More often than not, fantasy movies include an element of romance in their stories, as these two genres easily go hand in hand. Since the aspects of fantasy that make it otherworldly, like magic and mystery, are used to reflect real-life struggles and topics, it’s natural that love and relationships are touched upon as well. However, this doesn’t mean that every movie ends happily for its central couple, as fantasy is just as filled with violence and tragedy as it is magic and goodness. This makes it even more exciting when the lovers do get a happily-ever-after.
The best fantasy romance movies ever made are notable for their stories and visuals but are often elevated to classic status thanks to the performances. For audiences to get invested in the romance angle of a narrative, the love interests must have a dynamic and believable chemistry. In the films where the lead couple gets to win the day and ride off into the sunset together, the actors are clearly having fun together and have the kind of spark that can’t be manufactured.
10
The Princess Bride (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner
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9.3/10
The Princess Bride
PG
FantasyFamilyAdventure
Based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a comical fantasy adventure film that tells a swashbuckling tale of a hero and a princess, read to a young, sick boy in bed by his grandfather. The story itself follows farmhand Westley, who embarks on an epic journey to save his beloved princess from an evil prince as he meets strange but reliable companions along the way.
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Release Date
October 9, 1987
Runtime
98 minutes
Cast
Mandy Patinkin
, Chris Sarandon
, Robin Wright
, Cary Elwes
, Christopher Guest
Director
Rob Reiner
Writers
William Goldman
Studio(s)
20th Century
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The Princess Bride is an iconic movie that blends fantasy and romance, and as time has passed, the film has only continued to demonstrate that it will never lose its status as a classic. The central romance between Buttercup and Westley is written to be as epic and sweeping as possible, tearing them apart only to bring them back together with dramatic intensity. Robin Wright and Cary Elwes’ chemistry helps make the audience care about their relationship, but it’s the script that makes it so touching.
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There’s a lot of room for variety within the fantasy genre, and no matter what niche these movies fill, they’re considered the best of their class.
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2
However, romantic love is far from the only type of love demonstrated in The Princess Bride, as much of the story hinges on a grandfather’s affection for his grandson in the frame narrative. Additionally, friendship plays a huge role in the film, as Westley relies on the help of Inigo and Fezzik to reunite him with Buttercup and save the day. Though it’s clear throughout The Princess Bride that love will conquer all, this doesn’t make the ride to get there any less enjoyable.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Princess Bride (1987) |
96% |
94% |
9
Beauty And The Beast (1991)
Directed by Gary Trousdale & Kirk Wise
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10/10
Beauty and the Beast
AnimationFamilyFantasyMusical
A selfish prince is doomed to become a monster for the rest of his life, unless he manages to fall in love with a beautiful young woman.
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Release Date
November 21, 1991
Runtime
84 Minutes
Cast
Paige O’Hara
, Robby Benson
, Angela Lansbury
, Jerry Orbach
, David Ogden Stiers
, Bradley Pierce
, Jesse Corti
, Richard White
Director
Gary Trousdale
, Kirk Wise
Beauty and the Beast is one of the best movies of the Disney Renaissance, a period from 1989 to 1999 when the studio was releasing some of its most enduring hits. Based on the French fairytale of the same name, Beauty and the Beast is a tale of finding love in unlikely places and seeing beyond someone’s physical appearance to see into their soul. Though Belle is uncertain about the Beast’s true nature, as he’s afraid to let anyone in, they slowly warm to each other throughout the story.
Of course, Beauty and the Beast updates some of the more mature and old-fashioned aspects of the fairytale, as the studio does with most princess movies. However, the heart and central messages remain the same, as not only do Belle and the Beast find love and solace in each other, but they also stand up for their love in the face of prejudice. While many Disney movies have love stories, Beauty and the Beast is one of the most unabashedly romantic.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Beauty and the Beast (1991) |
95% |
93% |
8
Stardust (2007)
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
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7.3/10
Stardust
PG-13
AdventureComedyFantasyRomance
Stardust is a fantasy-based romantic adventure-comedy by director Matthew Vaughn and based on the original novel by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess. In the film, Tristan, a young man who lives in an English town near a magical border wall, decides to catch a fallen star to win the affection of a woman named Yvaine. However, Tristan soon learns what – or who – the star is, and a grand adventure back to England begins.
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Release Date
August 10, 2007
Runtime
128 Minutes
Cast
Claire Danes
, Charlie Cox
, Sienna Miller
, Ricky Gervais
, Jason Flemyng
, Rupert Everett
, Peter O’Toole
, Michelle Pfeiffer
, Robert De Niro
Director
Matthew Vaughn
Writers
Jane Goldman
, Matthew Vaughn
Studio(s)
Marv
, Ingenious Film Partners
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Before Charlie Cox and Claire Danes were known for their action-packed TV shows Daredevil and Homeland, they played love interests in the fantastical romance Stardust. Based on the novel of the same name, Stardust transports the protagonist, Tristan, and the audience to the world beyond the wall, where magic is real, princes fight to the death for the throne, and fallen stars turn into human women. Yvaine is one of these fallen stars, and when she and Tristan find each other, all she wants to do is go back to the sky.
While their relationship might start out in rocky territory, they learn and grow together, allowing the viewer to root for them with no reservations.
However, Yvaine finds there are things on Earth worth staying for. One of the best parts of Stardust is the fact that through falling in love with Yvaine and going on his travels, Tristan isn’t changed, but he comes into himself and has the confidence to test his limits. While their relationship might start out in rocky territory, they learn and grow together, allowing the viewer to root for them with no reservations. Though the climax of the movie is dark and a little scary, Tristan and Yvaine come out on top.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Stardust (2007) |
77% |
86% |
7
About Time (2013)
Directed by Richard Curtis
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9.2/10
About Time
R
ComedyDocumentaryDramaSci-Fi
When Tim Lake learns that he, like all the men in his family, has the ability to travel back in time, he decides to use this ability to help him find love and improve his and his loved ones’ lives.
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Release Date
September 4, 2013
Runtime
123 minutes
Cast
Domhnall Gleeson
, Rachel McAdams
, Bill Nighy
, Tom Hollander
, Margot Robbie
, Lydia Wilson
, Lindsay Duncan
, Richard Cordery
Director
Richard Curtis
Writers
Richard Curtis
Studio(s)
Universal Pictures
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Plenty of time travel movies touch upon the impact this has on romantic love, but About Time is a soft fantasy that uses its magical elements to elevate the everyday aspects of the story. When Tim, played by Domhnall Gleeson, discovers his gift for time travel, he realizes that what he wants most in the world is to find the person he loves. Though he ends up making things worse for himself more often than not, most of About Time is formatted as a classic rom-com with the typical triumphs and failures.
Though there’s sadness and regret in About Time, this is framed as something that’s simply part of life and unavoidable. Even when Tim is at his lowest and experiencing loss, he finds comfort in Mary, Rachel McAdams, and his family. The final monologue in About Time explains that Tim has found joy in not using time travel anymore, as his life with Mary and their children brings him all the happiness he could ask for.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
About Time (2013) |
71% |
82% |
6
Ella Enchanted (2004)
Directed by Tommy O’Haver
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7/10
Ella Enchanted
PG
ComedyFamilyFantasy
Ella Enchanted is a fantasy film directed by Tommy O’Haver, based on Gail Carson Levine’s novel. The story follows Ella (Anne Hathaway), who is under a spell that forces her to obey any command given to her. As she embarks on a quest to break the enchantment, she encounters various characters and challenges. The film also stars Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, and Minnie Driver, blending humor, romance, and adventure.
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Release Date
April 9, 2004
Runtime
96 Minutes
Cast
Anne Hathaway
, Hugh Dancy
, Cary Elwes
, Aidan McArdle
, Joanna Lumley
, Lucy Punch
Director
Tommy O’Haver
Writers
Kirsten Smith
, Karen McCullah
, Laurie Craig
, Jennifer Heath
, Michele J. Wolff
This off-beat take on a classic Cinderella story stars Anne Hathaway as Ella, a young woman who leaves home to change her fate. Though it isn’t her fault, Ella is cursed with obedience, stripping her of her agency and forcing her to do whatever people tell her. While this is an extreme example, it’s a relatable experience for many young audiences, as coming of age means asserting one’s wants and needs, even if this means breaking from the norm.
One of the biggest ways Ella finds herself is through her burgeoning connection with Prince Charmont, played by a fittingly charming Hugh Dancy.
One of the biggest ways Ella finds herself is through her burgeoning connection with Prince Charmont, played by a fittingly charming Hugh Dancy. Char learns about the injustices of the kingdom through Ella, and Ella discovers that the power to break her curse was inside her all along, thanks to her love for Char. After her many hardships and terrible treatment from the people who wished to keep her down, Ella deserves every moment of her triumph.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Ella Enchanted (2004) |
51% |
57% |
5
Practical Magic (1998)
Directed by Griffin Dunne
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8.8/10
Practical Magic
PG-13
FantasyComedyDrama
Practical Magic is a romantic fantasy film directed by Griffin Dunne, featuring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, born into a family of witches. Living under a curse that dooms any man they fall in love with to an untimely death, the sisters navigate love, loss, and their magical heritage while confronting family secrets and societal prejudices.
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Release Date
October 16, 1998
Runtime
104 Minutes
Cast
Nicole Kidman
, Sandra Bullock
, Stockard Channing
, Dianne Wiest
, Goran Visnjic
, Aidan Quinn
, Evan Rachel Wood
, Mark Feuerstein
Director
Griffin Dunne
Writers
Alice Hoffman
, Robin Swicord
, Akiva Goldsman
, Adam Brooks
The sisterly love between Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gilly (Nicole Kidman) is the strongest force in Practical Magic, but that doesn’t make it less satisfying to see Sally find love once again. Both sisters have a difficult journey in Practical Magic, as Sally loses the man she loves, and Gilly chooses all the wrong men. Practical Magic‘s inciting incident sees the women attempt to cover up a murder in their small town as Sally finds herself inexplicably falling in love with the man who’s investigating them.
Thanks to its cult classic status, Practical Magic 2 is confirmed, and it’s likely that the sequel will maintain the cozy and gorgeous aesthetic of the first movie’s atmosphere. It will be interesting to catch up with Sally and Gilly, as Practical Magic left Sally happy with her new man, and their family is finally accepted by the community, who are no longer afraid of their magical powers. Though critical reception is mixed for Practical Magic, it’s easy to watch Bullock and Kidman work onscreen.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Practical Magic (1998) |
26% |
73% |
4
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
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7.6/10
Howl’s Moving Castle
8-12 years
AnimationActionAdventureFamilyFantasyRomance
From Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle is based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones. The story follows Sophie, a shy hat-maker living in a fictional magical kingdom who is cursed by a witch into looking like an elderly woman. Leaving her home in search of a cure, Sophie encounters Howl, a powerful magician, and becomes the housekeeper for his magical ambulatory castle. The English dubbed version stars Emily Mortimer and Christian Bale as Sophie and Howl.
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Release Date
November 20, 2004
Runtime
119minutes
Cast
Chieko Baisho
, Takuya Kimura
, Akihiro Miwa
, Tatsuya Gashûin
, Ryûnosuke Kamiki
, Mitsunori Isaki
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Writers
Diana Wynne Jones
Based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones, Howl’s Moving Castle is a loose adaptation of the story, but it successfully captures the emotional core of the relationship between Sophie and Howl. Studio Ghibli movies are known for their incredible visuals and tender character development, but there’s little question that Howl’s Moving Castle is the most explicitly romantic movie in Miyazaki’s oeuvre. There’s something so beautiful and aspirational in the fact that Howl falls for Sophie when he can’t see the real her.
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Howl’s Moving Castle Review: Miyazaki’s Most Romantic Film Is Just As Breathtaking 20 Years Later
20 years later, Howl’s Moving Castle is still a thrilling and gorgeous addition to Miyazaki’s filmography and will continue to connect with viewers.
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However, it’s clear that Howl isn’t fooled by the curse because he knows Sophie’s heart, and this encourages him to take back the burden of his own. Howl’s Moving Castle reminds the audience that the pain and heartache of living are worth it for the moments of love and happiness that come with it. Despite, or even because of, the many flaws that the pair of them don’t bother hiding from each other, Howl and Sophie have no trouble falling for each other.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) |
88% |
93% |
3
The Mummy (1999)
Directed by Stephen Sommers
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The Mummy
PG-13
AdventureActionFantasy
The Mummy, released in 1999, follows dashing legionnaire Rick O’Connell as he discovers the hidden ancient city of Hamunaptra in 1920s Egypt. The adventure unfolds with the accidental awakening of Imhotep, a former High Priest who was cursed over three thousand years ago, threatening doom upon the world.
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Release Date
April 16, 1999
Runtime
124 minutes
Cast
Brendan Fraser
, Rachel Weisz
, John Hannah
, Arnold Vosloo
, Patricia Velásquez
, Oded Fehr
, Kevin J. O’Connor
, Jonathan Hyde
, Erick Avari
, Stephen Dunham
, Corey Johnson
, Mohammed Afifi
, Mohamed Saïd Afifi
, Tuc Watkins
, Omid Djalili
, Bernard Fox
, Aharon Ipalé
, Carl Chase
, Abderrahim El Aadili
, Jake Arnott
, Mason Ball
, Isobel Brook
, James Traherne Burton
, Peter Chequer
, Porl Smith
Writers
Stephen Sommers
Expand
With a combination of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, it’s hard to argue that The Mummy has the kind of old-fashioned Hollywood romantic chemistry that many modern romance movies are missing. Fraser is Rick, the devil-may-care adventurer searching for treasure, while Weisz plays Evelyn, the bookish librarian who’s ready to step outside her world of research and experience the thrill of danger. Between his courage and her intelligence, there’s little that the pair can’t accomplish, and they can’t help noticing how well they work together.
However, as Rick and Evie fall in love, the world falls apart around them as the titular mummy, Imhotep, releases his curse on the universe because his long-lost love was stolen from him. Unfortunately, not everyone can find their happy ending in The Mummy, as Imhotep’s time is over, and instead of passing on peacefully, he visits his evil onto others. However, in their quest to defeat him, Evie and Rick cement their connection and allow themselves to fall head over heels.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Mummy (1999) |
62% |
75% |
2
Ladyhawke (1985)
Directed by Richard Donner
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9.5/10
Ladyhawke
PG-13
AdventureComedyDrama
Ladyhawke is a fantasy adventure film directed by Richard Donner. The story follows a young thief, a disillusioned knight, and a beautiful noblewoman cursed to transform into a hawk by day. Set against a medieval backdrop, the trio seeks to outwit the malevolent bishop responsible for the curse. Starring Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer, the film combines elements of romance, action, and supernatural intrigue.
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Release Date
April 12, 1985
Runtime
121 Minutes
Cast
Matthew Broderick
, Rutger Hauer
, Michelle Pfeiffer
, Leo McKern
Director
Richard Donner
Writers
Edward Khmara
, Michael Thomas
, Tom Mankiewicz
, David Webb Peoples
A tragic curse tears apart young lovers in Ladyhawke, the slightly campy but very memorable fantasy romance movie from the 1980s. Starring a young Matthew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Rutger Hauer, Ladyhawke is told from the perspective of Broderick’s character, Phillipe, who encounters Isabeau and Etienne, a couple cursed to be forever apart. Isabeau is transformed into a hawk during the day while Etienne is a wolf at night, forcing them to miss each other eternally.
The thrust of the story revolves around Phillipe’s resolve to help them break the curse and retain their human forms.
The thrust of the story revolves around Phillipe’s resolve to help them break the curse and retain their human forms. Of course, there are evil dukes and terrible villains who attempt to prevent them from lifting the spell, but Phillipe keeps faith that love will conquer all, and the pair shouldn’t give up hope. Though it would be better if the curse never happened, it makes it all the sweeter when it’s broken, allowing the couple to find true happiness.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Ladyhawke (1985) |
67% |
74% |
1
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Directed by Frank Capra
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It’s a Wonderful Life
PG
DramaFamilyFantasy
It’s a Wonderful Life is a classic American film released in 1946. It follows George Bailey, who runs a building and loan company in Bedford Falls, as he faces financial ruin on Christmas Eve. His company is the only obstacle preventing the wealthy Mr. Potter from taking over the town.
Where to Watch
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Release Date
December 20, 1946
Runtime
130 minutes
Cast
Donna Reed
, James Stewart
, Lionel Barrymore
, Thomas Mitchell
, Henry Travers
, Beulah Bondi
, Frank Faylen
, Ward Bond
, Gloria Grahame
, H.B. Warner
, Frank Albertson
, Todd Karns
, Samuel S. Hinds
, Mary Treen
, Virginia Patton
, Charles Williams
, Sarah Edwards
, William Edmunds
, Lillian Randolph
, Argentina Brunetti
, Robert J. Anderson
, Ronnie Ralph
, Jeanne Gail
, Jeanine Ann Roose
, Danny Mummert
Writers
Albert Hackett
, Frances Goodrich
Expand
The seminal Christmas classic, It’s A Wonderful Life, is one of the best collaborations between Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra, an actor and filmmaker who defined the traditional American film genre about family and class. Though it ends happily, It’s A Wonderful Life is surprisingly dark, with Stewart’s character, George, facing tremendous setbacks and failing to accomplish the great dreams he had for himself as a young man. These feelings of failure all change when George sees what the world would be like without him.
By the end of the fantasy film, George realizes that the life he has is the one he wants and that he’s touched more people than he ever realized. Mary, played by Donna Reed, George’s wife, is the stalwart companion of his life, standing by him and supporting him even in the darkest of times. Though he never stops loving her, George sees what a gift their life together is and understands that falling in love is an adventure in and of itself.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) |
94% |
95% |