Romance cinema in 2025 has reached new heights, delivering emotionally rich and culturally resonant stories of heartbreak, longing, and connection. Here are eight of the best romantic films of the year, each offering a unique portrayal of love:
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Eternity: This American fantasy-romantic comedy revolves around Joan (Elizabeth Olsen), who, upon dying, gets a week to choose her afterlife. She finds that her first husband, who died young, and the man she married after, are both waiting for her, creating a love triangle that transcends life and death. Eternity stands out with its warm execution, clever concept, and old-fashioned charm. The movie explores the love triangle trope creatively, captivating viewers with its sweet and sentimental charm.
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Lost in Starlight: This Korean romance tells an adorable love story between a scientist dreaming of the stars and a down-to-earth musician. Meeting before Nan-young's (Kim Tae-ri) space voyage, they embark on the longest long-distance relationship, bridging Earth and Mars.
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A Nice Indian Boy: This queer rom-com follows Naveen (Karan Soni), an out gay doctor who has always kept his dating life separate from his family, until he falls for his fiancé Jay (Jonathan Groff). The film follows the pair and Naveen’s family as they come together to throw the Indian wedding of their dreams, complete with Bollywood references. This warm and incredibly romantic film offers audiences a worthy portrayal of love.
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Materialists: This film follows three longtime Brooklynites, played by André Holland, Nicole Beharie, and DeWanda Wise, as they navigate careers, love, loss, and friendship against the rapidly changing landscape of their beloved city.
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Love, Brooklyn: In this romantic indie film, three longtime Brooklynites navigate careers, love, loss, and friendship against the backdrop of their rapidly changing city.
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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy: The legendary rom-com heroine Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) returns as a widowed fifty-something navigating the modern dating scene. She unexpectedly connects with a charming 29-year-old bartender, Roxster (Leo Woodall). This sequel is lauded as a bittersweet watch about new beginnings, offering a light-hearted, nostalgic, and humorous experience with standout performances.
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Wish You Were Here: Based on Renée Carlino's 2017 novel, this emotional romance, directed by Julia Stiles, follows Charlotte (Isabelle Fuhrman) after a perfect, romantic night with a mysterious stranger named Adam (Mena Massoud). Her search for answers uncovers a devastating secret. This is a melancholic and deeply nuanced romance.
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La Dolce Villa: Details about this film are scarce, but it promises to be another captivating romance, adding to the diverse range of love stories in 2025.
