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Image by Federico Napoli
Providing audiences with dreamy narratives and escapism, romance movies are understandably a very sought-after genre when it comes to cinema. When combined with the slice-of-life subcategory, though, romance films are provided with a layer of realism that makes their stories all the more magical, capturing the nuances of relationships and everyday moments that make love stories so profound.
Often featuring realistic dialogue and relatable characters, slice-of-life romance films are rich in emotional depth, emphasizing that love is not only about the big moments but also the small and incredibly meaningful ones. To celebrate these delightfully absorbing tales, we look back at some of the best slice-of-life romance movies, analyzing what makes them great and ranking them accordingly.
10 'Paterson' (2016)
Directed by Jim Jarmusch
Image Via Bleecker Street/Amazon Studios
Starring Adam Driver in the lead role, Jim Jarmusch's Paterson follows a hardworking bus driver who follows the same monotonous routine every day. As he observes the city, listening to fragments of conversations, he also writes heartfelt poems and does other candid things, like walking his dog, stopping for a beer, and coming home to his wife, Laura (Golshifteh Farahani).
Although probably one of the least celebrated due to its obscurity, Paterson is a great slice-of-life romance that celebrates the small things in life — including the meaningful moments that make up a life shared between two souls in love. While it is not everybody's cup of tea thanks to its monotonous storyline, Paterson is targeted at those who believe in the significance of small gestures and how extraordinary they can be.
Release Date November 17, 2016
Runtime 113 minutes
9 'Beginners' (2011)
Directed by Mike Mills
Image via Focus Features
Tackling love, grief, and loss, Beginners sees Ewan McGregor's Oliver stunned when his father, diagnosed with terminal cancer, steps "out of the closet" and comes to terms with his sexuality. A few years later, Oliver grows depressed, struggling with his failing career and remembering the time he spent with his dad. However, his loneliness is eased when he meets actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).
Beginners offers a nuanced portrayal of love and personal growth, delivering not only an intriguing romance plot but also a touching tale of grief. A beautifully crafted film that seamlessly balances romance and humor featuring realistic visuals, this Mike Mills picture is the perfect pick for romance enthusiasts who appreciate unconventional stories that prioritize emotional authenticity over dramatic twists and turns.
Release Date June 9, 2011
Runtime 104 minutes
8 'American Honey' (2016)
Directed by Andrea Arnold
Image via A24
Andrea Arnold is known for her realistic, raw, and intimate storytelling, and American Honey certainly does not disappoint. The 2016 picture centers on Star (Sasha Lane), an adolescent girl from a troubled home who runs away with a traveling sales crew that drives across the American Midwest selling subscriptions.
American Honey is far more than a romantic movie — it is a beautiful coming-of-age and self-discovery film that happens to tackle young love. This poetic watch provides audiences with an intriguing outlook into the lives of America's marginalized youth through its wonderful slice-of-life narrative, brimming with unfiltered energy and an emotionally resonating narrative. Viewers who appreciate character-driven road films should be sure to give American Honey a watch.
American Honey
Release Date September 30, 2016
Runtime 163 Minutes
7 'Blue Valentine' (2010)
Directed by Derek Cianfrance
Image via The Weinstein Company
For those in the mood to get their hearts broken, Blue Valentine is a worthy pick. The Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams-led picture sees Dean and City living a quiet life in a modest neighborhood. It examines, in a thoughtful way, the couple caught in a downward spiral: while everything appears normal to the casual observer, irreversible cracks in their marriage begin appearing.
What's so intriguing about Blue Valentine is its nonlinear storytelling, which is not really that conventional in romance films. The movie alternates between the couple's euphoric romance and the disintegration of their marriage, providing viewers with an interesting contrast that heightens its emotional impact. Still, Derek Cianfrance's movie is very naturalistic, making for a compelling slice-of-life for fans of intimate, raw, and heartbreaking romantic dramas.
Blue Valentine
Release Date December 29, 2010
Runtime 112 Minutes
6 'The Worst Person in the World' (2021)
Directed by Joachim Trier
Image via Neon
One of the latest romantic slice-of-life films that has captured the attention of critics and general audiences alike, Joachim Trier's The Word Person in the World is also worth adding to the watchlists of those who enjoy introspective dramas. This modern-day dramedy centers around Renate Reinsve's Julie, a young woman navigating the troubled waters of her love life, struggling to find her career path in the meantime.
Although The Worst Person in the World does not solely focus on Julie's love life, it is also labeled as a romantic slice of life. It's not difficult to understand the film's appeal and what draws in audiences — Trier's arthouse movie is a great self-discovery film and, in some ways, a "coming-of-age" late in life. It sheds light on the universal quest for meaning in the world, with its existential, angsty narrative diving into heartbreak and themes of loss and identity.
The Worst Person in the World
Release Date October 13, 2021
Cast Vidar Sandem , Anders Danielson Lie , Helene Bjoreby , Renate Reinsve , Hans Olav Brenner , Herbert Nordrum
Runtime 127 minutes
5 'Past Lives' (2023)
Directed by Celine Song
Image via A24
Directed by Celine Song, Past Lives was a favorite in this year's Academy Awards. The tender, contemplative romantic drama centers around Nora and Hae Sung, two connected childhood friends who are wrested apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they reunite in New York, confronting notions of destiny, love, and the choices one makes in life.
Song's directorial debut is nothing short of captivating, immersing audiences in its beautiful slice-of-life narrative. While it may not be fit to everyone's taste, Past Lives is a deeply moving and meditative movie about the connections that define us, exploring not only love but identity. Fans of quiet romantic dramas and those enthusiastic about cross-cultural stories should make sure to give Past Lives a watch.
Release Date January 21, 2023
Runtime 106 minutes
4 'Y Tu Mamá Tambien' (2001)
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
Image via 20th Century Studios
Alfonso Cuarón's intimate storytelling is celebrated for its ability to craft personal narratives that resonate all over the globe, with the Oscar-nominated Roma being a great example. Y Tu Mamá También is set against a Mexican backdrop, following two teenage boys and an older woman as they embark on a road trip and learn a thing or two about life and each other.
Both road, arthouse, and coming-of-age enthusiasts will probably love the queer-undertoned Y Tu Mamá Tambien, as it seamlessly combines the three genres. A bold and heartfelt film, Cuáron's movie is likely to appeal to those captivated by Mexican culture and socio-political commentary. Beyond all of this, the beautifully shot picture explores mortality and sexuality, with its strong romance elements also standing out mainly because of its unconventional approach to the genre.
Release Date June 8, 2001
Runtime 106 Minutes
3 'Lost in Translation' (2003)
Directed by Sofia Coppola
Image via Focus Features
Featuring dazzling visuals and two beautiful central performances, Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation is easily one of the best entries in the director's filmography. Set in the vibrant city of Tokyo, it sees two different but lonely individuals — a middle-aged fading movie star and a young woman accompanying her photographer husband on a business trip — and depicts the bond they share.
Whether audiences are on the lookout for a visually stunning film or simply want to watch a film that delves into themes of loneliness, connection, and intimacy, Lost in Translation is a solid choice. Like most slice-of-life films, it features character-driven stories about personal growth and connection while also including an unconventional take on love and relationships that deviates from traditional romance tropes.
Release Date October 3, 2003
Runtime 102 minutes
2 'In the Mood for Love' (2000)
Directed by Wong Kar-Wai
Image via Universal Pictures
Flawlessly directed by none other but genius Wong Kar-Wai, who speaks in a romantic language of his own, In the Mood For Love is easily one of the most captivating romance films of all time, and it happens to fall under the slice-of-life category. The movie focuses on two neighbors forming a strong bond after both suspect extramarital activities of their spouses. However, they agree to keep their bond platonic to avoid committing similar wrongs.
In addition to Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung's top-tier performances, In the Mood For Love benefits from a slow-burn narrative that keeps audiences invested throughout. Often regarded as one of the best explorations of true love, this Kar-Wai epic compellingly meditates on relationships, longing, and repressed desire, resulting in a must-see entry in the genre that immerses audiences in its stunning, warm-toned world.
In the Mood For Love
Release Date March 9, 2001
Cast Tony Leung Chiu-wai , Maggie Cheung , Siu Ping-Lam , Tung Cho 'Joe' Cheung , Rebecca Pan
Runtime 98 Minutes
1 'Before' Trilogy
Directed by Richard Linklater
Image via Columbia Pictures
The Before trilogy — compromising of Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight — couldn't be missing from such a list. The quintessential slice-of-life romance spans nearly two decades, following the evolving relationship between Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke's Jesse and Céline, and capturing the beauty and the complexities of love.
Those who value authentic dialogue and real-time storytelling are guaranteed to appreciate Jesse and Céline's realistic love story, which not only sheds light on the power of love but also tackles themes of fate, regret, and personal growth. Although Before Sunrise is generally the most beloved out of the three, all Before movies are great films in their own right, providing viewers with an amazing snapshot of the characters' lives at different stages, and making viewers feel like they're part of their unforgettable journey.
Release Date January 27, 1995
Runtime 101 minutes
English (US) ·