Best Years For Romance Movies In History, Ranked

Summary

• 1991 delivered timeless romance classics like “My Girl” & “Father of the Bride”.
• 1987 brought us iconic films like “Dirty Dancing” & “Fatal Attraction”.
• 2000 marked a new era for romance with films like “Love and Basketball” & “What Women Want”.

Romance films have always held a special place in cinema (and in viewers’ hearts), touching on the themes of love, whether dark or light romance. They portray the human experiences of heartbreak and relationships around the world. Some years stand out as staples in the industry, delivering a selection of iconic films that have left a lasting impact on moviegoers.

Whether set in grand historical contexts or intimate, everyday settings, these films have helped shape a society of love. From timeless, classic love stories to heartfelt comedies, here’s a ranking of the best years for romance movies in history.

8

1991

Where Love Took Center Stage

Standout Movies

• My Girl
• Jungle Fever
• Father of the Bride
• Mississippi Masala

1991 is filled with classic romance films that generations will honor for years to come. My Girl, the touching coming-of-age story about love, loss and the complexities of growing up, is a fan favorite for plenty of reasons. Spike Lee’s exploration of interracial relationships in Jungle Fever blends real life commentary with romance, creating a drama that was loved around the world.

Father of the Bride offers a humorous take on fatherhood and the emotions that come with letting go of a daughter on her wedding day, turning it into a cherished family favorite. These films, along with Mississippi Masala, captivated audiences with depictions of love and showcased how love can transcend societal boundaries and prejudices.

7

1987

Classic, Iconic Romance Films

Standout Movies

• Dirty Dancing
• Fatal Attraction
• Mannequin
• Maurice
• Can’t Buy Me Love

1987 was a standout year for romance films, offering some of the most notable films in history. Dirty Dancing, still famous almost thirty years later, brought together dance, music, and an unforgettable love story between characters, creating a cultural phenomenon. Fatal Attraction added a fine love of love and obsession to the mix of movies released in history. The consequences of infidelity were serious and Fatal Attraction is still a favorite of viewers today. The films of 1987 featured self-worth, forbidden love, and groundbreaking depictions of love and family.

6

2000

Dawn Of The New Millennium

Standout Movies

• Love and Basketball
• What Women Want
• In The Mood For Love
• Chocolat
• Malena

The year 2000 marked a new millennium, and it was filled with films that explored love in personal, relatable ways. Love and Basketball quickly became a fan favorite, blending sports with romance for a powerful narrative of ambition, love, and sacrifice. What Women Want, starring Mel Gibson, brought humor and charm. Gibson’s character suddenly gained the ability to hear women’s thoughts, leading to insight that challenged the understanding of women and relationships.

Chocolat, starring Juliette Binoche, showed how love and a dash of magic could transform an entire village. Malena, set in post-World War 2 Italy, explored youthful infatuation and the power of loss. The films of the era were about personal journeys, resilience, and the complexities of modern relationships. It offered some of the sweetest romance stories, making this year pivotalin the history of romance films.

5

1997

Romance Staples

Standout Movies

• Titanic
• Selena
• My Best Friend’s Wedding
• As Good As It Gets

1997 was arguably one of the most iconic years for romance films, producing the genre’s most loved classics years later. The beloved romance film Titanic was set against the backdrop of the true story of the ship that sank, immediately becoming an international phenomenon. The relationship between Jack and Rose (portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet) became a symbol of tragic love stories.

Selena tells the story of the late artist’s rise to fame, blending romance with her journey in the music world. My Best Friend’s Wedding and As Good As It Gets present humor and drama in romance. With films like these dominating the industry, 1997 stood out as a pivotal year for the genre. These films are not just about traditional love. They explore the complexities, sacrifices, and personal growth that come along with it. 1997 pushed boundaries and explored new spaces in romance, resonating with diverse and evolving audiences.

4

2010

Love Stories That Transcend Time

Standout Movies

• Eat, Pray, Love
• Remember Me
• Dear John
• Love and Other Drugs
• Charlie St. Cloud

The year 2010 was a time that all moviegoers remember. Bringing contemporary and nostalgic romance, the industry produced films that explored the complexities of love in the modern world. Among the top romance films of 2010, Dear John stands as a key film of the year. It follows the love story between John (Channing Tatum), a soldier on leave, and a college student, Savannah (Amanda Seyfried). This fan-favorite tugs at heartstrings and depicts the sacrifices made for love.

The world-renowned film, Eat, Pray, Love, starring Julia Roberts, took viewers on a journey of self-discovery and love, highlighting the transformative power of travel and personal growth. Love and Other Drugs explored the complexities of relationships, illness, and emotionally charged companionship. 2010 brought heartfelt passion, and proof that love will prevail in all forms.

3

2008

From Vampires To Weddings: The Magic Of Love

Standout Movies

• Twilight
• 27 Dresses
• Made of Honor
• Marley and Me
• Mamma Mia!

2008 was filled with intense love stories and feel-good romantic comedies. Twilight ignited the vampire obsession, a staple in the 2000s era of dark fantasy films. The forbidden love between Bella and Edward (let’s not forget about the triangle including Jacob) sparked love among teenage girls around the globe. The film grossed $35.7 million on the opening day, paving the way for love stories in the industry.

27 Dresses and Made of Honor offered lighthearted takes on struggles, while Marley and Me made way for love and family. 2008 offered a diverse range of romance films exploring commitment and challenges that come with relationships, all while providing the audience with experiences that felt like their own.

2

2005

Connection Is Key

Standout Movies

• Mr. and Mrs. Smith
• The Perfect Man
• Rent
• Yours, Mine, & Ours
• Pride and Prejudice

Action-packed romance came for a win. 2005 stands as a notable year for its love stories that pack a punch (literally). Mr. and Mrs. Smith features Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as a married couple who are secretly spies working against each other. Their chaotic love story has had remakes and predecessors almost twenty years later.

Yours, Mine & Ours combined romance and family dynamics, while The Perfect Man was the perfect strike of balance of rom-com that a teenager could wish for. Rent is a film adaptation of the Broadway musical that explored love and loss, and captured the raw emotions of expression and the fight for acceptance in love. 2005 gave viewers quirky comedies and one of the best films in history, making it a standout year for the genre of romance films.

1

2004

Shades Of Romance

Standout Movies

• The Girl Next Door
• The Notebook
• 50 First Dates
• 13 Going On 30
• A Cinderella Story

Memorable romance films swept the screens in 2004. Originating the timeless classic, The Notebook, 2004 stands notable for bringing twists to romance. The Notebook became an instant classic in homes across the world, telling the love story of Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams). The film’s emotional depth resonated with audiences, and twenty years later, it is as beloved as the day it was released.

Alongside The Notebook, 2004 brought romance films that added to the genre with their inventive storytelling on screen, such as 50 First Dates starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore and 13 Going on 30 starring Jennifer Garner. 13 Going on 30 focuses on the beauty of personal growth, while the premise of 50 First Dates shows how love can transcend challenges, patience, and human memory itself.