In the cinematic landscape of 2023, it has been an absolute delight to see the romance genre bloom with new life and nuanced perspectives across major studio productions, intimate indies, and many different streaming services. For as long as we can remember, we’ve sought escapism through colorful love stories that transport us past the real world to a place where compassion and kindness endure. Several great directors have delivered films filled with nostalgia for lost loves or different perspectives on contemporary ones, while other have progressively pushed the boundaries of love, romance, and desire.