Poll: Groundbreaking Romances

Results of 245 votes:

1. 1.
   

   WALL·E (2008)

    

   Minimal dialogue but all the power of animation for a poignant depiction of love between robots in a post-apocalyptic world.
2. 2.
   

   Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

    

   Deep and thought-provoking exploration of memory, relationships, and the complexities of love, challenging conventional romantic narratives.
3. 3.
   

   Amélie (2001)

    

   A whimsical and visually inventive portrayal of love and self-discovery with two lost souls turning into soulmates.
4. 4.
   

   The Notebook (2004)

    

   For its charged storytelling, authentic portrayal of love across decades, setting a new standard for heartfelt cinematic romance
5. 5.
   

   Brokeback Mountain (2005)

    

   For its exploration of a same-sex romantic relationship against the backdrop of societal norms and expectations.
6. 6.
   

   Before Sunrise (1995)

    

   A realistic portrayal of a fleeting romantic encounter and its exploration of the impact that brief connections can have on our lives.
7. 7.
   

   Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

    

   A navigation into the darker and more complex aspects of marriage and sexual desire.
8. 8.
   

   City Lights (1931)

    

   One of the earliest blends of comedy and romance making it a timeless and influential classic.
9. 9.
   

   Her (2013)

    

   Innovative and prophetic exploration of human emotions and connections as a man falls in love with an artificial intelligence.
10. 10.
    

    Annie Hall (1977)

     

    A more realistic and complex portrayal of relationships, blending humor with introspection, with non-linear narrative and innovative storytelling to challenge the typical formula.
11. 11.
    

    Lost in Translation (2003)

     

    A deep connection between two lonely individuals in a foreign land emphasizing the unspoken complexities of love.
12. 12.
    

    Brief Encounter (1945)

     

    A realistic portrayal of ordinary people's love with nuanced character development and innovative narrative structure devoid of any negative judgment toward infidelity.
13. 13.
    

    Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

     

    One of the first mainstream Hollywood films that truly contributed to societal conversations about race and relationships.
14. 14.
    

    A Patch of Blue (1965)

     

    A heartfelt connection between a blind white woman and a black man, contributing to discussions on race and disability in cinema.
15. 15.
    

    Harold and Maude (1971)

     

    A taboo-breaking portrayal of a romantic relationship between a young man, and an elderly woman, offering a unique and challenging exploration of platonic (?) love.
16. 16.
    

    The Handmaiden (2016)

     

    A groundbreaking romance in contemporary cinema for its visual style, intricate plot, and handling of themes of love and deception.
17. 17.
    

    The Shape of Water (2017)

     

    An unconventional romantic relationship between a mute woman and an amphibious creature, challenging societal prejudices.
18. 18.
    

    Pillow Talk (1959)

     

    An innovative use of split-screen technology to explore romantic dynamics in a comedic way that became a staple of the modern romcom.
19. 19.
    

    They Live by Night (1948)

     

    An innovative approach to the crime and romance genres, focusing on the love story between two young outlaws, influencing later crime films.
20. 20.
    

    The Lunchbox (2013)

     

    An unconventional romance through the exchange of notes in lunchboxes, challenging traditional approaches to love.
21. 21.
    

    Sayonara (1957)

     

    A love story between an American airman and a Japanese woman when cross-cultural relationships were taboo, addressing issues of racial prejudice and discrimination.
22. 22.
    

    Moonlight (2016)

     

    Navigating themes of identity, masculinity, and love within the context of a non-traditional romance.
23. 23.
    

    Talk to Her (2002)

     

    For its exploration of unconventional themes and deep emotions within male-female relationships.
24. 24.
    

    Summer with Monika (1953)

     

    A challenging portrayal of a young couple's romantic escapades depicting a more explicit and naturalistic exploration of love and sexuality.
25. 25.
    

    Blue Is the Warmest Colour (2013)

     

    A coming-of-age romance exploring the intense and passionate relationship between two young women, defying conventions with explicit material.