Classic 80s Romance Movies That Are Worth the Watch

The 1980s, with its neon lights and iconic fashion, gave rise to some of the most beloved '80s romance movies forever etched in our hearts and memories. From classic love stories to quirky 80s rom-coms, our editors have curated a list of the best romantic movies from the 1980s that have withstood the test of time.

With star-studded casts, memorable soundtracks and steamy performances, films like When Harry Met Sally and Dirty Dancing are sure to transport you back in time. While they'll evoke feelings of nostalgia for those who lived through the decade, they'll also captivate newer generations thanks to these films' compelling characters and distinct '80s aesthetic. Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to be swept away by the romantic nostalgia of the 1980s as we dive into 11 must-watch romantic movies that defined an unforgettable era of cinema.

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The Knot's 80s Romance Movie Ranking

From quirky and funny to steamy and dramatic, here are our 80s romance movie highlights.

Funniest: The Princess Bride

Steamiest: 9½ Weeks

Best Comfort Film: Dirty Dancing

Most Underrated: Somewhere in Time

Best For Date Night: Say Anything

Editor's Favorite: When Harry Met Sally

Read on for all 11 of our favorite '80s romance movies.

Dirty Dancing

Photo: Amazon

Set in the summer of 1963, this film follows the forbidden love between Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) and Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey). With its iconic lift scene, memorable soundtrack and the famous "Nobody puts Baby in a corner" line, Dirty Dancing is a celebrated classic — and probably one of the best romance movies of the 80s.

Release Date: August 21, 1987 | Watch Trailer

The Princess Bride

Photo: Amazon

This whimsical 80s rom-com follows Westley, a farmhand turned hero, on a quest to rescue Princess Buttercup from an unwanted marriage to a wicked prince. With memorable characters like Inigo Montoya and Vizzini and hilarious quotable dialogue, this is one of the best 80s romance movies that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

Release Date: October 9, 1987 | Watch Trailer

Somewhere in Time

Photo: IMDb

Starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, this romantic 80s movie follows the story of a young playwright who becomes obsessed with a photograph of a beautiful actress from the early 20th century. He discovers a way to travel back in time to meet her and embarks on a passionate, time-crossed romance.

Release Date: October 3, 1980 | Watch Trailer

Endless Love

Photo: IMDb

Endless Love, a 1981 romantic drama directed by Franco Zeffirelli, tells the passionate love story between two teenagers, Jade (Brooke Shields) and David (Martin Hewitt). Their intense romance faces challenges from Jade's overprotective father, leading to a series of dramatic events.

Release Date: July 17, 1981 | Watch Trailer

When Harry Met Sally

Photo: IMDb

When it comes to classic 80s rom-coms, When Harry Met Sally is one of the greats. The story follows the long-time friendship between Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) as they grapple with the complexities of male-female relationships. The movie is known for its witty dialogue, iconic restaurant scene and the old school debate of whether men and women can truly be friends.

Release Date: July 21, 1989 | Watch Trailer

Arthur

Photo: Original Film Art

This 80s romance movie revolves around Arthur (Dudley Moore), a wealthy but irresponsible playboy, who is faced with an ultimatum to marry the woman of his family's choosing or lose his fortune. As he wrestles with his feelings for a working-class waitress (Liza Minnelli), the film explores love, societal expectations and personal growth, all against the backdrop of New York City in the 1980s.

Release Date: July 17, 1981 | Watch Trailer

Reckless

Photo: Amazon

Reckless explores the turbulent love story between a rebellious high school student (Aidan Quinn) and a troubled young woman (Daryl Hannah). Set in a small town, this 80s romance movie delves into themes of adolescent rebellion, social constraints and the complexities of young love.

Release Date: February 3, 1984 | Watch Trailer

Against All Odds

Photo: IMDb

Directed by Taylor Hackford, Against All Odds is a romantic thriller that is actually a remake of the 1947 film, Out of the Past. It features Jeff Bridges as an ex-football player who becomes entangled with a dangerous woman (Rachel Ward), while searching for a missing person.

Release Date: March 2, 1984 | Watch Trailer

9½ Weeks

Photo: IMDb

9½ Weeks is a provocative 1980s romance film directed by Adrian Lyne. Starring Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger, the movie explores an intense (albeit controversial) relationship between a successful Wall Street executive and an art gallery assistant. Filled with explicit eroticism, this is one steamy 80s flick you shouldn't skip.

Release Date: February 21, 1986 | Watch Trailer

Working Girl

Photo: Amazon

Working Girl revolves around Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith), an ambitious secretary in the cut-throat corporate world of Wall Street. When she seizes an opportunity to pose as her boss, she navigates all sorts of drama — and romance. The film's exceptional cast, (including Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver), is one of the reasons why audiences keep coming back to it time and time again.

Release Date: December 21, 1988 | Watch Trailer

Say Anything

Photo: IMDb

This 80s romance movie follows the story of Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack), an underachieving and endearing high school graduate, who falls in love with the valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye). Their love story unfolds with charming, quirky characters, memorable scenes (like the iconic boombox serenade) and an authentic portrayal of young love's ups and downs.

Release Date: April 14, 1989 | Watch Trailer