There’s something about epic love stories that captures our hearts and refuses to let go. These are the tales that span continents, challenge social norms, and stand the test of time. If you’re a romantic at heart, Amazon Prime Video has an incredible collection of films that celebrate the grandeur of love in all its forms. So grab some tissues, set the mood, and get ready to be swept off your feet with these unforgettable picks!
Epic Love Stories (Table)
Here’s a list of the best epic love stories streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Each film is a testament to the power of love, featuring captivating tales that will leave you enchanted.
| Movie Title | Genre | IMDb Rating | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titanic | Romantic Drama | 7.9 | A timeless love story set against the tragic sinking of the Titanic. |
| Pride and Prejudice | Period Drama | 7.8 | Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy navigate love and pride in Regency-era England. |
| Atonement | Romantic Drama | 7.8 | A story of love and loss framed by a devastating lie during wartime. |
| The English Patient | Romantic Drama | 7.4 | An epic love story intertwined with war, secrets, and betrayal. |
| Legends of the Fall | Romantic Drama | 7.5 | A sweeping saga of love, family, and tragedy set in the early 1900s. |
| Gone with the Wind | Romantic Drama | 8.1 | A love story set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. |
| Anna Karenina | Period Drama | 6.6 | A passionate affair in Imperial Russia that defies societal conventions. |
| The Notebook | Romantic Drama | 7.8 | A classic tale of enduring love between two soulmates. |
| The Great Gatsby | Romantic Drama | 7.2 | A wealthy man’s unrelenting pursuit of his long-lost love. |
| Cold Mountain | Romantic Drama | 7.2 | A soldier’s journey home to his beloved during the Civil War. |
| Casablanca | Romantic Drama | 8.5 | A love triangle set amidst World War II’s political chaos. |
| The Time Traveler’s Wife | Fantasy Romance | 7.1 | A love story spanning time and space, with challenges beyond imagination. |
| Memoirs of a Geisha | Romantic Drama | 7.4 | A beautifully tragic tale of forbidden love in 1920s Japan. |
| Doctor Zhivago | Period Drama | 8.0 | A tale of love and survival during the Russian Revolution. |
| The Bridges of Madison County | Romantic Drama | 7.6 | A fleeting romance changes two lives forever. |
| Sense and Sensibility | Period Drama | 7.6 | Two sisters navigate love, heartbreak, and society’s expectations. |
| Romeo + Juliet (1996) | Romantic Tragedy | 6.8 | A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers. |
| Out of Africa | Romantic Drama | 7.2 | A sweeping love story set in the stunning landscapes of Africa. |
| Moulin Rouge! | Musical Romance | 7.6 | A tragic love story set in the glitz and glamour of the Parisian cabaret. |
| The Age of Adaline | Fantasy Romance | 7.2 | A woman who doesn’t age struggles with love and mortality. |
| The Shape of Water | Fantasy Romance | 7.3 | An unconventional love story between a mute woman and a mysterious creature. |
| Slumdog Millionaire | Romantic Drama | 8.0 | A rags-to-riches love story that defies all odds. |
| Midnight Sun | Romantic Drama | 6.6 | A love story complicated by a rare medical condition. |
| Water for Elephants | Romantic Drama | 6.9 | A circus romance full of passion and peril. |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society | Period Romance | 7.4 | A woman discovers love while unearthing a mystery on a remote island. |
| Far from the Madding Crowd | Romantic Drama | 7.1 | A strong-willed woman faces love and challenges in 19th-century England. |
| Brooklyn | Romantic Drama | 7.5 | An Irish immigrant’s journey of love and self-discovery in America. |
| The Light Between Oceans | Romantic Drama | 7.2 | A couple’s love is tested by a life-altering decision. |
| Adrift | Romantic Drama | 6.6 | A harrowing true story of love and survival on the open sea. |
| Cinderella (2015) | Fantasy Romance | 6.9 | A beautifully reimagined tale of love and courage. |
1. Titanic
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet
Director: James Cameron
This legendary love story unfolds aboard the ill-fated Titanic. Jack, a poor artist, falls in love with Rose, a wealthy woman trapped in a loveless engagement. Despite their different social statuses, their love blossoms amidst the grandeur of the ship. Tragedy strikes when the Titanic collides with an iceberg, and Jack and Rose must fight for survival. Directed by James Cameron, Titanic is an emotional rollercoaster blending romance, action, and historical drama. Its stunning visuals, heart-wrenching performances, and iconic moments make it one of the most beloved romantic films of all time.
2. Pride and Prejudice
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Starring: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen
Director: Joe Wright
A timeless love story based on Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice captures the spirited Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates love, societal expectations, and her evolving relationship with the enigmatic Mr. Darcy. Set in Regency-era England, this film masterfully balances romance, wit, and drama, brought to life by Joe Wright’s elegant direction. The film’s breathtaking cinematography and compelling performances by Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen make it a must-watch for period drama enthusiasts.
3. Atonement
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Starring: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan
Director: Joe Wright
This visually stunning and emotionally charged drama is based on Ian McEwan’s novel. The film follows Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), two lovers separated by a false accusation made by Cecilia’s younger sister, Briony (Saoirse Ronan). Spanning decades and set against the backdrop of World War II, the story explores themes of love, guilt, and the devastating consequences of misunderstandings. Joe Wright’s direction, coupled with a haunting score and breathtaking cinematography, makes Atonement a masterpiece of epic romance and tragedy.
4. The English Patient
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Kristin Scott Thomas
Director: Anthony Minghella
Set in the final days of World War II, The English Patient tells the tale of a mysterious burn victim, Count Laszlo de Almásy (Ralph Fiennes), as his tragic love story with Katherine Clifton (Kristin Scott Thomas) unfolds through flashbacks. A gripping narrative of passion, betrayal, and loss is masterfully woven together by Anthony Minghella’s evocative direction. This sweeping romantic drama, which won nine Academy Awards, is a visual and emotional tour de force.
5. Legends of the Fall
IMDb Rating: 7.5
Starring: Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn
Director: Edward Zwick
Set in early 20th-century Montana, Legends of the Fall chronicles the lives of the Ludlow family, particularly the three brothers, and their complex relationships with the beautiful Susannah (Julia Ormond). Brad Pitt delivers a career-defining performance as Tristan Ludlow, a free-spirited and tormented character. Edward Zwick’s direction captures the stunning landscapes and the raw intensity of familial love, betrayal, and tragedy. This film is an emotionally powerful saga of love and loss.
6. Gone with the Wind
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Starring: Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable
Director: Victor Fleming
Set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, Gone with the Wind follows the turbulent life of Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh), a strong-willed Southern belle, and her tumultuous romance with the dashing Rhett Butler (Clark Gable). This epic classic, adapted from Margaret Mitchell’s novel, is celebrated for its grandeur, memorable performances, and sweeping narrative. Directed by Victor Fleming, the film is a cultural landmark that showcases love’s resilience amid the chaos of war.
7. Anna Karenina
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Starring: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Director: Joe Wright
This adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel portrays Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley), a woman who embarks on a passionate affair with Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), defying societal conventions in Imperial Russia. Joe Wright’s unique direction adds theatrical flair to this tragic tale of forbidden love, jealousy, and despair. With stunning costumes, captivating visuals, and a stellar cast, Anna Karenina is a visually exquisite and emotionally intense cinematic experience.
8. The Notebook
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams
Director: Nick Cassavetes
A timeless love story, The Notebook chronicles the romance between Noah (Ryan Gosling), a poor but passionate young man, and Allie (Rachel McAdams), a wealthy young woman, in 1940s South Carolina. Despite societal pressures and years of separation, their love proves unbreakable. Directed by Nick Cassavetes, the film is celebrated for its heartwarming chemistry, poignant storyline, and unforgettable scenes, making it a staple for romance lovers.
9. The Great Gatsby
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Baz Luhrmann’s visually opulent adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel brings to life the story of Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), a mysterious millionaire obsessed with rekindling his romance with Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan). Set in the roaring 1920s, the film captures the glamour, excess, and heartbreak of an era. DiCaprio’s performance and the dazzling production design make this an epic tale of unfulfilled love.
10. Cold Mountain
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Starring: Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger
Director: Anthony Minghella
Set during the American Civil War, Cold Mountain follows the journey of Inman (Jude Law), a wounded Confederate soldier trying to return home to his beloved Ada (Nicole Kidman). The film interweaves their love story with themes of survival, sacrifice, and redemption. Anthony Minghella’s direction, combined with stellar performances, particularly by Renée Zellweger, makes this an emotional and captivating romance.
11. Casablanca
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman
Director: Michael Curtiz
An undisputed classic, Casablanca tells the story of Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a nightclub owner in Morocco, who encounters his former lover Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) during World War II. Their bittersweet reunion, complicated by her husband’s resistance activities, leads to an iconic ending. With its unforgettable dialogue, timeless romance, and stellar performances, Casablanca remains one of the greatest love stories ever told.
12. The Time Traveler’s Wife
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Starring: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams
Director: Robert Schwentke
This poignant romantic fantasy follows Henry (Eric Bana), a man with a rare genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and Clare (Rachel McAdams), the woman who loves him unconditionally despite his unpredictable disappearances. Based on Audrey Niffenegger’s novel, the film explores the challenges of loving someone who can’t stay in one place or time. Directed by Robert Schwentke, The Time Traveler’s Wife is a heartwarming yet bittersweet tale of enduring love.
13. Memoirs of a Geisha
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Starring: Zhang Ziyi, Ken Watanabe, Michelle Yeoh
Director: Rob Marshall
Set in pre-World War II Japan, Memoirs of a Geisha tells the story of Chiyo (Zhang Ziyi), a young girl sold to a geisha house, who grows up to become the legendary geisha Sayuri. Her love for the Chairman (Ken Watanabe) fuels her dreams, but societal constraints and personal sacrifices test her resolve. Directed by Rob Marshall, the film is a visually stunning and emotionally rich tale of love, ambition, and resilience.
14. Doctor Zhivago
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Starring: Omar Sharif, Julie Christie
Director: David Lean
A sweeping epic set during the Russian Revolution, Doctor Zhivago follows Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif), a poet and physician, as he navigates the turbulence of war and his forbidden love for Lara (Julie Christie). Directed by David Lean, this masterpiece intertwines romance, history, and personal tragedy, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience. Its breathtaking visuals and hauntingly beautiful score solidify its status as a classic.
15. The Bridges of Madison County
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Starring: Meryl Streep, Clint Eastwood
Director: Clint Eastwood
This heart-wrenching drama explores the fleeting romance between Francesca Johnson (Meryl Streep), a lonely housewife, and Robert Kincaid (Clint Eastwood), a traveling photographer. Set in rural Iowa, their brief yet profound connection changes their lives forever. Clint Eastwood’s sensitive direction and Meryl Streep’s Oscar-nominated performance make The Bridges of Madison County an evocative tale of love, choices, and sacrifices.
16. Sense and Sensibility
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Starring: Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant
Director: Ang Lee
Adapted from Jane Austen’s beloved novel, Sense and Sensibility follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor (Emma Thompson) and Marianne (Kate Winslet), as they navigate love, heartbreak, and societal expectations. Directed by Ang Lee, the film combines humor, emotion, and elegance, brought to life by a stellar cast. Emma Thompson’s screenplay won an Academy Award, further cementing this film’s place as a period drama classic.
17. Romeo + Juliet (1996)
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Baz Luhrmann’s modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the star-crossed lovers. Set in a contemporary Verona Beach, this visually dynamic and stylistically bold film reimagines the timeless tale of love and conflict. With a haunting soundtrack and unforgettable performances, Romeo + Juliet is a unique take on one of literature’s most enduring romances.
18. Out of Africa
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Starring: Meryl Streep, Robert Redford
Director: Sydney Pollack
Based on Karen Blixen’s memoir, Out of Africa chronicles the passionate romance between Karen (Meryl Streep), a Danish baroness, and Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford), a free-spirited game hunter, against the stunning backdrop of early 20th-century Kenya. Sydney Pollack’s direction and John Barry’s sweeping score make this an unforgettable story of love, loss, and self-discovery.
19. Moulin Rouge!
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Set in the glitzy world of the Parisian cabaret, Moulin Rouge! tells the story of Christian (Ewan McGregor), a young writer, and Satine (Nicole Kidman), a courtesan, whose love defies societal norms and personal ambitions. Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant direction, unforgettable musical numbers, and breathtaking visuals make this film a dazzling and tragic tale of love and sacrifice.
20. The Age of Adaline
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Starring: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford
Director: Lee Toland Krieger
Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived for over a century without aging due to a mysterious accident. Her solitary existence is upended when she falls in love with Ellis (Michiel Huisman), forcing her to confront the past and the possibility of revealing her secret. Directed by Lee Toland Krieger, The Age of Adaline is a beautifully crafted romantic fantasy about love, time, and the courage to embrace change.
21. The Shape of Water
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Doug Jones, Michael Shannon
Director: Guillermo del Toro
This unconventional love story follows Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute cleaning lady who falls in love with a mysterious aquatic creature held captive in a government facility. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water blends romance, fantasy, and social commentary into an enchanting tale. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, this film is a testament to love’s ability to transcend barriers.
22. Slumdog Millionaire
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto
Director: Danny Boyle
Set in Mumbai, Slumdog Millionaire follows Jamal (Dev Patel), an uneducated young man who becomes a contestant on a game show, hoping to reconnect with his lost love, Latika (Freida Pinto). Danny Boyle’s direction and the film’s compelling narrative make this a heartwarming and inspiring tale of love, perseverance, and destiny.
23. Midnight Sun
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Starring: Bella Thorne, Patrick Schwarzenegger
Director: Scott Speer
In this heartwarming romance, Katie (Bella Thorne) suffers from a rare condition that makes sunlight deadly for her. She spends her nights playing music and watching Charlie (Patrick Schwarzenegger), her long-time crush, from afar. When they finally meet, Katie experiences love and life to the fullest, but her condition threatens their happiness. Directed by Scott Speer, Midnight Sun is a touching tale of love, courage, and the fragility of life.
24. Water for Elephants
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz
Director: Francis Lawrence
Set in the 1930s circus world, Water for Elephants follows Jacob (Robert Pattinson), a veterinary student who joins a struggling circus. He falls for Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), the star performer married to the cruel ringmaster, August (Christoph Waltz). Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film explores forbidden love, ambition, and resilience against a richly atmospheric backdrop, making it a captivating romantic drama.
25. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Starring: Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Jessica Brown Findlay
Director: Mike Newell
Set in post-World War II England, this charming period romance follows Juliet Ashton (Lily James), an author who travels to the island of Guernsey to meet members of a unique book club. She uncovers a touching story of resilience and forbidden love. Directed by Mike Newell, the film is a heartwarming blend of romance, mystery, and historical drama.
26. Far from the Madding Crowd
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen
Director: Thomas Vinterberg
Adapted from Thomas Hardy’s novel, this film tells the story of Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), a strong-willed woman in Victorian England who attracts the attention of three very different suitors. As she navigates love and independence, the story explores themes of passion and perseverance. Thomas Vinterberg’s direction and Carey Mulligan’s performance make Far from the Madding Crowd a visually stunning and emotionally resonant romance.
27. Brooklyn
IMDb Rating: 7.5
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson
Director: John Crowley
Set in the 1950s, Brooklyn follows Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish woman who emigrates to America for a better life. She falls in love with Tony (Emory Cohen), an Italian-American, but a family tragedy forces her to choose between two worlds. Directed by John Crowley, the film is a beautifully crafted tale of love, identity, and finding home. Saoirse Ronan’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination.
28. The Light Between Oceans
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender, Rachel Weisz
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Set on a remote island, The Light Between Oceans follows Tom (Michael Fassbender), a lighthouse keeper, and his wife Isabel (Alicia Vikander), who rescue and raise a baby they find adrift. Their love and happiness are tested when they discover the truth about the child’s origins. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, this emotionally gripping film explores love, loss, and moral dilemmas.
29. Adrift
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Starring: Shailene Woodley, Sam Claflin
Director: Baltasar Kormákur
Based on a true story, Adrift follows Tami (Shailene Woodley) and Richard (Sam Claflin), a couple who embark on a sailing trip across the Pacific Ocean. Their romantic journey turns into a harrowing survival story when they are caught in a devastating hurricane. Baltasar Kormákur’s direction captures both the beauty of their love story and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
30. Cinderella (2015)
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Starring: Lily James, Richard Madden, Cate Blanchett
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh’s live-action adaptation of the beloved fairy tale follows Ella (Lily James), a kind-hearted young woman who endures hardships under her wicked stepmother (Cate Blanchett). Her life changes when she meets a charming prince (Richard Madden) at the royal ball. With its enchanting visuals, heartfelt performances, and timeless message of courage and kindness, Cinderella is a magical love story for all ages.
31. The Holiday
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Starring: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black
Director: Nancy Meyers
The Holiday is a delightful romantic comedy about two women, Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz), who swap homes to escape heartbreak. During their stay, they find unexpected romance and healing with local men. Directed by Nancy Meyers, the film is a cozy, feel-good story with charming performances and a perfect blend of humor and heart.
32. Love Actually
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Emma Thompson
Director: Richard Curtis
An ensemble film exploring love in all its forms, Love Actually weaves together multiple interconnected stories during the holiday season in London. From first love to rekindled romance, this heartwarming and humorous film has become a modern classic. Richard Curtis’s witty writing and an all-star cast make it a must-watch for romance enthusiasts.
Conclusion
From heart-wrenching dramas to sweeping period pieces, these epic love stories on Amazon Prime Video prove that love truly knows no bounds. Whether it’s the passion of forbidden love or the enduring bond of soulmates, these films remind us of the power and beauty of romance. Perfect for a cozy evening or an emotional marathon, these stories are guaranteed to linger in your heart long after the credits roll. So, pick a favorite and let the epic romance begin!