10 Most Surprisingly Romantic Movies

TV & Film

Feb 18

As we bring Valentine’s week to a close, there is still some time to get in some great romantic movies. For anyone who is over all the romantic stuff or isn’t into it to begin with, I wanted to make sure you didn’t feel left out this season! I have gathered the best surprisingly romantic films that are fun to watch this time of year but don’t slap you in the face with love. These are ten films that are an absolute blast, but also have a great romantic subplot!

10. 'WALL-E' (2008)

Disney is known for their love stories, but they don’t get enough credit for how expertly they can weave a romantic subplot into an otherwise unromantic film. A great example of this is 2008’s WALL-E which follows a small trash-collecting robot that is living on a now-uninhabitable Earth while other life is living in space. One day he meets a female robot, and not only do they embark on a journey through space, but the film also has such a sweet love story between the two!

WALL-E is available to stream on Disney+.

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9. 'Creature From The Black Lagoon' (1954)

I really wanted to put at least one horror film on this list, but most of the films I could think of were either not romantic at all or had a romantic story that was the main focus. Luckily, my husband is a genius and thought of this film. It is not only my favorite creature feature, but it is also my favorite classic horror film because it is such a complex story. The film follows a group of marine biologists who go to a lagoon to investigate strange remains that were found by a colleague at a dig site. Not only does a love story develop between two of the main characters, but also between the creature and one of the scientists.

Creature from the Black Lagoon is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.

8. 'Gladiator' (2000)

Gladiator may not seem like it would have a romantic subplot, but if you have ever seen the film then you know that romance is really at the core of the entire story. After the death of his wife and son, a former Roman general embarks on a mission for revenge fueled solely by the dream that he will be reunited with his family upon his death. I was surprised to see such a great romantic subplot in this film!

Gladiator is available to stream on Paramount+.

7. 'Twister' (1996)

This is the most underrated film on this list! The film follows a storm-chasing couple who are going through a divorce. They are originally reunited for what is meant to be only a few minutes while they sign their divorce papers. However, an unprecedented storm has different plans. The pair are thrown into a fight for survival and scientific discovery. It might not sound like there is a romantic subplot, but there is and it is spectacular – especially the kiss at the end!

Twister is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.

6. 'The Mummy' (1999)

This movie has not one romantic subplot, but two! After an ancient mummy is brought back to life, he makes it his mission to bring the love of his life back from the afterlife. You also have the adventurer and librarian who travel to the city where the mummy was awakened to investigate the archaeological dig site for themselves, and along the way, they have their own romance. Both of the romances are so strong and complex, but it is the ending of the movie where you see which romance will truly stand the test of time!

The Mummy is available to stream on Hulu.

5. 'The Hobbit: Battle Of The Five Armies' (2014)

All three of The Hobbit films have romantic subplots and a love triangle, but it is the third film that has the most romantic and gut-wrenching scenes. Throughout the films, we see a romance developing between Tauriel, an elven warrior, and Kili, one of the dwarves in the main party. In the final battle, we see this romance come to light and see Tauriel learn that sometimes love can be the greatest pain you will ever feel. This is the only movie on this list where the romantic subplot isn’t exactly a happy one, but it is incredible nonetheless.

The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies is available to stream on Max.

4. 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Franchise (2003-2017)

One of the best things about the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is that we get to watch as the romance between Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann develops and is put through the wringer more than once. The most romantic of the entire franchise is easily At World’s End where we not only get their wedding but also their kiss mid-battle! It is one of the best kisses in Disney history.

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is available to stream on Disney+.

3. 'A Knight’s Tale' (2001)

This is my husband’s favorite movie, and honestly, it is easy to see why. The film stars the late Heath Ledger as William Thatcher, an aspiring knight who was born into the wrong bloodline to pursue his dream. He is handed a miracle though, and he embarks on a journey of greatness with his best friends and an incredible portrayal of Geoffrey Chaucer by none other than Paul Bettany. The best part of this movie is easily the incredible music choices, but there is also an amazing romantic subplot woven into the film!

A Knight’s Tale is available to stream on Hulu.

2. 'The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring' (2001)

The Lord of the Rings trilogy has a few romantic subplots, but it is the love story between Arwen and Aragorn that always grabs my attention the most. Among all of the fighting, peril, and impending doom, you have this phenomenal love story between Ranger and Elf. He wants what is best for her, and she wants nothing more than to live a mortal life with him by her side. I wish we had gotten more of their love story in movies two and three, but it feels like you only get a good chunk of it in the first film.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is available to stream on Max.

1. 'Deadpool' 1 & 2 (2016-2018)

Deadpool is my favorite Marvel character and movie franchise. With such a gritty and raunchy comedy action film, it was surprising to find such a well-written and developed romantic subplot. The first film has bits of romance, but it is the second film where the romance comes to light. I love the way that Wade and Vanessa’s love story is written, and it adds to the complexity of his character.

Deadpool 1 & 2 is available to stream on Disney+.

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