling. It's a film about the price of fame, addiction, and the enduring, sometimes painful, power of love. Prepare for a film that hits you right in the feels.

3. Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Set against the sun-drenched, idyllic Italian countryside of 1983, Luca Guadagnino's film is a tender, sensual, and profound exploration of first love and self-discovery.
The story centers on Elio, a precocious 17-year-old, and Oliver, the charming American graduate student who comes to stay at his family's villa for the summer. What unfolds is a slow-burn romance that is both exhilarating and poignant.
The film excels in capturing the feeling of a languid summer and the intensity of burgeoning emotions. Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer deliver exceptional, nuanced performances, perfectly conveying the awkwardness, longing, and passion of their connection. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, evoking the sweet ache of memory and the beauty of fleeting, formative experiences. An absolute must-watch for its emotional depth and stunning atmosphere.

2. La La Land (2016)
Step into a world of dazzling color, breathtaking music, and a love story that feels both timeless and achingly real. Damien Chazelle's musical tribute to classic Hollywood is pure cinematic magic.
Following the intertwined dreams and romance of an aspiring actress and a jazz musician in Los Angeles, the film captures the intoxicating highs and heartbreaking lows of chasing your passions and finding love along the way.
The chemistry between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is undeniable, and their performances are captivating. The original songs are incredibly catchy, and the dance numbers are spectacular. It's a film that will sweep you off your feet, make you want to burst into song, and leave you contemplating the choices we make for love and our dreams. A modern classic!

1. The Shape of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro's masterpiece swept the Oscars, and it's easy to see why! This isn't just a romance; it's a fairy tale for grown-ups, set against the backdrop of the Cold War.
The film tells the story of a lonely mute woman who works as a cleaner in a secret government laboratory and falls in love with a captive amphibian creature. It's a truly unique premise that explores themes of love, acceptance, and finding connection in the most unexpected places.
The visual storytelling is absolutely stunning, with del Toro's signature attention to detail creating a world that feels both magical and grounded in reality. The performances, particularly Sally Hawkins', are deeply moving. It's a film that reminds you that love can be found in many forms and challenges conventional notions of beauty and connection. Absolutely enchanting!
