Love is intoxicating, dreamy and undeniably complicated. One might fantasize about meeting their perfect partner at a coffee shop and hope that what begins as a single glance or conversation evolves into a lifetime of shared memories. Time and time again, art, poems, songs and more attempt to capture love in its purest form. While these have undeniably encouraged dreamers to continue dreaming of their fairytale ending, I am personally fond of media that approaches love with more complexity and intricacy. It is often not through a single moment or exchange that someone realizes they have found their other half, but instead through months of companionship and growth. With this in mind, here is a list of my favorite romance novels and films.
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice offers a compelling romance that is not only enchanting but also grounded in reality. While there is a passionate love story, it is gradual and initially constrained by miscommunication and flaws in the characters’ judgment. Austen released Pride and Prejudice during an era when social constructs were the tight glue of society. Thus, the chains of birthright initially constrict protagonist Elizabeth Bennet both physically and emotionally as her position as a woman set to inherit nothing (alongside her temper and quick judgment of others’ characters) alters her perception of her surroundings. Within these surroundings is the mysterious and arguably awkward Fitzwilliam Darcy. Their relationship is marked at first with scornful glances and sharp words, but throughout the novel evolves to intimate moments and truth. The book is phenomenal in its own right, but the various on-screen adaptations, specifically Joe Wright’s 2005 film, are also a great way to experience the story.
“La La Land”
“Are you shining just for me? City of Stars… never shined so brightly.”
Not all stories end happily, and “La La Land” is an excellent example of that. The movie details the journeys of Mia, who is an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, who desires to open his own jazz club. Similar to Darcy and Elizabeth, they initially dislike one another. However, they soon fall in love and bond over their passions. It is their dreams that pull them apart, and though the two end the film separated, it is such a beautiful example that the love one experiences, regardless of how long, will always stay with someone. It is because of the support and inspiration that they gave each other that they can make their dreams real.
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
“You will care for somebody, and you’ll love him tremendously, and live and die for him. I know you will, it’s your way, and you will, and I’ll watch.”
While this story details the love of sisters rather than solely focusing on romantic love, its exploration of adoration and loyalty has stood the test of time. The novel itself is wonderful, and my favorite adaptation of it is undeniably the 2019 film starring Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet. One cannot help but love all the characters from Jo, the writer, Beth, the good, Amy, the artist, Meg, the responsible and Laurie, the romantic.
“To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”
“It’s not like in the movies. It’s better because it’s real.”
Though I have never read the book this movie is adapted from, I can confidently say that “To All The Boys” is one of, if not the, best teen films I have watched. Though it has cliches like “fake dating,” the heart of this film and its execution allow it to be more than that. It’s not trashy—it’s simply a good movie with lovable characters. The heroine, Lara Jean Song-Covey, is unlike typical teen protagonists in that she is kind, gentle and always stays true to herself. With such a likable protagonist and equally charming love interest, I could watch this movie over and over again.
