18. Only Lovers Left Alive
In his genre-bending “Only Lovers Left Alive,” Jim Jarmusch created a tale of vampires like no other where the color of red speaks more of love than bloody thirst. Adam and Eve, the intellectual vampire protagonists of the film, had succumbed to desperation because of their immortality, and they struggle hard to find inspiration in art and love. Eve helps Adam rejuvenate his spirit and they embark on a final bloody mission together in love.
19. Me Before You
“Me Before You” follows an ordinary, saccharine story, but the sparkling chemistry between Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin ensures that the film is worth remembering as one of the most emotional romantic films from this decade. The film also talks about the class divide, represented by two different social strata of this romantic couple, and how love rises above all.
20. Jane Eyre
The much-loved novel “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte gets a deserving adaptation in Cary Fukunaga’s adaptation by the same name. The old school romantic melodrama is brought alive not only by the mature direction of Fukunaga, but by the winning chemistry between Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska. The score by Dario Marianelli sets the perfect mood.
21. Your Name
Japan has a reputation for producing great romantic fantasy films and “Your Name” is a sure contender to be the best among them. “Your Name” is the first non-Hayao Miyazaki film to be both a critical and commercial darling, and it was the highest box office film in Japan in 2016, beating “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” With gorgeous detailing and great fantasy story, “Your Name” presents a romance film of a lifetime.
22. Cinderella
The eponymous folk tale of “Cinderella” is so universally known to everyone that its storyline couldn’t promise anything new to offer. What makes this live-action adaptation of “Cinderella” a beautiful film is the fresh treatment of the story. The lavish production design, magical musical score, and competent acting made this sentimental romantic tale a spectacle to witness and remember.
23. Drinking Buddies
The freewheeling lo-fi drama “Drinking Buddies” is great for both a romantic date and party with friends. The comic sensibility is on point and the improvised flirting of the characters is a delight to watch. The cinematography is beautiful in an intimate way. This romantic mumblecore is incredibly amusing to watch.
24. Sleeping with Other People
“Sleeping with Other People” is very tongue-in-cheek and compassionate. It tells about the first world sex problems and the exciting leads carry the nonrelatable scenes with ease. The great casting and self-aware fun makes it one of the best romantic comedies in this decade. Hollywood was missing this type of film for a long time.
25. The Fault in Our Stars
Probably the most popular film with millennials, “The Fault in Our Stars” touches upon a sweet spot with the combination of a heart-warming love story and exotic shooting locations. Though criticized for being an example of carefully engineered mainstream entertainment, the capability of “The Fault in Our Stars” to bring its audience to tears is thoroughly underestimated, which is the ultimate test for a romantic film.