Rediscover the magic and allure of romance with these beloved films that feature jaded characters who find love.
The cinema has been home to an abundance of beloved films that feature jaded characters rediscovering, or discovering for the first time, the magic of love. From celebrated literary classics to iconic romantic comedies, poignant dramas and unforgettable farces, the silver screen is brilliant at depicting unlucky-at-love protagonists who are given a second chance at romance while learning about themselves along the way.
Moviegoers couldn't get enough of the winning chemistry between Bill Murray and Scarlett Johannson in Sofia Coppola's thought-provoking masterpiece Lost in Translation, just like they flocked to theaters to witness Elizabeth Bennett tame the haughty Mr. Darcy in the adaptation of the Jane Austen classic Pride & Prejudice. With these and many other sweet examples, here are 10 movies that will make you believe in love again.
10 Things I Hate About You
10 Things I Hate About You
Release DateMarch 31, 1999DirectorGil JungerCastHeath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, David KrumholtzRatingPG-13GenresComedy, Drama, Romance
Touting a sensational ensemble cast including Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Larisa Oleynik, the 1999 beloved teen rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You is a modern-day retelling of the classic Shakespeare play The Taming of the Shrew, and centers on new student Cameron (Gordon-Levitt) who is enamored by the popular and beautiful Bianca (Oleynik) and concocts a plan to romantically pursue her by getting the school's resident bad boy Patrick (Ledger) to date her standoffish sister Kat (Stiles).
Why It Will Make You Believe In Love
The fan-favorite cult classic truly shines because of the blossoming love between the cynical Kat and troublemaking Patrick, and though she initially had little faith in the male species and experienced previous heartbreak, she develops a profound bond with her charming pursuer. It's impossible to forget Kat's emotional and deeply moving poem she recites in class that ultimately reveals her love for Patrick, and the two reconcile by the end of the flick to the delight of heavily-invested viewers.
Stream on Disney+
About Time
About Time
Release DateSeptember 4, 2013DirectorRichard CurtisCastDomhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson, Lindsay Duncan, Richard CorderyRatingRGenresComedy, Documentary, Drama, Sci-Fi
Gifted with the ability to travel back in time to special moments he previously experienced, the young and in-love Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) decides to utilize his wondrous power in order to win over the object-of-his-affection Charlotte (Margot Robbie). About Time chronicles Tim's mission to time travel and capture Charlotte's heart, only to be devastated after he realizes she simply isn't interested and that he'll never be able to change her mind. A jaded and embittered Tim finds himself given a second chance at love when he meets the kind and carefree Mary (Rachel McAdams), who changes his life.
Why It Will Make You Believe In Love
Though Tim goes back in time in hopes of altering his future, he realizes he can't make someone love him, and it causes him to lose hope in romance altogether. His pessimistic outlook on love after being scorned by Charlotte is turned completely upside down when he falls for Mary, and he valiantly tries to make sure they cross paths after a series of events change his life's course. About Time captivated audiences with its heartfelt message and touching love story, and became both a critical and commercial success.
Rent on Prime Video
When Harry Met Sally...
When Harry Met Sally
Release DateJanuary 12, 1989DirectorRob ReinerCastBilly Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby, Steven Ford, Lisa Jane PerskyRatingRGenresComedy, Documentary, Drama, Romance
Widely regarded as one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time, Rob Reiner's 1989 cinematic masterpiece When Harry Met Sally... famously stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as two close pals who set out to answer the age-old question "Can men and women ever just be friends?" after the duo develop a strong connection despite constantly being in conflicting places and romantic relationships when they meet. The eponymous characters go on a journey of self-discovery and struggle to stay just friends as feelings unsurprisingly grow.
Why It Will Make You Believe In Love
When Harry Met Sally... is a timeless classic that highlights the pair's many ups-and-downs while proving to audiences the profound power and everlasting impact of love. Their enduring and drawn-out love story was an instant hit with audiences and the unconventional premise and contrasting personalities of Harry and Sally swiftly established the rom-com as one of the cinema's finest.
Stream on Paramount+
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Release DateMarch 19, 2004DirectorMichel GondryCastJim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Gerry Robert Byrne, Elijah Wood, Thomas Jay Ryan, Mark RuffaloRatingRGenresDrama, Documentary, Romance, Sci-Fi
Jim Carrey delivered one of the best performances of his dynamic career when he appeared opposite Kate Winslet in the critically-acclaimed 2003 sci-fi romantic drama Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, focusing on the lovelorn Joel Barish as he makes the shocking discovery that his beloved ex-girlfriend Clementine has undergone a procedure to completely erase any memories of him or their time together as a couple. A devastated Joel decides to have the same operation done, yet as he begins to re-live the memories, he changes his mind.
Why It Will Make You Believe In Love
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was lauded for its depiction of loss and the complexities of being in a relationship while offering a poignant look at heartache and vulnerability. Though the broken Joel felt compelled to act out of spite and pain to have the same procedure done, he realized that no matter how tumultuous their relationship may have been, their love was genuine and beautiful all the same, and he didn't want to lose the memories, however painful. Joel and Clementine find their way back to one another even after completely forgetting one another, proving their connection was deeper than memory.
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The Holiday
The Holiday
Release DateDecember 8, 2006DirectorNancy MeyersCastCameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach, Edward BurnsRatingPG-13GenresComedy, Romance
Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude Law headline the festive 2006 rom-com The Holiday, centering on the emotionally devastated society columnist Iris Simpkins (Winslet) and unlucky-at-love movie trailer producer Amanda Woods (Diaz) as the young women decide to exchange homes in an effort to escape their respective romantic woes. Iris heads to sunny Los Angeles while Amanda travels to snowy London, and despite both wanting nothing to do with men, find themselves falling for charming suitors.
Why It Will Make You Believe In Love
There's a reason The Holiday has become a modern-day Christmas classic, and that's because viewers couldn't help but love the charismatic and quirky characters and heartfelt premise. Iris is left shattered when her feelings and devotion for someone aren't reciprocated, but her outlook on life and love are completely transformed when she meets the elderly screenwriter Arthur Abbott (Eli Wallach), who encourages her to be the leading lady in her own movie and to not give up on romance.
Stream on Hulu
Her
Her
Release DateDecember 18, 2013DirectorSpike JonzeCastJoaquin Phoenix, Lynn A. Freedman, Lisa Renee Pitts, Gabe Gomez, Chris Pratt2, Artt ButlerRatingRGenresComedy, Documentary, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
Spike Jonze directed the Oscar-winning 2013 sci-fi romantic drama Her, telling the peculiar story of the lonely and depressed Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) as he spends his time writing personal and intimate letters for people unable to do-so themselves. Reeling over his impending divorce from his childhood sweetheart, Theodore becomes infatuated with the compassionate AI virtual assistant Samantha (Scarlett Johansson), and he opens his heart up to love once more as they develop a powerful bond.
Why It Will Make You Believe In Love
The sensitive Theodore breaks out of his shell, and he is able to grow emotionally and socially thanks to the help of the vivacious Samantha The pair begin to experience deep romantic feelings for one another that others are unable to comprehend. Samantha shows up in Theodore's life when he needs her most and she helps mend his broken heart, resulting in a profoundly sincere romantic story that left a lasting impact on audiences. The film landed on numerous critics' lists for best movies of the year and was celebrated for its phenomenal performances.
Rent on Prime Video
Safe Haven
Safe Haven
Release DateFebruary 7, 2013DirectorLasse HallströmCastJulianne Hough, Cobie Smulders, Josh Duhamel, David Lyons, Mimi Kirkland, Noah LomaxRatingPG-13GenresDrama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
Based on the popular Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name, the 2013 fantasy romantic drama Safe Haven follows the terrified and desperate Katie Feldman (Julianne Hough) as she manages to flee her abusive and violent husband and escape to the small coastal town of Southport, North Carolina in hopes of starting a new life. Though she intends to fly under the radar, Katie becomes charmed by the compassionate close-knit community and finds herself falling for a kind-hearted widow (Josh Duhamel) struggling to raise his two young children.
Why It Will Make You Believe In Love Again
Katie's heart is battered and bruised when she shows up in Southport, and she is frightened that her dangerous detective husband will find her and ruin her fresh start. She tries to fight her growing attraction to Alex and fondness for his kids because of how she was treated in the past, but she learns that he is not like her ex and that a healthy and enriching romantic relationship is possible for her. In true Sparks fashion, Safe Haven will tug at moviegoers' heartstrings and make them invested in Katie's harrowing story.
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Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Release DateApril 17, 2008DirectorNick StollerCastJason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, Bill Hader, Liz CackowskiRatingRGenresComedy, Documentary, Drama, Romance
After his titular actress girlfriend dumps him after being together for five-years, a forlorn and emotionally wrecked music composer goes on a soul-searching journey to Hawaii in hopes of getting over his famous ex in the smash hit 2008 romantic comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) finds himself at the Turtle Bay resort to mend his broken heart and rediscover himself, only to find that his ex Sarah (Kristen Bell) is at the same hotel with her new rock star beau (Russell Brand). Peter struggles to take his mind off their indiscreet romance as he falls for the fiesty and beautiful resort receptionist Rachel (Mila Kunis).
Why It Will Make You Fall In Love Again
While Peter spends the first half of the hilarious flick depressed over his failed relationship and yearning for Sarah, he slowly comes to life again by spending time with the vibrant Rachel. Peter becomes a much happier person when he's with his new love, and she encourages him to pursue his dreams and find his inner confidence, resulting in perhaps the hilight of the movie: a side-splitting puppet rock opera featuring Dracula. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a light-hearted yet endearing rom-com that will take viewers on an emotional ride right along with Peter.
Stream on Netflix
Lost in Translation (2003)
Lost in Translation
Release DateSeptember 18, 2003DirectorSofia CoppolaCastScarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Akiko Takeshita, Kazuyoshi Minamimagoe, Kazuko Shibata, TakeRatingRGenresDrama, Documentary
Sofia Coppola directed the unforgettable 2003 romantic dramedy Lost in Translation, utilizing the talents of Bill Murray and Scarlett Johannson to portray the mismatched kindred spirits Bob Harris and Charlotte as they develop a refreshing and rare bond after meeting one another in Tokyo, Japan. Washed-up movie star Bob is coping with a crumbling marriage and experiencing a midlife crisis when he crosses paths with the young and beautiful Yale graduate and newlywed Charlotte, and together the pair share a life-altering connection while in the foreign land.
Why It Will Make You Believe In Love
Coppola wanted to create an affecting picture involving two characters going through a "romantic melancholy" and believed they were going through a comparable internal crisis despite being in two very different stages of life. Bob and Charlotte share a unique bond and refuse to act on their blossoming feelings due to their complicated romantic histories. Instead they develop a familiarity and intimacy that runs deeper than a sexual relationship that helps make the film a non-traditional romantic classic.
Stream on Peacock
Pride & Prejudice
Pride & Prejudice
Release DateSeptember 16, 2005Directorjoe wrightCastKeira Knightley, Talulah Riley, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan, Donald SutherlandRatingPGGenresDrama, Documentary, Romance
Adapted from the celebrated Jane Austen masterpiece, Joe Wright's 2005 romantic drama Pride & Prejudice notably centers on the Bennett sisters as they deal with mounting societal pressures and expectations and the many ups-and-downs of life and love, chronicling eldest sibling Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and her courtship with the seemingly snobbish and haughty Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFayden). The feisty Elizabeth bewitches Darcy even though they come from different social standings, and he must overcome his pride if he wishes to earn her love and hand in marriage.
Why It Will Make You Believe In Love
Universally beloved and cherished by audiences all across the world, Pride & Prejudice has been retold countless times on the big screen yet continues to captivate the masses because of its emotionally-stirring love story. Elizabeth and Darcy may be opposite in many ways and come from conflicting backgrounds, but their connection transcends their stark differences and the headstrong heroine helps bring Darcy out of his shell and embrace the potential for love and passion. The 2005 adaptation remains one of the cinema's greatest and most moving versions of the Austen classic.
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