Top 10 Romance Movies of the 2010s

Based on the best selling young adult novel of the same name, this film stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, two teenage cancer patients who fall in love after meeting at a support group. The perfect mix of heart-wrenching and heartwarming, this romantic drama will take you on an emotional journey as the two leads and their families battle with the realities of the disease. Whether you’re a teen or not, it’s impossible not to be captivated by this complicated tale of love. Bring on the tears (and the tissues!).

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy star in the third film of director Richard Linklater’s romantic drama trilogy. Set nine years after Before Sunset, this romance follows Jesse and Celine to the Greek Peloponnese peninsula for a family vacation. As the unstructured plot unfolds, we watch as Jesse and Celine struggle with their careers, family, and their love for one another. As with its predecessors, gorgeous scenery and quick-witted dialogue abound. Hawke described the first movie in the series as “a film about what might be,” the second as “a film about what could or should be,” and the third and final as “a film about what is.” This perfectly summarizes “Before Midnight,” as it is a story based in the realities of love.

Featuring the always-enchanting Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, this romantic drama tells the story of Carol and Therese, two women who develop an intimate relationship over the course of a year in New York. This lesbian romance compellingly follows a woman caught between her desires and the life she has built for herself with her husband. Set in the 1950s, director Todd Haynes mixes modern romance with retro charm. As if the poodle skirts and suburban New York houses weren’t romantic enough, the magnetism stemming from the couple’s forbidden romance elevates this film to another level.

While on holiday with his fiancee’s family in France, a romantic writer played by Owen Wilson finds himself transported back in time to the 1920s every day at midnight. Drawing inspiration from the golden age of Paris, Wilson’s character, Gil, meets a vast array of influential people from the erm such as F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, played to perfection by Tom Hiddleston and Alison Pill. Putting a Woody Allen spin on time travel, this fantastical story is rounded out by his signature witty banter and a standout supporting cast that includes Rachel McAdams and Michael Sheen. Ultimately, this film shows us that falling in love knows no bounds - you can fall in love with a person, a time period, or even a city. It’s romantic in all aspects.

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence star in this award-winning romantic comedy-drama from director and screenwriter David O. Russell. Pat and Tiffany are two troubled people trying to start over in life, and when they meet in Philadelphia, they decide to help one another get their lives back on track. The perfect example of the always-riveting love/hate relationship, we watch as Pat and Tiffany’s relationship progresses from platonic friendship into something more intimate. Despite their dark pasts, fragile mental states, and emotionally stunted personalities, both characters refuse to give up on their happy ending. This movie proves there is someone for everyone, and if the final dance number doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, we don’t know what will.

This French romance tracks the relationship of two young girls named Adele and Emma as they fall in love and learn about themselves in the process. Hailed as one of the best films of 2013, this unique romance touches on several heavy and topical themes, including sexuality, social class, womanhood, and realism. The movie’s social commentary coupled with its raw portrayal of lesbian love sets it apart from the other romance movies of the decade. If you’re in the mood for an emotional, LGBT-friendly romance, grab some popcorn and pick a comfy spot on the couch because, with its three-hour runtime, you’re going to need it.

Julia Roberts stars as Elizabeth Gilbert as this film’s protagonist. After a messy divorce, Liz embarks on an around-the-world tour in an effort to “find herself.” Hoping to discover happiness, comfort, and ultimately, to fall in love with herself, she travels to three countries for three different reasons: Italy to eat, India to pray, and Indonesia to love. These destinations are one of the biggest draws of the film, as anyone with a case of wanderlust will be instantly captivated by her travels. Liz’s quest for self-discovery is extremely relatable regardless of age. Her newfound love of food, spiritualism, and inner peace make for an enthralling story about the importance of loving yourself.

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling star in what’s arguably 2016’s most anticipated musical. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, the modern-day musical from Damien Chazelle generated Oscar buzz months before its wide theatrical release. Stone plays Mia, an aspiring actress but current barista, while Gosling plays Sebastian, a jazz-obsessed musician. The two meet and fall in love but then struggle to keep things together as they chase their dreams. The third cast member is undoubtedly the city itself. Set in the city of angels, Los Angeles serves as a main character of sorts in this romantic musical. The film largely takes place at an observatory, a highway, a jazz club, a film lot, and a lookout point, each set more romantic than the last. A throwback to the musicals of the past, “La La Land” is guaranteed to be one of the most remarkable movies you will see all year.

This sci fi-esque tale from Spike Jonze stars Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore and Amy Adams as Amy in this tale of a lonely writer who falls in love with his operating device. In the future, operating systems are designed to meet every need, but what Theodore doesn’t count on is developing a romantic relationship with his OS, Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Theodore must ultimately deal with his inner conflict over falling in love with a machine - a frighteningly stark reality that could be ours in a matter of years. This film encapsulates the essence of the sci fi romance, revealing that love is possible all around.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.


“The Spectacular Now” (2013)

“Bridget Jones’s Baby” (2016)

“Think Like a Man” (2012)

The best romance movie of the 2010s features an all-star cast that includes Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone. The film follows Cal Weaver whose life falls apart when his wife announces that she wants a divorce. On a quest to find himself in the wake of his marital split, Cal befriends a much younger man named Jacob, played by Gosling. A tale of intimacy, anger, jealousy, family, and finding oneself, the characters in this romantic comedy find love and happiness against all odds. A realistic yet inspiring tale, “Crazy Stupid Love” is the romance to beat of the 2010s.

Do you agree with our list? What romance movies from the 2010s are your favorites? For more exciting Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.