Some films are written as romances and others become romantic because of the chemistry between leading characters. One scene can be so moving that it colors your perception of the film. Maybe it’s a look or a kiss. Perhaps it’s incredibly romantic dialogue perfectly delivered. Whatever it is, these ten films have managed to capture the hearts and minds of moviegoers. Enjoy this Month’s streaming suggestions for romance. Spoiler alert – not all romances have a happy ending. Streaming information subject to change at any time.
Our Souls at Night – This film is the fourth time Rober Redford and Jane Fonda have teamed up. Addie (Fonda) and Louis (Redford) are widowed neighbors in a small Colorado town. One evening Addie shows up at Louis’ house and suggests they sleep together. She’s not suggesting they have a torrid affair. Since her husband’s death, she has had trouble sleeping alone, and she’s noticed Louis’ lights are on at night as well. What if they tried sleeping together platonically? After considering her request, Louis agrees, and the arrangement works well. As Addie and Louis get to know each other better, they fall in love and begin a relationship that’s threatened by family disapproval and interference. There are many lovely romantic moments in this film, and the chemistry between Redford and Fonda is still there. Available to watch on Netflix.
Say Anything – Who can resist Cameron Crowe’s directorial debut starring John Cusack and Ione Skye? Lloyd Dobler (Cusack) has been a mediocre student all through high school. Diane Court (Skye) is the valedictorian. Somehow they get together after graduation and have the prefect summer romance which her dad tries to discourage. In a scene Crowe compares to “Romeo under the trellis,” Lloyd proclaims his love for Diane by blasting Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” on a boom box. How many of us have dreamed of a moment like that? Available to watch on Hulu with a subscription. Available to watch for a fee on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, or Amazon Prime Video.
Loving – Based on the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, the plaintiffs if the Loving V. Virginia, the 1967 landmark Supreme Court case that invalidated state laws preventing interracial marriage. Midred (Ruth Negga) and Richard (Joel Edgarton) fell in love, married, and started a family only to be arrested. They are given the choices of jail, living apart, or moving out of Virginia. After years of living in Washington D.C. they miss and need their families and friends. The film shows their determination to be together and the strong bond of their love. Available to watch for a fee on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, or Amazon Prime Video.
Casablanca – “We’ll always have Paris.” How much more romantic can you get than giving up the love of your life for the greater good? Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) will always be the quintessential ill-fated lovers. Available to watch on Max with a subscription. Available to watch for a fee on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, or Amazon Prime Video.
Blue Valentine – Sometimes we don’t get our happily ever after even if we marry the one we love. Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams) meet, fall in love, and marry. At first everything is perfect, but over time little cracks in their relationship become insurmountable gaps that destroy their marriage. Watching a marriage die is hard, but it’s a powerful reminder about the importance of communication and honesty in any loving relationship. Don’t watch without the big box of tissues. Available to watch for a fee on Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video.
50 First Dates – Admittedly, Adam Sandler isn’t the first guy you might think of as a romantic leading man, but it’s the little things he does as Henry Roth for Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore) that will steal your heart. After meeting Lucy, Henry learns that she has short-term memory loss and can’t remember what has happened for more than a day. Every morning Henry must woo her again. Every morning he must lose the love of his life only to win her again. There are some cheesy characters in the film and a few cringe moments, but if you focus on Henry and Lucy, their love story is a romance for the ages. Available to watch with a subscription to Hulu or Sling TV. Available to watch for a fee on YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, or Fandango at Home.
Irish Wish – Maddie (Lindsay Lohan) is days away from seeing Paul (Alexander Vlahos) the man of her dreams, marry her best friend, Heather (Ayesha Curry) in Ireland. When Maddie makes a wish on an ancient Irish stone, she changes everything. Paul is hers, but something isn’t right. Can you really change fate or will their be dire consequences for the people who were supposed to be together? It’s a lesson about love and finding the one for the right reasons. Available to watch on Netflix.
500 Days of Summer – Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a hopeless romantic. He’s all about the grand gesture and finding the one. He tries to make his girlfriend Summer (Zooey Deschanel) also fall in love with the idea of love, but she dumps him without warning. Can you ever really make someone fall in love with you? Is there a formula for true love or do you have to let it come to you? Available to watch on Hulu with a subscription. Available to watch for a fee on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple Tv, Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video.
Cinderella Man might not seem like a romantic film, but the relationship between James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe) and is wife Mae (Renee Zellweger) is a beautiful love story. Braddock an ex-boxer works as a day laborer during the Great Depression until his ex-manager Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti) offers him a shot at a promising young contender. After Braddock wins, he returns to the ring full time to make a better life for his family, but Mae cares more about her husband than his ability to provide nice things. Available to watch for a fee on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, or Fandango at Home.
Top Five – Andre Allen (Chris Rock) is a comedian/actor and a recovering alcoholic trying to make a comeback. Chelsea Brown (Rosario Dawson) is the New York Times reporter and recovering alcoholic assigned to spend the day interviewing him about his comeback. They have chemistry, but there are many obstacles to beginning a relationship. What do you do when you find the person who makes you want to be a better person? Available to watch on MGM+, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Vide, YouTube, Sling TV, or Philo with a subscription. Available to watch for a fee on Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, or Fandango at Home.
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