Ranked: The Best Men in Romance Movies That'll Make You Believe in Love Again

When we think of romance movies, we don’t just think of the plot or the breathtaking settings — we think of the men who made us swoon, the ones who made us believe that love could be this beautiful. Whether they’re charming, dashing, or a little rough around the edges, these leading men have made an unforgettable mark on our hearts. As we celebrate all things romantic (especially with Valentine’s Day on the horizon), let’s take a look at the best of the best: the top romantic movie heroes who have graced the silver screen.

Tom Hanks’ portrayal of Sam Baldwin in Sleepless in Seattle (1993) brings a special kind of heartache and sweetness to the table. As a widowed father navigating life after loss, Sam's vulnerability and yearning for connection with someone new resonate deeply. His heartfelt conversation on the Empire State Building remains one of the most iconic romantic moments of all time.

Richard Gere’s portrayal of Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman (1990) is the epitome of a man who finds love in the most unexpected place. From his initially cold demeanor to his eventual romantic gesture, Edward proves that love can change even the hardest of hearts. Who could resist a man who transforms from a businessman to a man willing to change for the woman he loves?

Billy Crystal’s Harry Burns from When Harry Met Sally (1989) isn’t your typical romantic lead, and that’s exactly why we love him. His wit, his skepticism about love, and his friendship with Sally (Meg Ryan) turning into something more over time feels incredibly real. His iconic “I’ll have what she’s having” moment is still one of the best.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack Dawson from Titanic (1997) might be one of the most iconic romantic characters in history. His passionate love story with Rose (Kate Winslet) transcends time and social class, creating a romance that has touched hearts across generations. Whether it's their first meeting or the iconic "I'm the king of the world" scene, Jack’s love for Rose is pure and unforgettable.

Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) is the ultimate representation of the quiet, dignified man who won’t give up on love. Despite being a bit socially awkward, his love for Bridget (Renée Zellweger) is genuine, and when he finally professes it, we can’t help but swoon. His “I like you very much. Just as you are” will forever be etched in our hearts.

Noah Centineo’s Peter Kavinsky from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) captured hearts everywhere with his charm and playful romance. As the perfect blend of confident and vulnerable, Peter’s relationship with Lara Jean (Lana Condor) feels authentic and down-to-earth. Plus, let’s not forget the famous "You’re not a secret, you’re my first choice" line that made every fan swoon.

Matthew Macfadyen's portrayal of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice (2005) is the modern representation of the classic romantic hero. Though initially aloof and prideful, his transformation into a deeply loving and humble man toward Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) is what makes him a timeless romantic figure. His devotion, paired with his quiet passion, makes him unforgettable.

Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Noah Calhoun in The Notebook (2004) brings us one of the most heart-wrenching and romantic stories of all time. His passionate love for Allie (Rachel McAdams), and his unwavering commitment to her despite the passage of time, is every hopeless romantic’s dream. That kiss in the rain? Yeah, it’s iconic for a reason.

Nicolas Cage’s Ronny Cammareri in Moonstruck (1987) is the chaotic, passionate lover we all secretly crave. His dramatic, over-the-top personality might just be the reason we can’t get enough of his chemistry with Cher’s Loretta. Ronny is all intensity, and his romantic declaration to Loretta — "I love you. I love you. I love you" — takes the cake for emotional moments in romance.

Colin Firth’s portrayal of Jamie in Love Actually (2003) is the gold standard for romantic leads. Though his storyline involves heartbreak, his eventual love with his housekeeper Aurelia is a slow burn, and it’s a romance that proves that sometimes, love doesn’t need words. His simple, heartfelt proposal to Aurelia is as pure as it gets, making him the ultimate romantic hero.