Best Fantasy Romance Movies (1980s - Present)

Starting with a true classic, The Princess Bride is the perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, and romance. The story follows Westley (Cary Elwes) as he embarks on a journey to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright), from an unwanted marriage to the evil Prince Humperdinck. The movie is full of memorable lines (“As you wish”) and unforgettable characters, like Inigo Montoya. It’s a feel-good fairy tale with plenty of humor, heart, and, of course, true love conquering all.

This Tim Burton-directed modern fairy tale tells the story of Edward (Johnny Depp), a gentle man with scissors for hands who falls in love with Kim (Winona Ryder). The film is a beautiful mix of dark fantasy and romantic longing. Edward’s outsider status and his inability to fully connect with the world around him create a bittersweet atmosphere, as his love for Kim grows despite their differences. Burton’s gothic, whimsical aesthetic adds depth to this unusual love story, making it one of his most beloved films.

Stardust is an epic fantasy romance based on Neil Gaiman’s novel. It follows Tristan (Charlie Cox), who promises to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. To his surprise, the star turns out to be a woman, Yvaine (Claire Danes). As they embark on a journey through magical lands, they encounter witches, sky pirates, and rival kings. The film’s mix of humor, adventure, and a swoon-worthy love story makes it a charming and delightful watch.

In Guillermo del Toro’s visually stunning The Shape of Water, Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute woman, forms a bond with a mysterious aquatic creature held captive in a government facility. As their friendship grows into love, Elisa risks everything to help the creature escape. The film combines a 1960s Cold War backdrop with a heartwarming yet fantastical love story, capturing the beauty of finding connection in unexpected places. Its blend of fantasy and romance earned it the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Enchanted plays with the conventions of Disney fairy tales by bringing animated characters into the real world. Giselle (Amy Adams), a princess from a magical kingdom, is thrust into modern-day New York City, where she meets the cynical yet charming divorce lawyer Robert (Patrick Dempsey). As Giselle learns to navigate the real world, her animated optimism and innocence clash hilariously with reality, but love blossoms between her and Robert. The film’s lighthearted tone and mix of fantasy elements with romance make it endlessly enjoyable.

Ladyhawke tells the tragic love story of Etienne (Rutger Hauer) and Isabeau (Michelle Pfeiffer), cursed to never be together in human form: by day, she is a hawk, and by night, he is a wolf. With the help of a young thief (Matthew Broderick), they set out to break the curse and reunite. The film’s medieval setting, mixed with its magical and romantic themes, creates an unforgettable tale of love, fate, and adventure.

This film, based on Audrey Niffenegger’s bestselling novel, tells the story of Henry (Eric Bana), a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and his wife, Clare (Rachel McAdams), who remains in love with him despite his unpredictable absences. The movie explores the complexities of a love that transcends time, as Clare waits for Henry to return from his time jumps. It’s a heart-wrenching romance with a unique twist that pulls on all the right emotional strings.

A list of fantasy romances wouldn’t be complete without Twilight. The film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novel follows Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) as she falls in love with Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), a vampire. The film kicked off a global phenomenon with its blend of supernatural elements and intense romance. Edward’s struggle to protect Bella from the dangers of his world while fighting his own instincts makes for a gripping love story that kept audiences hooked.

This live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic tells the timeless story of Belle (Emma Watson), a book-loving village girl, and the Beast (Dan Stevens), a cursed prince. Their romance unfolds as Belle learns to see past the Beast’s frightening exterior to the kind heart within. With stunning visuals and musical numbers, Beauty and the Beast is a lavish retelling of one of the most iconic fantasy romance tales.

In City of Angels, Nicolas Cage plays Seth, an angel who watches over Los Angeles and falls in love with Maggie (Meg Ryan), a human doctor. As Seth grows more drawn to Maggie, he faces the ultimate choice: give up his angelic existence to be with her or remain immortal and watch her from afar. The film is a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the limits of human connection, set against the backdrop of a fantastical world where angels walk among us.

Directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish is a whimsical tale about Edward Bloom (Ewan McGregor), a man with a knack for telling tall tales, and his relationship with his son. At its heart, it’s a love story, as Edward’s fantastical adventures revolve around his courtship of his wife, Sandra (Alison Lohman). The film blends magical realism with romance, creating a heartfelt narrative about love, family, and the blurred lines between fact and fiction.

While it’s primarily a superhero movie, Aquaman has a strong romantic subplot between Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) and Mera (Amber Heard). The film follows Arthur’s journey to claim his rightful place as the king of Atlantis, with Mera by his side. Their growing bond adds emotional depth to the underwater spectacle, blending romance with action and fantasy. The chemistry between the leads makes their relationship one of the film’s highlights.

Warm Bodies offers a unique twist on the zombie genre, blending romance with the supernatural. The film follows R (Nicholas Hoult), a zombie who falls in love with a living girl, Julie (Teresa Palmer). As their unlikely relationship blossoms, R slowly begins to regain his humanity. This quirky, charming film balances humor and heart, making it a fun and unexpected addition to the fantasy romance genre.

Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock star in this time-bending romance. In The Lake House, a couple separated by two years communicate through letters left in a magical mailbox at a lake house they’ve both lived in. As they fall in love across time, they try to unravel the mystery of their connection and find a way to be together in the same timeline. The film’s dreamy, fantastical premise makes it a touching and beautifully told love story.

Penelope is a modern fairy tale about a young woman (Christina Ricci) born with a pig’s nose due to a family curse. To break the curse, she must find someone who will love her for who she is. Enter Max (James McAvoy), a charming yet troubled man who helps Penelope discover self-love. The film’s quirky humor, fantastical elements, and sweet romance make it a heartwarming watch.

The Adjustment Bureau blends science fiction with romance, as it follows politician David (Matt Damon) and ballerina Elise (Emily Blunt), who are kept apart by mysterious agents controlling fate. As David fights to be with Elise, despite the agents’ attempts to keep them apart, the film explores themes of free will, destiny, and love’s power to overcome even the most insurmountable odds.

In this unique fantasy romance, Brad Pitt plays Benjamin Button, a man who ages in reverse. As he grows younger, his romance with Daisy (Cate Blanchett) unfolds in unusual ways, as they struggle to find moments where their lives align. The film’s fantastical premise and its emotional exploration of love and time make it a deeply moving tale.

A modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Beastly follows Kyle (Alex Pettyfer), a vain and arrogant teen cursed to live as a disfigured version of himself until he finds someone who loves him despite his appearance. Enter Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens), who helps Kyle see beyond his exterior. It’s a teenage romance with a fairy-tale twist, perfect for those who love modern fantasy love stories.

In Ella Enchanted, Ella (Anne Hathaway) is cursed with the “gift” of obedience, meaning she must follow any command given to her. As she embarks on a journey to break the curse, she falls in love with the charming Prince Charmont (Hugh Dancy). The film’s fairy-tale setting, combined with its humorous and romantic storyline, makes it a delightful watch for fantasy romance fans.

Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain is an ambitious and visually stunning film that explores themes of love, life, and death across three different timelines. Hugh Jackman plays a man searching for the secret to eternal life, all in the name of his dying wife, played by Rachel Weisz. The film’s blend of fantasy, romance, and existential exploration creates a deeply emotional and thought-provoking experience.