The Best Romance Movies of the 90s

First on our list of the best romance movies of the 90s is Peter Howitt‘s Sliding Doors. It hit theaters in 1998, captivating audiences with its fresh take on romance and destiny.

The film followed Helen, a young Londoner played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Her life split into two realities based on catching or missing a train. This clever premise hooked viewers instantly, making us wonder how a single moment could change everything. The audience rooted for Helen in both timelines. In one, she discovered her boyfriend’s cheating and found new love. In the other, she faced different romantic challenges.

The film sparked discussions about fate in our own lives. Although it didn’t dominate the box office, it became a beloved cult classic (and without a doubt a favorite in my household). Sliding Doors was different from other 90s love stories, earning it a place on our list.

Sex. Manipulation. Revenge. Cruel Intentions definitely wasn’t your typical 90s romance. This 1999 take on Les Liaisons Dangereuses took teenage love to dark places. Director Roger Kumble adapted the classic French novel for the new generation.

The plot introduced audiences to Sebastian and Kathryn, the devious step-siblings. Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Gellar brought them to life as real monsters. Their target was Annette, played by Reese Witherspoon.

Cruel Intentions also dove into taboo topics. Sexuality, power plays, and moral corruption took center stage. The film shocked audiences. Even today, its influence echoes in modern teen dramas, proving that romance could be dangerous, complex, and captivating.

Another one of the best romance movies of the 90s was Never Been Kissed. It blended rom-com sweetness with high school nostalgia.

Drew Barrymore starred as Josie Geller, a 25-year-old copy editor. Her goal was to go undercover as a high school student in order to write an exposé on modern teens. That being said, Josie’s return to high school wasn’t smooth sailing. She relived her “Josie Grossie” days filled with awkwardness. But this time, she made friends. She even caught the eye of her English teacher, Sam Coulson. Their romance added a touch of rebellion to the mix.

The film tackled more than just romance, as it also explored second chances and self-discovery. Barrymore’s character bloomed from insecure to confident. The movie’s climax, a public first kiss, became an iconic 90s rom-com moment that is still referenced today.

Next,The Bridges of Madison County was another one of the best romance movies of the 90s. Meryl Streeep played an Italian war bride living in Iowa.

The story followed Francesca‘s affair with a traveling photographer, Robert Kincaid (played by Clint Eastwood). Streep showed the conflict between family duty and unexpected love. Streep and Eastwood‘s on-screen chemistry sizzled. Of course, this role earned Streep another Oscar nomination and proved again her ability to bring real humanity to every character she plays.

Overall, The Bridges of Madison County proved that romance isn’t just for the young. It showed that love can be complex, bittersweet, and profoundly beautiful at any age.

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As the top highest-grossing 90s movie and one of the best romances of all time, James Cameron‘s Titanic sailed into theaters in 1997 and essentially rewrote the box office rulebook.

The film’s massive $200 million budget had skeptics predicting disaster, but Titanic held the number one spot at the U.S. box office for a record-shattering 15 consecutive weeks.

The plot captivated audiences with the epic romance between Jack and Rose, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Audiences returned for multiple viewings, propelling the film to a global total of $1.8 billion. Titanic became the first movie to hit the billion-dollar mark and held the title of highest-grossing film for 12 years.

Beyond its financial success, Titanic also swept the 1998 Academy Awards. The film tied the record for most Oscar wins with 11, including Best Picture and Best Director for Cameron. Additionally, the film’s cultural impact extended far beyond cinema, influencing fashion, music, and even tourism to Titanic-related sites.

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10 Things I Hate About You reimagined Shakespeare for a new generation. It took “The Taming of the Shrew” and gave it a modern high school makeover.

The movie introduced us to the fierce Kat Stratford, who Julia Stiles brought to life. Heath Ledger played Patrick Verona, the bad boy who also had a hidden soft side. Their chemistry was electric, captivating audiences everywhere. As it can be seen today, the movie is still a teen movie classic and a beloved favorite, introducing Shakespeare to new generations with style and heart.

Another one of the best romance movies of the 90s was Pretty Woman. The premise of this film was bold, as it told the story of a businessman hiring a sex worker for a week.

Julia Roberts‘ smile lit up the screen as Vivian Ward, while Richard Gere brought charm and vulnerability to Edward Lewis. Together, they defied expectations and created magic. Undoubtedly, the movie had many key moments including the shopping scene and the fire escape climb.

Beyond the fairy tale, Pretty Woman also sparked debates. It glossed over harsh realities of sex work, reinforcing materialistic values. But, it also celebrated personal growth. Nevertheless, the film grossed $463 million worldwide, revitalizing the rom-com genre for a new decade.

Next on our list of the best romance movies of the 90s is Richard Linklater‘s Before Sunrise. Released in 1995, the story followed Jesse and Céline, played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.

In the film, the couple met on a train in Europe. They spontaneously decided to spend one night together in Vienna before Jesse’s flight home. This simple premise captivated viewers, as they watched these strangers form a deep connection in just a few hours.

After its release, Before Sunrise gained a devoted following and critical acclaim. Its honest depiction of young love and the bittersweet nature of fleeting moments set it apart from other 90s romances. The film’s impact evidently led to two sequels, making it the start of one of cinema’s most beloved romantic trilogies and one of the best romance movies of the 90s.

Lastly, capping our list of the best romance movies of the 90s is Ghost. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore starred as Sam and Molly, lovers separated by death. Whoopi Goldberg‘s Oscar-winning performance as psychic Oda Mae Brown also added humor and heart to the movie.

Ghost became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $505 million worldwide. The pottery scene set to “Unchained Melody” is now iconic, perfectly capturing the film’s mix of sensuality and emotion. Overall, by exploring love beyond death, Ghost offered a fresh take on romance, earning it the final spot on our list of the best romance movies of the 90s.

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