Romance is a love it or hate it genre. Some people find the cheesiness sweet and actually look for it in a movie, while some wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole. For centuries humans have failed to agree on the rules of romance, and the film industry has tried to satisfy everybody. With action, drama, and comedy slotted into every romance movie, it’s hard not to find one you like. I personally don’t mind the genre; it’s not something I watch everyday, but there are some times I find some really good ones. And, as it’s February, here’s a list of movies with the greatest on-screen chemistry.
TITANIC (1998)
Okay, I know some people are already rolling their eyes, but of course Titanic has to be on this list. Jack and Rose? Classic. Titanic sets the bar pretty high for romantic epics. Some people might find it cliché, the whole wealthy girl–poor guy storyline, but the only thing I have to say about the movie is that there was definitely room on that door, but somebody just had to sprawl out and get cozy, didn’t they?
THE PHOTOGRAPH (2020)
Two romances in one movie, The Photograph follows Mae in the present day and her mother in the past. Will romantic history be repeated? I have two words for you – Issa Rae. Issa Rae plays Mae and does it so well that she makes the movie a gem for hopeless romantics.
LOVE AND BASKETBALL (2000)
Not my usual cup of tea, but I stumbled upon it and found that I could actually relate to it. Best friends to high school sweethearts and then exes in college, Monica and Quincy’s desires to be the best basketball players stands in the way. It’s often dismissed as a soppy chick-flick, but the film is a drama that is about female ambition and gender roles. The soul of the game portrayed through the eyes of two life-long ambitious contemporaries, it was really an extraordinary romance.
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989)
Another absolute classic. Three factors contribute to the success of this film and those are the chemistry, directing, and the writing. The influence of this movie has stretched over rom-coms even till today. The chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan is not forced. It’s just a very natural, entertaining experience. Harry and Sally were always supposed to be together, it just took a minute to happen. I find the film delightful from start to finish.
THE LOVEBIRDS (2020)
Not exactly big on chemistry because they were more focused on being funny, The Lovebirds is still one to watch. Premiering on Netflix in May 2020, the movie stars Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as a long-term couple who have reached a rough patch in their relationship. Following a night of kidnap, murder, lies, and almost being inducted into a cult, they are reminded of why they love each other.
CRAZY RICH ASIANS (2018)
This movie was long overdue. The closest most people get to Asian culture is when they order Chinese Takeout or watch a K-drama. Crazy Rich Asians sheds light on heritage while also entertaining the viewer. And the scenery. The scenery in this movie is breathtaking, and even that alone definitely makes the movie worth watching.
CASABLANCA (1942)
Casablanca. Is. Awesome. It is the classic love story, and it echoes through everything made after it. Yeah, watch it.
Carol (2015)
Built on brief glances and stolen kisses, this movie is way ahead of its time. Set in the 1950s, the forbidden love that blossoms between Carol and Therese is exactly that, forbidden. The compatibility of what we want and what is actually possible is explored thoroughly in this film, giving it a timeless quality.
LOVE IN THE TIME OF CORONA (2020)
Hollywood was definitely not going to miss the chance to sell us pandemic stories. Not actually a movie, but a mini-series, it follows a cast of characters who are in different stages of their relationships while staying at home. Discovering love in places they never knew it existed to elderly couples being separated because of nursing home regulations, there’s a love story for everyone.
ABOUT TIME (2013)
This movie is funny, warm-hearted, and even emotional in certain moments. Showing the characters’ growth as partners throughout their marriage almost heightens their romance because it shows everything after the meet-cute which you don’t usually get from romance movies.