10 Best Romance Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked

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The 1980s saw the emergence of numerous cinematic masterpieces in America, ranging from comedies such as “Ghostbusters” and “Trading Places,” to family-oriented adventures like “Back to the Future” and “The Karate Kid.” Although romance may not have been a genre particularly favored during that era, several romantic films released during this time have endured as some of the most timeless love stories ever told. Directors like John Hughes and talented young actors such as Molly Ringwald and John Cusack played significant roles in bringing the American teenage experience to the forefront, and there is perhaps no aspect of a teenager’s life more captivating than romantic relationships.

When compiling a list of the most memorable romance movies from the ’80s, we took several factors into account. These included assessing both critical acclaim and audience enjoyment, focusing on the distinctive romantic aspects of each narrative and how deeply moving and original the love story was, as well as evaluating the film’s current quality and enduring appeal. Above all, we looked at the influence each movie had on culture and whether its tale remained relevant over time.

10. Pretty in Pink

Leaving “Pretty in Pink” out of a list of top ’80s romance movies would be like forgetting an essential ingredient – it’s simply indispensable! Although it may not rank as the greatest love story ever told, its enduring popularity can be attributed to standout performances by Molly Ringwald and Jon Cryer, and its timeless exploration of class differences. Moreover, “Pretty in Pink” provides a poignant love triangle that breeds ample romantic tension. The film follows Andie (played by Molly Ringwald), a high school student who navigates the social divide between wealthy and working-class peers. Her affection for Blane (Andrew McCarthy), one of the rich students, is cut short due to external pressures from their friends, creating a heartrending twist in their developing relationship.

In a nutshell, Duckie (Cryer), Andie’s closest friend, harbors romantic feelings for her but realizes she won’t reciprocate, leading to his heartache and resentment towards Blane. On the other hand, Blane learns that wealth doesn’t define a person’s worth and distances himself from his snobbish, wealthy companions. Eventually, he shows Andie genuine affection and public support at their senior prom. The intense, almost raw chemistry between Andie and Blane is evident, even though their relationship develops rapidly, and the intensity of their kissing scenes makes it seem as if we’re unwittingly intruding on their private moments.

Cast: Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Jon Cryer

Director: Howard Deutch

Year: 1986

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 1h 36m

9. Romancing the Stone

In the realm of heartwarming love stories, films that emphasize amusement and happiness often yield gems, and this sentiment rings true for “Romancing the Stone.” One of the exceptional movies suitable for all ages, “Romancing the Stone” is brimming with excitement and suspense. The protagonist, Joan Wilder (portrayed by Kathleen Turner), embarks on a journey to Colombia upon learning that her sister has been kidnapped. Upon arrival, she encounters a man named Jack (played by Michael Douglas). As fate would have it, she enlists his aid in navigating the jungle and reaching Cartagena, as she had unknowingly been led away from where she was supposed to meet her sister’s captors.

In the sweltering heat of the jungle, both Jack and Joan find themselves in a passionate romance as they navigate dangerous situations together. The movie’s fast-paced plot keeps viewers on edge, minimizing the usual angst associated with romantic development. Starring Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas at the height of their ’80s fame, this film is an enjoyable watch, leaving audiences to fantasize about Joan and Jack continuing their adventure on Jack’s boat long after the credits roll.

Cast: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Year: 1984

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 1h 46m

8. Starman

In recent times, unique love stories such as “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “The Shape of Water” have found success, making us ponder about the role of romantic love in fantastical narratives. The 1980s film “Starman,” directed by John Carpenter, presents an interesting take on this theme. In this movie, Starman is an extraterrestrial who disguises himself as a man named Scott Hayden (Jeff Bridges) after crashing on Earth and discovering Scott’s widow, Jenny (Karen Allen), with a lock of Scott’s hair. Starman, having been shot down by the military after trying to establish peaceful contact, reveals his true identity to Jenny and requests her assistance in reaching a rescue ship from his planet. Initially resistant and seeking to distance herself from Starman, Jenny eventually grows attached to him and helps him navigate his way back home.

Starman” is a science fiction romance that delves into the extraordinary bond between a human woman and an alien entity, who momentarily adopts a humanlike form. Beyond a love story, it’s also about coping with loss and the struggle to continue living after losing someone you deeply care for. The intriguing twist of Starman being Jenny’s late husband in disguise beautifully merges these themes, creating a poignant, emotional narrative between Jenny and her alien companion. “Starman” skillfully avoids becoming overly sentimental and instead offers a genuine, thought-provoking tale that may leave viewers grateful for the experience.

Cast: Jeff Bridges, Karen Allen

Director: John Carpenter

Year: 1984

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 1h 55m

7. A Room with a View

In the 80s, one of the standout period films is “A Room with a View,” a largely overlooked drama from Helena Bonham Carter’s early acting days. The movie revolves around Lucy Honeychurch, played by Bonham Carter, and her romantic journey through society as a young woman. Set primarily in Florence, where Lucy goes with her cousin and chaperone, Charlotte (Maggie Smith), the story unfolds against a backdrop of intriguing experiences like witnessing a stabbing and meeting an attractive, considerate young man named George Emerson (Julian Sands). Although Lucy and George fall in love during their time in Florence, Lucy ultimately returns to England with Charlotte and becomes engaged to Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis) for societal advantages.

In this adaptation, Julian Sands portrays George as a charming character who effortlessly wins Lucy’s heart. It’s hard not to be smitten by him, given his chivalrous behavior throughout the tale. The film beautifully showcases Lucy’s journey towards self-discovery and independence, as she learns to make her own decisions in life. Ultimately, it seems that Lucy finds happiness with her soulmate in a fulfilling conclusion. E.M. Forster’s novel, “A Room of One’s Own,” serves as the foundation for this movie. The story aims to express the belief that genuine emotions and passion can triumph over the rigid economic norms that once dictated many young people’s marriages. This film effectively conveys that thoughtful optimism through stunning visuals and heartfelt performances by Carter and Sands.

Cast: Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands, Maggie Smith

Director: James Ivory

Year: 1985

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 1h 57m

6. Out of Africa

Robert Redford and Meryl Streep are two of the most renowned actors in Hollywood, and it’s always thrilling to see performers of their stature act in a romantic film together. “Out of Africa” might be a bit too prolonged for a movie that delves deeply into its narrative, but its length allows the love story to unfold fully. Although the duration may not necessarily attract the average viewer, it offers ample room for the film’s romance to feel complete and satisfying. In his review for the Chicago Sun-Times, Roger Ebert elaborates on this, stating that “this is a traditional, intelligent, contemplative love story, presented with such sensitivity and detail that we become deeply invested in the emotions of the characters.

In the film “Out of Africa,” Karen (played by Meryl Streep) and Denys (portrayed by Robert Redford) share a profound, authentic love, reflecting their rich lives and experiences before they begin their romantic journey. Unlike her unequal marriage to Bror (Klaus Maria Brandauer), their relationship is balanced. This becomes evident when Denys recognizes that Karen’s commitment to monogamy and loyalty outweighs his personal freedom as a bachelor. Unfortunately, the film concludes on a tragic note: before they can marry according to Karen’s wishes, Denys perishes in a plane crash. The bittersweet ending is true to life, as it mirrors events from the real-life memoir that inspired the movie, where reality often offers heartbreaking conclusions.

Cast: Robert Redford, Meryl Streep

Director: Sydney Pollack

Year: 1985

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 2h 41m

5. My Beautiful Laundrette

In the ’80s cinema, there were few portrayals of on-screen queer love stories due to the strong anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment fueled by the AIDS crisis and conservative politicians. The conservative policies that emerged from this environment had a significant impact on how queer characters were depicted in films and TV shows. However, art and cinema also provide platforms for expressing contrasting views, as demonstrated in the film “My Beautiful Laundrette.” Although it’s not widely recognized, it is one of Daniel Day Lewis’s best performances and continues to be an important piece of art that challenged then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s homophobic policies.

The movie centers around a young man named Omar (Gordon Warnecke), who disregards his father Hussein’s (Roshan Seth) bitter feelings towards Britain’s aggressive capitalism and assumes control over his uncle’s laundrette instead. He reestablishes contact with an old schoolmate, Johnny (Daniel Day-Lewis), who has evolved into a violent, right-wing street thug. Omar hires Johnny for the laundrette, and their romance from their youth quickly resurfaces. Omar’s love and acceptance of Johnny provide him the freedom to be true to himself, while Johnny’s loyalty encourages Omar to live life on his own terms instead of the one dictated by others.

Cast: Saeed Jeffrey, Daniel Day-Lewis, Gordon Warnecke

Director: Stephen Frears

Year: 1985

MPAA Rating: R

Runtime: 1h 37m

4. Dirty Dancing

As a gaming enthusiast dipping my toes into the realm of film criticism, let me tell you that “Dirty Dancing” holds a special place in the annals of the 1980s, embodying romance, dance, and music that still resonate today. The iconic lift from this classic was recreated by Ryan Gosling’s and Emma Stone’s characters in “Crazy, Stupid Love,” and it’s a movie that Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel) found solace in during her break-up on “New Girl.” This timeless film has also been adapted into a stage musical, spawned a prequel with Diego Luna, fueled a short-lived TV series, and rumor has it, we might see a sequel featuring the original star, Jennifer Grey, soon. It’s not just a familiar face on the silver screen; “Dirty Dancing” truly lives up to its legendary status.

In simpler terms, the character Jennifer Grey plays in “Dirty Dancing” is a young woman from an affluent family. She interacts with the resort’s working-class staff during her summer vacations in the Catskills. This movie was groundbreaking when it was released, as it tackled themes like class disparity and sensitive issues such as unwanted pregnancies and abortions – topics that were relevant given the widening gap between rich and poor at the time. The character played by Patrick Swayze is an ideal romantic partner because he’s not only a charming dancer but also someone who stands for what’s right when things get tough. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he looks like Patrick Swayze!

Cast: Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze

Director: Emile Ardolino

Year: 1987

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 1h 40m

3. Moonstruck

Exceptional on-screen romances often result from the seamless blend of authentic, masterful scriptwriting and impassioned portrayals. The movie “Moonstruck” perfectly encapsulates this, delivering an intriguing, unconventional narrative and a pair of characters brimming with significant impact. Despite Nicolas Cage being relatively young during his role in the film opposite musician-actress Cher, he already showcased the same daring, innovative acting style that has become synonymous with him today. On the verge of being dismissed from “Moonstruck,” Cage’s unconventional acting choices were also instrumental in making the movie a resounding success.

In this movie titled “Moonstruck,” Nick plays Ronny, the intense, slightly unrefined younger sibling of Loretta’s fiancé, Johnny, portrayed by Danny Aiello. Over the span of a day, he encounters and falls head over heels for Loretta, played by Cher. Loretta is both authentic and full of life, making her character compelling, a feat achieved through Cher’s exceptional acting skills.

Ronny and Loretta have an electrifying connection; they are drawn to each other but struggle to coexist without causing palpable tension. This dynamic is not only present in their relationship but also exists independently of the intriguing family drama that intensifies it.

Fortunately for them, “Moonstruck” is a romantic comedy, allowing for a humorous and satisfying conclusion for its lead characters and the rest of the eccentric cast.

Cast: Cher, Nicolas Cage

Director: Norman Jewison

Year: 1987

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 1h 42m

2. The Princess Bride

Cary Elwes, the actor known for his role in “The Princess Bride,” firmly feels that the film should not be remade. In a tweet, he stated, “There’s a scarcity of flawless films in this world. It would be unfortunate to mar this one.” Indeed, “The Princess Bride” stands as an exemplary movie, offering a blend of action, adventure, humor, emotional depth, and, naturally, romance. The narrative is woven beautifully around the heartwarming experience of a grandparent (or parent, guardian) reading to a child when they’re unwell. This classic film is filled with hilarious moments, as well as countless memorable quotes and scenes that continue to resonate in contemporary culture.

The movie ‘The Princess Bride’ stands out among fantasy-adventure-comedies due to its captivating central love story. The characters Westley (Elwes) and Buttercup (Robin Wright) make a stunning on-screen couple, their imagined children would have inherited the shiniest golden locks, and their affection is portrayed convincingly by Wright and Elwes. Their relationship exemplifies devotion and faithfulness amidst hardship, as Westley pursues Buttercup despite her remarriage, and Buttercup remains steadfast in her refusal to marry the prince even after years of Westley’s absence. The romance could have seemed insubstantial compared to other aspects of the film, but it turns out to be one of the most heartwarming love stories ever filmed.

Cast: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Andre the Giant

Director: Rob Reiner

Year: 1987

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 1h 38m

1. When Harry Met Sally…

Movie enthusiasts everywhere owe Tom Hanks a debt of gratitude for passing up the role of Harry in “When Harry Met Sally,” as any alterations to the film’s cast or plot might have prevented it from being hailed as one of the all-time great romantic comedies. The chemistry between stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, despite their 14-year age gap, is electrifying on screen, making them a perfect match for the characters penned by renowned writer Nora Ephron and directed by comedic mastermind Rob Reiner. The movie’s narrative pace, reminiscent of real life, sets it apart from other films in the genre, and their rocky beginning during a road trip from Chicago to New York City after college allows for Harry (Crystal) and Sally (Ryan) to develop a unique connection that endures throughout the years.

In a delightful series of events, Harry and Sally forge a deep friendship, filled with memorable instances such as quiet chuckles at the Museum of Modern Art, a lively karaoke rendition of “Surrey with the Fringe On-Top,” and, not forgetting, Sally’s triumph in a heated lunchtime debate about whether a woman can convincingly simulate an orgasm. Their tale of love, steeped in intimacy and uniqueness, is further enhanced by Reiner’s skillful portrayal of New York City at its most enchanting. The film’s most distinctive and touching aspects, however, are the interspersed interviews with elderly couples and their enduring love stories. These segments offer a sense of comfort; despite any bumps in the road, Harry and Sally’s story will have a joyous conclusion.

Cast: Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal, Carrie Fisher

Director: Rob Reiner

Year: 1989

MPAA Rating: R

Runtime: 1h 35m

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2025-05-20 23:32