Best Romance Movies of All Time

Top 25 Best Romance Movies

Just like true love, the perfect romance film is hard to find. Of course, we have high standards -- we want palpable chemistry, enormous odds for our lovers to overcome ... and a devastating death scene never hurts. And the best part? They don't even have to love us back. -- By Liane Bonin

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25. 'Sleepless in Seattle' (1993)

It reads like a stalker tale: A woman crosses the country for a stranger. But when it's Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, it's just adorable. That we fell for a love story in which the stars only spend two minutes on screen together speaks volumes.

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TriStar/ ZUMA Press

24. 'The Notebook' (2004)

This story of star-crossed lovers (Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling; Gena Rowlands and James Garner) captures the heartbreak and beauty of enduring love, and it's pretty hot to boot. Teen girls hadn't swooned like this since 'Titanic.'

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New Line

23. 'Dark Victory' (1939)

Bette Davis got an Oscar nod for playing a socialite who finds love with the doctor set to operate on her brain tumor. She's dying, but ironically she's also finally living -- and it's caring about someone other than herself that's made her a person worth loving.


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Everett Collection

22. 'Amelie' (2001)

A shy Parisian waitress daydreams of finding love while spending her free time improving the lives of her neighbors. Uniquely French and extra quirky, the movie is irresistibly charming. And only the hardest heart could resist gamine star Audrey Tautou.


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Miramax Films/ZUMA Press

21. 'Love Story' (1970)

He's a rich, handsome jock (Ryan O'Neal), she's a beauty his parents don't accept (Ali McGraw). They stay together despite formidable obstacles, but there's one whopper still ahead -- and it's a tearjerker. Grab your tissues, and don't say we didn't warn you.


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Paramount Pictures/ZUMA Press

20. 'Jerry Maguire' (1996)

Forget "Show me the money!" The most memorable quote in this film -- the closest thing you'll see to a "bro-mance" -- comes when Tom Cruise admits to Renee Zellweger, "You complete me." The follow-up is perfect: "Just shut up. You had me at hello." Sigh.

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TriStar Pictures/ZUMA Press

19. 'West Side Story' (1961)

It's 'Romeo and Juliet' in New York City AND there's dancing -- who could ask for anything more? Apparently not Oscar voters, who awarded the classic musical 10 statues, including Best Picture. If only Shakespeare had had a librettist and a choreographer.

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ZUMA Press

18. 'Atonement' (2007)

An unlikely yet alluring couple (James McAvoy and Keira Knightley) is torn apart by a lie in this devastating Oscar contender. Don't hold out for a happy ending, but sometimes yearning for love lost is the most powerful heartstring-tugger of all.

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Focus Features

17. 'Lady and the Tramp' (1955)

Who says love can't be just as touching in animated form? (See also 'Beauty and the Beast.') Ever since this Disney film about dogs from opposite sides of the tracks, no dating couple has looked at spaghetti in quite the same way.


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Walt Disney Productions/ZUMA Press