Most Romantic Movie Couples of All Time

You can’t beat a great movie love story.

You can’t beat a great love story. You know, the type that puts butterflies in your belly.

The best romantic movie couples can thaw the coldest of hearts and turn anyone into a believer. Some iconic on-screen partnerships get their happily-ever-after. Some don’t. But they all are unforgettable.

These are the best romantic movie couples of all time.

50. Alabama and Clarence

Morgan Creek Entertainment / YouTube

Played by: Patricia Arquette and Christian Slater

Movie: True Romance

Released: 1993

Bottom line: It may be an unlikely love story: prostitute Alabama is hired as a gift to comic book store clerk Clarence by his boss.

But it’s love at first sight and it’s certainly not short of action — the couple gets involved in a murder and unexpected drug deal.

49. Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist

Focus Features / YouTube

Played by: Heath Ledger and Jack Gyllenhaal

Movie: Brokeback Mountain

Released: 2005

Bottom line: The all-consuming, forbidden love affair between Ennis and Jack over their lifetimes doesn’t give us a happy ending — but that makes it all the more heartbreaking and powerful.

48. Molly Jensen and Sam Wheat

Paramount Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze

Movie: Ghost

Released: 1990

Bottom line: Sam meets a tragic end when he’s killed by a mugger, but his love for Molly never dies.

And once you’ve seen that pottery scene, you’ll never forget it.

47. Jerry Maguire and Dorothy Boyd

TriStar Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger

Movie: Jerry Maguire

Released: 1996

Bottom line: Jerry and Dorothy’s love story isn’t the most important part of the “Jerry Maguire” plot, but it’s one of the most authentic in movie history.

We might have doubts that Jerry and Dorothy will last forever, but that doesn’t make their union, which is cemented when Jerry bursts into Dorothy’s divorced women’s group to tell her that she “completes” him, any less romantic.

46. Holly Golightly and Paul Varjak

Jurow-Shepherd / YouTube

Played by: Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard

Movie: Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Released: 1961

Bottom line: Holly isn’t the settling-down type, but that all changes when she meets her new neighbor, Paul.

Based on Truman Capote’s 1958 novella, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” gives us a sweet love story with a happy ending. Oh, and one of the best kiss-in-the-rain scenes of all time.

45. Emma and Adèle

Quat’sous Films / YouTube

Played by: Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos

Movie: Blue Is the Warmest Color

Released: 2013

Bottom line: The fact that it’s a lesbian romance is refreshing, but that plays second fiddle to the emotion experienced by Adèle and Emma as they discover themselves and the love they have for each other.

44. Stella Payne and Winston Shakespeare

Twentieth Century Fox / YouTube

Played by: Angela Bassett and Taye Diggs

Movie: How Stella Got Her Groove Back

Released: 1998

Bottom line: Based on Terry McMillan’s best-selling novel of the same name, “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” charts Stella’s voyage of self-discovery during a trip to Jamaica.

Her love affair with handsome Quincy, who happens to be 20 years younger, helps her figure out what she really wants — and needs from life.

43. Frances “Baby” Houseman and Johnny Castles

Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing

Great American Films Limited Partnership / YouTube

Played by: Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze

Movie: Dirty Dancing

Released: 1987

Bottom line: It’s the holiday romance we never had (but wished we did). In this coming-of-age classic, teenager “Baby” falls for an older man who just happens to have killer dance moves.

Speaking of which, is there a more romantic moment than that epic lift?

42. Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis

Touchstone Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Julia Roberts and Edward Gere

Movie: Pretty Woman

Released: 1990

Bottom line: He picked her up on Hollywood Boulevard and the rest is history.

Have we ever rooted for a movie couple as much? A true Cinderella story for the modern age.

41. Ilsa Lund and Rick Blaine

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca

Warner Bros. / YouTube

Played by: Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart

Movie: Casablanca

Released: 1942

Bottom line: Aside from all the unforgettable quotes (“Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time;” “Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine?”), “Casablanca” is a classic will-they-won’t-they love story.

As Bergman herself said of this much-loved movie, “It has a life of its own. There is something mystical about it. It seems to have filled a need.”

40. Allie Hamilton and Noah, Jr.

The Notebook with Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling

Warner Bros / YouTube

Played by: Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling

Movie: The Notebook

Released: 2004

Bottom line: If you’re looking for an epic love story, look no further than “The Notebook.”

Allie and Noah’s romance was unbeatable, overcoming everything from distance and illness to even death. If you feel like a good cry, just watch the “It wasn’t over. It still isn’t over,” scene.

39. Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler

Warner Home Video / YouTube

Played by: Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable

Movie: Gone With the Wind

Released: 1939

Bottom line: Love stories don’t get much more epic than Scarlett and Rhett’s in “Gone With the Wind,” based on Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 novel.

We don’t know if Scarlett and Rhett end up together, but that’s beside the point. Their affair has all the drama and intensity expected of a classic movie pairing.

38. Maria and Tony

The Mirisch Corporation / YouTube

Played by: Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer

Movie: West Side Story

Released: 1961

Bottom line: Forget “Romeo and Juliet” The most tragic love story has to be Tony and Maria in “West Side Story,” which is basically a modern twist on the Shakespeare classic.

The couple’s confession of love on the fire escape is an unforgettable moment for more than one reason – as much as we’re rooting for their love to endure, we know the odds are stacked against them.

37. Birdee Pruitt and Justin Matisse

Twentieth Century Fox / YouTube

Played by: Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr.

Movie: Hope Floats

Released: 1998

Bottom line: It’s a tried-and-tested rom-com theme: handsome man picks up the pieces when a woman’s life falls apart.

But sometimes, it just works — and renews our faith in romance.

36. Melanie and Jake

Touchstone Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas

Movie: Sweet Home Alabama

Released: 2002

Bottom line: What’s a small thing like an engagement to stand in the way of true love?

Sometimes, there’s an unbreakable bond between two people, and they simply have to be together — even if they don’t always bring out the best in each other.

(And when a couple kiss in the rain, you know that means they’re meant to be.”

35. Adrian and Rocky Balboa

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. / YouTube

Played by: Talia Shire and Sylvester Stallone

Movie: Rocky

Released: 1976

Bottom line: Rocky wasn’t just fighting for victory in the ring – he was fighting for true love.

And his relationship with Adrian proves that sometimes, love is stronger than anything else.

34. Rose DeWitt-Bukater and Jack Dawson

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic

Rose DeWitt-Bukater and Jack Dawson were a romantic couple. Paramount Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio

Movie: Titanic

Released: 1998

Bottom line: Is there anything more romantic than forbidden love? Or a relationship that’s doomed from the start?

The whirlwind love affair between elite passenger Rose and penniless below-decker Jack on board the Titanic gives us both — and might even remind us of the first time we fell in love.

33. Jane and Jake Adler

Universal Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin

Movie: It’s Complicated

Released: 2009

Bottom line: The Adlers are proof that it’s ever too late to find love, no matter how complicated it is.

Their on-and-off-again relationship reminds us that love comes in all forms.

32. Patrick Verona and Kat Stratford

Touchstone Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles

Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You

Released: 1999

Bottom line: Loosely based on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” teen romance “10 Things I Hate About You” features Cameron, Bianca, Kat, and Patrick.

Cameron can’t date Bianca until her prickly older sister, Kat, gets a boyfriend. So Cameron pays Patrick to charm Kat.

It doesn’t quite go to plan, but — like all good romantic comedies — they get there in the end, and few other teen couples come close.

31. Edward Cullen and Bella Swan

Summit Entertainment / YouTube

Played by: Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart

Movie: Twilight series

Released: 2008 onwards

Bottom line: An otherworldly romance between an overprotective vampire and a moody teenage girl? Yes, please.

The series of five movies, based on the bestselling books by Stephenie Meyer, entranced audiences.

30. Quincy McCall and Monica Wright

40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks / YouTube

Played by: Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan

Movie: Love & Basketball

Released: 2000

Bottom line: Quincy and Monica grow up together with a shared dream of becoming basketball players.

Love blossoms, but life events and career choices get in the way of a romantic relationship — until they realize they just can’t live without each other.

29. Forrest Gump and Jenny

Paramount Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Tom Hanks and Robin Wright

Movie: Forrest Gump

Released: 1994

Bottom line: You’ll struggle to find a purer love story than “Forrest Gump.”

Jenny stuck by Forrest through all the childhood teasing, and he repaid “his girl” with a lifetime of protection.

28. Katie and Hubbell

Columbia Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford

Movie: The Way We Were

Released: 1973

Bottom line: We don’t get a happy-ever-after ending with “The Way We Were,” but sometimes the kind of love story we want to watch unfold on the screen isn’t the “forever” kind.

It’s sad that Katie and Hubbell’s fiery romance can’t survive their conflicting views and values, but it’s what makes the film so special.

27. Jackson Maine and Ally Campano

Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) / YouTube

Played by: Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga

Movie: A Star Is Born

Released: 2018

Bottom line: So hot was the chemistry between famous musician Jackson and struggling artist Ally in the 2018 remake of “A Star Is Born” that people were convinced Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga were involved IRL.

Jackson’s battle against his personal demons while Ally pursues her dreams makes for a tragic tale, but the raw emotion and vulnerability from both characters make every scene captivating.

26. Rachel Chu and Nick Young

Warner Bros. / YouTube

Played by: Constance Wu and Henry Golding

Movie: Crazy Rich Asians

Released: 2018

Bottom line: Aside from the fact that it gives us Asian representation that’s been missing from Hollywood movies for so long, “Crazy Rich Asians” is a modern love story with age-old themes.

When two people from very different backgrounds fall in love, they have to overcome class differences and figure out their own identity struggles.

25. Kaz Nicol and Noni Jean

Black Entertainment Television (BET) / YouTube

Played by: Nate Parker and Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Movie: Beyond the Lights

Released: 2014

Bottom line: Struggling superstar Noni has been molded into what the music industry expects a woman to be.

Meeting Kaz is instrumental to her journey of self-acceptance, and as a couple they come to the realization that beauty and self-worth both come from within.

24. Augustus “Gus” Waters and Hazel Grace Lancaster

Fox 2000 Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woolley

Movie: The Fault in Our Stars

Released: 2014

Bottom line: When death is all around you, you have to live every moment as if it’s your last.

At least, that’s what Gus and Hazel do in “The Fault in Our Stars,” based on John Green’s book of the same name.

This couple’s heartrending, life-affirming romance makes an impression that stays with you long after the movie ends.

23. Harry Burns and Sally Albright

Harry Burn and Sally Albright, a very romantic movie couple

Castle Rock Entertainment / YouTube

Played by: Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal

Movie: When Harry Met Sally

Released: 1989

Bottom line: The story of Sally and Harry’s evolving relationship over many years is funny, engaging and memorable.

In fact, “When Harry Met Sally” could possibly be the greatest romantic comedy of all time.

22. Su Li-zhen and Chow Mo-wan

Block 2 Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung

Movie: In the Mood for Love

Released: 2000

Bottom line: Su and Chow are neighbors in the same apartment building, but they’re in relationships with other people.

While their partners are away, they find themselves in the same places, leading to a forbidden love. “In the Mood for Love” is one of the greatest movies in Asian movie history.

21. Mia Dolan and Sebastian Wilder

Summit Entertainment / YouTube

Played by: Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling

Movie: La La Land

Released: 2016

Bottom line: Just like their singing and dancing, Mia and Sebastian’s connection is nothing less than magical.

They might not have ended up together, but they did have their own theme song: Justin Hurwitz’s “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme (Late for the Date).”

20. Toula Portokalos and Ian Miller

Gold Circle Films / YouTube

Played by: Nia Vardalos and John Corbett

Movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Released: 2002

Bottom line: When an obedient Greek daughter falls in love with a non-Greek, you can bet her relatives have a lot to say about it. But Ian and Toula’s love for each other conquers all, giving us a truly sweet, feel-good rom-com.

19. Princess Leia and Han Solo

Lucasfilm / YouTube

Played by: Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford

Movie: Star Wars series

Released: 1977 onwards

Bottom line: Sometimes, the best couples are the unlikeliest ones. Han Solo and Princess Leia’s love story is timeless, and all you really need to remember are five words: “I love you.” “I know.”

18. Paige and Leo

Sony Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum

Movie: The Vow

Released: 2012

Bottom line: “The Vow” is based on the amazing real-life story of Kim Carpenter, who lost her memory after a car accident.

Her husband Krickett had to find a way to make her fall in love with him all over again.

17. Jamal and Latika

Celador Films / YouTube

Played by: Dev Patel and Freida Pinto

Movie: Slumdog Millionaire

Released: 2008

Bottom line: “Slumdog Millionaire” took home several Academy Awards (including Best Picture), and the relationship between Jamal and Latika played a part in that.

Arguably, their reunion gives us one of the most touching on-screen moments when Jamal kisses the scar Latika is so ashamed of.

16. Julia Sullivan and Robbie Hart

New Line Cinema / YouTube

Played by: Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler

Movie: The Wedding Singer

Released: 1998

Bottom line: Wedding singer Robbie falls for Julia, who just happens to be married.

But true love conquers all, and the Barrymore/Sandler partnership is as sweet and irresistible as always.

15. Elio Perlman and Oliver

Frenesy Film Company / YouTube

Played by: Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer

Movie: Call Me By Your Name

Released: 2017

Bottom line: A beautiful love story set in Italy in the ‘80s, “Call Me By Your Name” is an intense portrayal of first love.

Based on the book by Andre Aciman, it follows the young son of academics who falls fast for one of his father’s grad students while on summer break.

14. Sam Baldwin and Annie Reed

TriStar Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan

Movie: Sleepless in Seattle

Released: 1993

Bottom line: For most of “Sleepless in Seattle,” Sam and Annie aren’t actually on screen together.

But that’s why the payoff when they do finally meet in person is so great. And of course there’s Sam’s adorable son Jonah making the story even cuter.

13. Heloise and Marianne

Lilies Films / YouTube

Played by: Adele Haenel and Noemie Merlant

Movie: Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Released: 2019

Bottom line: Critically acclaimed “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” follows a woman who travels to a remote island to paint a portrait of a woman as part of an arranged marriage.

Things take a romantic turn when they fall in love and embark on a forbidden romance.

12. Nina Mosley and Darius Lovehall

Addis Wechsler Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Nia Long and Larenz Tate

Movie: Love Jones

Released: 1997

Bottom line: Cult classic “Love Jones” follows photographer Nina and writer Darius, who fall in love after meeting at a jazz club.

“Romance is about the possibility of things,” Darius says in an early scene — just one of many lines that make you want to fall in love yourself.

11. Oliver Barret IV and Jennifer Cavalleri

Paramount Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw

Movie: Love Story

Released: 1970

Bottom line: The perfect box-of-tissues romance, “Love Story” is known for giving us the quote, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”

Whether you agree with that or not, you can’t argue with O’Neal and MacGraw’s chemistry.

10. Lucy Whitmore and Henry Roth

Darren Michaels for Columbia Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Drew Barrymore and Adam Sanford

Movie: 50 First Dates

Released: 2004

Bottom line: Two of the most familiar rom-com faces reunited for “50 First Dates” and the delightful story of Henry and his amnesiac girlfriend Lucy.

It brings back all those first date memories for sure.

9. Sara and Derek

Paramount Pictures / YouTube

Played by: Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas

Movie: Save the Last Dance

Released: 2001

Bottom line: After aspiring ballerina Sara’s mother dies suddenly, she loses her passion for dance.

Then she meets Derek, who helps her work through her grief and get back on the stage.

This one won the MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss.

8. Sara Thomas and Jonathan Trager

Miramax / YouTube

Played by: Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack

Movie: Serendipity

Released: 2001

Bottom line: After meeting in New York City one night, Sara and Jonathan can’t forget about each other — even when they’re in relationships with other people.

But life has a way of bringing people who’re meant to be together back together.

7. Bridget Jones and Mark Darcy

Miramax / YouTube

Played by: Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth

Movie: Bridget Jones’s Diary

Released: 2001

Bottom line: Bridget and Mark face more than a few setbacks during the course of their relationship, making them one of the most relatable movie couples.

Ultimately, by the end of the third installment in the franchise, they’ve found their way back to each other — not even Jack (Patrick Dempsey) can keep them apart.

6. Francesca Johnson and Robert Kincaid

Warner Bros. / YouTube

Played by: Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood

Movie: The Bridges of Madison County

Released: 1995

Bottom line: Based on the best-selling novella by Robert James Waller, “The Bridges of Madison County” is a moving love story, thanks to the chemistry between Italian housewife Francesca and photographer Robert.

This one isn’t about passionate kisses in the rain, but subtle, wonderful moments of intimacy between strangers.

5. Kate Forster and Alex Wyler

Warner Bros. / YouTube

Played by: Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves

Movie: The Lake House

Released: 2006

Bottom line: “The Lake House” may span years, but the story of star-crossed lovers Kate and Alex only features a few kisses.

Watch this if you don’t believe in soulmates. And you might just change your mind.

4. Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly

Warner Bros. / YouTube

Played by: Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan

Movie: You’ve Got Mail

Released: 1998

Bottom line: Online dating is the norm nowadays, but back in the late ‘90s, Joe and Kathleen were ahead of their time.

They fall in love over email, but the twist is that they hate each other IRL.

3. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy

Focus Features / YouTube

Played by: Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen

Movie: Pride & Prejudice

Released: 2005

Bottom line: The screen adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1813 novel of the same name, “Pride and Prejudice” follows Elizabeth, who is facing increasing pressure — as the eldest sister — to marry.

An introduction to the handsome Mr. Darcy turns her life upside down.

2. Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen

Mirage Enterprises / YouTube

Played by: Robert Redford and Meryl Streep

Movie: Out of Africa

Released: 1985

Bottom line: Romantic movies don’t get much more epic than “Out of Africa.”

Not only is it 2.5 hours long, but it also uses Kenya’s natural beauty as a backdrop and features two of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood.

1. Celine and Jesse

Castle Rock Entertainment / YouTube

Played by: Julie Deply and Ethan Hawke

Movie: Before Sunrise

Released: 1995

Bottom line: Celine and Jesse’s unlikely relationship spans 16 years and three of director Richard Linklater’s movies, beginning with “Before Sunrise” in 1995.

It’s a wonderful study of how people — and love — evolves over time.