2025: A Year of Love on the Big Screen
Romance has always had a special place in cinema. Whether it is sweeping period dramas, modern love stories, or light-hearted rom-coms, audiences continue to be captivated by the magic of love on screen. In 2025, romance is making a powerful comeback, bringing with it a mix of nostalgia, fresh perspectives, and stories that push the boundaries of traditional love narratives.
This year promises a diverse lineup of romance films, ranging from reimagined fairy tales to unconventional love stories set against thrilling backdrops. Beyond the films themselves, romance cinema is evolving, with new themes, character dynamics, and a growing emphasis on representation. This isn’t just another year of predictable love stories—it’s a year where romance takes centre stage in bold, exciting ways.
What makes 2025 stand out for romance movies? A few key trends are shaping the landscape:
- The return of high-stakes romance—stories where love and danger go hand in hand.
- The rom-com renaissance—a resurgence of feel-good, witty love stories after years of dominance by heavy dramas.
- More inclusivity and representation—diverse relationships, LGBTQ+ love stories, and narratives that reflect a broader spectrum of human connection.
- Themes of healing and redemption—romance as a catalyst for emotional growth and second chances.
Let’s dive into the most anticipated romance films of the year and what makes them unmissable.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - Now Showing
Bridget Jones is back, navigating love, career, and motherhood in a brand-new chapter filled with laughter, heart, and unexpected challenges. Now a successful screenwriter and raising her two young children, Bridget is determined to embrace life on her own terms. But when she falls for a charming, much younger man, she finds herself facing a whirlwind of complications—not just from their age gap, but from the expectations of friends, family, and her own insecurities.
As she rediscovers romance, Bridget must also grapple with the loss of her great love, Mark Darcy, and what it truly means to move forward. With her signature wit, awkward charm, and an unshakable spirit, she stumbles through the ups and downs of modern dating, proving that love—and life—don’t follow a predictable script.
With heartfelt moments, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a fresh take on life’s second chances, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy brings back the beloved character for a new, relatable journey that fans won’t want to miss.
Renée Zellweger will reprise her role as the lovable titular character.
Snow White – Releases: March 21
Disney’s live-action Snow White is set to reimagine the classic fairy tale with a fresh, modern perspective. Starring Rachel Zegler in the title role, this adaptation brings a deeper emotional journey to one of the most beloved princesses in cinematic history.
While the original 1937 film centred on a straightforward love story, this version expands Snow White’s character, giving her more agency and independence. Her romance with the Prince (played by Andrew Burnap) is no longer a simple fairy-tale ideal—instead, it develops through shared struggles, personal growth, and genuine connection.
With stunning visuals, a grand musical score, and a more character-driven approach, Snow White promises to capture the magic of the original while offering a more contemporary take on love, destiny, and self-discovery.
Downton Abbey 3 – Releases: September 12
Few franchises have captured the essence of historical romance quite like Downton Abbey. The third film continues the legacy of forbidden love, aristocratic dilemmas, and the clash between tradition and modernity.
Expect to see familiar faces return, including Lady Mary, whose pursuit of happiness remains at the heart of the series. Fans can also anticipate new romances blossoming amid societal expectations, secret love affairs, and emotionally charged moments that remind us why this franchise continues to be a staple for romance enthusiasts.
For those who love lavish period settings, intricate storytelling, and the timeless appeal of slow-burning romance, Downton Abbey 3 is set to be one of the year’s most compelling films.
The Bride! – Releases: September 26
Maggie Gyllenhaal reimagines a horror classic with The Bride!, a bold and visually striking reinterpretation of Bride of Frankenstein. Written, directed, and produced by Gyllenhaal, the film stars Jessie Buckley as the titular Bride, alongside an all-star cast including Jake Gyllenhall, Christian Bale, Penélope Cruz, Peter Sarsgaard, and Annette Bening.
Drawing inspiration from James Whale’s 1935 horror masterpiece and Mary Shelley’s original novel Frankenstein, this adaptation promises a gothic love story with a modern, psychological edge. Buckley’s Bride is no passive creation—she is a woman reborn, grappling with her existence, desires, and the monstrous world that shaped her.
With stunning cinematography, an eerie yet romantic atmosphere, and Gyllenhaal’s signature emotional depth, The Bride! is set to be a haunting yet beautiful exploration of identity, love, and what it means to truly belong.
Wicked: For Good – Releases: November 21
After this year’s awards season success, the grand finale of the Wicked saga promises an unforgettable blend of romance, destiny, and magic. With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprising their roles as Elphaba and Glinda, the film explores the deep emotional bond between the two women while also introducing a powerful love story that challenges fate itself.
Beyond the spellbinding visuals and musical spectacle, this instalment delves into themes of sacrifice, the price of power, and the idea that love can take many forms. Unlike conventional romances, Wicked: For Good presents a love story that is both uplifting and tragic, proving that not all love stories end with a simple “happily ever after”.
Themes in Romance Movies for 2025
As romance films continue to evolve, 2025 promises a fresh and diverse approach to love stories. Filmmakers are moving beyond conventional tropes, exploring relationships that reflect modern realities, challenge societal expectations, and bring underrepresented love stories to the forefront.
Exploring Diverse Relationships
Gone are the days when romance films were confined to a singular narrative. This year’s lineup features a rich tapestry of relationships, making love stories more inclusive and resonant than ever:
- LGBTQ+ Romances Take Centre Stage – Major studios are investing in LGBTQ+ love stories, ensuring they are no longer sidelined as subplots or niche indie projects. These films offer fully realised characters, compelling conflicts, and authentic emotional journeys. Whether it’s an epic period romance or a modern love story set in the digital age, these films provide much-needed representation for audiences who have long been waiting to see themselves in mainstream romance cinema.
- Unconventional Love Stories Thrive – As you can see by most of the above forthcoming attractions, love in 2025 is no longer bound by traditional settings or expectations. Romance films are venturing into unexpected locations, time periods, and even genres. Filmmakers are pushing the boundaries of how love is explored on screen.
This shift towards a more inclusive and expansive portrayal of love mirrors the real world, where relationships exist in countless forms. Audiences are no longer satisfied with one-size-fits-all love stories, and 2025’s slate of romance films reflects this growing demand for authenticity and variety. By showcasing love in all its diverse and unexpected forms, these films remind us that romance is universal—but never uniform.
Love Stories Worth Watching
The romance films of 2025 offer a rich tapestry of love stories, from thrilling and unpredictable romances to light-hearted and joyful tales. With a renewed focus on diverse relationships, compelling narratives, and the timeless power of love, this year is proving that romance is far from predictable - it is ever-evolving, endlessly captivating, and more essential than ever.
For those who love grand romantic gestures, deeply emotional journeys, or just a well-executed love story, 2025’s lineup is a cinematic love letter to the genre. These are the films that will make audiences believe in love all over again.
And we’re proud to be that cinematic cupid, if you will, connecting you with all the on-screen romance you need. So, watch this space and come see your favourite kind of romance, right here at Ster-Kinekor!
