There's nothing like the thrill of a successful first date, which romance the movies capture it perfectly. When the jokes flow perfectly and the conversation is brilliant, the actors in romance films portray perfect chemistry that captivates the audience. Movie romances give viewers the hope of having a great night, a charming day, or even a non-date that goes so well that it fuels the embers of passion and leads to a steamy romance movie. The protagonists have been falling in love on screen for decades and watching that first meeting that changes everything is a thrill.
From coffee that turns into an evening stroll through the city to a carefully planned event, romance always strikes when the spark is right. When actors have the right chemistry, they can turn a simple conversation into a cat and mouse game where both parties have a chance of winning. Even if a romance movie has a tragic ending, the perfect first date is worth it.
10
13 Going on 30 (2004)
Directed by Gary Winick
This sweet and charming film is part teen movie, part romantic comedy. When 13-year-old Jenna (Jennifer Garner) suddenly wakes up as a 30-year-old magazine editor with a great apartment, her world is understandably turned upside down. She looks for her best friend, Matty (Mark Ruffalo), to try to make sense of it all. It turns out that they no longer seem like friends in this reality, she tries to rebuild this apparently lost connection. What's worse, they both have quite annoying other halves to contend with.
When the two start working on a work project for Jenna, it's clear there's something there. They stroll the streets of New York, reminiscing about simpler times and bonding through Razzles. With a solid foundation of friendship, they build a deeper connection that highlights how much they've grown over the years. Although it didn't even start out as a date, the two ended up kissing after playfully jumping off the swings. It was the definition of healthy.
9
Crazy, stupid, love. (2011)
Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have a very special chemistry. Their connection is so strong that they have done three films together so far, where they play on-screen love interests. Crazy, stupid, love and its great soundtrack sees Gosling as a cunning womanizer, who scours his favorite bar looking for dates. With a set of tried and true "moves", he has a very high success rate in casual adventures. That is, until he's shot down by Stone's Hannah. A scenario that doesn't please him, but that puts this girl firmly at the forefront of his mind.
When she shows up at the bar, drenched in rain after a dramatic breakup, she just wants to “make out with the hot guy at the bar,” but what follows is much more charming and wholesome. As the pair play weird but adorable banter, Cal shows Hannah his moves, which include mixing the perfect drink and recreating the Dirty Dancing elevator. But instead of exploring the physical side, they end up falling in love in a much more real way. With conversations flowing throughout the night and lots of genuine laughter, the two end up finding something much more real than a one-night stand.
8
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Directed by Gil Junger
Young love can be very powerful, especially if it is generated by hate. Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger have incredible chemistry as Kat and Patrick as they train, fight, and flirt. Part of the teen film genre based on classic literature, this romantic comedy was inspired by the work of Shakespeare The Taming of the Shrew. With many twists and turns, Kat and Patrick end up spending the most adorable day together after she gets him out of detention.
Complete with a fun-filled paddleboat ride on Lake Union and the funniest paintball game in movie history, these two unlikely lovebirds discover they are much more in love with each other than they initially thought. As they look into each other's eyes, and Ledger tucks a pain-covered strand of hair behind Stiles' ear, it's clear the connection that's leading to this truly adorable day.
7
500 Days of Summer (2009)
Directed by Marc Webb
This bittersweet cult classic tells the story of how a relationship goes from the initial stages of love to a sad, dejected ending. As Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel) meet and fall in love, there's a lot of quirky tension and lingering glances between the two. As the audience experiences some of the same scenes through different perspectives, it's interesting to see how a moment that once seemed so joyful can actually hide many details that previously seemed innocuous.
But even if Tom and Summer don't work out, their first date is one of the best in recent memory. As the two roam Ikea, they recreate some cute playing house scenes, with lots of chemistry and playful humor. The simplicity of this date is what made it so real and romantic. Like so many love lessons in 500 days of summerThe date proves that if the spark is there, couples don't need candlelit dinners or bouquets of flowers.
6
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Directed by Joe Wright
The definition of "slow burn," Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) dance around the theme of romance, literally and figuratively, in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudicethe model for period romance films. Their first date does not go well, as Darcy's ego and high opinion of himself are overheard by Lizzie at the ball. As the two meet more, there is a kind of invisible thread that unites them, without them realizing it.
Since the film is set in the Regency era, dating wasn't exactly an option, but these two famous literary characters managed to spend some quality time despite the restrictions of the period. Most notably, they share a dance so romantic that they feel like the only two people in the room. As their hands gently touch and they look deeply into each other's eyes, the ballroom disappears and it's just them on the floor. There's so much romance in just a few of their longing glances that viewers can't help but root for them to communicate better.
5
Hitch (2005)
Directed by Andy Tennant
This charming romantic film is filled with comedic moments between Will Smith and Eva Mendes as they navigate a budding romance. Hitch uses his experience as a dating coach to plan the “perfect date” for Sara, but it's when things go wrong that true romance blossoms. While a jet ski ride ends with a splash and a well-planned trip to Ellis Island ends in a rage, the way the couple overcomes these hiccups is what brings them together.
Smith uses his innate charm to win over his on-screen love interest as well as viewers. Sara can see the thought that went into planning these things, which allows her to see the softer side of Hitch. He is forced to let his guard down in front of this fabulous woman, which allows them to share a true moment of connection, spontaneous and exciting.
4
Notting Hill (1999)
Directed by Roger Michell
The unlikely love story between a travel bookshop owner and a Hollywood star is set in the picturesque Notting Hill area of West London. While Hugh Grant's lovable British bumbler manages to impress Julia Roberts' Anna Scott, he somehow manages to score a date with the famous actor. After a disastrous first attempt that results in William interviewing all of Scott's co-stars at a press conference, they plan a suitable outing for the family's birthday.
As the odd couple attend a very practical dinner, they get a glimpse of what their life as a married couple could be like. Each of Will's friends has their own hilarious reaction to the celebrity guest. Honey (Emma Chambers) immediately wants to befriend her, Bella (Gina McKee) acts pretty calm, while Bernie (Hugh Bonneville) puts his foot down and doesn't recognize her at all. These healthy interactions bring the two closer, and when they end the date on a romantic walk in a private park, they become even closer.
3
Roman Holiday (1953)
Directed by William Wyler
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck sizzle in this classic film that features one of the best non-date first dates in cinema history. While Princess Ann wants to spend a day of normality, away from royal duties and protocols, she spends the day exploring Rome on a Vespa with a charismatic American journalist. As they travel through the beautiful historic city, they end up falling in love in the process.
Romantic moments on the Spanish Steps and the laugh-filled scene at the Mouth of Truth showed these wary characters gradually opening up to each other as they spend more time together. This day is full of fleeting moments that make it even more magical. The starry night on the banks of the Tiber River is the icing on the cake of one of the best days possible for both characters.
2
You Got Mail (1998)
Directed by Nora Ephron
Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks have appeared on screen a few times, and this story of rival bookstore owners has one of the best enemies-to-lovers builds. As they argue all over New York in You've got mailtheir chemistry bubbles quietly beneath the surface. After all, they are both extremely charming and likable individuals, and viewers are as drawn to them as they are to each other.
They technically avoid dating in real life, despite unknowingly starting a relationship online. When they arrange to meet in person for the first time, Joe Fox recognizes that it is Kathleen Kelly, an acquaintance of his via email. He enters the restaurant to try and get around the situation, only to be met with more criticism from his literary rival. They fight verbally, and at the end of the heated argument, he realizes his true feelings. The entire scene is filled with so much underlying tension and unspoken feelings that it's clear how much potential these two have.
1
Before Sunrise (1995)
Directed by Richard Linklater
This entire film revolves around a long encounter filled with moments of magic and romance. As Céline (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke) walk together through the streets of Vienna, they share deep conversations and many unforgettable, yet fleeting, experiences. From their initial meeting on the train to their kiss on the Ferris wheel, the couple is spontaneous at every step, eager to see where the night takes them.
Arguably one of the most romantic scenes in this iconic and romantic film is the one in the record store. As Céline and Jesse meet in the audition booth, their closeness grows even more. As they exchange lustful glances between moments of comfortable silence, the attraction is electrifying. The chemistry between the characters and the actors led to two sequels and a beautiful on-screen love story.