6 min read
A look at how romance films in 2025 reflect love, choice, and the way people find meaning through connection.
Romance films in 2025 continue to explore love in many forms, from quiet emotional connections to relationships shaped by change, distance, and time. Rather than relying on grand gestures, many of this year’s romance movies focus on atmosphere, character dynamics, and the subtle moments that define meaningful relationships. This list brings together notable romance films of 2025 that stand out for their emotional tone, storytelling approach, and the way they capture intimacy on screen.
1. Wish You Were Here (2025)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Release: January 17, 2025
Director: Julia Stiles
Cast: Isabelle Fuhrman, Mena Massoud, Jennifer Grey, Kelsey Grammer
Overview: What begins as a fleeting connection gradually turns into something heavier and more intentional when the reality of time and loss enters the picture. The film focuses less on dramatic turns and more on how love quietly changes when the future is no longer guaranteed.
Why You Should Watch
- Heartfelt romantic drama with emotional depth
- Character-driven exploration of love and mortality
- Strong lead performances
- Director Julia Stiles’s feature debut
Who Should Watch
- Romantic drama lovers
- Viewers moved by emotional storytelling
- Fans of character-first cinema
- Those who enjoy reflective love stories
2. Materialists (2025)
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
Release: June 13, 2025
Director: Celine Song
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal
Overview: Set against New York’s polished dating scene, the story observes modern relationships through the eyes of someone who helps others find love but struggles with her own choices. Rather than judging its characters, the film watches how expectations, timing, and ambition shape intimacy.
Why You Should Watch
- Sharp NYC romance with humor and heart
- Ensemble cast chemistry
- A24’s thoughtful rom-com sensibility
- Explores modern dating culture
Who Should Watch
- Rom-com fans
- Viewers who enjoy character conflict
- Those interested in love triangles
- Audiences who like stylish urban romance
3. Regretting You (2025)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Release: October 24, 2025
Director: Josh Boone
Cast: Mckenna Grace, Mason Thames, Allison Williams, Dave Franco
Overview: This story moves between grief and connection, following a mother and daughter as their emotional lives begin to overlap in unexpected ways. Romance exists here, but it is inseparable from loss, memory, and the difficult work of understanding one another.
Why You Should Watch
- Emotional adaptation of a bestselling romance
- Intergenerational love and healing
- Strong ensemble cast
- Maturely handled themes of loss and connection
Who Should Watch
- Fans of book-to-screen romance
- Viewers who enjoy heartfelt dramas
- Audiences drawn to layered relationships
- Those seeking emotional narratives
4. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025)
Genre: Romantic Fantasy / Drama
Release: September 17, 2025 (Philippines), September 19 in U.S.
Director: Kogonada
Cast: Margot Robbie, Colin Farrell, Kevin Kline, Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Overview: Blending quiet fantasy elements with emotional reflection, the film follows two people whose connection unfolds through shared questions rather than clear answers. It treats romance as a space for contemplation, where imagination and emotional honesty coexist.
Why You Should Watch
- Visually poetic romance
- Blend of fantasy and relational drama
- High-profile cast performances
- Intimate tone
Who Should Watch
- Viewers who enjoy artfully told love stories
- Fans of genre-blended romance
- Audiences who appreciate introspective cinema
- Those drawn to character-rich films
5. It Ends With Us (2025)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Release: 2025
Director: Justin Baldoni
Cast: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Brandon Sklenar
Overview: The film approaches love without exaggeration. It looks at the emotional habits people gradually bring into relationships and the delicate balance between caring for someone and protecting yourself. The storytelling is calm, letting feelings move at their own pace.
Why You Should Watch
- A quiet and honest approach to romance
- Focus on emotional awareness
- A gentle, character-focused rhythm
- A story that leaves a subtle impression
Who Should Watch
- Viewers who enjoy realistic relationship stories
- Those looking for understated romantic films
- Audiences who prefer reflective storytelling
- Anyone interested in love beyond simple ideals
6. Love Guru (2025)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release: June 6, 2025
Director: Nadeem Baig
Cast: Humayun Saeed, Mahira Khan
Overview: Built around misunderstandings and charm, the story follows a man whose professional confidence slowly unravels as real emotions enter the equation. The film leans into humor while gently questioning what happens when performance turns into sincerity.
Why You Should Watch
- Fun rom-com with cultural flavor
- Warm performances
- Lighthearted entertainment
- Crowd-pleasing setup
Who Should Watch
- Rom-com fans
- Viewers who like cultural comedies
- Audiences who enjoy classic meet-cute plots
- Those seeking feel-good cinema
7. Sweetheart! (2025)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release: March 14, 2025
Director: Swineeth S. Sukumar
Cast: Rio Raj, Gopika Ramesh
Overview: Rooted in everyday situations and family dynamics, this romance finds humor in emotional hesitation and social expectation. The film allows its characters to be awkward, sincere, and imperfect as love slowly finds its place.
Why You Should Watch
- Regional rom-com warmth
- Fresh new voices in romance
- Heart-centric humor
- Cultural resonance
Who Should Watch
- Fans of international romance
- Viewers enjoying romantic comedies
- Audiences seeking variety in genre
- Those who appreciate regional charm
8. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release: 2025 (expected)
Director: Michael Morris
Cast: Renée Zellweger, Leo Woodall, Hugh Grant (rumored)
Overview: Returning to a familiar character at a different stage of life, the film explores romance through maturity, loss, and self-awareness. Humor remains central, but it is shaped by experience rather than naïveté.
Why You Should Watch
- Continuation of an iconic romantic character
- Humor with emotional core
- Nostalgic and contemporary mix
- Familiar ensemble
Who Should Watch
- Longtime fans of the franchise
- Rom-com lovers
- Viewers who enjoy character evolution
- Those who like broad appeal romances
9. The Gorge (2025)
Genre: Romantic Action / Drama
Release: February 14, 2025 (Valentine’s)
Director: Scott Derrickson
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Miles Teller
Overview: Set within a high-stakes environment, the story places emotional connection alongside danger and survival. Romance here is not separate from action; it is tested by it, shaped by pressure and constant movement.
Why You Should Watch
- Unique action-romance fusion
- Chemistry of leads
- Valentine’s Day appeal
- Suspenseful storytelling
Who Should Watch
- Fans of romance with edge
- Action lovers open to love stories
- Viewers who celebrate seasonal cinema
- Those seeking something bold
10. Eternity (2025)
Genre: Romantic Fantasy / Comedy
Release: November 26, 2025
Director: David Freyne
Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller
Overview: Set in a gentle fantasy setting, the film looks at love and choice through the idea of forever. It uses humor to keep the story light while exploring how commitment feels when time no longer moves forward.
Why You Should Watch
- Imaginative romantic premise
- Heartfelt and humorous
- Strong ensemble
- Mix of fantasy and love
Who Should Watch
- Fans of romantic fantasy
- Viewers who enjoy thought-provoking love stories
- Audiences seeking heartfelt comedy
- Those drawn to innovative genre blends
Before You GoIf
If you want to keep exploring romance films beyond this list, the Movies and TV Series sections offer additional curated selections and genre-based guides updated over time. For accurate film details, release information, and official records, platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes continue to serve as reliable and widely used reference sources.
If you’re looking for a different perspective beyond traditional love stories, you can explore Romance Films Beyond Clichés.
