Best Romantic Musicals

While it slightly predates the 80s, Grease is a cornerstone of romantic musicals. This beloved film, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, captures the highs and lows of teenage romance in the 1950s. Danny and Sandy’s love story is iconic, filled with the kind of chemistry that has made the movie a perennial favorite. The songs are legendary—“You’re the One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You” are just a couple of the many hits that continue to resonate with audiences. Grease is a timeless classic that remains a beloved part of pop culture. 

Starting with a bit of nostalgia, Grease 2 may not have hit the same heights as its predecessor, but it's undeniably a cult classic. The film follows the story of Michael, a British exchange student, who falls head over heels for Stephanie, a cool and independent Pink Lady. The musical numbers are catchy, and the romantic tension is palpable. Who could forget the “Cool Rider” scene? While it may not have garnered the same acclaim as Grease, it’s a fun and flirty ride that has since earned a loyal following. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary stage musical was brought to life on the big screen with all the grandeur and passion you’d expect. Starring Gerard Butler as the mysterious Phantom and Emmy Rossum as the beautiful Christine, the film is a feast for the senses. The tragic love triangle between the Phantom, Christine, and Raoul is the heart of this story, accompanied by some of the most powerful musical numbers ever written. “The Music of the Night” and “All I Ask of You” are just a couple of the unforgettable songs that make this film a standout in the romantic musical genre.

Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! is a dazzling spectacle of love, tragedy, and music. Starring Nicole Kidman as Satine, the star courtesan of the Moulin Rouge, and Ewan McGregor as Christian, a young poet who falls for her, the film is a rollercoaster of emotions. The movie is known for its vibrant visuals, innovative use of modern pop songs, and heart-wrenching love story. With songs like “Come What May” and the powerful “El Tango de Roxanne,” it’s a film that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

This live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic brought the beloved story of Belle and the Beast to a new generation. Starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, the film stays true to the original while adding new layers of depth to the characters. The romance between Belle and the Beast is beautifully portrayed, with iconic songs like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Something There” bringing their love story to life. The movie is a visually stunning, heartwarming tale that reminds us all that true beauty comes from within.

Who could resist the charm of Mamma Mia!? Set on a picturesque Greek island, this feel-good musical is packed with ABBA hits and a star-studded cast, including Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and Amanda Seyfried. The story centers around Sophie, a young bride-to-be, who invites three men to her wedding, hoping to discover which one is her father. The film is pure joy from start to finish, with romantic entanglements, hilarious moments, and of course, plenty of sing-along-worthy tunes like “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All.”

Hugh Jackman stars as P.T. Barnum in this musical that celebrates the birth of show business. While not a traditional love story, the film is filled with romance, particularly between Zac Efron’s character and Zendaya’s trapeze artist. The film’s message of accepting others and following your dreams is beautifully conveyed through its music and visuals. Songs like “A Million Dreams” and “Rewrite the Stars” are both uplifting and deeply romantic, making The Greatest Showman a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Enchanted is a delightful blend of live-action and animation, bringing a classic fairy tale to life in modern-day New York City. Starring Amy Adams as Giselle, a princess from a magical land who finds herself in the real world, the movie is both a parody and a love letter to Disney’s animated classics. The romance between Giselle and Robert (played by Patrick Dempsey) is sweet and genuine, and the film’s songs, such as “That’s How You Know” and “So Close,” are as charming as the story itself.

Based on the famous Broadway musical, Les Misérables is an epic tale of love, redemption, and revolution. While the film focuses on many characters and their struggles, the romantic subplot between Cosette and Marius is central to the story. With an all-star cast including Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and Russell Crowe, the film is a powerful adaptation of the stage musical. Songs like “I Dreamed a Dream” and “A Heart Full of Love” are both heartbreaking and beautiful, making this a must-see for any fan of romantic musicals.

Pitch Perfect may not be a traditional musical, but it’s filled with enough singing and romance to earn its place on this list. The film follows Beca (Anna Kendrick), a college freshman who reluctantly joins an a cappella group, the Barden Bellas. Along the way, she develops a romance with fellow musician Jesse (Skylar Astin), and the two share some sweet musical moments together. The film’s upbeat soundtrack and witty humor make it a fun watch, and the romantic subplot adds an extra layer of charm.

Into the Woods is a modern twist on several classic fairy tales, blending their stories into a single narrative. While the film explores various themes, the romantic relationships between characters like Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) and her prince (Chris Pine) are central to the story. The film’s dark, yet whimsical tone, combined with its impressive cast and memorable songs, make it a unique entry in the romantic musical genre. Songs like “Agony” and “On the Steps of the Palace” are standout moments that highlight the film’s blend of romance and fantasy.

Set in the 1980s, Rock of Ages is a musical love letter to the era of big hair and even bigger rock anthems. The film follows the romance between Sherrie (Julianne Hough) and Drew (Diego Boneta) as they pursue their dreams of stardom on the Sunset Strip. With a soundtrack packed with hits from bands like Journey, Foreigner, and Bon Jovi, the movie is a nostalgic trip back in time. The chemistry between the leads, combined with the film’s high-energy musical numbers, makes it a fun and entertaining watch for any fan of rock music and romance.

Across the Universe is a visually stunning musical that uses the music of The Beatles to tell a love story set against the backdrop of the 1960s. The film follows Jude (Jim Sturgess) as he travels from Liverpool to the United States, where he falls in love with Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood). The movie is a blend of romance, political commentary, and surreal imagery, all set to the timeless songs of The Beatles. With numbers like “All You Need is Love” and “Hey Jude,” the film is a unique and emotional journey that appeals to both music and romance lovers.

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore charmed audiences with their sweet and quirky chemistry in The Wedding Singer. Set in the 1980s, the film follows Robbie, a wedding singer who gets left at the altar and then falls for Julia, a waitress who’s engaged to someone else. The movie is a hilarious yet heartfelt homage to the decade, filled with iconic 80s tunes and plenty of romantic moments. The standout scene is, of course, when Robbie serenades Julia with “Grow Old With You” on an airplane, a gesture that’s both humorous and touching. The Wedding Singer is a lighthearted romantic musical that never fails to bring a smile.

Sing Street is a charming coming-of-age story set in 1980s Dublin, where a young boy named Conor forms a band to impress a girl. The film beautifully captures the spirit of youthful romance and the power of music to bring people together. With an original soundtrack that channels the best of 80s music, Sing Street is both nostalgic and fresh. The relationship between Conor and Raphina is sweet and genuine, and the film’s mix of humor, heart, and great music makes it a standout in the romantic musical genre.

Once is a simple yet profoundly moving film about the connection between two musicians who meet on the streets of Dublin. The movie stars Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, who also wrote and performed the film’s beautiful soundtrack. The relationship between their characters is understated and authentic, making their story all the more powerful. Songs like “Falling Slowly” perfectly encapsulate the bittersweet nature of their romance. Once is a testament to the idea that sometimes the most impactful love stories are the quietest ones.

From the director of Once, Begin Again tells the story of a down-and-out music producer (Mark Ruffalo) and a young singer-songwriter (Keira Knightley) who team up to create an album in the streets of New York City. The film is a love letter to music and the creative process, with a romantic subplot that’s subtle yet deeply affecting. The chemistry between the leads is understated but palpable, and the movie’s soundtrack, featuring songs like “Lost Stars,” adds to its emotional depth. Begin Again is a refreshing take on the romantic musical genre, focusing on the power of music to heal and connect people.

When it comes to iconic 80s films, Footloose dances its way to the top of the list. Starring Kevin Bacon as Ren McCormack, a rebellious teenager who moves to a small town where dancing is banned, the movie is a vibrant mix of youthful defiance and romance. Ren’s budding relationship with Ariel, the daughter of the town’s strict preacher, adds a sweet and rebellious love story to the mix. The film’s soundtrack, featuring hits like “Footloose” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” became synonymous with the era. The chemistry between Ren and Ariel, combined with the film’s energetic dance sequences, makes Footloose an enduring favorite.

Evita is a powerful musical drama that tells the story of Eva Perón, the First Lady of Argentina, through the lens of a tragic romance. Starring Madonna in the title role and Antonio Banderas as the narrator, Che, the film is a sweeping epic filled with passion, politics, and unforgettable music. The romance between Eva and Juan Perón is central to the story, with Madonna’s performance bringing both vulnerability and strength to her portrayal of Eva. The film’s iconic song “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” remains one of the most memorable moments, making Evita a standout romantic musical of the 90s.

Nobody puts Baby in a corner, and nobody forgets this iconic film! Dirty Dancing is the ultimate summer romance with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey heating up the screen. Set in the 1960s at a summer resort, the movie combines heart-pounding dance routines with an equally intense love story. The chemistry between Johnny and Baby is electric, and the soundtrack still gets people swaying to this day. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves a bit of forbidden romance mixed with killer dance moves.