Love them or hate them, romance films have been a fan-favorite genre for decades. This beloved category is responsible for delivering all the feels, escapism, and plenty of relatable human connection moments — though, don’t be fooled, your heart can still get broken along the way. In an increasingly detached world, it’s not difficult to grasp why so many live vicariously through these love stories.
Although some of the most epic come from the minds of brilliant male directors, there are increasingly great films delivered by equally talented women. To celebrate the genre and the rise of women in the entertainment industry, we look back at some of the best female-directed romance films, exploring what makes each so special and compelling.
10
‘You’ve Got Mail’ (1998)
An iconic late 1990s watch that captures the late zeitgeist of the era, You’ve Got Mail manages to be deeply nostalgic and entertaining at once; it symbolizes the peak of American Online culture and delivers the third Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan romantic comedy. At its center are book superstore magnate Joe and independent bookshop owner Kathleen as the two fall in love in the anonymity of the Internet.
Whether it’s the opposites attract dynamics or the cozy New York City atmosphere, Nora Ephron‘s Rotten Tomatoes-approved You’ve Got Mail has become an almost instant classic. It is a quintessential ’90s romantic comedy anchored by undeniably strong romantic chemistry between an iconic duo at the height of their power. Part of its appeal, though, is arguably how it functions almost like a time capsule for the pre-Internet era and how its endearing narrative showcases that early online romance.
9
‘Love & Basketball’ (2000)
Widely recognized for its lasting cultural impact and poignant portrayal of Black love that has challenged gender dynamics in sports, Gina Prince-Bythewood‘s Love & Basketball is the perfect feel-good go-to whenever the mood hits. The stories follow Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps), who love and play basketball together through many life challenges from childhood to adulthood.
For anyone looking for a film that authentically, flawlessly blends coming-of-age stories with realistic sports drama with two leads that follow their dreams without compromising their love, Love & Basketball might be the right pick. It perfectly captures the friends-to-lovers arc so many romance enthusiasts seem to love, even over the decades. The result is a moving, enduring connection that withstands challenges.
8
‘Desert Hearts’ (1985)
This 1959 Nevada-set Donna Deitch romance, based on the trailblazing novel Desert of the Heart by Jane Rule, tells the story of a university professor (Helen Shaver) awaiting divorce who finds her true self through a relationship with another more confident younger woman (Patricia Charbonneau).
Shot on a modest budget and challenging mainstream cinema with its positive, central depiction of a lesbian romance at its center (one that subverts typical tragic lesbian tropes), Desert Hearts remains an impactful film that paved the way for more authentic LGBTQ+ storytelling, pioneering with its hopeful portrayal of a same-sex relationship during a time of change. With its amazing chemistry and optimistic lens, it has become a fan-favorite, and it’s no wonder it went on to become a seminal film in the genre, too.
7
‘Emma.’ (2020)
Set in 1800s England, Autumn de Wilde’s visually stunning, pastel-colored picture, based on Jane Austen‘s iconic novel, follows well-meaning but selfishly elegant Emma (Anya Taylor-Joy), who prides herself on her matchmaking skills, particularly her new friend Harriet Smith (Mia Goth). However, her schemes backfire, leading to the eventual realization that the perfect match for her has been someone she did not expect.
Emma works as both an engaging romance story and a class satire; Austen uses social structure to critique Regency England’s rigid class system, snobbery, and economic pressures — especially on women. In addition to its rich adaptation by Wilde, though, Emma is a vibrant visual feast with a witty screenplay and gorgeous costumes that will likely appeal to anyone who loves to sit through dreamy visuals.
6
‘Mississippi Masala’ (1991)
Known for its bold depiction of an interracial romance that was very much ahead of its time, Mississippi Masala is a steamy Mira Nair romance period piece that follows an Indian family expelled from Uganda when Idi Amin took power. They move to Mississippi and time passes. Meanwhile, the now adult Indian daughter (Sarita Choudhury) meets and falls in love with a Black man (Denzel Washington), forcing the respective families to come to terms with the relationship in the climate of racial hatred.
Nair’s film is a captivating meditation on racism, displacement, cultural identity, and the quest for belonging in a rapidly changing country. Although its romance narrative provides an entertaining and moving time in front of the screen — both Washington and Choudhury are fantastic in their roles — what makes it special is how it also works as fuel that sheds light on broader struggles, challenging prejudice and affirming love’s power to bridge divides.
5
‘Lost in Translation’ (2003)
Perhaps Sofia Coppola‘s most widely acclaimed and arguably emotionally resonant work, Lost in Translation fascinates not only with its aesthetically pleasing depiction of the stunning city of Tokyo, but also the unlikely connection at its center: a fading movie star (Bill Murray) and a young woman in an unhappy marriage (Scarlett Johansson).
Although not a conventional romance — don’t expect it to follow traditional “tropes” — Lost in Translation still fits the bill for many reasons, namely how it beautifully illustrates a deep and transformative connection between two lonely souls who find deep understanding and solace in each other amidst isolation. At its core, this moving film is a beautiful study not only of loneliness but also of the power of fleeting human connection and cultural disorientation.
4
‘La Bonheur’ (1965)
Agnès Varda is one of the most well-known trailblazers when it comes to women directors, and part of it has to do with the exceptional role she played in paving the way for others. While the French New Wave director has delivered plenty of iconic films, a standout in her body of work is La Bonheur, which translates to Happiness and follows a young carpenter (Jean-Cçaude Drouot) who lives a happy, uncomplicated life with his wife (Claire Drouot) and children. One day, he meets Emilie (Marie-France Boyer), and things take an interesting turn.
As expected from Varda, La Bonheur — known as the happiest infidelity story of all time — features a good dose of eye candy. Nevertheless, what stands out most is its subversive, complex take on romance that explores betrayal and male selfishness through a seemingly flawless lens. It’s a memorable work precisely because of how it colors a cruel act, and in turn, ultimately serves as a commentary on the patriarchy, too, critiquing male-centric views and showcasing how women are objectified and reduced to fulfilling roles.
3
‘Past Lives’ (2023)
Perhaps the most recent example of an incredible female-directed romance film is Past Lives, a touching slice-of-life focusing on childhood friends Nora and Sung as they reunite in New York for one fateful weekend after decades apart. The two embark on an intriguing, albeit short journey, confronting notions of love and destiny.
For those who like their romance films understated and quiet, Past Lives is the quintessential pick of recent times. This remarkable debut by writer-director Celine Song examines the heart-wrenching weight of missed chances and lives grown apart from those we love. It might not be as emotionally charged as some other more serious picks on this list. Still, it deserves its flowers for how humane and sincere it feels, never judging its characters and not offering a clean resolution for audiences to sit with. What makes it compelling is precisely its groundedness.
2
‘The Piano’ (1993)
Following a woman with a hearing disability sent to New Zealand along with her daughter and prized piano for an arranged marriage, Jane Campion‘s sweeping The Piano offers a genuinely gripping exploration of desire and repression that keeps audiences invested throughout.
In addition to the fantastic performances — Anna Paquin won the Oscar at only 11, becoming the second-youngest winner in Oscar history, and Holly Hunter was simply fantastic — The Piano is a masterclass in cinematography and score, delivering a full sensory experience where the atmosphere lingers long after viewing. The film made history as the first film directed by a woman to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes, with Campion’s visionary eye paving the way for other women in the industry.
1
‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)
Possibly one of the most visually stunning films of recent times, the poetic Portrait of a Lady on Fire transports audiences to an isolated island in Brittany at the end of the eighteenth century, focusing on the unfolding, slow-burning relationship between two women: a painter (Noémie Merlant) and an aristrocrat (Adèle Haenel) whose wedding portrait she is secretly painting.
Céline Sciamma‘s film has captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike for several reasons; not only is it an utterly breathtaking film — each scene is as painterly as a Renaissance work of art — but it also features excellent performances and three-dimensional characters anchored by a truly moving narrative. At its heart, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is an aching meditation on restraint and forbidden romance during challenging times. It’s no wonder it has become a fan-favorite ever since it premiered.
Source link