Top 100 Most Romantic Movies of 2000 – 2013 (Part D)

How many songs have you heard with themes of love? Too many for sure, and yet you’ll agree that humanity will certainly still make some more. The same themes of love recur with novels, and stories and poems, and paintings and yes, movies. Love is a universal, timeless experience that will continue to exist just as long as humanity does.

In the same sense, Hollywood has come up with innumerable movies celebrating the glory, the mystery and the pain of romantic love. We’ve sorted out the Top 100 Most Romantic Movies of 2000 – 2013 (biased list, of course, and I apologize) in our Part A, B, and C. Here then is the cherry on top of the most romantic films!

24. Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Cristine Daae is a beautiful, young soprano of the Paris Opera House. Unknown to her, a disfigured musical genius Erik, or referred to as the “Phantom” has for years been entranced by her voice. He is determined to lure her for himself and make her the star of the limelight. Raoul, Cristine’s childhood friend, returns and she finds herself in love with him. However, she is also torn with her feelings of compassion and pity for the masked Phantom who has turbulent, sinister plans whirling in his crooked mind.

Cast: Jennifer Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson

Romantic Mood: Bewitching and utterly fascinating especially if you’re a musicale fan!

IMdb Rating: 7.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating:  33%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44w6elsJr_I&w=450&h=338]

 23. High Fidelity (2000)

Music geek Rob Gordon has been dumped by his girlfriend Laura. With his poor knowledge about women, he can’t seem to understand why. So revisits his past relationships to see what has been going wrong. The days go by with him at Championship Vinyl his records store. And while he struggles to win Laura back, he starts his own music label.  When Laura’s father who fond of him dies, Rob attends the funeral and realizes he could have an encore in love after all.

Cast:  John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso, Jack Black

Romantic Mood: Awesome, very truthful and hilarious!

IMdb Rating: 7.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating:  92%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8DIm_47xPU&w=450&h=338]

 22.  One Day (2011)

After spending the night during their first meeting, Emma and Dexter agree to remain just as friends. And they did for over 23 years, supporting and communicating with each other, although Emma feels romantically attached to Dexter. He goes through a string of girlfriends and becomes a famous TV presenter. She dates a comedian she doesn’t really find funny and becomes an author. And in a fateful one day, they realize they might just be the best match for the other…

Cast:  Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess, Patricia Clarkson, Tom Mison

Romantic Mood: Sometimes funny, sometimes frustrating, sometimes sad

IMdb Rating: 6.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating:  36%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLUWHW5NxwI&w=450&h=338]

 21. About Time (2013)

Don’t ask how or why, but here’s the thing: at the age of 21, Tim finds out he can time travel. And when you do have such privilege to go back in the past to make your future according to your liking, you don’t waste it. He can relive any moment in memory until it turns perfect. Fantastic, right? But Tim learns that there are consequences and sacrifices to be made.

Cast:  Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson

Romantic Mood: Laughters and tears… at the right times!

IMdb Rating: 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 64%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OIFdWk83no&w=450&h=338]

 20. About a Boy (2002)

What if you could live comfortably without having to work a finger? Will lives that kind of life and spends it by reading pop culture and being “shallow.” Aiming for potential female partners, Will attends a Single Parents Alone Together (SPAT) and pretends to be single-handedly raising a son to snag some…well, MILF. The truth however is discovered by Marcus, a SPAT parent’s child. By this time, Will is interested in a single mother and reluctantly aids Marcus’ in his domestic and school troubles to keep his secret.

Cast:  Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Sharon Small

Romantic Mood: Heartwarming and funny

IMdb Rating: 7.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating:  93%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO4pbtwisBE&w=450&h=338]

 19. Love and Basketball (2000)

Monica and Quincy first meet as 11-year-olds. She outplayed all the boys in the neighborhood and though this caused tension initially, the two became very close friends as they share a common passion for basketball. As they blossom into young adulthood and aspire to be pro players, the friendship heightens into an electric chemistry and a deeper emotional yearning.

Cast:  Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Glenndon Chatman, Jess Willard

Romantic Mood: Incredibly touching! Would make you want to have a passion… and a guy bestfriend-turned-lover.

IMdb Rating: 6.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating:  82%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgjlcpM6Chk&w=450&h=338]

 18. The Spectacular Now (2013)

Sutter prides himself for living in the “moment.” He is content living from day to day drinking alcohol—well, he’s got a car, a job and a girlfriend… until he loses the latter. Aimee, a girl who likes to read science fiction and manga, finds him drunk and wakes him up at their lawn. They become friends and eventually start dating. But Sutter realizes he is no good for Aimee’s well-being and chooses to go back to his thoughtless, drunken now.

Cast:  Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Kyle Chandler, Jennifer Jason Leigh

Romantic Mood: Sweet in a teenybopper way and thought-provoking in a mature level

IMdb Rating: 7.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating:  91%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDTBLSkUmYk&w=450&h=338]

 17. The 40-year-old Virgin (2005)

Andy likes to collect action figures, play videogames, watch Survivor and live alone. At the age of 40, his virginity is superbly safe. But his co-workers pressure him to change his sexual status and Andy lands a date with a girl named Trish. Andy postpones and postpones potential sexual encounters with her even until their twentieth date… and his chances of a normal relationship goes uncertain.

Cast:  Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco

Romantic Mood: If you can think of a better word for funny or hilarious, that’s it!

IMdb Rating: 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 85%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hysIlCVLejk&w=450&h=338]

 16. Revolutionary Road (2008)

Frank Wheeler and April meet at a party. He was interesting, she was charming. They get married. Settling in a suburban home, she dedicates herself to the domesticities of life while he endures a job he finds dreary. Discontentment gradually strains the relationship and Frank and April are unsure if they can still stay and love each other.

Cast:  Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Christopher Fitzgerald, Jonathan Roumie

Romantic Mood: Painfully honest and realistic!

IMdb Rating: 7.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 68%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpra9OEw6nQ&w=450&h=338]

 15. Moulin Rouge (2001)

There is only one rule in Moulin Rouge: never fall in love. But rules like these are so tempting to break especially if you meet a handsome, playwright and crooner. Such was the case of Satine, a top entertainer and courtesan who is won over by the writer Christian. But she is “promised” to the Duke of Monroth who will never let anyone have Satine if he could never have her.

Cast:  Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent

Romantic Mood: Fun, down-to-the-bone sweetness and… tragic.

IMdb Rating: 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating:  76%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLy3q4YyxN8&w=450&h=338]

 14. Juno (2007)

Juno, a high-schooler, finds herself impregnated by her long-time friend Paulie Bleeker. While Paulie has loved her ever since she developed mature egg cells, she feels romantically indifferent towards him. At first considering abortion, Juno finds would-be adoptive parents, the Lorings, from a newspaper. As she carries on through the nine months of pregnancy, the Loring’s marriage falls apart… and she may have unacknowledged feelings for Paulie after all.

Cast:  Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman

Romantic Mood: Witty, witty, have we mentioned witty yet?

IMdb Rating: 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating:  94%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0SKf0K3bxg&w=450&h=338]

 13. Water for Elephants (2011)

A 93-year-old Jacob Jankowski reminisces of his past. After his parents’ death in car crash, the then-young Jacob takes a circus train. With his veterinary training, he was allowed to join the crew and to look after the animals. He falls for the star performer Marlena, who cares for the horses deeply. But the mean, big boss August stands in the way… as he is her lawful husband.

Cast:  Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, Paul Schneider

Romantic Mood: Dramatic and powerful!

IMdb Rating: 6.9/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 60%

Trailer:[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6b2XhXkPpg&w=450&h=338]

 12. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ennis and Jack, two seemingly ordinary cowboys, are hired to herd the sheep over the summer. In a drunken spree, Jack makes sexual advances which Ennis hesitantly falls for. What was agreed to be a one-time incident developed into a deeper emotional attachment. Ennis and Jack eventually get married to different people—women, and start families of their own but what they shared will haunt them forever.

Cast:  Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid

Romantic Mood: A compelling take on a different form of love

IMdb Rating: 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xuugq7fito&w=450&h=338]

 11. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Vicky and Cristina stay for the summer in Barcelona. The former is traditional and the latter is spontaneous and liberal. Despite their differences, both become attracted to the same man: the artist Juan Antonio, who in return is attracted to them both. As if matters aren’t yet complicated, Maria Elena, Juan’s neurotic ex-wife returns.

Cast:  Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Christopher Evan Welch

Romantic Mood: Slightly neurotic, maybe? But a sure thrill!

IMdb Rating: 7.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 82%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39PuFOTjtk8&w=450&h=338]

 10. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Andie Anderson is the “How To” girl in the posh magazine Composure. If she can come up with  brilliant article, she can be free to write about things that really interest her: religion, politics, economy. Insipired by her friend’s recent break-up, she plans to meet a guy and drive him away using “classic mistakes women make.” Meanwhile, Ben Barry is promised to head the advertising of a new diamond company if he can succeed in his bet: “to make any woman fall in love” with him. Ben’s rival co-workers set up them up and the result is a hilarious opposition of secret intentions and feelings.

Cast:   Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg

Romantic Mood: Brilliantly hilarious!

IMdb Rating: 6.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 42%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZI67ux7aJY&w=450&h=338]

 9. Before Sunset (2004)

Nine years ago, Jesse and Celine, two strangers in Vienna, spend a night together and part before sunrise. Here they meet again during Jesse’s book tour in Paris. It seems to both that that night is much vivid than the years that have passed. Both reveal their current relationships and their dissatisfaction with their lives. As Jesse must leave before the sun sets, their conversations in the course of the afternoon deepens to what might be love.

Cast:  Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff, Louise Lemoine Torres

Romantic Mood: Saccharinely sweet and dreamy!

IMdb Rating: 8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvFosXeqmDg&w=450&h=338]

 8. Lost in Translation (2003)

Charlotte is a newly-married fresh college grad whose photographer husband takes more interest in his models. Bob is an aging movie star who is experiencing midlife crisis and a crumbling marriage. Being both strangers in Tokyo, they form a friendship upon their meeting. They head out for an adventure and getting “lost in translation” with Japanese culture and of their different generation.

Cast:  Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris

Romantic Mood: Fun and funny and fabulously fantastic!

IMdb Rating: 7.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU0oZsqeG_s&w=450&h=338]

 7. 500 Days of Summer

Tom recollects his 500-day relationship with Summer Finn, his boss’ new assistant. They grow close and despite Summer’s vocal statements of her “not believing in true love” and not wanting a boyfriend, they eventually get together and become something like a couple. Summer ends the relationship however, and Tom sinks into a depression. When he stabilizes and meets Summer again, she is already engaged.

Cast: Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Geoffrey Arend, Chloë Grace Moretz

Romantic Mood: Funny, a bit heartbreaking, a bit enlightening… depends on how you see it.

IMdb Rating: 7.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87%

Trailer:[youtube= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD0NpFSADM&w=450&h=338]

 6. Atonement (2007)

Cecilia Tallis and their servant’s son, Robbie Turner, share a mutual attraction. In a gathering one night, they share an intimate act to which Briony, the younger Tallis who has a childhood crush on Robbie, witnesses. In a height of jealousy, Briony points Robbie as the attacker and he was sent to prison.  Many years later, joining the army is the only way he can attain freedom and be with Cecilia again. The then grown up Briony is haunted by the consequences of her action.

Cast:  Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Brenda Blethyn, Saoirse Ronan

Romantic Mood: You may want to hug yourself in a quiet corner after…

IMdb Rating: 7.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkVQwwPrr4c&w=450&h=338]

 5. A Walk to Remember (2002)

Landon Carter is a cool, popular kid and a toughie with no ambitions in the foreseeable future. When their prank on a classmate went wrong, Landon is sentenced to joining various school activities such as joining the drama club and tutoring other students. Through this, he encounters quiet and bookish Jamie Sullivan. At first, he is ashamed to be seen with her but as he knows her deeper, begins to publicly go with her. Landon falls in love… but Jamie has a secret yet to be told.

Cast:  Mandy Moore, Shane West, Peter Coyote, Daryl Hannah

Romantic Mood: The tissues will not be enough. Prepare stuff toys and a gallon of chocolate ice cream.

IMdb Rating: 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 27%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V96uhfQ0x9A&w=450&h=338]

 4. The Notebook

Local country boy Noah gets smitten with a pretty girl named Allie. It turns out she is only visiting for the summer and is an heiress of a wealthy family. Nevertheless, they still share a fun and sweet love affair which was cut short as Allie’s parents learn of it. To them, Noah is nothing but “trash” and their feelings are no different as they are only young and immature. Noah and Allie proceed with their lives apart. Many years after, Noah buys and rebuilds an old mansion he and Allie spent a night in during that fateful summer. The engaged Allie revisits and the two confront their old but undead feelings of deep adoration.

Cast:  Gena Rowlands, James Garner, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling

Romantic Mood: Star-crossed lovers against all odds… aaahhh, such poetry-inducing romance!

IMdb Rating: 7.9/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 52%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3G3fILPQAU&w=450&h=338]

 2. Wall E (2008)

Welcome to an uninhabited world littered with all by-products of human technology. The only “rational” creature left is a robot named Wall E which seemed to have developed a unique sense of sentience. His peaceful albeit lonely existence changes as a female robot, EVE, is deployed to find life again on Earth. At first, cold and hostile, EVE softens to Wall E’s clumsy antics. Just as it seems unlikely but certain for two robots to restore humanity on Earth, so it is in finding sweet romance in an animated movie featuring non-human characters.

Cast: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard

Romantic Mood: Giggles and smiles here and there! Electric (pun intended) sparks of chemistry everywhere!

IMdb Rating: 8.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alIq_wG9FNk&w=450&h=338]

 2. Titanic 3D (2007)

First released in 1997, Titanic’s tale of eternal love proves timeless that it has to be restored to the silver screen a decade after. Rose is upset for being forced by her mother to marry the 30-year-old, wealthy Cal to maintain their social standing. As she attempts to jump off the ship, Jack, a poor artist, comes to her rescue. The friendship they strike up was scandalous enough because of their differing social status. Later on, with his mischievous, carefree air and her openness and charm, they fall in love so genuinely and deeply aboard the ship that was fated to sink.

Cast:  Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates

Romantic Mood: Toe-curling and eye-bawling!

IMdb Rating: 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%

Trailer: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aaj1M5wDigg&w=450&h=338]

 1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

There is no denying about striking differences between Clementine and Joel. She is enthusiastic and free-spirited, he is withdrawn and laid-back. Still, the immediate mutual attraction between them cannot be ignored as they meet in a train. It turns out however that both are former lovers who had their memories erased after a bad break-up. They are both shocked but Joel insists they try again. Clementine hesitates. After all, things might still end up the same way.

Cast:  Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne

Romantic Mood: Hilarious, brilliant and excellent everything!

IMdb Rating: 8.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%

Trailer:  [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GiLxkDK8sI&w=450&h=338]

Just as sure as the sun will shine and humans will populate the earth, love will come for you (yes, it will!) and to the big screen! In ten years time, who knows, we’ll have another fantabulous list… hopefully inspired by each of our personal love stories!