Romantic movies are loved for their ability to capture the essence of love in its many forms—whether it’s young love, unexpected love, or the struggles that come with finding your soulmate. In recent years, several romantic comedies and dramas have captured viewers’ hearts with their unique stories, relatable characters, and powerful emotions. Let’s look at six romantic movies from 2018 and 2019 that offer a mix of laughs, tears, and inspiration, each delivering a different perspective on love.
1. Love, Simon (2018)
“Love, Simon” is a heartfelt romantic comedy-drama that follows Simon Spier, a high school student who keeps a big secret—he’s gay, but he’s not ready to come out yet. Simon’s life takes a turn when he starts an anonymous email exchange with another closeted gay student from his school, known only as “Blue.” As Simon tries to uncover Blue’s identity, he also faces the challenge of keeping his secret, balancing friendships, and dealing with the ups and downs of teenage life.
This movie stands out for its portrayal of a young man struggling with his identity and yearning for acceptance and love. “Love, Simon” touches on themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. It’s a story that shows how love can be transformative, especially when it’s grounded in honesty. For many viewers, Simon’s journey to self-acceptance and finding love is both inspiring and relatable.
2. After (2019)
“After” is a romantic drama based on the novel by Anna Todd, originally written as a fanfiction inspired by One Direction. The story centers around Tessa Young, a college freshman with a sheltered and controlled life. Everything changes when she meets Hardin Scott, a rebellious, brooding young man with a mysterious past. Despite their differences, Tessa and Hardin are drawn to each other, and Tessa soon finds herself entangled in an intense and complicated romance that challenges her values and beliefs.
“After” dives deep into the emotions of first love—the passion, the heartbreak, and the sense of discovery. Tessa’s relationship with Hardin is turbulent, showing how love can be both beautiful and challenging. For many young viewers, this story resonates because it reflects the highs and lows of early romantic relationships and the journey of self-growth that often accompanies them.
3. Long Shot (2019)
“Long Shot” is a romantic comedy with a political twist, starring Charlize Theron as Charlotte Field, the U.S. Secretary of State, and Seth Rogen as Fred Flarsky, an unemployed journalist. The two characters have a history—Charlotte was Fred’s babysitter when they were kids. After a chance encounter, Charlotte hires Fred as a speechwriter for her presidential campaign, and they slowly begin to fall for each other, despite their vastly different personalities and backgrounds.
The humor in “Long Shot” is fresh and modern, with a dose of political satire. The movie explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and compromise, showing that love often finds us in the most unexpected places. Charlotte and Fred’s relationship is charming because it proves that opposites can attract, and that love doesn’t always follow a predictable path. It’s a fun, feel-good story that blends romance with humor in a way that appeals to audiences who enjoy a lighthearted yet meaningful story.
4. The Last Summer (2019)
“The Last Summer” is a romantic comedy-drama that follows a group of teenagers during the summer before they leave for college. As they try to make the most of their last moments of freedom, they experience romance, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The film features several interconnected stories, each focusing on different characters who are figuring out their future, their friendships, and their love lives.
This coming-of-age film captures the bittersweet emotions of growing up and moving on. “The Last Summer” highlights the excitement, uncertainty, and nostalgia that come with leaving behind one chapter of life and starting a new one. For young viewers, this movie is relatable because it mirrors the real-life experience of moving from adolescence into adulthood, exploring the complexities of relationships and the fleeting nature of summer romance.
5. Someone Great (2019)
“Someone Great” is a romantic comedy-drama that follows Jenny, a music journalist who recently went through a breakup with her longtime boyfriend, Nate. Set over the course of one day in New York City, Jenny and her two best friends, Erin and Blair, embark on an adventure to help her get over the heartbreak and prepare for a new chapter of her life. Through flashbacks, the movie shows Jenny and Nate’s relationship and the reasons behind their split.
This film is as much about friendship as it is about romance, emphasizing the importance of having a support system during difficult times. “Someone Great” dives into the reality of breakups and the process of moving on. It’s a refreshing take on how love isn’t always about staying together—sometimes, it’s about letting go and learning to love yourself. For many viewers, Jenny’s journey is both empowering and relatable, as it showcases the healing power of friendship and self-care.
6. What Men Want (2019)
In “What Men Want,” Taraji P. Henson stars as Ali Davis, a successful sports agent who constantly faces obstacles in her male-dominated industry. After drinking a strange tea during a psychic reading, Ali gains the unexpected ability to hear men’s thoughts. Armed with this new power, she begins to understand what the men around her really think, helping her navigate both her career and personal life.
This comedy is full of laughs, but it also addresses themes of gender dynamics, ambition, and personal growth. Ali’s mind-reading ability gives her insight into her relationships, teaching her valuable lessons about empathy and self-worth. “What Men Want” is fun, fast-paced, and empowering, especially for women navigating challenging careers. It combines comedy with a lighthearted look at gender dynamics, making it an entertaining watch with a meaningful message.
Each of these romantic movies offers something unique, capturing different aspects of love, friendship, and personal growth. From coming-of-age romances to tales of self-discovery and empowerment, these films resonate with audiences because they reflect the complexities of real-life relationships. Whether it’s the youthful excitement of first love, the struggles of a difficult breakup, or the challenges of balancing ambition with personal life, these movies bring both laughter and tears. They remind us that love comes in many forms and that, sometimes, the most important relationship is the one we have with ourselves.
