Top 10: The best romantic films of all time

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For me, romantic films sometimes have a dusty image: they're cheesy, predictable and you actually only watch them in moments or phases of your life when you definitely don't want to be seen by anyone.

Films that are labeled “romance films” have done so much for me: they have empowered me in a feminist way, they have forced me to think about my life, my relationships or my friendships. And on cloudy days they took me to another, more beautiful world and put me in a good mood.

It was clear to me that this didn't just apply to me. So I wanted to find the most beautiful romantic films of all time, whether classic or modern, and I asked friends and colleagues. The answers were partly predictable, but sometimes also very surprising.

1. Love doesn't need a vacation

That's what it's about:The romantic comedy tells the story of Iris and Amanda, who get to know each other through a house exchange in different countries. Both women are in personal crises, be it through heartbreak or professional stress. During their stay in each other's countries, they find surprising new opportunities for love and life.

Linda (37):“A film that always works for me and which fortunately rarely has sappy moments because it stays very close to reality. But it also works great thanks to the top cast and the great match between Kate Winslet and Jack Black.

(You don't usually know Jack Black from romance films and he even admitted in an interview that he doesn't even remember "Love Needs No Holidays" - a shame!). Oh, and the most important argument: Jude Law is simply smoking hot.”

Actor:Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law

You can stream the film here:Amazon Prime Video, Sky, RTL+, Apple TV

Tipp:Streaming provider Paramount+ now on offer – stream for 12 months for just 3.99 euros – only valid until March 31st*

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2. Like a Single Day (The Notebook)

That's what it's about:“Like a Single Day” tells the love story of Noah and Allie, who get to know each other in the southern United States in the 1940s. The two experience an intense summer romance, but are separated by social differences and war.

Years later, when Allie is already engaged, their paths cross again. The film shows their moving and timeless love and the challenges they must overcome to ultimately find each other.

Thu (31):“Ryan Gosling manfully rolls up his arms and builds a house? Say no more!”

Actor:Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner, Gena Rowlands

You can stream the film here:Amazon Prime Video, Sky, Apple TV

Also read:

3. Fate is a lousy traitor

That's what it's about:Hazel and Gus are two unconventional young people who bond over their shared love for each other. Despite their merciless fate, they fearlessly embrace their relationship.

Together they make Hazel's big dream come true and travel to Amsterdam to meet the author of her favorite book. This trip will change her life forever. It is a moving love story about courage, life and love, as well as the art of dealing with fate.

Ashley (25):“I don't think I've ever cried so much during a film. It really ripped my heart out.”

Actor:Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff, Willem Dafoe

You can stream it here:Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Sky, Apple TV

Also read:

4. Ghost - Message from Sam

That's what it's about:Molly and Sam have a happy romantic relationship, which ends abruptly when Sam is shot during a robbery. After his death, Sam's soul is trapped in a kind of in-between realm. As a spirit he is still present, but invisible and inaudible to everyone.

Sam realizes that he still has an important task to fulfill: he must save Molly from his murderer. He receives unexpected help from the medium Oda Mae Brown, who paves the way for him between this world and the next.

Leena (23):“Patrick Swayze… that’s all I really need to say! But just as much as I love the entire cast, I'm fascinated by the story, which isn't just cheesy but equally exciting. The Righteous Brothers'Unchained Melodyis just the big cherry on the cake that ultimately brings tears to my eyes.”

Actor:Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Goldwyn

You can stream it here:Amazon Prime Video, Sky, Apple TV, Magenta TV

Tipp:Streaming offer: Use Waipu.tv and WOW for 12 months for 5 euros per month*

5. Pride and Prejudice

That's what it's about:The film adaptation of Jane Austen's novel of the same name is set in early 19th century England and focuses on the love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth is an independent and perceptive young woman, while Mr. Darcy is a proud and reserved gentleman. Despite initial misunderstandings and prejudices between the two, a profound romance develops as the story progresses.

Luisa (35):“A dream story, a dream setting and costumes, a dream landscape and a dream voice by Matthew Macfadyen. So be sure to watch it in the original sound!”

Actor:Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Donald Sutherland, Brenda Blethyn

You can stream it here:Amazon Prime Video, Sky, Apple TV

6. Call me by your name

That's what it's about:The romantic drama tells the story of a summer romance between 17-year-old Elio and student Oliver. The two spend the summer at Elio's family estate in Italy and develop an intense emotional and physical bond with each other. At the end of the summer, however, the two lovers have to separate...

Viola (33):“How authentically can you capture the bittersweet boredom of a summer – wow! And this story about the two men, love it!”

Actor:Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg

You can stream it here:Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Sky, Apple TV,

Also read:

7. Dirty Dancing

That's what it's about:The cult film from the 1980s tells the story of Frances “Baby” Houseman, who goes on a summer vacation with her family. There she meets the charismatic dance teacher Johnny Castle. A passionate romance develops between the two, but is complicated by social expectations, class and prejudice.

Eva (45):“My first romantic film, life-changing!”

Actor:Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes

You can stream it here:Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

8. Brokeback Mountain

That's what it's about:“Brokeback Mountain” tells the story of Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, two cowboys who fall in love while working together as sheep herders in Wyoming in the summer of 1963. Although both are in heterosexual relationships, they develop a secret love affair.

However, their relationship is strained by societal norms as well as internal conflicts and fears. The film shows the two men's emotional journey, their love for each other and the tragic consequences that come with their secret relationship.

Annika (32):“A perfect cast from start to finish. The landscape images and calm narration do the rest for a slowly crackling love and family drama.”

Actor:Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid

You can stream it here:Amazon Prime Video, Sky, Apple TV

9. Two in one day

That's what it's about:This romantic tragicomedy tells the story of Dexter and Emma. The two met on July 15, 1988, the day they graduated from college.

The film follows their lives over 20 years, only showing July 15th of each year. The two have their own friendships, relationships and realities of life, but despite their different personalities, they stay in touch and continue to influence each other over the years.

Jana (36):“I just love Anne Hathaway in this film! Plus: The mood, the setting, the backdrops – everything is just right here.”

Actor:Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess, Patricia Clarkson, Tom Mison

You can stream it here:Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV

Also read:

10. Herself is the bride

That's what it's about:Successful editor-in-chief Margaret Tate is about to be deported to Canada when she convinces her assistant Andrew to marry her in order to keep her residency permit. As they both try to convince the authorities that their relationship is real, they unexpectedly develop real feelings for each other.

Tobias (28):“Any romantic film with Sandra Bullock is simply wonderful for me. The film wonderfully shows how difficult it can be to return love and even feel it. It's not even about love for a partner, but rather about love itself - for fellow human beings, but above all for yourself.

Packed with great humor and with a really fabulous Betty White, who shakes a leg and isn't above saying anything, my eyes never remain dry. The duo of Sandra Bullock and Betty White is one of my favorites in TV history, also because the film role led to a real friendship between the women. How many times have I watched the film? Let's put it this way: I can talk to him now."

Actor:Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson

You can stream it here:Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Sky, Apple TV

That's it? There's still something missing...

Admittedly, this list of the 10 most beautiful romantic films is very incomplete and wildly mixed. Everything from romantic drama to romantic comedy is represented, but there is guaranteed to be a film for every reader that they will enjoy. And next time we'll definitely mention films like "Love Actually", "Pretty Woman", "What Your Heart Desires", "Gone with the Wind", "How do I get rid of him in 10 days*", "Harry and Sally" and so on...

>> Want more streaming ideas? Then you find.

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