Here Are the Best Romance Films of the 21st Century According to Fans
Romance on the big screen has a way of pulling at our heartstrings, showing love in all its messy, beautiful forms. From tender moments to heartbreaking choices, the best romantic films of the 21st century capture what it means to connect deeply with someone. We’re diving into a list of top picks selected by New York Times readers, showcasing stories that have left a mark on audiences worldwide.
These films span different styles, from quirky comedies to intense dramas, each offering a unique take on love. Whether it’s a tale of fleeting encounters or lifelong bonds, these movies resonate because they feel real, raw, and unforgettable. Let’s explore the 14 best romantic films of this century, starting from the bottom and working our way to the top.
14. The Worst Person in the World (2021)
This Norwegian gem follows Julie, a young woman navigating her 20s, love, and life’s big questions. Directed by Joachim Trier, the film’s sharp wit and honest look at indecision make it stand out.
Renate Reinsve shines as Julie, whose relationships with two very different men spark both humor and heartbreak. The movie’s episodic structure and vibrant energy make it a fresh, relatable take on modern romance.
13. Her (2013)
In a near-futuristic Los Angeles, Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore, a lonely writer who falls for his AI operating system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Spike Jonze’s film blends sci-fi with raw emotion.
The story explores love’s complexities, questioning what it means to connect in a tech-driven world. Its warm visuals and heartfelt script make it a poignant reflection on human needs and desires.
12. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Joe Wright’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic brings Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to life with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. The lush visuals and sharp chemistry elevate this period romance.
The film captures the tension of class, pride, and unspoken feelings, making every glance electric. It’s a timeless story of growth and love that still feels fresh and captivating.
11. Past Lives (2023)
Celine Song’s debut follows Nora and Hae Sung, childhood friends separated by continents, reconnecting years later. The film’s quiet, aching beauty lies in its exploration of what-ifs and missed chances.
Greta Lee and Teo Yoo deliver tender performances, showing love’s enduring pull despite life’s paths. Its gentle pacing and emotional depth make it a standout for reflective hearts.
10. Amélie (2001)
Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s whimsical French film stars Audrey Tautou as Amélie, a shy waitress spreading joy while chasing her own happiness. Its colorful, dreamlike style is instantly iconic.
The story of Amélie’s quirky quest for love with Nino feels like a warm hug. It’s a celebration of small moments and the courage to open your heart.
9. Phantom Thread (2017)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s dark romance stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Reynolds Woodcock, a meticulous dressmaker, and Vicky Krieps as Alma, his muse. Their power struggle is both tense and magnetic.
Set in 1950s London, the film weaves obsession, control, and devotion into a haunting love story. Its lush visuals and complex characters linger long after the credits roll.
8. Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Luca Guadagnino’s sun-soaked drama follows Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer) as they fall in love in 1980s Italy. The film’s beauty lies in its raw, fleeting passion.
Every frame, from peach orchards to quiet glances, pulses with longing. It’s a heartbreaking yet hopeful look at first love and self-discovery that resonates deeply.
7. Lost in Translation (2003)
Sofia Coppola’s quiet masterpiece stars Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson as two lost souls connecting in Tokyo. Their bond, both platonic and romantic, feels achingly real.
The neon-lit city and subtle performances create a mood of longing and connection. It’s a delicate story about finding someone who truly sees you, even for a moment.
6. Before Sunset (2004)
Richard Linklater’s second chapter in the Before trilogy reunites Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) in Paris nine years after their first meeting. Their walk-and-talk chemistry is electric.
The real-time storytelling captures love’s fleeting nature and unspoken regrets. It’s a beautifully simple yet profound look at second chances and what might have been.
5. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Ang Lee’s devastating film follows Ennis (Heath Ledger) and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal), two cowboys whose secret love unfolds in 1960s Wyoming. Their story is both tender and tragic.
The film’s raw performances and sweeping landscapes highlight the pain of a love that can’t fully exist. It’s a powerful reminder of love’s strength against societal barriers.
4. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Céline Sciamma’s French drama tells of Marianne, an artist, and Héloïse, her subject, falling in love in 18th-century Brittany. The film’s slow-burn passion is visually stunning.
Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel deliver intense, wordless chemistry. It’s a poetic exploration of love, memory, and the fleeting moments that define us.
3. La La Land (2016)
Damien Chazelle’s musical romance stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as dream-chasing lovers in Los Angeles. Its vibrant colors and jazzy score make every scene pop.
The bittersweet story of love versus ambition hits hard, blending joy with heartbreak. It’s a modern classic that celebrates dreaming big and loving deeply.
2. In the Mood for Love (2000)
Wong Kar-wai’s Hong Kong masterpiece follows two neighbors (Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung) drawn together by their spouses’ infidelity. Its lush visuals and unspoken longing are unforgettable.
The film’s slow, sensual pace captures love’s quiet ache. It’s a stunning portrayal of restraint, desire, and the beauty of what’s left unsaid.
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Michel Gondry’s sci-fi romance stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as a couple erasing each other from their memories. Its nonlinear story and raw emotion make it a fan favorite.
The film explores love’s persistence, even through pain and loss. Its quirky yet heartfelt approach shows why love is worth fighting for, flaws and all.
Which romantic movie speaks to your heart, or is there a hidden gem we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!
