Since cinema began, love stories have captured our hearts. In this century, the romantic film genre has flourished with diverse tales that reflect modern sensibilities. Over the last 25 years, filmmakers have delved into everything from youthful joy to heartache, bringing fresh perspectives on love. The evolution of storytelling has allowed for a broad representation of relationships, particularly in LGBTQ+ films. Crowd-pleasers like Brokeback Mountain (2005) and Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) have not only gained critical acclaim but also showcased love stories that resonate worldwide.
Meanwhile, South Korea has made a huge impact on romance, offering delightful films that blend comedy and heartfelt narratives. The success of My Sassy Girl (2001) marked the start of the “Korean Wave,” which continues to grow with captivating stories in both movies and K-dramas.
With so many romantic films to choose from, selecting the top 25 is no easy task. To narrow it down, we considered films with:
- A score of 7.5 or more on IMDb and at least 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Their popularity, critical acclaim, and cultural impact.
Some beloved films, like Love Actually (2003) and The Notebook (2004), didn’t make the cut due to these criteria. However, we know that love stories will keep coming, as love itself never fades away!
Top Romantic Movies of the Last 25 Years
In the Mood for Love (2000)
Directed by: Wong Kar-Wai
Cast: Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung
Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
IMDb rating: 8.1
RT rating: 92%
Awards won: Cannes Film Festival awards including Best Actor.
Synopsis: Neighbors Chow and Su suspect their spouses are cheating, leading them to form a close, platonic bond in 1960s Hong Kong.
Amélie (2001)
Directed by: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Cast: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz
Runtime: 2 hours 2 minutes
IMDb rating: 8.3
RT rating: 90%
Awards won: Four César Awards.
Synopsis: Amélie decides to change the lives of those around her for the better while grappling with her loneliness.
My Sassy Girl (2001)
Directed by: Kwak Jae-yong
Cast: Jun Ji-hyun, Cha Tae-hyun
Runtime: 2 hours 17 minutes
IMDb rating: 7.9
RT rating: 93%
Awards: Several Grand Bell Awards.
Synopsis: A man’s life takes a hilarious turn when he saves a drunk girl, leading to unexpected romantic misadventures.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Directed by: Sofia Coppola
Cast: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson
Runtime: 1 hour 42 minutes
IMDb rating: 7.7
RT rating: 95%
Awards won: One Oscar, three Golden Globes.
Synopsis: An unlikely bond forms between a fading movie star and a young woman in Tokyo, each struggling with isolation.
Before Sunset (2004)
Directed by: Richard Linklater
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Runtime: 1 hour 20 minutes
IMDb rating: 8.1
RT rating: 94%
Synopsis: Nine years later, Jesse and Céline meet again in Paris, reigniting feelings that never quite faded.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Directed by: Michel Gondry
Cast: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet
Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes
IMDb rating: 8.3
RT rating: 92%
Awards won: One Oscar.
Synopsis: After a painful breakup, Joel undergoes a procedure to erase memories of Clementine, only to realize his deep love for her.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Directed by: Ang Lee
Cast: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal
Runtime: 2 hours 14 minutes
IMDb rating: 7.7
RT rating: 88%
Synopsis: In a time of strict norms, two men struggle to maintain their forbidden love over the years.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Directed by: Joe Wright
Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen
Runtime: 2 hours 9 minutes
IMDb rating: 7.8
RT rating: 87%
Awards won: One BAFTA.
Synopsis: Elizabeth Bennet navigates societal pressures to marry, challenging her feelings toward the proud Mr. Darcy.
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Directed by: Josh Boone
Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort
Runtime: 2 hours 6 minutes
IMDb rating: 7.6
RT rating: 81%
Synopsis: Two teenagers with cancer fall in love and embark on a journey together that reveals the beauty of life and love.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Directed by: Bradley Cooper
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga
Runtime: 2 hours 16 minutes
IMDb rating: 7.6
RT rating: 96%
Synopsis: In this timeless story, a troubled musician discovers and nurtures a talented singer, leading to both love and complications.
All of Us Strangers (2023)
Directed by: Andrew Haigh
Cast: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal
Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes
IMDb rating: 7.6
RT rating: 96%
Synopsis: Adam, dealing with past trauma, connects with a neighbor, leading him to confront his loss and hope for healing.
