In a time when relationships seem relegated to mobile devices and social media, classic romance movies hold a greater significance for audiences more than ever. They transport audiences away from their everyday reality to a world where love can prevail against all odds.
From star-crossed lovers, bitter enemies turned soul mates, to polar opposites brought together under the unlikeliest of circumstances, these movies narrate unforgettable romances that live through the ages. Here are 9 classic romance movies that get better with age.
9 Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
This timeless classic stars Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a stylish, extroverted socialite determined to marry rich. Holly's plans take an unexpected turn when she meets her new upstairs neighbor, Paul Varjack, a struggling writer with his own complicated life. As the two bond, Holly realizes she can't outrun love forever as Paul breaks through her seemingly shallow exterior. Breakfast at Tiffany's ends on a romantic note as the pair embrace with a passionate kiss during a rainy, New York afternoon.
8 Roman Holiday (1953)
Another Audrey Hepburn classic, Roman Holiday follows the adventures of Princess Ann as she escapes her royal duties for one-day. Along her journey through Rome, Ann meets an undercover American reporter, Joe Bradley, who upon realizing her royal title, takes it upon himself to show her around the city. Unbeknownst to Ann, Joe hopes to get an interview with her that would advance his career.
In the style of classic rom-coms, the two fall in love and share unforgettable moments together, with them parting ways to resume their respective jobs by the end of the movie.
7 When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
When Harry Met Sally... avoids the tropes of countless rom-coms by giving audiences two unlikely love interests with absolutely nothing in common, who yet somehow manage to come together by the end of the movie. Sally knows what she wants in life, and it has nothing to do with Harry.
Nevertheless, life keeps bringing the pair together during a 12-year time span, until they finally accept that maybe they are meant for each other after all. What makes What Harry Met Sally... such a classic is that it depicts very real problems in modern relationships, from commitment issues, contrasting values, and unmet emotional needs.
6 Ghost (1990)
Ghost is one of the most heartbreaking romantic films ever, but it nevertheless holds a special message: true love transcends mortality. After being killed in a robbery, Sam’s spirit remains on earth, with him trying to find meaning behind what is happening to him and most importantly, find a way to communicate with his girlfriend, Molly.
As the plot thickens, Sam discovers that his death was actually an orchestrated attack by his former coworker, Carl, who is bent on obtaining a book of bank passwords to launder money. As Carl gets closer to Molly to retrieve the book, Sam enlists the help of a medium to reach through to Molly and save her from Carl's looming threat. Ghost was a hit with audiences during its time of release, garnering several Academy Awards.
5 Two For The Road (1967)
Two for the Road deals with two controversial topics during its time of release, infidelity and divorce. The plot follows Joanna and Mark Wallace, a married couple on the brink of ending their 12-year relationship, during a business trip abroad. As the couple reflects on their first meet, their ups and down, and their respective bouts of infertility, they realize their love is very much still alive. A tale of compromise and forgiveness, Two for the Road hits home in the best of ways.
4 Sabrina (1954)
Sabrina tells the tale of Sabrina Fairchild, a chauffeur’s daughter turned sophisticated socialite after studying abroad. Sabrina becomes the love interest of two wealthy siblings, Linus, and David Larrabee. While David is a womanizer who sees Sabrina only for her looks and superficial charm, Linus has always admired Sabrina’s tenacity and gentle spirit. After many misunderstandings, Sabrina and Linus sail away to Paris to live out their happily ever after.
3 Moonstruck (1987)
Moonstruck is a romantic tale embracing the old-as-time phrase, "Never Say Never". It follows the story of Loretta, a widowed bookkeeper that lives in New York City with her family. Loretta is hesitant to fall in love again after her first husband's premature death, but nevertheless, accepts her boyfriend Johnny’s marriage proposal.
Determined to follow tradition this second time around, Loretta tries organizing a ceremonious wedding for friends and family to attend, which leads her to meet Johnny’s estranged brother, Ronny. One thing leads to another, and Loretta finds herself falling in love with Ronny. As more superstition unfolds, Johnny breaks up with Loretta, Ronny seizes the chance to propose, and all ends well for the star-crossed lovers.
2 Pretty Woman (1990)
Pretty Woman remains a classic showing the social class struggles of the 1990s. Vivian and Edward deal with varying obstacles during their relationship, from Edward’s bigoted colleagues, his own reservations about Vivian’s line of work, and their polar opposite backgrounds. In the style of Garry Marshall rom-coms, the couple manages to overcome their differences to finally accept that they’re made for each other.
1 An Affair to Remember (1957)
An Affair to Remember is a touching and equally heartbreaking tale of unconditional love. When Nickie and Terry meet while traveling on an ocean liner heading to New York, they establish a friendship despite their respective relationships. As their bond grows, they make a vow to each other: meet at the Empire State Building in six months' time if they manage to set their affairs in order.
Tragedy strikes, and as the pair is about to say their final goodbyes, Nickie realizes the reason Terry never made their meeting. Determined to make their relationship work, Nickie and Terry embrace, conveying the message that true love overcomes every obstacle in its way. To this day, this tear-jerker moves audiences all across the board.
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