10 Classic Movies For Hopeless Romantics | Pretty Reel

It seems that in today’s world, romance is often described as grand gestures and lavish displays of affection. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a little extravagance every once in a while, there’s something to be said for the classic romance portrayed in movies of the past. These films may not have the flashy displays of affection we see in modern movies, but they make up for that with their raw, unabashed portrayal of love.

These classic movies showcase the ups and downs of relationships, the work it takes to maintain a connection, and the beauty of the simple moments shared between two people. They remind us that love isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. In a world where everything seems to be constantly shifting and changing, it can be heartwarming to return to the familiar, timeless depictions of romance found in those classic movies. They remind us that some things, like love, remain constant and eternal.

If you’re a hopeless romantic looking for a movie to wind down on a rainy day, look no further than the classics.

10/10 West Side Story (1961)

United Artists

West Side Story is a classic musical that tells the timeless story of a forbidden love between Tony, a member of the Jets gang, and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. Set against the backdrop of New York’s West Side, this film is a modern tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The romance between Tony and Maria is intense and passionate, but ultimately doomed due to their rival gang affiliations. The musical numbers and dance scenes in this movie are iconic, and the storyline is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

9/10 Office Set (1957)

20th century workshops

A charming romantic comedy, Desk Set, stars Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn as two co-workers who are initially at odds with each other. Tracy plays a computer expert who is brought in to modernize the television network where Hepburn’s character works. Despite their initial animosity, the two eventually fall in love. The romance in this film is sweet and understated, with Hepburn and Tracy’s natural chemistry carrying the film.

8/10 Roman Holiday (1953)

Paramount Pictures

Roman Holiday is a much-loved classic film that follows the romance between a princess on a diplomatic tour and a journalist assigned to cover her visit. The two meet by chance and decide to spend a day exploring Rome together, leading to a playful yet poignant romance. The beautiful city of Rome serves as the perfect backdrop for this charming love story, and performances by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck are unforgettable.

7/10 Singing in the Rain (1952)

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Another classic musical, Singin’ in the Rain is a love letter to Hollywood’s Golden Age. The film follows the romance between a silent film star, played by Gene Kelly, and an aspiring young actress, played by Debbie Reynolds. The film is filled with memorable musical numbers and showcases the transformative power of love. The romance between Kelly and Reynolds is sweet and uplifting, and their dance scenes are iconic.

6/10 A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

Pictures from Warner Bros.

A Streetcar Named Desire is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams. The film follows the tumultuous relationship between Stanley Kowalski, a working-class man, and Blanche DuBois, a declining Southern belle. The romance between Stanley and Blanche is complicated and fraught with tension, but it’s ultimately a story about the enduring power of love and desire. The performances of Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh are unforgettable, and the film remains a classic of American cinema.

5/10 Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Loew’s, Inc.

Meet Me In St. Louis is a classic musical that follows the life of the Smith family as they prepare to leave St. Louis and move to New York. While the film is full of catchy tunes and lavish dance numbers, it’s also a heartwarming story about the power of family and the bittersweet process of growing up. The romance in the film is understated, but no less poignant, as it shows the enduring love between two characters separated by distance but ultimately reunited.

4/10 Casablanca (1942)

Pictures from Warner Bros.

Casablanca is truly an iconic film set in the middle of World War II and follows the tumultuous relationship between Rick Blaine, a cynical American expat, and Ilsa Lund, an old flame who comes back into his life as he tries to flee the country. . . The romance in this film is intense and tragic, as Rick and Ilsa are torn between their love for each other and the duty they feel to their respective causes.

3/10 The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Loew’s Inc.

The Philadelphia Story, a classic comedy, follows the life of Tracy Lord, an upper class heiress who is about to marry for the second time. When a group of reporters arrive to cover her wedding, Tracy is forced to confront her own feelings and the choices she’s made in life. The romance in this film is delightful and lighthearted, as Tracy navigates the attentions of three very different suitors and learns to let go of her preconceptions about love.

2/10 The Corner Shop (1940)

Loew’s Inc.

A charming romantic comedy, The Shop Around The Corner, follows the lives of two co-workers who can’t stand each other in real life, but who unknowingly have a romantic relationship with a pen pal. As they begin to fall in love through their letters, they are blissfully unaware of each other’s true identity. The romance in this film is sweet and innocent, as both characters discover the power of communication and the magic of falling in love.

1/10 It Happened One Night (1934)

Pictures of Colombia

Taking us back in time, It Happened One Night is a classic romantic comedy that follows the tumultuous relationship between a wealthy socialite and a mischievous journalist as they travel across the country together. As they bicker and joke throughout their journey, they begin to realize that they might be perfect for each other. The romance in this film is playful and bubbly, as the two main characters learn to let their guard down and embrace the possibility of love.