Ranging from rom-coms to absorbing dramas, romance films make for some of the most touching in the film industry, as they often allow audiences to experience a deeply impactful and meaningful connection between two characters as if it were their own.

2023 was excellent for cinema, and the romantic side of things did not disappoint, either. Whether audiences are looking to watch lighthearted romantic comedies like Red, White & Royal Blue or are in for something a tad more heartbreaking, such as the critically acclaimed Past Lives, 2023 has provided enough movies to appeal to everyone's taste. These are the best romance movies of 2023, ranked from great to greatest, and how much they moved us.

13 'Anyone But You'

Director: Will Gluck

Will Gluck's Anyone But You revived the romantic comedy genre by being a huge box office success, gathering over $216.3 million so far on a $25 million budget. The story is adapted from William Shakespeare's classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing and follows Sydney Sweeney's Bea, who joins forces with Glen Powell's Ben, a young man with whom she had previously had a terrible first date with, in order to convince her parents and ex-boyfriend that she's in a fulfilled relationship.

Despite its mixed reviews, Gluck's entertaining film was undoubtedly a success, earning a spot among the best romantic movies of 2023. While far from a masterpiece, Anyone But You features Sweeney and Powell's palpable chemistry, an entertaining enough narrative to keep audiences invested, and the amount of fun lovers of the rom-com genre would expect from a movie in the category.

Rent on Apple TV

12 'Red, White & Royal Blue'

Director: Matthew López

This queer romance focuses on the son of the American President (Taylor Zakhar Perez) and Britain's prince (Nicholas Galitzine). The feud between the two is a threat to United States/British relations, and so they are forced into a stage truce that evolves into something more complex.

Red, White & Royal Blue will probably appeal to younger audiences — especially those who have read the New York Times bestseller by Casey McQuiston, on which the film is based — and is a fine addition to great LGBTQ+ romance films. While the Matthew López movie is far from a masterpiece (especially given its slightly cliché and predictable storyline), Red, White & Royal Blue still makes for a lighthearted, engaging watch, specially crafted for enemies-turned-lovers trope enjoyers. The chemistry between the two leads adds to the movie.

11 'Love At First Sight'

Director: Vanessa Caswill

Vanessa Caswill's Netflix rom-com Love At First Sight depicts Hadley (Haley Lu Richardson) and Oliver's (Ben Hardy) romance, which kicks off when the two share a flight from New York to London. While they may not find each other again, love ultimately has a way of defying the odds, as shown in many movies in the genre.

This compelling Y.A. romance based on a popular book by Jennifer E. Smith features some fun Shakespeare references and combines drama, comedy, and romance elements to great results. While it is not a groundbreaking romance feature by no means, the charming acting performances from both leads and the great chemistry between the two, on top of a simplistic but engaging narrative, make Love At First Sight rank high among the best romantic comedies of 2023.

Watch on Netflix

10 'Elemental'

Director: Peter Sohn

Peter Sohn's Elemental may not be the best Pixar movie to date, but it is certainly a very solid and entertaining one. The story follows Ember (Leah Lewis) and Wade (Mamoudou Athie) as the two strike a bond in a city where fire, water, earth, and air residents live as a community.

With vibrant, visually alluring animation, Elemental is undoubtedly a heartwarming and comforting feature, be it for the fictional people that inhabit its world (including the studio's first non-binary character) or the endearing storyline itself. Sending out positive messages to younger audiences about building connections, family, tolerance, and prejudice, this well-intentioned animated feature is equal parts a well-crafted socio-cultural commentary filled with interesting allegories and an engaging, straightforward watch that does not disappoint.

9 'Shortcomings'

Director: Randall Park

In this witty romantic comedy by Randall Park, struggling filmmaker Ben Tanaka (Justin H. Min), girlfriend Miko Hayashi (Ally Maki), and Alice Kim (Sherry Cola) reunite and navigate their interpersonal relationships while exploring the country and seeking meaningful connections.

While predominantly a comedy, Park's enjoyable and well-made directorial debut, Shortcomings, provides audiences with a touching romantic premise in a captivating slice-of-life format. Additionally, the intelligently told film, which serves as a character study and deals with themes of identity, is humorous and quirky, ultimately resulting in a breezy viewing experience and providing audiences with a good time. That being said, Shortcomings will most certainly call upon Gen Z audience members, especially considering how it tackles expectations, race, and representation.

8 'Afire'

Director: Christian Petzold

Written and directed by German filmmaker and screenwriter Christian Petzold, Silver Berlin Bear (Grand Jury Prize) and Golden Berlin Bear (Best Film) winner Afire centers around a group of friends (Enno Trebs, Langston Uibel, Paula Beer, and Thomas Schubert) in a holiday home by the Baltic Sea. Intense emotions emerge when the forest around them catches fire.

Afire is a slow-burn, gut-wrenching character study on self-absorption and unfulfilled love. While relaxed and sad, it is also a compelling, absorbing, and grounded feature, beautifully brought to viewers by the talented director. Furthermore, this 2023 movie serves as a social comedy that highlights arrogance. While it will certainly steal some chuckles out of viewers and make them shed a tear all the same, Afire may not be everyone's ideal pick, given its slow pace.

Watch on Criterion

7 'Soulmate'

Director: Yong-geun Min