Planning to watch a romantic movie on Valentine’s Day? You’re in luck. We’ve gathered some of the best romance movies of all time that can get you into the lovey-dovey groove.

From old movie classics to modern rom-coms, from musicals to sci-fi, this slate of movie gems is sure to spark the fireworks for an evening to remember as you celebrate the loveliest season of the year.

Related

Find out what’s happening in Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

32 Of The Best Romance Movies Of All Time

“If Beale Street Could Talk” (2018)

KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Regina King; directed by Barry Jenkins

Find out what’s happening in Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Stephan James and KiKi Layne in If Beale Street Could Talk. (Annapurna Pictures)

“If Beale Street Could Talk,” a crime drama set in early 1970s Harlem, follows the love story of Tish (Kiki Lane) and Fonny (Stephan James), a couple of teenage lovers who dream of a future together. Their lives are upended when Tish discovers that she is pregnant and Fonny is arrested and convicted for a crime he did not commit. With every ounce of willpower she can muster, Tish seeks out to prove Fonny’s innocence before the birth of their child.

“A Star Is Born” (2018)

Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, directed by Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born. (Warner Bros.)

Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut “A Star Is Born” tells the intimate story of two artistic souls intertwined in love, stardom and suffering.

Cooper also stars in the movie, playing the role of country music star Jackson Maine, a man who has lost his appetite for life. One evening, after wandering into a drag bar in search of more numbing alcohol, he unwittingly discovers amateur performer Ally (Lady Gaga).

As the enchanted night progresses, the two artists hit it off. Soon enough, they fall in love as they step out together into the spotlight. But fame has its price— and for both Ally and Jack, it’s enormously heartbreaking! Ally’s star rises as Jack’s fades, and tragedy looms ahead.

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967)

Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Hepburn; directed by Stanley Kramer

Sidney Poitier and Katharine Houghton in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” (Getty)

Over the course of one night, an old couple’s long-held guiding principles are challenged on the heels of an intended wedding. Set in 1960s San Francisco, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” stars Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn as Matt and Christina Drayton, an old-line liberal couple who have raised their daughter Joanna (Katharine Houghton) to be open-minded and non-prejudicial.

Yet, for some reason, they are ill-prepared for their daughter’s shocking big reveal — that is, she is now engaged to John Prentice (Sidney Poitier), a world-renowned African American doctor in the field of tropical medicine. Commotion ensues as the Drayton couple must now confront the latent racism and hypocrisy that the interracial romantic relationship evokes. The movie is iconic and groundbreaking. It’s a timeless movie masterpiece with memorable dialogues and lead characters who are larger than life.

“When Harry Met Sally” (1989)

Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan; directed by Rob Reiner

Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in “When Harry Met Sally.” (Getty)

Hailed as the gold standard for the modern romantic comedy, Rob Reiner’s irresistible film is the love story of the high-strung Harry (Billy Crystal) and the levelheaded Sally (Meg Ryan), who have known each other for nearly 12 years. Deep inside, they know there’s a love connection brewing between them, but somehow, they can’t seem to face the music. Do they end up together in the end? Perhaps — but first, brace yourself for the movie’s most iconic scene, the explosively amusing “I’ll have what she’s having” restaurant segment.

“The Bodyguard” (1992)

Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston, Gary Kemp; directed by Mick Jackson

Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston in “The Bodyguard.” (Warner Bros.)

A romance-drama and thriller, “The Bodyguard” follows Frank (Kevin Costner), a former secret service agent- turned bodyguard, now hired to protect Rachel, a famous R&B singer (Whitney Houston) from a ruthless stalker. As time goes on, the two grow closer, but Frank ultimately decides to break off the affair, leaving Rachel hurt. Can their budding romance grow stronger despite Frank’s hesitation to pursue it further?

“Casablanca” (1942)

Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman; directed by Michael Curtiz

Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in “Casablanca.” (Getty)

A love triangle, inescapable past, political allegory and wartime passion make “Casablanca” a timeless romantic classic. Winner of Best Picture at the 1944 Academy Awards, it portrays the painful love story of Rick (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman). Together, Bogart’s determined bravado and Bergman’s expressive eyes evoke an unforgettable, palpable chill of sadness in the film’s dramatic ending. Grab those tissues! You will need them, especially when you hear Bogart’s famous lines: “Here’s looking at you, kid” and “We’ll always have Paris.”

“Love & Basketball” (2000)

Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Glenndon Chatman; directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood

Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps in “Love & Basketball.” (New Line Cinema)

Can romance and sports click? Yes! and “Love & Basketball” serves a slam dunk as it tells the story of two childhood friends Sanaa Lathan (Monica Wright) and Quincy McCall (Omar Epps), who share the same passion for basketball. Both also aspire to play the big league professionally. Along the way, they fall in love through the good times and the bad times. Love conquers all!

“Moonlight” (2016)

Mahershala Ali, Shariff Earp, Duan Sanderson; directed by Barry Jenkins

Ashton Sanders and Jharrel Jerome in “Moonlight.” (A24)

“Moonlight” follows the story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, as told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love while grappling with his own sexuality. Barry Jenkins’ coming-of-age drama won 2017 Oscars Best Picture, along with Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali and Best Screenplay for Jenkins.

“West Side Story” (2021)

Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Rita Moreno; directed by Steven Spielberg

Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler in “West Side Story.” (20th Century Studios)

Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet,” the movie is set in the 1950s on the West Side of Manhattan, a place where a turf war is brewing between two rival New York street gangs: One of them is the Jets, the white gang led by Riff (Mike Faist); the other one is the Sharks, the Puerto Rican gang led by Bernardo (David Alvarez). At the center of their conflict is the forbidden romance between Riff’s best friend, Tony (Ansel Elgort), and Bernardo’s sister, Maria (Rachel Zegler).

Rita Moreno’s screen appearances are brief but make an indelible impression, leaving you in awe. The iconic Oscar winner is utterly sublime as she embodies a character who becomes the fulcrum of the movie, bridging the gap between Steven Spielberg’s take and the 60-year-old original film in which she appeared.

“Southside with You” (2016)

Tika Sumpter, Parker Sawyers, Vanessa Bell Calloway; directed by Richard Tanne

Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpters in “Southside with You.” (Roadside Attractions)

Richard Tanne’s “Southside with You” relates the beautiful love story of future president Barrack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, focusing primarily on their first date across Chicago’s Southside.

“Paris Blues” (1961)

Paul Newman, Diahann Carroll, Joanne Woodward, Sidney Poitier; directed by Martin Ritt

Paul Newman, Diahann Carroll, Joanne Woodward and Sidney Poitier in “Paris Blues.” (Getty)

Harold Flender’s best-selling novel comes to life in “Paris Blues,” a romantic drama about two itinerant close friends — jazz saxophonist Eddie Cook (Sidney Poitier) and trombone player Ram Bowen (Paul Newman) — who have found the expatriate life in Paris a breath of fresh air, an escapism from the turbulent ’60s in America.

Shot on location in the “City of Love,” the film unfolds with a love story Eddie and Ram experience with two vacationing American tourists, Connie Lampson (Diahann Carroll) and Lillian Corning (Joanne Woodward) respectively. The whirlwind of their romance is palpable against the backdrop of Parisian bohemia and memorable riffs.

“Love Stinks” (1999)

French Stewart, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Bill Bellamy; directed by Jeff Franklin

French Stewart and Bridgette Wilson-Sampras in “Love Stinks.” (Independent Artists)

Suddenly, there’s trouble in paradise for lovebirds Seth and Chelsea during a Valentine’s Day getaway. Seth tells his girlfriend Chelsea that he doesn’t have any interest in marriage whatsoever. Burning with anger, Chelsea becomes hell-bent on making Seth’s life doomed and miserable. In the end, reality bites, and “love stinks.”

“La La Land” (2016)

Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone; directed by Damien Chazelle

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in “La la Land.” (Lionsgate)

Damien Chazelle’s poetic ode to bygone movie musicals, “La La Land” stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling as two aspiring artists who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles. With a contemporary setting and vibrant mood, the screenplay emits a colorful palette that creates a dreamy and exhilarating sensation — what a feeling!

“Titanic” (1997)

Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet; directed by James Cameron

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio in “Titanic.” (Getty)

A contemporary depiction of the ill-fated voyage of Titanic, the film is the tragic love story of penniless artist Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and rich girl Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) aboard the massive ship in 1912. The couple’s romance is tragic-yet-captivating to the core.

Fun fact: Leo ad-libbed one of the greatest movie lines of all time: “I’m the king of the world!”

“Ghost” (1990)

Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg; directed by Jerry Zucker

Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in “Ghost.” (Getty)

“Ghost,” a romantic-fantasy crime thriller, was the movie that undoubtedly made the late Patrick Swayze a love legend. It’s the story of a young woman, Molly Jensen (Demi Moore), and the ghost of her murdered lover, Sam Wheat (Swayze), who tries to warn her of impending danger with the help of a reluctant psychic (Whoopi Goldberg).

“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)

Michelle Yeoh, Constance Wu, Henry Golding; directed by Jon M. Chu

Constance Wu and Henry Golding in “Crazy Rich Asians.” (Warner Bros.)

Money and class collide with love and romance in director Jon M. Chu’s “Crazy Rich Asians,” which features the first all-Asian ensemble in a contemporary Hollywood cinema in 25 years since “Joy Luck Club.”

Adapted from Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel about cultures and eccentricities, the romantic comedy follows the story of Rachel Chu (Contance Wu), a New Yorker who embarks on her first-ever trip to Asia with her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding).

What ensues is a myriad of surprises, jealousy and intrigue, as Rachel discovers that Nick is a member of a Singaporean dynasty. Will their love prevail as the young woman tries to win over Nick’s mom (Michelle Yeoh)?

“Annie Hall” (1977)

Woody Allen, Diane Keaton; directed by Woody Allen

Woody Allen and Diane Keaton in “Annie Hall.” (Getty)

“Annie Hall” follows the story of comedian Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and his relationship with struggling nightclub singer Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) and examines the highs and lows of their love story. Woody Allen’s signature film, it gravitates in a whirlwind fashion of unbridled cleverness and hilarity.

“Carrie Pilby” (2016)

Bel Powley, Nathan Lane; directed by Susan Johnson

Bel Powley in “Carrie Pilby.” (The Orchard)

Caren Lissner’s 2003 best-seller comes to life in Susan Johnson’s romance comedy about 19-year-old Carrie Pilby, a recent Harvard graduate struggling to find her place in the world because of her overactive moral compass. Bel Powley shines as the genius title character who must ultimately give humanity a chance to find happiness — and even romance.

“It Happened One Night” (1934)

Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert; directed by Frank Capra

Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in “It Happened One Night.” (Getty)

A romantic comedy, “It Happened One Night” is the story of socialite Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert) who marries an aviator against her father’s wishes. As the story unfolds, Ellie ends up being separated from her husband unwittingly. Then, she tries to get back together with him, but it appears she can only do it with the help of a roguish newspaper reporter (Clark Gable) with whom she eventually falls in love. The movie’s outstanding cast and direction compensate for its bland plot. And the chemistry between Colbert and Gable is super electrifying!

“The Shape of Water” (2017)

Octavia Spencer, Sally Hawkins; directed by Guillermo del Toro

Sally Hawkins in “The Shape of Water.” (Fox Searchlight)

Best Picture winner at the 2018 Academy Awards, Guillermo del Toro’s other-worldly fairytale follows Elisa (Hawkins), a cleaning lady in a high-tech U.S. government laboratory, who accidentally discovers a monster being held captive in the top-secret facility. As the mute young woman befriends the fascinating creature, their emotional bond deepens and leads to an unlikely romance.

Fun fact: “The Shape of Water” is the first-ever sci-fi film to win Oscar’s most coveted top prize.

“Love Story” (1970)

Ali MacGraw, Ryan O’Neal; directed by Arthur Hiller

Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal in “Love Story.” (Getty)

A film adaptation of Erich Segal’s best-selling novel, the romance-drama “Love Story” is about two college students who fall in love and build a life together despite the objections of their families. Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw portray the young lovers who — spoiler alert! — get separated in the end. Get ready to be moved to tears!

“An Affair to Remember” (1957)

Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr; directed by Leo McCarey

Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in “An Affair To Remember.” (Getty)

In this remake of the 1939 “Love Affair,” international playboy Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant) and chanteuse Terry McKay (Deborah Kerr) meet and fall in love aboard a New York-bound ocean liner. But there’s one big problem: Both of them happen to be engaged to be married to other people. Can their love prevail? Simply put, Grant and Kerr are adorable together as they embody two lost souls in search of love and happiness.

“The Big Sick” (2017)

Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter; directed by Michael Showalter

Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan in “The Big Sick.” (Lionsgate)

Looking for a date movie? Here’s one that will melt your heart: “The Big Sick” is the endearing and incredible love story between a young Pakistani comic (Kumail Nanjiani) and his girlfriend, Emily (Zoe Kazan), who has fallen inexplicably “sick.” Nanjiani and his wife/co-writer, Emily V. Gordon, crafted this romantic comedy out of her real-life medical crisis and their culturally conflicted relationship.

Fun fact: The movie is loosely based on the real-life romance between Gordon and Nanjiani.

“Gone with the Wind” (1939)

Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh; directed by Victor Fleming

Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in “Gone with the Wind.” (Getty)

A film adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, “Gone with the Wind” is a classic tale of a love-hate romance. The Civil War period drama narrates the story of peevish Southern belle Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh), tracing her survival through the tragic history of the South during the American Civil War, her love affair with Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), and finally her understanding of life and love. It is full of passion, intrigue and scandal, as the drama embodies effervescently the glow of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Beware: The running time is nearly 4 hours long.

“Dirty Dancing” (1987)

Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey; directed by Emile Ardolino

Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in “Dirty Dancing.” (Getty)

Set in the summer of 1963, “Dirty Dancing” is the story of a self-conscious young girl, Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey), who finds courage and first love in the arms of dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). The movie’s box office success spawned one of the best-selling soundtrack albums of all time, unleashing the emotional power of mambos and cha-cha-chas to wider mainstream.

“The Notebook” (2004)

Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams; directed by Nick Cassavetes

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in “The Notebook.” (New Line Cinema)

A film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling novel of the same name, “The Notebook” is a romantic drama that chronicles the love affair of mill worker Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and rich girl Allie (Rachel McAdams) in 1940s South Carolina.

“Slumdog Millionaire” (2008)

Dev Patel, Freida Pinto; directed by Danny Boyle

Dev Patel and Freida Pinto in “Slumdog Millionaire.” (Fox)

It is the story of Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), an 18-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai. The epicenter of the plot is Malik’s seemingly mysterious ability to answer every question as a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Subsequently, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating. To prove his innocence, he recounts the details of his family, childhood and the girl he loved and lost, revealing the key to the answers of the game show’s questions. Be prepared to be swept off your feet at the end as twists and turns reach the crux of the question: How well do we know about life and love?

Fun fact: The film was the first Oscar Best Picture winner shot mostly on digital, earning cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle’s the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

“Pretty Woman” (1990)

Richard Gere, Julia Roberts; directed by Garry Marshall

Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman.” (Getty)

It’s the Cinderella story of wealthy businessman Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) falling for prostitute Vivian (Julia Roberts), who is struggling with her lifestyle. The heart and soul of the “Pretty Woman” lies in the charismatic chemistry of the two leads.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)

Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard; directed by Blake Edwards

Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” (Getty)

Sentiment and cynicism are in perfect balance in this endearing classic about two lost souls. Audrey Hepburn plays free-spirited Holly Golightly, while George Peppard plays sensitive Paul Varjak, and both ultimately find love and redemption in each other’s arms. The romance film has elegance, style, color and humor.

Fun fact: The famous Givenchy-designed black dress that Hepburn wore in the film was auctioned off at Christie’s for more than $900,000 in 2006.

“The Way We Were” (1974)

Barbra Streisand, Robert Redford; directed by Sydney Pollack

Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford in “The Way We Were.” (Getty)

Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford navigate viewers through the tumultuous-yet-alluring love story of two polar opposites: political activist Katie Morosky (Streisand) and charming, talented writer Hubbell Gardiner (Redford). The movie’s iconic theme song best sums up the film’s poignant ending — “Memories may be beautiful … whenever we remember the way we were.”

Fun fact: Streisand’s recording of the movie’s theme song, “The Way We Were,” was her first No. 1 single.

“The Lady Eve” (1941)

Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Fonda; directed by Preston Sturges

Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda in “The Lady Eve.” (Getty)

In this screwball masterpiece, Barbara Stanwyck plays Jean Harrington, a con woman who targets Charles Pike (Henry Fonda), heir to a brewery fortune. A seductress taming a naive innocent man sounds simple enough for a plot? Not really. Complications ensue as she falls for him — for real.

Fun fact: During filming, Henry Fonda brought his daughter, future star Jane Fonda, on set for her fourth birthday party.

“Moonstruck” (1987)

Cher, Nicholas Cage; directed by Norman Jewison

In a career-defining moment for Cher, the legendary multi-talented artist won Best Actress in 1988 at the 60th Academy Awards for her portrayal of a widower who suddenly falls for her future brother-in-law (Nicholas Cage). The rom-com “Moonstruck” celebrates love with profound passion and tenderness.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

The rules of replying:

  • Be respectful. This is a space for friendly local discussions. No racist, discriminatory, vulgar or threatening language will be tolerated.
  • Be transparent. Use your real name, and back up your claims.
  • Keep it local and relevant. Make sure your replies stay on topic.
  • Review the Patch Community Guidelines.