A cross-era selection balancing romantic impact, performances, storytelling, originality, and lasting cultural resonance.
A defining modern romance whose chemistry, emotional sweep, and lasting cultural presence make it an exceptionally reliable choice.
Supported by supplied critics’ lists and descriptions emphasizing enduring onscreen alchemy, emotional connection, and cultural relevance.We earn commission from qualifying purchases.
A tender, musically driven love story that turns intimate chemistry and creative collaboration into deeply affecting romance.
IndieWire highlights the duo’s emotional and musical chemistry, memorable songs, and the film’s joyful yet painful journey.We earn commission from qualifying purchases.
A landmark romance whose aching tenderness, social obstacles, and cultural impact give it exceptional dramatic weight.
Supplied sources emphasize its decades-spanning relationship, restrained love, and significant cultural impact.We earn commission from qualifying purchases.
Its restrained intimacy, visual beauty, and unforgettable sense of desire make it a standout modern romance with lasting emotional power.
Supplied sources describe its restrained storytelling, exploration of desire and memory, and profound romance against social constraints.We earn commission from qualifying purchases.
A warm, intelligent romantic comedy whose sparkling leads and cross-cultural perspective refresh a familiar formula.
Rotten Tomatoes calls it funny, heartfelt, and intelligent, with appealing leads and cross-cultural themes.We earn commission from qualifying purchases.
Three independent write-ins unlock an honorable mention. The 10 strongest active mentions are shown; inactive mentions archive after 12 months. At 25 recent votes, a contender is scored for possible automatic Top 5 promotion.
No honorable mentions yet. Community suggestions appear below while they gather support.
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The five criteria create the AI baseline. The community adjustment is then added or subtracted to produce the current published score.
| Criterion | #1The Notebook | #2Once | #3Brokeback Mountain | #4Portrait of a Lady on Fire | #5The Big Sick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98 | 96 | 95 | 95 | 92 | |
| 96 | 94 | 95 | 93 | 93 | |
| 94 | 95 | 94 | 95 | 93 | |
| 91 | 94 | 91 | 96 | 92 | |
| 98 | 91 | 94 | 89 | 91 | |
| AI baseline scoreWeighted criteria result | 95.7 | 94.3 | 94.0 | 93.8 | 92.3 |
| Community adjustmentVote-share influence | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Current published scoreBaseline + community | 96 | 94 | 94 | 94 | 92 |
The five criteria create the AI baseline. The community adjustment is then added or subtracted to produce the current published score.
| Criterion | #1The Notebook | #2Once | #3Brokeback Mountain | #4Portrait of a Lady on Fire | #5The Big Sick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98 | 96 | 95 | 95 | 92 | |
| 96 | 94 | 95 | 93 | 93 | |
| 94 | 95 | 94 | 95 | 93 | |
| 91 | 94 | 91 | 96 | 92 | |
| 98 | 91 | 94 | 89 | 91 | |
| AI baseline scoreWeighted criteria result | 95.7 | 94.3 | 94.0 | 93.8 | 92.3 |
| Community adjustmentVote-share influence | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Current published scoreBaseline + community | 96 | 94 | 94 | 94 | 92 |
Choose any two contenders.
We’ll line up what matters.
2004
2007
Romantic drama
Romantic musical drama
Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling
Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
Contemporary and period settings
Dublin
Bittersweet love story
Music-centered romance
Scores synthesize recurring critical support and supplied editorial descriptions, emphasizing chemistry, emotional resonance, craft, distinctiveness, and cultural influence.