Ranging from rom-coms to absorbing dramas, romance films make for some of the most touching in the film industry, as they often allow audiences to experience a deeply impactful and meaningful connection between two characters as if it were their own.
2023 was excellent for cinema, and the romantic side of things did not disappoint, either. Whether audiences are looking to watch lighthearted romantic comedies likeRed, White & Royal Blueor are in for something a tad more heartbreaking, such as the critically acclaimedPast Lives, 2023 has provided enough movies to appeal to everyone’s taste.These are the best romance movies of 2023,ranked from great to greatest, and how much they moved us.
13’Anyone But You'
Director: Will Gluck
Will Gluck’sAnyone But Yourevived the romantic comedy genre by being a huge box office success, gatheringover $216.3 millionso far on a $25 million budget. The story is adapted fromWilliam Shakespeare’s classic comedyMuch Ado About Nothingand followsSydney Sweeney’s Bea, who joins forces withGlen Powell’s Ben, a young man with whom she had previously had a terrible first date with, in order to convince her parents and ex-boyfriend that she’s in a fulfilled relationship.
Despite its mixed reviews, Gluck’s entertaining film was undoubtedly a success, earning a spot among the best romantic movies of 2023. While far from a masterpiece,Anyone But Youfeatures Sweeney and Powell’s palpable chemistry, an entertaining enough narrative to keep audiences invested, and the amount of fun lovers of the rom-com genre would expect from a movie in the category.
Anyone But You
Rent on Apple TV
12’Red, White & Royal Blue'
Director: Matthew López
This queer romance focuses on the son of the American President (TaylorZakharPerez) and Britain’s prince (NicholasGalitzine). The feud between the two is a threat to United States/British relations, and so they are forced into a stage truce that evolves into something more complex.
Red, White & Royal Bluewill probably appeal to younger audiences — especially those who have read the New York Times bestseller byCaseyMcQuiston, on which the film is based — and is a fine addition togreat LGBTQ+ romance films. While theMatthew Lópezmovie is far from a masterpiece (especially given its slightly cliché and predictable storyline),Red, White & Royal Bluestill makes for a lighthearted, engaging watch, specially crafted for enemies-turned-lovers trope enjoyers. The chemistry between the two leads adds to the movie.
Red, White & Royal Blue
11’Love At First Sight'
Director: Vanessa Caswill
Vanessa Caswill’sNetflix rom-comLove At First SightdepictsHadley (Haley Lu Richardson) and Oliver’s (Ben Hardy) romance, which kicks off when the two share a flight from New York to London. While they may not find each other again, love ultimately has a way of defying the odds, as shown in many movies in the genre.
This compelling Y.A. romance based on a popular book byJennifer E. Smithfeatures some fun Shakespeare references and combines drama, comedy, and romance elements to great results. While it is not a groundbreaking romance feature by no means, the charming acting performances from both leads and the great chemistry between the two, on top of a simplistic but engaging narrative, makeLove At First Sightrank high among the best romantic comedies of 2023.
Watch on Netflix
10’Elemental'
Director: Peter Sohn
Peter Sohn’sElementalmay not bethe best Pixar movieto date, but it is certainly a very solid and entertaining one. The story follows Ember (Leah Lewis) and Wade (Mamoudou Athie) as the two strike a bond in a city where fire, water, earth, and air residents live as a community.
With vibrant, visually alluring animation,Elementalis undoubtedly a heartwarming and comforting feature, be it for the fictional people that inhabit its world (including the studio’s first non-binary character) or the endearing storyline itself. Sending out positive messages to younger audiences about building connections, family, tolerance, and prejudice, this well-intentioned animated feature is equal parts a well-crafted socio-cultural commentary filled with interesting allegories and an engaging, straightforward watch that does not disappoint.
9’Shortcomings'
Director: Randall Park
In this witty romantic comedy byRandall Park, struggling filmmaker Ben Tanaka (Justin H. Min), girlfriend Miko Hayashi (Ally Maki), and Alice Kim (Sherry Cola) reunite and navigate their interpersonal relationships while exploring the country and seeking meaningful connections.
While predominantly a comedy,Park’s enjoyable andwell-made directorial debut,Shortcomings, provides audiences with a touching romantic premise in a captivating slice-of-life format. Additionally, the intelligently told film, which serves as a character study and deals with themes of identity, is humorous and quirky, ultimately resulting in a breezy viewing experience and providing audiences with a good time. That being said,Shortcomingswill most certainly call upon Gen Z audience members, especially considering how it tackles expectations, race, and representation.
Shortcomings
Director: Christian Petzold
Written and directed by German filmmaker and screenwriterChristian Petzold, Silver Berlin Bear (Grand Jury Prize) and Golden Berlin Bear (Best Film) winnerAfirecenters around a group of friends (Enno Trebs,LangstonUibel,PaulaBeer, andThomasSchubert) in a holiday home by the Baltic Sea. Intense emotions emerge when the forest around them catches fire.
Afireis a slow-burn, gut-wrenching character study on self-absorption and unfulfilled love. While relaxed and sad, it is also a compelling, absorbing, and grounded feature, beautifully brought to viewers by the talented director. Furthermore, this 2023 movie serves as a social comedy that highlights arrogance. While it will certainly steal some chuckles out of viewers and make them shed a tear all the same,Afiremay not be everyone’s ideal pick, given its slow pace.
Watch on Criterion
7’Soulmate'
Director: Yong-geun Min
Blending the coming-of-age story with the romance genre,Soulmatefocuses on the journey of two best friends (Kim Da-miandJeon So-nee) who spend the course of 14 years together after first meeting at 11. However, complications arise when one of them falls for a boy at the age of 18, causing a strain in their relationship. Will the two still understand each other years later when they reunite at 27?
Although overlooked,Yong-geun Min’s tender and delicatemovieis certainly worthwhile, especially if audiences are into Korean cinema (andfilms with queer undertones).Soulmatemeditates about the power of friendship and the meaning of human connectionthrough believable, three-dimensional characters brought to life by talented actors and a heartfelt narrative.
Watch on Hoopla
6’The Taste of Things'
Director: Tran Anh Hung
Featuring the acclaimed French actressJulietteBinocheandBenoîtMagimelin the lead roles, this historical romance set in 1889 tells the lovely story of an esteemed cook named Eugenie and Dodin — based on Dodin-Bouffant, created by authorMarcelRouffin his 1924 novelLa Vie et la passion de Dodin-Bouffant, gourmet— who is the fine gourmet who she has been working for over the last 20 years.
This beautiful celebration of love and life byTran Anh Hungmakes for quite a delightful viewing for hopeless romantics and foodies alike, as it combines the two with incredible results. Thanks to its charming premise that will sweep audiences off their feet and the excellent direction that elevates it,The Taste of Thingsproves that the appealof food movies remains intact. Tran Anh Hung deservedly won the Best Director award at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, and it was chosen as the French entry for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars.
The Taste of Things
Rent on Amazon
5’Fallen Leaves'
Director: Aki Kaurismäki
StarringAlma PöystiandJussi Vanaten,Fallen Leavesis a captivating dramafollowing a supermarket shelf-stocker on a zero-hour contract, later a recyclable plastic sorter. When an ex-alcoholic, Holappa, steps into the picture and their paths cross, the two attempt to build a meaningful relationship despite adversity.
Well-acted and compellingly told, the contemporaryFallen Leavesis a keen watch for those who love character-driven stories. Thanks to its unconventional romantic comedy elements,Aki Kaurismäki’s heartwarming Finnish movie feels like a warm hug at times (it even features one of the best karaoke scenes in film). While entertaining and humorous, the film sheds light on the struggles of two working-class people, making it equal parts touching. No doubt, this 2023 romance benefits from an intriguing couple at its center, as well as a simplistic but well-thought-out narrative that will sweep viewers off their feet.
Fallen Leaves
Watch on Mubi
4’Passages'
Director: Ira Sachs
Illustrating a gay couple (Franz RogowskiandBen Whishaw) whose marriage is put to the test when facing a crisis when one of the men impulsively begins an affair with a young woman (Adèle Exarchopoulos),Passagesis an equal parts sad and intenseanalysis of love triangles, sexuality, and loyalty.
Passagesis one of Ira Sachs' best. At its core,it is a sensual, playful, and intriguing queer romance dramafrom an openly gay filmmaker with really well-acted, strong performances that certainly make it worth the while. Additionally, the 2023 piece is stylish and provocative, with one of the most intriguing fictional love triangles at its center. Plus, it features polished interior décor. What more to ask?
