Whether the primary focus or spread out throughout trilogies in crumbs, since the start of filmmaking, romance has always had a place in every genre. Interestingly, there has always been a surprisingly larger focus on it in sci-fi films and TV shows, breaking ground in franchises like Star Wars or even underrated TV series adapted from books like The Expanse (2015). Whether the couple begins in a slow burn workplace relationship or their love becomes the one thing that saves the day, it's always fun and refreshing when there's a romance to root for, along with the idea of saving the world from bad guys.
From classic films like The Empire Strikes Back (1980) to the latest Apple TV+ gem, The Gorge (2025), here are the 10 best sci-fi movies romance fans will love, along with where to find them on platforms like Disney+, HBO Max, and more.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
As a franchise, Star Wars is brimming with romantic relationships, both canon and not, that have made a tremendous impact in pop culture, including the literary publishing world. But the best of all relationships will always boil down to the ones who started it all—Han Solo and Princess Leia Organa.
While the princess and scoundrel officially meet in A New Hope (1977), it isn't until the trilogy's second film that the tension between them blooms into something bigger, resulting in one of the best first kisses in any sci-fi film, as well as one of the most iconic love declarations in history: "I love you"/"I know." Swoon. In general, The Empire Strikes Back is an extraordinary, well-revered film for its profound balance in character studies, as well as its ability to move the plot forward with a huge revelation that even non-Star Wars fans know. Every beat feels earned, with the romance adding an extra layer of warmth that later forms the trajectory of the sequel trilogy, too. The universe is too big to dive into without committing to multiple films and TV shows, but for the viewers who want at least one experience of it, the original trilogy is a good way to fulfill those desires.
The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix films are inarguably a cornerstone of sci-fi filmmaking, delivering some of the most thrilling and unique blend of world-building that set a standard for how to tell universally human stories. And all throughout the films, the tension between Keanu Reeves' Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss' Trinity serves as a blueprint for how to carefully weave a romantic relationship into a film's central theme to emphasize the importance of partnership as a saving thread when all else fails.
From the first film that sets the stage to the latest, The Matrix Resurrections (2021), the romance between Neo and Trinity never fails to supply emotional beats. Perfect for viewers who want a glimpse into the genre without having to commit to an entire universe, the four Matrix films are likely to be appreciated even by those who don't generally love the genre.
The Gorge (2025)
Apple TV+'s latest feature, The Gorge, is a surprising treasure that gorgeously explores humanity and captures a budding romance between two snipers in forced proximity sent to guard a gorge. As a true romance with multiple character-building beats that deliver small, but monumental ways in which two people fall in love, The Gorge is a rarity in the genre, where romance is generally a secondary plot.
Here, it mostly takes precedence, allowing the film's plot to develop in a way that adds to their relationship while telling a moving story about how humans cope with what's left in front of them. With stunning and picturesque cinematography that serves as an intriguing backdrop to a world of mutating plants and animals, The Gorge is an underrated must-watch for viewers who love quiet but profound character-driven stories.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Come to Jurassic Park for the genetically engineered dinosaurs and stay for the swoonworthy relationship between Laura Dern's Ellie Sattler and Sam Neill's Alan Grant. The subtle romance that develops between them and later turns into a second chance romance in Jurassic World Dominion (2022) is no small feat.
In more ways than one, their relationship is the beating heart of Jurassic Park, as Alan quite literally does all that he does because it's what Ellie would want. With an intriguing partnership right from the start and thrilling chemistry, their relationship is one that most romance fans will undoubtedly gobble up. Jurassic Park is also a sci-fi staple in its entirety, perfect for viewers who appreciate cinematic adventure films coupled with a gripping story and groundbreaking directing, which is part of the reason Steven Spielberg is the acclaimed legend that he is.
The X-Files Movie (1998)
Whether you watch The X-Files (1993) or not, everyone knows the names Dana Scully and Fox Mulder. And everyone is also aware of the compelling chemistry between the two that's kept viewers locked to their screens for both the TV show and movies. As a true archetype in science fiction, the series is not for every viewer, but a remarkable fictional showcase of what else is out there.
In the 1998 The X-Files movie, a single confession between Scully and Mulder proves that the partnership between them transcends even space and time. Full of longing, tension, and unapologetic honesty, Mulder makes it clear that Scully's the most important person in his life, adding romance to a film that's already excellent. While viewers who aren't caught up on the series might not appreciate the film the same way, it can perhaps be an intriguing watch, regardless.
Superman (2025)
Most superhero films in the Marvel and DC universes come equipped with romance as an inclusion, yet there's something indescribable about how James Gunn's Superman overtly delivers the romance between Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Soft, endearing, and brimming with chemistry, this one's the one to beat.
While most portrayals of the two of them in various adaptations are extraordinary, the kisses they share throughout this particular film are among the best in the genre. In addition, the honest and heartfelt conversations they have, topped with the precious banter, gorgeously fortify them as a couple in a film with limited screen time. Because this Superman is an origin story, viewers can dive right in without having any prior knowledge of the lore, and it's especially perfect for viewers who don't love gritty sci-fi films.
Stardust (2007)
Before he was stealing hearts as Matt Murdoch in Daredevil, Charlie Cox was the boy of everyone's dreams in Stardust. A significantly stronger adaptation than the source material it's based on, Cox and Claire Danes are a match made in heaven.
As a unique blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure, the forbidden bond between Tristan and Yvaine is the film's primary focus, allowing their fight for one another to shine throughout the film as they do everything in their power to find the happy ending written in the stars for them. Sweet, surprisingly funny, and a tale that still holds up, it's a must-watch for romance and fantasy fans.
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Tom Hiddleston as a vampire. Need we say more? Only Lovers Left Alive is a stunning and layered love story about vampires, pulsing with extraordinary chemistry between Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton. Unconventional in more ways than one, as far as the mythical creatures are concerned, the film's emphasis on their love above all things is where it stands out.
Gorgeously written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, the enthralling plot and love story are reasons enough to appreciate every beat of the film. While it might not be suited for the faint-hearted viewers, it's still a thrilling spectacle for those who love unique vampire stories.
Spring (2014)
As an underrated film, Spring isn't one that's on everybody's radar, but it's a quintessential sci-fi romance with shapeshifting and monster relationships to showcase the power of love. It's dark, gritty, and not for the faint of heart, with questionable motivations driven by understandable selfishness, but it carefully explores tough topics with nuance and care.
With a relatively intriguing conclusion, there's no debating the happy ending that's possible between Evan and Louise after everything they go through to reach it in the film. And most romance fans know that a happy ending is essential for something to be considered a romance in the first place. If you appreciated the heart in The Shape of Water (2017), this one also sticks the landing.
Dune: Part Two (2023)
Although romance is not a primary focus in Dune: Part Two, like the Star Wars trilogy and other sci-fi properties that have come before it, the romance still shines. Here, it's largely due to the fact that an actor like Zendaya has chemistry with everyone, but a single scene in the franchise's second film is full of such longing that the shot alone is something romance fans would appreciate tremendously.
Both Dune films are great in general as quintessential sci-fi spectacles that feature gripping characters, a unique narrative, and profound world-building, so the added relationship between Paul and Chani is a bonus. For the viewers who want a true sci-fi experience, the Dune films aren't to be missed, especially if you like Star Wars.
