“Popular” can mean two things: films that made enormous money, and films that became cultural landmarks. This article covers both, since the biggest earners and the most influential horror films overlap only partly.
Rankings shift depending on how a “horror” film is defined. Some lists count The Sixth Sense or I Am Legend as horror, others treat them as thrillers or sci-fi. Box office totals also keep changing, so treat the numbers below as approximate.
Part 1: The Box Office Champions
1. It (2017)
The highest-grossing horror movie at the global box office is It, adapted from Stephen King’s novel about a shape-shifting entity that often appears as a clown. It earned around $700 million, and current tallies put it slightly higher. Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise, a strong Stephen King brand, and a wave of 1980s nostalgia drove its success. Its 2019 sequel, It: Chapter Two, made about $467 million, which was still a huge result.
2. The Sixth Sense (1999)
M. Night Shyamalan’s ghost story, with its famous twist ending and Haley Joel Osment’s “I see dead people” performance, earned about $670 million worldwide and was nominated for six Oscars including Best Picture. Whether it counts as horror or a supernatural drama, it is on nearly every list.
3. The Conjuring Universe
The Conjuring series is the most successful horror franchise in history. The Conjuring Universe has earned more than $2.9 billion across eleven films, and the latest entry, Last Rites (2025), earned around $499 million, the highest gross in the series. James Wan’s original The Conjuring (2013) helped restart mainstream supernatural horror, and spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun followed.
4. Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s shark thriller is often called the first summer blockbuster. It was the first film to pass $100 million at the box office, and its total is around $480 million. Adjusted for inflation, it ranks among the biggest horror hits ever.
5. The Exorcist (1973)
Made for about $11 million, it grossed roughly $193 million at the time. Adjusted to 2026 money, that is around $1.4 billion. William Friedkin’s film reportedly caused fainting and walkouts, and it was the first horror film nominated for Best Picture. Inflation-adjusted, it and Jaws are widely considered the two most financially successful horror films ever.
6. A Quiet Place (2018)
The film earned $340.9 million against a modest $17 million budget. Its clever premise, monsters that hunt by sound, made audiences afraid to rustle their popcorn, and it launched a franchise.
7. Sinners (2025)
Ryan Coogler’s vampire film mixing horror with Southern blues history was a major surprise. It opened to $48 million, held remarkably well in its second weekend, and finished with roughly $366 million worldwide against a $90 million budget. It stood out as an original, non-franchise hit.
8. Obsession (2026)
The newest name on the list is Obsession. Wikipedia’s tally lists it at over $519 million worldwide and still playing in late September 2026, which puts it among the top few horror-classified earners. I don’t have detailed information about it, so I’d suggest checking recent coverage for specifics.
Other big earners
I Am Legend (2007) and World War Z (2013) each grossed over $500 million, but they lean toward sci-fi action and are often listed separately. Alien: Romulus (2024), Smile (2022), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) and Interview with the Vampire (1994) also sit in the top 50.
Part 2: The Cultural Icons
Some of horror’s most beloved films did modest business at first and grew into legends through home video, cult screenings and endless imitation.
Psycho (1960): Alfred Hitchcock’s shower scene changed what audiences expected from a thriller and helped invent the slasher genre.
Night of the Living Dead (1968): George A. Romero’s low-budget zombie film created the modern zombie template.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974): A raw, grimy shocker that became a landmark of independent horror.
Halloween (1978): John Carpenter’s masterpiece made Michael Myers an icon and defined the slasher formula.
Alien (1979): Ridley Scott’s “haunted house in space” remains one of the most influential sci-fi horror films.
The Shining (1980): Stanley Kubrick’s chilling adaptation, loved for its atmosphere and Jack Nicholson’s performance, though Stephen King famously disliked it.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): Freddy Krueger brought dreams into horror and spawned a huge franchise.
Friday the 13th (1980): It launched Jason Voorhees and a long-running slasher series.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991): One of the rare horror-adjacent films to win Best Picture, along with Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Scream (1996): Wes Craven’s self-aware slasher revived the genre and inspired a generation of imitators.
The Blair Witch Project (1999): A low-budget found-footage sensation that helped popularize the format.
Ringu / The Ring (1998 / 2002): Japanese horror that sparked a wave of remakes in Hollywood.
Saw (2004): A cheap, twisty thriller that launched a long-running franchise.
Paranormal Activity (2007): Made for a tiny sum, it earned hundreds of millions and proved found footage could still work.
Get Out (2017): Jordan Peele’s social thriller won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and reshaped how critics view horror.
Hereditary (2018): An unsettling family tragedy often cited as a leading example of modern “elevated horror.”
Why Are Horror Movies So Popular?
Low risk, high reward. Horror can be made cheaply, and a hit can multiply its budget many times over.
Built-in audience. Fans reliably show up, especially for franchises, and group viewing makes it a social experience.
Universal emotion. Fear translates across languages, helping horror travel worldwide.
Cultural mirror. From Cold War paranoia in the 1950s to social anxieties in Get Out, the best horror reflects the fears of its time.
Franchise potential. Iconic villains and worlds like The Conjuring Universe keep audiences returning.
Horror is one of cinema’s most dependable genres, reaching from Jaws and The Exorcist to It and Sinners. The biggest earners are not always the best-loved, and the most influential films, like Halloween, Psycho and Alien, were often quieter hits that grew over time. Whether you like slashers, ghost stories or psychological dread, the genre has something to keep you up at night.
Film has been censored almost as long as it has existed. Governments, religious groups, local councils and studios have all pulled films from screens, whether over sex, violence, blasphemy, politics or fear of copycat behavior. Some bans lasted a few weeks, others decades, and a few films were banned in many countries at once.
A few clarifications first. “Banned” is used loosely: it can mean a legal prohibition, a refusal by a censorship board, or a distributor’s decision to withdraw a film. Many bans have since been lifted, and rules differ by country and change over time, so check the current status of any film you want to see.
Part 1: The Classics of Censorship
1. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Stanley Kubrick’s dystopian film about a violent gang leader was among the most controversial of its era. It was blamed in the press for copycat crimes in Britain, and Kubrick himself had it withdrawn from UK distribution in 1973. It stayed unavailable there until after his death in 1999, and was also restricted in places like Ireland and Singapore.
2. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper’s film was refused a certificate by the British censors and banned in a range of countries for its intensity, despite showing surprisingly little onscreen gore. It reached UK audiences uncut only in the late 1990s and 2000s.
3. The Exorcist (1973)
William Friedkin’s possession drama caused fainting and walkouts, and several local authorities and countries banned or restricted it. In Britain it was effectively unavailable on home video for years, before being released in 1999.
4. Last Tango in Paris (1972)
Bernardo Bertolucci’s drama starring Marlon Brando was prosecuted for obscenity in Italy, where a court ordered the destruction of prints. It was also banned or cut in several other countries. In later years, the film has also been the subject of controversy over the treatment of actress Maria Schneider.
5. Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
Pier Paolo Pasolini’s brutal adaptation of the Marquis de Sade, set in fascist Italy, was banned in numerous countries and remained banned in some for decades. Britain passed it uncut only in 2000. It is often regarded as among the most extreme films ever made, and many critics still consider it a serious, if unbearable, political allegory.
6. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)
The comedy satirizing organized religion was banned by many local councils in Britain and prohibited in Ireland and Norway. Its marketing in Sweden famously joked that it was so funny it was banned in Norway.
7. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Martin Scorsese’s religious drama, which imagines Jesus with human doubts and desires, provoked protests and bans across many countries, particularly in parts of Latin America and elsewhere. In Chile, the ban lasted until 2003. A Paris cinema showing it was attacked by arsonists.
Part 2: Films Banned for Politics
8. Battleship Potemkin (1925)
Sergei Eisenstein’s silent classic, about a naval mutiny, was seen as revolutionary propaganda. It was banned in numerous countries for years, including Britain, where restrictions lasted decades.
9. The Birth of a Nation (1915)
D.W. Griffith’s landmark film glorified the Ku Klux Klan. It was technically groundbreaking and hugely popular, but it sparked protests and was banned in several American cities. Its legacy remains deeply troubling.
10. Paths of Glory (1957)
Kubrick’s anti-war film about French soldiers unjustly executed was banned in France for many years, and restricted in other places, over its criticism of the military.
11. The Great Dictator (1940)
Charlie Chaplin’s satire of Hitler was banned in Nazi-controlled and aligned countries, and was also restricted elsewhere. It was one of the earliest major Hollywood films to mock the dictator directly.
12. Persepolis (2007)
Marjane Satrapi’s animated memoir of growing up in Iran was banned in Iran and drew objections in a few other countries.
Part 3: Horror and Extreme Cinema
13. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
Ruggero Deodato’s found-footage horror was banned in dozens of countries and led to legal trouble for its director, who had to prove that no actors were actually killed. It was included on Britain’s “video nasties” list.
14. I Spit on Your Grave (1978)
This rape-revenge film was one of the most notorious “video nasties” in Britain and was banned or heavily cut in many territories.
15. Freaks (1932)
Tod Browning’s film used real carnival performers with physical differences. Audiences found it disturbing, and it was banned in several places, including Britain for over three decades. Today it is widely regarded as a classic.
16. Pink Flamingos (1972)
John Waters’ deliberately outrageous cult film was banned in places including Australia and Norway, and cut in others.
Part 4: Modern Bans
Recent bans often involve LGBTQ content, political sensitivities and religion, and vary by country.
Barbie (2023): Banned in Vietnam over a map shown in the film, and banned or blocked in some other countries for other reasons.
Lightyear (2022): Banned in several countries, largely in the Middle East and Asia, over a brief same-sex kiss.
Brokeback Mountain (2005): Not released in various countries because of its gay love story.
The Da Vinci Code (2006): Banned or challenged in several countries for its treatment of Christianity.
Borat (2006): Banned in Russia and Kazakhstan, where it caused political embarrassment.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Banned in a few countries over sex, drugs and profanity.
Christopher Robin (2018): Reportedly denied a release in China, with the Winnie the Pooh comparisons to the country’s president widely cited as the reason.
Deadpool (2016): Its release was blocked in China because of its violence and sexual content.
Why Are Films Banned?
Sex and nudity. The most common reason worldwide, and the driver of many bans.
Violence. Films seen as glorifying brutality or inspiring copycats.
Religion. Blasphemy accusations, particularly for films that portray sacred figures.
Politics. Films criticizing governments, militaries or leaders.
LGBTQ themes. A frequent cause of bans in many countries today.
Moral panic. Britain’s “video nasties” era, in the early 1980s, saw dozens of horror films prosecuted or banned amid public fear.
Ban vs. Censorship vs. Self-Regulation
Not every restriction is a ban. The US Hays Code, in place from the 1930s to the 1960s, was an industry self-censorship system rather than a government law, but it shaped what Hollywood could show for decades. Ratings systems like the MPA and BBFC classify films rather than prohibit them, though a refusal of classification can amount to a ban.
The list of banned films reads like a map of what societies fear at any given moment. Many films once considered too shocking, such as The Exorcist and A Clockwork Orange, are now regarded as classics, while others still provoke debate. Bans also tend to increase curiosity: several films on this list became cult favorites in part because of the attempts to suppress them.
Television budgets have exploded. Shows like Game of Thrones and streaming epics now spend more per episode than many feature films. Nearly all of these numbers come from press reports and industry estimates rather than official figures, and studios rarely confirm them, so treat every number here as approximate. Rankings also differ depending on whether they count total cost or cost per episode, and whether they include rights fees.
The Top of the List
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022 to present)
Amazon’s Tolkien prequel is widely considered the most expensive TV series ever made. Its first-season production budget is believed to be about $465 million, not counting the $250 million Amazon paid for the rights, which would push the total to roughly $89.4 million per episode. Excluding the rights fee, the production cost works out to about $58 million per episode, the highest known figure for any series. The money went into sprawling sets, visual effects, and a large cast.
2. Secret Invasion (2023)
Marvel’s Secret Invasion reportedly cost $212 million, about $35 million per episode. Given its lukewarm reception, it is often cited as a cautionary tale about high spending in streaming.
3. Stranger Things (2016 to 2025)
Netflix’s flagship show grew steadily more expensive. Season 4 was widely reported at around $30 million per episode, among the highest for any show. I’m relying on press reports here, and I didn’t find a firm figure in my search, so treat that number with caution.
4. 3 Body Problem (2024)
The Netflix adaptation from the creators of Game of Thrones reportedly cost $20 million per episode, the most expensive first season of a Netflix show.
5. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024)
The Disney+ series had a reported budget of $136 million, about $17 million per episode, with much of the cost going to visual effects.
6. One Piece (2023)
Netflix’s live-action adaptation reportedly cost about $17.3 million per episode, driven by CGI and fight sequences.
7. The Morning Show (2019 to present)
Apple’s flagship drama shows that a talky, star-driven series can be enormously expensive too. Its second season reportedly cost about $15 million per episode.
8. Game of Thrones (2011 to 2019)
The show that defined prestige fantasy TV got steadily pricier. Its first season was reported at about $6 million per episode, while the final season reportedly ran to about $15 million for each of its six episodes. Estimates for the whole run reach well into the hundreds of millions. House of Dragon, its prequel, was reported to cost around $20 million per episode in its first season, though I couldn’t confirm that in my search.
9. Band of Brothers (2001)
Spielberg and Hanks’ World War II miniseries had a budget of $125 million, or $12.5 million per episode, which would be about $23 million per episode in today’s money. It was among the first shows to prove that television could look like a blockbuster film.
10. Other Big Spenders
Pachinko (2022): Reported at around $13 million per episode, in the range of Netflix’s The Crown.
The Boys (2019 to 2026): Reportedly $11 million per episode in season one, rising in later seasons, with its run costing Amazon over $352 million so far.
Sense8 (2015 to 2018): About $5 million per episode in season one and $9 million in season two, for a total around $270 million.
Rome (2005 to 2007): About $10 million per episode for a lavish recreation of the Roman world.
Westworld (2016 to 2022): About $9 million per episode.
Friends (1994 to 2004): In its final seasons, cast salaries pushed the cost to about $10 million per episode.
The Big Bang Theory (2007 to 2019): Estimated at about $9.25 million per episode, mostly due to cast pay.
Where the Money Goes
Visual effects. Fantasy and superhero shows spend huge sums on CGI, creatures and digital environments.
Star salaries. Stars can earn hundreds of thousands per episode, and sitcom casts often negotiated huge raises in later seasons.
Sets and locations. Period pieces and fantasy worlds require large builds and international shoots.
Rights and licensing. Franchise properties like Lord of the Rings can cost hundreds of millions before filming begins.
Streaming competition. Platforms compete for subscribers with flashy tentpole series.
Expensive Doesn’t Mean Successful
High budgets carry big risks. Some of the costliest shows have been criticized or canceled, while cheaper series have become cultural hits. As budgets have risen, some streamers have begun cutting back on costs and canceling projects, and the expected arrival of high-profile adaptations, such as HBO’s Harry Potter series, shows the pressure is still pushing costs upward.
The blurred line between television and film is most visible in these budgets. Where a $10 million-per-episode show was once unthinkable, that figure is now almost routine at the top end. Whether all of this spending pays off is another question, but the shows above reveal how far television ambition has stretched.
Romantic cinema has produced some of the most memorable stories in film history. From sweeping historical romances and tragic love stories to sophisticated romantic comedies and modern examinations of relationships, the genre has evolved enormously over more than a century.
There is no single universally accepted list of the “most romantic movies of all time.” The American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Passions identifies 100 influential American love stories, while more recent lists such as Time Out’s 2026 selection consider a much broader range of romantic films.
The following selection brings together classic romances, romantic dramas, romantic comedies, tragic love stories, musicals and modern relationship films. It is intended as a broad cinematic guide rather than a definitive ranking.
1. Casablanca (1942)
Director: Michael Curtiz Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid Genre: Romantic drama, war drama
Few films have defined cinematic romance as strongly as Casablanca. Set during World War II, the story follows Rick Blaine, an American expatriate running a nightclub in Casablanca. His former lover Ilsa unexpectedly arrives with her husband, Victor Laszlo, a resistance leader wanted by the Nazis.
The film’s romance is powerful partly because it is not simply about two people wanting to be together. Rick must choose between personal love and a larger moral responsibility.
The American Film Institute placed Casablanca at the top of its 100 Years…100 Passions list and describes it as one of cinema’s defining love stories.
Why it remains romantic: Sacrifice, lost love, unforgettable chemistry and one of Hollywood’s most enduring romantic atmospheres.
2. Roman Holiday (1953)
Director: William Wyler Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck Genre: Romantic comedy, drama
Roman Holiday follows Princess Ann, played by Audrey Hepburn, who escapes her royal responsibilities during a visit to Rome. She meets American journalist Joe Bradley, who initially sees her as a potential news story.
As they explore Rome together, however, their relationship becomes genuine.
Audrey Hepburn’s performance won her the Academy Award for Best Actress, and the movie remains one of the quintessential romantic films of the 1950s.
Why watch it: Rome, charm, elegance, humor and a romance shaped by circumstances that make a conventional happy ending impossible.
3. An Affair to Remember (1957)
Director: Leo McCarey Starring: Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr Genre: Romantic drama
Nickie Ferrante and Terry McKay meet aboard an ocean liner while both are engaged to other people. They fall in love and agree to meet again six months later at the Empire State Building.
The film became famous for its themes of longing, separation, hope and missed connections.
AFI ranks An Affair to Remember fifth on its 100 Years…100 Passions list.
Why watch it: One of the great films about waiting for someone you love.
4. Gone with the Wind (1939)
Director: Victor Fleming Starring: Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable Genre: Historical epic, romantic drama
Set against the American Civil War and Reconstruction, Gone with the Wind centers on Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler.
Their relationship is passionate, complicated and frequently destructive. Scarlett’s obsession with Ashley Wilkes contrasts with Rhett’s attraction to her strong personality.
AFI’s historic list placed the film second among its 100 greatest American love stories.
The film should also be understood in the context of its portrayal of slavery and the American South, which has been extensively criticized and debated.
5. West Side Story (1961)
Director: Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins Starring: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer Genre: Musical, romantic drama, tragedy
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story transfers the classic forbidden-love story to New York City.
Tony and Maria fall in love despite belonging to rival communities whose conflict eventually threatens their relationship.
The combination of music, dance, romance and tragedy made the film a landmark musical.
AFI placed the 1961 film third in its 100 Years…100 Passions list.
6. The Way We Were (1973)
Director: Sydney Pollack Starring: Barbra Streisand, Robert Redford Genre: Romantic drama
Katie Morosky and Hubbell Gardiner come from very different political and social backgrounds.
Despite their differences, they develop a powerful relationship that evolves over many years.
Rather than presenting love as a simple happily-ever-after story, The Way We Were explores how personality, values, ambitions and changing circumstances can affect a relationship.
It was ranked sixth on AFI’s list of America’s greatest love stories.
7. Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Director: David Lean Starring: Omar Sharif, Julie Christie Genre: Historical romantic drama
Set during the Russian Revolution and its aftermath, Doctor Zhivago follows physician and poet Yuri Zhivago and his complicated relationships with Lara and Tonya.
The enormous historical backdrop gives the romance an epic quality.
Why watch it: Sweeping landscapes, unforgettable music, political upheaval and a love story caught between personal desire and historical forces.
8. Love Story (1970)
Director: Arthur Hiller Starring: Ryan O’Neal, Ali MacGraw Genre: Romantic drama
Oliver Barrett IV and Jennifer Cavilleri come from different social backgrounds but fall deeply in love.
Their relationship becomes a story about devotion, family expectations and tragedy.
The film became one of the defining romantic dramas of its era, and its central theme of enduring love has remained influential.
9. City Lights (1931)
Director: Charlie Chaplin Starring: Charlie Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill Genre: Silent romantic comedy-drama
Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights demonstrates that a film barely dependent on dialogue can still communicate enormous emotional depth.
The Tramp falls in love with a blind flower girl and attempts to help her.
Humor gradually gives way to tenderness and one of cinema’s most emotionally powerful endings.
Why watch it: It is proof that romantic storytelling does not require elaborate dialogue or modern filmmaking technology.
10. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Director: George Cukor Starring: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, James Stewart Genre: Romantic comedy
Tracy Lord is preparing to marry another man when her former husband and a journalist enter her life.
The film combines romance, sophisticated comedy and sharp dialogue.
Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn’s chemistry helped make the movie a classic of Hollywood’s romantic-comedy tradition.
Romantic Movies of the 1980s and 1990s
The 1980s and especially the 1990s transformed mainstream romantic cinema. Romantic comedies became major commercial successes, while romantic dramas increasingly explored relationships, sexuality, personal identity and emotional vulnerability.
11. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Director: Rob Reiner Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan
Harry and Sally meet while traveling from Chicago to New York and repeatedly cross paths over the years.
The movie asks one of the classic questions of modern romance:
Can men and women really remain just friends?
Its intelligent dialogue, friendship-centered structure and memorable New York setting helped establish it as one of the defining romantic comedies of modern American cinema.
12. Pretty Woman (1990)
Director: Garry Marshall Starring: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts
Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman, hires Vivian Ward to accompany him socially during a trip to Los Angeles.
What begins as a business arrangement gradually develops into an unexpected romantic relationship.
Julia Roberts’ performance became one of the defining screen roles of the era.
13. Ghost (1990)
Director: Jerry Zucker Starring: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg
Ghost combines romance, supernatural fantasy, comedy and tragedy.
Sam Wheat is murdered but remains on Earth because he needs to protect his girlfriend Molly.
The relationship between Sam and Molly gives the supernatural story its emotional center.
Why watch it: It turns the idea of love surviving death into the central premise of the film.
14. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Director: Nora Ephron Starring: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan
A widower’s young son calls into a radio program and asks for a new partner for his father.
An engaged woman named Annie hears the broadcast and becomes fascinated by the mysterious man behind it.
The two protagonists spend much of the movie apart, making the film particularly interesting because the romance is built around anticipation and possibility.
AFI recognizes the movie among its notable romantic comedies and love stories.
15. Before Sunrise (1995)
Director: Richard Linklater Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
An American traveler, Jesse, meets French student Céline on a train traveling through Europe.
He persuades her to get off the train with him in Vienna.
The rest of the film is essentially a conversation between two strangers walking through the city.
There are no elaborate action sequences or spectacular romantic gestures. Instead, the film explores attraction through conversation, curiosity and intellectual connection.
16. Titanic (1997)
Director: James Cameron Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet Genre: Romantic drama, historical epic
Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater meet aboard the RMS Titanic.
Rose belongs to the wealthy upper class and is expected to marry a man chosen partly for social and financial reasons. Jack is a poor artist traveling in third class.
Their relationship develops during the ship’s final voyage.
AFI describes Titanic as one of the enduring love stories recognized within its broader cinematic canon.
The movie became an enormous international cultural phenomenon, combining romance with one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.
17. Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Director: John Madden Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes
This romantic comedy imagines a fictional relationship involving William Shakespeare during the creation of Romeo and Juliet.
The film blends theater, historical fiction, comedy and romance.
It won the Academy Award for Best Picture and became one of the best-known romantic period films of the late 1990s.
Romantic Movies of the 2000s
18. The Notebook (2004)
Director: Nick Cassavetes Starring: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams
Based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, The Notebook follows Noah and Allie, two young people whose relationship is challenged by family expectations, social differences and separation.
The film became particularly famous for its passionate central relationship.
Themes: First love, memory, class differences, commitment and lifelong devotion.
19. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Director: Michel Gondry Starring: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet
This is one of the most unconventional romantic films of the 21st century.
After a painful breakup, Joel discovers that his former girlfriend Clementine has undergone a procedure to erase memories of him.
Joel decides to do the same.
As his memories disappear, however, he realizes that he does not actually want to lose them.
The movie asks a fascinating question:
If you could erase the pain of a failed relationship, would you also erase everything beautiful about it?
20. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Director: Joe Wright Starring: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen
Based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, the film follows Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
Their relationship begins with misunderstanding and mutual dislike before gradually developing into affection.
The movie is particularly admired for its visual atmosphere, performances and portrayal of restrained romantic tension.
21. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Director: Ang Lee Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal Genre: Romantic drama
The story follows Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, two men whose relationship develops during a summer working together in Wyoming.
Their love continues for years despite social pressures and the limitations imposed by the society around them.
The film became one of the most influential romantic dramas of the 21st century.
22. Atonement (2007)
Director: Joe Wright Starring: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy
Atonement combines romance, historical drama and tragedy.
A misunderstanding during childhood has devastating consequences for Robbie and Cecilia, whose relationship is interrupted by war and social circumstances.
The film explores love, guilt, memory and the possibility—or impossibility—of correcting the past.
23. Once (2007)
Director: John Carney Starring: Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová
Once is an intimate musical romance about two musicians who meet in Dublin.
Their relationship develops through music rather than conventional romantic gestures.
The movie is notable for its low-budget aesthetic and natural performances.
Romantic Movies of the 2010s
24. La La Land (2016)
Director: Damien Chazelle Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
Sebastian is a jazz musician and Mia is an aspiring actress.
They fall in love while pursuing their professional dreams in Los Angeles.
Unlike conventional romantic movies, La La Land explores the possibility that two people can deeply love each other while ultimately following different paths.
The film’s mixture of music, dance, nostalgia and romance made it one of the most prominent modern movie musicals.
Set in northern Italy during the summer of 1983, the movie follows Elio and Oliver as their relationship develops.
The Italian landscape and slow pace create an atmosphere of summer nostalgia.
Rather than focusing solely on the relationship itself, the film examines first love and the memories that remain long after it ends.
26. The Shape of Water (2017)
Director: Guillermo del Toro Starring: Sally Hawkins, Doug Jones
This unusual romantic fantasy follows Elisa, a mute woman working in a secret government facility, who develops a relationship with an amphibious humanoid creature.
The film combines romance, fantasy, horror and Cold War-era political themes.
It won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
27. A Star Is Born (2018)
Director: Bradley Cooper Starring: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga
An experienced musician discovers a talented singer and helps launch her career.
Their professional partnership develops into a passionate relationship.
The film explores love, ambition, fame, addiction and personal sacrifice.
Lady Gaga’s performance and the movie’s music became major parts of its cultural impact.
Romantic Movies of the 2020s
28. Past Lives (2023)
Director: Celine Song Starring: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro
Past Lives follows Nora and Hae Sung, childhood friends from South Korea who reconnect many years after Nora moves to North America.
The film is less concerned with conventional romantic fantasy and more interested in questions of timing, migration, memory and the lives people might have lived.
Time Out included Past Lives among its modern examples of significant romantic filmmaking in its 2026 list.
Set in 18th-century France, the film follows a painter commissioned to create a portrait of a young woman.
As the two women spend time together, their professional relationship develops into a romantic one.
The movie is celebrated for its restrained storytelling, visual composition and exploration of desire.
30. Carol (2015)
Director: Todd Haynes Starring: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara
Set in 1950s New York, Carol follows a young woman who develops a relationship with an older married woman.
The film explores love, social expectations, sexuality and personal freedom.
AFI recognized Carol as one of the outstanding films of 2015 through its AFI Awards.
Great Romantic Comedies
Romantic cinema is not limited to tragic dramas. Some of the most enduring love stories use humor to explore relationships.
31. It Happened One Night (1934)
A runaway heiress and a newspaper reporter unexpectedly fall in love while traveling together.
AFI describes it as a quintessential screwball comedy and notes that it became the first film to win all five major Academy Awards.
32. The Apartment (1960)
Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine star in Billy Wilder’s bittersweet romantic comedy about loneliness, corporate life and an unconventional relationship.
33. Moonstruck (1987)
Cher and Nicolas Cage star in a wonderfully eccentric New York romance involving family, loyalty and unexpected attraction. AFI includes the film among its notable romantic films.
34. Groundhog Day (1993)
Bill Murray’s character is trapped in a time loop and gradually changes his attitude toward life and other people.
The romance with Andie MacDowell’s character becomes part of a much larger story about personal transformation.
35. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell headline this British romantic comedy about friendship, weddings and unexpected love.
36. Notting Hill (1999)
A London bookstore owner becomes romantically involved with a famous Hollywood actress.
The movie combines celebrity fantasy with an ordinary-person love story.
37. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A high-school romantic comedy loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
It became one of the defining teen romances of its generation.
38. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
A New York woman discovers that her boyfriend comes from one of Singapore’s wealthiest families.
The movie combines romance, comedy, family conflict and cultural expectations.
Rotten Tomatoes’ current romantic-comedy guide includes films spanning everything from classic Hollywood to modern movies such as Crazy Rich Asians and The Big Sick.
The Most Romantic Movies by Mood
Mood
Recommended Movies
Classic romance
Casablanca, Roman Holiday, An Affair to Remember
Epic romance
Gone with the Wind, Doctor Zhivago, Titanic
Tragic romance
Love Story, Atonement, Brokeback Mountain
Romantic comedy
When Harry Met Sally…, Notting Hill, Moonstruck
First love
Before Sunrise, Call Me by Your Name, The Notebook
Forbidden love
West Side Story, Brokeback Mountain, Carol
Bittersweet romance
The Way We Were, La La Land, Past Lives
Fantasy romance
Ghost, The Shape of Water, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Historical romance
Doctor Zhivago, Pride & Prejudice, Atonement
Musical romance
West Side Story, La La Land, A Star Is Born
European romance
Roman Holiday, Before Sunrise, Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Feel-good romance
Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, Crazy Rich Asians
10 Essential Romantic Movies
For someone who wants a relatively short introduction to romantic cinema, these ten provide a particularly broad journey through the genre:
Casablanca (1942)
Roman Holiday (1953)
An Affair to Remember (1957)
The Way We Were (1973)
When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Ghost (1990)
Before Sunrise (1995)
Titanic (1997)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
La La Land (2016)
This selection deliberately spans different periods and types of romance rather than reproducing a single ranking. AFI’s historical list is much more heavily weighted toward earlier American cinema, while newer selections such as Time Out’s 2026 list incorporate contemporary international and independent films.
The Enduring Appeal of Romantic Cinema
The greatest romantic films are rarely just stories about two people falling in love. They use romance to explore time, sacrifice, class, family, ambition, war, identity, memory, social expectations and personal freedom.
Casablanca asks whether love sometimes requires sacrifice. Before Sunrise examines the intimacy created through conversation. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind considers whether painful memories are worth preserving. La La Land explores the relationship between love and ambition. Past Lives asks how different lives might have unfolded if circumstances had been different.
That variety explains why romantic cinema has remained one of the most durable forms of filmmaking. As AFI notes, its 100 Years…100 Passions project was designed around films whose romantic bonds form the heart of their narratives and whose influence has continued to shape cinematic culture.
Ultimately, the most romantic movie is not necessarily the one with the happiest ending. Some of cinema’s most memorable love stories are powerful precisely because the characters cannot remain together. Romance on screen can therefore be about finding someone, losing someone, choosing someone, remembering someone—or simply understanding what it meant to love them.
Comedy is one of cinema’s oldest and most enduring genres. From the silent films of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton to modern Hollywood comedies, British humor, teen comedies, dark comedies and animated films, comedy has continually changed while maintaining one basic purpose: to make audiences laugh.
The most famous comedy films are not necessarily the highest-grossing or most critically acclaimed. Some became cultural phenomena, some introduced unforgettable characters or catchphrases, and others influenced generations of filmmakers and comedians.
Here is a broad selection of the most famous and influential comedy movies in film history, covering different eras and styles.
1. Some Like It Hot (1959)
Director: Billy Wilder Starring: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon Genre: Comedy, romance
Some Like It Hot is widely regarded as one of the great Hollywood comedies.
Two musicians witness a crime and disguise themselves as women to escape the gangsters pursuing them. They join an all-female musical group, where they encounter Marilyn Monroe’s character, Sugar Kane.
The movie combines mistaken identity, cross-dressing, romance, gangster comedy and brilliantly constructed dialogue.
Its famous final line remains one of the most recognizable endings in comedy cinema.
2. Modern Times (1936)
Director: Charlie Chaplin Starring: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard
Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times combines physical comedy with social satire.
Chaplin’s Tramp struggles to survive in an increasingly mechanized industrial society. The famous factory sequences turn assembly-line work into a series of escalating comic disasters.
Although released in 1936, the movie remains surprisingly relevant because its themes include automation, unemployment, poverty and the relationship between humans and machines.
3. City Lights (1931)
Director: Charlie Chaplin
Although often classified as a romantic comedy-drama, City Lights contains some of Chaplin’s finest comic sequences.
The Tramp falls in love with a blind flower seller and tries to help her.
The movie demonstrates Chaplin’s remarkable ability to combine physical comedy, romance and genuine emotional drama.
4. The Great Dictator (1940)
Director: Charlie Chaplin Starring: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard
Chaplin’s first major talking picture uses satire to criticize Adolf Hitler and fascism.
The film is famous for its extraordinary combination of political satire and comedy.
Chaplin plays both a Jewish barber and a dictator resembling Hitler, creating opportunities for parody and social criticism.
The film became one of the most important examples of political satire in classic cinema.
5. Duck Soup (1933)
Director: Leo McCarey Starring: The Marx Brothers
Duck Soup is one of the defining anarchic comedies of Hollywood’s early sound era.
Groucho Marx plays Rufus T. Firefly, the newly appointed leader of the fictional country of Freedonia.
The movie makes fun of politics, diplomacy, war and bureaucracy through absurd dialogue and increasingly chaotic situations.
6. The Gold Rush (1925)
Director: Charlie Chaplin
One of Chaplin’s most famous silent comedies.
The Tramp travels to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush and becomes involved in a series of misadventures.
Among its famous scenes are the celebrated bread-roll dance and the desperate attempt to eat a shoe.
7. The General (1926)
Director: Buster Keaton
Buster Keaton stars as a locomotive engineer caught up in an American Civil War adventure.
The film combines:
Physical comedy
Action
Romance
Train stunts
Historical adventure
Keaton’s deadpan expression and extraordinary stunt work make The General one of silent cinema’s essential comedies.
8. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Directors: Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones Starring: Monty Python
King Arthur searches for the Holy Grail while encountering increasingly ridiculous characters and situations.
The movie became a landmark of British comedy.
Its humor combines:
Absurdism
Wordplay
Parody
Historical satire
Surrealism
Physical comedy
It has become particularly influential in internet and popular culture.
9. Life of Brian (1979)
Directors: Terry Jones Starring: Monty Python
Life of Brian follows Brian, an ordinary man repeatedly mistaken for a messianic figure.
The film satirizes religious fanaticism, political movements, bureaucracy and crowd behavior.
Despite controversy surrounding its release, it became one of the best-known British comedy films.
10. Airplane! (1980)
Directors: Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker
Airplane! revolutionized parody comedy.
The movie takes disaster-movie conventions and fills them with absurd jokes, visual gags, puns and deliberately ridiculous situations.
Its rapid-fire style influenced countless later comedy films and television shows.
11. The Blues Brothers (1980)
Director: John Landis Starring: Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi
Jake and Elwood Blues set out on a “mission from God” to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised.
The movie combines comedy with spectacular musical performances and car chases.
Its soundtrack includes legendary musicians such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker.
12. Caddyshack (1980)
Director: Harold Ramis
Set at an exclusive golf club, Caddyshack follows a collection of eccentric characters.
The cast includes:
Chevy Chase
Bill Murray
Rodney Dangerfield
Ted Knight
The movie became one of the defining American sports comedies.
Bill Murray’s battle against a mischievous gopher became particularly famous.
13. Trading Places (1983)
Director: John Landis Starring: Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd
A wealthy commodities broker and a poor street hustler have their lives deliberately switched by two wealthy businessmen.
The movie mixes comedy with social satire and commentary on wealth and class.
It helped establish Eddie Murphy as one of the major comedy stars of the 1980s.
14. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Director: Martin Brest Starring: Eddie Murphy
Detroit police officer Axel Foley travels to Beverly Hills to investigate the murder of his friend.
The film combines action and comedy and became one of the biggest successes of the 1980s.
Eddie Murphy’s fast-talking personality became the central attraction.
15. Back to the Future (1985)
Director: Robert Zemeckis Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd
Although primarily a science-fiction adventure, Back to the Future is also one of the most beloved comedy-adventure films.
Teenager Marty McFly accidentally travels back to 1955 and encounters his own parents when they were teenagers.
The movie combines:
Science fiction
Comedy
Romance
Adventure
Time travel
Its characters, dialogue and situations have become part of global popular culture.
16. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Director: John Hughes Starring: Matthew Broderick
Ferris Bueller decides to skip school and spend an extraordinary day exploring Chicago with his best friend and girlfriend.
The film became an iconic representation of teenage rebellion and youthful freedom.
17. Coming to America (1988)
Director: John Landis Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall
An African prince travels to Queens, New York, hoping to find a woman who will love him for himself rather than his wealth and royal status.
Eddie Murphy plays multiple characters, creating some of the movie’s most memorable comic sequences.
18. The Naked Gun (1988)
Director: David Zucker
Leslie Nielsen plays incompetent police detective Frank Drebin.
The movie combines deadpan acting with absurd visual jokes, wordplay and parody.
It became one of the defining spoof comedies of the late 1980s.
19. Home Alone (1990)
Director: Chris Columbus Starring: Macaulay Culkin
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone during Christmas.
Two burglars attempt to break into his house, only to encounter an increasingly elaborate series of traps.
Home Alone became one of the most recognizable family comedies of the 1990s and remains a particularly popular Christmas movie.
20. Groundhog Day (1993)
Director: Harold Ramis Starring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell
Television weatherman Phil Connors becomes trapped in a time loop and experiences the same day repeatedly.
What begins as a comedy gradually becomes a story about personal change, relationships and finding meaning.
It is often considered one of the most sophisticated comedies of the 1990s.
21. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Director: Chris Columbus Starring: Robin Williams
After a divorce, a father disguises himself as an elderly British housekeeper so he can spend more time with his children.
Robin Williams’ physical comedy and improvisational style are central to the movie.
The film combines broad humor with themes of divorce, parenting and family relationships.
22. Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Director: Peter Farrelly, Bobby Farrelly Starring: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels
Two extremely foolish friends embark on a road trip to return a suitcase full of money.
The movie helped establish the Farrelly brothers’ distinctive style of broad American comedy.
Jim Carrey’s performance became one of his signature roles.
23. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Director: Tom Shadyac Starring: Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey plays an eccentric private detective specializing in missing animals.
The film established Carrey as one of Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars.
Its exaggerated facial expressions, physical humor and energetic performance became characteristic of his 1990s comedy style.
24. The Mask (1994)
Director: Chuck Russell Starring: Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz
A shy bank employee discovers a magical mask that transforms him into an outrageous, cartoon-like character.
The movie combines:
Fantasy
Slapstick
Superhero elements
Romance
Cartoon-style humor
It was another major showcase for Jim Carrey’s physical comedy.
25. There’s Something About Mary (1998)
Directors: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly Starring: Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller
A man attempts to reconnect with his high-school crush years after their relationship never happened.
The film became famous for its outrageous and often deliberately shocking humor.
26. Rush Hour (1998)
Director: Brett Ratner Starring: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker
Hong Kong detective Lee and Los Angeles detective James Carter are forced to work together.
Jackie Chan’s physical comedy contrasts with Chris Tucker’s rapid-fire dialogue.
The result became one of the most successful action-comedy partnerships of the era.
27. Office Space (1999)
Director: Mike Judge
Office Space satirizes corporate bureaucracy, meaningless work and frustrating office culture.
Although its theatrical performance was modest compared with major blockbusters, it became a major cult comedy through home video and later popularity.
Many of its jokes about office life have become part of workplace culture.
28. American Pie (1999)
Director: Paul Weitz, Chris Weitz
American Pie follows a group of high-school friends approaching graduation and dealing with relationships, embarrassment and adolescence.
The film helped define the late-1990s teen comedy.
29. The Big Lebowski (1998)
Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi
Jeff Bridges plays Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, a laid-back man who becomes involved in a bizarre kidnapping and ransom plot.
The movie combines crime, absurdism, noir parody and character comedy.
It became one of the most influential cult comedies in modern cinema.
30. Zoolander (2001)
Director: Ben Stiller
Derek Zoolander is an extremely successful but intellectually limited male model.
He becomes involved in a bizarre political conspiracy.
The film satirizes fashion, celebrity culture and the entertainment industry.
31. Shrek (2001)
Directors: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson
Shrek transformed the animated comedy.
The story follows an ogre who wants to live alone in his swamp but becomes involved in a quest with a talking donkey and a princess.
The movie combines:
Fairy-tale parody
Adult humor
Children’s comedy
Romance
Adventure
It became one of the most influential animated comedy franchises of the 2000s.
32. Legally Blonde (2001)
Director: Robert Luketic Starring: Reese Witherspoon
Elle Woods follows her former boyfriend to Harvard Law School and discovers that she is capable of much more than people expect.
The movie combines romantic comedy, campus comedy and personal empowerment.
33. Superbad (2007)
Director: Greg Mottola
Three high-school friends attempt to attend a party before graduation.
The movie became one of the defining American teen comedies of the 2000s.
34. The Hangover (2009)
Director: Todd Phillips
Four friends travel to Las Vegas for a bachelor party.
The next morning, they discover that the groom has disappeared and none of them can remember what happened.
They reconstruct the previous night’s events while searching for their missing friend.
The movie became a major commercial and cultural success.
35. Bridesmaids (2011)
Director: Paul Feig Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy
The film follows a woman struggling with financial and personal problems while serving as maid of honor.
It became a landmark mainstream female-led comedy and was particularly noted for its ensemble cast.
36. The Intouchables (2011)
Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano
A wealthy quadriplegic man hires a young man from a very different social background as his caregiver.
Their friendship becomes the heart of the film.
The movie combines comedy and drama and became an international success.
37. 21 Jump Street (2012)
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum
Two police officers go undercover as high-school students to investigate a drug operation.
The film simultaneously parodies and celebrates the conventions of teenage movies and police action films.
38. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Director: Wes Anderson
This visually distinctive comedy follows hotel concierge Monsieur Gustave H. and lobby boy Zero.
The movie combines:
Absurd comedy
Adventure
Mystery
European-inspired settings
Stylized storytelling
Its elaborate visual style and unusual humor made it one of Wes Anderson’s most recognizable films.
39. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Directors: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi
A mockumentary follows several vampires sharing a house in New Zealand.
The film treats supernatural creatures as ordinary roommates dealing with chores, relationships and household disagreements.
It became an influential cult comedy and later inspired a successful television series.
40. The Nice Guys (2016)
Director: Shane Black Starring: Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe
A private investigator and an enforcer reluctantly work together to investigate a missing girl.
The movie combines detective noir, action and buddy comedy.
Ryan Gosling’s comic performance became one of the film’s major attractions.
Famous Comedy Movies by Type
Type of Comedy
Important Films
Silent comedy
City Lights, The Gold Rush, The General
Classic Hollywood
Some Like It Hot, The Philadelphia Story, Duck Soup
British comedy
Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian
Parody
Airplane!, The Naked Gun, Scary Movie
Teen comedy
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, American Pie, Superbad
Romantic comedy
Groundhog Day, There’s Something About Mary, Legally Blonde
Family comedy
Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, Shrek
Action comedy
Beverly Hills Cop, Rush Hour, 21 Jump Street
Dark comedy
The Big Lebowski, Fargo, Dr. Strangelove
Cult comedy
Office Space, The Big Lebowski, What We Do in the Shadows
Musical comedy
The Blues Brothers, The Producers
Animated comedy
Shrek, The Simpsons Movie, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
Sports comedy
Caddyshack, Major League, Happy Gilmore
Political satire
Dr. Strangelove, The Great Dictator, Wag the Dog
15 Comedy Movies Everyone Should Know
If you want a shorter essential list covering different periods and styles, these 15 are particularly useful starting points:
City Lights (1931)
Duck Soup (1933)
Modern Times (1936)
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Airplane! (1980)
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Back to the Future (1985)
The Naked Gun (1988)
Groundhog Day (1993)
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Shrek (2001)
The Hangover (2009)
Bridesmaids (2011)
The history of comedy movies is essentially a history of changing social attitudes and filmmaking styles.
Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton demonstrated that comedy could work without dialogue. The Marx Brothers introduced anarchic verbal humor. Billy Wilder perfected sophisticated Hollywood comedy. Monty Python pushed absurdism to new extremes. The 1980s brought the era of spoofs, Eddie Murphy and action-comedies, while the 1990s produced major stars such as Jim Carrey, Robin Williams and Adam Sandler. The 2000s and 2010s expanded comedy into animated blockbusters, cult films, awkward comedies, ensemble films and genre hybrids.
The greatest comedy movies also tend to survive because their humor is supported by memorable characters, strong storytelling and recognizable human situations. A joke may eventually become dated, but a great comic character can remain funny for generations.