With Hollywood releasing a massive number of romance movies since the dawn of film history, it’s pretty hard to pick those we young adults could buy into. Many romance movies today contain a rehash of the corny boy-meets-girl plot lines, and for a change, we just need to watch something more meaningful or relatable to us. Below are 10 movies that I believe has some of the best love stories, the ones that won’t leave you yawning or rolling your eyes from how predictable they are. Note that I won’t include any of those overrated and often lackluster adaptations of Nicholas Sparks’ books. Most of these movies are available on Netflix or YouTube, so watch away.

The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Based on the best-selling book of the same name by John Green, this flick primarily aims toward teenagers, but I think it also captures the hearts of adults as well. The relationship of Hazel Lancaster (played by Shailene Woodley) and Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort) don’t necessarily come off as puppy love like other teen couples; their deep admiration and commitment for each other show that their relationship builds on chance—a chance to live and experience their dreams when cancer may later on prevent them from physically doing so. Hazel and Augustus have the chance of traveling all the way to Amsterdam to meet a great author. They text and call each other as often as they can. They lose their virginity together, regardless of the awkwardness around Hazel’s mother.

When the lovers either weaken or lose their lives to cancer, you will cry, or at least feel like it if you aren’t the emotional type. It’s not just Hazel and Augustus’ fatal condition that’s pretty depressing, but also how short-lived their relationship is. They share the same interests, deal with the same jerks, and overall, cared for each other; we just don’t want to see them apart. Woodley and Elgort truly charm the audience by delivering such strong emotions throughout the film. Innocent yet heartbreaking, you will surely be moved by the characters’ young love.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Out of all the Disney Princess movies, “Beauty and the Beast,” in my opinion, has the most meaningful love story. Unlike Ariel or Cinderella, Belle doesn’t fall for the Beast from how hot he looks; she gets to know him first, and eventually communicates with him in a healthy way. Belle and the Beast’s love, in other words, isn’t superficial—they either teach or learn about kindness and respect. Though mostly identified as a children’s film (because, you know, Disney), “Beauty and the Beast” proves that an individual’s personality matters more than their appearance, a moral that young adults should already know or care about.

Along with its catchy songs and delightful supporting characters, “Beauty and the Beast” is a ‘tale as old as time’ that we shouldn’t forget about. Smart and courageous Belle has been considered a great role model for girls, while the Beast shows that deep inside, he is a kind-hearted individual who wants to be loved like everyone else. Their bond is a great foundation for a stable relationship for everyone young or old.

Pretty Woman (1990)

Garry Marshall’s “Pretty Woman” has been deemed as a “Cinderella” story, but this one has edge, away from the innocence and sweetness. Vivian Ward, played by the stunning Julia Roberts, is a prostitute in L.A. trying to get by until sparks fly between her and businessman Edward Lewis, played by Richard Gere. “Pretty Woman” might not be a critically-acclaimed romance film as say, “Casablanca” or “Titanic,” but it’s otherwise a nice, feel-good film, so I shouldn’t leave this one out.

“Pretty Woman” also tackles on class issues between Edward and Vivian, making their relationship more nuanced compared to the lovers from other Cinderella-inspired movies. The pair proves that money, materials, or luxury cannot pull apart their undeniable attraction for each other. Having a happy ending, the plot is pretty formulaic, but is nonetheless comforting to watch. Roberts and Gere have such a great on-screen chemistry that they also starred in “Runaway Bride” nine years later. Fun fact: “Pretty Woman” screenwriter, J.F. Lawton, is an alumnus of my school, CSU Long Beach.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Though I’m still a little disappointed that “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” doesn’t fully reveal the darker, more complicated themes of Truman Capote’s novella of the same name, it’s nice to see that director Blake Edwards makes his adaptation sweet and sentimental, and you can’t help but love the film anyway, no matter how different it is from the original story. I mean, does every film adaptation have to follow every single part of the book in order to be successful? It shouldn’t be. Besides, the ever so charming Audrey Hepburn is the leading lady.

The endearing friendship between Holly Golightly (Hepburn) and Paul Varjak (played by George Peppard) grows and grows into the point when they both realize they actually “belong to each other.” Paul is also patient with Holly’s crazy self, while Holly still supports his writing career even when it’s falling off the rocks. Though these two live different lifestyles and have almost opposite personalities, all they need to get through rough times is each other—as lovers, friends, neighbors, or whatever. Their kiss at the end has the right amount of passion and emotion, before kisses in the rain became cliché and lame. And of course, Paul and Holly have Cat. No kids needed, just a cute orange cat.

Moonstruck (1987)

If there’s one stage in life that young adults fear, long for, or feel negligent towards (I know I do), it’s marriage. Norman Jewison’s “Moonstruck” highlights complicated aspects of marriage or, at least, the preparation for a marriage—the commitment, the in-laws, and, believe them or not, the curses. But sometimes, an engaged lady like Loretta Castorini (played by Cher) can’t help but fall in love with someone else, even if he’s her would-be brother-in-law. Loretta and her fiance’s brother Ronny Cammareri (Nicolas Cage) hit it off pretty quickly, and she knows she isn’t meant for her uptight, family-oriented fiancé, Johnny (Danny Aiello).

She follows her heart, and Ronny leads her to it. The full moon on the evening when the pair first made love foretells a blessing rather than a curse, a blessing of true love, which is another important and often ideal component of a good marriage. Along with a talented cast, “Moonstruck” has great humor and shows a fantastic view of pre-9/11 New York City. The twin towers (r.i.p.) looked so awesome back then. Moreover, the film is a perfect balance of bith romance and comedy, added with Italian-American charm. That’s amore!

Her (2013)

“Her” is definitely the most thought-provoking out of all the films I’ve mentioned here. Our connection with media and technology today has increased more than we’ve ever imagined, and this Academy Award-winning film by Spike Jonze depicts how personal and precious technology might become for us. It’s crazy just thinking about it. But beneath all of the futuristic science fiction, “Her” simply centers on a romantic narrative between divorcee Theodore Twombly, played by Joaquin Phoenix, and his operating system Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.

Obviously, they are different beings, but there’s no doubting their compatibility. Samantha comforts Theodore and kindly helps him get his life back together after his divorce. Theodore’s love for Samantha also leads her to showcase and develop human emotions that no robot can calculate. A small device suddenly becomes a part of Theodore, and grows into a life force that he finds essential. Packed with heartbreaking scenes and an interesting cinematography of the “future,” “Her” will not only make you aware of relationships, but also your own existence, and the darkness of the world around you.

The Apartment (1960)

Directed and written by the brilliant Billy Wilder, “The Apartment” transcends through different genres, from comedy to drama to, of course, romance. We see an immediate change in the main character, C.C. “Bud” Baxter (played by Jack Lemmon) after he falls for Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), for he becomes more defensive of his self-rights and property when his boss, Mr. Sheldrake, takes advantage of him and his home. As for Fran, she obviously has the perfect man to be with when Bud takes care of her as she recovers from an overdose of sleeping pills. The arrogant Sheldrake doesn’t deserve to be with her at all.

Bud and Fran’s relationship is one of, if not the most interesting and unique out all the on-screen relationships I’ve mentioned. Bud sacrifices his job, while Fran leaves Sheldrake for him. Simple as that. They don’t need to kiss or make love for us to tell that they clearly love each other. They continue what they didn’t finish together, whether if it’s a date or a game of gin. Who can deny such chemistry? Shame on you for removing this for streaming, Netflix.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Sure, opposites attract, but sometimes you and the person you’re meant to be with should have some things in common. Our main guy Pat Solitano (played by Bradley Cooper) and young widow Tiffany (played by Jennifer Lawrence) have recently lost their lifetime partners. Both jog in the morning. Both are depressed and suffer mental breakdowns. And just when they do one favor to do for each other, Pat and Tiffany fall in love.

Pat and Tiffany bring a meaningful part of being in a relationship: bringing out the best in each other. As characters, they are both snarky and edgy, but are likeable otherwise. We invest in their rage and melancholy over their torn marriages. Moreover, “Silver Linings Playbook” is super fun to watch. Along with Chris Tucker’s comedic character, Cooper and Lawrence’s groovy dance skills truly bring a “silver lining” for any unhappy person out there.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

I still consider this flick by director Rob Reiner one of my favorites since I was little. I didn’t understand the witty banter in “When Harry Met Sally” back then, but now, I appreciate it even more as I laugh at it all the time. Who says friends can’t like each other romantically? Harry Burns (played by Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) surely prove that wrong, even when they seem to deny their attraction for each other—it took them years to finally become boyfriend-girlfriend. These two can’t get away from each other, like at all. They’re not friends; they’re soulmates.

Not only do Harry and Sally comfort each other after their break-ups with other people, they’re also honest with each other and aren’t afraid of sharing their real thoughts. Harry, for instance, bluntly tells Sally, “You’re high-maintenance, but you think you’re low-maintenance.” The pair also isn’t the type to rush towards the next step until they’re both ready; this, I believe, will keep any relationship strong. Oh, and their long-awaited-for kiss at a New Year’s Eve party? Classic.

Annie Hall (1977)

I’ve loved “When Harry Met Sally” since childhood, but I can’t deny that Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” is the better movie overall. I can see some influences of “Annie Hall” in “When Harry Met Sally.” Alvy Singer (played by Woody Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) aren’t the cutest couple, but their relationship feels so genuine and real; we can identify with it in a lot of ways. They plan dates, share bookshelves, and have sex. They fight every now and then like real-life couples do. Most importantly though, Alvy and Annie learn that moving on is okay when things aren’t working out, and could be the best way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The narrative of “Annie Hall” is certainly one that young adults--single or taken--can learn a lot from, regarding relationships. If sarcasm or snarky remarks are your ideal types of humor, “Annie Hall” would make you laugh through and through. Allen certainly does a great job of revealing Alvy and Annie’s inner thoughts through an intriguing cinematography. I recommend this film to anybody even for those whose tastes don’t lean on romance. Unlike “The Apartment,” “Annie Hall” is still streaming on Netflix. Watch it while it lasts.