Romance films are definitely a fan favorite in cinema essentially for the way they depict believable relationships and relatable emotions between their two leads, exploring universal feelings that keep audiences invested by providing them with a sense of comfort. It also helps that the grand majority of romance movies are feel-good ones that help lift the spirits of anyone watching.
For these reasons,the rewatch value of romantic movies is unmatched, especially considering that many feature impeccable chemistrybetween the leads, which makes it all an even more immersive experience, and beautiful visuals. To celebrate the beloved genre, we look back at the most rewatchable romance movies of all time, fromHow to Lose a Guy in 10 DaystoCasablanca, ranking them by greatness.
15’To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' (2018)
Directed by Susan Johnson
This Netflix original, based onJenny Han’s best-selling 2014 novel of the same name, seesLana Condoras Lara Jean, a teenage girl whose secret love letters — written to all of her past crushes — are accidentally sent out, wreaking havoc on her love life. At the center of the chaos isNoah Centineo’s Peter Kavinsky, the charming popular jock who receives one of her letters.
Featuring painfully relatable coming-of-age themes and a truly engaging narrative,To All the Boys I’ve Loved Beforeis easily one of themost rewatchable teen romance films(or even franchises) of all time, thanks to its charming leads, electric chemistry between the two, and heartfelt storytelling. Furthermore, the movie’s themes of family, friendship, and even self-discovery add to its timeless appeal.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
14’The Holiday' (2006)
Directed by Nancy Meyers
ThisNancy Meyersmovie starringCameron DiazandKate Winsletisan essential Christmas moviethat sees two women, one from America and one from Britain, swap homes at Christmastime after bad breakups with their boyfriends. After finding romance with local men, they soon realize that the imminent return home may get in the way of their new-found bonds.
The Holidayis undoubtedly one of the most rewatchable romance movies, not onlybecauseit is mandatory viewing during the holiday season, but also because of its irresistible, charming narrative, which makes it an enjoyable enough viewing any time of the year. Among its strongest aspects are the heartwarming premise, palpable chemistry between its leads, and the perfect blend of humor, romance, and self-discovery. For these reasons,The Holidayis so much more than a seasonal favorite; it’s a timeless romance movie that continues to captivate audiences all year round.
The Holiday
13’The Notebook' (2004)
Directed by Nick Cassavetes
Nick Cassavetes’s movie has become a huge phenomenon in romance cinema ever since its release. Based on the 1996 novel of the same name byNicholas Sparks,The Notebooksees an elderly man reading to a woman with dementia the story of two young lovers whose relationship is put to the test by the difference of their social classes.
It’s not for no reason thatThe Notebookremains just as popular all these years later. Whether it is for its iconic (even if slightly cliché) quotes or the memorable scenes, Cassavetes’s movie has proven to be a fan favorite essentially for the way it captures deep emotion and the tangible chemistry between the two leads,Ryan GoslingandRachel McAdams. Although the central relationship is a controversial topic perceived as “toxic” these days,The Notebookstill holds high rewatch value, particularly for the nostalgic feelings it evokes and its timeless narrative.
The Notebook
12’Crazy Rich Asians' (2018)
Directed by Jon M. Chu
Crazy Rich Asians’ rewatch value is, too, undeniably high. Following Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) on her journey to meet her longtime boyfriend’s (Henry Golding) family as they fly to attend his best friend’s wedding in Singapore, theJohn M. Chufilm sees Rachel navigating the spotlight where she must contend with jealous socialites, quirky relatives, and Nick’s disapproving mother.
Crazy Rich Asians’ engaging and fun plot makes it a movie worth watching more than once. However, what makes it just as great a watch a second or third time around is the way it blends humor, romance, family, and identity, thriving as it tells a story about self-worth, cultural identity, and the challenges of bridging different worlds. At its core, M. Chu’s film is more than just a simple rom-com, but a captivating study of the clashes between tradition and modern values. What’s more, aCrazy Rich AsiansTV sequel is on the way.
Crazy Rich Asians
11’How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' (2003)
Directed by Donald Petrie
Matthew McConaugheyandKate Hudsonprove to be one of Hollywood’s most dynamic duos inHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, a romantic comedy focusing on a womanizer advertising executive who bets that he can make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days. What he doesn’t know is that journalist Andie is, in turn, writing a story about how to lose a guy in 10 days as a bet with her boss. The question is: will either party be able to complete their seemingly easy mission?
Donald Petrie’s movie has rapidly become astaple in the rom-com genre,particularly regarding romantic comedies from the early 2000s, for the witty and clever way it critiques traditional genre roles and meditates about self-growth in a fun and humorous manner. Given its humorous and utterly engaging, creative narrative,How to Lose a Guy in 10 Daysis still a film many may find themselves rewatching.
How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days
10’About Time' (2013)
Directed by Richard Curtis
For fans of time-traveling movies,About Timemay be the right pick. ThisRichard Curtisfantasy romantic comedy followsDomhnall Gleeson’s Tim, who, at the age of 21, discovers that the men in his family can travel in time. In the meantime, he decides to improve his life by meeting a lovely girl (Rachel McAdams) and using his new-found talent to win her heart.
Although probably not as popular as other mainstream picks on this list, thetime travel romance filmAbout Timehas earned a cult following throughout the years, and its heartwarming premise on top of the amazing execution is certainly to blame. Curtis’s movie has provided viewers with a fresh take on the genre and focuses not only on the central romantic relationship but also on its protagonist’s self-development, makingA Good Timea resonating film that some may reach out towards often.
About Time
9’Notting Hill' (1999)
Directed by Roger Michell
StarringJulia RobertsandHugh Grantand set against the charming backdrop of London’s Notting Hill neighborhood, this romance classic sees a world-famous actress fall in love with a bookstore owner after a chance encounter. However, their bond is tested when the paparazzi’s fascination with her complicates it.
Notting Hillis easily one of the most rewatchable romance movies of all time, perfectly balancing a heartwarming romance narrative with humor and a love story set in a picturesque London neighborhood.Roberts and Grant’s irresistible chemistry is one of the key elements that adds to this Roger Michell film’s rewatchability value, with their realistic dynamic sweeping audiences off their feet and effortlessly capturing the magic of falling in love despite the odds.
Notting Hill
8'10 Things I Hate About You' (1999)
Directed by Gil Junger
When the subject istop-tier 1990s teen rom-coms,10 Things I Hate About Youis the blueprint. Directed byGil Junger, this unforgettable feel-good picture is based onWilliam Shakespeare’s playThe Taming of the Shrewand starsHeath LedgerandJulia Stilesin the lead roles. It sees a young man (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) set up two of his colleagues with the intention of dating the sister of one of them.
10 Things I Hate About Youis a timeless movie essentially for its highly quotable and iconic dialogueand memorable, relatable characters that have helped launch the careers of both Ledger and Stiles. Furthermore, what makes this teen comedy classic so good is also the fact that it is fit for teenagers and adults alike, providing anyone who decides to give it a try with a lighthearted (though also emotional), entertaining time in front of the screen.
10 Things I Hate About You
7’The Princess Bride' (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner
A 1980s cult classic based on theWilliam Goldmannovel of the same name, the charmingThe Princess Brideis a fairy adventure focusing on a beautiful young woman and her one true love, illustrating his journey as he must find her after a long separation and save her. StarringCary ElwesandRobin Wrightin the lead roles.
A love letter to the power of storytelling, this timeless romance movie enchants with its unforgettable characters, witty dialogue, and a seamless blend of romance, action, and comedy.No matter how many times you watch it,The Princess Bridenever loses its charm— in fact, there are plenty of reasons why it stands as one of the best and most rewatchable films of its genre, with the captivating way it explores themes of destiny and heroism being at the top of the list.
The Princess Bride
6’Pride & Prejudice' (2005)
Directed by Joe Wright
Although manyJane Austenliterary works have been adapted with great results,Pride & Prejudiceranks among the finest. Based on the 1813 novel of the same name, the movie centers around five sisters from an English family grappling with issues of marriage and morality.Keira Knightleystars oppositeMatthew Macfadyen— the two bring to life one of the most iconic couples in all romance history.
Joe Wrightdid a fantastic job of further immortalizing the author’s slow-burn love tale, which is why Pride & Prejudice is widely considered a modern classic period piece that has influenced many pictures in the genre. The faithful adaptation, as well as the fantastic acting efforts and Wright’s elegant direction, make it asuperb period drama movie. Whether it is the way it sends out messages about class and social status, the three-dimensional characters, or the story’s timeless appeal,Pride & Prejudiceis still considered a highly rewatchable romance movie.
