Our Favorite '90s Romance Movies to Make Your Heart Go On

The era of '90s romance movies is nostalgic for many, filled with heartfelt narratives that explore the depths of love and passion. From heart-wrenching love stories to passionate affairs and tales of epic proportions, romantic movies from the 90s brought us a plethora of stories that have made our hearts skip a beat or two… more than once.

While the 1990s certainly has its share of iconic rom-coms, our editors have curated a list that focuses on romantic dramas and tearjerkers. These films steer clear of the silly, over-the-top plotlines in order to delve a bit deeper into the profound complexities of human relationships. Whether you're yearning to rekindle your affection for these unforgettable films or seeking new ones to fall in love with, join us as we embark on a nostalgic journey through a decade of love, passion and unforgettable cinematic moments of '90s romance movies.

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The Knot's '90s Romance Movie Ranking

When it comes to romantic movies from the '90s, here are our top picks.

Most Nostalgic: Before Sunrise

Best Tearjerker: Titanic

Best Comfort Film: Sense and Sensibility

Most Underrated: Piano

Steamiest: The Lover

Editor's Favorite: Ghost

Read on for all 24 of our favorite '90s romance movies.

Ghost

Photo: IMDb

Considered one of the best romantic movies from the '90s, this film tells the story of Sam (Patrick Swayze), who, after a tragic murder, returns as a ghost to protect his long-time girlfriend, Molly (Demi Moore), from danger. With the help of a psychic (Whoopi Goldberg), Sam tries to communicate with Molly in order to unravel the mystery surrounding his death.

Release Date: July 13, 1990 | Watch Trailer

The Lover (L'Amant)

Photo: Amazon

Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, this sensual romance movie is set in 1929 French colonial Vietnam. It explores the passionate, taboo relationship between a young French girl (Jane March) and her wealthy Chinese lover (Tony Leung).

Release Date: January 22, 1992 | Watch Trailer

Like Water for Chocolate

Photo: IMDb

Set against the backdrop of a Mexican family's kitchen, this romantic 90s movie weaves a tale of forbidden love and passion that's intertwined with magical realism and mouth watering culinary delights.

Release Date: April 16, 1992 | Watch Trailer

The Living End

Photo: IMDb

This groundbreaking romance movie by Gregg Araki explores the lives of two HIV-positive men, Jon (Craig Gilmore) and Luke (Mike Dytri), as they embark on a hedonistic, dangerous road trip across California.

Release Date: August 21, 1992 | Watch Trailer

Poetic Justice

Photo: IMDb

Starring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur, Poetic Justice revolves around Justice (Jackson), a young poet who, after a tragic loss, embarks on a road trip to Oakland with a mismatched companion named Lucky (Shakur).

Release Date: July 23, 1993 | Watch Trailer

Piano

Photo: IMDb

Set in the 19th century, this film follows the journey of Ada (Holly Hunter), a mute pianist and her daughter Flora (Anna Paquin), as they embark on a life-altering voyage to New Zealand. While Ada's pre-arranged marriage to a farmer (Alisdair Stewart) unfolds, it is the smoldering affair that sparks between her and a farm worker (George Baines) that is at the center of this love story.

Release Date: November 19, 1993 | Watch Trailer

Before Sunrise

Photo: IMDb

Before Sunrise follows the chance encounter of two strangers, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy), on a train traveling through Europe. They end up in Vienna and decide to spend one night together, engaging in deep conversations about life, love and philosophy while exploring the city together.

Release Date: January 27, 1995 | Watch Trailer

The Bridges of Madison County

Photo: Amazon

This romantic 90s movie revolves around a National Geographic photographer, Robert Kincaid (Clint Eastwood), who arrives in Iowa to document the covered bridges of Madison County. There, he meets Francesca Johnson (Meryl Streep) and a passionate love story unfolds.

Release Date: June 2, 1995 | Watch Trailer

Sense and Sensibility

Photo: IMDb

Prepare to be swept away with this adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. Set in the 18th century romance. It explores the romantic trials and tribulations of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor (Emma Thompson) and Marianne (Kate Winslet), who must navigate societal expectations, love and heartbreak.

Release Date: December 13, 1995 | Watch Trailer

The English Patient

Photo: IMDb

With its lush cinematography and powerful performances, The English Patient is regarded as one of the greatest 90s romance movies. Based on Michael Ondaatje's novel of the same name, this film tells the story of a critically burned man (Ralph Fiennes) who recounts his passionate love affair with a married woman (Kristin Scott Thomas) while undergoing treatment during World War II.

Release Date: November 22, 1996 | Watch Trailer

Bed of Roses

Photo: IMDb

After finding a mysterious bouquet of roses, Lisa (Mary Masterson) embarks on a journey to discover the identity of her secret admirer. As she unravels this mystery, a deep and touching connection develops between her and Lewis (Christian Slater).

Release Date: January 26, 1996 | Watch Trailer

Fire

Photo: IMDb

As the first mainstream Bollywood film to feature a lesbian relationship, this unforgettable love story follows two women, Sita and Radha, who find solace and love in each other's arms despite the constraints of their traditional Indian families.

Release Date: September 6, 1996 | Watch Trailer

Love Jones

Photo: IMDb

Love Jones quintessential 90s romance movie that follows the passionate love story of Darius (Larenz Tate) and Nina (Nia Long). Set in Chicago's vibrant arts and poetry scene in the 90s, this film masterfully captures the raw, poetic and turbulent essence of young love.

Release Date: March 14, 1997 | Watch Trailer

Open Your Eyes (Abre Los Ojos)

Photo: IMDb

Open Your Eyes, a Spanish psychological romance, follows César (Eduardo Noriega), a wealthy and charming young man whose life takes a surreal and dark turn after a car accident leaves him disfigured.

Release Date: December 19, 1997 | Watch Trailer

Titanic

Photo: IMDb

Directed by James Cameron, this iconic romance tells the story of Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet), who fall in love aboard the ill-fated Titanic. The film's grand scale, epic love story and tragic ending have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, making it one of the most iconic 90s romance movies.

Release Date: December 19, 1997 | Watch Trailer

Out of Sight

Photo: IMDb

This 90s crime-romance film tells the story of Jack (George Clooney), a charismatic bank robber who escapes from prison and ends up in the trunk of a car driven by U.S. Marshal Karen (Jennifer Lopez). As these two seemingly mismatched characters cross paths, sparks fly amidst the backdrop of a heist and a quirky, flirtatious romance unfolds.

Release Date: June 26, 1998 | Watch Trailer

Meet Joe Black

Photo: IMDb

If you're looking for a 90s romance that stars Brad Pitt, look no further than Meet Joe Black. It tells the story of Death (played by Pitt) who takes on a human form to understand mortality. When he encounters a wealthy man named Bill (Anthony Hopkins), Death falls in love with his daughter (Claire Forlani), leading to all sorts of misadventures.

Release Date: November 2, 1998 | Watch Trailer

The Thomas Crown Affair

Photo: IMDb

In this remake of the 1968 classic, The Thomas Crown Affair is a sizzling romance film with a cat-and-mouse plot. It features Pierce Brosnan as Thomas Crown, a wealthy businessman and art thief, and René Russo as Catherine Banning, the insurance investigator hot on his trail.

Release Date: August 6, 1999 | Watch Trailer

Random Hearts

Photo: IMDb

Starring Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas, this romantic drama revolves around two people who discover a painful connection after their spouses die in a plane crash. As they unravel the secrets surrounding the tragic accident, they find solace in one another and embark on an unexpected journey of healing and love.

Release Date: October 8, 1999 | Watch Trailer

Bicentennial Man

Photo: IMDb

Directed by Chris Columbus, Bicentennial Man is a unique romantic sci-fi drama that explores themes of love, identity and what it means to be human. Starring Robin Williams, it tells the story of a robot named Andrew who embarks on a two-century journey to win the love of the woman he serves (played by Embeth Davidtz).

Release Date: December 13, 1999 | Watch Trailer

Ever After: A Cinderella Story

Photo: IMDb

Directed by Andy Tennant, this reimagining of the beloved Cinderella tale stars Drew Barrymore as Danielle, who isn't your typical damsel in distress. Set against the backdrop of 16th-century France, this film is known for its stunning period costumes, picturesque locations and its break away from the traditional fairy tale narrative.

Release Date: July 31, 1998 | Watch Trailer

Romeo + Juliet

Photo: IMDb

In this '90s retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, this cult-favorite romance movie stars Leonardo Dicaprio as Romeo Montague and Claire Danes as Juliet Capulet. Set in a fictional, contemporary Verona Beach, the film retains Shakespearan language while incorporating modern elements (like guns and cars), which creates a unique blend of old and new.

Release Date: November 1, 1996 | Watch Trailer