For the tender-hearted souls and hopeless romantics (although not exclusively) there is nothing quite as satisfying as sitting through a well-written romance movie that will fully immerse them in its narrative and bring them closer to their characters. Often dealing with very touching themes, films that fit into this category can appeal to a wide range of audiences.
While it is true that many iconic romance films have captured the attention of many from the get-go, others have achieved mainstream success over time, becoming fan-favorites after garnering a passionate following and fanbase. Today, we look back at some of the best cult classic romance movies, ranking them by overall greatness and their impact on worldwide cinema.
15 '500 Days of Summer' (2009)
Directed by Marc Webb
Image via Searchlight Pictures
Directed by Marc Webb, 500 Days of Summer is a quirky romantic comedy that centers around Joseph Gordon-Levitt's hopeless romantic "nice guy" Tom who, after being dumped by the girl of his dreams, reflects on their relationship in an attempt to find out where things went wrong (and how he can win her back).
Filled with memorable scenes and quotable dialogue, 500 Days of Summer provides audiences with a realistic approach to relationships, presenting a nuanced depiction of the highs and lows that love includes and highlighting that not everything is meant to last and that is okay. Thanks to its refreshing take on the romantic comedy category, Webb's charming film has quickly become a cult classic romantic movie, appealing to audiences all over the globe with its non-linear narrative and three-dimensional characters.
500 Days of Summer
Release Date August 7, 2009
Runtime 95 Minutes
Writers Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber
14 'Blue Valentine' (2010)
Directed by Derek Cianfrance
Image via The Weinstein Company
Derek Cianfrance's heart-wrenching psychological drama stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams as ill-fated lovers, depicting the relationship of a married modern-day couple through the years and charting their evolution over a span of years by cross-cutting between time periods.
Blue Valentine is the right pick for anyone looking for a romance film that will break their hearts. Never shying away from showcasing both the beautiful and the painful sides of love, the 2010 picture has, ever since its release, gathered cult classic status, with its brutally honest portrayal of a deteriorating relationship capturing the attention of many — including those who can relate to its layered characters in one way or another. Featuring standout performances by its two leads and a compelling nonlinear structure, Blue Valentine stands apart for its grounded and realistic approach to depicting love and relationships, avoiding romanticizing its protagonists and offering an unvarnished look at the emotional turmoil they face.
Blue Valentine
Release Date December 29, 2010
Runtime 112 Minutes
13 'Buffalo '66' (1998)
Directed by Vincent Gallo
Image via Lions Gate
Starring the polarizing Vincent Gallo (who also directed the film) and Christina Ricci, the controversial but treasured dark dramedy Buffalo '66 illustrates thirty-something Billy's intriguing journey to meet his parents with his wife five years after being released from prison for a crime he did not commit. The issue is he does not actually have a wife, so he kidnaps a dance student named Layla and forces her to act as his partner for the visit.
Thanks to its distinctive visual style and Gallo's unique and unconventional vision, which combines offbeat humor with a dark romance tale, Buffalo '66 has become a staple when it comes to cult classic romance films. While the film is not to everyone's taste (especially because of the power imbalance between the two characters and the whole Stockholm Syndrome narrative, which may be uncomfortable to get through even if Layla ends up falling for Billy), this compelling movie provides viewers with an original story that criticizes societal norms, family dynamics, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Buffalo '66
Release Date June 26, 1998
Runtime 110 Minutes
12 'Harold and Maude' (1971)
Directed by Hal Ashby
Image via Paramount Pictures
Directed by Hal Ashby, the controversial Harold and Maude offers viewers an out-of-the-box coming-of-age story with quirky comedy elements. The story follows a young, rich, and death-obsessed (Bud Cort) boy who finds his life changed after meeting septuagenarian Maude (Ruth Gordon) at a funeral.
While a somewhat controversial story, given the unconventional bond between its two central characters (it is worth noting, however, that both Cort's character and the star himself were of age when filming took place), Harold and Maude is a landmark in cinema that did what it intended to do: challenged societal norms and was thought-provoking enough to sparkle discussion. All of these attributes contribute to its status as an undeniable cult classic that has garnered a huge cult following over the years.
11 'The Lovers on the Bridge' (1991)
Directed by Leos Carax
Image via Gaumont
Originally titled Les Amants du Pont Neuf, Leos Carax's compelling character study sees a homeless addict (Denis Lavant) and a younger painter (Juliette Binoche) with failing eyesight forge a romantic connection on the streets of Paris and the city's oldest bridge.
The Lovers on the Bridge is almost poetic in execution, weaving together its characters' raw emotions with the beauty of its setting and cinematography. For those who enjoy visually captivating movies, Carax's direction, particularly in this feature, is definitely worth checking — it serves as a language of its own, elevating the narrative to higher ground. Despite not being a mainstream hit, The Lovers on the Bridge has earned a passionate following for its nonconformist approach to romance and its fearless experimentation in every aspect of filmmaking.
The Lovers on the Bridge
Release Date October 16, 1991
Runtime 125 minutes
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Klaus-Michael Grüber
Hans
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10 'True Romance' (1993)
Directed by Tony Scott
Image via Warner Bros.
Blending the romance and crime genres with engrossing results, Tony Scott's True Romance takes viewers back to Detroit, where a pop-culture enthusiast (Christian Slater) steals cocaine from his new wife's (Patricia Arquette) pimp (Gary Oldman) and attempts to sell it in Hollywood. However, this incites mobsters to pursue the couple and a complicated adventure begins.
Featuring a top-notch Quentin Tarantino screenplay that will attract fans of the acclaimed filmmaker, True Romance further proves that cinema can be simultaneously dark, wicked, fun, and romantic. Scott's iconic feature ranks high among the best cult classics of all time, with its creative and bold storytelling as well as memorable characters, often being the subject of praise. It is undeniable that True Romance had an impact on the genre, influencing other movies in the category. It is worth noting that it was heavily inspired by the beloved Terrence Malick's 1973 movie Badlands, which deserves a nod, too.
True Romance
Release Date September 10, 1993
Runtime 119 minutes
9 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World' (2010)
Directed by Edgar Wright
Image via Universal Pictures
Edgar Wright's unconventional teen comedy is perfectly fit for magical realism enthusiasts, illustrating a fun take on Toronto where society is a giant computer system video game. The story follows an unemployed bass guitarist (Michael Cera) who must defeat his new girl friend's (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) seven evil exes who control her love life in order to win her heart.
Based on the comic books by Bryan Lee O'Malley, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is frequently celebrated for its innovative take on the genre, memorable characters, and fantastic worldbuilding, which make it an incredibly immersive experience with a strong and distinctive visual style. What's more, Wright's cult classic romance film also benefits from its unique romantic narrative and the amazing chemistry between the two leads. At its heart lies a believable self-discovery and personal growth arc that makes the story all the more appealing.
8 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' (1964)
Directed by Jacques Demy
Image via 20th Century Fox
Although there are plenty of iconic movie musicals — particularly in the romance genre — The Umbrellas of Cherbourg stands apart for its unique blend of visual style and emotionally charged narrative. It is also one of the earliest and most famous examples of a film in which every line of dialogue is sung. The story follows Catherine Deneuve's Geneviève, a beautiful young French woman whose romance with dashing mechanic Guy (Nino Castelnuovo) is interrupted when he is drafted to serve in the Algerian War.
This incredible cult classic distinguishes itself through its striking use of color, with its vibrant color palette serving an aesthetic purpose but also heightening the film's emotional atmosphere. Despite initially being a commercial risk, Jacques Demy's legendary French New Wave essential has gained recognition after its release, winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and earning a spot in film history. Over time, it has, too, become a loved and highly referenced film by cinephiles and music lovers alike.
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Release Date December 16, 1964
Runtime 91 minutes
7 'The Princess Bride' (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner
Image via 20th Century Studios
It would be impossible not to mention Rob Reiner's adventure epic The Princess Bride, a fantasy tale that follows the adventures of a farmboy-turned-pirate (Cary Elwes) met with challenges, enemies, and allies in an intense quest to reunite with his one true love (Robin Wright). The fascinating story of perseverance, true love, and determination is narrated by a little boy's (Fred Savage) grandfather (Peter Falk).
The Princess Bride's timeless appeal and charm remains, whether because of the universal themes of friendship, bravery, and true love that it deals with or the memorable and heartwarming characters that it features. It's not difficult to grasp why this would be such a fan-favorite film that has garnered a devoted cult following, especially when the childhood classic has captured the hearts of so many, holding a high rewatchability value to this day and evoking that bittersweet wave of nostalgia.
6 'Amélie' (2001)
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Image via UGC
This whimsical magical realism feature, originally titled Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, is guaranteed to provide anyone with a great serotonin boost. Jean-Pierre Jeunet's beloved, quirky, feel-good romance follows a young waitress named Amélie (Audrey Tautou in her most memorable role). Despite being caught in her imaginative world, Amélie decides to help others find happiness. She ends up finding true love somewhere along the way.
It's not surprising that the dreamy Amélie has earned a cult classic status over time: the dreamy film is the kind of picture that instantly feels like a warm hug, captivating global cinephiles before they even press play. Its unmatched allure comes from its beautiful visual style painted in stunning vibrant color, the picturesque Paris locations, the immersive soundtrack, and, of course, the uplifting themes of generosity, kindness, and finding beauty in the mundane that it deals with.
Amélie
Release Date April 25, 2001
Runtime 122 Minutes
Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Writers Jean-Pierre Jeunet
5 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' (2004)
Directed by Michel Gondry
Image via Focus Features
It would be impossible to list romance cult classics and not mention Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a Michel Gondry science fiction movie written by Charlie Kaufman and starring Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey. The story focuses on a couple who undergoes a medical procedure to have each other permanently erased from their memories after their relationship deteriorates.
Blending psychological drama with dark romance elements while exploring themes of love, loss, and memory, this innovative romance tale — which took home the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay — provides food for thought with its unique concept, non-linear storytelling, and artistic vision. The impact of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on the genre is undeniable, which is part of why it is still highly revisited and cherished by audiences of all generations to this day.
4 'Before Sunrise' (1995)
Directed by Richard Linklater
Image via Columbia Pictures
Richard Linklater's Before trilogy — comprising Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight — is widely regarded as one of the finest, perfect from start to finish. However, the first (and arguably the second) installment remains the most remarkable. The story sees youngsters Ethan Hawke's Jesse and Julie Delpy's Celine meeting on a train in Europe to spend one magical evening together in Vienna. Although the chances of this being their only night together are high, they ultimately fall in love.
This slice-of-life essential is the perfect choice for anyone keen on beautifully written dialogue that feels real and authentic, making it easy for audiences to connect with the characters on a deeper level and understand their fascinating connection. Plus, the chemistry between Hawke and Delpy in this poignant subsequent for indie romance films is so powerful that the two worked in two more films afterward. A beloved cult classic romance for years (and for years to come), it comes as no shock that the enchanting Before Sunrise takes a special spot on this list.
3 'Cinema Paradiso' (1988)
Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore
Image via Miramax
Cinema Paradiso follows the journey of a young boy, Salvatore, who discovers the perfect escape from his life in a war-torn Sicilian village: the Cinema Paradiso movie house. As he grows and forms a deep bond with a local girl (Agnese Nano), he eventually takes over as the Paradiso's projectionist. However, the friend he made in his youth, Alfredo (Philippe Noiret), must persuade him to leave his small town and pursue his passion for filmmaking.
Intertwining romance with universal themes of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time, Cinema Paradiso has understandably become a cherished movie for both cinephiles and general audiences alike. While its central love story is compelling, it's the relationships that Salvatore forms with others — including Alfredo — that elevate the movie beyond a traditional romance. With that in mind, it is not nearly surprising that the heartfelt Cinema Pardiso remains a timeless classic that has gained a devoted fanbase. At its heart, it is not only a captivating study of human connection, but it also a love letter to cinema itself.
Cinema Paradiso
Release Date February 23, 1990
Runtime 174 Minutes
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Enzo Cannavale
Spaccafico
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Antonella Attili
Maria Di Vita - Younger
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2 'In the Mood for Love' (2000)
Directed by Wong Kar-Wai
Image via Universal Pictures
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Hong Kong, Wong Kar-Wai's delicate meditation on repressed desire follows the growing connection between Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung's characters, two introverted neighbors who suspect that their spouses are engaging in extramarital activities. Despite the strong magnetic pull toward each other, they both agree to keep their bond platonic to ensure similar wrongs are avoided.
With each frame carefully crafted in warm color to create an intimate ambiance that embodies the nostalgic feeling that it evokes, the moving cult favorite In the Mood For Love is a solid pick for anyone who appreciates beautiful aesthetics in film. On top of its amazing acting performances and excellent direction, In the Mood For Love also stands out for the way it handles its central love story, resulting in a strong contender for viewers who find relish in slow-burn romantic narratives that evoke a strong sense of yearning, longing, and melancholia. Other films by Kar-Wai that are often regarded as romance cult classics and deserve an honorary mention are Fallen Angels and Chungking Express.
In the Mood For Love
Release Date March 9, 2001
Runtime 98 Minutes
1 'Casablanca' (1942)
Directed by Michael Curtiz
Image via Warner Bros.
Perhaps the most important romance film of all time, Casablanca has become a timeless classic that transcends its genre. Directed by iconic filmmaker Michael Curtiz, this Humphrey Bogart-led picture tells the story of American expatriate Rick Blaine and his former lover Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), who reappears in his life when her husband seeks refuge from the Nazis.
Casablanca is a masterclass on all levels, offering not only a generous number of quotable lines still referenced to this day, but also a seamless blend of romance, drama, and wartime tension. Perfect for non-romance fans who want to give the genre a shot, Curtiz's movie transcends romantic tropes and simultaneously establishes many of the conventions that would define romance films for generations to come. Despite its iconic status and the fact that it is universally adored, Casablanca can still be regarded as a cult classic thanks to its dedicated following, lasting relevance, and undeniable cultural impact.
Casablanca
Release Date January 15, 1943
Runtime 102 minutes
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Humphrey Bogart
Rick Blaine
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Paul Henreid
Victor Laszlo
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Claude Rains
Captain Louis Renault
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