Romance is an important element of the superhero genre. Incredible superpowers aside, a hero in love on-screen is humanizing for the audience. It also adds weight to the film by raising the stakes for the hero both on and off the battlefield – a hero questioning their job out of fear of endangering a loved one, for example. Romance in superhero films has helped elevate the genre to be massive appealing blockbusters for everyone. Whether love prevails over the turbulence ahead depends on the movie in question. The sad truth is, much like a horror movie, not everyone makes it out alive in this genre.
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In spite of the dangers involved, there are plenty of examples of superheroes in on-screen relationships to choose from. From early pulp comics to today’s big blockbusters, these love stories have entertained viewers for decades with their high stakes and epic date nights. Everyone knows the romantic pairings of Peter Parker and MJ, Batman and Catwoman, or Superman and Lois Lane. Here are the most romantic superhero movies out there, ranked.
Update February 5, 2024: In honor of Valentine’s Day, this article has been updated by Amanda Minchin to include even more great romantic superhero movies and where you can watch them.
10 Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
There have been many iterations of the MJ/Mary Jane relationship, both in the comics and on film (be prepared; there will be more on this list!). Spider-Man: Far From Home sees Peter (Tom Holland) and his classmates in Europe, hoping for a calm trip. Peter is planning to use the trip to confess his feelings to MJ (Zendaya). His plans are foiled, however, by the fear of her learning his secret… and by the need for Spider-Man to make an appearance across the pond for the greater good. Parker is once again recruited by Nick Fury and newcomer Mysterio to face the Elementals.
What Makes Spider-Man: Far From Home Romantic?
The chemistry between Peter and MJ here is packed with humor and plenty of sweet moments of young love. In the end, she figures out his secret and loves him anyway, staying by his side despite the danger. Their chemistry, both on and off the screen, is absolutely undeniable. Superhero action aside, the film also serves as a genre-romping teenage rom-com. The reveal of Parker’s identity is treated in this vein, in the matter-of-fact way high schoolers uncover one another’s secrets. This provided a new take on an already well-played element. Stream on Disney+
9 The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was the final film in The Amazing Spider-Man series. The love interest in this film was not the commonly associated MJ but the iconic Gwen Stacy (who is also featured in the comics as Peter’s love interest). The film is an amalgamation of plots, and features the supervillain Electro, the transformation of Harry Osborn into The Green Goblin, and an investigation into his scientist parent’s unlikely demise. While not quite as bloated as Spider-Man 3, it was certainly close. However, this film featured an element that none of the others before it had – the death of a romantic interest.
What Makes The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Romantic?
While this film may not have been well-received critically, it does feature an excellent romance between Peter (Andrew Garfield) and Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). The movie starts with them breaking up as, surprise, surprise, Peter doesn’t want to put Gwen in danger. Unfortunately, their bond proves too strong. They just can’t help going back to each other. Their chemistry makes the relationship feel real; each scene is sweet and wonderfully romantic. Unfortunately, this film ends with a heartbreaker as Peter is unable to save Gwen during a big boss fight. This is certainly a tragic romance, but both this and the first Amazing Spider-Man are movies that are fondly remembered because of the great chemistry between Garfield and Stone, and seeing how they truly became a couple making these movies it is no wonder the two have such a great romance. Stream on Disney+
8 Batman Returns (1992)
Batman Returns stars Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne, who meets his match in Michelle Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle. Directed by Tim Burton, the film featured a trio of villains, from rich industry leader Max Shreck to his former secretary, Catwoman, to the aptly named Penguin. The trio play off of each other, framing Batman for various misdeeds, from murdering Gotham’s Beauty Queen to rampaging the streets in the Batmobile. Both Penguin and Shreck are hell-bent on power, and Selena is out for revenge. Poor Batman is certainly caught in the middle on this one!
What Makes Batman Returns So Romantic?
While the film itself was not nearly as successful as the first, it provided fans with a far more insightful love story to sink their teeth into. From the first time Batman sees Selena as Catwoman, he’s drawn right in. The dynamic between the two is what makes this film so special; the romantic tension of their forbidden love is so powerful it breaks through their differences. They’re drawn to each other both as civilians and in costume, even as their circumstances keep them apart. Their similar lives make them a perfect match for each other in both worlds, even if they can’t actually be together. Stream on Max
7 Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (2008)
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army is a sequel to the 2004 film Hellboy. The film focuses on a demon-turned-hero who rids the world of supernatural threats. Based on the Dark Horse Comics character created by Mike Mignola, this live-action film was written and directed by the incomparable Guillermo del Toro, it details Hellboy (Ron Perlman) trying to adjust to living with his girlfriend Liz (Selma Blair) while an ancient elf prince (Luke Goss) looks to wage war on the human world. Hellboy and the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) agents like him, Liz, and his colleague Abe Sapien (Doug Jones) must fight to save the world. Meanwhile, Abe falls in love with the Prince’s sister Nuala (Anna Walton). This is a movie filled with romance, action, and a lot of comedy.
What Makes Hellboy 2: The Golden Army Romantic?
While Hellboy 2: The Golden Army might not seem like the most romantic film on the surface, it might be one of the most romance-centric superhero films of all time since much of the movie revolves around Hellboy and Liz adapting to living together. They face ups and downs in their relationships from what they want, with Liz even being worried about telling Hellboy she is pregnant. Meanwhile, Abe is learning about love for the first time, and both he and Hellboy have a sweet scene bonding over their love for their romantic partners by singing Barry Manilow’s “Can’t Smile without You”. How many superhero movies can say they have that? Combine that with the central action of the movie being driven not by characters making logical decisions but by putting the fate of the world up for those they love makes this one of the most romantic superhero movies ever. Rent on AppleTV+
6 Deadpool (2016)
In Deadpool, Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) undergoes an experimental cure to save his life after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. In doing so, he leaves behind the love of his life, Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), on the off chance that he can’t be cured. Unfortunately, the successful cure comes at a price – his now cancer-free body is super-powered, but the experiment also leaves him disfigured and scarred as a result. He continues his mercenary work under the mantle of Deadpool, a name taken from the dead pool rankings that predict the likelihood of a merc making it back alive while trying to hunt down the man who created him (Ajax). He soon finds himself unable to hide from his estranged wife after Ajax takes matters into his own hands.
What Makes Deadpool Romantic?
Filled with plenty of adult humor and a fourth wall breaking from the merc with the mouth, this is another movie that doesn’t seem romantic at first glance. Released on Valentine’s Day in 2016, the marketing for this film and the romance at its core soon proved otherwise. Wade’s path to becoming Deadpool starts with his undying love for Vanessa. Their young romance is unconventional, yes, but it celebrates that there is a person for everyone out there. The epic montage of holiday celebrations at the beginning of the film serves to both tell the passage of time and showcase their hilarious love-making shenanigans. These romantic moments provide contrast to the movie’s darker aspects. Don’t worry, though – they do reunite at the end. Turns out Vanessa loves him even after all he’s put her through. Their love would once again be tested in the sequel, in which Deadpool’s enemies are finally successful in taking her out… temporarily, at least. Stream on Disney+
5 Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Ranked one of the best Spider-Man movies by most fans, Spider-Man 2 sees Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) unable to use his powers following mounting personal and professional pressures. Living in a crappy NYC apartment, failing in his favorite collegiate subjects, and unable to be there for his family and friends, he gives up the mantle temporarily. In enjoying his newfound freedom, he finally finds the strength to deal with these pressures. In doing so, it has also cemented itself as one of the best superhero sequels to date.
What Makes Spider-Man 2 So Romantic?
Peter’s love for MJ is so strong that after losing his powers, he gives up Spider-Man to mend their relationship. However, seeing her in danger as a result brings his powers right back. He’s willing to give it all up for her. This leads to her **finally** putting two and two together and finding out his true identity. What she does next with this information, however, is what really seals the deal. The film ends with MJ leaving her wedding to see Peter after he steps back to let her be happy without him. Mary Jane accepts the responsibility of being in Peter’s life, and she mournfully watches him swing off, knowing the dangers their relationship will have in store for them. This a romantic superhero movie as it is all about getting these two characters to this point and removing all the superhero action, and you have a deeply personal human drama about two people who have trouble admitting their feelings for one another. Stream on Disney+
4 The Incredibles (2004)
A Pixar movie about a superhero family might not seem romantic. However, this film fully delivers a romantic and realistic relationship between Mr. Incredible/Bob Parr and Elastigirl/Helen Parr. The Incredibles follows the ultimate family of superheroes, starting with the romance between Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl. After a slew of lawsuits, superheroes are forced to go into hiding through the Superhero Relocation Program. Bob and Helen now live a life of perfect mundaness along with their three similarly gifted children, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack. They’re soon forced from hiding by the dreaded Syndrome. This film had fans clamoring for more after it came out, but they’d have to wait nearly 15 years for a sequel.
What Makes The Incredibles So Romantic?
It’s rare to see a pair of married superheroes. The beauty of the relationship between Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl is just how real it is. Them bickering about their lives is endearing. Helen even worries Bob is cheating when, in actuality, he’s away on a secret mission. It’s the harrowing nature of Bob’s fear when he thinks Helen and their kids are dead and the fierce joy of their reunion that really makes the emotion pop onscreen. This loving couple drives the film’s emotional backbone, and they make one another stronger. They certainly have the hardships of a married couple, but when push comes to shove, they truly love one another and come out stronger than ever. Stream on Disney+
3 Wonder Woman (2017)
One of the oldest romances on this list, this comic book character first made it to the page in 1941. 2017’s Wonder Woman marked a strong solo film for the hero, played by Gal Gadot. Directed by Patty Jenkins, this is inarguably one of the most successful of DC’s ventures in recent years. This film showcased Diana, aka Wonder Woman, from her early years on Themyscira to the desolate trenches of World War One. The Amazonian warrior sets out to end the conflict, armed with her iconic suit. Trapsing across No Man’s Land, she discovers that the conflict might have God-like origins.
What Makes Wonder Woman So Romantic?
Part of what makes this film so strong is the relationship between Diana and Steve Trevor (Chris Pine). Steve shows her his world while she helps him in his war effort. They complement each other so well. This is a romantic relationship that is truly a partnership. Steve never talks down to Diana, while Diana cares for Steve because of who he is. Steve Trevor and Diana are a partnership, and their dance in the snow might be one of the most romantic scenes in any superhero movie, making their night together a beautiful union that many superhero movies are often afraid to tackle. Steve’s sacrifice is heartbreaking, and Diana’s love for him gives her the strength to keep going and defeat Ares. In the present, the picture she keeps of Steve shows just how much he meant to her. Gadot and Pine had such great chemistry that it was decided to bring Pine back for the sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, to mixed results. Stream on Max
Wonder Woman
- Release Date
- May 30, 2017
- Director
- Patty Jenkins
2 Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Captain America: The First Avenger features the ultimate transformation of a wannabe soldier with a heart of gold into America’s secret weapon for overcoming the Nazis. Eager to prove himself, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) agrees to partake in an experiment to create the perfect super-soldier. It’s successful but at the cost of the scientist who created its life. Relegated to a traveling show to sell war bonds, Rogers eventually proves himself more than capable of taking on both the Axis powers and the maniacal Red Skull. Forming The Howling Commandos on their many adventures culminates in what amounts to an uncertain demise for Rogers somewhere in the Arctic… that is until he’s discovered, frozen, years later and brought under Nick Fury’s wing.
What Makes Captain America: The First Avenger So Romantic?
This film brings to life one of the most solid and heartbreaking of MCU romances between Steve and agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). As the two work together to stop Hydra through World War II, they grow close and eventually fall for each other. Their relationship mixes duty and humor with respect, creating a practically palpable chemistry. Their witty repartee aside, his farewell speech to her as he flies a plane into the Arctic to his uncertain demise is wrought with emotion as he tells her to save a dance for him. Hayley Atwell elevated the role of Peggy Carter to greater than she had ever been in the comics and not only became a major character in the franchise that continues to this day, but the romantic relationship between Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter became a major thematic throughline for the entire franchise. While romances like Tony Stark and Pepper Potts or Thor and Jane Foster might have come first, it was Steve and Peggy that audiences really connected with, and that is why the final shot of Avengers: Endgame is not a big superhero moment, but the romantic dance between Steve and Peggy. Stream on Disney+
1 Superman: The Movie (1978)
When it comes to great superhero romances, none will ever be able to beat Superman and Lois Lane. The two have been in love since Superman’s first appearance back in 1938. Before Lex Luthor, before Kryptonite, even before he could fly, Lois Lane was there. Their romances have defined pop culture. A lot of weight was put on Superman: The Movie as one of the original live-action superhero interpretations to make it to the big screen. The film plays out on Superman’s origin story, from his birth on Krypton to growing up in Smallville to getting a job at the Daily Planet and revealing himself to the world. The movie set the template for superhero movies that are still followed today and are regarded as one of the best in the genre.
What Makes Superman: The Movies So Romantic?
This film features Christopher Reeve as Superman and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane. They’re two of the best portrayals of the characters, and it’s together that they bring the classic romance to life. They meet as reporters and grow close, with Lois’s sharp personality complementing Clark’s shyness. The interview between Lois and Superman is filled with great romantic flirting, and it is clear why these two were perfect for these roles. It may seem cheesy, but the scene where Superman takes Lois flying is filled with such heartfelt love and charm that it’s impossible to resist, as it plays out like a first dance between two romantic partners. When Lois dies, Superman literally reverses Earth to go back in time and save her – showing just how much he loves her and that she makes him mortal. This is, without a doubt, the greatest superhero romance and one that David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnan have a lot to live up to with Superman: Legacy.
Stream on Max
