Must-Watch Modern Romance Classics Before Materialists Hits Theaters

Man, the buzz around Celine Song's upcoming film Materialists is absolutely electric! Slated for release next weekend in 2025, this summer's most anticipated movie stars Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans in a quirky love triangle about a New York matchmaker torn between her "perfect" match and her ex. Seriously, after Song's knockout debut with Past Lives, expectations are sky-high—it feels like the whole world's holding its breath for this one. But hey, while we wait, why not dive into some brilliant romance flicks from recent years? These gems offer a refreshing escape from the endless franchise fatigue, serving up original, heart-tugging stories that remind us why cinema rocks. Dude, they're like a cozy blanket for the soul in today's blockbuster-heavy landscape.

🔥 Top Romance Films to Binge Before Materialists

Here's a rundown of essential modern classics that'll keep you hooked. Each one brings its own flavor to the table, blending drama, humor, and raw humanity in ways that'll make you go "wow."

1. Past Lives (2023) - Celine Song's debut masterpiece follows two Korean-American immigrants whose bond spans decades, culminating in a poignant New York reunion. What makes this film sing is its universal appeal—it practically whispers to your heart with patient, empathetic storytelling that everyone can relate to. I still get chills thinking about how it captures the messy beauty of human connection. Song’s visual poetry is pure magic, making you feel every heartbeat of these complex characters. For real, it’s a cinematic hug you didn’t know you needed.

2. Columbus (2017) - Kogonada’s unconventional romance centers on a Korean architect stranded in rural Ohio and a young girl caring for her mom. Blurring lines between friendship and romance, it borrows from Lost in Translation but carves its own path. The movie gently reminds us that love ain't always a fairytale—it evolves in messy, complicated ways. Honestly, the atmosphere here is so immersive, it’s like the film itself is breathing beside you, sharing secrets. A total gem for fans of subtle, human stories.

3. Phantom Thread (2017) - Paul Thomas Anderson’s first full-on romance stars Daniel Day-Lewis as a designer who falls for a client, reshaping his world. This slow-burn drama lets you crawl into the characters' minds, with Day-Lewis delivering his most tender performance ever. The film murmurs with elegance, weaving a tale where love stitches together vulnerability and obsession. I adore how it luxuriates in every detail—pure class.

4. Frances Ha (2013) - Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig team up for this coming-of-age gem about a woman navigating life after her roommate moves out. Gerwig’s performance is a riot—funny, relatable, and oh-so-real. The movie feels like a chat with an old friend, dishing out wisdom on early adulthood’s chaos. Baumbach’s knack for empathy shines, making it a timeless fave. You gotta see this; it’s a total mood lifter.

5. The Souvenir (2019) - Joanna Hogg’s film follows a film student’s disillusioned romance, offering a darker take on modern dating. It blends raw emotion with uplifting romance, tackling themes like classism—similar to Song’s work. The story grips you with its honesty, showing how love can be a double-edged sword. Hogg’s direction? Chef’s kiss.

6. Palm Springs (2020) - Starring Cristin Milioti and Andy Samberg in a time-loop rom-com at a wedding, this one’s a laugh riot with heart. It subverts the Groundhog Day formula, using repetition to explore life’s cycles. The comedy slaps, but the deeper message about connection? Man, it hits hard—few rom-coms nail this balance. Seriously, it’s a blast that’ll leave you grinning.

7. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) - Céline Sciamma’s masterpiece is a decade-defining romance about a painter and her aristocratic subject. This heartbreaking drama screams with unspoken passion, exploring love’s unstoppable pull. It’s more intense than Materialists, but the themes resonate deeply. A visual feast that’ll haunt you... in the best way.

8. Decision to Leave (2022) - Park Chan-wook’s crime-tinged drama features a detective falling for a widow, blending longing with repression. Often praised for cinematography, its romantic subtext is criminally underrated. The film oozes mystery while dissecting human desire—pure genius. Snubbed at the Oscars? Big mistake.

9. About Time (2013) - Richard Curtis’ time-travel romance stars Domhnall Gleeson using his power to woo Rachel McAdams. It’s sentimental yet subtle, using sci-fi to probe life’s fleeting moments. Like Song’s films, it’s a catalyst for deeper human exploration. The emotional payoff? Waterworks guaranteed.

10. The Worst Person in the World (2021) - Joachim Trier’s coming-of-age tale follows Julie balancing love and career chaos. Though not pure romance, its insights on grief and independence feel like a sibling to Materialists. Renate Reinsve’s performance? Fire. It’s a raw, relatable ride that’s already a modern classic.

💭 Personal Take and Future Hopes

Watching these films, I’m struck by how they each dance with emotions in unique ways—Past Lives feels like a quiet conversation with your past self, while Palm Springs is a wild party for the heart. Honestly, they’ve spoiled me; I crave more of this authenticity in cinema. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, I dream of a wave where indie romances like these dominate, pushing franchises to the sidelines. Imagine a future where every summer brings a fresh, human story that doesn’t rely on explosions but on the simple, messy magic of connection. Fingers crossed, Song’s Materialists kicks off that revolution... because, man, we need it. The industry’s hungry for change, and these films prove it’s possible. What a time to be a movie lover, eh?

So, grab some popcorn, dive into these gems, and get ready for Materialists—it’s gonna be epic. Until then, let these stories linger... they’ve got a lot to say. ❤️