The Best Romantic ‘80s Movies
What Are the Most Romantic Movies From the ‘80s?
“When Harry Met Sally,” “Pretty in Pink” and “Say Anything” are just a few of the movies from the ‘80s that gave us hope in romance. Let’s take a look at the 10 ‘80s movies that renewed our belief in love, in no particular order.
“When Harry Met Sally” (1989)
"When Harry Met Sally" explores the evolution of an emotional connection between the title characters over the course of many years and many relationships (with other people). The banter between characters is witty, the scenarios are poignant. Why do we still love this movie all these years later? The Nora Ephron script is a relatable and funny) portrayal of the uncertainties and joys of falling in love.
“Romancing the Stone” (1984)
Romance is in the title, how could we not include this hit movie starring Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas? When novelist Joan Wilder and adventurer Jack Colton find themselves on a journey through the jungles of Colombia it was inevitable that their initial clash of personalities would turn into affection. There’s action, humor and major (like, ridiculous) chemistry in this film.
“Pretty in Pink” (1986)
Artistic Andie (Molly Ringwald) and the affluent Blane (Andrew McCarthy) navigate the challenges of class differences and peer pressure when they realize their mutual attraction. The original script had Andie and Duckie (Jon Cryer) ending up together, but test audiences didn’t react positively to this pairing. One thing that makes this movie awesome is its most excellent soundtrack.
“Moonstruck” (1987)
MGM
"Moonstruck" features several romantic story lines, the main one being the love triangle between Loretta (Cher in an award-winning performance), a pragmatic woman engaged to the dependable Johnny (Danny Aiello), and his impulsive brother Ronny (Nicholas Cage). The film's charm lies in its nod to Italian heritage, the complex family relationships and the look at love's unpredictability.
“Say Anything” (1989)
20th Century Fox
Like many ‘80s movies, “Say Anything” highlighted the unlikely love story between two very different people like Lloyd, an optimistic underachiever, and Diane, class valedictorian. With the iconic boombox scene blaring Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes,” the film is forever synonymous with romance.
“Flashdance” (1983)
Paramount
When we think about “Flashdance” we think about the dancing, the great soundtrack and the roses at the end of the movie. Enough said.
“Dirty Dancing” (1987)
Lionsgate
Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey), a sheltered young woman, and Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), a charismatic dance instructor, go from annoyance to passion while the latter teaches the former at a resort in the 1960s. “Dirty Dancing” like “Flashdance,” “Footloose” and others of the era, had an awesome soundtrack and engaging dance sequences that set a standard for 1980s films.
“Out of Africa” (1985)
Universal
"Out of Africa" is the epitome of ‘80s dramas - story lines that move slower than modern audiences would likely accept. But when you pair Meryl Streep (Karen Blixen) with Robert Redford (Denys Finch Hatton) you’ve got our attention. Their relationship is depicted as complex as they navigate the challenges of personal ambition. Definitely the saddest film on the list.
“The Princess Bride” (1987)
20th Century Fox
"The Princess Bride" is full of adventure, humor, and romance as it follows the quest of Westley (Cary Elwes) to rescue Buttercup (Robin Wright) from an arranged marriage to Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Memorable characters and iconic lines make this film a beloved classic.
“Roxanne” (1987)
Columbia
Steve Martin was famously snubbed when it came to garnering an acting Oscar nomination for his role as C.D. Bales, a man with an extremely large nose and equally large wit. The movie, co-written by Martin, is a clever retelling of the classic Cyrano de Bergerac tale with Roxanne (Daryl Hannah) unaware that she really is falling for C.D. and not handsome Rick.