7 Classic Romantic Films That Never Lose Their Charm
Love never goes out of style—it simply finds new ways to touch our hearts.
A romantic movie never goes out of style, irrespective of what the occasion is. Whether you want to cuddle with your partner and have a date night or you are home alone and want to do something, just cuddle up in your blanket; there is a romantic movie for all times.
No matter the decade or the setting, some love stories are purely timeless that remind us of longing, hope, second chances and the beauty of human connection. There is a perfect romantic story for every mood. And while romantic movie lovers might have watched most of the romantic movies from the collection, there are still some classics that you may have missed.
Classic Romantic Films
Ghost (1990)
A romance that blends tragedy with the supernatural to bring out the sweetest emotions from the audience, Ghost, released in 1990, is a story that makes one want to believe in eternal love, the kind that transcends even death. The story follows Patrick Swayze’s character Sam, who is murdered early in the film but turns into a ghost that lingers on to protect his girlfriend Molly, played by Demi Moore. He takes the help of a psychic, Whoopi Goldberg, to help them communicate.
The film’s famous pottery wheel scene had become an unforgettable moment in the history of cinema.
Watch it here
Pretty Woman (1990)
If you want to watch something iconic and heartwarming, Julia Roberts’ Pretty Woman, released in 1990, is an unmissable option. Following the story of Vivian, a lively escort who unexpectedly finds love with a wealthy businessman, Edward, played by Richard Gere, made the movie into a cultural phenomenon.
A modern-day Cinderella storyline paired with Roberts’ charm made the film one of the highest-grossing romantic films of all time. Her endearing performance throughout the film immortalised the movie so much that even today, the chemistry between the two actors feels electric.
Watch it here
Before Sunrise (1995)
Released in 1995, Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise has been described as one of the most authentic love stories to ever be seen on the silver screen. The story of Jesse and Celine, played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, two strangers who meet on a train to Europe and decide to spend a night with each other in Vienna, reflects love in its simplest form, with two people just walking, talking, and slowly falling in love. The New York Times had called it “a rare romantic movie that feels both smart and deep at the same time.”
The film was so highly appreciated that it went on to inspire two sequels, Before Sunset and Before Midnight, creating one of the most beloved love trilogies of all time.
Watch it here
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Released in 1998, Shakespeare in Love won the Academy Award for Best Picture and for all the right reasons. A sweeping romantic drama, the film imagines a young William Shakespeare, played by Joseph Fiennes, falling in love with Viola de Lesseps, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. The story shows that their forbidden romance inspires him to write Romeo and Juliet.
The film received critical acclaim for the script, lush production and heartwarming performances. The actress had also won an Oscar for her role, while the critics celebrated the movie as a triumph of romance and wit, according to The Guardian.
Watch it here
Serendipity (2001)
If you believe in fate, Serendipity is the ultimate romantic film that you should watch. The story follows two strangers who meet by chance in New York City one night, and even though sparks fly between the two, they decide to leave their future to destiny. The two characters part ways but leave small clues for the universe to bring them back. Starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, the film, released in 2001, captures the beauty and magic of love at first sight and the power of destiny and timing.
Watch it here
Blue Jay (2016)
A 2016 film shot entirely in black and white, Blue Jay is a raw, emotional exploration of love starring Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass. The film, an intimate indie drama, follows two former high school sweethearts who reunite in their small hometime after spending decades apart.
The film was praised for its honest and emotional vulnerability that connected with the audience in the most heartwarming manner. Most of the fans described the movie as a hauntingly beautiful portrait of “the one that got away.”
Watch it here
Our Souls at Night (2017)
This 2017 film is based on Kent Haruf’s novel, Our Souls at Night. A sweet late-in-life love story starring two Hollywood legends, Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, the film follows two widowed neighbours who decide to spend their nights together merely out of loneliness.
As the story unfolds, the two develop deep compassion for each other that gradually evolves into genuine love, making the film one of the most loved films of the genre. The film serves as a soft reminder that love knocks at your door when you least expect it, capturing the quiet beauty of love that is not bound by age.
Watch it here
From soulful indie dramas to sweet representations of love in its simplest form, these classic romantic films are bound to warm your heart and make you believe that love, in its purest form, is one of the most beautiful emotions to be experienced by humans.