Whether you admit it or not, every person believes in love and longs for a good romance. And in film making the romance genre is broad and sweeping. It can take every turn from tragedy to satire, making it great in some way. So here I’ve been summing up some of the most beautiful, passionate and mushy flicks of all time.
1. In The Mood For Love (2000)
Set in Hong Kong in the 1960s, this beautiful shot film tells the story of two neighbours whose spouses are having an affair. The two continue to spend more time together as they discuss this deceit, and eventually develop feelings for each other.
2. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Meg Ryan, Nora Ephron and the Big Apple match made in the paradise of rom-com. It’s a lovely film about a couple of eccentric New Yorkers who are persuaded that men and women can’t be friends-or can they?
3. Like Crazy (2011)
You have never forgotten your first love, but sadly for a student at British College (Felicity Jones) and her American classmate (Anton Yelchin), their love story takes a tragic turn when she violates the terms of her visa and they are forced to split.
4. Blue Valentine (2010)
Many romances are designed to curl up with your partner and reaffirm your love for one another. Films such as this one are best to watch alone. The film depicts Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams starring in a bittersweet marriage and heartache.
5. Garden State (2004)
In this sweet and emotional film, Zach Braff directed and starred about a troubled young man (Andrew) who returns to his New Jersey hometown for his mother’s funeral after being strangled from his father. Natalie Portman is his eccentric passion in life.
6. Atonement (2007)
During that scene at the library with James McAvoy and Keira Knightley (and her beautiful green dress), you won’t be able to take your eyes away from the screen. Soon afterwards, things are taking a tragic turn as these two lovers are ripped apart by families intruding.
7. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
This blossoming romance between a seventeen-year-old boy and the research assistant to his father takes place in Italy, the picture-perfect 1980s. The film is based on Andre Aciman’s acclaimed book and features Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer.
8. Life Is Beautiful (1997)
This heart-touching Italian love story between a father and his son set during World War II will have you openly sobbing. Roberto Benigni features in this film and his appreciable performance makes it a must to watch.
9. The Big Sick (2017)
This funny and smart film, based on the IRL love story of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon, explores cross-cultural themes and enjoys a refreshing feel. Nanjiani, a Pakistan-born actress, falls for graduate student Emily Gardner but when she develops a mysterious disease that leaves her in a coma, Nanjiani confronts her father, her own children, and her real feelings.
10. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Those pearls, the classic feel and the Givenchy LBD. The film is worth watching for only the enviable look of Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn). The film is based on the popular novella by Truman Capote and has plenty of humour, romance, and swanky locations to the Upper East Side.
11. The Proposal (2009)
The film features Sandra Bullock, a ballsy editor-in-chief of a book publishing company, and Ryan Reynolds as her hard-working assistant. When Sandra faces deportation to Canada, she hatches a plan to marry Andrew in order to keep her visa status and in exchange offers Andrew a promotion.
12. It Happened One Night (1934)
A spoiled heiress (Claudette Colbert) runs away from her family and meets a charming man (Clark Gable) who is willing to help her. But the twist is that a reporter looking for a story is the kind stranger.
13. Love Actually (2003)
With plenty of laughter and tears thrown into the mix, a group of actors (including Hugh Grant and Colin Firth) try to figure out their love lives. Plus there is an epic version of “All I Want for Christmas” by Mariah Carey.
14. A Star is Born (2018)
When popular musician Jack (Brad Cooper) accidentally discovers-and falls in love with-struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga), he brings her to the spotlight and takes her career to the start. But the tragedy is just around the corner like any great love story.
15. The English Patient – 1996
The film is based on the adaptation of the novel by Michael Ondaatje and features Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas as two hapless lovers during World War II in North Africa.
