Best Romance Movies (Classic, Modern & Anti-Romance Picks) (with Nikki Novak)

In this episode of Pop Culture Weekly, Kyle sits down with Fandango correspondent Nikki Novak for a deep dive into one of the most enduring genres in film: romance. But you know we're not just doing the the predictable, airport-chase, “we met three days ago and now we’re soulmates” kind.We’re talking about the full spectrum from sweeping gothic love stories, modern anti-romances, nostalgic ’80s classics, prestige Oscar contenders, twisted psychological relationships, and even horror with a love-story core.This is your  guide to the best romance movies, anti-romance films, and complicated love stories worth watching around Valentine's Day or anytime of year.Big-Screen Romance & Theatrical ExperiencesWhy Wuthering Heights (Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi) feels like a modern gothic epicThe unexpected romantic tension inside crime thrillers like Crime 101Revisiting John Hughes–era classics like Pretty in Pink and why they still resonate decades laterModern Romance That Hits DifferentThe emotional power of Past Lives and why it became an instant classicWhy Blue Valentine remains one of the most honest depictions of love falling apartThe Notebook vs. La La Land: traditional romance or bittersweet realism?Lost in Translation and the beauty of fleeting connectionWhy Bridgerton continues to dominate pop culture with evolving love storiesAnti-Valentine’s & Complicated LoveThe Break-Up and why it feels uncomfortably realThe dark, obsessive romance of Phantom ThreadHorror with heart: when love and tragedy collide in unexpected waysPlus:A behind-the-scenes Bill Murray Golden Globes storyWhat makes certain romance films timelessWhy audiences crave both fantasy and realism in love storiesAnd Kyle’s ongoing (and very funny) skepticism of rom-com clichésWhether you’re a hopeless romantic, a cynic, a horror fan, or just someone who appreciates great storytelling - this episode explores how love has been portrayed on screen across decades and why these films continue to matter. Because the best romance stories aren’t just about Valentine’s Day.They’re about connection, obsession, heartbreak, timing… and the moments that stay with us long after the credits roll.🎬 Follow Nikki Novak: @NikkiNovakIf you dig the show, subscribe, rate, and share - and tell your friend who's always stealing your streaming passwords.📍 Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform🎧 Subscribe for more celeb interviews, streaming picks and pop culture deep dives!🗣️ Want to be featured on the show? 📱 Leave a voicemail here!📧 Join the newsletter to get exclusive content, interviews & more once a week! Subscribe here!--------------------------Kyle McMahon's Death, Grief & Other Sh*t We Don't Discuss is now streaming. Listen here!--------------------------Get all the Pop Culture Weekly podcast info you could want including extra content, uncut interviews, photos, videos & transcripts at Podcast.PopCultureWeekly.comWatch celebrity interviews at Pop Culture Weekly's YouTube!Read the latest at PopCultureWeekly.comGet Social with Kyle on:Kyle McMahon FacebookKyle McMahon InstagramKyle McMahon TikTok Pop Culture Weekly YouTubeKyle McMahon Website