Sweet Escapes: 10 Romantic Movies to Watch During the Holidays
Watching movies is a timeless way to unwind, especially when the theme is romance. Whether you’re spending quality time with a partner or simply indulging in heartfelt stories, romantic films offer a comforting and emotional experience. From youthful love stories and tearful goodbyes to laughter-filled romantic comedies, the genre encompasses a wide range of touching narratives.
Romantic films do more than portray happily-ever-afters. They delve into the complexity of relationships—highlighting conflict, sacrifice, growth, and the journey to shared happiness. As reported by Cosmopolitan on Friday, April 11, 2025, here are ten of the most beloved romantic movies to enjoy during a quiet evening or a cozy weekend at home.
1. The Theory of Everything
This biographical film chronicles the life of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, with a strong focus on his relationship with Jane Wilde. Beginning during their university days at Cambridge, the film follows their journey as Stephen is diagnosed with a motor neuron disease at a young age. Jane’s unwavering love and support form the heart of the story, highlighting deep themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and enduring affection.
2. Past Lives
One of the most talked-about films of 2023, Past Lives explores themes of first love, fate, and life-defining decisions. The film poignantly portrays unresolved feelings and the haunting question of “what could have been.” With its emotional depth and reflective tone, it’s a tearjerker that will resonate with anyone who’s ever looked back on love lost.
3. Slumdog Millionaire
Winner of the 2008 Academy Award for Best Picture, this film follows Jamal, a young man from the slums of Mumbai, on his journey through the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. His real motivation, however, is the search for his childhood love, Latika. This powerful story illustrates how true love can persist even in the harshest circumstances.
4. Her
Set in a near-future world, Her tells the story of a lonely man who falls in love with an AI-powered operating system, voiced with emotional nuance by Scarlett Johansson. The film challenges conventional ideas of connection, intimacy, and emotion, offering a visually stunning and deeply introspective cinematic experience.
5. Before Sunrise
When two strangers meet on a train bound for Vienna, they decide to spend a single evening exploring the city together. Their profound and honest conversations span love, purpose, and the meaning of life. The palpable chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy led to two equally acclaimed sequels, Before Sunset and Before Midnight, each capturing different stages of their evolving relationship.
6. 500 Days of Summer
Despite being described as “not a love story,” this film delivers an authentic look at the ups and downs of romance. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel star as a couple whose relationship defies typical romantic tropes, offering viewers a relatable narrative on love, expectations, and heartbreak.
7. 5 Centimeters Per Second
This Japanese animated film is divided into three acts, each capturing a phase in the relationship between two childhood friends separated by distance. With delicate visuals and poetic storytelling, the film touches on themes of longing, emotional distance, and the quiet endurance of love over time.
8. Letters to Juliet
In this film, a young woman discovers a decades-old love letter in Verona, pinned to the wall of Juliet’s house. Inspired by the story behind it, she embarks on a journey to reunite the letter’s author with her lost love. Along the way, she discovers the timeless power of hope and romance.
9. A Star is Born
Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper deliver powerful performances in this emotional love story between an established musician and a rising star. As their careers take different paths, fame, personal demons, and ambition begin to test their bond. With a soulful soundtrack and raw acting, the film leaves a lasting impact.
10. The Vow
Based on true events, The Vow recounts the story of a woman who loses her memory in a car accident, including any recollection of her husband. Refusing to give up, her husband sets out to win her heart all over again. This heartwarming film reminds us of the resilience of love and the power of commitment in the face of adversity.
These ten films serve as the perfect companions for anyone seeking emotional warmth, reflection, and a touch of romance this holiday season.
