20 romantic movies that will absolutely break your heart

Published Dec 21, 2024 06:01 ET

The Notebook (2004) | Image Source: New Line Cinema — The Notebook (2004) | Image via New Line Cinema

19. Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Romeo + Juliet (1996) | Image via 20th Century Fox

Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's classic tragedy. The film features Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the star-crossed titular lovers. Set in vibrant, chaotic Verona Beach, the film retains the original dialogue yet puts it in a framework appropriate for the 1990s. The tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet, who belong to feuding familiies, echo far more forcefully in this rapid-fire, visually astounding rendition. The film's emotional punch is undeniable as it captures the intensity and the inevitability of youthful passion, while depicting one of the most tragic endings ever told.